Antenna element and electronic device

Abstract

The present invention provides an antenna element. An insulating base material has a first main surface and a second main surface, aligned in the vertical direction. One or more antenna conductor layers are provided on the first main surface of the insulating base material. An area in which the insulating base material is not formed is positioned between the insulating base material and the antenna conductor layer in the vertical direction. An insulator layer is not present in the area in which the insulating base material is not formed. If viewed in the vertical direction, at least a portion of an outer edge of one or more antenna conductors overlap the area in which the insulating base material is not formed and does not contact the insulating base material. One or more areas in which the insulating base material is not formed is a vacancy.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an antenna element comprising an antenna conductor layer. [Background technology]

[0002] As an example of an invention relating to a conventional antenna element, a microstrip antenna described in Patent Document 1 is known. This microstrip antenna includes a dielectric substrate, a rectangular conductor, and a ground conductor. The dielectric substrate has an upper main surface and a lower main surface. The rectangular conductor is provided on the upper main surface of the dielectric substrate. The ground conductor is provided on the lower main surface of the dielectric substrate. The rectangular conductor overlaps with the ground conductor when viewed in the vertical direction. In such a microstrip antenna, the rectangular conductor functions as an antenna. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-096259 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the microstrip antenna described in Patent Document 1, electric field concentration may occur at the outer edge of the rectangular conductor when viewed in the vertical direction. When such electric field concentration occurs, for example, the conductor surrounding the rectangular conductor and the rectangular conductor are likely to be electric-field-coupled. In this case, electromagnetic waves are likely to be radiated from the rectangular conductor toward the conductor surrounding the rectangular conductor. As a result, the radiation efficiency of the microstrip antenna decreases.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide an antenna element and an electronic device capable of suppressing a decrease in the radiation efficiency of the antenna element. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An antenna element according to one aspect of the present invention includes: Up and down average The first and second principal surfaces Yes An insulating substrate having a The insulating substrate The above One or more antenna conductor layers provided on the first principal surface; The entire periphery of the outer edge of the antenna conductor layer is not in contact with the insulating base material on either the top or bottom when viewed in the vertical direction. Insulating substrate-free area and, Equipped with. Moreover, an antenna element according to one aspect of the present invention includes: An insulating base material having a first main surface and a second main surface aligned in the vertical direction; one or more antenna conductor layers provided on the first main surface of the insulating substrate; a reference conductor layer provided on the first main surface of the insulating substrate and surrounding the one or more antenna conductor layers; one or more insulating substrate-free regions, in which the insulating substrate is not present, located between the insulating substrate and the antenna conductor layer in the vertical direction; Equipped with The insulating substrate non-forming region is An opening is formed between outer peripheries of different antenna conductor layers among the one or more antenna conductor layers on the first main surface of the insulating substrate, or an opening is formed between the antenna conductor layer and the reference conductor layer. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the antenna element and electronic device of the present invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the radiation efficiency of the antenna element. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an antenna element 10. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the manufacturing process of the antenna element 10. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 10a. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a top view of the insulator layer 16a of the antenna element 10b. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a top view of the insulator layer 16a of the antenna element 10c. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 10c. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a top view of the insulator layer 16a of the antenna element 10d. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 10d. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 10d. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 10e. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 10f. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a top view of the insulator layer 16a of the antenna element 10g. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 10g. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 10h. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 10i. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a top view of the antenna element 10i. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 10i during manufacturing. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 10j. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 10j during manufacturing. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 10k. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 10l. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 10m. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 10n. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 10o. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of the antenna element 10p. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a rear view of the circuit board 200. [Figure 28]FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the hole Sp0a. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the hole Sp0b. [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the hole Sp0c. [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the hole Sp0d. [Diagram 32] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the hole Sp0e. [Diagram 33] FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the hole Sp0f. [Diagram 34] FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the hole Sp0g. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] (Embodiment) [Antenna element structure] The structure of the antenna element 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the antenna element 10. In FIG. 1, reference symbols are given only to representative interlayer connection conductors v1, the first opening Op1, the second opening Op2, the first insulating substrate-free region A1, the second insulating substrate-free region A2, the first air holes Sp1, and the second air holes Sp2 among the interlayer connection conductors v1, the first opening Op1, the second opening Op2, the first insulating substrate-free region A1, the second insulating substrate-free region A2, the first air holes Sp1, and the second air holes Sp2. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device 1 including the antenna element 10. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1. However, FIG. 2 shows a housing 100 not shown in FIG. 1.

[0010] In this specification, directions are defined as follows. The direction in which the normals to the upper and lower principal surfaces of the insulating substrate 12 of the antenna element 10 extend is defined as the up-down direction. The up-down direction coincides with the stacking direction of the insulating substrate 12. The direction in which the long sides of the antenna conductor layer 20 of the antenna element 10 extend is defined as the left-right direction. The direction in which the short sides of the antenna conductor layer 20 of the antenna element 10 extend is defined as the front-rear direction. The up-down direction is perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The left-right direction is perpendicular to both the up-down direction and the front-rear direction.

[0011] In the following, X is a part or member of the antenna element 10. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, each part of X is defined as follows. The front part of X means the front half of X. The rear part of X means the rear half of X. The left part of X means the left half of X. The right part of X means the right half of X. The upper part of X means the upper half of X. The lower part of X means the lower half of X. The front end of X means the front end of X. The rear end of X means the rear end of X. The left end of X means the left end of X. The right end of X means the right end of X. The upper end of X means the upper end of X. The lower end of X means the lower end of X. The front end of X means the front end of X and its vicinity. The rear end of X means the rear end of X and its vicinity. The left end of X means the left end of X and its vicinity. The right end of X means the right end of X and its vicinity. The upper end of X means the upper end of X and its vicinity. The lower end of X means the lower end of X and its vicinity.

[0012] First, the structure of the antenna element 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the antenna element 10 includes an insulating substrate 12, an antenna conductor layer 20, reference conductor layers 22, 24, and 26, a signal conductor layer 28, and a plurality of interlayer connection conductors v1 and v2.

[0013] The insulating base material 12 has a plate shape. Therefore, the insulating base material 12 has an upper main surface (first main surface) and a lower main surface (second main surface) aligned in the up-down direction. The upper and lower main surfaces of the insulating base material 12 each have a rectangular shape with long sides extending in the left-right direction. Therefore, the length of the insulating base material 12 in the left-right direction is longer than the length of the insulating base material 12 in the front-rear direction.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the insulating base material 12 includes insulating layers 16a to 16e. The insulating base material 12 has a structure in which the insulating layers 16a to 16e are stacked in the vertical direction. The insulating layers 16a to 16e are arranged in this order from top to bottom. The insulating layers 16a to 16e have the same rectangular shape as the insulating base material 12 when viewed in the vertical direction. The insulating layers 16a to 16e are flexible dielectric sheets. The material of the insulating base material 12 is, for example, a thermoplastic resin. The thermoplastic resin is, for example, a liquid crystal polymer, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), or other thermoplastic resin. The material of the insulating base material 12 may be polyimide. The insulating base material 12 is flexible. Therefore, the antenna element 10 may be folded when used. "The antenna element 10 is folded" means that the antenna element 10 is deformed and bent by applying an external force to the antenna element 10. The deformation may be elastic deformation, plastic deformation, or a combination of elastic deformation and plastic deformation.

[0015] The antenna conductor layer 20 is provided on the upper or lower principal surface of the insulating substrate 12. In this embodiment, the antenna conductor layer 20 is provided on the upper principal surface of the insulating substrate 12. The antenna conductor layer 20 is provided on the upper principal surface of the insulating layer 16a (first insulating layer). When viewed in the up-down direction, the antenna conductor layer 20 has a rectangular shape having long sides extending in the left-right direction. The antenna conductor layer 20 resonates on both the short sides extending in the front-rear direction and the long sides extending in the left-right direction. Thus, the short sides extending in the front-rear direction and the long sides extending in the left-right direction of the antenna conductor layer 20 are approximately half the wavelength of the high-frequency signal transmitted and received by the antenna conductor layer 20. The wavelength of the high-frequency signal transmitted and received by the antenna conductor layer 20 is a wavelength that takes into consideration the wavelength shortening effect due to the dielectric constant of the insulating substrate 12. The antenna conductor layer 20 radiates the high-frequency signal as an electromagnetic wave. The antenna conductor layer 20 also receives the high-frequency electromagnetic wave signal.

[0016] The signal conductor layer 28 is provided on the insulating substrate 12. In this embodiment, the signal conductor layer 28 is provided on the upper main surface of the insulator layer 16c. The signal conductor layer 28 has a linear shape extending in the left-right direction. A right end of the signal conductor layer 28 overlaps with the antenna conductor layer 20 when viewed in the up-down direction. The signal conductor layer 28 transmits high-frequency signals.

[0017] The interlayer connection conductor v2 electrically connects the antenna conductor layer 20 and the signal conductor layer 28. More specifically, the interlayer connection conductor v2 penetrates the insulator layers 16a and 16b in the vertical direction. The upper end of the interlayer connection conductor v2 is connected to the antenna conductor layer 20. The position on the antenna conductor layer 20 where the interlayer connection conductor v2 is connected is the feeding point of the high-frequency signal. The lower end of the interlayer connection conductor v2 is connected to the right end of the signal conductor layer 28.

[0018] The reference conductor layer 22 is provided on the insulating substrate 12 and below the antenna conductor layer 20. In this embodiment, the reference conductor layer 22 is provided on the lower main surface of the insulator layer 16e. The reference conductor layer 22 overlaps with the antenna conductor layer 20 when viewed in the vertical direction. When viewed in the vertical direction, the reference conductor layer 22 has a rectangular shape with long sides extending in the left-right direction. When viewed in the vertical direction, the reference conductor layer 22 protrudes in the front-rear and left-right directions of the antenna conductor layer 20. In other words, the outer edge of the reference conductor layer 22 includes the outer edge of the antenna conductor layer 20 when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0019] The reference conductor layer 24 is provided on the insulating substrate 12. When the antenna conductor layer 20 is provided on the upper main surface of the insulating substrate 12, the reference conductor layer 24 is provided on the upper main surface of the insulating substrate 12, and when the antenna conductor layer 20 is provided on the lower main surface of the insulating substrate 12, the reference conductor layer 24 is provided on the lower main surface of the insulating substrate 12. In this embodiment, the reference conductor layer 24 is provided on the upper main surface of the insulating substrate 12. The reference conductor layer 24 is provided on the upper main surface of the insulator layer 16a on which the antenna conductor layer 20 is provided. The reference conductor layer 24 has a rectangular frame shape when viewed in the vertical direction. As a result, the reference conductor layer 24 surrounds the periphery of the antenna conductor layer 20 when viewed in the vertical direction. However, the antenna conductor layer 20 and the reference conductor layer 24 are separated from each other so that they are not short-circuited.

[0020] The reference conductor layer 26 is provided on the insulating substrate 12. In this embodiment, the reference conductor layer 26 is provided on the upper main surface of the insulator layer 16c. However, the shape of the reference conductor layer 26 is substantially the same as that of the reference conductor layer 24. However, the reference conductor layer 26 is not in contact with the signal conductor layer 28 so as to prevent the reference conductor layer 26 and the signal conductor layer 28 from being short-circuited.

[0021] The interlayer connection conductors v1 electrically connect the reference conductor layer 22, the reference conductor layer 24, and the reference conductor layer 26. More specifically, the interlayer connection conductors v1 penetrate the insulating layers 16a to 16e in the vertical direction. The upper ends of the interlayer connection conductors v1 are connected to the reference conductor layer 24. The middle parts of the interlayer connection conductors v1 are connected to the reference conductor layer 26. The lower ends of the interlayer connection conductors v1 are connected to the reference conductor layer 22. The interlayer connection conductors v1 are aligned along the reference conductor layer 24 when viewed in the vertical direction. That is, the interlayer connection conductors v1 are aligned so as to surround the antenna conductor layer 20 when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0022] The antenna conductor layer 20, the reference conductor layers 22, 24, 26, and the signal conductor layer 28 as described above are formed, for example, by etching a metal foil provided on the upper or lower main surfaces of the insulator layers 16a to 16e. The metal foil is, for example, a copper foil. The interlayer connection conductors v1 and v2 are, for example, via-hole conductors. The via-hole conductors are fabricated by forming through-holes in the insulator layers 16a to 16e, filling the through-holes with conductive paste, and solidifying the conductive paste by heating. The interlayer connection conductors v1 and v2 may be, for example, through-hole conductors. The through-hole conductors are fabricated by forming through-holes that penetrate a part or all of the insulator layers 16a to 16e, and plating the through-holes.

[0023] Next, the insulating substrate-free region A0 and the voids Sp0 will be described. The insulating substrate-free region A0 is formed by recessing a part of the upper main surface of the insulating substrate 12 downward, as shown in FIG. 2. The insulating substrate-free region A0 is located between the insulating substrate 12 and the antenna conductor layer 20 in the vertical direction. That is, , absolute The edge substrate-free region A0 is provided between the insulator layer 16a and the antenna conductor layer 20 in the vertical direction. As a result, the insulating substrate-free region A0 is located below the antenna conductor layer 20 and the reference conductor layer 24. The insulating substrate-free region A0 does not have the insulating substrate 12. In this embodiment, the insulating substrate-free region A0 is a void Sp0.

[0024] The "outer edge" and "inner edge" will be described below. In this specification, for example, the outer edge E1 of the antenna conductor layer 20 means an edge located on the outer side of the antenna conductor layer 20 when viewed in the vertical direction. The antenna conductor layer 20 does not exist outside the outer edge E1 of the antenna conductor layer 20. In this embodiment, the outer edge E1 has a rectangular shape. Meanwhile, in this specification, for example, the inner edge E2 of the reference conductor layer 24 means an edge located on the inner side of the reference conductor layer 24 when viewed in the vertical direction. The inner edge E2 of the reference conductor layer 24 is located within a region surrounded by the outer edge of the reference conductor layer 24. The reference conductor layer 24 exists outside the inner edge E2 of the reference conductor layer 24. In this embodiment, the inner edge E2 has a rectangular shape. The inner edge E2 surrounds the outer edge E1 when viewed in the vertical direction. In addition, the distance between the inner edge E2 and the outer edge E1 is constant.

[0025] A conductor-free area A11 is formed between the outer edge E1 of the antenna conductor layer 20 and the inner edge E2 of the reference conductor layer 24. The conductor-free area A11 is an area where no conductor is present. The conductor-free area A11 has a rectangular frame shape when viewed in the up-down direction.

[0026] The insulating substrate-free region A0 and the voids Sp0 are aligned along the outer edge E1 of the antenna conductor layer 20 and the inner edge E2 of the reference conductor layer 24 when viewed in the vertical direction. That is, the insulating substrate-free region A0 and the voids Sp0 overlap the conductor-free region A11 when viewed in the vertical direction. Therefore, the insulating substrate-free region A0 and the voids Sp0 have a rectangular frame shape when viewed in the vertical direction. As a result, the insulating substrate-free region A0 and the voids Sp0 surround the periphery of the antenna conductor layer 20 when viewed in the vertical direction. Moreover, the reference conductor layer 24 surrounds the periphery of the insulating substrate-free region A0 and the voids Sp0 when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0027] However, the insulating substrate-free region A0 and the inner edge P1 of the hole Sp0 overlap with the antenna conductor layer 20 when viewed in the vertical direction. As a result, the hole Sp0 exists between the outer edge E1 of the antenna conductor layer 20 and the insulating substrate 12. As a result, the entire outer edge E1 of the antenna conductor overlaps with the insulating substrate-free region A0 when viewed in the vertical direction and is not in contact with the insulating substrate 12.

[0028] Moreover, the outer edge P2 of the insulating substrate-free region A0 and the voids Sp0 overlap with the reference conductor layer 24 when viewed in the vertical direction. This causes the voids Sp0 to exist between the inner edge E2 of the reference conductor layer 24 and the insulating substrate 12. As a result, the entire inner edge E2 of the reference conductor layer 24 overlaps with the insulating substrate-free region A0 when viewed in the vertical direction and is not in contact with the insulating substrate 12.

[0029] Next, the multiple first openings Op1, the multiple first insulating substrate-free regions A1, and the multiple first holes Sp1 will be described. The multiple first openings Op1 are provided in the antenna conductor layer 20. The multiple first openings Op1 are arranged in a matrix when viewed in the vertical direction. The multiple first openings Op1 have an annular outer edge when viewed in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the multiple first openings Op1 have a circular outer edge when viewed in the vertical direction. However, the annular shape is not limited to a circular ring, and also includes a rectangular shape and a triangular shape. In this way, the annular outer edge does not have an end. Therefore, the first opening Op1 does not include a notch. The outer edge of the notch has an end. The outer edge of the notch is a part of the outer edge of the antenna conductor layer 20 that is bent so as to approach the center of the antenna conductor layer 20. Therefore, the outer edge of the notch is a part of the antenna conductor layer 20. The antenna conductor layer 20 does not exist within the first opening Op1. The interval between adjacent first openings Op1 is, for example, equal to or less than ¼ of the wavelength of the high-frequency signal transmitted and received by the antenna conductor layer 20.

[0030] The first insulating substrate-free regions A1 are provided in the insulating substrate 12. In this embodiment, the first insulating substrate-free regions A1 are provided in the insulator layer 16a. As a result, the first insulating substrate-free regions A1 are located below the antenna conductor layer 20. The first insulating substrate-free regions A1 are free of the insulating substrate 12. In this embodiment, the first insulating substrate-free regions A1 are first holes Sp1.

[0031] The first insulating substrate-free regions A1 are arranged in a matrix shape in the vertical direction so as to correspond to the first openings Op1. The first insulating substrate-free regions A1 have an annular outer edge in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the first insulating substrate-free regions A1 have a circular outer edge in the vertical direction. However, each of the first insulating substrate-free regions A1 includes each of the first openings Op1 in the vertical direction. That is, each of the first openings Op1 does not protrude from the first insulating substrate-free regions A1. Therefore, the diameter of the first insulating substrate-free region A1 is larger than the diameter of the first opening Op1. The first insulating substrate-free region A1 has a hemispherical shape.

[0032] Next, the second openings Op2, the second insulating substrate-free regions A2, and the second holes Sp2 will be described. The second openings Op2, the second insulating substrate-free regions A2, and the second holes Sp2 have a structure that is vertically symmetrical to the first openings Op1, the first insulating substrate-free regions A1, and the first holes Sp1. Therefore, the description of the second openings Op2, the second insulating substrate-free regions A2, and the second holes Sp2 will be omitted.

[0033] 2, the electronic device 1 includes an antenna element 10 and a housing 100. The antenna element 10 is accommodated in the housing 100. The electronic device 1 is, for example, a portable wireless communication terminal such as a smartphone.

[0034] [Method of manufacturing antenna elements] A method for manufacturing the antenna element 10 will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 3 is a flow chart showing the manufacturing process of the antenna element 10.

[0035] First, the insulating layers 16a to 16c are prepared, each having a metal foil attached to its upper main surface, and similarly, the insulating layers 16d and 16e are prepared, each having a metal foil attached to its lower main surface (step S1).

[0036] Next, a mask is formed on the metal foil, and an etching process is performed to form the antenna conductor layer 20, the reference conductor layers 22, 24, 26, and the signal conductor layer 28 on the insulator layers 16a to 16e (step S2).

[0037] Next, a plurality of interlayer connection conductors v1 and v2 are formed in the insulator layers 16a to 16e (step S3). Specifically, a laser beam is irradiated onto the insulator layers 16a to 16e to form a plurality of through holes. Then, the through holes are filled with a conductive paste.

[0038] Next, the insulating layers 16a to 16e are compressed to form the insulating base material 12 (step S4: compression bonding step). In the compression bonding step, the insulating layers 16a to 16e are heated while being pressed in the vertical direction. This softens the insulating layers 16a to 16e, and the insulating layers 16a to 16e are integrated together. The conductive paste is also solidified by heating, and a plurality of interlayer connection conductors v1 and v2 are formed.

[0039] Next, the air hole Sp0, the multiple first air holes Sp1, and the multiple second air holes Sp2 are formed in the insulator layers 16a and 16e (step S5). Specifically, the insulator layer 16a is etched using the antenna conductor layer 20 as a mask to form the air hole Sp0 and the multiple first air holes Sp1 (first air hole forming step). Furthermore, the insulator layer 16e is etched using the reference conductor layer 22 as a mask to form the multiple second air holes Sp2 (second air hole forming step). Through the above steps, the antenna element 10 is completed.

[0040] [effect] According to the antenna element 10, the decrease in radiation efficiency of the antenna element 10 can be suppressed. The outer edge E1 of the antenna conductor layer 20 overlaps with the insulating substrate-free region A0 when viewed in the up-down direction, and is not in contact with the insulating substrate 12. The insulating substrate-free region A0 is a hole Sp0. This reduces the dielectric constant around the outer edge E1 of the antenna conductor layer 20. This suppresses the occurrence of electric field concentration at the outer edge E1 of the antenna conductor layer 20. As a result, the electric field coupling between the antenna conductor layer 20 and the reference conductor layer 24 is suppressed. As a result, the radiation of electromagnetic waves from the antenna conductor layer 20 toward the reference conductor layer 24 is suppressed, and the decrease in radiation efficiency of the microstrip antenna is suppressed.

[0041] According to the antenna element 10, the decrease in the radiation efficiency of the antenna element 10 can be suppressed for the following reasons. The inner edge E2 of the reference conductor layer 24 overlaps with the insulating substrate-free region A0 when viewed in the up-down direction, and is not in contact with the insulating substrate 12. The insulating substrate-free region A0 is a hole Sp0. This reduces the dielectric constant around the inner edge E2 of the reference conductor layer 24. This suppresses the occurrence of electric field concentration at the inner edge E2 of the reference conductor layer 24. As a result, the electric field coupling between the antenna conductor layer 20 and the reference conductor layer 24 is suppressed. As a result, the radiation of electromagnetic waves from the antenna conductor layer 20 toward the reference conductor layer 24 is suppressed, and the decrease in the radiation efficiency of the microstrip antenna is suppressed.

[0042] According to the antenna element 10, the antenna element 10 can be thinned. More specifically, each of the multiple first insulating substrate-free regions A1 is located under the antenna conductor layer 20. Each of the multiple second insulating substrate-free regions A2 is located on the reference conductor layer 22. Each of the multiple first insulating substrate-free regions A1 and the multiple second insulating substrate-free regions A2 is a first hole Sp1 and a second hole Sp2. This reduces the dielectric constant of the region between the antenna conductor layer 20 and the reference conductor layer 22. Therefore, in order to form the capacitance of the design value between the antenna conductor layer 20 and the reference conductor layer 22, the distance between the antenna conductor layer 20 and the reference conductor layer 22 can be shortened. This allows the antenna element 10 to be thinned.

[0043] According to the antenna element 10, the antenna element 10 can be easily bent. More specifically, in the antenna element 10, a plurality of first holes Sp1, a plurality of second holes Sp2, and a hole Sp0 are provided in the insulating substrate 12. This makes the antenna element 10 more easily deformable. In addition, since the antenna element 10 is made thinner as described above, the antenna element 10 becomes even more easily deformable. As a result, according to the antenna element 10, the antenna element 10 can be easily bent.

[0044] According to the antenna element 10, the radiation efficiency of the antenna element 10 can be improved. More specifically, as described above, the dielectric constant in the vicinity of the antenna conductor layer 20 is reduced, and therefore the wavelength of the high-frequency signal transmitted through the antenna conductor layer 20 is lengthened. Therefore, in order to resonate the high-frequency signal in the antenna conductor layer 20, the antenna conductor layer 20 may be increased in size. When the antenna conductor layer 20 is increased in size, the radiation efficiency of the antenna element 10 is improved.

[0045] According to the manufacturing method of the antenna element 10, the air hole Sp0 can be easily formed. More specifically, the air hole Sp0 is formed by etching the insulator layer 16a using the antenna conductor layer 20 and the reference conductor layer 24 as a mask. In this way, by using the antenna conductor layer 20 and the reference conductor layer 22 as a mask, it is not necessary to form a new mask to form the air hole Sp0. As a result, according to the manufacturing method of the antenna element 10, the air hole Sp0 can be easily formed.

[0046] Since the material of the insulating base material 12 is a thermoplastic resin, there is no need to use an adhesive layer made of a material other than the thermoplastic resin to bond the insulating layers 16a to 16e. This allows the insulating base material 12 to be easily formed by thermocompression bonding. Also, the insulating base material 12 can be easily plastically deformed.

[0047] (First Modification) The antenna element 10a according to the first modified example will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 10a.

[0048] Antenna element 10a differs from antenna element 10 in the following three points.

[0049] The first insulating substrate no-formed regions A1 are provided with a low dielectric constant material 30 having a dielectric constant lower than that of the insulating substrate 12. The second insulating substrate no-formed regions A2 are provided with a low dielectric constant material 32 having a dielectric constant lower than that of the insulating substrate 12. The insulating substrate no-formed region A0 is provided with a low dielectric constant material 34 having a dielectric constant lower than that of the insulating substrate 12.

[0050] The low dielectric constant materials 30, 32, and 34 are, for example, a material in which low dielectric ceramic powder is mixed with resin. The other structure of the antenna element 10a is the same as that of the antenna element 10, so a description thereof will be omitted. The antenna element 10a as described above provides the same functions and effects as the antenna element 10.

[0051] 3. In addition, the manufacturing method of the antenna element 10a further includes steps S6 and S7 in FIG. 3. More specifically, the low dielectric constant materials 30, 34 having a dielectric constant lower than that of the insulating substrate 12 are filled into the first voids Sp1 and the voids Sp0 (step S6: first filling step). Furthermore, the low dielectric constant material 32 having a dielectric constant lower than that of the insulating substrate 12 is filled into the second voids Sp2 (step S7: second filling step). The first filling step and the second filling step are performed, for example, by pushing the paste of the low dielectric constant materials 30, 32, 34 into the first voids Sp1, the second voids Sp2, and the voids Sp0 with a squeegee. In this way, the low dielectric constant materials 30, 34 are filled into the first voids Sp1 and the voids Sp0, thereby suppressing deformation of the outer edge E1 of the antenna conductor layer 20 and the inner edge E2 of the reference conductor layer 24.

[0052] (Second Modification) The antenna element 10b according to the second modified example will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 5 is a top view of the insulator layer 16a of the antenna element 10b.

[0053] The antenna element 10b differs from the antenna element 10 in the structure of the antenna conductor layer 20, the number and shape of the first openings Op1, and the number and shape of the first insulating substrate-free regions A1. More specifically, the antenna conductor layer 20 and the reference conductor layer 24 are integrated. As a result, the antenna conductor layer 20 is connected to the ground potential. In the antenna element 10b, the number of the first openings Op1 is one. The number of the first insulating substrate-free regions A1 is one. The first opening Op1 has a band shape extending in the front-rear direction when viewed in the up-down direction. The length of the first opening Op1 in the front-rear direction is about half the wavelength of the high-frequency signal transmitted and received by the antenna conductor layer 20. The first insulating substrate-free regions A1 have a band shape extending in the front-rear direction when viewed in the up-down direction. The signal conductor layer 28 overlaps with the first opening Op1 when viewed in the up-down direction. However, the signal conductor layer 28 is not connected to the antenna conductor layer 20 via an interlayer connection conductor. In such an antenna element 10b, the antenna conductor layer 20 functions as a slot antenna. The other structures of the antenna element 10b are the same as those of the antenna element 10, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted. According to the antenna element 10b, it is possible to obtain the same functions and effects as those of the antenna element 10.

[0054] (Third Modification) The antenna element 10c according to the third modified example will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 6 is a top view of the insulator layer 16a of the antenna element 10c. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 10c.

[0055] The antenna element 10c is different from the antenna element 10 in that it includes a plurality of antenna conductor layers 20a-20o. The antenna conductor layers 20a-20o are provided on the upper main surface of the insulating substrate 12. Therefore, the antenna conductor layers 20a-20o are provided on the upper main surface of the insulator layer 16a. The antenna conductor layers 20a-20o are arranged in a matrix when viewed in the vertical direction. Although not shown, the antenna conductor layers 20a-20o are electrically connected to a signal conductor layer (not shown) via an interlayer connection conductor v100. The other structures of the antenna element 10c are the same as those of the antenna element 10, so that the description thereof will be omitted. The antenna element 10c can achieve the same effects as those of the antenna element 10. Furthermore, the first insulating substrate-free region A1 is provided between the antenna conductor layers 20a-20o, thereby suppressing interference of high-frequency signals between the antenna conductor layers 20a-20o. Furthermore, since the antenna conductor layers 20a to 20o can be arranged close to each other, the antenna element 10c can be made smaller.

[0056] (Fourth Modification) An antenna element 10d according to a fourth modified example will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 8 is a top view of the insulator layer 16a of the antenna element 10d. Figs. 9 and 10 are cross-sectional views of the antenna element 10d.

[0057] The antenna element 10d differs from the antenna element 10 in that it includes antenna conductor layers 20a and 20b and reference conductor layers 22a and 22b. The antenna conductor layers 20a and 20b are provided on the upper main surface of the insulator layer 16a. The antenna conductor layers 20a and 20b are arranged in this order from left to right. The reference conductor layers 22a and 22b are provided on the upper main surface of the insulator layer 16a. d The reference conductor layers 22a and 22b are provided in this order from left to right. .Ma In addition, the reference conductor layers 22a, 22b, and 24 are electrically connected by a conductor layer and an interlayer connection conductor (not shown).

[0058] Here, the antenna element 10d has first sections A21, A23 and a second section A22. The first section A21, the second section A22 and the first section A23 are arranged in this order from left to right. The second section A22 is bent with respect to the first section A21 in the negative direction of the z axis (the up and down direction in the first section A21). The radius of curvature of the second section A22 is smaller than the radii of curvature of the first sections A21 and A23. In this embodiment, the first sections A21 and A23 are not bent in the z axis direction.

[0059] In such an antenna element 10d, the insulating substrate-free region A0 is located in the second section A22. As a result, the air holes Sp0 are located in the second section A22. The insulating substrate-free region A0 and the air holes Sp0 reach the signal conductor layer 28. The insulating substrate 12 is further provided with an insulating substrate-free region A10 and air holes Sp10. The insulating substrate-free region A10 and the air holes Sp10 reach the signal conductor layer 28. As a result, the thickness of the antenna element 10d in the vertical direction in the first sections A21 and A23 is greater than the thickness of the antenna element 10d in the vertical direction in the second section A22. Therefore, in the antenna element 10d, the antenna element 10d can be easily bent in the z-axis direction in the second section A22. The other structure of the antenna element 10d is the same as that of the antenna element 10, so a description thereof will be omitted. The antenna element 10d can achieve the same effects as the antenna element 10.

[0060] (Fifth Modification) An antenna element 10e according to the fifth modified example will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 10e.

[0061] Antenna element 10e differs from antenna element 10d in that insulating substrate-free region A0 and voids Sp0 do not reach the signal conductor layer 28, and that insulating substrate-free region A10 and voids Sp10 do not reach the signal conductor layer 28. Other structures of antenna element 10e are the same as those of antenna element 10d, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. Antenna element 10e can achieve the same effects as antenna element 10d.

[0062] (Sixth Modification) An antenna element 10f according to the sixth modified example will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 10f.

[0063] The antenna element 10f differs from the antenna element 10e in that the antenna element 10f does not have an insulating substrate-free region A10 and an air hole Sp10. The other structures of the antenna element 10f are the same as those of the antenna element 10e, and therefore will not be described. The antenna element 10f can achieve the same effects as the antenna element 10e.

[0064] (Seventh Modification) An antenna element 10g according to the seventh modified example will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 13 is a top view of an insulator layer 16a of the antenna element 10g. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 10g.

[0065] The antenna element 10g differs from the antenna element 10 in the shape of the antenna conductor layer 20 and the shape of the reference conductor layer 24. More specifically, the antenna conductor layer 20 has a meandering shape when viewed in the vertical direction. That is, the antenna conductor layer 20 meanders when viewed in the vertical direction. Also, the reference conductor layer 24 has an L-shape when viewed in the vertical direction. Specifically, the reference conductor layer 24 extends in the front-rear direction to the left of the antenna conductor layer 20, and extends in the left-right direction behind the antenna conductor layer 20. The other structures of the antenna element 10g are the same as those of the antenna element 10, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. The antenna element 10g can achieve the same effects as those of the antenna element 10.

[0066] Furthermore, in the antenna element 10g, the electrical length of the antenna conductor layer 20 is increased, and therefore the frequency of the high-frequency signal that resonates in the antenna conductor layer 20 is decreased.

[0067] (Eighth Modification) An antenna element 10h according to the eighth modification will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 10h.

[0068] The antenna element 10h differs from the antenna element 10 in that it further includes a protective layer 102. The antenna conductor layer 20 is provided on the upper main surface of the insulating substrate 12. The protective layer 102 covers the antenna conductor layer 20 and is provided on the upper main surface of the insulating substrate 12. The material of the protective layer 102 is different from the material of the insulator layers 16a to 16e. Therefore, the protective layer 102 is not a part of the insulating substrate 12. The Young's modulus of the material of the protective layer 102 is, for example, larger than the Young's modulus of the material of the insulator layers 16a to 16e. The other structure of the antenna element 10h is the same as that of the antenna element 10, so a description thereof will be omitted. The antenna element 10h can achieve the same effects as the antenna element 10.

[0069] The antenna element 10h protects the antenna conductor layer 20 and the structure of the holes Sp0. When the dielectric constant of the protective layer 102 is higher than that of the insulating layers 16a to 16e, the frequency band of the high-frequency signal that can be communicated by the antenna element 10h is expanded. When the thickness of the protective layer 102 in the vertical direction is set to be approximately the same as the wavelength of the high-frequency signal, the dielectric constant of the protective layer 102 may be lower than that of the insulating layers 16a to 16e.

[0070] (Ninth Modification) The antenna element 10i according to the ninth modified example will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 10i. Fig. 17 is a top view of the antenna element 10i. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 10i during manufacturing.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 16 and Fig. 17, the antenna element 10i is different from the antenna element 10 in that it has a horn antenna structure. The antenna conductor layer 20 is provided on the upper main surface of the insulator layer 16b. However, as shown in Fig. 18, the upper surface of the insulator layer 16b is removed by etching before the insulator layers 16a to 16e are pressure-bonded. At this time, the antenna conductor layer 20 is used as a mask. Therefore, the insulator layer 16b remains under the antenna conductor layer 20 so as to be in contact with the antenna conductor layer 20. However, an insulating base material-free region A0 where the insulator layer 16b does not exist is located under the outer edge E1 of the antenna conductor layer 20. That is, a void Sp0 is located under the outer edge E1 of the antenna conductor layer 20.

[0072] Also, when viewed in the vertical direction, the insulator layer 16a located around the antenna conductor layer 20 is removed. As a result, a through hole H100 is formed in the insulator layer 16a. The through hole H100 has a shape in which the area of ​​the through hole H100 increases in the upward direction in a cross section perpendicular to the vertical direction. Also, a plating layer 110 is provided to cover the inner circumferential surface of the through hole H100. The plating layer 110 is electrically connected to the reference conductor layer 24. The other structure of the antenna element 10i is the same as that of the antenna element 10, so a description thereof will be omitted. The antenna element 10i can achieve the same effects as the antenna element 10. In addition, since the antenna conductor layer 20 is surrounded by air, the radiation efficiency of the antenna conductor layer 20 is high. In addition, since the antenna element 10i has a horn antenna structure, the antenna element 10i has high directivity.

[0073] (Tenth Modification) The antenna element 10j according to the tenth modification will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 10j. Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 10j during manufacturing.

[0074] The antenna element 10j is different from the antenna element 10i in that it further includes reference conductor layers 25 and 27. The reference conductor layers 25 and 27 are provided under the reference conductor layer 24. The reference conductor layers 25 and 27 are exposed in the through hole H100. The plating layer 110 covers the inner surface of the through hole H100 and the reference conductor layers 25 and 27 exposed at the inner surface of the through hole H100. j In this manufacturing method, after the insulator layers 16a-16f are laminated and pressure-bonded, a through hole H100 is formed in the insulator layers 16a, 16b. Then, a plating layer 110 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole H100. The other structure of the antenna element 10j is the same as that of the antenna element 10i, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The antenna element 10j can achieve the same effects as the antenna element 10i.

[0075] (Eleventh Modification) The antenna element 10k according to the eleventh modified example will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 10k.

[0076] The antenna element 10k differs from the antenna element 10 in that the second opening Op2 and the second insulating substrate-free area A2 are not present. The other structures of the antenna element 10k are the same as those of the antenna element 10, and therefore will not be described. The antenna element 10k can achieve the same effects as the antenna element 10.

[0077] (Twelfth Modification) The antenna element 10l according to the twelfth modified example will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 10l.

[0078] The antenna element 10l differs from the antenna element 10a in that it further includes a first protective layer 70a and a second protective layer 70b. The first protective layer 70a covers the upper main surface (first main surface) of the insulating base material 12. The dielectric constant of the first protective layer 70a is higher than the dielectric constant of the insulating base material 12. The second protective layer 70b covers the lower main surface (second main surface) of the insulating base material 12. The dielectric constant of the second protective layer 70b is higher than the dielectric constant of the insulating base material 12. The other structure of the antenna element 10d is the same as that of the antenna element 10a. The antenna element 10l can achieve the same effects as the antenna element 10a.

[0079] Moreover, the first protective layer 70a covers the upper main surface (first main surface) of the insulating substrate 12. This increases the wavelength shortening effect of the high-frequency signal transmitted and received by the antenna conductor layer 20. The antenna conductor layer 20 is also protected by the first protective layer 70a. Furthermore, it becomes possible to simultaneously fill the first insulating substrate-free region A1 and the second insulating substrate-free region A2 with a material and form the first protective layer 70a.

[0080] (13th Modification) The antenna element 10m according to the thirteenth modified example will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 10m.

[0081] The antenna element 10m is different from the antenna element 10l in that the first protective layer 70a has a plurality of through holes h1 and the second protective layer 70b has a plurality of through holes h2. When viewed in the vertical direction, the through hole h1 is provided in a portion of the first protective layer 70a that overlaps with one or more first openings Op1 and holes Sp0. The through hole h1 penetrates the first protective layer 70a in the vertical direction. The diameter of the through hole h1 is smaller than the diameter of the first opening Op1. When viewed in the vertical direction, the through hole h2 is provided in a portion of the second protective layer 70b that overlaps with one or more second openings Op2. The diameter of the through hole h2 is smaller than the diameter of the second opening Op2. The other structure of the antenna element 10m is the same as that of the antenna element 10l. The antenna element 10m can achieve the same effects as the antenna element 10l.

[0082] Since the first protective layer 70a has the through-holes h1, the air in the first holes Sp1 can flow in and out. Therefore, even if the air in the first holes Sp1 expands or contracts due to a temperature change such as reflow, the first protective layer 70 is unlikely to peel off from the insulating base material 12.

[0083] (14th Modification) The antenna element 10n according to the fourteenth modification will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 10n.

[0084] The antenna element 10n differs from the antenna element 10k in that it further includes a first protective layer 70a. The first protective layer 70a covers the upper main surface (first main surface) of the insulating base material 12. The dielectric constant of the first protective layer 70a is greater than the dielectric constant of the insulating base material 12. The vertical thickness of the first protective layer 70a of the antenna element 10n is greater than the vertical thickness of the first protective layer 70a of the antenna element 10l. The other structures of the antenna element 10n are the same as those of the antenna element 10l. The antenna element 10n can achieve the same effects as those of the antenna element 10k.

[0085] Moreover, the first protective layer 70a covers the upper main surface (first main surface) of the insulating substrate 12. This increases the wavelength shortening effect of the high-frequency signal transmitted and received by the antenna conductor layer 20. The antenna conductor layer 20 is also protected by the first protective layer 70a. Furthermore, it becomes possible to simultaneously fill the insulating substrate-free region A0, the first insulating substrate-free region A1, and the second insulating substrate-free region A2 with a material and form the first protective layer 70a.

[0086] (15th Modification) The antenna element 10o according to the fifteenth modified example will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 10o.

[0087] The antenna element 10o differs from the antenna element 10d in that the insulator layers 16a-16e in the second section A22 are not removed. The other structure of the antenna element 10o is the same as that of the antenna element 10d, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. According to the antenna element 10o, the signal conductor layer 28 in the second section A22 is protected by the insulator layers 16a-16e. In such an antenna element 10o, the second section A22 of the insulating substrate 12 is protected by a dry film, so that the second section A22 of the insulating substrate 12 is not subjected to resin etching. The dry film is removed after the resin etching.

[0088] (16th Modification) An antenna element 10p according to the sixteenth modification will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 26 is an exploded perspective view of the antenna element 10p.

[0089] The antenna element 10p differs from the antenna element 10 in that the antenna conductor layers 20a and 20b are dipole antennas. p does not include a reference conductor layer 22. The antenna conductor layers 20a and 20b are each provided on the upper main surface of the insulator layer 16a. The antenna conductor layers 20a and 20b have a band shape extending in the front-rear direction. The antenna conductor layer 20a is connected to a signal conductor layer 55a. The antenna conductor layer 20b is connected to a signal conductor layer 55b via an interlayer connection conductor v11.

[0090] Each of the antenna conductor layers 20a and 20b is provided with a plurality of first openings Op1. The insulator layer 16a is provided with a plurality of first insulating substrate-free regions A1. The other structures of the antenna element 10p are the same as those of the antenna element 10, and therefore will not be described. The antenna element 10p can achieve the same effects as the antenna element 10.

[0091] (Circuit board) The circuit board 200 will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0092] The circuit board 200 has a first section A111 and a second section A112. The first section A111 is provided with an antenna conductor layer 20. That is, the first section A111 has the same structure as the antenna elements 10, 10a to 10h. The second section A112 is not provided with the antenna conductor layer 20. However, a signal conductor layer electrically connected to the antenna conductor layer 20 is provided. The first section A111 is not curved. The second section A112 is curved. However, the first section A111 may be curved. In this case, the radius of curvature of the first section A111 is larger than the radius of curvature of the second section A112.

[0093] (Other variations) The holes Sp0a to Sp0b of the antenna element according to other modified examples are as follows: g 28 to 34 show holes Sp0a to Sp 0 FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of g.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 28, the portion of the void Sp0a having the maximum width in the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction may be located below the upper main surface of the insulator layer 16a. As shown in FIG. 29, the void Sp0b may have an up-down inverted cone shape. As shown in FIG. 30, the void Sp0c may have an up-down inverted truncated cone shape. As shown in FIG. 31, the void Sp0d may be formed in a plurality of insulator layers 16a and 16b. As shown in FIG. 32, the void Sp0e may penetrate between the upper main surface of the insulator layer 16a and the lower main surface of the insulator layer 16d in the up-down direction.

[0095] Also, as shown in FIG. 33, an insulator layer 116a may be provided between the insulator layer 16a and the insulator layer 16b. The material of the insulator layer 116a is, for example, a fluororesin. Therefore, the insulator layer 116a is less likely to be removed by etching than the insulator layer 16a. Therefore, the voids Sp0f penetrate only the insulator layer 16a in the vertical direction. Also, as shown in FIG. 34, a through hole H120 may be formed in the insulator layer 116a. In this case, the voids Sp0g are formed in the insulator layer 16a and the insulator layer 16b. Note that a non-etched conductive layer may be provided instead of the insulator layer 116a in FIG. 33 and FIG. 34.

[0096] (Other embodiments) The antenna element according to the present invention is not limited to the antenna elements 10, 10a to 10p, and may be modified within the scope of the present invention. The configurations of the antenna elements 10, 10a to 10p may be combined in any manner.

[0097] The holes Sp0, Sp0a to Sp0g may be formed by resin etching. In this case, the insulating layers 16a, 16e can be easily processed. The holes Sp0, Sp0a to Sp0g may be formed by laser beam irradiation. In this case, the insulating layers 16a, 16e below the conductor layers can be scraped off by heat. The holes Sp0, Sp0a to Sp0g may be formed by a combination of laser beam irradiation and resin etching. In this case, small-diameter, deep holes can be formed.

[0098] It should be noted that the reference conductor layers 22, 24, and 26 are not essential components.

[0099] In the antenna elements 10, 10a to 10p, the antenna conductor layer may be a dipole antenna, etc. In this case, the antenna conductor layer has a shape other than a rectangle, such as a linear shape.

[0100] The antenna elements 10i to 10k may each include a plurality of antenna conductor layers.

[0101] It is sufficient that at least a portion of the outer edge E1 of the antenna conductor overlaps the insulating substrate-free region A0 when viewed in the vertical direction and does not contact the insulating substrate 12. Similarly, it is sufficient that at least a portion of the inner edge E2 of the reference conductor layer 24 overlaps the insulating substrate-free region A0 when viewed in the vertical direction and does not contact the insulating substrate 12.

[0102] An insulator layer may be further provided on the antenna conductor layer 20. The material of this insulator layer may be the same as that of the insulator layers 16a to 16e. However, this insulator layer is not a part of the insulating substrate 12.

[0103] In the antenna elements 10, 10a to 10p, the insulating base material 12 does not have to be flexible. The material of the insulating base material 12 may be a material other than a thermoplastic resin. Furthermore, the insulating layers 16a to 16f may be bonded by an adhesive layer made of a material different from that of the insulating layers 16a to 16f.

[0104] A layer made of the same material as the insulating layers 16a-16d may be laminated on the upper main surface of the insulating base material 12. In this case, this layer is not a part of the insulating base material 12. In other words, a layer laminated above the upper main surface of the insulating base material 12 on which the antenna conductor layer 20 is provided is not a part of the insulating base material 12.

[0105] In the antenna element 10l, the material filled in the first insulating substrate-free region A1 and the second insulating substrate-free region A2 may be different from the material of the first protective layer 70a and the material of the second protective layer 70b. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1:Electronic equipment 10, 10a to 10p: antenna elements 12: Insulating substrate 16a to 16f: Insulator layers 20, 20a to 20o: Antenna conductor layer 22, 22a, 22b: Reference conductor layers 24-27: Reference conductor layers 28: Signal conductor layer 30: Low dielectric constant material 32: Low dielectric constant materials 34: Low dielectric constant materials 100: Housing 102:Protective layer A0, A10: Area without insulating substrate A1: First insulating substrate-free region A11: Non-conductor region A2: Area where second insulating base material is not formed A21, A23: First Section A22: 2nd section E1: Outer edge E2: Inner edge Sp0, Sp0a~Sp0g: Vacancy

Claims

1. an insulating substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface aligned in a vertical direction; one or more antenna conductor layers provided on the first main surface of the insulating substrate; a reference conductor layer provided on the first main surface of the insulating substrate and surrounding the one or more antenna conductor layers; one or more insulating substrate-free regions, in which the insulating substrate is not present, located between the insulating substrate and the antenna conductor layer in the vertical direction; Equipped with The insulating substrate non-forming region is forming a hole extending between the antenna conductor layer and the reference conductor layer on the first main surface of the insulating substrate; Antenna element.

2. An insulating substrate having a first principal surface and a second principal surface aligned in the vertical direction; a plurality of antenna conductor layers provided on the first main surface of the insulating substrate; one or more insulating substrate-free regions, in which the insulating substrate is not present, located between the insulating substrate and the plurality of antenna conductor layers in the vertical direction; Equipped with The insulating substrate non-forming region is forming a hole extending between adjacent antenna conductor layers among the plurality of antenna conductor layers on the first main surface of the insulating base material; Antenna element.

3. The antenna conductor layer has a first section and a second section as sections in a direction in which a long side of the antenna conductor layer extends, the second section is bent relative to the first section in the up-down direction of the first section, The radius of curvature of the second section is smaller than the radius of curvature of the first section; The insulating substrate-free region is located in the second section. An antenna element according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a protective layer covering the antenna conductor layer and provided on the first main surface of the insulating base material; An antenna element according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The dielectric constant of the protective layer is higher than the dielectric constant of the insulating substrate.

5. An antenna element as claimed in claim 4.

6. the dielectric constant of the protective layer is lower than the dielectric constant of the insulating base material; 5. An antenna element as claimed in claim 4.

7. a through hole is provided in a portion of the protective layer that overlaps the insulating base material-free region when viewed in the up-down direction; An antenna element according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

8. The material of the insulating substrate is a thermoplastic resin. An antenna element according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The antenna element according to any one of claims 1 to 8, electronic equipment.

Images