Antenna device

Abstract

This antenna device comprises: an antenna element that has conductors of which at least a section is spaced apart from another section with a gap therebetween; and a holder that holds the antenna element. The holder has a rib that is inserted into the gap.

Description

Antenna device

[0001] The present invention relates to an antenna device.

[0002] In recent years, various antennas have been developed for use in Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X). A collinear antenna is sometimes used as a V2X antenna. Patent Document 1 describes an example of a collinear antenna.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-175557

[0004] Antenna elements used in some antennas, such as collinear antennas, may include conductors at least portions of which are separated from each other via gaps. The antenna elements are held by a holder, such as a resin holder. In order to suppress variations in antenna performance, it is necessary to ensure the dimensions of the gaps between the at least portions of the conductors. However, simply holding the antenna elements in a holder can make it difficult to ensure the dimensions of the gaps between the at least portions of the conductors.

[0005] One object of the present invention is to suppress variations in performance of an antenna having conductors at least a portion of which are spaced apart by gaps. Other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is an antenna device comprising: an antenna element having conductors at least portions of which are separated from each other by a gap; and a holder that holds the antenna element, wherein the holder has a rib inserted into the gap.

[0007] According to the above aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress variations in performance of antennas having conductors at least parts of which are separated from each other via gaps.

[0008] 1 is an exploded top perspective view of an antenna device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded top perspective view of a V2X antenna according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is an upper perspective view showing a state in which a V2X element is held by a V2X holder according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is an exploded top perspective view of a GNSS antenna according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is an exploded bottom perspective view of an upper GNSS parasitic element, a lower GNSS parasitic element, and a GNSS holder according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a plan view of a GNSS antenna according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is an exploded top perspective view of an SXM antenna according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is an exploded top perspective view of an AM / FM broadcast antenna according to an embodiment.

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, similar components are designated by similar reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] In this specification, terms of approximation such as "substantially," "about," and "substantially," when used to modify the shape, position, numerical value, and other conditions of a certain element, refer to a range that would be understood by a person skilled in the art to enable the intended purpose to be achieved by that condition. For example, "substantially parallel" may include not only a completely parallel state but also a state where deviation from completely parallel is within a predetermined angle range, depending on the context. "Substantially perpendicular" may include not only a completely perpendicular state but also a state where deviation from completely perpendicular is within a predetermined angle range, depending on the context.

[0011] To explain the directions, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are defined. The Z direction is a direction parallel to the vertical direction. The X direction is one of the horizontal directions perpendicular to the Z direction. The Y direction is one of the horizontal directions perpendicular to the Z direction and the X direction. In the embodiment, the X direction is the front-to-back direction, the Y direction is the left-to-right direction, and the Z direction is the up-down direction. In each drawing of the embodiment, the directions indicated by the arrows of the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis are the forward direction, the leftward direction, and the upward direction, respectively. The white circle with a black dot indicating the Z axis in Figure 6 indicates that the arrow of the axis indicated by the white circle points toward the front side of the paper.

[0012] Hereinafter, where necessary, a plane perpendicular to the X direction will be referred to as a YZ plane, a plane perpendicular to the Y direction will be referred to as a ZX plane, and a plane perpendicular to the Z direction will be referred to as an XY plane.

[0013] FIG. 1 is an exploded top perspective view of an antenna device 10 according to an embodiment.

[0014] The antenna device 10 according to the embodiment is mounted on the upper surface of the roof of a vehicle such as an automobile. However, the antenna device 10 may be mounted on a location other than the upper surface of the roof of the vehicle, and the use of the antenna device 10 is not limited to vehicles. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the embodiment will be described assuming that the antenna device 10 is mounted on the upper surface of the roof of the vehicle.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 1, an antenna device 10 according to the embodiment includes a V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) antenna 200. The antenna device 10 according to the embodiment further includes an antenna base 110, a mounting member 120, a seal 130, an outer case 140, a pad 150, seven case mounting screws 160, a pre-lock holder 170, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) antenna 300, an SXM (Sirius XM) antenna 400, and an AM / FM (Amplitude Modulation / Frequency Modulation) broadcast antenna 500. For ease of explanation, Fig. 1 illustrates the outer case 140 with the left half portion thereof removed.

[0016] The antenna base 110 has a generally plate-like shape extending in the XY plane. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the generally plate-like shape may mean, for example, that the plate has a smooth surface or that the plate has an uneven surface. The longitudinal and lateral directions of the antenna base 110 are generally parallel to the X and Y directions, respectively. In the embodiment, the antenna base 110 is a metal base. However, the antenna base 110 may be a resin base or a combination of a resin base and a metal base. Furthermore, instead of the antenna base 110, a metal base and a metal plate may be provided, or a resin base and a metal plate, or a metal base, a resin base, and a metal plate may be provided. In this case, the metal base and the metal plate may be made of the same type of metal or different types of metal.

[0017] The mounting member 120 mounts the antenna base 110 to a conductive roof (not shown) of a vehicle on which the antenna device 10 is mounted, and electrically connects the roof and the antenna base 110 to each other. The mounting member 120 has a washer 122 and a bolt 124. The washer 122 includes two arms 122a. When viewed from the Z direction, the two arms 122a are located on both sides of the bolt 124 in the Y direction. When the antenna device 10 is mounted on the upper surface of the roof, at least a portion of the conductive protrusion 112 provided on the underside of the antenna base 110 passes through a mounting insertion hole provided in the roof in the Z direction. The bolt 124 passes through the washer 122 in the Z direction and is inserted into a screw hole provided on the underside of the conductive protrusion 112. When the bolts 124 and the conductive protrusions 112 are fastened together, each arm 122a is bent by compression in the Z direction, and the tips of the claws on each arm 122a come into contact with the underside of the roof. This allows the antenna base 110 and the roof to be fixed together. Furthermore, even if the underside of the roof is covered with paint, the claws on each arm 122a can break through the paint. Therefore, when the antenna base 110 and the roof are attached to each other by the mounting member 120, the antenna base 110 and the roof are electrically connected to each other via the washers 122 and the bolts 124.

[0018] The seal 130 is located between the underside of the antenna base 110 and the upper surface of the vehicle roof (not shown). The seal 130 is made of an elastic material such as urethane foam, elastomer, or rubber. When viewed from the Z direction, the seal 130 surrounds the mounting insertion hole in the roof. When the antenna base 110 and the roof are attached to each other by the mounting member 120, the seal 130 is compressed in the Z direction by the underside of the antenna base 110 and the upper surface of the roof. Therefore, the seal 130 can prevent water from entering the mounting insertion hole in the roof.

[0019] The outer case 140 and the antenna base 110 are attached to each other via seven case mounting screws 160, with the pad 150 surrounding the peripheral edge of the antenna base 110 in the Z direction and the outer case 140 covering the space above the antenna base 110. However, the mounting members for attaching the outer case 140 and the antenna base 110 to each other are not limited to fastening members such as the case mounting screws 160. The number of case mounting screws 160 is not limited to seven, and may be only one, or a number other than seven. The pad 150 is made of, for example, a soft material. The seven case mounting screws 160 pass through the peripheral edge of the antenna base 110 in the Z direction and are inserted into the peripheral edge of the outer case 140 in the Z direction. When the antenna base 110 and the outer case 140 are attached to each other, at least a portion of the pad 150 is sandwiched between the peripheral edge portion of the antenna base 110 in the Z direction and the peripheral edge portion of the outer case 140 in the Z direction. Therefore, the pad 150 can prevent moisture from entering the gap between the peripheral edge portion of the antenna base 110 in the Z direction and the peripheral edge portion of the outer case 140 in the Z direction. Furthermore, the outer case 140 and the antenna base 110 may be attached to each other by welding, adhesive bonding, snap fitting, or a combination of these, rather than by a fastening member such as the case mounting screw 160, as long as at least a portion of the pad 150 is sandwiched between them.

[0020] When the antenna base 110 and the outer case 140 are attached to each other, the antenna base 110 and the outer case 140 define a storage space that houses the pre-lock holder 170, the V2X antenna 200, the GNSS antenna 300, the SXM antenna 400, and the AM / FM broadcast antenna 500. Thus, the outer case 140 serves as a radome for the V2X antenna 200, the GNSS antenna 300, the SXM antenna 400, and the AM / FM broadcast antenna 500. The outer case 140 is made of, for example, a radio wave-transparent synthetic resin. The height of the outer case 140 in the Z direction increases toward the rear end of the outer case 140. The width of the outer case 140 in the Y direction decreases toward the top end of the outer case 140. Therefore, the dimensions of the antenna device 10 can be reduced compared to when the Z-direction height of the outer case 140 is constant regardless of the position in the X direction, or when the Y-direction width of the outer case 140 is constant regardless of the position in the Z direction.

[0021] The pre-lock holder 170 is made of an insulating material such as resin. The pre-lock holder 170 has a holder base 172, a front convex portion 174, and a rear convex portion 176. The holder base 172 has a generally plate-like shape extending in the XY plane. The front convex portion 174 and the rear convex portion 176 are provided on the underside of the holder base 172. When the holder base 172 is disposed on the upper surface of the antenna base 110, the front convex portion 174 and the rear convex portion 176 respectively pass through the front through-hole 114 and the rear through-hole 116 provided in the antenna base 110. The pre-lock holder 170 has a cable through-hole 178. The cable through-hole 178 passes through the rear convex portion 176 and a portion of the holder base 172 that overlaps with the rear convex portion 176 in the Z direction.

[0022] The V2X antenna 200 is disposed on the upper surface of the rear portion of the antenna base 110 in the X direction. The GNSS antenna 300 is disposed on the upper surface of the antenna base 110 in approximately the center portion in the X direction. The SXM antenna 400 is disposed on the upper surface of the front portion of the antenna base 110 in the X direction. The AM / FM broadcast antenna 500 is disposed on the upper surface of the antenna base 110 between the V2X antenna 200 and the GNSS antenna 300. Details of the V2X antenna 200, the GNSS antenna 300, the SXM antenna 400, and the AM / FM broadcast antenna 500 will be described with reference to the figures described below.

[0023] Fig. 2 is an exploded top perspective view of the V2X antenna 200 according to the embodiment. Fig. 3 is a top perspective view showing a state in which the V2X element 230 is held by the V2X holder 240 according to the embodiment.

[0024] The V2X antenna 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, and also with reference to FIG. 1 as needed.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the V2X antenna 200 includes a V2X board 210, four V2X board mounting screws 220, a V2X element 230, a V2X holder 240, a V2X holder mounting screw 250, and a V2X cable 260.

[0026] The V2X board 210 is a printed circuit board (e.g., PCB). As shown in FIG. 2 , when viewed from the Z direction, the V2X board 210 has a front edge substantially parallel to the Y direction, a rear edge substantially parallel to the Y direction, and substantially symmetrical left and right edges that are partially recessed toward the center of the V2X board 210 in the Y direction. The length of the rear edge of the V2X board 210 in the Y direction is shorter than the length of the front edge of the V2X board 210 in the Y direction. A V2X front hole 212 is provided in the center of the front portion of the V2X board 210 in the Y direction. A V2X rear hole 214 is provided in the center of the rear portion of the V2X board 210 in the Y direction. A V2X large diameter hole 216 is provided in the portion of the V2X board 210 between the V2X front hole 212 and the V2X rear hole 214. A V2X notch 218 is provided in the approximate center in the Y direction of the rear side of the V2X board 210. However, the shape, material, etc. of the V2X board 210 are not limited to the example shown in FIG.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 1 , the V2X board 210 and the rear portion of the antenna base 110 in the X direction are attached to each other via four V2X board mounting screws 220. However, the mounting members for attaching the V2X board 210 and the antenna base 110 to each other are not limited to fastening members such as the V2X board mounting screws 220. Each V2X board mounting screw 220 is conductive. Therefore, the ground portion of the V2X board 210 and the antenna base 110 are electrically connected to each other via the four V2X board mounting screws 220. As shown in FIG. 2 , two of the four V2X board mounting screws 220 are inserted into the antenna base 110, penetrating both sides of the front portion of the V2X board 210 in the Y direction. The other two of the four V2X board mounting screws 220 are inserted into the antenna base 110, penetrating both sides of the rear portion of the V2X board 210 in the Y direction. However, the number and arrangement of the V2X board mounting screws 220 are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 2 .

[0028] The V2X element 230 is an antenna element of the V2X antenna 200. In the embodiment, the V2X element 230 is a collinear antenna element. The V2X element 230 is a linear conductor such as a metal wire. The V2X element 230 includes a lower straight conductor 232, an upper straight conductor 234, and a wound conductor 236. The upper straight conductor 234 includes a first upper straight conductor portion 234a and a second upper straight conductor portion 234b.

[0029] The lower straight conductor 232 is approximately perpendicular to the V2X board 210. That is, the lower straight conductor 232 is approximately parallel to the Z direction. The lower end portion of the lower straight conductor 232 and the rear portion of the V2X board 210 are electrically connected to each other. As shown in FIG. 2 , when the V2X element 230 is held by the V2X holder 240 and arranged on the upper surface side of the V2X board 210, the lower end portion of the lower straight conductor 232 passes through the V2X rear hole 214. The lower end portion of the lower straight conductor 232 and the peripheral portion of the V2X rear hole 214 on the lower surface of the V2X board 210 are electrically connected to each other by, for example, soldering.

[0030] The first upper straight conductor portion 234a is inclined forward with respect to the lower straight conductor 232. That is, the first upper straight conductor portion 234a is inclined forward with respect to the Z direction. The antenna device 10 may be mounted on the upper surface of a roof near the rear window. The upper surface of the roof near the rear window may be inclined downward toward the rear. Therefore, if the antenna device 10 is mounted on the upper surface of a roof near the rear window with the first upper straight conductor portion 234a not inclined with respect to the lower straight conductor 232, radio waves radiated from the first upper straight conductor portion 234a may be more likely to propagate through the rear window. When radio waves radiated from the first upper straight conductor portion 234a propagate through the rear window, gain may decrease near an elevation angle of 0°. In contrast, in the embodiment, even if the antenna device 10 is mounted on the upper surface of the roof near the rear window, radio waves radiated from the first upper straight conductor portion 234a can be made less likely to propagate through the rear window compared to a state in which the first upper straight conductor portion 234a is not inclined with respect to the lower straight conductor 232. However, the first upper straight conductor portion 234a does not have to be inclined with respect to the lower straight conductor 232. That is, the first upper straight conductor portion 234a may be approximately parallel to the Z direction. Furthermore, by inclining the first upper straight conductor portion 234a forward with respect to the lower straight conductor 232, the height of the V2X element 230 in the Z direction can be reduced, and the antenna device 10 can be made low-profile.

[0031] The second upper straight conductor portion 234b is bent forward with respect to the upper end portion of the first upper straight conductor portion 234a. The second upper straight conductor portion 234b is substantially parallel to the X direction. Therefore, compared to when the second upper straight conductor portion 234b is not bent with respect to the first upper straight conductor portion 234a, the height of the V2X element 230 in the Z direction can be reduced, and the antenna device 10 can be made thinner. However, the portion of the upper straight conductor 234 corresponding to the second upper straight conductor portion 234b does not have to be bent with respect to the first upper straight conductor portion 234a. Furthermore, the second upper straight conductor portion 234b may be bent backward, leftward, or rightward with respect to the upper end portion of the first upper straight conductor portion 234a.

[0032] The winding conductor 236 forms the winding portion of the V2X element 230. The winding shape of the winding conductor 236 allows the winding conductor 236 to operate as an inductance component of the V2X element 230. The central axis of the winding conductor 236 is approximately parallel to the Z direction. The central axis of the winding conductor 236 passes through the center of the area surrounded by the winding conductor 236. The winding conductor 236 is wound around an imaginary axis approximately parallel to the central axis of the winding conductor 236. The winding conductor 236 includes a lower winding end portion 236a and an upper winding end portion 236b. The lower winding end portion 236a and the upper winding end portion 236b are spaced apart from each other via a gap. The lower winding end portion 236a and the upper end portion of the lower straight conductor 232 are connected to each other. The upper winding end portion 236b and the lower end portion of the upper straight conductor 234 are connected to each other. The winding conductor 236 is located forward of the upper end portion of the lower straight conductor 232 and the lower end portion of the upper straight conductor 234. When viewed from above, the winding conductor 236 is wound in a substantially circular shape. Specifically, when viewed from above, the winding conductor 236 is wound one turn counterclockwise from the lower winding end portion 236a to the upper winding end portion 236b. In this embodiment, the area surrounded by the winding conductor 236 is hollow when viewed from the Z direction. However, the winding conductor 236 may be wound around a solid axis such as a dielectric. However, the winding method and shape of the winding conductor 236 are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 2 .

[0033] The winding conductor 236 is provided to match the phase of the lower straight conductor 232 and the phase of the upper straight conductor 234 with each other. The lower straight conductor 232 and the upper straight conductor 234 are electrically connected in series via the winding conductor 236. The electrical length of the lower straight conductor 232 is approximately ½ the wavelength of the operating frequency of the V2X element 230. The electrical length of the upper straight conductor 234, including the first upper straight conductor portion 234a and the second upper straight conductor portion 234b, is approximately ½ the operating frequency of the V2X element 230. Therefore, the V2X element 230 can operate as a collinear antenna.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3 , the V2X holder 240 holds the V2X element 230. The V2X holder 240 is made of an insulating material such as resin. The V2X holder 240 includes a bottom plate 241, a top plate 242, a front pillar 243, a rear pillar 244, a lower beam 245, a middle beam 246, and an upper beam 247. A bottom guide groove 241a is provided on the left side of the rear portion of the bottom plate 241. A bottom front protrusion 241b is provided on the lower surface of the front portion of the bottom plate 241. A bottom rear protrusion 241c is provided on the lower surface of the rear portion of the bottom plate 241. A top guide groove 242a is provided on the left side of the rear portion of the top plate 242. A top hook 242b is provided above the upper surface of the top plate 242. A top positioning wall 242c is provided in front of the top hook 242b on the upper surface of the top plate 242. A rib 244a is provided on the front surface of the rear pillar 244. A lower guide groove 245a is provided on the left side surface of the rear portion of the lower beam 245. A lower hook 245b is provided below the lower surface of the lower beam 245. A middle guide groove 246a is provided on the left side surface of the rear portion of the middle beam 246.

[0035] The bottom plate 241 and the top plate 242 face each other in the Z direction. The front pillar 243 is located between the front portion of the bottom plate 241 and the front portion of the top plate 242. The front pillar 243 is approximately parallel to the Z direction between the front portion of the bottom plate 241 and the front portion of the top plate 242. The rear pillar 244 is located between the rear portion of the bottom plate 241 and the rear portion of the top plate 242. The rear pillar 244 is approximately parallel to the Z direction between the rear portion of the bottom plate 241 and the rib 244a. The rear pillar 244 is inclined forward in the Z direction between the rib 244a and the rear portion of the top plate 242. The lower beam 245, the middle beam 246, and the upper beam 247 are aligned in order from the bottom plate 241 to the top plate 242. The lower beam 245, the middle beam 246 and the upper beam 247 connect the rear surface of the front pillar 243 and the front surface of the rear pillar 244 to each other.

[0036] The structure of the V2X holder 240 is not limited to the examples shown in Figures 2 and 3. For example, the V2X holder 240 may not include beams such as the lower beam 245, the middle beam 246, and the upper beam 247. Alternatively, the number of beams such as the lower beam 245, the middle beam 246, and the upper beam 247 may be different from three, and may be one, two, four, or more.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 3 , when the V2X element 230 is held by the V2X holder 240, the lower, central, and upper portions of the lower straight conductor 232 in the Z direction are inserted into the bottom guide groove 241 a, lower guide groove 245 a, and middle guide groove 246 a, respectively. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 3 , when the V2X element 230 is held by the V2X holder 240, the upper portion of the upper straight conductor 234 in the Z direction is inserted into the top guide groove 242 a. By inserting the V2X element 230 into these guide grooves, the V2X element 230 can be guided to a desired position in the V2X holder 240. However, the number and arrangement of the guide grooves are not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 . For example, the guide grooves may not be provided.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3 , when the V2X element 230 is held by the V2X holder 240, the rib 244a is inserted into the gap between the bottom winding end portion 236a and the top winding end portion 236b (hereinafter referred to as the "gap"). The rib 244a may be press-fit into the gap. When the rib 244a is inserted into the gap, the bottom winding end portion 236a and the top winding end portion 236b are spaced apart below and above the rib 244a, respectively. The rib 244a is integral with the rear column 244 and is made of an insulator such as resin. When the rib 244a is not inserted into the gap, the dimension of the rib 244a in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the rib 244a is inserted into the gap is equal to or greater than the dimension of the gap in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the rib 244a is inserted into the gap. Therefore, compared to when the dimension of the rib 244a is less than the dimension of the gap when the rib 244a is not inserted into the gap, the rib 244a can be inserted into the gap more reliably, and movement of the V2X element 230 relative to the rib 244a, particularly movement of the V2X element 230 in the Z direction relative to the rib 244a, can be suppressed. Furthermore, compared to when the dimension of the rib 244a is less than the dimension of the gap when the rib 244a is not inserted into the gap, rattle, deformation, etc. of the wound conductor 236 can be suppressed, and even if the antenna device 10 vibrates due to factors such as vehicle vibration, noise caused by contact of the wound conductor 236 with the V2X holder 240 can be suppressed. However, when the rib 244a is not inserted into the gap, the above-mentioned dimension of the rib 244a may be less than the dimension of the gap.

[0039] In the embodiment, the winding conductor 236 and the rib 244a are designed so that the gap between the bottom winding end portion 236a and the top winding end portion 236b of the winding conductor 236 has a desired dimension when the rib 244a is inserted into the gap. Therefore, the dimension of the gap in the winding conductor 236 can be adjusted according to the dimension of the rib 244a in the direction from the bottom winding end portion 236a to the top winding end portion 236b. Therefore, ensuring the dimension of the rib 244a makes it possible to ensure the dimension of the gap in the winding conductor 236. Therefore, in the embodiment, variation in performance of the V2X antenna 200 can be suppressed compared to when the rib 244a is not inserted into the gap between the bottom winding end portion 236a and the top winding end portion 236b. Additionally, the tolerance control of the dimension of the rib 244a can generally be stricter than the tolerance control of the dimension of the gap in the winding conductor 236. Therefore, the tolerance control of the above-mentioned gap size of the wound conductor 236 can be performed more easily when the rib 244a is used than when the rib 244a is not used.

[0040] 2 and 3 , as viewed in the Z direction, the rib 244a extends in a direction intersecting the direction from the center of the area surrounded by the winding conductor 236 toward the gap between the bottom winding end portion 236a and the top winding end portion 236b. That is, as viewed in the Z direction, the rib 244a extends in a direction intersecting the X direction. As will be described later, in the embodiment, the V2X element 230 is placed on the left side of the V2X holder 240, and then the V2X element 230 is moved toward the V2X holder 240 to assemble the V2X element 230 and the V2X holder 240. Therefore, when the rib 244a extends in a direction intersecting the X direction as viewed in the Z direction, the V2X element 230 can be slid along the rib 244a with the rib 244a inserted into the gap between the bottom winding end portion 236a and the top winding end portion 236b. Therefore, the V2X element 230 and the V2X holder 240 can be assembled more easily than in a case where the V2X element 230 cannot slide along the rib 244a.

[0041] 2 and 3 , the left end portion of the rib 244a protrudes leftward relative to the left end portion of the rear column 244. Therefore, compared to when the left end portions of the rib 244a and the rear column 244 are aligned in the Y direction, it is easier to insert the left end portion of the rib 244a into the gap between the bottom winding end portion 236a and the top winding end portion 236b. However, the left end portions of the rib 244a and the left end portion of the rear column 244 may also be aligned in the Y direction. Alternatively, the left end portion of the rib 244a may be positioned offset to the right relative to the left end portion of the rear column 244.

[0042] 2 and 3 , the bottom winding end portion 236a and the top winding end portion 236b are positioned so as to be offset from each other in a direction parallel to the Z direction. Furthermore, when viewed from the rear, the rib 244a is inclined obliquely with respect to the XY plane. Therefore, compared to a case where the bottom winding end portion 236a and the top winding end portion 236b are positioned so as to be offset from each other in a direction perpendicular to the Z direction or a case where the rib 244a is parallel to the XY plane, it is possible to make it easier for the V2X element 230 to slide along the rib 244a with the rib 244a inserted into the gap between the bottom winding end portion 236a and the top winding end portion 236b.

[0043] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3 , when viewed from the rear, the rib 244a is inclined downward with respect to the XY plane as it moves from right to left. As shown in FIG. 3 , when viewed from the rear, the rib 244a is located above the vicinity of the lower winding end portion 236a of the wound conductor 236, on the right side of the gap between the lower winding end portion 236a and the upper winding end portion 236b. Therefore, compared to when the rib 244a is parallel to the XY plane, interference between the wound conductor 236 and the rib 244a can be reduced on the right side of the gap. As shown in FIG. 3 , when viewed from the rear, the rib 244a is located below the vicinity of the upper winding end portion 236b of the wound conductor 236, on the left side of the gap between the lower winding end portion 236a and the upper winding end portion 236b. Therefore, interference between the wound conductor 236 and the rib 244a can be reduced on the left side of the gap, compared to when the rib 244a is parallel to the XY plane. Therefore, compared to a state in which the wound conductor 236 and the rib 244a are likely to interfere with each other, such as a state in which the rib 244a is parallel to the XY plane, the wound conductor 236 can slide more easily along the rib 244a. However, the rib 244a may also be parallel to the XY plane.

[0044] When viewed from the rear, the rib 244a may be inclined obliquely upward from the right side to the left side. When the rib 244a is inclined obliquely upward from the right side to the left side when viewed from the rear, the wound conductor 236 may be wound one turn from the lower winding end portion 236a to the upper winding end portion 236b when viewed from above in a clockwise direction opposite to the counterclockwise direction shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 . That is, when viewed from below, the wound conductor 236 may be wound one turn counterclockwise from the lower winding end portion 236a to the upper winding end portion 236b. Even when the rib 244a is inclined obliquely upward from the right side to the left side when viewed from the rear and the wound conductor 236 is wound counterclockwise from the lower winding end portion 236a to the upper winding end portion 236b when viewed from below, for the same reasons as described above, the wound conductor 236 can slide more easily along the rib 244a than when the rib 244a is parallel to the XY plane.

[0045] 2 and 3. The bottom end portion 236a and the top end portion 236b may be positioned so as to be offset from each other in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle greater than 0° and less than 90° with respect to the Z direction. Even when the bottom end portion 236a and the top end portion 236b are positioned so as to be offset from each other in a direction inclined from each other in the Z direction, the V2X element 230 can be more easily slid along the rib 244a with the rib 244a inserted into the gap between the bottom end portion 236a and the top end portion 236b, compared to when the bottom end portion 236a and the top end portion 236b are positioned so as to be offset from each other in a direction perpendicular to the Z direction.

[0046] 2 and 3 , the dimension of the rib 244a from the bottom winding end portion 236a to the top winding end portion 236b is constant regardless of the position in the Y direction. However, the dimension of the rib 244a may increase from left to right when viewed from the rear. If the dimension of the rib 244a increases from left to right when viewed from the rear, the dimension of the gap between the bottom winding end portion 236a and the top winding end portion 236b can be gradually widened when the wound conductor 236 slides from left to right along the rib 244a. Therefore, compared to when the dimension of the rib 244a is constant regardless of the position in the Y direction, the wound conductor 236 can be more easily assembled to the rib 244a.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3 , when the V2X element 230 is held by the V2X holder 240, the lower hook 245b engages the lower straight conductor 232. The lower hook 245b has a snap-fit ​​structure. Specifically, the lower hook 245b includes a lower elastic beam 245b1 and a lower protrusion 245b2. When the V2X element 230 is held by the V2X holder 240, the lower elastic beam 245b1 is substantially parallel to the Y direction. The lower elastic beam 245b1 is capable of bending forward due to an external force received from the lower straight conductor 232. The lower protrusion 245b2 is provided on the rear surface of the left end portion of the lower elastic beam 245b1. The lower elastic beam 245b1 and the lower protrusion 245b2 cover the front and left portions of the lower straight conductor 232, respectively. Therefore, forward and leftward rattles of the lower straight conductor 232 can be restricted by the lower elastic beam 245b1 and the lower protrusion 245b2, respectively. Therefore, even if the antenna device 10 vibrates due to factors such as vehicle vibration, the generation of abnormal noise caused by the lower straight conductor 232 coming into contact with the V2X holder 240 can be suppressed compared to a state in which the lower hook 245b is not provided. Furthermore, the V2X element 230 can be prevented from coming off the V2X holder 240 compared to a state in which the lower hook 245b is not provided.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3 , when the V2X element 230 is held by the V2X holder 240, the top hook 242b engages the second upper straight conductor portion 234b. The top hook 242b has a snap-fit ​​structure. Specifically, the top hook 242b includes a top elastic beam 242b1 and a top protrusion 242b2. When the V2X element 230 is held by the V2X holder 240, the top elastic beam 242b1 is substantially parallel to the Y direction. The top elastic beam 242b1 is able to bend upward due to an external force received from the second upper straight conductor portion 234b. The top protrusion 242b2 is provided on the underside of the left end portion of the top elastic beam 242b1. The top elastic beam 242b1 and the top protrusion 242b2 cover the upper and left portions of the second upper straight conductor portion 234b, respectively. Therefore, the top elastic beam 242b1 and the top protrusion 242b2 can restrict upward and leftward rattles of the first upper straight conductor portion 234a, respectively. Therefore, even if the antenna device 10 vibrates due to factors such as vehicle vibration, the generation of abnormal noise caused by the second upper straight conductor portion 234b coming into contact with the V2X holder 240 can be suppressed compared to a state in which the top hook 242b is not provided.

[0049] The hooks, such as the lower hook 245b and the top hook 242b, have a locking structure that locks the V2X element 230. The number and arrangement of the locking structures are not limited to the examples shown in Figures 2 and 3. For example, the locking structure may not be provided.

[0050] 3, when the V2X element 230 is held by the V2X holder 240, the front end portion of the second upper straight conductor portion 234b abuts against the left side surface of the top positioning wall 242c. By the front end portion of the second upper straight conductor portion 234b abutting against the left side surface of the top positioning wall 242c, movement of the second upper straight conductor portion 234b to the right can be suppressed, and the second upper straight conductor portion 234b can be positioned in the Y direction.

[0051] 2 and 3 , in a state in which the V2X element 230 is held by the V2X holder 240, the V2X element 230 and the V2X holder 240 are arranged on the upper surface side of the V2X substrate 210. In a state in which the V2X element 230 and the V2X holder 240 are arranged on the upper surface side of the V2X substrate 210, the bottom front protrusion 241b is inserted into the V2X front hole 212, and the lower end portion of the lower linear conductor 232 passes through the V2X rear hole 214. By inserting the bottom front protrusion 241b into the V2X front hole 212, the V2X holder 240 can be aligned with respect to the V2X substrate 210.

[0052] The V2X holder 240 and the V2X board 210 are attached to each other by V2X holder mounting screws 250. However, the mounting member for attaching the V2X holder 240 and the V2X board 210 to each other is not limited to fastening members such as the V2X holder mounting screws 250. The V2X holder mounting screws 250 pass through the V2X large diameter holes 216 and are inserted into the front portion of the bottom plate 241 and the lower portion of the front column 243. The V2X holder mounting screws 250 are conductive. Therefore, the V2X holder mounting screws 250 and the antenna base 110 are electrically connected to each other via the ground portion of the V2X board 210 and the four V2X board mounting screws 220. Therefore, the V2X holder mounting screws 250 are electrically grounded. Therefore, the V2X holder mounting screws 250 can operate as a parasitic element for adjusting the directivity of the V2X element 230. Specifically, the V2X holder mounting screw 250 is operable as a reflector. When the V2X holder mounting screw 250 operates as a reflector, the rear directivity of the V2X antenna 200 can be strengthened.

[0053] With the bottom rear protrusion 241c inserted into the V2X notch 218, the V2X holder mounting screw 250 passes through the V2X large diameter hole 216 and is inserted into the front portion of the bottom plate 241 and the lower portion of the front column 243. Therefore, the V2X notch 218 and the bottom rear protrusion 241c can suppress rotation of the V2X holder 240 relative to the V2X board 210 when the V2X holder mounting screw 250 is fastened. By suppressing rotation of the V2X holder 240, the lower end portion of the lower straight conductor 232 can be prevented from hitting the inner wall of the V2X rear hole 214. Therefore, compared to a case where the V2X notch 218 and the bottom rear protrusion 241c are not provided, a load on the lower end portion of the lower straight conductor 232 caused by the lower end portion of the lower straight conductor 232 hitting the inner wall of the V2X rear hole 214 can be suppressed. The bottom rear protrusion 241c may be inserted into a hole provided in the V2X board 210 instead of a notch such as the V2X notch 218. When the bottom rear protrusion 241c is inserted into the V2X notch 218, the size of the V2X board 210 can be made smaller than when the bottom rear protrusion 241c is inserted into a hole provided in the V2X board 210.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 2 , one end of the V2X cable 260 and a front portion of the V2X board 210 are electrically connected to each other by, for example, soldering. Fitting the outer conductor of the V2X cable 260 into a notch in the front portion of the V2X board 210 improves the ease of soldering the V2X cable 260 to the V2X board 210. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the V2X cable 260 is pulled forward from the front portion of the V2X board 210 to the upper opening of the cable through hole 178, and then pulled from the upper opening of the cable through hole 178 toward below the rear protrusion 176 via the cable through hole 178. A cable hook 172a is provided on the holder base 172 between the front portion of the V2X board 210 and the upper opening of the cable through hole 178. The V2X cable 260 is secured by the cable hook 172 a between the front portion of the V2X board 210 and the upper end of the cable through-hole 178 .

[0055] Next, an example of a method for assembling the V2X element 230 and the V2X holder 240 will be described.

[0056] First, when viewed from the rear, the V2X element 230 is placed on the left side of the V2X holder 240. Next, the V2X element 230 is moved toward the V2X holder 240, and the left end portion of the rib 244a is inserted into the gap between the bottom winding end portion 236a and the top winding end portion 236b. Next, the V2X element 230 is pushed toward the V2X holder 240. By pushing the V2X element 230 toward the V2X holder 240, the V2X element 230 slides along the rib 244a with the rib 244a inserted into the gap between the bottom winding end portion 236a and the top winding end portion 236b.

[0057] By pushing the V2X element 230 towards the V2X holder 240, the V2X holder 240 is locked by the lower hook 245b and the top hook 242b as follows.

[0058] By pushing the V2X element 230 toward the V2X holder 240, the lower straight conductor 232 comes into contact with the left side surface of the lower protrusion 245b2. By further pushing the V2X element 230 toward the V2X holder 240, the lower straight conductor 232 pushes the lower protrusion 245b2 forward, causing the lower elastic beam 245b1 to bend forward. The lower elastic beam 245b1 bends forward until the lower straight conductor 232 pushes the lower protrusion 245b2 forward. The lower straight conductor 232 pushes the lower protrusion 245b2 forward, passes through the lower protrusion 245b2, and is inserted into the bottom guide groove 241a, the lower guide groove 245a, and the middle guide groove 246a. After the lower straight conductor 232 passes the lower protrusion 245b2, the lower elastic beam 245b1 is no longer subjected to external force from the lower straight conductor 232, and the deflection of the lower elastic beam 245b1 is released. With the deflection of the lower elastic beam 245b1 released, the lower elastic beam 245b1 becomes approximately parallel to the Y direction. Therefore, the lower hook 245b can lock the lower straight conductor 232.

[0059] As the V2X element 230 is pushed toward the V2X holder 240, the second upper straight conductor portion 234b comes into contact with the left side surface of the top protrusion 242b2. As the V2X element 230 is pushed further toward the V2X holder 240, the second upper straight conductor portion 234b pushes the top protrusion 242b2 upward, causing the top elastic beam 242b1 to bend upward. The top elastic beam 242b1 bends upward until the second upper straight conductor portion 234b pushes the top protrusion 242b2 upward. The second upper straight conductor portion 234b pushes the top protrusion 242b2 upward and passes over the top protrusion 242b2. After the second upper straight conductor portion 234b passes the top protrusion 242b2, the top elastic beam 242b1 is no longer subjected to external force from the second upper straight conductor portion 234b, and the deflection of the top elastic beam 242b1 is released. With the deflection of the top elastic beam 242b1 released, the top elastic beam 242b1 becomes approximately parallel to the Y direction. Therefore, the top hook 242b can lock the second upper straight conductor portion 234b.

[0060] In this manner, the V2X element 230 and the V2X holder 240 are assembled. For example, the worker may assemble the V2X element 230 and the V2X holder 240 by pointing the front portion of the V2X element 230 and the left portion of the V2X holder 240 toward the worker's face, holding the V2X holder 240 in the left hand, and holding the V2X element 230 in the right hand, while fixing the left hand and moving the right hand.

[0061] The structure and assembly method of the V2X antenna 200 are not limited to the examples described in the embodiment.

[0062] For example, the winding conductor 236 may be wound in a spiral shape with multiple turns. When the winding conductor 236 is wound with multiple turns, the winding conductor 236 includes multiple winding portions arranged in a direction parallel to the central axis of the winding conductor 236. When the winding conductor 236 includes multiple winding portions, a rib may be inserted into the gap between adjacent winding portions of the winding conductor 236. By inserting a rib into the gap between adjacent winding portions of the winding conductor 236, the size of the gap between adjacent winding portions of the winding conductor 236 can be adjusted by the size of the rib.

[0063] When viewed from the rear, V2X element 230 may be able to be assembled to V2X holder 240 from the right side of V2X holder 240. When V2X element 230 is assembled to V2X holder 240 from the right side of V2X holder 240, grooves corresponding to guide grooves such as bottom guide groove 241a, lower guide groove 245a, middle guide groove 246a, and top guide groove 242a open toward the right when viewed from the rear.

[0064] The winding portion to which the rib corresponding to the rib 244a can be applied is not limited to the inductance component of the antenna element of the collinear antenna, such as the wound conductor 236 according to the embodiment. The rib can also be applied to a helical element having a conductor wound in a spiral shape, such as a coil.

[0065] Fig. 4 is an exploded top perspective view of the GNSS antenna 300 according to the embodiment. Fig. 5 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340, the lower GNSS parasitic element 350, and the GNSS holder 360 according to the embodiment. Fig. 6 is a plan view of the GNSS antenna 300 according to the embodiment.

[0066] The GNSS antenna 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, and also with reference to FIG. 1 as needed.

[0067] 4 , the GNSS antenna 300 has a GNSS patch antenna 330, an upper GNSS parasitic element 340, a lower GNSS parasitic element 350, and a GNSS holder 360. The GNSS antenna 300 further has a GNSS board 310, five GNSS board mounting screws 320, a pair of GNSS holder mounting screws 370, and two GNSS cables 380.

[0068] The GNSS substrate 310 is, for example, a PCB. In the example shown in Fig. 4, when viewed from the Z direction, the GNSS substrate 310 has a substantially rectangular shape having a pair of long sides substantially parallel to the X direction and a pair of short sides substantially parallel to the Y direction. However, the shape, material, etc. of the GNSS substrate 310 are not limited to the example shown in Fig. 4.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 , the GNSS substrate 310 and the approximate center portion of the antenna base 110 in the X direction are attached to each other via five GNSS substrate mounting screws 320. However, the mounting members for attaching the GNSS substrate 310 and the antenna base 110 to each other are not limited to fastening members such as the GNSS substrate mounting screws 320. The number of GNSS substrate mounting screws 320 is not limited to five and may be other than five. Each GNSS substrate mounting screw 320 is conductive. Therefore, the ground portion of the GNSS substrate 310 and the antenna base 110 are electrically connected to each other via the five GNSS substrate mounting screws 320. As shown in FIG. 4 , three of the five GNSS substrate mounting screws 320 are inserted into the antenna base 110, penetrating both side portions and the center portion of the rear portion of the GNSS substrate 310 in the Y direction. The other two of the five GNSS substrate mounting screws 320 are inserted through both Y-direction sides of the front part of the GNSS substrate 310 and into the antenna base 110. However, the number and arrangement of the GNSS substrate mounting screws 320 are not limited to the example shown in FIG.

[0070] The GNSS patch antenna 330 is an antenna element of the GNSS antenna 300. The GNSS patch antenna 330 is disposed on the upper surface of the GNSS substrate 310 via a GNSS lower double-sided tape 332. The lower surface of the GNSS patch antenna 330 and the upper surface of the GNSS substrate 310 are attached to each other via the GNSS lower double-sided tape 332. However, the bonding material used to attach the GNSS patch antenna 330 and the GNSS substrate 310 to each other is not limited to double-sided tape such as the GNSS lower double-sided tape 332. The bonding material may be, for example, an adhesive. In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the GNSS patch antenna 330 has a substantially square shape when viewed from the Z direction. The GNSS lower double-sided tape 332 has a substantially circular plate shape when viewed from the Z direction. However, the shapes of the GNSS patch antenna 330 and the GNSS lower double-sided tape 332 are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 4 .

[0071] The GNSS holder 360 holds the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 and the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 at a position above and away from the upper surface of the GNSS patch antenna 330. The GNSS holder 360 is made of an insulating material such as resin. As shown in Figures 4 and 5 , the GNSS holder 360 includes a mounting body 362 and a pair of supports 364.

[0072] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the mounting body 362 has a generally square frame shape when viewed from the Z direction. The mounting body 362 includes a front mounting body portion 362a, a rear mounting body portion 362b, a left mounting body portion 362c, and a right mounting body portion 362d. The front mounting body portion 362a is generally parallel to the Y direction between the front outer edge and inner edge of the mounting body 362. The rear mounting body portion 362b is generally parallel to the Y direction between the rear outer edge and inner edge of the mounting body 362. The front mounting body portion 362a and the rear mounting body portion 362b face each other in the X direction. The left mounting body portion 362c is generally parallel to the X direction between the left outer edge and inner edge of the mounting body 362. The right mounting body portion 362d is generally parallel to the X direction between the right outer edge and inner edge of the mounting body 362. The left mounting body portion 362c and the right mounting body portion 362d face each other in the Y direction.

[0073] 4 , when viewed from the Z direction, at least a portion of the upper surface of the GNSS patch antenna 330 is exposed upward through a hollow region surrounded by the inner edge of the mounting body 362. However, the mounting body 362 may cover the entire upper surface of the GNSS patch antenna 330. For example, when viewed from the Z direction, the mounting body 362 may be in the shape of a plate that covers the entire upper surface of the GNSS patch antenna 330.

[0074] A pair of supports 364 are provided on the left mounting body portion 362c and the right mounting body portion 362d. Hereinafter, as necessary, the support 364 provided on the left mounting body portion 362c will be referred to as the left support 364, and the support 364 provided on the right mounting body portion 362d will be referred to as the right support 364. Each support 364 includes a support pillar 364a and a support base 364b. Hereinafter, as necessary, the support pillar 364a and the support base 364b of the left support 364 will be referred to as the left support pillar 364a and the left support base 364b, respectively, and the support pillar 364a and the support base 364b of the right support 364 will be referred to as the right support pillar 364a and the right support base 364b, respectively. Hereinafter, as necessary, the left support pillar 364a and the right support pillar 364a will be collectively referred to as a pair of support pillars 364a, and the left support base 364b and the right support base 364b will be collectively referred to as a pair of support bases 364b.

[0075] 4, 5, and 6, the left support pillar 364a extends in the Z direction between the left mounting body portion 362c and a portion of the antenna base 110 located to the left of the GNSS substrate 310. The upper end portion of the left support pillar 364a and the left side surface portion of the left mounting body portion 362c are connected to each other. The left support base 364b extends leftward from the lower end portion of the left support pillar 364a.

[0076] 6 , the left support pedestal 364b and a portion of the antenna base 110 located to the left of the GNSS substrate 310 are attached to each other via a GNSS holder mounting screw 370 located to the left of the GNSS substrate 310. However, the mounting member for attaching the left support pedestal 364b and the antenna base 110 to each other is not limited to a fastening member such as the GNSS holder mounting screw 370. Hereinafter, as necessary, the GNSS holder mounting screw 370 located to the left of the GNSS substrate 310 will be referred to as the left GNSS holder mounting screw 370. The left GNSS holder mounting screw 370 is inserted through the left support pedestal 364b and into a portion of the antenna base 110 located to the left of the GNSS substrate 310. When viewed from the Z direction, the left GNSS holder mounting screw 370 is positioned offset to the left with respect to the left outer edge of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 and the left outer edge of the lower GNSS parasitic element 350. This prevents the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 and the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 from interfering with the tightening operation of the left GNSS holder mounting screw 370.

[0077] 4, 5, and 6, the right support pillar 364a extends in the Z direction between the right mounting body portion 362d and a portion of the antenna base 110 located to the right of the GNSS substrate 310. The upper end portion of the right support pillar 364a and the right side surface portion of the right mounting body portion 362d are connected to each other. The right support base 364b extends rightward from the lower end portion of the right support pillar 364a.

[0078] 6 , the right support pedestal 364b and a portion of the antenna base 110 located to the right of the GNSS substrate 310 are attached to each other via a GNSS holder mounting screw 370 located to the right of the GNSS substrate 310. However, the mounting member for attaching the right support pedestal 364b and the antenna base 110 to each other is not limited to a fastening member such as the GNSS holder mounting screw 370. Hereinafter, as necessary, the GNSS holder mounting screw 370 located to the right of the GNSS substrate 310 will be referred to as the right GNSS holder mounting screw 370. The right GNSS holder mounting screw 370 passes through the right support pedestal 364b and is inserted into a portion of the antenna base 110 located to the right of the GNSS substrate 310. When viewed from the Z direction, the right GNSS holder mounting screw 370 is positioned offset to the right with respect to the right outer edge of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 and the right outer edge of the lower GNSS parasitic element 350. This prevents the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 and the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 from interfering with the tightening operation of the right GNSS holder mounting screw 370.

[0079] 4, the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 is disposed at a position spaced above the upper surface of the GNSS patch antenna 330. By disposing the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 at a position spaced an appropriate distance above the upper surface of the GNSS patch antenna 330, the upward gain of the GNSS patch antenna 330 can be improved.

[0080] As shown in Fig. 4 , when viewed from the Z direction, the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 has a substantially square frame shape. Specifically, when viewed from the Z direction, the outer edge and inner edge of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 have a substantially square shape with four rounded corners. Hereinafter, as necessary, the portion between the front outer edge and inner edge of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 will be referred to as the front portion of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340, the portion between the rear outer edge and inner edge of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 will be referred to as the rear portion of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340, the portion between the left outer edge and inner edge of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 will be referred to as the left portion of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340, and the portion between the right outer edge and inner edge of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 will be referred to as the right portion of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340. The upper GNSS parasitic element 340 is arranged on the upper surface side of the mounting body 362, with the front, rear, left and right portions of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 overlapping with the front mounting body portion 362a, the rear mounting body portion 362b, the left mounting body portion 362c and the right mounting body portion 362d in the Z direction.

[0081] 4 , when viewed from the Z direction, at least a portion of the upper surface of the GNSS patch antenna 330 is exposed upward through a hollow region surrounded by the inner edge of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340. Therefore, changes in the impedance of the GNSS patch antenna 330 can be suppressed compared to when the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 covers the entire upper surface of the GNSS patch antenna 330. However, the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 may also cover the entire upper surface of the GNSS patch antenna 330. For example, when viewed from the Z direction, the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 may have a plate shape that covers the entire upper surface of the GNSS patch antenna 330.

[0082] 4 , the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 has a shape with approximately four-fold rotational symmetry when viewed from the Z direction. Therefore, even if the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 is rotated 90° around the Z direction when viewed from the Z direction, the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 can be disposed on the upper surface side of the mounting body 362. This eliminates the need for an operator to consider the orientation of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 around the Z direction. This improves the workability of assembling the GNSS antenna 300 compared to a case where an operator needs to consider the orientation of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 around the Z direction.

[0083] 4 and 5 , the upper and lower surfaces of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 have a shape that is approximately mirror-symmetric. Therefore, even if the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 is turned upside down, the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 can be disposed on the upper surface side of the mounting body 362. This eliminates the need for an operator to consider whether the upper and lower surfaces of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 should be disposed upside down. This improves the workability of assembling the GNSS antenna 300 compared to a case where an operator needs to consider whether the upper and lower surfaces of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 should be disposed upside down.

[0084] The shape of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 4 . When viewed from the Z direction, the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 may have a substantially N-fold rotationally symmetric shape, such as a substantially two-fold rotationally symmetric shape, a substantially three-fold rotationally symmetric shape, a substantially five-fold rotationally symmetric shape, or a substantially six-fold rotationally symmetric shape (N is an integer greater than or equal to 2). When the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 has a substantially N-fold rotationally symmetric shape when viewed from the Z direction, the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 can be disposed on the upper surface side of the mounting body 362 even when rotated by (360 / N) degrees around the Z direction. Alternatively, when viewed from the Z direction, the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 may have a substantially annular shape or a substantially disc shape. Even when the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 has a substantially circular ring shape or a substantially circular disk shape when viewed from the Z direction, the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 has a substantially rotationally symmetric shape when viewed from the Z direction. In addition, the shape of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 corresponds to the outer edge shape of the element of the GNSS patch antenna 330.

[0085] 4, the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 is disposed at a position spaced above the upper surface of the GNSS patch antenna 330. By disposing the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 at a position spaced an appropriate distance above the upper surface of the GNSS patch antenna 330, the gain above the GNSS patch antenna 330 can be improved.

[0086] As shown in Figure 4, when viewed from the Z direction, the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 has a substantially square frame shape. Specifically, when viewed from the Z direction, the outer edge and inner edge of the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 have a substantially square shape with four rounded corners. Hereinafter, as necessary, the portion between the front outer edge and inner edge of the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 will be referred to as the front portion of the lower GNSS parasitic element 350, the portion between the rear outer edge and inner edge of the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 will be referred to as the rear portion of the lower GNSS parasitic element 350, the portion between the left outer edge and inner edge of the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 will be referred to as the left portion of the lower GNSS parasitic element 350, and the portion between the right outer edge and inner edge of the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 will be referred to as the left portion of the lower GNSS parasitic element 350. As shown in Figure 4, the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 is arranged on the underside of the mounting body 362, with the front, rear, left, and right portions of the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 overlapping in the Z direction with the front mounting body portion 362a, the rear mounting body portion 362b, the left mounting body portion 362c, and the right mounting body portion 362d.

[0087] 4 , when viewed from the Z direction, at least a portion of the upper surface of the GNSS patch antenna 330 is exposed upward through a hollow region surrounded by the inner edge of the lower GNSS parasitic element 350. Therefore, changes in the impedance of the GNSS patch antenna 330 can be suppressed compared to when the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 covers the entire upper surface of the GNSS patch antenna 330. However, the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 may also cover the entire upper surface of the GNSS patch antenna 330. For example, when viewed from the Z direction, the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 may have a plate shape that covers the entire upper surface of the GNSS patch antenna 330.

[0088] 4 , the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 has a shape with approximately four-fold rotational symmetry when viewed from the Z direction. Therefore, even if the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 is rotated 90° around the Z direction when viewed from the Z direction, the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 can be disposed on the lower surface side of the mounting body 362. This eliminates the need for an operator to consider the orientation of the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 around the Z direction. This improves the workability of assembling the GNSS antenna 300 compared to a case where an operator needs to consider the orientation of the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 around the Z direction.

[0089] The shape of the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 4 . When viewed from the Z direction, the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 may have an approximately M-fold rotationally symmetric shape (M is an integer greater than or equal to 2), such as an approximately 2-fold rotationally symmetric shape, an approximately 3-fold rotationally symmetric shape, an approximately 5-fold rotationally symmetric shape, or an approximately 6-fold rotationally symmetric shape. When the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 has an approximately M-fold rotationally symmetric shape when viewed from the Z direction, the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 can be disposed on the lower surface side of the mounting body 362 even if the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 is rotated by (360 / M) degrees around the Z direction. Alternatively, when viewed from the Z direction, the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 may have an approximately annular shape or an approximately disk shape. Even when the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 has a substantially circular ring shape or a substantially disk shape when viewed from the Z direction, the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 has a substantially rotationally symmetric shape when viewed from the Z direction.

[0090] 5 , notches 352 are provided in the center of each of the front, rear, left, and right outer edges of the lower GNSS parasitic element 350. When the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 is arranged on the underside of the mounting body 362, the right side surface of the upper end portion of the left support pillar 364 a fits into the notch 352 provided in the left outer edge of the lower GNSS parasitic element 350, and the left side surface of the upper end portion of the right support pillar 364 a fits into the notch 352 provided in the right outer edge of the lower GNSS parasitic element 350. Thus, each notch 352 serves as a positioning structure for positioning the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 with respect to the mounting body 362.

[0091] 5 , the four notches 352 are arranged with approximately four-fold rotational symmetry when viewed from the Z direction. Therefore, even if the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 is rotated 90° around the Z direction when viewed from the Z direction, the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 can be positioned with respect to the mounting body 362. This eliminates the need for an operator to consider the orientation of the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 around the Z direction. This improves the workability of assembling the GNSS antenna 300 compared to a case where an operator needs to consider the orientation of the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 around the Z direction.

[0092] The number and arrangement of the notches 352 are not limited to the example shown in Fig. 5. For example, L notches 352 may be arranged in approximately L-fold rotational symmetry when viewed from the Z direction (L is an integer greater than or equal to 2). When L notches 352 are arranged in approximately L-fold rotational symmetry when viewed from the Z direction, the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 can be positioned with respect to the mounting body 362 even if the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 is rotated by (360 / L) degrees around the Z direction.

[0093] The positioning structure for positioning the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 relative to the mounting body 362 is not limited to the notch 352. For example, the positioning structure may be a through-hole provided in the lower GNSS parasitic element 350. When the positioning structure is a through-hole provided in the lower GNSS parasitic element 350, a protrusion provided on the underside of the mounting body 362 may pass through the through-hole in the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 to position the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 relative to the mounting body 362. As with the four notches 352, the multiple through-holes may be provided in a substantially rotationally symmetric manner when viewed in the Z direction. A positioning structure equivalent to the notch 352 in the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 may be provided not only in the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 but also in the upper GNSS parasitic element 340. Alternatively, neither the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 nor the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 may have a positioning structure.

[0094] 4 and 5 , a pair of GNSS upper double-sided tapes 366 is provided on the front mounting body portion 362a and the rear mounting body portion 362b. Hereinafter, as necessary, the GNSS upper double-sided tape 366 provided on the front mounting body portion 362a will be referred to as the front GNSS upper double-sided tape 366, and the GNSS upper double-sided tape 366 provided on the rear mounting body portion 362b will be referred to as the rear GNSS upper double-sided tape 366. The pair of GNSS upper double-sided tapes 366 are provided to attach the lower surface of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 to the upper surface of the mounting body 362 to each other, and to attach the upper surface of the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 to the lower surface of the mounting body 362 to each other. However, the bonding material used to attach the lower surface of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 to the upper surface of the mounting body 362 to each other and to attach the upper surface of the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 to the lower surface of the mounting body 362 to each other is not limited to double-sided tape such as the GNSS upper double-sided tape 366. The bonding material may be, for example, an adhesive.

[0095] The front GNSS upper double-sided tape 366 extends from the upper surface to the lower surface of the front mounting body portion 362a via the rear surface of the front mounting body portion 362a. Therefore, the front GNSS upper double-sided tape 366 continuously covers the upper surface, lower surface, and rear surface of the front mounting body portion 362a. That is, in a cross section perpendicular to the Y direction, the front GNSS upper double-sided tape 366 is substantially n-shaped.

[0096] The rear GNSS upper double-sided tape 366 extends from the upper surface to the lower surface of the rear mounting body portion 362b, passing over the front surface of the rear mounting body portion 362b. Therefore, the rear GNSS upper double-sided tape 366 continuously covers the upper surface, lower surface, and front surface of the rear mounting body portion 362b. That is, in a cross section perpendicular to the Y direction, the rear GNSS upper double-sided tape 366 is substantially n-shaped.

[0097] The lower surface of the front portion of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 and the upper surface of the front mounting body portion 362a are attached to each other via a portion of the front GNSS upper double-sided tape 366 that covers the upper surface of the front mounting body portion 362a. The lower surface of the rear portion of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 and the upper surface of the rear mounting body portion 362b are attached to each other via a portion of the rear GNSS upper double-sided tape 366 that covers the upper surface of the rear mounting body portion 362b. This eliminates the need for a mechanical joining structure such as a snap fit to attach the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 and the mounting body 362 to each other. This allows the dimensions of the GNSS antenna 300 to be smaller than when such a mechanical joining structure is provided. However, the mounting body 362 may have a mechanical joining structure to attach the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 and the mounting body 362 to each other, instead of or in addition to a joining material such as the GNSS upper double-sided tape 366.

[0098] The upper surface of the front portion of the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 and the lower surface of the front mounting body portion 362a are attached to each other via a portion of the front GNSS upper double-sided tape 366 that covers the lower surface of the front mounting body portion 362a. The upper surface of the rear portion of the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 and the lower surface of the rear mounting body portion 362b are attached to each other via a portion of the rear GNSS upper double-sided tape 366 that covers the lower surface of the rear mounting body portion 362b. This eliminates the need for a mechanical joining structure such as a snap fit to attach the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 and the mounting body 362 to each other. This allows the dimensions of the GNSS antenna 300 to be smaller than when such a mechanical joining structure is provided. However, the mounting body 362 may have a mechanical joining structure to attach the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 and the mounting body 362 to each other, instead of or in addition to a joining material such as the GNSS upper double-sided tape 366.

[0099] 4 and 5 , the front portion of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 and the front portion of the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 are attached to the front mounting body part 362a by a single piece of front GNSS upper double-sided tape 366 that continuously covers the upper, lower, and rear surfaces of the front mounting body part 362a. Therefore, compared to when two pieces of double-sided tape are provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the front mounting body part 362a, the number of double-sided tapes can be reduced, the number of parts of the antenna device 10 can be reduced, and the workability of assembling the antenna device 10 can be improved. However, two pieces of double-sided tape may be provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the front mounting body part 362a.

[0100] 4 and 5 , the rear portion of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 and the rear portion of the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 are attached to the rear mounting body part 362b by a single piece of rear GNSS upper double-sided tape 366 that continuously covers the upper, lower, and front surfaces of the rear mounting body part 362b. Therefore, compared to when two pieces of double-sided tape are provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the rear mounting body part 362b, the number of double-sided tapes can be reduced, the number of parts of the antenna device 10 can be reduced, and the workability of assembling the antenna device 10 can be improved. However, two pieces of double-sided tape may be provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the rear mounting body part 362b.

[0101] 4 and 6 , the pair of supports 364 support the mounting body 362 in a state in which the upper surface of the GNSS patch antenna 330 and the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 are spaced a predetermined distance apart in the Z direction, and the upper surface of the GNSS patch antenna 330 and the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 are spaced a distance in the Z direction that is shorter than the predetermined distance. The distance in the Z direction from the upper surface of the GNSS patch antenna 330 to the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 and the distance in the Z direction from the upper surface of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 to the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 are determined by the position of the mounting body 362 with respect to the upper surface of the GNSS patch antenna 330. Therefore, by adjusting the Z-direction height of the pair of support pillars 364a, it is possible to adjust the Z-direction distance from the upper surface of the GNSS patch antenna 330 to the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 and the Z-direction distance from the upper surface of the GNSS patch antenna 330 to the lower GNSS parasitic element 350.

[0102] The structure of the support for supporting the mounting body 362 at a position spaced above the upper surface of the GNSS patch antenna 330 is not limited to the pair of supports 364 according to the embodiment. For example, the mounting body 362 may be supported by a support attached to the outer case 140.

[0103] 4 and 5 , the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 and the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 are attached to opposite surfaces in the Z direction of a single mounting body 362. Therefore, compared to a case in which the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 and the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 are attached to each of two mounting bodies arranged overlapping each other in the Z direction, the number of parts of the GNSS antenna 300 can be reduced, improving the workability of assembling the GNSS antenna 300. Furthermore, compared to a case in which only one of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 and the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 is arranged above the GNSS patch antenna 330, the axial ratio of the GNSS patch antenna 330 can be improved. However, the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 and the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 may also be attached to each of two mounting bodies arranged overlapping each other in the Z direction. Furthermore, only one of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 and the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 may be arranged above the GNSS patch antenna 330. Alternatively, three or more parasitic elements may be located above the GNSS patch antenna 330.

[0104] 6 , when viewed in the Z direction, the lengths of the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 in the X and Y directions are longer than the lengths of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 in the X and Y directions. The lengths of the accommodation space formed by the outer case 140 in the X and Y directions decrease upward. Therefore, when the lengths of the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 in the X and Y directions are longer than the lengths of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 in the X and Y directions, the lengths of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 in the X and Y directions and the lengths of the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 in the X and Y directions can be increased depending on the shape of the accommodation space formed by the outer case 140. However, the relationship between the lengths of the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 in the X and Y directions and the lengths of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 in the X and Y directions is not limited to the example described above.

[0105] 4 and 6 , one end of each of the two GNSS cables 380 and the rear portion of the GNSS substrate 310 are electrically connected to each other by, for example, soldering. By fitting the outer conductor or the like of the GNSS cable 380 into a notch in the rear portion of the GNSS substrate 310, the workability of soldering the GNSS cable 380 to the GNSS substrate 310 is improved. As shown in FIG. 1 , each GNSS cable 380 is pulled rearward from the rear portion of the GNSS substrate 310 to the upper end opening of the cable through hole 178, and then pulled from the upper end opening of the cable through hole 178 toward below the rear protrusion 176 via the cable through hole 178.

[0106] Next, an example of a method for assembling the GNSS antenna 300 will be described.

[0107] First, the upper surface of the GNSS substrate 310 and the lower surface of the GNSS patch antenna 330 are attached to each other via the GNSS lower double-sided tape 332. Next, one end of each of the two GNSS cables 380 is electrically connected to the rear portion of the GNSS substrate 310 by, for example, soldering. However, the GNSS substrate 310 and the GNSS patch antenna 330 may be attached to each other after the GNSS cables 380 and the GNSS substrate 310 are electrically connected.

[0108] Next, the GNSS board 310 is placed on the upper surface side of the antenna base 110. Next, the two GNSS cables 380 are pulled out downward from the rear convex portion 176 through the cable through-holes 178. Next, the GNSS board 310 and the antenna base 110 are attached to each other with five GNSS board mounting screws 320.

[0109] Next, the upper GNSS parasitic element 340, the lower GNSS parasitic element 350, and the GNSS holder 360 are prepared. A pair of GNSS upper double-sided tapes 366 are previously attached to the front mounting body portion 362a and the rear mounting body portion 362b. Next, the lower surface of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 and the upper surface of the mounting body 362 are attached to each other via the portion of the front GNSS upper double-sided tape 366 covering the upper surface of the front mounting body portion 362a and the portion of the rear GNSS upper double-sided tape 366 covering the upper surface of the rear mounting body portion 362b. Similarly, the upper surface of the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 and the lower surface of the mounting body 362 are attached to each other via the portion of the front GNSS upper double-sided tape 366 covering the lower surface of the front mounting body portion 362a and the portion of the rear GNSS upper double-sided tape 366 covering the lower surface of the rear mounting body portion 362b.

[0110] Next, the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 is pressed toward the upper surface of the mounting body 362 to improve the bonding strength between the lower surface of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 and the upper surface of the mounting body 362 via the GNSS upper double-sided tape 366. Similarly, the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 is pressed toward the lower surface of the mounting body 362 to improve the bonding strength between the upper surface of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 and the lower surface of the mounting body 362 via the GNSS upper double-sided tape 366.

[0111] In addition, the work of attaching the lower surface of the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 to the upper surface of the mounting body 362 to each other, and the work of attaching the upper surface of the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 to the lower surface of the mounting body 362 to each other may be performed before the work of attaching the GNSS substrate 310 and the antenna base 110 to each other.

[0112] Next, with the GNSS patch antenna 330, the upper GNSS parasitic element 340, and the mounting body 362 positioned above the upper surface of the GNSS patch antenna 330, the pair of support pedestals 364b and the antenna base 110 are attached to each other with the pair of GNSS holder mounting screws 370. By attaching the pair of support pedestals 364b and the antenna base 110 to each other, the pair of supports 364 can support the mounting body 362 with the upper surface of the GNSS patch antenna 330 and the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 spaced a predetermined distance apart in the Z direction, and with the upper surface of the GNSS patch antenna 330 and the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 spaced a distance shorter than the predetermined distance in the Z direction.

[0113] In this manner, the GNSS antenna 300 is assembled on the upper surface side of the antenna base 110 .

[0114] 6 , the front portion of the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 and the two GNSS substrate mounting screws 320 that penetrate the front portion of the GNSS substrate 310 at least partially overlap in the Z direction. Similarly, the rear portion of the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 and the three GNSS substrate mounting screws 320 that penetrate the rear portion of the GNSS substrate 310 at least partially overlap in the Z direction. If the five GNSS substrate mounting screws 320 are fastened after the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 is placed above the GNSS patch antenna 330, in a state in which the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 and each GNSS substrate mounting screw 320 at least partially overlap in the Z direction, the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 may interfere with the fastening of each GNSS substrate mounting screw 320. Alternatively, if the GNSS substrate mounting screws 320 are provided outside the portion of the GNSS substrate 310 that overlaps with the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 when viewed from the Z direction, the dimensions of the GNSS substrate 310 in the X and Y directions must be larger than the dimensions of the GNSS substrate 310 in the X and Y directions shown in FIG. 6 . In contrast, in the embodiment, after the GNSS substrate mounting screws 320 are fastened, the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 is disposed above the GNSS patch antenna 330. This prevents the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 from interfering with the fastening of the GNSS substrate mounting screws 320. This improves the ease of assembly of the GNSS antenna 300 compared to when the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 interferes with the fastening of the GNSS substrate mounting screws 320. Additionally, in the embodiment, it is possible to eliminate the need to provide each GNSS substrate mounting screw 320 outside the portion of the GNSS substrate 310 that overlaps with the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 when viewed from the Z direction. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the dimensions of the GNSS substrate 310 in the X and Y directions compared to when each GNSS substrate mounting screw 320 is provided outside the portion of the GNSS substrate 310 that overlaps with the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 when viewed from the Z direction. However, each GNSS substrate mounting screw 320 may be provided outside the portion of the GNSS substrate 310 that overlaps with the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 when viewed from the Z direction.

[0115] Not only the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 but also the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 may at least partially overlap in the Z direction with at least one GNSS substrate mounting screw 320. Even if the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 and the GNSS substrate mounting screw 320 at least partially overlap in the Z direction, the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 can be prevented from interfering with the fastening operation of the GNSS substrate mounting screw 320. In addition, the dimensions of the GNSS substrate 310 in the X and Y directions can be reduced compared to when the GNSS substrate mounting screw 320 is provided outside the portion of the GNSS substrate 310 that overlaps with the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 when viewed from the Z direction.

[0116] In the embodiment, the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 and the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 can be placed above the GNSS patch antenna 330 after the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 and the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 are pressed against the upper and lower surfaces of the mounting body 362, respectively. If the parasitic elements were held in a holder attached to the GNSS patch antenna 330, pressure applied by the parasitic elements to the holder could generate a load on the GNSS substrate 310. In contrast, in the embodiment, pressure applied by the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 and the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 to the mounting body 362 can prevent a load from being applied to the GNSS substrate 310.

[0117] The structure and assembly method of the GNSS antenna 300 are not limited to the examples described in the embodiment.

[0118] For example, antennas to which the parasitic elements corresponding to the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 and the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 according to the embodiment and the holder corresponding to the GNSS holder 360 according to the embodiment can be applied are not limited to GNSS antennas such as the GNSS antenna 300 according to the embodiment. The parasitic elements corresponding to the upper GNSS parasitic element 340 and the lower GNSS parasitic element 350 according to the embodiment and the holder corresponding to the GNSS holder 360 according to the embodiment can also be applied to, for example, an SXM antenna.

[0119] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the upper part of the SXM antenna 400 according to the embodiment.

[0120] The SXM antenna 400 will be described with reference to FIG. 7 and, if necessary, with reference to FIG.

[0121] As shown in FIG. 7, the SXM antenna 400 includes an SXM substrate 410 , two SXM substrate mounting screws 420 , an SXM patch antenna 430 , an SXM parasitic element 440 , and an SXM holder 450 .

[0122] The SXM substrate 410 is, for example, a PCB. As shown in Figure 7, when viewed from the Z direction, the SXM substrate 410 has a substantially rectangular shape with a pair of long sides substantially parallel to the X direction and a pair of short sides substantially parallel to the Y direction. Approximately semicircular protrusions are provided on both sides of the front edge of the SXM substrate 410 in the Y direction. A notch is provided in the center of the rear edge of the SXM substrate 410 in the Y direction. However, the shape, material, etc. of the SXM substrate 410 are not limited to the example shown in Figure 7.

[0123] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7 , the SXM substrate 410 and the front portion of the antenna base 110 in the X direction are attached to each other via two SXM substrate mounting screws 420. However, the mounting members for attaching the SXM substrate 410 and the antenna base 110 to each other are not limited to fastening members such as the SXM substrate mounting screws 420. Each SXM substrate mounting screw 420 is conductive. Therefore, the ground portion of the SXM substrate 410 and the antenna base 110 are electrically connected to each other via the two SXM substrate mounting screws 420. One of the two SXM substrate mounting screws 420 is inserted into the antenna base 110, penetrating a protrusion provided on the right side of the front edge of the SXM substrate 410. The other of the two SXM substrate mounting screws 420 is inserted into the antenna base 110, penetrating the left side of the rear portion of the SXM substrate 410.

[0124] The SXM patch antenna 430 is disposed on the upper surface of the SXM substrate 410 via an SXM double-sided tape 432. The lower surface of the SXM patch antenna 430 and the upper surface of the SXM substrate 410 are attached to each other via the SXM double-sided tape 432. However, the bonding material for attaching the SXM patch antenna 430 and the SXM substrate 410 to each other is not limited to double-sided tape such as the SXM double-sided tape 432. The bonding material may be, for example, an adhesive. In the example shown in FIG. 7 , the SXM double-sided tape 432 has a substantially circular ring shape when viewed from the Z direction. However, the shape of the SXM double-sided tape 432 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 7 .

[0125] The SXM holder 450 holds the SXM parasitic element 440 at a position a predetermined distance above the upper surface of the SXM patch antenna 430. The SXM holder 450 is attached to the upper surface side of the SXM patch antenna 430. The SXM holder 450 is frame-shaped, exposing at least a portion of the upper surface of the SXM patch antenna 430 upward. A pair of SXM double-sided tapes 452 is provided on the front inner edge and the rear inner edge of the SXM holder 450. The lower surface of the SXM parasitic element 440 and the upper surface of the SXM holder 450 are attached to each other via the pair of SXM double-sided tapes 452.

[0126] FIG. 8 is an exploded top perspective view of an AM / FM broadcast antenna 500 according to an embodiment.

[0127] The AM / FM broadcast antenna 500 will be described with reference to FIG. 8 and, if necessary, with reference to FIG.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 8, the AM / FM broadcast antenna 500 includes an AM / FM board 510, two AM / FM board mounting screws 520, a capacitive loading element 530, a lower holder 542, an upper holder 544, an AM / FM holder mounting screw 550, a helical element 560, a bobbin 570, and a bobbin mounting screw 580.

[0129] The AM / FM substrate 510 is, for example, a PCB. As shown in Fig. 8 , when viewed from the Z direction, the AM / FM substrate 510 has a substantially rectangular shape with a pair of long sides substantially parallel to the X direction and a pair of short sides substantially parallel to the Y direction. However, the shape, material, etc. of the AM / FM substrate 510 are not limited to the example shown in Fig. 8 .

[0130] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 1 , the AM / FM board 510 and a portion of the antenna base 110 between the V2X antenna 200 and the GNSS antenna 300 are attached to each other via two AM / FM board mounting screws 520. However, the mounting member for attaching the AM / FM board 510 and the antenna base 110 to each other is not limited to fastening members such as the AM / FM board mounting screws 520. Each AM / FM board mounting screw 520 is conductive. Therefore, the ground portion of the AM / FM board 510 and the antenna base 110 are electrically connected to each other via the two AM / FM board mounting screws 520. One of the two AM / FM board mounting screws 520 is inserted through the left side of the front portion of the AM / FM board 510 and into the antenna base 110. The other of the two AM / FM board mounting screws 520 passes through the right side of the rear portion of the AM / FM board 510 and is inserted into the antenna base 110 .

[0131] The capacitance loading element 530 is held above the AM / FM substrate 510 by a lower holder 542 and an upper holder 544. The lower holder 542 and the antenna base 110 are attached to each other by AM / FM holder mounting screws 550. However, the mounting members for attaching the lower holder 542 and the antenna base 110 to each other are not limited to fastening members such as the AM / FM holder mounting screws 550. The upper holder 544 is disposed above the lower holder 542. The capacitance loading element 530 is attached to both side surfaces of the upper holder 544 in the Y direction.

[0132] The helical element 560 is wound around a bobbin 570. The bobbin 570 and the lower holder 542 are fastened to each other by a bobbin mounting screw 580. The bobbin mounting screw 580 passes through the bobbin 570 in the Z direction and is inserted into the lower holder 542. The bobbin 570 is approximately parallel to the Z direction. The upper end portion of the helical element 560 is electrically connected to the capacitive loading element 530. The lower end portion of the helical element 560 is electrically connected to the AM / FM substrate 510.

[0133] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various other configurations can also be adopted.

[0134] For example, the number and types of antennas arranged on the upper surface side of the antenna base 110 are not limited to the number and types of antennas according to the embodiment. For example, the antenna device 10 may not include the SXM antenna 400 and the AM / FM broadcast antenna 500. Alternatively, the antenna device 10 may further include other antennas, such as a telematics antenna (telephone antenna, TEL antenna), a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) antenna, a DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) antenna, a keyless entry antenna, an antenna compatible with linear polarization (vertical polarization, horizontal polarization), a Bluetooth (registered trademark) antenna, or a smart entry antenna.

[0135] According to the present specification, there is provided an antenna device having the following aspects: (Aspect 1) In aspect 1, an antenna device includes an antenna element having conductors at least portions of which are spaced apart from each other via a gap, and a holder that holds the antenna element, and the holder has a rib inserted into the gap.

[0136] The "antenna element" corresponds to the "V2X element" in the above-mentioned embodiments. The "conductor" corresponds to the "wound conductor" in the above-mentioned embodiments. The "holder" corresponds to the "V2X holder" in the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0137] According to the above-described aspect, the dimensions of the gap between at least a portion of the conductors can be guaranteed by ensuring the dimensions of the rib. Therefore, the variation in performance of the antenna having the conductors can be suppressed compared to when the rib is not inserted in the gap.

[0138] (Aspect 2) In aspect 2, the conductor includes a wound portion wound in a predetermined shape from one portion of the at least one portion to another portion of the at least one portion.

[0139] According to the above-described embodiment, the winding portion can function as an inductance component. Furthermore, by ensuring the dimensions of the rib, it is possible to ensure the dimensions of the gap between at least a portion of the conductor. Therefore, it is possible to suppress variations in the performance of the inductance component of the conductor compared to when the rib is not inserted in the gap.

[0140] (Embodiment 3) In embodiment 2, the rib extends in a direction intersecting a direction from the center of the region surrounded by the wound portion toward the gap.

[0141] According to the above-described aspect, the antenna element can be slid along the rib with the rib inserted into the gap between at least a portion of the conductors, which makes it easier to assemble the antenna element and the holder than when the antenna element cannot be slid along the rib.

[0142] (Aspect 4) In aspect 4, the one portion and the other portion of the wound portion are positioned offset from each other.

[0143] According to the above-described aspect, it is possible to make it easier for the antenna element to slide along the rib when the rib is inserted into the gap between the one part and the other part of the winding portion, compared to when the one part and the other part of the winding portion are not positioned offset from each other.

[0144] (Embodiment 5) In embodiment 5, the rib is inclined obliquely with respect to a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the wound portion.

[0145] According to the above-described aspect, compared to when the rib is parallel to the direction perpendicular to the central axis of the winding portion, it is possible to make it easier to slide the antenna element along the rib when the rib is inserted into the gap between one part and the other part of the winding portion.

[0146] (Aspect 6) In aspect 5, when the rib is not inserted into the gap, the dimension of the rib in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the rib is inserted into the gap is equal to or greater than the dimension of the gap in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the rib is inserted into the gap.

[0147] According to the above-described aspect, the rib can be inserted into the gap more reliably than when the dimension of the rib is less than the dimension of the gap when the rib is not inserted into the gap.

[0148] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-104361, filed on June 26, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0149] 10 Antenna device, 110 Antenna base, 112 Conductive convex portion, 114 Front through-hole, 116 Rear through-hole, 120 Mounting member, 122 Washer, 122a Arm, 124 Bolt, 130 Seal, 140 Outer case, 150 Pad, 160 Case mounting screw, 170 Pre-lock holder, 172 Holder base, 172a Cable hook, 174 Front convex portion, 176 Rear convex portion, 178 Cable through-hole, 200 V2X antenna, 210 V2X board, 212 V2X front hole, 214 V2X rear hole, 216 V2X large diameter hole, 218 V2X notch, 220 V2X board mounting screw, 230 V2X element, 232 Lower straight conductor, 234 Upper straight conductor, 234a First upper straight conductor portion, 234b Second upper straight conductor portion, 236 Wound conductor, 236a Wound lower end portion, 236b Wound upper end portion, 240 V2X holder, 241 Bottom plate, 241a Bottom guide groove, 241b Bottom front protrusion, 241c Bottom rear protrusion, 242 Top plate, 242a Top guide groove, 242b Top hook, 242b1 Top elastic beam, 242b2 Top protrusion, 242c Top positioning wall, 243 Front pillar, 244 Rear pillar, 244a Rib, 245 Lower beam, 245a Lower guide groove, 245b Lower hook, 245b1 Lower elastic beam, 245b2 Lower protrusion, 246 Middle beam, 246a Middle guide groove, 247 Upper beam, 250 V2X holder mounting screw, 260 V2X cable, 300 GNSS antenna, 310 GNSS board, 320 GNSS board mounting screw, 330 GNSS patch antenna, 332 GNSS lower double-sided tape, 340 upper GNSS parasitic element, 350 lower GNSS parasitic element, 352 notch, 360 GNSS holder, 362 mounting body, 362a front mounting body portion, 362b rear mounting body portion, 362c left mounting body portion, 362d right mounting body portion, 364 support, 364a support pillar, 364b support base, 366 GNSS upper double-sided tape, 370 GNSS holder mounting screw, 380 GNSS cable, 400 SXM antenna, 410 SXM board, 420 SXM board mounting screws, 430 SXM patch antenna, 432 SXM double-sided tape, 440 SXM parasitic element, 450 SXM holder, 452 SXM double-sided tape,500 AM / FM broadcast antenna, 530 capacitive loading element, 542 lower holder, 544 upper holder, 560 helical element, 570 bobbin, 580 bobbin mounting screw,

Claims

1. An antenna device comprising: an antenna element having conductors at least a portion of which are separated from each other by a gap; and a holder that holds the antenna element, the holder having a rib inserted into the gap.

2. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein said conductor includes a wound portion wound in a predetermined shape from one portion of said at least one portion to another portion of said at least one portion.

3. The antenna device according to claim 2, wherein said rib extends in a direction intersecting a direction from the center of the area surrounded by said winding portion toward said gap.

4. The antenna device according to claim 2, wherein the one portion and the other portion of the winding portion are positioned offset from each other.

5. The antenna device according to claim 2, wherein said rib is inclined obliquely with respect to a direction perpendicular to a central axis of said winding portion.

6. An antenna device described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when the rib is not inserted into the gap, the dimension of the rib in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the rib is inserted into the gap is greater than or equal to the dimension of the gap in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the rib is inserted into the gap.

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