Antenna, antenna module and electronic device

Abstract

This antenna has an electrically conductive patch. The patch, in a plan view, has: a first power feed-side edge and a first non-power feed-side edge that are positioned at opposing ends in a first direction; and a second power feed-side edge and a second non-power feed-side edge that are positioned at opposing ends in a second direction intersecting with the first direction. The patch, in a plan view, has: a first power feed point positioned on the side of the first power feed-side edge; and a second power feed point positioned on the side of the second power feed-side edge. In a plan view, at least a portion of the first power feed-side edge expands outward so as to form a protrusion. The width of the protrusion in the second direction becomes smaller toward the top of the protrusion. The first power feed point is positioned closer to the top of the protrusion than the halfway point of the protrusion in the first direction.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an antenna, an antenna module including the antenna, and an electronic device including the antenna module. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a patch antenna capable of transmitting and / or receiving two linearly polarized waves whose vibration directions are orthogonal to each other (for example, FIG. 11 of Patent Document 1 below). Such a patch antenna has, for example, a square shape in a plan view. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-102885 A Summary of the Invention

[0004] An antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has a conductive power supply patch. The power supply patch has a first power supply side edge, a first non-power supply side edge, a second power supply side edge, a second non-power supply side edge, a first power supply point, and a second power supply point in a plan view. The first power supply side edge and the first non-power supply side edge are located on both sides of a first direction in a plan view. The second power supply side edge and the second non-power supply side edge are located on both sides of a second direction intersecting the first direction in a plan view. The first power supply point is located on the side of the first power supply side edge in a plan view. The second power supply point is located on the side of the second power supply side edge in a plan view. In a plan view, at least a part of the first power supply side edge bulges outward to form a convex portion. In the convex portion, the width in the second direction is narrower toward the apex of the convex portion. The first feeding point is located closer to the top of the protrusion than the middle of the protrusion in the first direction.

[0005] An antenna according to another embodiment of the present disclosure has a conductive feed patch. The feed patch has a first feed side edge, a first non-feed side edge, a second feed side edge, a second non-feed side edge, a first feed point, and a second feed point in a plan view. The first feed side edge and the first non-feed side edge are located on both sides of a first direction in a plan view. The second feed side edge and the second non-feed side edge are located on both sides of a second direction intersecting the first direction in a plan view. The first feed point is located on the side of the first feed side edge in a plan view. The second feed point is located on the side of the second feed side edge in a plan view. The feed patch has a non-feed side slit extending in parallel to the second non-feed side edge at a position on the side of the second non-feed side edge.

[0006] An antenna module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the antenna and an IC electrically connected to the first feed point and the second feed point.

[0007] An electronic device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the antenna module and a housing that houses the antenna module. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an antenna according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a plan view of a first conductor layer of the antenna of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is a plan view of the second conductor layer of the antenna of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a first conductor layer of the antenna according to the second embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a first conductor layer of an antenna according to a modified example. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a first conductor layer of the antenna according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a first conductor layer of the antenna according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an antenna according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a plan perspective view of the antenna of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 11A] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing characteristics of an antenna according to a comparative example. [Figure 11B] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing characteristics of an antenna according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing characteristics of antennas according to a comparative example and an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings used in the following description are schematic, and the dimensional ratios and the like in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to the actual ones. In addition, illustrations and / or descriptions of details may be omitted. Therefore, for example, even if it is expressed as a rectangle, the corners may be chamfered to a size that does not significantly affect the characteristics of the antenna.

[0010] For convenience, a fixed Cartesian coordinate system xyz may be attached to the drawing and referred to. Either direction of the antenna may be considered to be up or down, but for convenience, the positive side of the z direction may be considered to be up, and terms such as top and bottom may be used. A plan view refers to a view in the z direction, unless otherwise specified.

[0011] In addition, in the drawings, the surface of the conductor layer (i.e., the surface other than the cross section of the member) may be hatched for convenience in order to improve the visibility of the planar pattern of the conductor layer. The "layer" of the conductor layer may include a "plate".

[0012] In the description of the embodiments other than the first embodiment, basically, only the differences from the previously described embodiments will be described. Any matters not specifically mentioned may be considered to be the same as the previously described embodiments or may be inferred from the previously described embodiments.

[0013] An antenna can be used for transmission and / or reception. However, for convenience, only transmission will be mentioned. Also, according to convention, terms that evoke transmission, such as "feed point", will be used regardless of whether the antenna is used for transmission or not. Unless otherwise specified, wavelengths in the description of the embodiments are the wavelengths of radio waves having a frequency targeted by the antenna (e.g., the center frequency of a predetermined band).

[0014] For configurations that are similar to each other, different numbers ("first" and "second") and different additional codes ("A" and "B") consisting of capital letters or the like may be given to the same name, such as "first power feed via 9A" and "second power feed via 9B." In this case, they may be simply referred to as "power feed via 9" without distinguishing between the two.

[0015] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an antenna 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Antenna 1 is configured to be capable of transmitting and / or receiving two types of linearly polarized waves whose vibration directions intersect (for example, perpendicular) with each other. One of the two linearly polarized waves has an electric field vibration direction in the x direction. The other of the two linearly polarized waves has an electric field vibration direction in the y direction. The direction in which antenna 1 has the highest gain is the +z direction. Antenna 1 can be used in any frequency band.

[0017] The antenna 1 capable of transmitting and / or receiving two linearly polarized waves as described above can be used, for example, as an antenna capable of transmitting and / or receiving both vertically polarized waves and horizontally polarized waves. Also, for example, the antenna 1 can be used to transmit and / or receive circularly polarized waves. In the following description, assuming a state in which one of the two linearly polarized waves is transmitted and / or received, the polarized wave intended for transmission and / or reception may be referred to as the main polarization.

[0018] The shape of the antenna 1 is generally a flat plate having a certain thickness. Although not particularly shown, other members (e.g., a dielectric layer) may be layered on the upper and / or lower surfaces of the antenna 1. From another perspective, the illustrated flat plate shape may be a part of a member including the antenna 1 (e.g., a substrate whose thickness direction is in the z direction).

[0019] The planar shape of the antenna 1 shown in FIG. 1 is merely the shape of, for example, a portion of a flat plate (substrate) including the antenna 1 cut out for convenience of illustration. In other words, the side of the antenna 1 shown in the figure is a cross section of the substrate, and does not necessarily indicate the range of the antenna 1. However, the side shown in FIG. 1 may be the side of the actual antenna 1. Furthermore, regardless of whether the antenna 1 is part of the substrate, the side of the antenna 1 shown in the figure may be considered to indicate the range of the antenna 1. In a mode in which the planar shape of the antenna 1 can be specified, the planar shape may be any shape. For example, the planar shape of the antenna 1 may be rectangular (the example shown in the figure), other polygonal shapes, circular, or elliptical.

[0020] The size of the antenna 1 may be set appropriately depending on the frequency band in which the antenna 1 is used. In the following description, an example may be taken in which the antenna 1 is a relatively small antenna used in a relatively high frequency band. For example, the antenna 1 may be used in a frequency band of 300 MHz or more or 3 GHz or more, or may be used in a frequency band of 30 GHz or less or 300 GHz or less, and the above lower limit and upper limit may be appropriately combined. Also, for example, the length in each of the x direction and y direction of the illustrated range (or the patch 11 described later) may be 1 mm or more and 100 mm or less. The thickness of the antenna 1 may be, for example, 0.1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. Such a relatively small antenna 1 may be configured as an electronic component incorporated in an electronic device, for example. However, the antenna 1 may have a size of several tens of centimeters or more or several meters or more in a plan view.

[0021] The configuration of the antenna 1 is, for example, when viewed in a plan view, linearly symmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry (not shown) that extends from the +x side and +y side to the -x side and -y side at an inclination angle of 45° to the x-axis and y-axis. In the description of the embodiment, for convenience, among the components of the antenna 1, components that are linearly symmetrical with each other may be described without distinguishing between them, or only one of them may be described.

[0022] The antenna 1 has, for example, a first conductor layer 3, a dielectric layer 5, and a second conductor layer 7, which are laminated in this order from the +z side. The antenna 1 also has, for example, power feed vias 9 (first power feed via 9A and second power feed via 9B; see Figures 2 and 3) penetrating the dielectric layer 5. The first conductor layer 3 includes a patch 11 and directly contributes to the transmission and / or reception of radio waves. The second conductor layer 7 is a layer to which a reference potential is applied, and constitutes a so-called ground plane. The dielectric layer 5 contributes, for example, to supporting and insulating the first conductor layer 3 and the second conductor layer 7. The power feed via 9 contributes to power supply to the patch 11.

[0023] In the antenna 1, the configuration other than the planar shape of the first conductor layer 3 may be the same as that of a known patch antenna (or, of course, may be a new configuration). In the following description, the description of the configuration that may be the same as the known configuration may be omitted as appropriate.

[0024] (conductor) The thickness of the conductor layers (first conductor layer 3 and second conductor layer 7, as well as other conductor layers in the embodiments described below) and the shape and dimensions of the axial conductor (power supply via 9) intersecting the conductor layers may be set appropriately in consideration of the characteristics of the antenna 1, etc. The thickness of the conductor layers may be thinner than the thickness of the dielectric layers. An example of the thickness of the conductor layers is 1 μm or more and 1 mm or less.

[0025] The material of the various conductive members (the first conductive layer 3, the second conductive layer 7, the power supply vias 9, and other conductive members in the embodiments described below) is, for example, a metal. The metal may be an appropriate one, such as Cu or Al. The materials of the various conductive members may be the same as each other, or different from each other. Furthermore, each conductive member may be made of a single material, or may be made of multiple materials. An example of the latter is a conductive layer made by stacking layers of different materials.

[0026] In a connection portion between a conductor layer (e.g., the first conductor layer 3) and an axial conductor (e.g., a power feed via 9) perpendicular to the conductor layer, from the viewpoint of materials, etc., the upper or lower surface of the conductor layer may be joined to the end surface of the axial conductor, the axial conductor may pass through the conductor layer, or such a distinction may not be possible. In the following, for convenience, an embodiment in which the axial conductor is joined to the upper or lower surface of the conductor layer may be taken as an example.

[0027] (Dielectric layer) The planar shape and dimensions in a planar view of the dielectric layer 5 may be the same as those of the antenna 1 (as described above). The thickness of the dielectric layer 5 may be appropriately set so as to improve the antenna characteristics. The setting method may be the same as that of a known patch antenna, for example.

[0028] Each dielectric layer 5 may be made of a single material or a plurality of materials. When made of a plurality of materials, for example, the dielectric layer 5 may be made by laminating dielectric layers made of different materials in the thickness direction, and / or may be made by impregnating a substrate made of glass cloth or the like with a dielectric. The material (dielectric) of the dielectric layer 5 is, for example, ceramic and / or resin.

[0029] (First conductor layer) FIG. 2 is a plan view of the first conductor layer 3. As shown in FIG.

[0030] 1 and 2, the first conductor layer 3 has a patch 11 that is directly responsible for transmitting and receiving radio waves, a feed line 13 (a first feed line 13A and a second feed line 13B) for feeding power to the patch 11, and a ground pattern 15 that surrounds the patch 11. The first feed line 13A contributes to power transmission related to the transmission and / or reception of radio waves that oscillate in the x direction. The second feed line 13B contributes to power transmission related to the transmission and / or reception of radio waves that oscillate in the y direction. The ground pattern 15 contributes to blocking radio waves, for example, in a direction parallel to the xy plane.

[0031] (patch) The planar shape of the patch 11 is based on, for example, a square. The patch 11 has four edges corresponding to the four sides of the square. Specifically, the patch 11 has a first power supply side edge 17A and a first non-power supply side edge 19A located on both sides in the x direction, and a second power supply side edge 17B and a second non-power supply side edge 19B located on both sides in the y direction.

[0032] The planar shape of patch 11 differs from the planar shape of known patches, for example, mainly in the following three points: The power supply side edge 17 bulges outward to form convex portions 12 (first convex portions 12A and second convex portions 12B). Power supply side slits 23 (first power supply side slits 23A and second power supply side slits 23B) are provided extending in parallel to the power supply side edge 17 in a planar view. Non-power supply side slits 25 (first non-power supply side slits 25A and second non-power supply side slits 25B) are provided extending in parallel to the non-power supply side edge 19 in a planar view.

[0033] Each of these configurations contributes to orienting the direction of the current related to the primary polarization in the vibration direction of the primary polarization when, for example, one of two linearly polarized waves oscillating in the x or y direction is transmitted and / or received. As a result, for example, when transmitting and / or receiving the primary polarization, the influence of the other of the two polarized waves (an unintended polarization, or cross polarization) on the transmission and / or reception of the primary polarization is reduced.

[0034] In the following explanation of patch 11, we will first explain the parts other than the three configurations mentioned above, and then we will explain the three configurations mentioned above.

[0035] The patch 11 may be configured as, for example, a half-wave patch. Here, the half-wave patch refers to a patch whose x-direction and y-direction lengths of the patch 11 are based on 1 / 2×λg. λg is an effective wavelength at the position of the patch 11 taking into consideration the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer 5 and the like. The reason why the patch 11 is based on 1 / 2×λg is that, in simple theory, 1 / 2×λg may be used, but in practice, a length adjusted from 1 / 2×λg may be used. The patch 11 may be configured as a 1 / 4-wave patch using a length based on 1 / 4×λg by applying a so-called inverted F antenna.

[0036] The feed side edge 17 is connected to the feed line 13. The non-feed side edge 19 corresponds to the opposite side to the feed side edge 17. In the description of the embodiment, when the length of the feed side edge 17 and the like are mentioned, the connection portion with the feed line 13 is also mentioned as if the feed side edge 17 exists.

[0037] The connection portion between the feed side edge 17 and the feed line 13 is a feed point 21 (first feed point 21A and second feed point 21B). Although the word "point" is used according to convention, it is clear from the illustrated example that the feed point does not have to be point-like. The feed point 21 may be regarded as a part of the patch 11. The patch 11 does not need to have a different configuration at the position of the feed point 21 from other areas within the patch 11, and the feed point 21 may be identified in relation to other members (the feed line 13 in the illustrated example).

[0038] In the description of this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the description of the relationship between the power supply side edge 17 and the power supply point 21 (or the power supply line 13) may be taken as a description of the relationship between the first power supply side edge 17A and the first power supply point 21A (or the first power supply line 13A), and the relationship between the second power supply side edge 17B and the second power supply point 21B (or the second power supply line 13B).

[0039] In the illustrated example, the feed point 21 is configured by connecting the feed line 13 to the feed side edge 17, and is therefore located at the feed side edge 17. From another perspective, the feed point 21 can be said to be located on the feed side edge 17 side within the patch 11. In this case, unlike the illustrated example, the feed point 21 may not be located at the feed side edge 17. For example, although not particularly illustrated, the feed line 13 may not be provided, and the feed via 9 may be directly connected to the patch 11 to form the feed point 21. In this case, the feed point 21 may be located away from the feed side edge 17 toward the inside of the patch 11. However, in the description of this embodiment, for convenience, there may be expressions assuming that the feed point 21 is located at the feed side edge 17 as illustrated.

[0040] When the feed point 21 is located on the "side of the feed side edge 17" in the patch 11 as described above, this "side of the feed side edge 17" may be, for example, the side of the feed side edge 17 from the geometric center of the patch 11. Also, the "side of the feed side edge 17" may be within a range closest to the feed side edge 17 when the area between the feed side edge 17 and the non-feed side edge 19 facing each other is divided into thirds or fifths. Note that, with regard to the above geometric center and division, a bulge (described later) of the feed side edge 17 described later may be ignored (or may be taken into consideration). The position of the feed point 21 relative to the feed side edge 17 has been described, but the same is true for the positions of other components (for example, slits described later) and the position relative to the non-feed side edge 19. When determining whether or not the feed point 21 (or other component) is located on the side of the feed side edge 17 (or other edge), for example, the geometric center or the entirety of the planar shape of the feed point 21 (or other component) may be referenced.

[0041] The feed point 21 is located, for example, at the center in the length direction of the feed side edge 17. Note that the patch 11 does not have a shape that is symmetrical with respect to a virtual line (a center line parallel to the x-direction or y-direction) that is perpendicular to the feed side edge 17 and passes through the center position of the feed side edge 17. Therefore, taking this into consideration, the feed point 21 may be provided at a position adjusted from the (strict) center position of the feed side edge 17 so as to improve the characteristics of the antenna 1. In the description of the present disclosure, the term center of the feed side edge 17 (or the non-feed side edge 19) may include a position where such adjustment is made.

[0042] (Protruding part of patch) In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the description of the relationship between the convex portion 12, the power supply side edge portion 17, and the power supply point 21 may be taken as the description of the relationship between the first convex portion 12A, the first power supply side edge portion 17A, and the first power supply point 21A, and the description of the relationship between the second convex portion 12B, the second power supply side edge portion 17B, and the second power supply point 21B.

[0043] As described above, at least a part of the feed-side edge 17 bulges outward from the patch 11, and the patch 11 is provided with a convex portion 12. In other words, assuming an imaginary straight line (in other words, the base of the convex portion 12) connecting both ends (intersections with other edges) of the feed-side edge 17, at least a part of the feed-side edge 17 is located outside the patch 11 relative to the imaginary straight line.

[0044] The width of the protrusion 12 (e.g., the length in the y direction of the protrusion 12 protruding to the -x side) becomes narrower (tapered) toward the top side of the protrusion 12. In other words, the feed-side edge 17 has an inclined portion 17a. The inclined portion 17a is inclined with respect to the imaginary line connecting the ends of the feed-side edge 17 so as to be located toward the outside of the patch 11 (e.g., toward the -x side with respect to the inclined portion 17a of the first feed-side edge 17A) from the end of the feed-side edge 17 including the inclined portion 17a toward the center of the feed-side edge 17.

[0045] And, the feed point 21 is located at the apex of the protrusion 12. Therefore, the patch 11 gradually expands from the feed point 21 toward the center of the patch 11, compared to an embodiment in which the patch 11 is square. As a result, for example, the current supplied from the feed point 21 to the patch 11 is less likely to be directed to both sides in a direction perpendicular to the direction from the feed point 21 toward the center of the patch 11 (for example, both sides in the y direction for the first feed point 21A) compared to the current in an embodiment in which the patch 11 is square. That is, the direction of the current related to the main polarization is more likely to be directed in the vibration direction of the main polarization.

[0046] The size of the protrusion 12 in the length direction of the power supply side edge 17 may be set appropriately. For example, the protrusion 12 may be located in a part of the power supply side edge 17 (in the illustrated example), or may extend over the entirety. In the former case, the proportion of the protrusion 12 to the length of an imaginary line connecting both ends of the power supply side edge 17 may be set appropriately, and may be, for example, less than 1 / 3, 1 / 3 or more but less than 1 / 2, 1 / 2 or more but less than 4 / 5 (in the illustrated example), or more than 4 / 5.

[0047] In an embodiment in which the protrusion 12 occupies only a portion of the length of the feed-side edge 17, the protrusion 12 is located, for example, at the center of the feed-side edge 17. For example, more specifically, in the length direction (x direction or y direction) of the feed-side edge 17, the geometric center or apex of the protrusion 12 may be located at the center of the feed-side edge 17. The center here may include a position adjusted from the exact center, taking into account asymmetry with respect to a center line parallel to the x direction or y direction, similar to the position of the feed point 21.

[0048] The amount of protrusion of the protrusion 12 from the imaginary line connecting both ends of the power supply side edge 17 may be set appropriately. For example, the amount of protrusion may be 1 / 20 or more and 1 / 5 or less of the length of the imaginary line. From another point of view, the angle of the inclined portion 17a with respect to the imaginary line connecting both ends of the power supply side edge 17 including the inclined portion 17a may be set appropriately. For example, the angle may be 5° or more, 10° or more, or 30° or more, and may be 60° or less, 45° or less, or 30° or less, and the above lower limit and upper limit may be combined appropriately so as not to cause a contradiction.

[0049] A more specific shape of the protruding portion 12 is arbitrary. For example, the protruding portion 12 may be symmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry (not shown) that is perpendicular to a virtual line connecting both ends of the feeding side edge portion 17 and passes through the feeding point 21 (illustrated example), or may be asymmetrical. In the latter case, for example, the influence of the asymmetry of the shape of the entire patch 11 with respect to a center line parallel to the x direction or y direction on the characteristics of the antenna 1 may be taken into consideration. Also, for example, the inclined portion 17a may be linear (illustrated example), may be curved to bulge outward, may be curved to recess inward, or may be stepped. From another perspective, the protruding portion 12 may be polygonal, such as triangular or trapezoidal, or may be semicircular or semielliptical.

[0050] The positional relationship between the protrusion 12 and the feeding point 21 may be set appropriately. In the illustrated example, the feeding line 13 is connected to the feeding side edge 17 to form the feeding point 21, so the feeding point 21 is located at the feeding side edge 17 and further at the top (apex) of the protrusion 12. However, as described above, the feeding point 21 may be formed, for example, by directly connecting the feeding via 9 to the patch 11, and in this case, the feeding point 21 may be separated from the feeding side edge 17. Furthermore, the feeding point 21 may be separated from the top of the protrusion 12. Even in an embodiment in which the feeding point 21 is located at the feeding side edge 17, there may be a slight deviation between the feeding point 21 and the apex.

[0051] Considering the above-mentioned other aspects, the power supply point 21 may be located, for example, closer to the top of the protrusion 12 than the middle of the protrusion 12. The middle is exactly the middle position between the virtual line connecting both ends of the power supply side edge 17 and the top of the protrusion 12 in the height direction (x direction or y direction) of the protrusion 12. Therefore, in other words, in the height direction of the protrusion 12, the position of the power supply point 21 may be a position where the distance from the protrusion 12 is less than 1 / 2 of the protrusion amount. Also, instead of less than 1 / 2, less than 1 / 3, less than 2 / 3, or another threshold value may be used. In the above-mentioned judgment, when the power supply point 21 has a length in the height direction of the protrusion 12, as in the aspect in which the power supply point 21 is configured by the power supply via 9, the geometric center or the entire power supply point 21 in a plan view may be referenced.

[0052] Unlike the first feeding side edge 17A, the first non-feeding side edge 19A is straight, for example, like the sides of a square. From another perspective, the first non-feeding side edge 19A is closer to a straight line than the first feeding side edge 17A. When one edge is said to be closer to a straight line than the other edge, the one edge may or may not be straight. Although the first non-feeding side edge 19A and the first feeding side edge 17A have been described above, the same is true for the second non-feeding side edge 19B and the second feeding side edge 17B.

[0053] Which of the two edges is closer to a straight line may be determined appropriately. For example, the index value may be calculated by dividing the maximum deviation of each edge from a virtual line connecting both ends of each edge by the length of the virtual line. When the index values ​​of the two edges are compared, the edge with the smaller index value may be determined to be closer to a straight line.

[0054] (slit on the power supply side of the patch) In the following description, unless otherwise specified, descriptions of the relationship between the power supply side slit 23, the convex portion 12, the power supply side edge portion 17, and the power supply point 21 may be construed as descriptions of the relationship between the first power supply side slit 23A, the first convex portion 12A, the first power supply side edge portion 17A, and the first power supply point 21A, and descriptions of the relationship between the second power supply side slit 23B, the second convex portion 12B, the second power supply side edge portion 17B, and the second power supply point 21B.

[0055] The feed-side slit 23 extends in parallel to the feed-side edge 17 at a position on the feed-side edge 17 side in the patch 11. The meaning of "the side of the feed-side edge 17" is as already described in the explanation of the feed point 21. The current flowing in the patch 11 tends to flow along the feed-side slit 23. As a result, for example, when the polarization (polarization vibrating in the y direction) related to the second feed point 21B is the main polarization (intended polarization), the provision of the first feed-side slit 23A makes it easier for the direction of the current related to the main polarization to be oriented in the vibration direction of the main polarization. Similarly, when the polarization related to the first feed point 21A is the main polarization, the second feed-side slit 23B makes it easier for the direction of the current related to the main polarization to be oriented in the vibration direction of the main polarization.

[0056] As is clear from the fact that feed-side edge 17 is not linear, when feed-side slit 23 extends in parallel to feed-side edge 17, feed-side slit 23 and feed-side edge 17 do not need to be parallel to each other. Also, feed-side slit 23 may be in a form that can be regarded as being parallel to an imaginary line connecting both ends of feed-side edge 17, or may be in a form that can be regarded as being inclined.

[0057] For example, when the maximum length of the power supply-side slit 23 in a direction parallel to an imaginary line connecting both ends of the power supply-side edge 17 (from another point of view, the x-direction or y-direction) is longer than the maximum length (in other words, the maximum width) in a direction perpendicular to the imaginary line, the power supply-side slit 23 may be considered to extend in parallel with the power supply-side edge 17. The ratio between the former and the latter may be set appropriately, and for example, the former may be 1.5 times or more, 2 times or more, 3 times or more, or 4 times or more than the latter.

[0058] The shape of the power supply side slit 23 may be various shapes. For example, the power supply side slit 23 may extend with a constant width, or may have portions with different widths (example shown in the figure). Also, for example, the power supply side slit 23 may extend linearly, or may have a bent or curved portion. Also, for example, the power supply side slit 23 may have a shape that is line symmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry along its length direction and / or an axis of symmetry along its width direction, or may have an asymmetrical shape.

[0059] In the illustrated example, the edge of the feed side slit 23 on the inner side of the patch 11 is linear. This straight line is, for example, parallel to an imaginary line (x-direction or y-direction from another point of view) connecting both ends of the feed side edge 17. On the other hand, the edge of the feed side slit 23 on the feed point 21 side is convex toward the feed point 21. In other words, the edge of the feed point 21 side is located closer to the feed point 21 in a direction intersecting the imaginary line (for example, y-direction for the first feed side slit 23A). In other words, the width of the feed side slit 23 (for example, the length in the x-direction for the first feed side slit 23A) is wider on the feed point 21 side.

[0060] The specific shape of the convex shape toward the power feed point 21 side of the power feed side slit 23 may be any appropriate shape. For example, the edge of the power feed side slit 23 on the power feed point 21 side may be formed in a stepped shape (example shown in the figure), or may be formed smoothly in a straight or curved shape. The stepped edge may have one step (example shown in the figure), or may have two or more steps. The stepped step surface may be parallel to the edge of the power feed side slit 23 on the opposite side to the power feed point 21 (example shown in the figure), or may be inclined. The surface rising to the stepped step surface may be perpendicular to the edge of the power feed side slit 23 on the opposite side to the power feed point 21 (example shown in the figure), or may be inclined.

[0061] The amount of protrusion of the convex shape (the size of one step in the illustrated example) and the width of the convex shape (the length in the direction perpendicular to the protruding direction) may be appropriately set. In the illustrated example, the amount of protrusion and the width of the convex shape are set so that the edge of the power supply side slit 23 on the side of the power supply point 21 has a stepped shape that is approximated to a straight line parallel to the inclined portion 17a of the power supply side edge 17.

[0062] The length of the power supply-side slit 23 may be set appropriately. For example, the length of the power supply-side slit 23 may be set to be 1 / 5 or more and 4 / 5 or less of the length of the power supply-side edge portion 17, or may be set to a length outside this range. Furthermore, for example, the length of the power supply-side slit 23 may be set to be 1 / 3 or more and 2 / 3 or less of the width of the protrusion 12 (for example, the length in the y direction for the first protrusion 12A), or may be set to a length outside this range.

[0063] The width of the power supply-side slit 23 may be set appropriately. For example, the minimum width of the power supply-side slit 23 may be set to be equal to or larger than the minimum size at which dielectric breakdown does not occur when an assumed voltage is applied to the patch 11. Furthermore, for example, the minimum width of the power supply-side slit 23 may be set to be equal to or larger than 1 / 20 and equal to or smaller than 1 / 5 of the length of the power supply-side slit 23, or may be set to be a size outside this range. Furthermore, for example, the maximum width of the power supply-side slit 23 may be set to be equal to or larger than 1 / 10 and equal to or smaller than 1 / 3 of the length of the power supply-side slit 23, or may be set to be a size outside this range.

[0064] The position of the power feed-side slit 23 may be set appropriately in the length direction of the power feed-side edge portion 17. For example, the center of the entire length of the power feed-side slit 23 may be located at the center of the entire length of the power feed-side edge portion 17 (in the illustrated example), or may be shifted from such a position. As described above, in the illustrated example, the center of the entire length of the power feed-side edge portion 17 in the length direction is, from another perspective, the position of the power feed point 21.

[0065] The position of the feed-side slit 23 may be set appropriately in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the feed-side edge 17. For example, the feed-side slit 23 may be entirely located inside the patch 11 with respect to an imaginary line connecting both ends of the feed-side edge 17, or may overlap with it (in the illustrated example), or may be entirely located outside the patch 11. In the illustrated example, the edge of the minimum width part of the feed-side slit 23 on the feed-side edge 17 side roughly overlaps with the imaginary line.

[0066] The length, width, and position of the feed-side slit 23 may be set taking into consideration the width (or cross-sectional area) of the portion (portion through which current flows) extending from the feed point 21 to the inside of the patch 11 via the periphery of the feed-side slit 23. For example, the sum of the minimum width of the path going around one side in the longitudinal direction of the feed-side slit 23 and the minimum width of the path going around the other side in the longitudinal direction of the feed-side slit 23 may be set to be 1 / 2 or more or 2 / 3 or more of the diameter of the feed point 21, and may be set to be 1 / 20 or more of the length of an imaginary straight line connecting both ends of the feed-side edge portion 17.

[0067] (Slit on non-powered side of patch) In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, an explanation of the relationship between the non-powered side slit 25, the non-powered side edge 19, and the power feed point 21 may be interpreted as an explanation of the relationship between the first non-powered side slit 25A, the first non-powered side edge 19A, and the first power feed point 21A, and an explanation of the relationship between the second non-powered side slit 25B, the second non-powered side edge 19B, and the second power feed point 21B.

[0068] The non-powered-side slit 25 extends in parallel to the non-powered-side edge 19 at a position on the non-powered-side edge 19 side in the patch 11. The meaning of the phrase "on the side of the non-powered-side edge 19" has already been described in the description of the power feed point 21. The meaning of the non-powered-side slit 25 extending in parallel to the non-powered-side edge 19 may be the same as the above description of the power feed side slit 23 extending in parallel to the power feed side edge 17. Therefore, for example, the non-powered-side slit 25 may be parallel to the non-powered-side edge 19 (as in the illustrated example), or may not be parallel. However, in the description of this embodiment, expressions assuming parallelism may be used.

[0069] The current flowing in the patch 11 tends to flow along the non-feeding side slit 25. Therefore, for example, when the polarization (polarization oscillating in the y direction) associated with the second feeding point 21B is the main polarization (intended polarization), the provision of the first non-feeding side slit 25A makes it easier for the direction of the current associated with the main polarization to be oriented in the vibration direction of the main polarization. Similarly, when the polarization associated with the first feeding point 21A is the main polarization, the second non-feeding side slit 25B makes it easier for the direction of the current associated with the main polarization to be oriented in the vibration direction of the main polarization.

[0070] The shape of the non-power-fed side slit 25 may be various shapes. For example, the non-power-fed side slit 25 may extend with a constant width (example shown), or may have portions with different widths. Also, for example, the non-power-fed side slit 25 may extend linearly (example shown), or may have a bent or curved portion. Also, for example, the non-power-fed side slit 25 may be symmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry along its length direction and / or an axis of symmetry along its width direction (example shown), or may be asymmetrical.

[0071] The length of the non-power-feed-side slit 25 may be set appropriately. For example, the length of the non-power-feed-side slit 25 may be 2 / 3 or more and 4 / 5 or less of the length of the non-power-feed-side edge portion 19, or may be a length outside this range. The length of the non-power-feed-side slit 25 may be longer than the length of the power-feed-side slit 23 (in the example shown in the figure), may be the same as the length of the power-feed-side slit 23, or may be shorter.

[0072] In the illustrated example, the non-power-feed-side slits 25 are longer than the power-feed-side slits 23. The difference in length may be set as appropriate. For example, the length of the non-power-feed-side slits 25 may be 1.2 times or more or 1.5 times or more, or may be 3 times or less or 2 times or less, the length of the power-feed-side slits 23, and the above lower and upper limits may be combined as appropriate.

[0073] The width of the non-power-fed side slit 25 may be set appropriately. For example, the minimum width of the non-power-fed side slit 25 may be set to be equal to or larger than the minimum size at which dielectric breakdown does not occur when an assumed voltage is applied to the patch 11, similar to the power-fed side slit 23. Also, for example, the width (minimum width or maximum width) of the non-power-fed side slit 25 may be set to be 1 / 30 or more and 1 / 5 or less of the length of the non-power-fed side slit 25, or may be set to a size outside that range.

[0074] The position of non-power-feed-side slit 25 may be set appropriately in the length direction of non-power-feed-side edge portion 19. For example, the center of the entire length of non-power-feed-side slit 25 may be located at the center of the entire length of non-power-feed-side edge portion 19, or may be shifted from such a position (example shown). Note that in the example shown, the center of the entire length of non-power-feed-side edge portion 19 in the length direction is, from another perspective, the position of feed point 21 located on the side of power-feed-side edge portion 17 corresponding to the opposite side of non-power-feed-side edge portion 19.

[0075] In the illustrated example, the center of the entire length of non-power-feed-side slit 25 is shifted toward the power-feed-side edge 17 (e.g., second power-feed-side edge 17B with respect to first non-power-feed-side edge 19A) that intersects with non-power-feed-side edge 19 with respect to the center of the entire length of non-power-feed-side edge 19. This amount of shift may be set appropriately. For example, the amount of shift between the two may be 1 / 30 or more or 1 / 20 or more of the entire length of non-power-feed-side edge 19.

[0076] In the direction perpendicular to the length direction of non-power-feeding-side edge 19, non-power-feeding-side slit 25 is located on the side of non-power-feeding-side edge 19 as described above, but a more specific position may be set as appropriate. For example, the distance between non-power-feeding-side slit 25 and non-power-feeding-side edge 19 may be smaller than, equal to, or larger than the width of non-power-feeding-side slit 25. In the illustrated example, non-power-feeding-side slit 25 is entirely contained within the area closest to non-power-feeding-side edge 19 when the area between non-power-feeding-side edge 19 and power-feeding-side edge 17 corresponding to the opposite side thereof is divided into five equal parts.

[0077] The length, width, and position of non-power-fed-side slit 25 may be set taking into consideration the width (or cross-sectional area) of the current-flowing portions on both ends and on the non-power-fed-side edge 19 side of non-power-fed-side slit 25. For example, the minimum width of these current-flowing portions may be set to 1 / 3 or more or 1 time or less of the diameter of feed point 21, and may be set to 1 / 30 or more of the length of non-power-fed-side edge 19.

[0078] (Power supply line) The feed line 13 extends linearly in the vibration direction of the polarization associated with the feed line 13 (for example, the x direction in the first feed line 13A). One end of the feed line 13 is connected to the patch 11 (feed point 21), and the other end is connected to the feed via 9. The width of the feed line 13 is, for example, constant. However, in the illustrated example, the end connected to the feed via 9 has an expanded diameter. This ensures, for example, a connection with the feed via 9. The shape of the end may be any shape, and is circular in the illustrated example. The shape and dimensions of the feed line 13 may be set so as to configure a quarter-wave conversion circuit, or so as to set the impedance at the feed point 21 to a predetermined value (for example, 50Ω).

[0079] (Ground pattern) The ground pattern 15 surrounds a combined pattern 27 consisting of the patch 11 and the feed line 13. As described above, the feed line 13 may be omitted by connecting the feed via 9 directly to the patch 11. In this case, the above-mentioned term "combined pattern 27" may be replaced with the patch 11. The same applies hereinafter.

[0080] The ground pattern 15 may be formed in a ring shape surrounding the combined pattern 27 over its entire circumference (as in the illustrated example), or may be formed in a shape having one or more discontinuous portions. In the latter case, for example, the ground pattern 15 may extend in total over 180°, 270°, or 315° around the geometric center of the patch 11.

[0081] The specific shape and dimensions of the ground pattern 15 may be set appropriately. For example, the outer edge of the ground pattern 15 may coincide with the outer edge of the second conductor layer 7 (in other words, the ground plane) and / or the outer edge of the dielectric layer 5. Alternatively, a part or all of the outer edge of the ground pattern 15 may be located inside and / or outside the outer edge of the second conductor layer 7, or a part or all of the outer edge of the dielectric layer 5 may be located inside.

[0082] Also, for example, the inner edge of the ground pattern 15 may extend along the outer edge of the combined pattern 27. In the illustrated example, the inner edge of the ground pattern 15 is shaped such that it is separated at an approximately constant distance from the outer edge of a virtual combined pattern in which the patch 11 does not have a protruding portion 12. In other words, the inner edge of the ground pattern 15 is shaped similarly to the virtual combined pattern (however, it does not have to be a similar shape in the mathematical sense). However, the inner edge of the ground pattern 15 may be shaped (similarly) such that it is separated at an approximately constant distance from the outer edge of the actual combined pattern 27 including the protruding portion 12.

[0083] The distance between the ground pattern 15 and the patch 11 and the feed line 13 may be, for example, equal to or greater than the minimum size at which dielectric breakdown does not occur when an assumed voltage is applied to the patch 11. In addition, the distance may be, for example, equal to or greater than the minimum width of the feed-side slit 23 and / or the non-feed-side slit 25.

[0084] A reference potential may be applied to the ground pattern 15 by an appropriate method. For example, the ground pattern 15 may be electrically connected to the second conductor layer 7 by a via (not shown) penetrating the dielectric layer 5, thereby applying the reference potential. Alternatively, a reference potential may be applied separately from the second conductor layer 7.

[0085] (Second conductor layer) FIG. 3 is a plan view of the second conductor layer 7. As shown in FIG.

[0086] The second conductor layer 7 basically spreads without any gaps, forming a so-called solid pattern. However, the second conductor layer 7 has openings 7a at the positions of the power supply vias 9 so as not to short-circuit with the power supply vias 9. The shape and diameter of the openings 7a may be set appropriately. In the following description, the presence of the openings 7a may be ignored.

[0087] The second conductor layer 7 may include a portion other than the portion that functions as a ground plane. For example, a pad that is connected to the power supply via 9 may be provided in the opening 7a away from the edge of the opening 7a. However, in the description of the embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the second conductor layer 7 is assumed to be composed of only the portion that functions as a ground plane.

[0088] The second conductor layer 7 has a size that overlaps the entire patch 11 at least when seen from above. For example, the entire outer edge of the second conductor layer 7 is located outside the outer edge of the patch 11. The second conductor layer 7 may extend over the entire dielectric layer 5, or a part or the entire outer edge may be located inside the outer edge of the dielectric layer 5.

[0089] A reference potential may be applied to the second conductor layer 7 by an appropriate method. For example, the second conductor layer 7 may be electrically connected to a signal ground and / or a frame ground via a conductor of a circuit board on which the antenna 1 is mounted and / or a conductor of a circuit board including the antenna 1.

[0090] (Power supply via) As can be understood from the above description, the power feed via 9 penetrates the dielectric layer 5 in its thickness direction, has an upper end joined to an end of the power feed line 13, and has a lower end exposed from the opening 7a. The lower end of the power feed via 9 is connected to a transmitting circuit and / or a receiving circuit, for example, via a conductor of a circuit board on which the antenna 1 is mounted and / or a conductor of a circuit board including the antenna 1.

[0091] As described above, the antenna 1 according to this embodiment has a conductive power supply patch (patch 11). In a plan view, the patch 11 has a first power supply side edge 17A and a first non-power supply side edge 19A which are edges on both sides in a first direction (x direction), and a second power supply side edge 17B and a second non-power supply side edge 19B which are edges on both sides in a second direction (y direction) intersecting with the x direction. In addition, the patch 11 has a first power supply point 21A located on the side of the first power supply side edge 17A, and a second power supply point 21B located on the side of the second power supply side edge 17B, in a plan view.

[0092] In plan view, at least a part of the first power supply side edge portion 17A may bulge outward to form the first convex portion 12A. The width of the first convex portion 12A in the y direction may be narrower toward the top of the first convex portion 12A. The first power supply point 21A may be located closer to the top of the first convex portion 12A than the middle of the first convex portion 12A in the x direction.

[0093] In this case, for example, as described above, the direction of the current flowing from the first feeding point 21A to the inside of the patch 11 tends to be in the x direction. As a result, for example, when a linearly polarized wave having an oscillation direction in the x direction is the main polarization (intended polarization), the influence of a linearly polarized wave having an oscillation direction in the y direction (unintended polarization) on the transmission and / or reception of the main polarization is reduced. In other words, the difference between the main polarization and the unintended linear polarization becomes large. From another perspective, the isolation between the two linearly polarized waves is improved.

[0094] The entire first non-power-feed side edge 19A may be closer to a straight line than the entire first power-feed side edge 17A in a plan view.

[0095] In this case, for example, while the above-mentioned effect of first convex portion 12A is obtained, when the polarization whose vibration direction is the direction along first non-power-feeding side edge portion 19A (y direction) is the main polarization, the direction of the current related to the main polarization is likely to be in the y direction. As a result, the influence of the polarization whose vibration direction is the unintended x direction on the transmission and / or reception of the main polarization is reduced. From another perspective, the isolation between the two linearly polarized waves is improved.

[0096] In plan view, the edges (inclined portions 17a) on both sides in the second direction (y direction) of the portion of the first protrusion 12A that narrows toward the apex may have linear portions.

[0097] In this case, the shape of patch 11 is simpler and easier to design than, for example, an embodiment in which inclined portion 17a is curved (this embodiment is also included in the present disclosure.) In addition, in a simulation calculation performed by the inventor, the embodiment in which inclined portion 17a is linear had higher isolation than the embodiment in which first convex portion 12A is semicircular.

[0098] The patch 11 may have a first power-feeding-side slit 23A extending in parallel to the first power-feeding-side edge portion 17A at a position on the side of the first power-feeding-side edge portion 17A in a plan view.

[0099] In this case, as described above, when the polarization (polarization with the y direction as the vibration direction) related to the second feed point 21B is the main polarization, the direction of the current near the first feed side slit 23A is easily oriented in the vibration direction of the main polarization. As a result, the isolation is improved. In this embodiment, the first feed point 21A is located at the first feed side edge 17A, and the first feed side slit 23A is located inside the patch 11 more than the first feed point 21A. Therefore, for example, when the polarization related to the first feed point 21A is the main polarization, the first feed side slit 23A may not contribute to or may even hinder the current related to the main polarization from being oriented in the vibration direction of the main polarization. However, for example, such a disadvantage is reduced by combining the first convex portion 12A with the first feed side slit 23A.

[0100] The first feed side slit 23A may be located on the inner side of the patch 11 than the first feed point 21A in the first direction (x direction). An edge of the first feed side slit 23A on the inner side of the patch 11 in the x direction may be linear. An edge of the first feed side slit 23A on the side of the first feed point 21A in the x direction may be convex toward the first feed point 21A.

[0101] In this case, for example, in the first feed side slit 23A, the convex edge portion on the first feed point 21A side can contribute to directing the direction of the current flowing from the first feed point 21A to the inside of the patch 11 in the x direction. As a result, for example, the effect of improving isolation when the polarization related to the second feed point 21B is the main polarization has been described as the effect of the first feed side slit 23A. However, instead of or in addition to the effect, the effect of improving isolation when the polarization related to the first feed point 21A is the main polarization is achieved. On the other hand, in the first feed side slit 23A, the linear edge portion on the inside of the patch 11 can contribute to improving the above-mentioned effect of directing the direction of the current flowing from the second feed point 21B to the patch 11 in the y direction. As a result, for example, when the polarization related to the second feed point 21B is the main polarization, the above-mentioned effect of improving isolation is enhanced.

[0102] The patch 11 may have a second non-powered side slit 25B extending in parallel to the second non-powered side edge 19B at a position on the side of the second non-powered side edge 19B.

[0103] In this case, for example, as described above, when the polarized wave (polarized wave oscillating in the x-direction) related to the first feeding point 21A is the main polarized wave, the direction of the current related to the main polarized wave tends to be oriented in the vibration direction of the main polarized wave. This improves isolation.

[0104] The second non-power-feed side slit 25B may be longer than the first power-feed side slit 23A (and / or the second power-feed side slit 23B).

[0105] In this case, it can be said that the second non-feed side slit 25B is relatively long. Therefore, for example, the effect of improving isolation by the second non-feed side slit 25B is enhanced. From another point of view, it can be said that the first feed side slit 23A is relatively short. Therefore, for example, when the polarization related to the first feed point 21A is the main polarization, it is easy to allow a current to flow from the first feed point 21A to the inside of the patch 11.

[0106] The center of the entire length of the second non-power-feed side slit 25B may be located closer to the first power-feed side edge 17A than the center of the entire length of the second non-power-feed side edge 19B.

[0107] In this case, for example, the length of the second non-power-feeding side slit 25B can be increased by extending the second non-power-feeding side slit 25B toward the first power-feeding side edge 17A. This improves the effect of the second non-power-feeding side slit 25B. When the second non-power-feeding side slit 25B is extended toward the first power-feeding side edge 17A, the second non-power-feeding side slit 25B and the first power-feeding side slit 23A are brought closer to each other. As a result, for example, the width of the current path from the first power-feeding point 21A to the inside of the patch 11 is narrowed. However, as described above, the first power-feeding side slit 23A is shorter than the second non-power-feeding side slit 25B, so such inconvenience is reduced.

[0108] The antenna 1 may have a ground pattern 15 that is located on the same plane as the patch 11 and surrounds the patch 11 .

[0109] In this case, for example, the ground pattern 15 contributes to blocking radio waves in a direction parallel to the xy plane, thereby making it possible to strengthen the directivity of the antenna 1, for example.

[0110] <Second embodiment> FIG. 4 is a plan view of a first conductor layer 203 of an antenna according to the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 2 of the first embodiment.

[0111] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in that the patch 211 does not have the feed-side slit 23 and the non-feed-side slit 25. In other words, the patch 211 of the second embodiment has a convex portion 12 with respect to a square patch.

[0112] The specific dimensions that provide the best antenna characteristics differ depending on the presence or absence of the feed-side slit 23 and the non-feed-side slit 25. Therefore, even if the first and second embodiments are intended for the same wavelength, the dimensions may be different from each other. The same applies to the other embodiments described later.

[0113] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, at least a part of the first power supply side edge 17A bulges outward in a plan view to form the first convex portion 12A. In the first convex portion 12A, the width in the second direction (y direction) is narrower toward the top of the first convex portion 12A, and the first power supply point 21A is located closer to the top of the first convex portion 12A than the middle of the first convex portion 12A in the first direction (x direction). Therefore, as in the first embodiment, for example, compared to a mode in which the first convex portion 12A is not provided, when the linearly polarized wave having the x direction as the vibration direction is the main polarization, the direction of the current is more likely to be in the x direction. This improves isolation.

[0114] (Modification) FIG. 5 is a plan view of a first conductor layer 203-1 of an antenna according to a modified example of the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 2 of the first embodiment.

[0115] As already described, the convex portion 12 may have any suitable shape. In the patch 211-1 of this modified example, the convex portion 12 is semicircular. From another perspective, the inclined portion 17a of the power supply side edge portion 17 is curved and bulges outward.

[0116] Even with this shape, as in the second embodiment, when the linearly polarized wave having the x direction as the vibration direction is the main polarization, the current is more likely to be oriented in the x direction, and thus the isolation is improved, compared to the case where the first convex portion 12A is not provided. Also, since the inclined portion 17a of the first convex portion 12A is curved and bulges outward, for example, the inclined portion 17a becomes closer to being parallel to the x direction the closer it is to the square portion of the patch 211-1. As a result, the current is more likely to be oriented in the x direction at the position closer to the square portion.

[0117] Although a semicircular shape is shown here as the shape of the protrusion 12 according to the modified example of the second embodiment, this shape may be applied to the first embodiment or other embodiments described later.

[0118] <Third embodiment> FIG. 6 is a plan view of a first conductor layer 303 of an antenna according to the third embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 2 of the first embodiment.

[0119] The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in that the patch 311 does not have the non-feed side slit 25. In other words, the patch 311 of the third embodiment has a convex portion 12 and a feed side slit 23 in a square patch.

[0120] In this embodiment, the first convex portion 12A is formed by at least a part of the first power supply side edge portion 17A expanding outward in a plan view, and therefore the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved. For example, compared to a mode in which the first convex portion 12A is not provided, when the main polarization is a linearly polarized wave having the x direction as the vibration direction, the current direction is more likely to be oriented in the x direction, and thus the isolation is improved.

[0121] <Fourth embodiment> FIG. 7 is a plan view of a first conductor layer 403 of an antenna according to the fourth embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 2 of the first embodiment.

[0122] The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in that the patch 411 does not have the convex portion 12 and the power supply side slit 23. In other words, the patch 411 of the fourth embodiment has a configuration including the non-power supply side slit 25.

[0123] In the present embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the patch 411 has the second non-power-feed-side slit 25B extending in parallel to the second non-power-feed-side edge 19B at a position on the side of the second non-power-feed-side edge 19B. Therefore, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved. For example, compared to an embodiment in which the second non-power-feed-side slit 25B is not provided, when the main polarization is a linearly polarized wave whose vibration direction is the x direction, the direction of the current is more likely to be in the x direction, and thus the isolation is improved.

[0124] <Fifth embodiment> FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an antenna 501 according to the fifth embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 1 of the first embodiment.

[0125] The antenna 501 has a configuration in which a dielectric layer 29 and a patch 31 are laminated on the antenna 1 of the first embodiment. The patch 31 is an unpowered patch (electrically floating), and faces the patch 11 via the dielectric layer 29. By providing such a patch 31, it is possible to improve a specific characteristic among various characteristics required of an antenna. For example, it is possible to achieve a broadband.

[0126] For the dielectric layer 29, the description of the dielectric layer 5 may be used. Furthermore, the material of the dielectric layer 29 may be the same as or different from the material of the dielectric layer 5. In FIG. 8, the thickness of the dielectric layer 29 is depicted as being equal to the thickness of the dielectric layer 5. In practice, the thickness of the dielectric layer 29 (and the dielectric layer 5) may be appropriately set in consideration of the characteristics of the antenna. That is, the thickness of the dielectric layer 29 may be different from the thickness of the dielectric layer 5.

[0127] 9 is a plan view perspective of antenna 501. In this figure, patch 31 is drawn in solid lines and patch 11 is drawn in dotted lines.

[0128] The patch 31, for example, spreads without gaps and is a so-called solid pattern. However, the patch 31 may have slits. In this case, the shape and position, etc. of the slits of the patch 31 may be the same as or different from the shape and position, etc. of the slits of the patch 11. In the following, some expressions are made on the assumption that the patch 31 does not have a slit.

[0129] In plan view, the shape of the patch 31 may be appropriately set. In the illustrated example, the planar shape of the patch 31 is a square. In other words, the planar shape of the patch 31 is the base shape of the patch 11. In other words, the patch 31 has four edges extending along the first power supply side edge 17A, the first non-power supply side edge 19A, the second power supply side edge 17B, and the second non-power supply side edge 19B of the patch 11, respectively. These four edges are, for example, linear, and therefore closer to a straight line than the power supply side edge 17 forming the convex portion 12. Unlike the illustrated example, the planar shape of the patch 31 may be the same as the planar shape including the convex portion 12 of the patch 11, or may be a shape different from both the base shape of the patch 11 and the planar shape including the convex portion 12 of the patch 11.

[0130] In a plan view, the dimensions and position of the patch 31 may be appropriately set. In the illustrated example, the dimensions of the patch 31 are equivalent to the dimensions of the base shape of the patch 11 (here, a square). In a plan view, the patch 31 is disposed so that the outer edge of the patch 31 coincides with the outer edge of the base shape of the patch 11. In addition, in the illustrated example, the geometric center of the patch 31 coincides with the geometric center of the base shape of the patch 11. Unlike the illustrated example, a part or the whole of the outer edge of the base shape of the patch 11 may be located inside or outside the outer edge of the base shape of the patch 11. In addition, the geometric center of the patch 31 and the geometric center of the base shape of the patch 11 may be shifted from each other.

[0131] In a planar perspective, the convex portion 12 of the patch 11 is located outside the patch 31, for example, entirely (in the illustrated example) or part of the top side. The feed point 21 is located outside the patch 31, for example. The feed side slit 23 overlaps with the patch 31 partially (in the illustrated example) or entirely. In the illustrated example, a part of the feed side slit 23 on the inner side of the patch 11 in the width direction overlaps with the patch 31. The non-feed side slit 25 overlaps with the patch 31 partially or entirely (in the illustrated example). Unlike the illustrated example, the convex portion 12 may entirely overlap with the patch 31, the feed point 21 may overlap with the patch 31, the feed side slit 23 may entirely be located outside the patch 31, or the non-feed side slit 25 may entirely be located outside the patch 31.

[0132] As described above, the antenna 501 may further include a conductive unpowered patch (patch 31) facing the powered patch (patch 11). In a planar perspective view, the patch 31 may have four edges extending along the first power-feeding side edge 17A, the first non-power-feeding side edge 19A, the second power-feeding side edge 17B, and the second non-power-feeding side edge 19B. The entire edge of the patch 31 along the first power-feeding side edge 17A may be closer to a straight line than the entire first power-feeding side edge 17A.

[0133] In this case, for example, in patch 11, when the linearly polarized wave having the x direction as the vibration direction is the main polarization, the first convex portion 12A makes it easier to direct the current flow in the x direction near first feed point 21A, which is likely to become a singular point with respect to the current flow. On the other hand, in patch 31, since it does not have first feed point 21A, it is less necessary to have a shape similar to that of first convex portion 12A. And, since the edge along first feed side edge portion 17A is close to a straight line (for example, because no convex portion is provided), for example, when the linearly polarized wave having the y direction as the vibration direction is the main polarization, it is easier to direct the current in the y direction.

[0134] The patch 31 may overlap at least a portion of the first power-feed side slit 23A in a planar perspective, and / or the patch 31 may overlap at least a portion of the second non-power-feed side slit 25B in a planar perspective.

[0135] In this case, for example, in patch 11, the direction of the current related to the main polarization can be directed to the vibration direction of the main polarization by the feed-side slit 23 and / or the non-feed-side slit 25. On the other hand, in patch 31, a current corresponding to the current directed to the vibration direction of the main polarization by patch 11 can be generated over a wide area. As a result, it is expected that the characteristics of the antenna will be improved.

[0136] In the fifth embodiment, the first conductor layer 3 is that of the first embodiment, but may be that of another embodiment. In other words, the patch 31 may be provided in any of the second to fourth embodiments.

[0137] <Application Examples> 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electronic device 51 as an application example of the antenna according to the embodiment. In the following description, for convenience, the reference numerals of the antenna 1 according to the first embodiment are used, but the antennas according to other embodiments may be used for the electronic device 51.

[0138] The electronic device 51 may be of various types. For example, the electronic device 51 may be a communication device. Examples of the communication device include a mobile terminal, a base station, a relay station, a parent device of a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a receiver of a satellite positioning system, an antenna device attached to and detached from various electronic devices, a radio, a television, and an in-vehicle device of an electronic toll collection system (ETC). Examples of the mobile terminal include a mobile phone (including a smartphone), a tablet PC (Personal Computer), or a notebook PC. Examples of the electronic device 51 other than a communication device include a radar device and a microwave oven. Note that the following description may be given on the assumption that the electronic device 51 is a communication device.

[0139] The electronic device 51 includes, for example, an antenna module 53 and a housing 55 that houses the antenna module 53 .

[0140] The antenna module 53 includes, for example, an antenna 1, a transmitting circuit that transmits radio waves via the antenna 1, and / or a receiving circuit that receives radio waves via the antenna 1. Such a transmitting circuit and / or receiving circuit may be configured, for example, by one or more ICs (Integrated Circuits) 57. The ICs 57 are, for example, RF (Radio Frequency)-ICs, and are electrically connected to the lower ends of the two power supply vias 9 as described above.

[0141] The transmission circuit may, for example, raise and modulate the frequency of a baseband signal including any information, and input the high-frequency signal to the antenna 1. At this time, the transmission circuit may, for example, selectively feed power to two power feed vias 9 (two power feed points 21 in another respect) and selectively transmit two linearly polarized waves. More specifically, for example, the transmission circuit may alternately output two linearly polarized waves at a predetermined period. Alternatively, only one of the two linearly polarized waves may be transmitted at all times (until the setting is changed) according to a setting by a user. Unlike the above, the transmission circuit may supply currents with a phase difference of 90° to the two power feed vias 9 so that circularly polarized waves are transmitted.

[0142] The receiving circuit may, for example, perform frequency downshifting and demodulation on a high-frequency signal from the antenna 1 to obtain a baseband signal including arbitrary information. At this time, the receiving circuit may, for example, selectively use currents from two power feed vias 9 (two power feed points 21 in another viewpoint). More specifically, for example, the receiving circuit may always perform the above processing (demodulation, etc.) on only one of the two currents according to a setting by a user (until the setting is changed). Alternatively, the receiving circuit may perform the above processing on only the larger of the currents from the two power feed vias 9. Unlike the above, the receiving circuit may perform the same processing on the currents from the two power feed vias 9 as a receiving circuit that receives circularly polarized waves.

[0143] The specific connection mode between the IC 57 (transmitting circuit and / or receiving circuit) and the antenna 1 is arbitrary. In the illustrated example, the antenna 1 is configured as a part of one main surface of the antenna substrate 59. The IC 57 is mounted on the other main surface of the antenna substrate 59. The power feed via 9 is electrically connected to the IC 57 through a conductor (conductor layer and / or via) in the antenna substrate 59.

[0144] In the illustrated example, in addition to the antenna board 59 and the IC 57, the antenna module 53 has a mounting board 61 on which the antenna board 59 is mounted, and electronic components 63 mounted on the mounting board 61. The IC 57 (transmitting circuit and / or receiving circuit) may be a component mounted on the mounting board 61.

[0145] As can be understood from the above-mentioned examples of various aspects (such as a mobile terminal) of the electronic device 51, the material, size, and shape of the electronic device 51 are arbitrary. The relative sizes of the antenna 1 and the electronic device 51 are also arbitrary.

[0146] <Example> Specific materials and dimensions of the antenna according to the embodiment were set, and the characteristics were examined by simulation calculation. As a result, it was confirmed that the isolation was improved by the shape of the patch according to the embodiment. Specifically, it is as follows.

[0147] Fig. 11A is a diagram showing the characteristics of an antenna according to a comparative example. Fig. 11B is a diagram showing the characteristics of an antenna according to an example. In these diagrams, the horizontal axis represents frequency f (GHz), and the vertical axis represents gain (dBi).

[0148] The antenna according to the embodiment here has the patch 11 of the first embodiment. The antenna according to the comparative example has a square, solid-pattern patch. That is, the comparative example is an antenna in which the convex portion 12, the feed-side slit 23, and the non-feed-side slit 25 in the embodiment are eliminated. Both antennas are assumed to be used in a frequency band with a center frequency of 28 GHz.

[0149] In the simulation, a situation was assumed in which a current was supplied from the first power feed via 9A to the first power feed line 13A, and a linearly polarized wave with the x-direction as the vibration direction was transmitted. In Fig. 11A and Fig. 11B, the line Lx shows the gain of the linearly polarized wave with the x-direction as the vibration direction, which is the main polarization. On the other hand, the line Ly shows the gain of the linearly polarized wave with the y-direction as the vibration direction, which is the unintended polarization.

[0150] 11A and 11B, the Example has a larger difference between the gain of the main polarization and the gain of the unintended polarization (this difference is sometimes called isolation) at around 28 GHz compared to the Comparative Example. Specifically, at 28 GHz, the isolation of the Comparative Example is about 22 dB, while the isolation of the Example is about 52 dB.

[0151] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing isolation in a comparative example and examples according to the first to fourth embodiments.

[0152] The horizontal axis, vertical axis, line Lx, and line Ly in this figure have the same meanings as in Figures 11A and 11B. In the legend in Figure 12, "Ref." corresponds to the comparative example. "E1", "E2", "E3", and "E4" correspond to the first, second, third, and fourth examples, respectively.

[0153] The comparative example is similar to the comparative example in FIG. 11A. The first, second, third and fourth examples are an example having the patch 11 according to the first embodiment, an example having the patch 211 according to the second embodiment, an example having the patch 311 according to the third embodiment and an example having the patch 411 according to the fourth embodiment, respectively. Except for the presence or absence of the convex portion 12, the power supply side slit 23 and the non-power supply side slit 25, the configurations of the comparative example and the examples are the same as each other. Note that the example according to FIG. 11B is an example having the patch 11 like the first example in FIG. 12, but the dimensions are optimized taking into consideration the presence of the convex portion 12, the power supply side slit 23 and the non-power supply side slit 25, and is different from the first example.

[0154] As shown in Fig. 12, the first to fourth examples all have improved isolation around 28 GHz compared to the comparative example. Specifically, in the illustrated example, the examples are arranged in order of decreasing isolation as follows: first example, fourth example, third example, and second example. Since the first example has the highest isolation and the third example has a higher isolation than the second example, it was confirmed that the combination of the convex portion 12, the feed side slit 23, and the non-feed side slit 25 improves the isolation.

[0155] In the example shown in Fig. 12, the convex portion 12 is triangular as in the embodiment. Although not shown in particular, it was confirmed that the isolation was improved compared to the comparative example even in the example in which the convex portion 12 in the second example was changed to a semicircular shape (not having the feed-side slit 23 and the non-feed-side slit 25). With the dimensions used this time, the isolation of the second example was better than that of the example having the semicircular convex portion 12.

[0156] In the above embodiments, the patches 11, 211, 211-1, 311, and 411 are each an example of a powered patch. The patch 31 is an example of a parasitic patch. The x direction is an example of a first direction. The y direction is an example of a second direction.

[0157] The technology according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and may be implemented in various forms.

[0158] For example, the antenna does not need to have the dielectric layer 5. For example, there may be space (or air in another sense) below the feeding patch (patch 11, etc.). The same applies to the dielectric layer 29 in the case where a non-feeding patch (patch 31) is provided. In the case where no dielectric layer is provided between two opposing conductor layers, the conductor layers may be fixed to each other by, for example, an insulating support.

[0159] Also, for example, the antenna does not need to have the second conductor layer 7 (ground plate). For example, the ground may be used instead of the second conductor layer 7, or a member other than the antenna may be used. Examples of the other member include a housing to which the antenna is fixed and a ground layer of a circuit board on which the antenna is mounted. In this case, however, the entirety including the housing or the circuit board may be regarded as the antenna.

[0160] Also, for example, the antenna (the first layer from another point of view) may not have the ground pattern 15. Furthermore, as mentioned in the description of the embodiment, the power supply patch (patch 11, etc.) may be fed without the power supply line 13. From another point of view, the first conductor layer may be composed of only the power supply patch.

[0161] As can be understood from the above description, the antenna may be composed of only the feed patch (patch 11, etc.). Even in a mode in which the dielectric layer 5, the second conductor layer 7, the ground pattern 15, the feed line 13, and / or the feed via 9 are provided, only the feed patch may be considered to be the antenna.

[0162] Conversely, the antenna may have components not mentioned in the embodiment. For example, a conductor layer having an opening of an appropriate shape may be arranged above (on the +z side of) a powered patch (patch 11, etc.). Such a conductor layer functions as, for example, a filter. When combined with a parasitic patch (patch 31), this conductor layer having an opening may be located between the powered patch and the parasitic patch, or may be located above the parasitic patch.

[0163] In the description of the embodiment, it is assumed that the feed-side slit has a convex portion at the feed-side edge portion adjacent to the feed-side slit. However, the feed-side slit may be provided in a patch that does not have a convex portion. Also, in the description of the embodiment, the feed point is located on the feed-side edge side of the feed-side slit. However, the feed point may be located inside the patch of the feed-side slit.

[0164] The antenna may be used as an antenna constituting an array antenna. For example, in the antenna substrate 59 shown in FIG. [Explanation of symbols]

[0165] 1...antenna, 11...patch (feed patch), 17A...first feeding side edge, 17B...second feeding side edge, 19A...second non-feed side edge, 19B...second non-feed side edge, 21A...first feeding point, 21B...second feeding point, 12A...first convex portion (convex portion), 25B...second non-feed side slit (non-feed side slit).

Claims

1. It has a conductive power patch, The power supply patch, in a plan view, a first power supply side edge portion and a first non-power supply side edge portion located on both sides in a first direction; a second power supply side edge portion and a second non-power supply side edge portion located on both sides in a second direction intersecting the first direction; A first power supply point located on the side of the first power supply side edge portion; a second power supply point located on the second power supply side edge portion, In a plan view, at least a part of the first power supply side edge portion bulges outward to form a convex portion, The width of the protrusion in the second direction is narrowed toward the top of the protrusion, The first feeding point is located closer to the top of the protrusion than to the middle of the protrusion in the first direction. antenna.

2. In a plan view, the edges of the protrusion on both sides in the second direction at a portion where the width narrows toward the apex have linear portions.

2. The antenna of claim 1.

3. In a plan view, the edges of the protrusion on both sides in the second direction at a portion where the width narrows toward the apex have curved portions that bulge outward.

2. The antenna of claim 1.

4. The feed patch has a feed-side slit extending in parallel to the first feed-side edge portion at a position on the side of the first feed-side edge portion in a plan view. An antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the feed-side slit is located on the inner side of the feed patch relative to the first feed point in the first direction, an edge of the feed-side slit on an inner side of the feed patch in the first direction is linear; The edge of the power supply side slit on the side of the first power supply point in the first direction is convex toward the first power supply point.

5. The antenna of claim 4.

6. The feed patch has a non-feed side slit extending in parallel to the second non-feed side edge at a position on the side of the second non-feed side edge. An antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The non-power-feed side slit is longer than the power-feed side slit Antenna according to claim 6 which relies on claim 4 or 5.

8. The center of the entire length of the non-power-feed side slit is located closer to the first power-feed side edge than the center of the entire length of the second non-power-feed side edge.

8. The antenna of claim 7.

9. It has a conductive power patch, The power supply patch, in a plan view, a first power supply side edge portion and a first non-power supply side edge portion located on both sides in a first direction; a second power supply side edge portion and a second non-power supply side edge portion located on both sides in a second direction intersecting the first direction; A first power supply point located on the side of the first power supply side edge portion; a second power supply point located on the second power supply side edge portion, The feed patch has a non-feed side slit extending in parallel to the second non-feed side edge at a position on the side of the second non-feed side edge. antenna.

10. The antenna further includes a conductive parasitic patch facing the feeding patch, The parasitic patch overlaps at least a part of the feed-side slit in a planar perspective view.

6. An antenna as claimed in claim 4 or 5.

11. The antenna further includes a conductive parasitic patch facing the feeding patch, The parasitic patch overlaps at least a part of the non-power-fed side slit in a planar perspective view. An antenna according to any one of claims 6 to 9.

12. The power supply patch further includes a ground pattern that is located on the same plane as the power supply patch and surrounds the power supply patch. An antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. An antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 12; an IC electrically connected to the first feed point and the second feed point; The antenna module has

14. An antenna module according to claim 13; a housing that houses the antenna module; An electronic device having the above configuration.

Images