electronic machines

Abstract

This electronic device comprises: an antenna module for communication using a predetermined communication frequency; and a housing that has a predetermined surface and a recess provided in the predetermined surface. The antenna module is contained in the recess in such a manner that the surface direction of an antenna surface of the antenna module coincides with the surface direction of the predetermined surface. The predetermined surface includes a first area and a second area that are opposed to each other with respect to the recess in the width direction of the antenna surface. The housing has, in the first area, a protrusion having a conductivity. The front end of the protrusion protrudes relative to the antenna surface in the surface direction of the antenna surface. The second area does not protrude relative to the antenna surface in the surface direction of the antenna surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an antenna module housing structure in which an antenna module configured by forming an antenna on a substrate is housed in a housing. The housing is made of resin and has a hollow box shape, and rectangular side plates are formed on each of the six faces. An RF antenna module is housed in the side plate located on the front surface of the housing by the antenna module housing structure.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] In the antenna module housing structure of Patent Document 1, the RF antenna module radiates millimeter-wave radio waves in front of the front surface of the side plate exposed to the outside of the housing by a patch antenna constituting a front-direction radiation antenna.

[0005] In Patent Document 1, as a method of changing the radiation direction of millimeter-wave radio waves, it is conceivable to tilt the antenna module with respect to the side plate of the housing. When the antenna module is tilted with respect to the side plate, the distance between the antenna module and the side plate becomes non-uniform. This can contribute to a decrease in the antenna performance of the antenna module.

[0006] The present disclosure provides an electronic device capable of tilting the main radiation direction of an antenna module with respect to a housing without tilting the antenna module with respect to the housing.

[0007] An electronic device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises an antenna module for communication at a predetermined communication frequency, and a housing having a predetermined surface and a recess provided on the predetermined surface. The antenna module is housed in the recess such that the plane direction of the antenna surface of the antenna module coincides with the plane direction of the predetermined surface. The predetermined surface includes a first region and a second region that are opposite each other to the recess in the width direction of the antenna surface. The housing has conductive projections in the first region. The tips of the projections protrude beyond the antenna surface in the plane direction of the antenna surface. The second region does not protrude beyond the antenna surface in the plane direction of the antenna surface.

[0008] According to an aspect of this disclosure, the main radiation direction of the antenna module can be tilted relative to the housing without tilting the antenna module relative to the housing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Block diagram of an example of the circuit configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Schematic perspective view of the electronic device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] A partial perspective view showing a portion of the area indicated by P in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 3 shows the diagram with the radome omitted. [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the antenna module of the electronic device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6] Side view of the vicinity of the antenna module of the electronic device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 7] Figure 6 shows the diagram with the radome omitted. [Figure 8] Figure 1: Heatmap of antenna gain of electronic equipment [Figure 9] Figure 1: Heatmap of antenna gain of electronic equipment [Figure 10] Figure 1: Heatmap of antenna gain of electronic equipment [Figure 11] Heatmap of antenna gain of comparative electronic equipment [Figure 12] Heatmap of antenna gain of comparative electronic equipment [Figure 13] Heatmap of antenna gain of comparative electronic equipment [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] [1. Embodiments] The embodiments will be described in detail below, with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, unnecessary details may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming unnecessarily verbose and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. The inventors provide the accompanying drawings and the following explanation so that those skilled in the art can fully understand this disclosure, and do not intend to limit the subject matter described in the claims by means of these.

[0011] Unless otherwise specified, the positional relationships, such as up, down, left, and right, shall be based on the positional relationships shown in the drawings. The figures described in the following embodiments are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the size and thickness of each component in each figure do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of each element are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0012] [1.1 Structure] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an example of the circuit configuration of the electronic device 1 according to this embodiment. The electronic device 1 in Figure 1 is a laptop computer. As shown in Figure 1 , electric The sub-device 1 comprises an antenna module 2, a communication circuit 31, an input / output device 32, a storage device 33, and an arithmetic circuit 34.

[0013] Antenna module 2 is used for communication at a predetermined communication frequency. As will be described in detail later, antenna module 2 has multiple antenna elements 21 on its antenna surface 20. Antenna module 2 is used for transmitting and receiving radio waves at a predetermined communication frequency. The predetermined communication frequency is, for example, included in the frequency band of 24.250 GHz to 52.600 GHz. The frequency band of 24.250 GHz to 52.600 GHz is defined as the frequency band of FR2 for 5GNR. FR2 further includes frequency bands represented by band numbers n257, n258, n260, and n261. n257 and n261 are in the 28 GHz band. n258 is in the 26 GHz band. n260 is in the 39 GHz band. Antenna module 2 is a sub-millimeter wave to millimeter wave antenna module. Antenna module 2 is used for wireless communication between electronic equipment 1 and external equipment.

[0014] The communication circuit 31 is connected to the antenna module 2. The communication circuit 31 is connected to an external device or system via the antenna module 2 in a communicative manner. The communication circuit 31 has one or more communication interfaces. The communication circuit 31 conforms to a predetermined communication protocol. The predetermined communication protocol can be selected from various well-known wireless communication standards.

[0015] The input / output device 32 has functions as an input device for inputting information from the user and an output device for outputting information to the user. That is, the input / output device 32 is used for inputting information to the electronic device 1 and outputting information from the electronic device 1. The input / output device 32 includes one or more human-machine interfaces. Examples of human-machine interfaces include input devices such as keyboards, pointing devices (mice, trackballs, etc.), touch pads, output devices such as displays, speakers, and input / output devices such as touch panels. In FIG. 2, the input / output device 32 includes a keyboard 321 and a display 322. The input / output device 32 may include one or more connectors. Examples of one or more connectors include earphone jacks, USB connectors, LAN connectors, HDMI (registered trademark) connectors, DVI connectors, and D-sub connectors.

[0016] The storage device 33 is used to store information used by the arithmetic circuit 34 and information generated by the arithmetic circuit 34. The storage device 33 includes one or more storages (non-temporary storage media). The storage may be, for example, any of a hard disk drive, an optical drive, and a solid state drive (SSD).

[0017] The arithmetic circuit 34 is a circuit that controls the operation of the electronic device 1. The arithmetic circuit 34 is connected to the communication circuit 31 and the input / output device 32 and can access the storage device 33. The arithmetic circuit 34 can be realized, for example, by a computer system including one or more processors (microprocessors) and one or more memories. By the one or more processors executing a program (stored in the one or more memories or the storage device 33), a predetermined function is realized. Here, the program is pre-recorded in the storage device 33, but may be provided by being recorded through an electric communication line such as the Internet or a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card.

[0018] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the electronic device 1 shown in Figure 1. The electronic device 1 comprises an antenna module 2, a communication circuit 31, an input / output device 32, a storage device 33, and a housing 4 that houses an arithmetic circuit 34.

[0019] The enclosure 4 in Figure 2 comprises a first enclosure 5 and a second enclosure 6. The first enclosure 5 corresponds to the base or bottom of a laptop computer. The first enclosure 5 is a flat rectangular parallelepiped. The first enclosure 5 houses an antenna module 2, a communication circuit 31, input / output devices 32 (excluding the display 322), a storage device 33, and an arithmetic circuit 34. A keyboard 321 is positioned on the top surface of the first enclosure 5. The second enclosure 6 corresponds to the cover of a laptop computer. The second enclosure 6 is a flat rectangular parallelepiped. The second enclosure 6 houses the display 322. The second enclosure 6 is rotatably mounted on the first enclosure 5 between an open position where the display 322 is visible to the user and a closed position where the display 322 is not visible to the user. Because the second enclosure 6 is rotatable relative to the first enclosure 5, the length, width, and thickness of the enclosure 4 are determined relative to the first enclosure 5. In other words, the length, width, and thickness directions of the first housing 5 correspond to the length, width, and thickness directions of the housing 4, respectively.

[0020] In this embodiment, the first housing 5 is conductive. The first housing 5 is formed from a conductive material such as a metallic material. The metallic material is, for example, magnesium.

[0021] Next, the arrangement of the antenna module 2 will be described in detail. As shown by P in Figure 2, the antenna module 2 is located near a predetermined surface 51 of the first housing 5 of the housing 4. In this embodiment, the predetermined surface 51 is a longitudinal side surface of the first housing 5. The longitudinal direction of the predetermined surface 51 coincides with the width direction of the first housing 5. direction This coincides with the thickness direction of the first housing 5. In particular, in Figure 2, the predetermined surface 51 is the right side, which is located to the right of the user when the electronic device 1 is in use.

[0022] Figure 3 is a partial perspective view with a portion of the area indicated by P in Figure 2 cut out. Figure 4 is a partial side view of the area indicated by P in Figure 2. Note that the antenna module 2 is shown in a simplified manner in Figure 3.

[0023] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the electronic device 1 includes a radome 7 that covers the antenna module 2. A recess 510 into which the radome 7 fits is formed on a predetermined surface 51. A recess 52 capable of accommodating the antenna module 2 is formed on the bottom surface 510a of the recess 510. That is, a recess 52 is provided on the predetermined surface 51 of the first housing 5.

[0024] Figure 5 is a diagram in which the radome 7 is omitted from Figure 3. Figure 6 is a diagram in which the radome 7 is omitted from Figure 4. Note that in Figure 5, the antenna module 2 is shown in a simplified form.

[0025] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the antenna module 2 is a rectangular plate. The antenna module 2 has a thickness direction (left-right direction in Figure 5), a length direction (left-right direction in Figure 6), and a width direction (up-down direction in Figure 6). The antenna module 2 has an antenna surface 20 on one side in the thickness direction.

[0026] As shown in Figure 6, the antenna surface 20 has multiple antenna elements 21. The antenna elements 21 are, for example, electrodes formed on the antenna surface 20 that resonate at a predetermined communication frequency. In Figure 6, the multiple antenna elements 21 are arranged in a line along the length of the antenna surface 20. This allows the antenna module 2 to be used as a phased array antenna. In this embodiment, the length of the antenna surface 20 is the array direction in which the antenna elements 21 are arranged on the antenna surface 20. The width direction of the antenna surface 20 is the non-array direction in which the antenna elements 21 are not arranged on the antenna surface 20.

[0027] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the recess 52 is approximately rectangular in shape. The size of the recess 52 is larger than the size of the antenna module 2 when viewed from the thickness direction of the antenna module 2. The length direction of the recess 52 (left-right direction in Figure 6) coincides with the length direction of the predetermined surface 51. The width direction of the recess 52 (up-down direction in Figure 6) coincides with the width direction of the predetermined surface 51, that is, the thickness direction of the housing 4.

[0028] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the antenna module 2 is housed in the recess 52 such that the plane direction of the antenna surface 20 of the antenna module 2 coincides with the plane direction of the predetermined surface 51. Here, the plane direction means the direction perpendicular to that surface. That is, the antenna module 2 is housed in the recess 52 such that the antenna surface 20 is parallel to the predetermined surface 51. The antenna module 2 is housed in the recess 52 such that the antenna surface 20 is outside the recess 52. In other words, the antenna surface 20 protrudes outward from the recess 52. In this embodiment, the center position in the width direction of the antenna surface 20 of the antenna module 2 coincides with the center position in the width direction of the recess 52. The antenna module 2 is connected to the communication circuit 31 by wires or the like using an opening that connects the inside of the recess 52 and the inside of the first housing 5.

[0029] In antenna module 2, multiple antenna elements 21 are arranged in a line along the length of the antenna surface 20. The communication circuit 31 can control the directivity of antenna module 2 in a plane perpendicular to the width direction of the antenna surface 20 using beamforming technology. On the other hand, in antenna module 2, since there is only a single antenna element 21 on the antenna surface 20 in the width direction, directivity control by beamforming technology cannot be performed in a plane perpendicular to the length direction of the antenna surface 20. Therefore, in a plane perpendicular to the length direction of the antenna surface 20, the main radiation direction of antenna module 2 coincides with the plane direction of the predetermined surface 51. In Figure 1, the dotted arrow A1 indicates the main radiation direction of antenna module 2 that coincides with the plane direction of the predetermined surface 51.

[0030] In this embodiment, the electronic device 1 is a laptop computer. In a laptop computer, it is desirable that the antenna gain of the antenna module 2 is secured in the upper hemispheric region of 90° from the zenith.

[0031] By tilting the antenna module 2 upward with respect to the first housing 5, it is possible to direct the main radiation direction of the antenna module 2 upward and secure antenna gain in the upper hemispherical region. In Figure 1, the solid arrow A2 indicates the main radiation direction of the antenna module 2 tilted upward with respect to the plane direction of the predetermined surface 51. However, when the antenna surface 20 of the antenna module 2 is tilted with respect to the predetermined surface 51 of the first housing 5, the distance between the antenna surface 20 and the radome 7 becomes uneven, which can increase the influence of the radome 7 on the antenna characteristics and potentially contribute to a decrease in antenna characteristics.

[0032] In this embodiment, instead of tilting the antenna module 2 relative to the first housing 5, a structure for adjusting the main radiation direction of the antenna module 2 is provided on a predetermined surface 51.

[0033] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the predetermined surface 51 includes a first region 511 and a second region 512 that are opposite each other to the recess 52 in the width direction of the antenna surface 20. In this embodiment, the first region 511 is the region on the predetermined surface 51 that is on the bottom side of the first housing 5 (the lower side in Figure 6) relative to the recess 52. The second region 512 is the region on the predetermined surface 51 that is on the top side of the first housing 5 (the upper side in Figure 6) relative to the recess 52. The first region 511 and the second region 512 are flat.

[0034] The first housing 5 has a projection 53 in the first region 511. That is, the housing 4 has a projection 53 in the first region 511. The projection 53 is conductive. The projection 53 is formed from a conductive material such as a metallic material. The metallic material is, for example, magnesium.

[0035] In this embodiment, the projection 53 is formed integrally with the first housing 5. As shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment, the projection 53 extends along the entire length of the antenna surface 20. The projection 53 has a tip 53a, which is a flat surface.

[0036] The first housing 5 does not have a structure such as a projection 53 in the second region 512. In this embodiment, the second region 512 includes the edge (upper edge in this embodiment) of the predetermined surface 51. Within the recess 510, the edge of the predetermined surface 51 has a stepped portion 513 that is recessed in the opposite direction to the surface direction of the antenna surface 20. The stepped portion 513 extends over the entire length of the antenna surface 20. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, both the second region 512 and the stepped portion 513 are flat, but the area from the second region 512 to the stepped portion 513 has an R shape.

[0037] Referring to Figure 7, the structure near the antenna module 2 of the electronic device 1 will be described in more detail. Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the antenna module 2 of the electronic device 1.

[0038] As shown in Figure 7, the tip 53a of the projection 53 protrudes beyond the antenna surface 20 in the planar direction of the antenna surface 20 (to the right in Figure 7). The distance D1 between the tip 53a of the projection 53 and the antenna surface 20 is between 0.15 and 0.40 times the wavelength corresponding to a predetermined communication frequency. More specifically, distance D1 is the distance between the antenna surface 20 and the tip 53a in the planar direction of the antenna surface 20. The distance D2 between the center of the antenna surface 20 in the width direction and the projection 53 is between 0.30 and 0.8 times the wavelength corresponding to a predetermined communication frequency. More specifically, distance D2 is the distance between the center of the antenna surface 20 in the width direction and the side of the projection 53 on the antenna module 2 side.

[0039] The second region 512 does not protrude beyond the antenna surface 20 in the plane direction of the antenna surface 20. Unlike the first region 511, which has a projection 53, the second region 512 does not protrude beyond the antenna surface 20 in the plane direction of the antenna surface 20. That is, the second region 512 may be on the same plane as the antenna surface 20, or it may be recessed relative to the antenna surface 20. The area of ​​the housing 4 near the second region 512 allows radio waves from the antenna module 2 to pass through more easily. The second region 512 has a stepped portion 513. The stepped portion 513 reduces the volume of the housing 4 on the side of the second region 512 relative to the antenna module 2. This makes it easier for radio waves from the antenna module 2 to pass through. The stepped portion 513 is on the opposite side (left side in Figure 7) from the predetermined surface 51 with respect to the bottom surface 521 of the recess 52. The distance D3 from the antenna surface 20 to the predetermined surface 51 in the planar direction of the antenna surface 20 is, for example, 0.03 times or more and 0.05 times or less the wavelength corresponding to a predetermined communication frequency. This makes it possible to further facilitate the transmission of radio waves from the antenna module 2.

[0040] Thus, in the electronic device 1, as shown in Figure 7, the first region 511 has a conductive projection 53 whose tip 53a protrudes further in the plane direction than the antenna surface 20, while the second region 512 does not protrude further in the plane direction than the antenna surface 20. Therefore, of the radio waves radiated from the antenna surface 20 of the antenna module 2, some of the radio waves that travel toward the first region 511 are reflected by the projection 53 and travel toward the second region 512. On the other hand, of the radio waves radiated from the antenna surface 20 of the antenna module 2 that travel toward the second region 512 continue to travel without any interference. The radiation pattern of the antenna module 2 decreases toward the first region 511 and increases toward the second region 512. As a result, the main radiation direction of the antenna module 2 is tilted toward the second region 512 without tilting the antenna module 2 itself. Therefore, with the electronic device 1, the main radiation direction of the antenna module 2 can be tilted relative to the housing 4 without tilting the antenna module 2 relative to the housing 4.

[0041] As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 7, a radome 7 is attached to the first housing 5. The radome 7 protects the antenna module 2. The radome 7 is made of a dielectric material such as resin so as to allow radio waves from or to the antenna module 2 to pass through. The radome 7 includes a first portion 71, a second portion 72, and a spacer 73.

[0042] The first portion 71 covers the antenna surface 20. The first portion 71 is a rectangular plate sized to cover the antenna surface 20. As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the first portion 71 includes an opposing portion 71a. The opposing portion 71a has an opposing region 711a that is parallel to and opposite the antenna surface 20.

[0043] As shown in Figure 7, the opposing portion 71a protrudes toward the antenna surface 20. Viewed from the direction of the antenna surface 20, the shape of the antenna surface 20 and the shape of the opposing portion 71a are equal. The surface of the opposing portion 71a toward the antenna surface 20 is the opposing region 711a that faces the antenna surface 20 parallel to it. The opposing portion 71a is symmetrical with respect to a line passing through the center in the width direction of the antenna surface 20. The thickness of the opposing portion 71a is uniform. Both surfaces in the thickness direction of the opposing portion 71a are flat. The opposing portion 71a reduces the possibility that the radiation characteristics of the antenna module 2 may be disturbed by the opposing portion 71a, causing radiation to become stronger or weaker in unintended directions. As a result, the gain of the antenna module 2 in the front direction (towards the antenna surface 20) can be improved.

[0044] The second portion 72 extends from the first portion 71 and contacts the stepped portion 513. More specifically, the second portion 72 extends from one end of the first portion 71 (the upper end in Figure 7). The second portion 72 is formed continuously and integrally with the first portion 71. The connection portion of the second portion 72 to the first portion 71 is rounded in shape. The second portion 72 covers the gap between one end of the first portion 71 and the stepped portion 513. The dimensions of the second portion 72 in the planar direction of the antenna surface 20 are set so that the first portion 71 does not come into contact with the first region 511 and the second region 512.

[0045] The antenna module 2 is housed in the recess 52 such that its antenna surface 20 protrudes from the recess 52. When the radome 7 is attached to the housing 4, the antenna surface 20 of the antenna module 2 faces the opposing region 711a of the radome 7. The distance between the opposing region 711a and the antenna surface 20 is set to a predetermined distance range that can suppress the reduction in antenna gain due to the reflection of radio waves from the radome 7. The predetermined distance range is, for example, within the range of 1 / 50 to 1 / 30 of the wavelength corresponding to a predetermined communication frequency of the antenna module 2.

[0046] The spacer 73 is used to keep the distance between the opposing region 711a and the antenna surface 20 within a predetermined distance range. As shown in Figure 7, the spacer 73 is located between the opposing region 711a and the antenna surface 20, maintaining the distance between the opposing region 711a and the antenna surface 20 within a predetermined distance range. In this embodiment, the spacer 73 is formed in the opposing region 711a. The spacer 73 is formed continuously and integrally with the first portion 71 and is a dielectric material. The height of the spacer 73 is set so that, when the antenna surface 20 is in contact with the spacer 73, the distance between the opposing region 711a and the antenna surface 20 is within a predetermined distance range.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, the spacer 73 is positioned so as not to face the antenna element 21 of the antenna module 2 (in the thickness direction of the antenna module 2). Furthermore, the distance between the spacer 73 and the antenna element 21 in a plane parallel to the antenna surface 20 is set to reduce the impact of the spacer 73 on antenna characteristics such as antenna gain and radiation directivity. As an example, the distance between the spacer 73 and the antenna element 21 in a plane parallel to the antenna surface 20 is within the range of 1 / 5 to 1 / 8 of the wavelength corresponding to a predetermined communication frequency.

[0048] As shown in Figures 3, 5, and 7, the antenna module 2 is housed in a recess 52 on a predetermined surface 51 of the housing 4, and an elastic member 8 is placed between the antenna module 2 and the bottom surface 521 of the recess 52. The depth of the recess 52 is less than the thickness of the antenna module 2 and the thickness of the elastic member 8. Therefore, the antenna module 2 is housed in the recess 52 such that the antenna surface 20 protrudes from the recess 52.

[0049] Thus, the electronic device 1 includes an elastic member 8 positioned between the bottom surface 521 of the recess 52 and the antenna module 2. The elastic member 8 is used to position the antenna module 2 relative to the radome 7 in the thickness direction of the antenna module 2. As shown in Figure 7, the elastic member 8 is positioned between the antenna module 2 and the bottom surface 521 of the recess 52. More specifically, the elastic member 8 is positioned between the antenna module 2 and the bottom surface 521 of the recess 52 in a compressed state in the thickness direction of the antenna module 2. The elastic member 8 has sufficient elasticity to withstand the weight of the antenna module 2 and press it against the radome 7. With this configuration, the elastic member 8 uniformly presses the antenna module 2 against the opposing region 711a of the radome 7. Therefore, even if shape errors or thermal expansion / contraction occur in the antenna module 2, housing 4, and radome 7, the antenna module 2 can be positioned at a fixed position relative to the radome 7. This reduces variations in antenna performance due to variations in the distance between the antenna module 2 and the radome 7.

[0050] Examples of materials for the elastic member 8 include cushioning material and heat dissipation rubber material. The cushioning material includes foamed polyurethane, foamed polyethylene, ethylene propylene rubber, etc. The heat dissipation rubber material includes silicone, acrylic, etc. In this embodiment, the elastic member 8 is formed from the heat dissipation rubber material. Therefore, the elastic member 8 has thermal conductivity. The elastic member 8 can transfer the heat generated in the antenna module 2 to the housing 4, thereby improving the heat dissipation of the antenna module 2.

[0051] [1. 2evaluation] The following shows the results of the evaluation of the advantages of the configuration of electronic device 1. The antenna radiation pattern of electronic device 1 was evaluated using electronic device 1 of this embodiment and the electronic device of the comparative example. The electronic device of the comparative example differs from electronic device 1 of the above embodiment in that it does not have the protrusion 53.

[0052] Figures 8 to 10 are heatmaps of the antenna gain of electronic device 1. Figures 11 to 13 are heatmaps of the antenna gain of the comparative electronic device. In Figures 8 to 13, φ is the angle around the axis of rotation that passes through the center of the antenna module 2 in the length and thickness directions and extends in the width direction of the antenna module 2. θ is the angle around the axis of rotation that passes through the center of the antenna module 2 in the width and thickness directions and extends in the length direction of the antenna module 2. The plane direction of the antenna surface 20 is the direction where φ is 180° and θ is 90°.

[0053] Figures 8 and 11 show the results of a simulation performed with a predetermined communication frequency set to 25.875 GHz, corresponding to band number n258. Figures 9 and 12 show the results of a simulation performed with a predetermined communication frequency set to 27.925 GHz, corresponding to band number n261. Figures 10 and 13 show the results of a simulation performed with a predetermined communication frequency set to 38.500 GHz, corresponding to band number n260.

[0054] A comparison of Figures 8 and 11 shows that in electronic device 1, the peak of the antenna gain distribution shifts toward a smaller θ compared to the comparative electronic device. A comparison of Figures 9 and 12 shows that in electronic device 1, the peak of the antenna gain distribution shifts toward a smaller θ compared to the comparative electronic device. A comparison of Figures 10 and 13 shows that in electronic device 1, the peak of the antenna gain distribution shifts toward a smaller θ compared to the comparative electronic device. In particular, the peak of the antenna gain distribution shifts toward a smaller θ of approximately 15°.

[0055] Therefore, it was confirmed that with the electronic device 1, the main radiation direction of the antenna module 2 can be tilted relative to the housing 4 without tilting the antenna module 2 relative to the housing 4. In particular, with the electronic device 1 of this embodiment, by changing the radiation pattern in non-array directions that cannot be handled by the directional control inherent in the antenna module 2, it becomes possible to achieve both flexibility in the placement of the antenna module 2 in a laptop computer and antenna performance.

[0056] [1 .3 [Effects, etc.] The electronic device 1 described above comprises an antenna module 2 for communication at a predetermined communication frequency and a housing 4 having a predetermined surface 51 with a recess 52 capable of housing the antenna module 2. The antenna module 2 is located in the recess 52 such that the plane direction of the antenna surface 20 of the antenna module 2 coincides with the plane direction of the predetermined surface 51. The predetermined surface 51 includes a first region 511 and a second region 512 that are opposite each other to the recess 52 in the width direction of the antenna surface 20. The housing 4 has a conductive projection 53 in the first region 511. The tip 53a of the projection 53 protrudes beyond the antenna surface 20 in the plane direction of the antenna surface 20. The second region 512 does not protrude beyond the antenna surface 20 in the plane direction of the antenna surface 20. This configuration allows the main radiation direction of the antenna module 2 to be tilted relative to the housing 4 without tilting the antenna module 2 relative to the housing 4.

[0057] In the electronic device 1, the distance D1 in the planar direction of the antenna surface 20 between the tip 53a of the projection 53 and the antenna surface 20 is 0.15 times or more and 0.40 times or less the wavelength corresponding to a predetermined communication frequency. This configuration allows the main radiation direction of the antenna module 2 to be tilted relative to the housing 4 without tilting the antenna module 2 relative to the housing 4.

[0058] In the electronic device 1, the distance D2 along the antenna surface 20 between the center of the antenna surface 20 in the width direction and the projection 53 is 0.30 times or more and 0.8 times or less the wavelength corresponding to a predetermined communication frequency. This configuration allows the main radiation direction of the antenna module 2 to be tilted relative to the housing 4 without tilting the antenna module 2 relative to the housing 4.

[0059] In the electronic device 1, the projection 53 extends along the entire length of the antenna surface 20. This configuration allows the main radiation direction of the antenna module 2 to be tilted relative to the housing 4 without tilting the antenna module 2 relative to the housing 4.

[0060] In the electronic device 1, the second region 512 includes the edge of the predetermined surface 51. The edge of the predetermined surface 51 has a stepped portion 513 that is recessed in the opposite direction to the surface direction of the antenna surface 20 compared to the antenna surface 20. This configuration allows the main radiation direction of the antenna module 2 to be tilted relative to the housing 4 without tilting the antenna module 2 relative to the housing 4.

[0061] In the electronic device 1, the stepped portion 513 extends along the entire length of the antenna surface 20. This configuration allows the main radiation direction of the antenna module 2 to be tilted relative to the housing 4 without tilting the antenna module 2 relative to the housing 4.

[0062] In the electronic device 1, the stepped portion 513 is located on the opposite side of the predetermined surface 51 from the bottom surface 521 of the recess 52. This configuration allows the main radiation direction of the antenna module 2 to be tilted relative to the housing 4 without tilting the antenna module 2 relative to the housing 4.

[0063] In the electronic device 1, the electronic device 1 further comprises a dielectric radome 7. The radome 7 includes a first portion 71 that covers the antenna surface 20 and a second portion 72 that extends from the first portion 71 and corresponds to the stepped portion 513. This configuration allows the main radiation direction of the antenna module 2 to be tilted relative to the housing 4 without tilting the antenna module 2 relative to the housing 4.

[0064] In the electronic device 1, the first portion 71 includes an opposing portion 71a having an opposing region 711a that faces the antenna surface 20 parallel to it. The thickness of the opposing portion 71a is uniform. This configuration can improve the gain of the antenna module 2 in the front direction (the plane direction of the antenna surface 20).

[0065] In the electronic device 1, the antenna module 2 has a plurality of antenna elements 21. The plurality of antenna elements 21 are arranged in a line along the length of the antenna surface 20. This configuration allows for control of the directivity of the antenna module 2 in a plane perpendicular to the width direction of the antenna surface 20.

[0066] In the electronic device 1, the antenna module 2 is located inside the recess 52 such that the antenna surface 20 is outside the recess 52. This configuration can improve the gain of the antenna module 2 in the front direction (the plane direction of the antenna surface 20).

[0067] In the electronic device 1, the distance D3 from the antenna surface 20 to a predetermined surface 51 in the planar direction of the antenna surface 20 is between 0.03 and 0.05 times the wavelength corresponding to a predetermined communication frequency. This configuration allows radio waves from the antenna module 2 to pass through more easily.

[0068] In the electronic device 1, the housing 4 is conductive. This configuration can improve the gain of the antenna module 2 in the front direction (the plane direction of the antenna surface 20).

[0069] In the electronic device 1, the predetermined surface 51 is the side surface of the housing 4. The width direction of the antenna surface 20 coincides with the thickness direction of the housing 4. .child This configuration reduces the possibility of antenna performance degradation due to the user's hands touching or covering the antenna module 2.

[0070] In electronic device 1, the predetermined communication frequency is included in the frequency band of 24.250 GHz to 52.600 GHz. This configuration can improve the communication speed of the antenna module 2.

[0071] [2. Variant] The embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those described above. The embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of this disclosure can be achieved. The following lists some modifications of the embodiments. The modifications described below can be combined and applied as appropriate.

[0072] The electronic device 1 is not limited to a laptop computer as in the embodiment described above. The electronic device 1 may be a device equipped with communication functions such as a terminal device and a server. Examples of terminal devices include personal computers (desktop computers, laptop computers), mobile terminals (smartphones, tablet devices, wearable devices, etc.).

[0073] In one modified example, the number of antenna elements 21 arranged in a row in the antenna module 2 may be four or more. The antenna module 2 is not limited to a phased array antenna. In the antenna module 2, the multiple antenna elements 21 may be arranged on the antenna surface 20 in a matrix such as 2x2 or 2x4. In other words, the multiple antenna elements 21 may include antenna elements 21 arranged in a row in the width direction of the antenna surface 20. That is, the projection 53 may be provided in the direction in which the antenna elements 21 are arranged, and is not limited to being provided only in the direction in which the antenna elements 21 are not arranged. The antenna module 2 may be a multiband antenna capable of communication in different frequency bands. The shape and number of antenna elements 21 are also not particularly limited. The predetermined communication frequency is not limited to the frequency band of 24.250 GHz to 52.600 GHz, but may be selected from any desired frequency band.

[0074] In one modified example, the predetermined surface 51 is not necessarily the right side of the housing 4, but may be any of the left side, top, bottom, front, or rear surfaces of the housing 4. The predetermined surface 51 may be any desired surface of the housing 4.

[0075] In one modified example, the predetermined surface 51 does not need to have a recess 510.

[0076] In one modified example, the shape of the recess 52 is not limited to the shape in the above embodiment, but may be set appropriately according to the shape of the antenna module 2. The housing 4 may have a plurality of positioning protrusions within the recess 52 that strike the antenna module 2 to position the antenna module 2 in a predetermined position.

[0077] In one modified example, the shape of the projection 53 is not limited to the shape in the above embodiment. The projection 53 only needs to be able to reflect radio waves from the antenna module 2. For example, the dimensions of the projection 53 in the width direction of the antenna surface 20 do not need to be uniform. The tip 53a of the projection 53 does not need to be a flat surface. The projection 53 does not necessarily need to extend over the entire length of the antenna surface 20, but needs to have a length that is sufficient to reflect radio waves from the antenna module 2. The projection 53 does not necessarily need to be formed in a continuous and integral manner with the first housing 5. The projection 53 may be part of a structure provided on the housing 4 of the electronic device 1. Examples of structures provided on the housing 4 of the electronic device 1 include part of a connector, part of a waterproof wall, part of a handle, and part of a design structure.

[0078] In one modified example, the area from the second region 512 to the stepped portion 513 may be a right-angled or other angular shape, rather than an R-shape. The shape from the second region 512 to the stepped portion 513 may be appropriately set according to the shape from the first portion 71 to the second portion 72 of the radome 7. The shape of the stepped portion 513 is not limited to the shape in the above embodiment. The stepped portion 513 does not necessarily have to extend over the entire length of the antenna surface 20, and only needs to have a length that does not interfere with radio waves from the antenna module 2. The stepped portion 513 is not essential.

[0079] In one modified example, the shape of the radome 7 is not limited to the shape in the above embodiment, but may be set appropriately according to the shape of the antenna module 2. When changing the shape of the radome 7, it is preferable to keep the thickness of the opposing portion 71a uniform. Note that the opposing portion 71a does not necessarily have to protrude toward the antenna surface 20. The spacer 73 only needs to be able to bring the distance between the antenna surface 20 and the opposing region 711a within a predetermined distance range by contacting the antenna module 2, and the shape and number of spacers 73 are not particularly limited. The elastic member 8 is not essential.

[0080] In one modified example, the elastic member 8 may include an elastic body and a conductive layer formed on the outer surface of the body. The conductive layer allows the ground plane of the antenna module 2 to be connected to the housing 4. This allows the housing 4 to be used as the ground for the antenna module 2. This reduces the effect of sensitivity suppression due to unwanted radiation from the antenna module 2. If the heat dissipation of the antenna module 2 is sufficient, the elastic member 8 does not necessarily have to be thermally conductive. The elastic member 8 is not essential.

[0081] [3. Appearance] As is clear from the above embodiments and modifications, this disclosure includes the following aspects. In the following, reference numerals are enclosed in parentheses solely to indicate their correspondence with the embodiments.

[0082] A first embodiment is an electronic device (1) comprising an antenna module (2) for communication at a predetermined communication frequency and a housing (4) having a predetermined surface (51) with a recess (52) capable of housing the antenna module (2). The antenna module (2) is located in the recess (52) such that the plane direction of the antenna surface (20) of the antenna module (2) coincides with the plane direction of the predetermined surface (51). The predetermined surface (51) includes a first region (511) and a second region (512) that are opposite to each other in the width direction of the antenna surface (20) from the recess (52). The housing (4) has a conductive projection (53) in the first region (511). The tip (53a) of the projection (53) protrudes beyond the antenna surface (20) in the plane direction of the antenna surface (20). The second region (512) does not protrude beyond the antenna surface (20) in the plane direction of the antenna surface (20). In this embodiment, the main radiation direction of the antenna module (2) can be tilted relative to the housing (4) without tilting the antenna module (2) relative to the housing (4).

[0083] The second embodiment is an electronic device (1) based on the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the distance (D1) between the tip (53a) of the projection (53) and the antenna surface (20) is 0.15 times or more and 0.40 times or less the wavelength corresponding to the predetermined communication frequency. In this embodiment, the main radiation direction of the antenna module (2) can be tilted relative to the housing (4) without tilting the antenna module (2) relative to the housing (4).

[0084] A third embodiment is an electronic device (1) based on the first or second embodiment. In the third embodiment, the distance (D2) between the center of the widthwise direction of the antenna surface (20) and the projection (53) is 0.30 times or more and 0.8 times or less the wavelength corresponding to the predetermined communication frequency. In this embodiment, the main radiation direction of the antenna module (2) can be tilted relative to the housing (4) without tilting the antenna module (2) relative to the housing (4).

[0085] A fourth embodiment is an electronic device (1) based on any one of the first to third embodiments. In the fourth embodiment, the projection (53) extends along the entire length of the antenna surface (20). This embodiment allows the main radiation direction of the antenna module (2) to be tilted relative to the housing (4) without tilting the antenna module (2) relative to the housing (4).

[0086] A fifth embodiment is an electronic device (1) based on any one of the first to fourth embodiments. In the fifth embodiment, the second region (512) includes the edge of the predetermined surface (51). The edge of the predetermined surface (51) has a stepped portion (513) that is recessed in the opposite direction to the surface direction of the antenna surface (20) compared to the antenna surface (20). This embodiment allows the main radiation direction of the antenna module (2) to be tilted relative to the housing (4) without tilting the antenna module (2) relative to the housing (4).

[0087] The sixth embodiment is an electronic device (1) based on the fifth embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, the stepped portion (513) extends over the entire length of the antenna surface (20). This embodiment allows the main radiation direction of the antenna module (2) to be tilted relative to the housing (4) without tilting the antenna module (2) relative to the housing (4).

[0088] A seventh embodiment is an electronic device (1) based on the fifth or sixth embodiment. In the seventh embodiment, the stepped portion (513) is on the opposite side of the predetermined surface (51) from the bottom surface (521) of the recess (52). This embodiment allows the main radiation direction of the antenna module (2) to be tilted relative to the housing (4) without tilting the antenna module (2) relative to the housing (4).

[0089] The eighth embodiment is an electronic device (1) based on any one of the fifth to seventh embodiments. In the eighth embodiment, the electronic device (1) further comprises a dielectric radome (7). The radome (7) includes a first portion (71) that covers the antenna surface (20) and a second portion (72) that extends from the first portion (71) and contacts the stepped portion (513). This embodiment allows the main radiation direction of the antenna module (2) to be tilted relative to the housing (4) without tilting the antenna module (2) relative to the housing (4).

[0090] The ninth embodiment is an electronic device (1) based on the eighth embodiment. In the ninth embodiment, the first portion (71) includes an opposing portion (71a) having an opposing region (711a) that is parallel to and opposite the antenna surface (20). The thickness of the opposing portion (71a) is uniform. This embodiment can improve the gain of the antenna module (2) in the front direction (plane direction of the antenna surface (20)).

[0091] The tenth embodiment is an electronic device (1) based on any one of the first to ninth embodiments. In the tenth embodiment, the antenna module (2) has a plurality of antenna elements (21). The plurality of antenna elements (21) are arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction of the antenna surface (20). This embodiment makes it possible to control the directivity of the antenna module (2) in a plane perpendicular to the width direction of the antenna surface (20).

[0092] The eleventh embodiment is an electronic device (1) based on any one of the first to tenth embodiments. In the eleventh embodiment, the antenna module (2) is located inside the recess (52) such that the antenna surface (20) is outside the recess (52). This embodiment can improve the gain of the antenna module (2) in the front direction (plane direction of the antenna surface (20)).

[0093] The twelfth embodiment is an electronic device (1) based on the eleventh embodiment. In the twelfth embodiment, the distance (D3) from the antenna surface (20) to the predetermined surface (51) in the planar direction of the antenna surface (20) is 0.03 times or more and 0.05 times or less the wavelength corresponding to the predetermined communication frequency. This embodiment can further facilitate the transmission of radio waves from the antenna module (2).

[0094] The thirteenth embodiment is an electronic device (1) based on any one of the first to twelfth embodiments. In the thirteenth embodiment, the housing (4) is conductive. This embodiment can improve the gain of the antenna module (2) in the front direction (plane direction of the antenna surface (20)).

[0095] The 14th embodiment is an electronic device (1) based on any one of the 1st to 13th embodiments. In the 14th embodiment, the predetermined surface (51) is the side surface of the housing (4). The width direction of the antenna surface (20) coincides with the thickness direction of the housing (4). This embodiment can reduce the possibility of deterioration of antenna performance due to the user's hand touching or covering the antenna module (2).

[0096] The 15th embodiment is an electronic device (1) based on any one of the 1st to 14th embodiments. In the 15th embodiment, the predetermined communication frequency is included in the frequency band of 24.250 GHz to 52.600 GHz. 。 This embodiment can improve the communication speed of the antenna module (2). [Industrial applicability]

[0097] This disclosure relates to electronic devices. Specifically, this disclosure is applicable to electronic devices that perform wireless communication. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0098] 1 Electronic equipment 2 Antenna Modules 20 Antenna surface 21 Antenna elements 4 cabinets 51 Predetermined surface 511 1st area 512 Second area 513 Multilayered section 52 recess 521 Bottom 53 Protrusion 53a Tip 7 Radome 71 Part 1 71a Opposite part 711a Opposing area 72 Part 2 D1 Distance (distance between the tip of the projection and the antenna surface) D2 distance (distance between the center of the antenna surface in the width direction and the projection)

Claims

1. An antenna module for communicating at a predetermined communication frequency, A housing having a predetermined surface that constitutes one side of the housing's outer shape, and a recess provided on the predetermined surface, Equipped with, The antenna module is housed in the recess such that the orientation of the antenna surface on which the antenna elements are provided coincides with the orientation of the predetermined surface. The predetermined surface includes a first region and a second region that are opposite to each other in the width direction, which is parallel to the antenna surface, when the antenna surface is housed therein. The housing has conductive protrusions in the first region, The tip of the projection protrudes in the direction perpendicular to the antenna surface, The second region does not protrude beyond the antenna surface in the plane direction of the antenna surface. electronic equipment.

2. The distance in the planar direction of the antenna surface between the tip of the projection and the antenna surface is 0.15 times or more and 0.40 times or less the wavelength corresponding to the predetermined communication frequency. The electronic device according to claim 1.

3. The distance along the antenna surface between the center of the antenna surface in the width direction and the projection is 0.30 times or more and 0.8 times or less the wavelength corresponding to the predetermined communication frequency. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The projection extends across the entire antenna surface in a longitudinal direction that is parallel to the antenna surface and perpendicular to the width direction. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The second region includes the edge of the predetermined surface, The end of the predetermined surface has a stepped portion that is recessed in the opposite direction to the protruding direction of the projection compared to the antenna surface. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The stepped portion extends along its entire length, parallel to the antenna surface and perpendicular to the width direction. The electronic device according to claim 5.

7. The stepped portion is located on the opposite side of the predetermined surface from the bottom surface of the recess. The electronic device according to claim 5 or 6.

8. It is further equipped with a dielectric radome, The radome includes a first portion that covers the antenna surface and a second portion that extends from the first portion and corresponds to the stepped portion. The electronic device according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

9. The first portion is parallel to the antenna surface and includes an opposing portion having an opposing region facing the antenna surface, The opposing portion has a uniform thickness. The electronic device according to claim 8.

10. The aforementioned antenna module has a plurality of antenna elements, The plurality of antenna elements are arranged in a line along the length direction of the antenna surface. The electronic device according to any one of claims 4, 6 to 9.

11. The antenna module is housed within the recess such that the antenna surface is outside the recess. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The distance in the planar direction of the antenna surface between the antenna surface and the predetermined surface is 0.03 times or more and 0.05 times or less the wavelength corresponding to the predetermined communication frequency. The electronic device according to claim 11.

13. The housing comprises a conductive holder, The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The predetermined surface is the side surface of the housing, The width direction of the antenna surface coincides with the thickness direction of the housing. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The aforementioned predetermined communication frequency is included in the frequency band of 24.250 GHz to 52.600 GHz. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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