Antenna device and electronic apparatus

Abstract

This antenna device comprises: a first conductor member which has formed therein a first slot that is a through hole penetrating in a first direction; and a second conductor member which has formed therein a second slot that has an open end opened in a direction non-parallel to the first direction and a closed end not opened. The first conductor member and the second conductor member are separated from each other and face each other in the first direction.

Description

Antenna devices, electronic devices

[0001] The present technology relates to an antenna device and an electronic device, and more particularly to an antenna device and an electronic device for a slot antenna.

[0002] A slot antenna using a conductive member with holes is known as an antenna device. In a slot antenna, slots of lengths corresponding to the wavelengths of the radio waves to be transmitted and received must be formed. Therefore, in order to make a slot antenna multiband, slots of lengths corresponding to the wavelengths of the radio waves must be formed, making it difficult to miniaturize the antenna. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a configuration that achieves multiband operation while miniaturizing the antenna by using a slot with multiple resonating portions provided in a single through hole.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-103655

[0004] Advances in wireless communication have created a demand for further multi-band and miniaturization.

[0005] The antenna device of the present technology includes a first conductor member having a first slot formed therein, which is a through hole that penetrates in a first direction, and a second conductor member having a second slot formed therein, the second slot having an open end that opens in a direction non-parallel to the first direction and a closed end that is not open, the first conductor member and the second conductor member being spaced apart from each other in the first direction and facing each other. That is, by arranging the first slot and the second slot in a predetermined positional relationship, resonance utilizing electric field coupling occurs in the second slot based on an AC electrical signal supplied to the first slot.

[0006] The electronic device of the present technology comprises an antenna device having a first conductor member in which a first slot, which is a through hole penetrating in a first direction, is formed, and a second conductor member in which a second slot is formed, the second slot having an open end that is open in a direction non-parallel to the first direction and a closed end that is not open, and the first conductor member and the second conductor member are spaced apart in the first direction and face each other.

[0007] 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an antenna device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a first conductor member and a holding member of the antenna device according to the first embodiment; FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an antenna device according to a second embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the shape of a first conductor member and a through hole of the antenna device according to the second embodiment; FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a first resonant portion and a third resonant portion of the second embodiment; FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a second conductor member and a third conductor member of the second embodiment; FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a second resonant portion of the second embodiment; FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a fourth resonant portion of the second embodiment; FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a fifth resonant portion of the second embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the position of a feed point according to the second embodiment; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of setting each resonant frequency; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example in which a plurality of through holes are formed in a first conductor member; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which a replacement portion has a portion wider than the width of an end portion; FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a first variation example of the through hole; FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a second variation example of the through hole; FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a third variation example of the through hole; FIG. 17 is a diagram showing another variation example of the through hole; FIG. 18 is a diagram showing yet another variation example of the through hole. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example in which power is supplied contactlessly to a first conductor member; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example in which power is supplied contactlessly to a first conductor member; FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example in which multiple conductor members are provided on separate holding members; and FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an antenna device is applied to a camera device.

[0008] Preferred embodiments of the present technology will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the dimensions and scale of each part in the drawings may differ from the actual dimensions, and some parts are shown schematically to facilitate understanding. Furthermore, the scope of the present technology is not limited to these embodiments unless otherwise specified in the following description to limit the present technology.

[0009] The embodiments will be described below in the following order: <1. First embodiment> <2. Second embodiment> <3. Example of frequency correspondence> <4. Modification> <5. Application to camera device> <6. Summary> <7. This technology>

[0010] 1. First Embodiment An antenna device 1A according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 etc. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the antenna device 1A according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a first conductor member 2A and a holding member 3A of the antenna device 1A according to the first embodiment.

[0011] The antenna device 1A includes a first conductor member 2A and a holding member 3A. The first conductor member 2A is provided with a feeding point 10A to which an electric signal corresponding to the radio wave to be transmitted is applied.

[0012] The first conductive member 2A is formed of a conductive material, such as a metal plate, and has a first slot 4A, which is a through-hole having a predetermined width, formed therein. In the following description, the thickness direction of the first conductive member 2A, which is the direction in which the first slot 4A penetrates, will be referred to as the "Z-axis direction." More specifically, in the Z-axis direction, the direction in which the first conductive member 2A is positioned relative to the holding member 3A will be referred to as the "positive direction," and the direction opposite to the positive direction will be referred to as the "negative direction." In the drawings, the direction indicated by the arrow indicating the Z-axis direction will be referred to as the "positive direction." Note that when simply referring to the "Z-axis direction," no distinction will be made between the "positive direction" and the "negative direction."

[0013] The first slot 4A is formed as a single straight line with a predetermined length. In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the first slot 4A is referred to as the "X-axis direction," and the short-side direction of the first slot 4A, which is the width direction of the first slot 4A, is referred to as the "Y-axis direction." For the X-axis and Y-axis directions, the direction indicated by the arrows in the drawing is referred to as the "positive direction," and the direction opposite the positive direction is referred to as the "negative direction." Furthermore, when there is no need to distinguish between the "positive direction" and the "negative direction," they are simply referred to as the "X-axis direction" and the "Y-axis direction."

[0014] The length of the first slot 4A in the X-axis direction is half the second wavelength WL2, which is the wavelength of the radio wave of the second frequency f2. Therefore, the entire first slot 4A serves as a second resonant portion RP2A, and resonates at the second frequency f2, enabling the emission and reception of radio waves of the second frequency f2. The second resonant portion RP2A is indicated by an arrow in FIG. 1.

[0015] A part of the first slot 4A is provided as a first portion PT1A whose length is based on a first wavelength WL1, which is the wavelength of the radio wave of the first frequency f1. That is, the first portion PT1A has a length that is half the first wavelength WL1. Note that the first wavelength WL1 is a different length from the second wavelength WL2.

[0016] The holding member 3A is formed of a dielectric material such as resin, and is disposed spaced apart from the first conductive member 2A in the Z-axis direction. The holding member 3A includes a second conductive member 5A on a surface facing the first conductive member 2A.

[0017] The second conductor member 5A is formed of a conductive material, for example, a metal wiring such as a copper wire. The second conductor member 5A is formed in a U-shape, i.e., in which the conductive material is bent twice in the same direction. In other words, the second conductor member 5A is formed in a ring-shaped member with a portion missing. Note that the term "ring" here refers to a shape in which one end of an elongated member is connected to the other end without intersecting in the shape of an Arabic numeral eight, and does not necessarily have to be circular. In other words, the term "ring" may also be used to refer to a ring-shaped member in which one end of an elongated member is connected to the other end and is formed into a polygonal shape such as a square.

[0018] The second conductor member 5A and the first conductor member 2A resonate at the first frequency f1. Specifically, the second slot 30A formed in the second conductor member 5A and a portion of the first slot 4A resonate at the first frequency f1. Generally, the first portion PT1A of the first slot 4A does not resonate at the first frequency f1 due to its structure. In this embodiment, the second slot 30A formed in the second conductor member 5A is used in place of a portion of the first slot 4A, and resonance at the first frequency f1 is realized by the cooperation of the first slot 4A and the second slot 30A.

[0019] The first portion PT1A in the first slot 4A has a boundary at the center in the X-axis direction, with one side being a first target portion 7A that is the target for replacement by the second conductor member 5A, and the other side being a first non-target portion 8A that is not the target for replacement.

[0020] The first target portion 7A and the first non-target portion 8A have approximately the same length in the X-axis direction. That is, the first target portion 7A and the first non-target portion 8A in the first part PT1A have lengths in the X-axis direction, which is the longitudinal direction, that is one-fourth of the first wavelength WL1 of the radio wave of the first frequency f1. In this specification, the term "approximately the same" refers to being identical by design, and is a concept that also includes being identical when error is ignored.

[0021] The second conductor member 5A is disposed opposite the first target portion 7A in the first portion PT1A of the first slot 4A in the Z-axis direction.

[0022] The second conductor member 5A is formed into a shape that follows the outer diameter of the first target portion 7A. The two ends 9Aa, 9Ab of the second conductor member 5A are positioned at approximately the same position in the X-axis direction and are spaced apart in the Y-axis direction, i.e., the width direction of the first target portion 7A. The second conductor member 5A extends from each of the ends 9Aa, 9Ab toward the positive direction of the X-axis. In other words, the second conductor member 5A has a second slot 30A having an open end Q1A that opens in the negative X-axis direction and a closed end Q2A that is located in the positive X-axis direction relative to the open end Q1A. That is, the ends 9Aa and 9Ab of the second conductor member 5A form the open end Q1A of the second slot 30A. In this embodiment, the width of the second slot 30A is approximately the same as the width of the first slot 4A, but the widths of the first slot 4A and the second slot 30A do not necessarily have to be the same. The width of the first slot 4A and the width of the second slot 30A may be different from each other as long as resonance is realized through cooperation between the first slot 4A and the second slot 30A.

[0023] The second conductor member 5A is disposed at a predetermined distance in the Z-axis direction relative to the first conductor member 2A. This predetermined distance is close enough that an AC current flows in the second conductor member 5A in response to an AC current flowing through the first conductor member 2A due to electric field coupling. The AC current flowing through the second conductor member 5A corresponds to the strength of the electric field emitted from the first slot 4A of the first conductor member 2A. While not particularly limited, as an example, the distance in the Z-axis direction between the second conductor member 5A and the first conductor member 2A is approximately 1 mm. Furthermore, the second slot 30A of the second conductor member 5A is located at approximately the same position in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction relative to the first target portion 7A. Specifically, if the end of the first target portion 7A adjacent to the first non-target portion 8A is defined as one end P1A and the other end is defined as the other end P2A, the open end Q1A of the second slot 30A corresponds to the one end P1A, and the closed end Q2A of the second slot 30A corresponds to the other end P2A. In addition, in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, the position of the second slot 30A and the position of the first target portion 7A do not necessarily have to be identical, and may be different from each other as long as resonance is achieved through cooperation between the first slot 4A and the second slot 30A.

[0024] The second slot 30A formed in the second conductor member 5A can be considered to be half the length of a slot having the same length as the first portion PT1A. That is, the second slot 30A is half the length of the first portion PT1A, or in other words, a quarter of the first wavelength WL1, which is the wavelength of radio waves at the first frequency f1. By adopting a configuration in which only half of the slot, surrounded by an edge, remains as the second conductor member 5A, an open end Q1A is provided in the second slot 30A in the second conductor member 5A. Therefore, when transmitting and receiving radio waves at the first frequency f1, the intensity of the electric field emitted from the second slot 30A near the open end Q1A is approximately at its maximum value. As a result, the interaction between the electric field emitted from the second slot 30A and the electric field emitted from the first slot 4A results in resonance between the first slot 4A and the second slot 30A in cooperation with each other.

[0025] The second conductor member 5A is positioned at a position where it can be electrically coupled to the first conductor member 2A, allowing an AC current to flow. This allows resonance at a frequency corresponding to their combined length in the first non-target portion 8A and the second slot 30A. That is, by being electrically coupled between the first conductor member 2A and the second conductor member 5A, resonance at the first frequency f1 is achieved, enabling radiation and reception of radio waves at the first frequency f1. As described above, in the antenna device 1A, the first non-target portion 8A and the second slot 30A are set as a first resonant portion RP1A. The first resonant portion RP1A resonates at the first frequency f1, enabling radiation and reception of radio waves at the first frequency f1.

[0026] In the X-axis direction, the length of the first slot 4A is different from the total length of the first non-target portion 8A and the second slot 30A. Therefore, the antenna device 1A is capable of resonating at two different frequencies. In other words, the antenna device 1A functions as a multi-band antenna that can emit and receive radio waves in multiple frequency bands.

[0027] As described above, the first conductive member 2A has a feed point 10A at a predetermined position in the first slot 4A. The feed point 10A includes a first terminal 10Aa and a second terminal 10Ab. In the example shown in Fig. 1 , the first terminal 10Aa and the second terminal 10Ab are positioned in the first non-target portion 8A of the first slot 4A and are spaced apart in the Y-axis direction, which is the width direction.

[0028] The antenna device 1A includes a power supply unit 11 for supplying power to a power supply point 10A. The power supply unit 11 includes an electronic circuit board 12 and a signal circuit 13. The power supply unit 11 is also provided with a first supply terminal 11a and a second supply terminal 11b.

[0029] The signal circuit 13 outputs signals of various frequencies. In this embodiment, the signal circuit 13 outputs a signal of a first frequency f1 corresponding to the first resonance portion RP1A and a signal of a second frequency f2 corresponding to the second resonance portion RP2A consisting of the entire first slot 4A. In other words, the signal circuit 13 functions as an AC power source of the first frequency f1 corresponding to the first resonance portion RP1A and an AC power source of the second frequency f2 corresponding to the second resonance portion RP2A.

[0030] One of the first supply terminal 11a and the second supply terminal 11b is connected to the first terminal 10Aa and the other is connected to the second terminal 10Ab, thereby connecting an AC power source of a predetermined frequency to the power supply point 10A.

[0031] In FIG. 1, the connections between the first supply terminal 11a and the second supply terminal 11b and the first terminal 10Aa and the second terminal 10Ab are omitted.

[0032] Furthermore, it is desirable that the power supply point 10A be set at a position where impedance matching between the power supply section 11 and the first conductor member 2A can be achieved.

[0033] In this embodiment, the antenna device 1A is provided with only one feed point 10A. Therefore, compared to an antenna device with multiple feed points, a circuit for inputting signals output from the signal circuit 13 to multiple feed points for each frequency is not required, which allows for a smaller power supply unit 11 and a smaller antenna device 1A. Furthermore, since the second conductor member 5A of the antenna device 1A does not have a feed point, it is possible to prevent the second conductor member 5A and the antenna device 1A from becoming larger, and to simplify the design.

[0034] The antenna device 1A in the first embodiment achieves multi-band operation not by expanding slots on the plane in which the first conductor member 2A extends, i.e., on the XY plane, but by arranging the second conductor member 5A, which is a partial structure, in the Z-axis direction, which is the thickness direction, thereby achieving multi-band operation. This achieves miniaturization of the antenna device 1A, and makes it possible to install the multi-band compatible antenna device 1A even in electronic devices and the like that have a small antenna installation area.

[0035] Furthermore, in this technology, instead of arranging multiple conductor members in the Z-axis direction with slots formed by through holes whose lengths correspond to the wavelengths of the radio waves to be transmitted and received, multi-band operation is achieved by arranging conductor members with slots having open ends whose lengths are approximately half the lengths of the slots formed by the through holes—in other words, approximately one-quarter the wavelengths of the radio waves to be transmitted and received. That is, by arranging a first conductor member 2A with a first slot 4A formed by a through hole and a second conductor member 5A with a second slot 30A having an open end Q1A, the overall volume of the antenna device 1A is smaller than when multiple conductor members with slots formed by through holes are arranged. Therefore, not only can the antenna device 1A be made smaller, but the size of the electronic device in which the antenna device 1A is installed can be prevented from increasing. This also improves the design flexibility of the electronic device in which the antenna device 1A is installed.

[0036] Furthermore, the resonant frequency of the antenna device 1A can be easily changed by changing the position of the second conductor member 5A relative to the first slot 4A. That is, the resonant frequency can be changed without changing the shape of the first slot 4A. Therefore, by using this technology, it is possible to easily design a multi-band antenna that can transmit and receive radio waves having desired frequencies.

[0037] 2. Second Embodiment An antenna device 1B according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3 etc. The antenna device 1B is an antenna device that is designed to be more multi-band compatible than the antenna device 1A.

[0038] 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an antenna device 1B according to the second embodiment. The antenna device 1B includes a first conductor member 2B, a holding member 3B, and a power supply unit 11. The configuration of the power supply unit 11 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. In addition, as will be described in detail later, the first conductor member 2B is provided with a power supply point 10B to which an electrical signal corresponding to the radio wave to be transmitted is applied.

[0039] The first conductor member 2B is formed of a conductive material, such as a metal plate, and has a first slot 4B, which is a through hole, formed therein. The first slot 4B is formed by connecting a plurality of linear straight or curved portions each having a predetermined width.

[0040] 4 is a diagram illustrating the shapes of the first conductor member and the through hole of the antenna device according to the second embodiment. Specifically, the first slot 4B has two straight portions extending in the X-axis direction, a first straight portion 14B and a second straight portion 15B. The first straight portion 14B is longer in the X-axis direction than the second straight portion 15B.

[0041] The first linear portion 14B has an end 14Ba and an end 14Bb. The first slot 4B has a connection portion 16B that connects one end 14Bb of the first linear portion 14B to an approximately central portion of the second linear portion 15B. The connection portion 16B is formed in a straight line extending in the Y-axis direction. Note that "approximately the center" here refers to a portion excluding the vicinity of both ends, and does not necessarily have to be the exact center.

[0042] The second straight portion 15B has two ends, an end 15Ba and an end 15Bb.

[0043] The first slot 4B has a portion extending in the negative direction of the Y axis from near the end 15Bb of the second linear portion 15B and a portion extending in the positive direction of the Y axis.

[0044] The portion of the second straight portion 15B extending in the negative Y-axis direction from near the end 15Bb is a linear protruding portion 17B. The portion of the second straight portion 15B extending in the positive Y-axis direction from near the end 15Bb is a bent portion 18B bent approximately 90 degrees at approximately the center. The bent portion 18B may have a shape in which two straight lines are connected at approximately 90 degrees, or may have a curved shape that draws a specified arc. The term "approximately 90 degrees" is a concept that includes angles close to 90 degrees, such as 80 degrees or 100 degrees.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the first and third resonating portions in the second embodiment. A portion of the first linear portion 14B, including the end portion 14Ba, is provided as the first portion PT1B. Like the first portion PT1A in the first embodiment, the first portion PT1B is provided as a portion of the linear portion of the slot, which is a through hole, and in this embodiment, as a portion of the linear portion of the first slot 4B. However, the first portion PT1A in the first embodiment and the first portion PT1B in the second embodiment may have different lengths in the X-axis direction. Here, an example is shown in which the length of the first portion PT1B is based on the wavelength of the radio wave of the first frequency f1, i.e., half the first wavelength WL1, which is the wavelength of the radio wave of the first frequency f1.

[0046] Approximately half of the first portion PT1B, including the end portion 14Ba, is a first non-target portion 8B, and approximately the remaining half is a first target portion 7B. That is, the first target portion 7B and the first non-target portion 8B each have a length equal to one-fourth of the first wavelength WL1.

[0047] The holding member 3B is formed of a dielectric material such as resin, and is disposed spaced apart in the Z-axis direction from the first conductive member 2B. The holding member 3B includes a second conductive member 5B and a third conductive member 19B on a surface facing the first conductive member 2B.

[0048] The second conductor member 5B is formed of a conductive material, for example, a metal wiring such as a copper wire. The second conductor member 5B is formed, for example, in a shape bent twice in the same direction, i.e., in a U-shape. In other words, the second conductor member 5B has a shape in which a portion of a ring-shaped member is missing.

[0049] The second conductor member 5B and the first conductor member 2B resonate at the first frequency f1. Specifically, the second slot 30B formed in the second conductor member 5B and a portion of the first slot 4B resonate at the first frequency f1. As described above, generally, resonance at the first frequency f1 does not occur in the first portion PT1B of the first slot 4B due to its structure, but by using the second slot 30B formed in the second conductor member 5B in place of a portion of the first slot 4B, resonance at the first frequency f1 is realized through cooperation between the first slot 4B and the second slot 30B.

[0050] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the second conductor member and the third conductor member according to the second embodiment. The second conductor member 5B is formed to have a shape that conforms to the outer shape of the first target portion 7B. The two ends 9Ba and 9Bb of the second conductor member 5B are positioned at approximately the same position in the X-axis direction and spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction, i.e., the width direction of the first target portion 7B. The second conductor member 5B extends from each of the ends 9Ba and 9Bb toward the positive direction of the X-axis. In other words, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the second conductor member 5B has a second slot 30B having an open end Q1B that opens in the negative X-axis direction and a closed end Q2B that is located in the positive X-axis direction relative to the open end Q1B. That is, the ends 9Ba and 9Bb, which are both ends of the second conductor member 5B, form the open end Q1B of the second slot 30B. In this embodiment, the width of the second slot 30B is approximately the same as the width of the first slot 4B, but the width of the first slot 4B and the width of the second slot 30B do not necessarily have to be the same. The width of the first slot 4B and the width of the second slot 30B may be different from each other as long as resonance is achieved through cooperation between the first slot 4B and the second slot 30B.

[0051] The second conductor member 5B is positioned at a predetermined distance in the Z-axis direction relative to the first conductor member 2B. This predetermined distance is close enough that an AC current flows in the second conductor member 5B in response to an AC current flowing through the first conductor member 2B due to electric field coupling. The AC current flowing through the second conductor member 5B corresponds to the strength of the electric field emitted from the first slot 4B of the first conductor member 2B. While not particularly limited, as an example, the distance in the Z-axis direction between the second conductor member 5B and the first conductor member 2B is approximately 1 mm. Furthermore, the second slot 30B of the second conductor member 5B is located at approximately the same position in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction relative to the first target portion 7B. Specifically, if the end of the first target portion 7B adjacent to the first non-target portion 8B is defined as one end P1B and the other end is defined as the other end P2B, the open end Q1B of the second slot 30B corresponds to the one end P1B, and the closed end Q2B of the second slot 30B corresponds to the other end P2B. In addition, in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, the position of the second slot 30B and the position of the first target portion 7B do not necessarily have to be identical, and may be different from each other to the extent that resonance is achieved through cooperation between the first slot 4B and the second slot 30B.

[0052] The second conductor member 5B is positioned at a position where it can be electrically coupled to the first conductor member 2B, allowing an AC current to flow. This allows resonance at a frequency corresponding to their combined length in the first non-target portion 8B and the second slot 30B. That is, by being electrically coupled between the first conductor member 2B and the second conductor member 5B, resonance at the first frequency f1 is achieved, enabling radiation and reception of radio waves at the first frequency f1. As described above, in the antenna device 1B, the first non-target portion 8B and the second slot 30B are set as a first resonant portion RP1B. The first resonant portion RP1B resonates at the first frequency f1, enabling radiation and reception of radio waves at the first frequency f1.

[0053] Returning to FIG. 5, in the first slot 4B, a portion including a part of the connection portion 16B, a part of the second straight portion 15B, and the bent portion 18B is provided as a third portion PT3B.

[0054] Specifically, the third portion PT3B is composed of a portion including the connection portion of the connection portion 16B with the second straight portion 15B, a portion of the second straight portion 15B from the connection portion of the connection portion 16B with the connection portion 16B to the end portion 15Bb, and a bent portion 18B.

[0055] The length of the third portion PT3B is based on the third wavelength WL3, which is the wavelength of the radio wave of the third frequency f3. That is, the length of the third portion PT3B is half the third wavelength WL3. Note that the first wavelength WL1 and the third wavelength WL3 are different lengths.

[0056] In the third portion PT3B, the bent portion 18B is a third non-target portion 21B, and the remaining portion is a third target portion 22B. The third non-target portion 21B and the third target portion 22B each have a length that is one-fourth of the third wavelength WL3.

[0057] The third conductive member 19B is formed of a conductive member, for example, a metal wiring such as a copper wire, etc. The third conductive member 19B has a ring-shaped member with a portion missing.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the third conductor member 19B is formed in a shape that follows the outer shape of the third target portion 22B. Specifically, the third conductor member 19B is formed in a shape in which one ends of two L-shaped members bent approximately 90 degrees in the same direction are connected by a linear member. That is, the third conductor member 19B is formed with a third slot 31B having an open end R1B that opens in the positive X-axis direction and a closed end R2B that is located in the negative X-axis direction and the negative Y-axis direction relative to the open end R1B. In other words, the end 23Ba and the end 23Bb, which are both ends of the third conductor member 19B, are located at approximately the same position in the X-axis direction and spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction, thereby forming the open end R1B of the third slot 31B. Note that in this embodiment, the width of the third slot 31B is approximately the same as the width of the first slot 4B, but the widths of the first slot 4B and the third slot 31B do not necessarily have to be the same. The width of the first slot 4B and the width of the third slot 31B may be different from each other as long as resonance is realized by cooperation between the first slot 4B and the third slot 31B.

[0059] The third conductor member 19B is disposed at a predetermined distance in the Z-axis direction relative to the first conductor member 2B. This predetermined distance is set close enough that an AC current flows in the third conductor member 19B in response to an AC current flowing through the first conductor member 2B due to electric field coupling. The AC current flowing through the third conductor member 19B corresponds to the strength of the electric field emitted from the first slot 4B of the first conductor member 2B. Although not particularly limited, as an example, the distance in the Z-axis direction between the third conductor member 19B and the first conductor member 2B is set to approximately 1 mm. Furthermore, the third slot 31B of the third conductor member 19B is located at approximately the same position in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction relative to the third target portion 22B. Specifically, if the end of the third target portion 22B adjacent to the third non-target portion 21B is defined as one end S1B and the other end is defined as the other end S2B, the open end R1B of the third slot 31B is located corresponding to the one end S1B, and the closed end R2B of the third slot 31B is located corresponding to the other end S2B. Note that the positions of the third slot 31B and the third target portion 22B do not necessarily need to be identical in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, and may differ from each other as long as resonance is achieved through cooperation between the first slot 4B and the third slot 31B.

[0060] The third conductor member 19B is positioned at a position where it can be electrically coupled to the first conductor member 2B, allowing an AC current to flow. This allows resonance at a frequency corresponding to their combined length in the third asymmetric portion 21B and the third slot 31B. That is, by being electrically coupled between the first conductor member 2B and the third conductor member 19B, resonance at the third frequency f3 is achieved, enabling radiation and reception of radio waves at the third frequency f3. As described above, in the antenna device 1B, the third asymmetric portion 21B and the third slot 31B are set as a third resonant portion RP3B. The third resonant portion RP3B resonates at the third frequency f3, enabling radiation and reception of radio waves at the third frequency f3.

[0061] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the second resonant portion RP2B in the second embodiment. In the first slot 4B, the second resonant portion RP2B includes the first linear portion 14B, the connecting portion 16B, a portion of the second linear portion 15B near the end 15Bb, and the bent portion 18B. In other words, the second resonant portion RP2B is defined as a portion extending from the end 14Ba of the first linear portion 14B to the end of the bent portion 18B. The length of the second resonant portion RP2B is half the second wavelength WL2, which is the wavelength of the radio wave of the second frequency f2. In other words, the entire second resonant portion RP2B resonates at the second frequency f2, thereby enabling the emission and reception of radio waves of the second frequency f2. The second wavelength WL2 is different from the first wavelength WL1 and the third wavelength WL3.

[0062] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the fourth resonant portion RP4B in the second embodiment. In the first slot 4B, a portion including the second straight portion 15B and the bent portion 18B is provided as the fourth resonant portion RP4B. The length of the fourth resonant portion RP4B is half the fourth wavelength WL4, which is the wavelength of radio waves at the fourth frequency f4. That is, the entire fourth resonant portion RP4B of the first slot 4B resonates at the fourth frequency f4, thereby enabling the emission and reception of radio waves at the fourth frequency f4. Note that the fourth wavelength WL4 is different from the first wavelength WL1, the second wavelength WL2, and the third wavelength WL3.

[0063] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the fifth resonant portion RP5B in the second embodiment. In the first slot 4B, the fifth resonant portion RP5B includes the protruding portion 17B, the bent portion 18B, and the portion of the second linear portion 15B sandwiched between the protruding portion 17B and the bent portion 18B. The length of the fifth resonant portion RP5B is half the fifth wavelength WL5, which is the wavelength of radio waves at the fifth frequency f5. That is, the entire fifth resonant portion RP5B of the first slot 4B resonates at the fifth frequency f5, thereby enabling the emission and reception of radio waves at the fifth frequency f5. Note that the fifth wavelength WL5 is different from the first wavelength WL1, the second wavelength WL2, the third wavelength WL3, and the fourth wavelength WL4.

[0064] Because the first wavelength WL1, the second wavelength WL2, the third wavelength WL3, the fourth wavelength WL4, and the fifth wavelength WL5 have different lengths, in other words, the radio waves of the first wavelength WL1, the second wavelength WL2, the third wavelength WL3, the fourth wavelength WL4, and the fifth wavelength WL5 have different frequencies, and because five resonant portions are provided corresponding to half the lengths of the first wavelength WL1, the second wavelength WL2, the third wavelength WL3, the fourth wavelength WL4, and the fifth wavelength WL5, the antenna device 1B can transmit and receive radio waves in five different frequency bands. That is, the antenna device 1B functions as a multi-band antenna.

[0065] 10 is a diagram illustrating the position of the power feed point 10B in the second embodiment. As described above, the power feed point 10B is provided at a predetermined position in the first slot 4B of the first conductor member 2B. The power feed point 10B includes a first terminal 10Ba and a second terminal 10Bb. In the example shown in FIG. 10 , the first terminal 10Ba and the second terminal 10Bb are located at approximately the center of a portion of the bent portion 18B of the first slot 4B extending in the Y-axis direction, and are spaced apart in the X-axis direction.

[0066] 3, the antenna device 1B includes a power supply unit 11 for supplying power to the power supply point 10B. The power supply unit 11 is provided with a first supply terminal 11a and a second supply terminal 11b.

[0067] In this embodiment, the signal circuit 13 outputs a signal of a first frequency f1, a signal of a second frequency f2, a signal of a third frequency f3, a signal of a fourth frequency f4, and a signal of a fifth frequency f5. In other words, the signal circuit 13 functions as an AC power supply of the first frequency f1, an AC power supply of the second frequency f2, an AC power supply of the third frequency f3, an AC power supply of the fourth frequency f4, and an AC power supply of the fifth frequency f5.

[0068] One of the first supply terminal 11a and the second supply terminal 11b is connected to the first terminal 10Ba and the other is connected to the second terminal 10Bb, thereby connecting AC power supplies of various frequencies to the power supply point 10B.

[0069] In FIG. 3, the connections between the first supply terminal 11a and the second supply terminal 11b and the first terminal 10Ba and the second terminal 10Bb are omitted.

[0070] Furthermore, it is desirable that the power supply point 10B be set at a position where impedance matching between the power supply section 11 and the first conductor member 2B can be achieved.

[0071] In this embodiment, antenna device 1B is provided with only one feed point 10B. Therefore, compared to an antenna device with multiple feed points, a circuit for inputting signals output from signal circuit 13 to multiple feed points for each frequency is not required, which allows for a smaller power supply unit 11 and a smaller antenna device 1B. Furthermore, since no feed points are provided in second conductor member 5B and third conductor member 19B in antenna device 1B, it is possible to prevent the second conductor member 5B and third conductor member 19B and the antenna device 1B from becoming larger, and to simplify the design.

[0072] In the antenna device 1B of the second embodiment, the slots are deployed on the plane on which the first conductor member 2B extends, i.e., on the XY plane, and in addition, the second conductor member 5B and the third conductor member 19B, which are partial structures, are arranged in the Z-axis direction, which is the thickness direction, to achieve multi-band operation. This achieves even greater multi-band and wideband operation of the antenna device 1B, and makes it possible to install the antenna device 1B, which is compatible with a wide range of frequencies, even in electronic devices and the like that have a small antenna installation area.

[0073] Furthermore, in this technology, instead of arranging multiple conductor members in the Z-axis direction with slots formed by through holes whose lengths correspond to the wavelengths of the radio waves to be transmitted and received, multi-band operation is achieved by arranging conductor members with slots having open ends, each with a length approximately half the length of the slots formed by the through holes—in other words, approximately one-quarter the wavelength of the radio waves to be transmitted and received. That is, by arranging a first conductor member 2B with a first slot 4B formed by a through hole, a second conductor member 5B with a second slot 30B with an open end Q1B, and a third conductor member 19B with a third slot 31B with an open end R1B, the overall volume of the antenna device 1B is smaller than when multiple conductor members with slots formed by through holes are arranged. Therefore, not only can the antenna device 1B be made smaller, but the size of the electronic device in which the antenna device 1B is installed can be prevented from increasing. This also improves the design flexibility of the electronic device in which the antenna device 1B is installed.

[0074] Furthermore, the resonant frequency of the antenna device 1B can be easily changed by changing the position of at least one of the second conductor member 5B and the third conductor member 19B relative to the first slot 4B. In other words, the resonant frequency can be changed without changing the shape of the first slot 4B. Therefore, by using this technology, it is possible to easily design a multi-band antenna that can transmit and receive radio waves having a desired frequency.

[0075] 3. Example of Corresponding Frequency Bands For example, the antenna device 1B in the second embodiment functions as an antenna device 1B that is compatible with five frequency bands.

[0076] An example of five frequency bands, specifically, a first frequency f1, a second frequency f2, a third frequency f3, a fourth frequency f4, and a fifth frequency f5, is shown in FIG.

[0077] The second frequency f2 may be 2.4 GHz, which allows the antenna device 1B to function as an antenna compatible with the 2.4 GHz band used in Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and the like.

[0078] Furthermore, the first frequency f1 may be 5.1 GHz, and the fourth frequency f4 may be 5.7 GHz, so that the antenna device 1B functions as an antenna compatible with the 5 GHz band used for Wi-Fi, for example.

[0079] Furthermore, the third frequency f3 may be 5.8 GHz, and the fifth frequency f5 may be 7 GHz, so that the antenna device 1B functions as an antenna compatible with the 6 GHz band, which is being considered for use in Wi-Fi, for example.

[0080] In addition, the performance of the antenna device 1B can be appropriately changed by setting the third frequency f3 and the fifth frequency f5 to frequencies corresponding to the high band of UWB (Ultra-Wideband) or frequencies corresponding to the cellular band.

[0081] <4. Modifications> Several modifications will be described here.

[0082] In addition, in the above-mentioned examples, symbols such as "first conductor member 2A" and "second straight portion 15B" are shown using a combination of Arabic numerals and capital letters, and when referring to these configurations collectively, symbols consisting of only Arabic numerals, excluding capital letters, are used.

[0083] For example, when the first conductor member 2A, the first conductor member 2B, etc. are collectively referred to, they will be described as "first conductor member 2."

[0084] The first modified example is an example in which a plurality of slots are provided in the first conductive member 2. In other words, it is not limited to only the first slot 4 provided in the first conductive member 2.

[0085] 12 is a diagram showing an example in which a plurality of through holes are formed in a first conductor member 2C. For example, an antenna device 1C is configured with a first conductor member 2C. The first conductor member 2C is provided with the first slot 4B and the fourth slot 32 described above.

[0086] The fourth slot 32 is formed, for example, as a linear hole extending in the X-axis direction. The length of the fourth slot 32 is, for example, shorter than the lengths of the first resonance portion RP1B, the second resonance portion RP2B, the third resonance portion RP3B, the fourth resonance portion RP4B, and the fifth resonance portion RP5B. The length of the fourth slot 32 is set to half the sixth wavelength WL6 of the radio wave of the sixth frequency f6, thereby realizing emission and reception of the radio wave of the sixth frequency f6. The entire fourth slot 32 is formed as the sixth resonance portion RP6.

[0087] The sixth frequency f6 may be, for example, 9 GHz, so that the antenna device 1C functions as an antenna compatible with the high microwave band (7.25 GHz to 10.25 GHz) in UWB, in other words, an antenna compatible with a wider band than the antenna device 1B.

[0088] The second variant is an example in which the second conductor member 5 is formed in a shape different from the shape that follows the outer shape of a portion of the first slot 4, specifically, an example in which the second conductor member 5 is formed in a shape having a portion that is wider than the width of the first slot 4.

[0089] FIG. 13 shows a modification of the second conductor member 5B and the third conductor member 19B shown in the second embodiment.

[0090] The antenna device 1D has the same configuration as the antenna device 1B, except that it includes a holding member 3D instead of the holding member 3B.

[0091] The holding member 3D of the antenna device 1D is configured in the same manner as the holding member 3B of the antenna device 1B, except that it has a second conductor member 5D instead of the second conductor member 5B, and a third conductor member 19D instead of the third conductor member 19B.

[0092] The second conductor member 5D is configured similarly to the second conductor member 5B, except that a second slot 30D is formed instead of the second slot 30B. The second slot 30D has an open end Q1D that opens in the negative X-axis direction and a closed end Q2D that is located in the positive X-axis direction relative to the open end Q1D and is not open. Ends 9Da and 9Db of the second conductor member 5D form the open end Q1D of the second slot 30D. The open end Q1D is configured similarly to the open end Q1B.

[0093] In the antenna device 1D, the first asymmetric portion 8B and the second slot 30D are set as a first resonance portion RP1D. Similar to the first resonance portion RP1B, the first resonance portion RP1D resonates at the first frequency f1, thereby enabling emission and reception of radio waves of the first frequency f1.

[0094] The width of the closed end Q2D in the Y-axis direction is formed to be wider than the width of the open end Q1D, that is, the distance between the end 9Da and the end 9Db.

[0095] This makes it possible to further widen the bandwidth and improve communication quality with respect to the emission and reception of radio waves at the first frequency f1 due to the resonance of the first resonant portion RP1D in the antenna device 1D.

[0096] The third conductor member 19D has the same configuration as the third conductor member 19B, except that a third slot 31D is formed instead of the third slot 31B. The third slot 31D has an open end R1D that is open in the positive direction of the X axis, and a closed end R2D that is not open and is located in the negative X axis and negative Y axis directions relative to the open end R1D. The end 23Da and the end 23Db of the third conductor member 19D form the open end R1D of the third slot 31D. The open end R1D has the same configuration as the open end R1B.

[0097] In the antenna device 1D, the third asymmetric portion 21B and the third slot 31D are set as a third resonance portion RP3D. Similar to the third resonance portion RP3B, the third resonance portion RP3D resonates at the third frequency f3, thereby enabling emission and reception of radio waves of the third frequency f3.

[0098] The width of the closed end R2D in the X-axis direction is formed to be wider than the width of the open end R1D, that is, the distance between the end 23Da and the end 23Db.

[0099] This makes it possible to further widen the bandwidth and improve communication quality with respect to the emission and reception of radio waves at the third frequency f3 due to the resonance of the third resonant portion RP3D in the antenna device 1D.

[0100] Although an example has been shown in which the bandwidth is widened by making the non-open ends of the second slot 30D and the third slot 31 wider than the open ends, the bandwidth of the antenna device 1 may also be widened by making the end 14Ba, end 15Ba, and other ends of the first slot 4B wider.

[0101] The third modification is an example of a variation in the shape of the first slot 4.

[0102] 14 shows a first slot 4E of a first conductor member 2E as a first variation. In the first slot 4E, a connection portion 16E connecting a first straight portion 14E and a second straight portion 15E is connected to a portion of the first straight portion 14E other than the end portions 14Ea and 14Eb.

[0103] 14 , the first resonance portion RP1E, the second resonance portion RP2E, the third resonance portion RP3E, the fourth resonance portion RP4E, and the fifth resonance portion RP5E are set in the first slot 4E having the shape shown in Fig. 14 , and are similar to the first resonance portion RP1B, the second resonance portion RP2B, the third resonance portion RP3B, the fourth resonance portion RP4B, and the fifth resonance portion RP5B in the second embodiment, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted. Note that the first linear portion 14E may be capable of resonating by itself at a frequency different from that of the other resonance portions.

[0104] 15 and 16 show a first slot 4F of a first conductor member 2F as a second variation. The first slot 4F has a first linear portion 14F and a second linear portion 15F that are linear and extend in the X-axis direction. The first slot 4F also has a connection portion 16F that connects an end portion 14Fb of the first linear portion 14F to approximately the center of the second linear portion 15F.

[0105] The first slot 4F does not have a protruding portion 17B extending in the Y-axis direction, but has a bent portion 18F connected to a portion of the second straight portion 15F other than both end portions 15Fa, 15Fb.

[0106] The portion 15F1 of the second straight portion 15F, which is the portion from where the bent portion 18F is connected to the end portion 15Fb, functions in the same manner as the protruding portion 17B in the second embodiment. That is, in the first slot 4F, the bent portion 18F and the portion 15F1 are provided as a fifth resonance portion RP5F.

[0107] Also, as shown in Figure 16, the portion from the portion where the connecting portion 16F on the second straight portion 15F is connected to the portion where the bent portion 18F is connected is referred to as portion 15F2, and the portion from the end portion 15Fa on the second straight portion 15F to the portion where the connecting portion 16F is connected is referred to as portion 15F3.

[0108] The first resonance portion RP1F set in the first slot 4F is similar to the first resonance portion RP1B of the second embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0109] The first slot 4F has a third portion PT3F including a part of the connecting portion 16F, the portion 15F2 of the second straight portion 15F, and the bent portion 18F. The third conductor member 19F is disposed at a predetermined distance in the Z-axis direction from the first conductor member 2F. This predetermined distance is set close enough that an AC current flows in the third conductor member 19F in response to the AC current flowing in the first conductor member 2F due to electric field coupling. As a result, in the antenna device 1F, the bent portion 18F and the third slot 31F provided in the third conductor member 19F are set as a third resonance portion RP3F.

[0110] In addition, in the first slot 4F, a second resonating portion RP2F is formed, which includes the first straight portion 14F, the connecting portion 16F, the portion 15F2 of the second straight portion 15F, and the bent portion 18F.

[0111] Furthermore, in the first slot 4F, a fourth resonating portion RP4F is formed, which includes the portion 15F3 and the portion 15F2 of the second straight portion 15F, and the bent portion 18F.

[0112] 17 shows a first slot 4G of a first conductor member 2G as a third variation. The first slot 4G has a first linear portion 14G and a second linear portion 15G that are linear and extend in the X-axis direction. The first slot 4G also has a connection portion 16G that connects an end portion 14Gb of the first linear portion 14G to approximately the center of the second linear portion 15G.

[0113] The first slot 4G further has a protruding portion 17G extending in the negative Y-axis direction from near the end 15Gb of the second straight portion 15G, and a bent portion 18G extending in the opposite direction to the protruding portion 17G from near the end 15Gb.

[0114] The first slot 4G also has a second protruding portion 24G formed therein, which extends from the end 14Gb of the first straight portion 14G in a direction opposite to the connecting portion 16G.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 18, the second straight portion 15G in the first slot 4G has a portion 15G1 extending from the end 15Ga to the connecting portion with the connecting portion 16G, and the remaining portion is a portion 15G2.

[0116] The first resonance portion RP1G set in the first slot 4G is similar to the first resonance portion RP1B of the second embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0117] In the first slot 4G, a third portion PT3G is provided which includes the second protruding portion 24G, the end portion 14Gb of the first straight portion 14G, the connecting portion 16G, a portion 15G2 of the second straight portion 15G, and a part of the bent portion 18G.

[0118] Approximately half of the third portion PT3G, including the second protruding portion 24G, is a third non-target portion 21G, and the remaining portion is a third target portion 22G.

[0119] The third conductor member 19G is disposed at a predetermined distance in the Z-axis direction from the first conductor member 2G. This predetermined distance is set close enough that an AC current flows in the third conductor member 19G in response to an AC current flowing in the first conductor member 2G due to electric field coupling. As a result, in the antenna device 1G, the third asymmetric portion 21G and the third slot 31G are set as a third resonant portion RP3G, and resonance at the third frequency f3 is realized.

[0120] In the first slot 4G, a second resonating portion RP2G is formed, which includes the first straight portion 14G, the connecting portion 16G, the portion 15G2 of the second straight portion 15G, and the bent portion 18G.

[0121] The fourth resonating portion RP4G and the fifth resonating portion RP5G ​​in the first slot 4G have the same configurations as the fourth resonating portion RP4B and the fifth resonating portion RP5B in the second embodiment, respectively, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0122] As for other variations, the first slot 4H of the first conductor member 2H and the first slot 4J of the first conductor member 2J are shown in Fig. 19 and Fig. 20, respectively. Note that the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth resonating portions of each variation are not shown.

[0123] In the above examples, the first and third resonant portions are configured to have second slots and third slots corresponding to the first and third target portions, respectively, to generate resonance using electric field coupling. The relationship in length between the first and third resonant portions and the other resonant portions may vary depending on the design.

[0124] Therefore, the example described with reference to Figure 11 etc., in which the first frequency f1 in the first resonance portion is 5.1 GHz, the second frequency f2 in the second resonance portion is 2.4 GHz, the third frequency f3 in the third resonance portion is 5.8 GHz, the fourth frequency f4 in the fourth resonance portion is 5.7 GHz, and the fifth frequency f5 in the fifth resonance portion is 7 GHz, is merely one example.

[0125] That is, the magnitude relationship among the first frequency f1, the second frequency f2, the third frequency f3, the fourth frequency f4, and the fifth frequency f5 varies appropriately depending on the magnitude relationship among the lengths of the respective resonant portions.

[0126] In the above example, an example has been described in which current is supplied to the power supply point 10 by contact power supply from the power supply unit 11, but the implementation of the present technology is not limited to this.

[0127] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 21 , the first conductor member 2 may be supplied with power in a contactless manner. That is, a wiring board 26 for contactless power supply is attached to a board placement section 25 that is arranged in a direction in which the surface of the first conductor member 2 faces the antenna device 1, i.e., at a position separated from the antenna device 1 in the Z-axis direction. The wiring board 26 is electrically connected to a power supply section 27 shown in Fig. 22 , thereby supplying power to the power supply point 10 by electric field coupling or magnetic field coupling via the space between the wiring board 26 and the first conductor member 2. The power supply section 27 is configured to include an electronic circuit board 28 and a signal circuit 29. The power supply section 27 is also provided with a terminal section 27a that is connected to the wiring pattern of the wiring board 26.

[0128] The electronic circuit board 28 and the wiring board 26 may be formed as a single board.

[0129] In the second embodiment described above, an example has been described in which both the second conductor member 5B and the third conductor member 19B are provided on a single holding member 3B. For example, as shown in Fig. 23 , an antenna device 1K includes a first conductor member 2B, a second conductor member 5B, a third conductor member 19B, and a power supply portion 11. The second conductor member 5B and the third conductor member 19B may be provided separately on a first holding member 33 and a second holding member 34.

[0130] This configuration is also applicable to other modified examples.

[0131] Although the embodiment has been described in which the conductor members not provided with the feed point 10, such as the second conductor member 5 and the third conductor member 19, are formed from metal wiring such as a single copper wire, the present technology is not limited to this embodiment. The second conductor member 5 and the third conductor member 19 may be formed from a conductive plate-like member such as a metal plate, similar to the first conductor member 2. When the second conductor member 5 and the third conductor member 19 are formed from a conductive plate-like member, the second conductor member 5 and the third conductor member 19 do not need to be supported by the holding member 3. In other words, when the second conductor member 5 and the third conductor member 19 are formed from a conductive plate-like member, the holding member 3 can be omitted from the antenna device 1, thereby reducing the number of components.

[0132] 5. Application to Camera Devices In the following description, when components are collectively referred to, reference symbols using only Arabic numerals, excluding capital letters, will be used.

[0133] An example in which the above-described antenna device 1 is mounted on a camera device 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0134] The camera device 100 is configured to include a camera housing 101 and a lens barrel 102. The upper part of the camera housing 101 is provided with a pentaprism unit 103 inside which a pentaprism and an EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) are arranged.

[0135] The penta-portion 103 has a top surface 103a and a side surface 103b. The side surface 103b is formed as a surface that faces obliquely relative to the top surface 103a. The antenna device 1 described above is attached to the side surface 103b. In the antenna device 1, for example, the first conductive member 2 is disposed on the surface of the penta-portion 103, and the second conductive member 5, the third conductive member 19, and the power supply unit 11 (power supply unit 27) are disposed inside the penta-portion 103.

[0136] However, since the distance between the first conductor member 2 and the second conductor member 5 or the third conductor member 19 is set to a distance sufficiently close to enable the aforementioned electric field coupling to be utilized, for example, a distance of 1 mm or less, the volume of the portion of the antenna device 1 that is arranged inside the pentagonal section 103 is reduced.

[0137] In the antenna device 1, not only is the first slot 4 deployed in the direction in which the first conductor member 2 expands, but the second conductor member 5 and the like are arranged in the thickness direction of the first conductor member 2. The second conductor member 5 is not provided with a feeding point 10. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the antenna device 1 and also prevents the size of the camera device 100 in which the antenna device 1 is mounted from increasing. Furthermore, because the mounting area of ​​the antenna device 1 in the camera device 100 is small, the degree of freedom in designing the camera device 100 can be improved.

[0138] Furthermore, compared to the case where a conventional antenna device is mounted, it is possible to achieve a further multi-band capability without increasing the mounting area.

[0139] Furthermore, by attaching the antenna device 1 to the pentaprism portion 103 that protrudes from the top of the camera device 100, the sensitivity of the antenna device 1 can be improved. In particular, by attaching the antenna device 1 to the side portion 103b of the pentaprism portion 103, it is possible to prevent the attachment of accessories such as a strobe to the top portion 103a of the pentaprism portion 103 from being obstructed. This makes it possible to improve the communication environment and reduce the size of the camera device 100 without sacrificing other functions of the camera device 100.

[0140] Furthermore, side surface 103b of penta section 103 is formed as a surface that faces obliquely relative to top surface 103a, in other words, a surface that faces obliquely relative to the upper surface of camera device 100, so that the radio wave emission direction of antenna device 1 is also set to a direction that faces slightly obliquely relative to the upper surface of camera device 100. As a result, even if a metal member is placed on the top of camera housing 101, it is unlikely to affect the antenna performance of antenna device 1, and a good communication environment can be ensured.

[0141] 24, the antenna device 1 is provided exposed at the penta section 103 of the camera housing 101, but the antenna device 1 may be prevented from being exposed by being covered with a resin member or the like. This prevents unintended parts of the antenna device 1 from shorting out, and ensures that the antenna device 1 operates normally.

[0142] It should be noted that application of the antenna device 1 of the present technology is not limited to the camera device 100. For example, it is conceivable that the antenna device 1 is applied to a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone terminal, a tablet terminal, or the like.

[0143] <6. Summary> In this description, when referring to components collectively, symbols consisting only of Arabic numerals, excluding capital letters, are used. Furthermore, the first resonating portions RP1A, RP1B, etc. are collectively referred to as the first resonating portion RP1. The same applies to the other resonating portions.

[0144] As described in the above examples, the antenna device 1 of the present technology includes a first conductor member 2 having a first slot 4, which is a through hole penetrating in a first direction (Z-axis direction), formed therein, and a second conductor member 5 having a second slot 30, which has an open end Q1 that opens in a direction non-parallel to the first direction and a closed end Q2 that is not open, where the first conductor member 2 and the second conductor member 5 are spaced apart and face each other in the first direction. For example, a first resonance having a predetermined frequency as a resonance point is realized by electrically connecting a first non-target portion 8, which is a portion other than the first target portion 7 in the first resonance portion RP1, to the second slot 30 formed in the second conductor member 5. That is, a portion of the first slot 4 (the first non-target portion 8) and the second slot 30 formed in the second conductor member 5 resonate using electric field coupling. This allows the antenna device 1 to resonate at two different frequencies, for example, when the length of a portion of the first slot 4 that includes the first resonant portion RP1 (e.g., the entire first slot 4A in the first embodiment, or the second resonant portion RP2B in the second embodiment) is half the wavelength of the second frequency f2, which is different from the first frequency f1 associated with the first resonance. Furthermore, since portions of the structure that resonate at the two different frequencies can be arranged on different planes, the antenna device 1 can be made more compact than if it were arranged on the same plane. Furthermore, since portions of the resonant structures for the two different frequencies are shared, the antenna device 1 can be made even more compact. Furthermore, while configuring the structures that generate resonance on the same plane requires a large installation area for the antenna device 1, arranging portions of the structure in the depth direction (the direction through the first slot 4) allows the installation area to be reduced, thereby easing installation requirements for products, etc. Furthermore, the design constraints on products, etc., in which the antenna device 1 of this configuration is installed can be reduced. Furthermore, by arranging a part of the structure of the antenna device 1 in the penetrating direction of the first slot 4, restrictions on the shape of the first slot 4 are reduced, and it is possible to improve the degree of freedom in designing, particularly, the first conductor member 2. This makes it extremely easy to design to obtain a desired resonant frequency, and it is possible to reduce design costs.

[0145] 1, 2, 5, etc., in the antenna device 1, a first resonant portion RP1 that includes at least a portion of the first slot 4 and the second slot 30 and resonates at a first frequency f1 over a predetermined range of the first conductor member 2 and the second conductor member 5 may be set, and a second resonant portion RP2 that includes at least a portion of the first slot 4 and resonates at a second frequency f2 over a predetermined range of the first conductor member 2. By employing such a configuration, the above-described operational effects can be preferably obtained.

[0146] 1, 10, etc., the first conductor member 2 in the antenna device 1 may be provided with a feed point 10 to which an electric signal is applied, and the second conductor member 5 may be configured without a feed point. In other words, the second conductor member 5 does not require a feed point, and a current flows in accordance with the current flow in the first conductor member 2. This makes it possible to reduce the number of feed points, thereby enabling the antenna device 1 to be made smaller.

[0147] 1 and 3, the second conductor member 5 in the antenna device 1 may be formed of metal wiring. This reduces the amount of metal used to form the second conductor member 5, allowing the antenna device 1 to be made smaller and lighter.

[0148] As described with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 3, the antenna device 1 may further include a holding member 3 on which the second conductor member 5 is disposed. This eliminates the need to adopt a structure that floats the metal wiring in midair, and allows for stable holding of the second conductor member 5 as the metal wiring. This makes it easy to maintain a constant distance between the first conductor member 2 and the second conductor member 5. Furthermore, when the feed point 10 is provided on only one of the first conductor member 2 and the second conductor member 5, it becomes possible to stably generate an electrolytic coupling state between the two members, thereby stabilizing antenna performance.

[0149] As described with reference to Figures 3, 5, and 6, the antenna device 1 further includes a third conductor member 19 having a third slot 31 formed therein, the third slot 31 having an open end R1 that opens in a direction non-parallel to the first direction (Z-axis direction) and a closed end R2 that is not open. The first conductor member 2 and the third conductor member 19 may be spaced apart in the first direction and facing each other. This allows a first resonance to occur due to electric field coupling between the first target portion 7 in the first portion PT1 of the first conductor member 2 and the second slot 30, and a second resonance to occur due to electric field coupling between the third target portion 22 in the third portion PT3 and the third slot 31. This makes it possible to widen the communication bandwidth of the antenna device 1. The third conductor member 19 is disposed on a different plane from the first conductor member 2. This means that part of the structure that realizes the first and second resonances is disposed in the depth direction (Z-axis direction) of the first conductor member 2. This allows the installation area of ​​the antenna device 1 to be reduced. In particular, in a product in which the antenna device 1 is mounted, it is possible to reduce the installation area of ​​the antenna device 1, thereby easing the mounting conditions for the antenna device 1 and reducing the constraints on the product design.

[0150] 6 and other figures, in the antenna device 1, a third resonant portion RP3 that includes at least a portion of the first slot 4 and the third slot 31 and resonates at the third frequency f3 over a predetermined range between the first conductive member 2 and the third conductive member 19 may be set, and a fourth resonant portion that includes at least a portion of the first slot 4 and resonates at a frequency other than the first frequency f1 and the third frequency f3 may be set over a predetermined range of the first conductive member 2. This makes it possible to preferably obtain the above-mentioned effects.

[0151] 3 and the like, the second conductor member 5 and the third conductor member 19 in the antenna device 1 may be formed of metal wiring, which reduces the amount of metal used to form the second conductor member 5 and the third conductor member 19, thereby enabling the antenna device 1 to be made smaller and lighter.

[0152] As described with reference to FIG. 3 and other figures, the antenna device 1 may further include a holding member 3 on which the second conductor member 5 and the third conductor member 19 are disposed. This eliminates the need to employ a structure in which the metal wiring serving as the second conductor member 5 and the third conductor member 19 is suspended in midair, enabling the second conductor member 5 and the third conductor member 19 to be stably held. This makes it easy to maintain constant the distance between the first conductor member 2 and the second conductor member 5, and the distance between the first conductor member 2 and the third conductor member 19. Furthermore, for example, when the feed point 10 is provided only on the first conductor member 2, it becomes possible to stably generate an electrolytically coupled state between the first conductor member 2 and the second conductor member 5, and between the first conductor member 2 and the third conductor member 19, thereby stabilizing antenna performance.

[0153] As described with reference to Figure 23 etc., the antenna device 1 may further include a first holding member 33 on which the second conductor member 5 is arranged and a second holding member 34 on which the third conductor member 19 is arranged. By separately providing the first holding member 33 on which the second conductor member 5 is arranged and the second holding member 34 on which the third conductor member 19 is arranged, it is possible to minimize the size of each holding member. Therefore, the total weight of the two holding members can be lighter than the weight of one holding member, thereby reducing the weight of the antenna device 1. Furthermore, the space enclosed by the two holding members can be smaller than the space enclosed by one holding member, thereby reducing the size of the antenna device 1.

[0154] 4 and the like, the first slot 4 in the antenna device 1 may have a first linear portion 14 formed in a linear shape, a second linear portion 15 also formed in a linear shape, and a connecting portion 16 connecting the first linear portion 14 and the second linear portion 15. This makes it possible to generate multiple types of resonance using each portion in the first slot 4, in addition to resonance utilizing electric field coupling between the first asymmetric portion 8 in the first portion PT1 and the second slot 30. Therefore, the antenna device 1 can be made multiband, and the antenna device 1 can be made smaller and lighter.

[0155] As described with reference to Figures 3 and 5, the antenna device 1 further includes a third conductor member 19 having a third slot 31 formed therein, the third slot 31 having an open end Q1 that is open in a direction non-parallel to the first direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) and a closed end Q2 that is not open. A third resonance portion RP3 that resonates at a third frequency f3 is set over a predetermined range between the first conductor member 2 and the third conductor member 19, the third resonance portion RP3 including at least a portion of the first slot 4 and the third slot 31. At least a portion of the first slot 4 is set as at least a portion of the second linear portion 15, and the first conductor member 2 and the third conductor member 19 may be spaced apart in the first direction and positioned opposite each other. This allows different portions of the first conductor member 2 to resonate at the first frequency f1 and the second frequency f2. Resonance at the first frequency f1 is achieved by electric field coupling between the first target portion 7 in the first portion PT1 and the second slot 30 of the second conductor member 5, and resonance at the third frequency f3 is achieved by electric field coupling between the third target portion 22 in the third portion PT3 and the third slot 31. That is, it is possible to widen the communication band of the antenna device 1. The second conductor member 5 and the third conductor member 19 are both arranged in the penetrating direction of the first slot 4 with respect to the first conductor member 2. Therefore, it is possible to achieve favorable electric field coupling between the first target portion 7 and the second slot 30 in the first portion PT1, and to achieve favorable electric field coupling between the third target portion 22 and the third slot 31 in the third portion PT3. Furthermore, it is possible to widen the communication band for the emission and reception of radio waves associated with the resonance at the first frequency f1 and the resonance at the second frequency f2 in the antenna device 1, thereby improving antenna performance and the communication environment.

[0156] 13 and the like, the width of the closed end Q2 of the second slot 30 in the antenna device 1 may be larger than the width of the open end Q1 of the second slot 30. This makes it possible to broaden the bandwidth of radio wave emission and radio wave reception using resonance generated by electric field coupling between a part of the first slot 4 of the first conductor member 2 and the second slot 30, thereby improving the communication quality of the antenna device 1.

[0157] 1, 2, 5, etc., in the antenna device 1, the length of the portion of the first slot 4 that forms part of the first resonant portion RP1 and the length of the second slot 30 may each be one-fourth or approximately one-fourth the wavelength of the first frequency f1. That is, the length of the second slot 30 of the second conductor member 5 that resonates instead of the first target portion 7 in the first portion PT1 is also one-fourth the wavelength of the first frequency f1. This increases the electric field near both end portions 9a, 9b of the second conductor member 5, widening the bandwidth when the antenna device 1 resonates at the first frequency f1 and improving communication quality.

[0158] The camera device 100 as an electronic device of the present technology includes an antenna device 1 having a first conductor member 2 in which a first slot 4, which is a through-hole penetrating in a first direction (Z-axis direction), is formed, and a second conductor member 5 in which a second slot 30 is formed, the second slot 30 having an open end Q1 that opens in a direction non-parallel to the first direction and a closed end Q2 that is not open, the first conductor member 2 and the second conductor member 5 being spaced apart and facing each other in the first direction. Since one first slot 4 formed in the first conductor member 2 supports communication in multiple bands, the area in the first conductor member 2 where the first slot 4 is formed can be made smaller. Furthermore, by arranging a portion of the resonating portion in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) of the first slot 4, the antenna device 1 and the electronic device can be made smaller. Furthermore, by miniaturizing the antenna device 1, it is possible to prevent deterioration in the design of the electronic device and to eliminate or relax design constraints. This also makes the electronic device lighter, making it easier to hold.

[0159] The effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects may also be present.

[0160] Furthermore, the above-described examples may be combined in any manner, and even when various combinations are used, the various effects described above can be obtained.

[0161] <7. Present Technology> The present technology can take the following forms. (1) An antenna device comprising: a first conductor member in which a first slot, which is a through hole penetrating in a first direction, is formed; and a second conductor member in which a second slot, which has an open end that is open in a direction non-parallel to the first direction and an unopened closed end, is formed, the first conductor member and the second conductor member being spaced apart and facing each other in the first direction. (2) The antenna device described in (1) above, in which a first resonant portion that resonates at a first frequency is set including at least a portion of the first slot and the second slot and over a predetermined range of the first conductor member and the second conductor member, and a second resonant portion that resonates at a second frequency is set including at least a portion of the first slot and over a predetermined range of the first conductor member. (3) The antenna device described in any of (1) to (2) above, in which the first conductor member is provided with a feed point to which an electric signal is applied, and the second conductor member is not provided with a feed point. (4) The antenna device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the second conductor member is formed of metal wiring. (5) The antenna device according to (4), further comprising a holding member on which the second conductor member is arranged. (6) The antenna device according to any one of (1) to (5), further comprising a third conductor member in which a third slot is formed, the third slot having an open end that is open in a direction non-parallel to the first direction and a closed end that is not open, wherein the first conductor member and the third conductor member are spaced apart and face each other in the first direction. (7) The antenna device according to (6), wherein a third resonant portion that resonates at a third frequency is set, the third resonant portion including at least a portion of the first slot and the third slot, and over a predetermined range between the first conductor member and the third conductor member, and a fourth resonant portion that resonates at a frequency other than the first frequency and the third frequency is set, the fourth resonant portion including at least a portion of the first slot, and over a predetermined range of the first conductor member. (8) The antenna device according to any one of (6) to (7), wherein the second conductor member and the third conductor member are formed by metal wiring.(9) The antenna device according to any one of (6) to (8) above, further comprising a holding member on which the second conductor member and the third conductor member are arranged. (10) The antenna device according to any one of (6) to (8) above, further comprising: a first holding member on which the second conductor member is arranged; and a second holding member on which the third conductor member is arranged. (11) The antenna device according to any one of (1) to (10) above, wherein the first slot has a first linear portion formed in a linear shape, a second linear portion also formed in a linear shape, and a connecting portion connecting the first linear portion and the second linear portion. (12) The antenna device according to (11) above, further comprising: a third conductor member in which a third slot is formed, the third slot having an open end that is open in a direction non-parallel to the first direction and a closed end that is not open, wherein a third resonant portion that resonates at a third frequency is set including at least a part of the first slot and the third slot and over a predetermined range between the first conductor member and the third conductor member, wherein at least a part of the first slot is at least a part of the second straight portion, and the first conductor member and the third conductor member are spaced apart and face each other in the first direction. (13) The antenna device according to any of (1) to (12) above, wherein a width of the closed end of the second slot is larger than a width of the open end of the second slot. (14) The antenna device according to (2) above, wherein a portion of the first slot that forms the first resonant portion and the second slot each have a length that is one-fourth or approximately one-fourth of the wavelength of the first frequency. (15) An electronic device comprising an antenna device having a first conductor member in which a first slot, which is a through hole penetrating in a first direction, is formed, and a second conductor member in which a second slot, which has an open end that is open in a direction non-parallel to the first direction and a closed end that is not open, is formed, wherein the first conductor member and the second conductor member are spaced apart in the first direction and face each other.

[0162] 1. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1F, 1G, 1K Antenna Device 2. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 2J First Conductor Component 3. 3A, 3B Holding Component 4. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4E, 4F, 4G, 4H, 4J First Slot 5. 5A, 5B, 5D, 5F Second Conductor Component 10. 10A, 10B Power Supply Point 14B, 14E, 14F, 14G First Straight Section 15B, 15E, 15F, 15G Second Straight Section 16B, 16E, 16F, 16G Connection Section 19. 19B, 19D, 19F, 19G Third conductor components 30, 30A, 30B, 30D, 30F, 30G; Second slot 31, 31B, 31D, 31F, 31G; Third slot 33; First holding component 34; Second holding component 100; Camera device f1; First cycle f2; Second cycle f3; Third cycle Q1, Q1A, Q1B, Q1D; Open end Q2, Q2A, Q2B, Q2D; Closed end R1, R1B, R1D; Open end R2, R2B, R2D; Closed end RP1, RP1B, RP1D, RP1E, RP1F, RP1G; First resonant part RP2, RP2A, RP2B, RP2E, RP2F, RP2G Second resonance components: RP3, RP3B, RP3D, RP3E, RP3F, RP3G; Third resonance component.

Claims

1. An antenna device comprising: a first conductor member in which a first slot, which is a through hole penetrating in a first direction, is formed; and a second conductor member in which a second slot, which has an open end that opens in a direction non-parallel to the first direction and a closed end that is not open, is formed, wherein the first conductor member and the second conductor member are spaced apart and face each other in the first direction.

2. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein a first resonant portion that resonates at a first frequency is set, the first resonant portion including at least a portion of the first slot and the second slot, and over a predetermined range of the first conductor member and the second conductor member; and a second resonant portion that resonates at a second frequency is set, the second resonant portion including at least a portion of the first slot, and over a predetermined range of the first conductor member.

3. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the first conductor member is provided with a feed point to which an electric signal is applied, and the second conductor member is not provided with a feed point.

4. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the second conductor member is formed by metal wiring.

5. The antenna device according to claim 4, further comprising a holding member on which the second conductor member is disposed.

6. The antenna device according to claim 1, further comprising a third conductor member in which a third slot is formed, the third slot having an open end that is open in a direction non-parallel to the first direction and a closed end that is not open, the first conductor member and the third conductor member being spaced apart in the first direction and facing each other.

7. The antenna device according to claim 6, wherein a third resonant portion is set which includes at least a portion of the first slot and the third slot, and which resonates at a third frequency over a predetermined range between the first conductive member and the third conductive member; and a fourth resonant portion is set which includes at least a portion of the first slot, and which resonates at a frequency other than the first frequency and the third frequency over a predetermined range of the first conductive member.

8. The antenna device according to claim 6, wherein the second conductor member and the third conductor member are formed by metal wiring.

9. The antenna device according to claim 6, further comprising a holding member on which the second conductive member and the third conductive member are arranged.

10. The antenna device according to claim 6, further comprising: a first holding member on which the second conductor member is arranged; and a second holding member on which the third conductor member is arranged.

11. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the first slot has a first linear portion formed in a linear shape, a second linear portion also formed in a linear shape, and a connecting portion connecting the first linear portion and the second linear portion.

12. The antenna device according to claim 11, further comprising a third conductor member in which a third slot is formed, the third slot having an open end that is open in a direction non-parallel to the first direction and a closed end that is not open, wherein a third resonant portion that includes at least a portion of the first slot and the third slot and that resonates at a third frequency is set over a predetermined range between the first conductor member and the third conductor member, wherein at least a portion of the first slot is at least a portion of the second straight portion, and the first conductor member and the third conductor member are spaced apart in the first direction and face each other.

13. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the width of the closed end of the second slot is greater than the width of the open end of the second slot.

14. The antenna device according to claim 2, wherein the length of the portion of the first slot that forms the first resonant portion and the length of the second slot are each set to one-fourth or approximately one-fourth of the wavelength of the first frequency.

15. An electronic device comprising an antenna device having a first conductor member in which a first slot, which is a through hole penetrating in a first direction, is formed, and a second conductor member in which a second slot, which has an open end that is open in a direction non-parallel to the first direction and a closed end that is not open, is formed, wherein the first conductor member and the second conductor member are spaced apart in the first direction and face each other.

Images