Antenna device

Abstract

This antenna device comprises: an antenna element; a connection member connected to the antenna element; and a substrate to which the connection member is mounted. The antenna element has a body section and an extension section extending from the body section. The connection member has: an end section positioned on a substrate side; a first extension section extending from the end section and including a part extending in an insertion / removal direction of the connection member with respect to the extension section; a bent section being at a position farthest from the end section in the first extension section; and a second extension section extending from the bent section toward the substrate. The extension section of the antenna element presses the second extension section of the connection member to the part side of the first extension section.

Description

Antenna device

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a connection terminal to which, for example, a metal member is connected.

[0003] JP 2008-251214 A

[0004] However, when an antenna element, for example, is inserted into the connection terminal disclosed in Patent Document 1, the antenna element and the connection terminal may not be connected in the desired state depending on the position of the antenna element.

[0005] One example of an object of the present invention is to maintain a desired connection between an antenna element and a connecting member even if the relative positions of the antenna element and the connecting member change. Other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is an antenna device comprising an antenna element, a connecting member connected to the antenna element, and a substrate to which the connecting member is attached, wherein the antenna element has a main body portion and an extending portion extending from the main body portion, the connecting member having an end portion located on the substrate side, a first extending portion extending from the end portion and including a portion extending in the direction of insertion and removal of the connecting member from the extending portion, a bent portion in the first extending portion located at a position farthest from the end portion, and a second extending portion extending from the bent portion toward the substrate, and the extending portion of the antenna element presses the second extending portion of the connecting member toward the portion of the first extending portion.

[0007] According to the above aspect of the present invention, even if the relative positions of the antenna element and the connecting member change, the antenna element and the connecting member can be connected in a desired state.

[0008] 1 is an exploded perspective view of the antenna device 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the element section 20 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the unit 21 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a view showing a cross section taken along the line B-B of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a view showing a cross section taken along the line A-A of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a view showing a state after the unit 21 according to the first embodiment is housed in the element section 20. FIG. 7 is a view for explaining a state in which the relative positions of the antenna element 30a and the connecting member 405 according to the first embodiment have changed. FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of the antenna element 30c and the connecting member 602 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of the antenna element 30c and the connecting member 602 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a state in which the antenna element 30d and the connecting member 610 according to the first embodiment are connected. FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the connecting member 630. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the antenna device 15 according to the second embodiment, as seen from the upper front left side. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the antenna device 15 according to the second embodiment, as seen from the lower rear right side. FIG. 14 is a view showing a process of attaching the antenna element 550 to the holder 750. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the antenna element unit 25 according to the second embodiment, as seen from the upper front left side. 1 is a perspective view of a unit 26 according to a second embodiment, as viewed from the upper front left side; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an antenna device 15 according to a second embodiment, as viewed from the upper front left side; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an antenna device 15 according to a second embodiment, as viewed from the lower rear right side; and FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a process of attaching an antenna element unit 25 according to a second embodiment to a metal plate 900 of a vehicle.

[0009] (Embodiment 1)

[0010] At least the following matters will become clear from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0011] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same or equivalent components, members, etc. shown in each drawing are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted where appropriate.

[0012] ===Outline of Antenna Device 10=== Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an antenna device 10 attached to a metal plate 100 of a vehicle (not shown). First, directions and the like in the antenna device 10 will be defined with reference to Fig. 1.

[0013] <<Definition of Directions, etc.>> In the following description, the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle on which the antenna device 10 is mounted is defined as the X direction, the left-to-right direction perpendicular to the X direction is defined as the Y direction, and the vertical direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions is defined as the Z direction. Furthermore, the front side from the driver's seat of the vehicle is defined as the +X direction, the right side is defined as the +Y direction, and the zenith direction (upward) is defined as the +Z direction.

[0014] Each of the +X direction, -X direction, +Y direction, -Y direction, +Z direction, and -Z direction is a direction with a fixed orientation. Rather than being a fixed orientation as described above, both the +X direction and the -X direction may be simply referred to as the "X direction." Similarly, both the +Y direction and the -Y direction may be simply referred to as the "Y direction." Furthermore, both the +Z direction and the -Z direction may be simply referred to as the "Z direction."

[0015] In Fig. 1, the +X direction, +Y direction, and +Z direction are each represented by an arrowed line segment to facilitate understanding of directions and the like in the antenna device 10. Note that the intersection of these arrowed line segments does not represent the coordinate origin. The definitions of the above-mentioned directions and the like are common throughout this specification unless otherwise specified.

[0016] <<Outline of Metal Plate 100 and Antenna Device 10>> The metal plate 100 of a vehicle is a component located in the space between, for example, a dielectric roof panel that transmits electromagnetic waves (hereinafter referred to as "radio waves") and a roof liner in the ceiling portion of the vehicle compartment. Openings 110, 111a, and 111b are formed in the metal plate 100. The opening 110 is a hole into which a unit 21 (described later) is inserted. The openings 111a and 111b are holes for attaching a holder 31 (described later) to the metal plate 100. Note that the shapes of the openings 110, 111a, and 111b may be any shape as long as they are consistent with the intended use.

[0017] The antenna device 10 is a device that responds to radio broadcasts, for example, AM / FM radio waves, and is attached to approximately the center in the left-right direction of the metal plate 100. In this embodiment, the metal plate 100 is a member located in the space between the roof panel and the roof liner, but is not limited to this and may be, for example, a pillar or a molded ceiling of the vehicle.

[0018] <<Details of Antenna Device 10>> Details of the antenna device 10 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the element section 20, and Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the unit 21. Figure 4 is a diagram showing a cross section taken along line B-B in Figure 3. Note that, for the sake of convenience, some components may be omitted in the drawings describing this embodiment.

[0019] 1, the antenna device 10 includes an element section 20 and a unit 21. The element section 20 includes antenna elements 30a and 30b and a holder 31 as shown in FIG.

[0020] <Element section 20> The antenna element 30a is a sheet metal capacitive loading element that responds to radio broadcast waves, particularly AM radio broadcast waves, and has a main body section 300a and an extension section 301a. The main body section 300a has a substantially quadrilateral shape that responds to AM radio waves, and the extension section 301a is a flat section that extends from the main body section 300a in the -Z direction (downward). The lower end of the extension section 301a functions as a so-called power supply section.

[0021] The antenna element 30a in this embodiment is a so-called sheet metal element, but is not limited to this. For example, a conductor pattern formed on a holder 31 (described later) may be used as part of the antenna element 30a. Furthermore, a film antenna or a conductor pattern formed on a substrate may be used as the antenna element 30a.

[0022] Furthermore, "approximately quadrilateral" refers to a shape consisting of four sides, including, for example, a square or a rectangle, and may have at least some corners cut out at an angle to the sides. Furthermore, in the "approximately quadrilateral" shape, some of the sides may have notches (recesses) or protrusions (protrusions). Note that in this embodiment, the same applies when adding "approximately" to other shapes (for example, circles and rectangular parallelepipeds).

[0023] The antenna element 30b is a metal-plate-like capacitance-loading element that responds to radio broadcasting waves, particularly FM radio broadcasting waves, and includes a main body 300b and an extension 301b. The main body 300b and extension 301b of the antenna element 30b are similar to the main body 300a and extension 301a, respectively, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0024] The holder 31 is a holding member that houses the unit 21 and holds the antenna elements 30a and 30b. The holder 31 has a housing portion 310, support portions 311a and 311b, attachment portions 312a and 312b, and openings 320a, 320b, and 321.

[0025] The accommodation section 310 is a member having an accommodation space S1 for accommodating the unit 21, and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. An opening 320a into which the extension portion 301a of the antenna element 30a is inserted and an opening 320b into which the extension portion 301b of the antenna element 30b is inserted are formed on the +Z side surface of the accommodation section 310. An opening 321 for accommodating the unit 21 in the accommodation space S1 is also formed on the -Z side of the accommodation section 310.

[0026] A support portion 311a for supporting the antenna element 30a is formed on the -Y side surface of the housing portion 310, and a support portion 311b for supporting the antenna element 30b is formed on the +Y side surface.

[0027] Mounting portions 312a, 312b for attaching holder 31 to metal plate 100 are formed on the +X side surface and the −X side surface of accommodation portion 310, respectively. As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 2, protrusion 330a formed on the −Z direction end of mounting portion 312a is inserted into opening 111a of metal plate 100. Note that protrusion 330b of mounting portion 312b is also inserted into opening 111b, similar to protrusion 330a.

[0028] Then, the projections 330a and 330b are fitted into the openings 111a and 111b, respectively, so that the holder 31 is attached to a predetermined position on the metal plate 100. Therefore, the openings 111a and 111b in this embodiment function as holes for attaching the holder 31 to the metal plate 100, as well as holes (positioning holes) for determining the position of the holder 31 on the metal plate 100.

[0029] 3 constitutes the antenna device 10 together with the element section 20, and is a component that is detachable from the element section 20. The unit 21 is configured to include a substrate unit 40 and a case 41.

[0030] ==Board Unit 40== The board unit 40 is a component on which electronic components of the antenna device 10 are attached, and is composed of a board 400, a support member 401, a holder 402, a helical element (coil) 403, connecting members 404, 405, a reactance element 406, and an amplifier 407.

[0031] A support member 401 is attached with two screws (not shown) to the end on the +Y side of the substrate 400. The two screws are fastened to two screw holes (not shown) formed inside the case 41 through two openings formed on both ends of the support member 401.

[0032] Support member 401 is a component for supporting holder 402, and holder 402 is a component for holding helical element 403. Helical element 403, together with antenna element 30b, is an element that responds to radio broadcast waves, and more specifically, is a coil that responds to FM radio broadcasts.

[0033] <Connecting member 404> The connecting member 404 is a metal member that connects the antenna element 30b and the helical element 403. As shown in Figures 3 and 4 , the connecting member 404 is formed by processing a metal plate-shaped member, and includes a first end 500, a first extending portion 501, a bending portion 502, a second extending portion 503, a second end 504, and a wall portion 505.

[0034] The first end 500 is a portion of the connecting member 404 that is located at the end on the substrate 400 side. The first end 500 is attached to the holder 402 and is connected to one end of the helical element 403. The first extending portion 501 is a portion that extends from the first end 500 in the +Z direction.

[0035] The connecting member 404 is bent toward the substrate 400 at a bending portion 502 located at the position furthest from the first end portion 500 in the first extending portion 501. The second extending portion 503 is a plate-shaped portion extending from the bending portion 502 toward the substrate 400.

[0036] As a result, the first extending portion 501 and the second extending portion 503 extending from the bent portion 502 constitute a so-called leaf spring. In this embodiment, the length from the first end portion 500 to the bent portion 502, that is, the length of the first extending portion 501 extending in the Z direction, is defined as "length L0."

[0037] An end of the connecting member 404 different from the first end 500, i.e., the tip of the second extending portion 503, is the second end 504. The length from the bent portion 502 to the second end 504, i.e., the extension length of the second extending portion 513, is defined as "length L1." In this embodiment, since length L0 is longer than length L1, the first extending portion 501 includes a portion of length L2 corresponding to the second extending portion 503. In this embodiment, "the portion of the first extending portion 501 corresponding to the second extending portion 503" refers to, for example, the portion of the first extending portion 501 from the bent portion 502 to length L1.

[0038] In the present embodiment, the bent portion 502 is formed by bending the connecting member 404, but this is not limiting. For example, the bent portion 502 may be formed by connecting a member corresponding to the first extending portion 501 and a member corresponding to the second extending portion 503.

[0039] The wall portion 505 is a portion that extends from a portion of the +X side end and a portion of the -X side end of the first extending portion 501 and surrounds a portion of the second extending portion 503. Specifically, the wall portion 505 includes a portion in the first extending portion 501 that extends in the -Y direction from a portion on the +X side of the length L2 from the first end portion 500 and is then bent in the -X direction. Furthermore, the wall portion 505 includes a portion in the first extending portion 501 that extends in the -Y direction from a portion on the -X side of the length L2 from the first end portion 500 and is then bent in the +X direction.

[0040] Although details will be described later, the wall portion 505 abuts against a predetermined portion of the case 41 so as to determine the position of the connection member 404 in the case 41. Therefore, the shape of the wall portion 505 is not limited to the shape shown in Fig. 3, for example, and may be any shape that abuts against a predetermined portion of the case 41 and determines the position of the connection member 404.

[0041] <Connecting member 405> The connecting member 405 is a metal member that connects the antenna element 30a and the reactance element 406. As shown in Figures 3 and 4 , the connecting member 405 is formed by processing a metal plate-shaped member, and includes a first end 510, a first extending portion 511, a bent portion 512, a second extending portion 513, a second end 514, and a wall portion 515.

[0042] The first end 510 is a portion of the connecting member 405 that is located at the end on the substrate 400 side. The first end 510 is connected to the reactance element 406. The first extending portion 511 is a portion that corresponds to the main body of the connecting member 405, and includes a portion 511a that extends from the first end 510 in the −Y direction, and a portion 511b that extends from the end of the portion 511a in the +Z direction.

[0043] Furthermore, the connecting member 405 is bent at the first extending portion 511 at a bending portion 512 located at the position farthest from the first end portion 500 so as to face the substrate 400. The second extending portion 513 is a portion that extends from the bending portion 512 so as to face the substrate 400.

[0044] As a result, the portion 511b of the first extending portion 511 and the second extending portion 513 extending from the bent portion 512 constitute a so-called leaf spring. In this embodiment, the length of the portion 511b of the first extending portion 511 extending in the Z direction is defined as "length L10."

[0045] An end of the connecting member 405 different from the first end 510, i.e., the tip of the second extending portion 513, is the second end 514. The length from the bent portion 512 to the second end 514, i.e., the extension length of the second extending portion 513, is defined as "length L11." In this embodiment, since length L10 is longer than length L11, the portion 511b includes a portion of length L11 that corresponds to the second extending portion 513. In this embodiment, "the portion of the first extending portion 511 that corresponds to the second extending portion 513" refers to, for example, the portion of the portion 511b from the bent portion 512 to length L11.

[0046] In the present embodiment, the bent portion 512 is formed by bending the connecting member 405, but this is not limiting. For example, the bent portion 512 may be formed by connecting a member corresponding to the portion 511b and a member corresponding to the second extending portion 513.

[0047] Wall portion 515 is a portion that extends from a portion of the +X side end and a portion of the -X side end of portion 511b and surrounds a portion of second extending portion 513. Specifically, wall portion 515 includes a portion that extends in the +Y direction from a portion of portion 511b on the +X side of length L12 at a predetermined position and is then bent in the -X direction. Furthermore, wall portion 515 includes a portion that extends in the +Y direction from a portion of portion 511b on the -X side of length L12 at a predetermined position and is then bent in the -X direction.

[0048] Although details will be described later, the wall portion 515 abuts against a predetermined portion of the case 41 so as to determine the position of the connection member 405 in the case 41. Therefore, the shape of the wall portion 515 is not limited to the shape shown in Fig. 3, for example, as long as it abuts against a predetermined portion of the case 41 and determines the position of the connection member 405.

[0049] The reactance element 406, together with the antenna element 30a, is an element that responds to radio broadcast waves, specifically AM radio broadcast waves. The reactance element 406 is used, for example, to adjust the impedance of the wiring that connects the connecting member 405 and the amplifier 407.

[0050] Amplifier 407 is an integrated circuit that amplifies radio broadcast signals, specifically, at least one of AM radio broadcast signals and FM radio broadcast signals. Amplifier 407 is connected to, for example, a terminal of helical element 403 via a wiring pattern (not shown) formed on substrate 400. The terminal of helical element 403 connected to amplifier 407 is one of the two terminals of helical element 403, different from the terminal connected to connecting member 404. Amplifier 407 is also connected to connecting member 405 and reactance element 406 via wiring patterns (not shown) formed on substrate 400.

[0051] ==Case 41== The case 41 is a housing that houses the board unit 40 and covers the outside of the unit 21. As shown in Fig. 3, the case 41 has a housing portion 410, guide portions 411a and 411b, leaf springs 412a and 412b, and openings 413a, 413b, and 414. For convenience, the internal structure of the case 41 is omitted from the illustration in Fig. 3. The case 41 also corresponds to a "housing member" that houses, for example, the connecting members 404 and 405.

[0052] The accommodation section 410 is a member having an accommodation space S2 for accommodating the board unit 40, and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. An opening 413a into which the extension portion 301a of the antenna element 30a is inserted and an opening 413b into which the extension portion 301b of the antenna element 30b is inserted are formed on the +Z side surface of the accommodation section 410. In addition, an opening 414 for accommodating the board unit 40 in the accommodation space S2 is formed on the -Z side of the accommodation section 410.

[0053] A guide portion 411a that guides the case 41 into the holder 31, and a leaf spring 412a are formed on the surface on the -Y side of the housing portion 410. The guide portion 411a is fitted into a predetermined recess (not shown) formed on the surface on the -Y side inside the holder 31. Furthermore, although details will be described later, the leaf spring 412a is a portion that temporarily fixes the unit 21 inside the holder 31 by its elastic force when the case 41 (i.e., the unit 21) is housed in the holder 31.

[0054] A guide portion 411b and a leaf spring 412b that guide the case 41 to the holder 31 are formed on the +Y side surface of the accommodation portion 410. The guide portion 411b and the leaf spring 412b are similar to the guide portion 411a and the leaf spring 412a, respectively, and therefore will not be described in detail here.

[0055] The guide portions 411a and 411b fit into recesses (not shown) inside the holder 31, thereby determining the relative positions of the case 41 and the holder 31 in the X and Y directions. Furthermore, the guide portion 411a cannot fit into a predetermined recess formed on the +Y side surface inside the holder 31, and / or the guide portion 441b cannot fit into a predetermined recess formed on the -Y side surface inside the holder 31. This prevents incorrect assembly when the left-right direction (Y direction) of the case 41 is reversed. Although the case 41 and the holder 31 are fitted into each other, this is not limited to the configuration of this embodiment as long as the relative positions of the two are determined.

[0056] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 3. Inside the case 41, guide portions 416a, 416b and positioning portions 417a, 417b are formed.

[0057] When the board unit 40 is accommodated, the guide portion 416a guides the connecting member 405 so that the wall portion 515 of the connecting member 405 abuts against the positioning portion 417a inside the case 41. In the present embodiment, when the wall portion 515 and the positioning portion 417a abut against each other, the space inside the wall portion 515 of the connecting member 405 is positioned in the −Z direction of the opening 413a of the case 41 in a plan view seen from the +Z direction. Therefore, as will be described in detail later, when the extending portion 301a is inserted into the opening 413a, the extending portion 301a and the second extending portion 513 are connected.

[0058] When the board unit 40 is accommodated, the guide portion 416b guides the connecting member 404 so that the wall portion 505 of the connecting member 404 abuts against the positioning portion 417b inside the case 41. In this embodiment, when the wall portion 505 and the positioning portion 417b abut against each other, the space inside the wall portion 505 of the connecting member 404 is positioned in the −Z direction of the opening 413b of the case 41 in a plan view seen from the +Z direction. Therefore, as will be described in detail later, when the extending portion 301b is inserted into the opening 413b, the extending portion 301b and the second extending portion 503 are connected.

[0059] 5 and 6, the connection between the extensions 301a, 301b and the connection members 404, 405 when the unit 21 is housed in the element section 20 will be described. Note that, in this example, in the element section 20, the antenna elements 30a, 30b are attached to the holder 31, and in the unit 21, the board unit 40 and the case 41 are fixed with screws (not shown). Also, the element section 20 is attached to the metal plate 100.

[0060] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 1, showing the state before the unit 21 is housed in the element portion 20. Fig. 6 is a view showing the state after the unit 21 is housed in the element portion 20. Note that for convenience, Figs. 5 and 6 omit some of the configurations of the element portion 20, the unit 21, and the metal plate 100.

[0061] 5, unit 21 is inserted into storage space S1 of holder 31 from the -Z direction surface side of metal plate 100. At this time, guide portion 411a provided in the -Y direction of unit 21 is fitted into a predetermined recess (not shown) extending in the Z direction on the -Y side surface inside holder 31. Also, guide portion 411b provided in the +Y direction of unit 21 is fitted into a predetermined recess (not shown) extending in the Z direction on the +Y side surface inside holder 31.

[0062] When the unit 21 is accommodated in the accommodation space S1 of the holder 31, the extension 301a of the antenna element 30a is inserted into the opening 413a, and the extension 301b of the antenna element 30b is inserted into the opening 413b.

[0063] When the extending portion 301a of the antenna element 30a is inserted into the opening 413a, the extending portion 301a presses the second extending portion 513 of the connecting member 405 toward the portion 511b of the first extending portion 511 that extends in the +Z direction.

[0064] Here, in the connecting member 405, the portion 511b and the second extending portion 513 extending from the bent portion 512 form a so-called leaf spring. Therefore, when the extending portion 301a presses the second extending portion 513, the second extending portion 513 elastically deforms toward the portion 511b. As a result, a biasing force acts on the second extending portion 513, and the extending portion 301a and the second extending portion 513 are electrically connected. Therefore, the antenna element 30a of this embodiment is electrically connected to the reactance element 406 via the connecting member 405.

[0065] Furthermore, when the extending portion 301b of the antenna element 30b is inserted into the opening 413b, the extending portion 301b presses the second extending portion 503 of the connecting member 404 toward the first extending portion 501, which is the portion extending in the +Z direction.

[0066] Here, in the connecting member 404, the first extending portion 501 and the second extending portion 503 extending from the bent portion 502 constitute a so-called leaf spring. Therefore, when the extending portion 301b presses the second extending portion 503, the second extending portion 503 elastically deforms toward the first extending portion 501. As a result, a biasing force acts on the second extending portion 503, and the extending portion 301b and the second extending portion 503 are electrically connected. Therefore, the antenna element 30b of this embodiment is electrically connected to the helical element 403 via the connecting member 404.

[0067] In this manner, when the unit 21 is housed in the housing space S1, the antenna element 30a is connected to the connecting member 405, and the antenna element 30b is connected to the connecting member 404 (see FIG. 6). In this embodiment, the antenna elements 30a and 30b are connected to the connecting members 405 and 404, respectively, by a biasing force. Therefore, when the unit 21 is removed from the housing space S1, the antenna elements 30a and 30b are physically separated from the connecting members 405 and 404, respectively.

[0068] Note that "a state in which the unit 21 is accommodated in the accommodation space S1" refers to a state in which the unit 21 is temporarily fixed inside the holder 31 by the elastic force of the leaf springs 412a and 412b of the case 41. Note that when the unit 21 is accommodated in the accommodation space S1 of the holder 31, the unit 21 may be fixed to the holder 31 or the metal plate 100 by a fixing member (not shown).

[0069] <When the relative positions of the antenna element and the connecting member change> Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the antenna element 30a is connected to the connecting member 405. Note that, for convenience, the holder 31, the case 41, etc. of the antenna device 10 are omitted here, and only the positional relationship between the antenna element 30a and the connecting member 405 is shown.

[0070] Incidentally, the relative Z-direction positions of the antenna element 30a and the connecting member 405 vary not only depending on, for example, the attachment state of the antenna element 30a to the holder 31 and the attachment state of the connecting member 405 to the substrate 400, but also on manufacturing variations in the various components that make up the antenna device 10, such as the antenna element 30a, the connecting member 405, the holder 31, and the case 41. As a result, in the antenna device 10, the relative Z-direction positions of the antenna element 30a and the connecting member 405 may vary.

[0071] The center of Fig. 7 shows a standard state (hereinafter referred to as the "standard state") in which the relative Z-direction positions of the antenna element 30a and the connecting member 405 are the same. The left side of Fig. 7 shows a state (hereinafter referred to as the "downward state") in which the Z-direction distance between the antenna element 30a and the connecting member 405 is shorter than the standard state by a distance d1. The right side of Fig. 7 shows a state (hereinafter referred to as the "upward state") in which the Z-direction distance between the antenna element 30a and the connecting member 405 is longer than the standard state by a distance d2.

[0072] As described above, in the connecting member 405, the portion 511b and the second extending portion 513 extending from the bent portion 512 constitute a so-called leaf spring. In addition, in this embodiment, the length Lx in the Z direction of the extending portion 301a is designed to be sufficiently longer than the length L10 of the portion of the portion 511b corresponding to the second extending portion 513.

[0073] Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the state of the antenna element 30a and the connecting member 405 changes from the standard state to a lowered state or an elevated state, the extending portion 301a can continue to press the second extending portion 513. As a result, even if the relative positions of the antenna element 30a and the connecting member 405 change, the biasing force of the second extending portion 513 continues to be applied to the extending portion 301a. Therefore, even if the relative positions of the antenna element 30a and the connecting member 405 change significantly, the antenna element 30a and the connecting member 405 can be maintained in a desired connected state.

[0074] Here, the "desired connection state" means, for example, a state in which the electrical resistance between the antenna element 30a and the connecting member 405 is sufficiently small so that the amplifier 407 of the antenna device 10 can receive a signal corresponding to the desired radio wave.

[0075] 7 has been described using the relationship between the antenna element 30a and the connecting member 405 as an example, the same applies to the relationship between the antenna element 30b and the connecting member 404. Specifically, the length in the Z direction (not shown) of the extending portion 301b is also longer than the length L1 of the portion of the first extending portion 501 that corresponds to the second extending portion 503. Therefore, even if the relative positions of the antenna element 30b and the connecting member 404 in the Z direction change significantly, the antenna element 30b and the connecting member 404 can be connected in a desired state.

[0076] In this embodiment, the length Lx of the extending portion 301a of the antenna element 30a is longer than the length L1 of the portion of the first extending portion 501 corresponding to the second extending portion 503, but this is not limited to this. As long as the extending portion 301a and the second extending portion 503 are electrically connected, for example, the length Lx of the extending portion 301a may be shorter than the length L1. <<Modifications>>

[0077] In the above-described antenna device 10, for example, the antenna element 30b is connected to the helical element 403 via the connecting member 404, but this is not limiting. Figures 8 and 9 show examples of the configuration of a portion of an antenna device in which the antenna element 30c is connected to the helical element 601 via the connecting member 602.

[0078] 8 is a capacitance-loading element similar to the antenna element 30a. Specifically, the antenna element 30c is an element that corresponds to radio waves in the frequency band used for radio broadcasting, for example, DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting).

[0079] The antenna element 30c includes a main body 300c and an extension 301c. The main body 300c is similar to the main body 300a, and the extension 301c is similar to the extension 301a, so detailed description will be omitted here. The antenna element 30c is attached to a holder 31, but for convenience, the holder 31 is not shown in Figures 8 and 9.

[0080] The substrate unit 45 shown in FIG. 8 is a unit similar to the substrate unit 40 , and is configured to include substrates 400 and 600 , a reactance element 406 , an amplifier 407 , a helical element 601 , and a connecting member 602 .

[0081] Substrate 600 is a component on which helical element 601 and connecting member 602 are arranged. Substrate 600 is attached to the end of substrate 400 on the -Y side, facing in the +Z direction. Helical element 601, together with antenna element 30c, is an element that corresponds to radio waves that correspond to DAB.

[0082] The connecting member 602 is a metal member that connects the antenna element 30c and the helical element 601. The connecting member 405 is formed by processing a metal plate-shaped member, and includes a first end 700, a first extending portion 701, a bending portion 702, a second extending portion 703, a second end 704, and a wall portion 705.

[0083] The first end 700 is a portion of the connecting member 602 that is located at the end on the substrate 600 side. The first extending portion 701 is a portion that corresponds to the main body of the connecting member 602, and includes a portion 701a that extends from the first end 700 in the −Y direction and a portion 701b that extends from the end of portion 701a in the +Z direction.

[0084] Furthermore, the connecting member 602 is bent at the first extending portion 701 at a bending portion 702 located at the position farthest from the first end portion 700 so as to face the substrate 600. The second extending portion 703 is a portion that extends from the bending portion 702 so as to face the substrate 600.

[0085] As a result, the portion 701b of the first extending portion 701 and the second extending portion 703 extending from the bent portion 702 constitute a so-called leaf spring. In this embodiment, the length of the portion 701b of the first extending portion 701 extending in the Z direction is defined as "length L20."

[0086] An end of the connecting member 602 different from the first end 700, i.e., the tip of the second extending portion 703, is the second end 704. The length from the bent portion 702 to the second end 704, i.e., the extension length of the second extending portion 703, is defined as "length L21." In this embodiment, since length L20 is longer than length L21, the portion 701b includes a portion of length L21 that corresponds to the second extending portion 703. In this embodiment, "the portion of the first extending portion 701 that corresponds to the second extending portion 703" refers to, for example, the portion of the portion 701b from the bent portion 702 to length L21.

[0087] In this embodiment, the bent portion 702 is formed by bending the connecting member 602, but this is not limiting. For example, the bent portion 702 may be formed by connecting a member corresponding to the portion 701b and a member corresponding to the second extending portion 703.

[0088] Wall portion 705 extends from a portion of the +X side end and a portion of the -X side end of portion 701b and surrounds a portion of second extending portion 703. Specifically, wall portion 705 includes a portion that extends in the +Y direction from a portion of portion 701b on the +X side of length L22 at a predetermined position and is then bent in the -X direction. Furthermore, wall portion 705 includes a portion that extends in the +Y direction from a portion of portion 701b on the -X side of length L22 at a predetermined position and is then bent in the -X direction.

[0089] Similar to the wall portion 515, the wall portion 705 also abuts against the positioning portion 417a, which is the above-described predetermined portion of the case 41, so as to determine the position of the connecting member 602 in the case 41. The shape of the wall portion 705 may also be any shape that allows the position of the connecting member 602 to be determined within the case 41.

[0090] In this embodiment, the length Ly in the Z direction of the extension portion 301c is longer than the length L21 of the portion of the part 701b corresponding to the second extension portion 703. Therefore, as in the case shown in Figure 7, even if the relative positions of the antenna element 30c and the connecting member 602 in the Z direction change significantly, it is possible to maintain the antenna element 30c and the connecting member 602 in a desired connection state. <<Modification 2>>

[0091] In the above-described antenna device 10, for example, the "insertion / removal direction" is configured to be the Z direction, but this is not limited to this. Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the antenna element 30d of the antenna device 11 is connected to the connection member 610. The antenna device 11 is a device similar to the antenna device 10, but here, for convenience, the holder 31, the case 41, etc. are omitted, and only the antenna element 30d, the substrate 400, and the connection member 610 are shown.

[0092] The antenna element 30d in Fig. 10 is a capacitance loading element similar to the antenna element 30a. The antenna element 30d includes a main body 300d and an extension 301d. The main body 300d is similar to the main body 300a, but the extension 301d extends from the main body 300d in the -Z direction and is then bent in the -Y direction. As described above, the antenna element 30d is attached to the holder 31, but for convenience, the holder 31 is not shown in Fig. 10.

[0093] The connecting member 610 is a member similar to the connecting member 405. The connecting member 610 includes a first end portion 710, a first extending portion 711, a bent portion 712, a second extending portion 713, a second end portion 714, and a wall portion 715.

[0094] The first end 710 is a portion of the connecting member 610 that is located at the end on the substrate 400 side. The first extending portion 711 is a portion that corresponds to the main body of the connecting member 610, and includes a portion 711a that extends from the first end 710 in the +Z direction and a portion 711b that extends from the end of portion 711a in the +Y direction.

[0095] In addition, in the first extending portion 711, the connecting member 610 is bent toward the substrate 400 at a bending portion 712 located at the position farthest from the first end portion 710. The second extending portion 713 is a portion that extends from the bending portion 712 toward the substrate 400.

[0096] As a result, the portion 711b of the first extending portion 711 and the second extending portion 713 extending from the bent portion 712 constitute a so-called leaf spring. In this embodiment, the length of the portion 711b of the first extending portion 711 extending in the Y direction is defined as "length L30."

[0097] An end of the connecting member 610 different from the first end 710, i.e., the tip of the second extending portion 713, is the second end 714. The length from the bent portion 712 to the second end 714, i.e., the extension length of the second extending portion 713, is defined as "length L31." In this embodiment, since length L30 is longer than length L31, the portion 711b includes a portion of length L31 that corresponds to the second extending portion 713. In this embodiment, "the portion of the first extending portion 711 that corresponds to the second extending portion 713" refers to, for example, the portion of the portion 711b from the bent portion 712 to length L31.

[0098] In the present embodiment, the bent portion 712 is formed by bending the connecting member 610, but this is not limiting. For example, the bent portion 712 may be formed by connecting a member corresponding to the portion 711b and a member corresponding to the second extending portion 713.

[0099] Wall portion 715 extends from a portion of the +X side end and a portion of the -X side end of portion 711b, and surrounds a portion of second extending portion 703. Specifically, wall portion 715 includes a portion that extends in the -Z direction from a portion of portion 711b on the +X side of length L32 at a predetermined position and is then bent in the -X direction. Furthermore, wall portion 705 includes a portion that extends in the -Z direction from a portion of portion 711b on the -X side of length L32 at a predetermined position and is then bent in the +X direction.

[0100] In the antenna device 11 shown in FIG. 10 , the "insertion / removal direction" is the Y direction. In this embodiment, the length Le of the extending portion 301d in the Y direction after bending is longer than the length L31 of the portion 711b of the antenna element 303 corresponding to the second extending portion 713. Therefore, as in the case shown in FIG. 7 , even if the relative positions of the antenna element 303 and the connecting member 610 in the Y direction change significantly, the antenna element 303 and the connecting member 610 can be connected in a desired state. <<Modification 3>> FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a connecting member 630. The connecting member 630 is similar to the connecting member 405 and includes a first end 510 (not shown), a first extending portion 511, bending portions 512 and 516, a second extending portion 513, a second end 514, a wall portion 515, and a third extending portion 517. For convenience, the first end 510 and the portion 511a of the first extending portion 511 are not shown.

[0101] The bent portion 516 is a portion that extends in the +Z direction from the +Z side end of the +Y side wall portion 515 and is bent in the -Z direction (i.e., toward the substrate 400, not shown). The third extending portion 517 is a portion that extends from the bent portion 516 toward the substrate 400 (not shown).

[0102] As a result, the third extension portion 517 and the part of the wall portion 515 facing the +Y side surface of the third extension portion 517 form a so-called leaf spring. In this configuration, when, for example, the extension portion 301a of the antenna element 30a is inserted into the space between the second extension portion 513 and the third extension portion 517, the extension portion 301a presses the second extension portion 513 in the -Y direction and presses the third extension portion 517 in the +Y direction. As a result, the antenna element 30a and the connecting member 630 can be connected in a desired state.

[0103] (Second embodiment) Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the antenna device 15 according to the second embodiment as seen from the upper left front side. Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the antenna device 15 according to the second embodiment as seen from the lower right rear side.

[0104] The antenna device 15 of this embodiment is attached to a metal plate of a vehicle, for example, similarly to the antenna device 10 of the first embodiment. Fig. 19 shows a portion of a metal plate 900 of a vehicle as an example of the attachment location. The antenna device 15 of this embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0105] Although details will be described later, the antenna device 15 is configured to include an antenna element unit 25 shown in Fig. 15 and a unit 26 shown in Fig. 16. Furthermore, as exemplified in Fig. 15, the antenna element unit 25 is configured to include antenna elements 550, 650 and a holder 750. As disclosed in Figs. 12, 13, 16, etc., the unit 26 is an electronic component configured mainly to include a plurality of substrates 820, 825, 827 and a case 800 that covers them. The detailed configuration of the unit 26 will be described later.

[0106] For example, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, an antenna element 550 is a component corresponding to the antenna element 30b of the first embodiment. The antenna element 550 is, for example, a capacitance loading element for DAB. As shown in the enlarged view of Figure 13, the antenna element 550 has a main body portion 560 and an extending portion 561. In the second embodiment, a convex portion 562 and a connecting portion 563 are provided between the extending portion 561 and the main body portion 560. The convex portion 562 prevents water droplets traveling along the main body portion 560 from reaching the extending portion 561. The extending portion 561 is configured similarly to the extending portion 301a of the first embodiment and functions similarly.

[0107] The main body 560 has locking holes 570 and 575 , a rib 571 , and through holes 572 , 573 and 574 .

[0108] The locking holes 570 engage with the locking protrusions 764 of the holder 750 to lock the antenna element 550 to the holder 750. In the illustrated example, there are four locking holes 570, but the number can be changed as desired. The ribs 571 are provided to improve the strength of the antenna element 550. Furthermore, the locking holes 575 engage with the locking protrusions 774 of the holder 750 to lock the antenna element 550 to the holder 750.

[0109] The through-hole 572 is formed by cutting and bending the extension portion 561 into an L-shape relative to the main body portion 560. The through-hole 572 is provided to allow the first cover portion 765 to pass through during the process of assembling the antenna element 550 to the holder 750 (see FIG. 14 , which will be described later). The through-holes 573 and 574 engage with the leaf spring portion 770 of the holder 750.

[0110] The antenna element 650 is a component corresponding to the antenna element 30a of the first embodiment. The antenna element 650 is, for example, a capacitance loading element for AM / FM. Since the antenna element 650 has the same shape as the antenna element 550, a description of the configuration of the antenna element 650 will be omitted. Note that the antenna element 650 may have a different shape from the antenna element 550.

[0111] 12 and 13, for example, the main body 660, the locking holes 670 and 675, and the through holes 672 to 674 of the antenna element 650 correspond to the main body 560, the locking holes 570 and 575, and the through holes 572 to 574, respectively.

[0112] The holder 750 is a member corresponding to the holder 31 of embodiment 1. The holder 750 includes an opening 761, support portions 762 and 763, a first cover portion 765, an opening 766, a second cover portion 767, an opening 768, a leaf spring portion 770, and a boss 772 (FIG. 13).

[0113] Opening 761 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape that opens downward, and forms a space that accommodates at least a portion of case 800. Snap fits 769 are provided on both the left and right side surfaces of opening 761. Snap fits 769 in Fig. 13 are attachment portions that attach holder 750 from above to a metal plate 900 (Fig. 19) that is similar to metal plate 100.

[0114] 12 is the upper surface portion in the +Y direction (right direction) of holder 750. Support portion 763 is the upper surface portion in the −Y direction (left direction) of holder 750. Support portion 762 and support portion 763 have shapes that are symmetrical with respect to a predetermined plane perpendicular to the left-right direction.

[0115] In the illustrated example, four locking protrusions 764 are provided on each of the upper surfaces of support portion 762 and support portion 763, but the number of locking protrusions 764 can be changed as desired. Locking protrusions 764 provided on support portion 762 engage with locking holes 570 of antenna element 550 to lock antenna element 550 to support portion 762. Locking protrusions 764 provided on support portion 763 engage with locking holes 670 of antenna element 650 to lock antenna element 650 to support portion 763.

[0116] The first covering portion 765 is provided on the upper surface of the support portion 762. In this case, the first covering portion 765 is a plane perpendicular to the Z direction, and is located one step higher than the upper surface of the holder 750 excluding the first covering portion 765. The front, rear, and right edges of the first covering portion 765 are connected to the upper surface of the holder 750 (the front, rear, and right edges of the opening 766), respectively. Below the left edge of the first covering portion 765, the middle portion of the opening 766 in the left-right direction is located.

[0117] An opening 766 is provided on the upper surface of the holder 750. The opening 766 has a generally rectangular shape that includes an area directly below and to the left of the first cover portion 765. The portion of the opening 766 that is located to the left of the area directly below the first cover portion 765 is provided to allow the extension portion 561 to pass through during the process of assembling the antenna element 550 to the holder 750 ( FIG. 14 ). The portion of the opening 766 that is located directly below the first cover portion 765 is provided to allow the extension portion 561 of the antenna element 550 that is assembled to the holder 750 to pass through, as shown in FIG. 20 .

[0118] The second cover portion 767 and the opening 768 are configured and function in the same manner as the first cover portion 765 and the opening 766, respectively.

[0119] In the illustrated example, two leaf spring portions 770 are provided on each of the upper surfaces of support portion 762 and support portion 763, but the number of leaf spring portions 770 can be changed as desired. The leaf spring portion 770 provided on support portion 762 engages with through holes 573 and 574 of antenna element 550. The leaf spring portion 770 provided on support portion 763 engages with through holes 673 and 674 of antenna element 650 to lock antenna element 650.

[0120] 13, bolts 771 made of metal, for example, are integrally provided by insert molding or the like on the left and right lower portions of holder 750. Bolts 771 are fixing parts for fixing holder 750 to metal plate 900 (FIG. 19) similar to metal plate 100 of a vehicle.

[0121] 13, the boss 772 protrudes downward within the opening 761. The boss 772 fits into the boss 809 of the case 800 shown in FIG.

[0122] The case 800 is a member corresponding to the case 41 of the first embodiment. The case 800 is, for example, an insulating resin molded body separate from the holder 750, and has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape that opens downward. The case 800 has a storage space, and stores boards 820, 825, 827, a connecting member 826, and a connecting member 828 in its storage space. The board 825 is a board on which electronic components compatible with DAB are mounted, and the board 827 is a board on which electronic components compatible with AM / FM are mounted.

[0123] Case 800 is housed in opening 761 of holder 750. The relative positional relationship between case 800 and holder 750 in the X and Y directions is determined by the fit between the outside of case 800 and the inside of holder 750, and the fit between boss 809 of case 800 and boss 772 of holder 750. A rib 810 is provided on the top surface of case 800 to prevent incorrect assembly, but rib 810 may be omitted.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 12 , the case 800 includes openings 801 and 802 , a first wall portion 803 , and a second wall portion 804 .

[0125] The opening 801 opens to the right rear portion of the top surface of the case 800, and is located above the connecting member 826. The opening 801 functions in the same manner as the opening 413a in the first embodiment. A first wall portion 803 is formed along the periphery of the opening 801. The first wall portion 803 prevents water droplets that have fallen on the top surface of the case 800 from entering the case 800 through the opening 801.

[0126] The opening 802 opens to the front left of the top surface of the case 800, and is located above the connecting member 828. The opening 802 functions in the same manner as the opening 413b in the first embodiment. A second wall portion 804 is formed along the periphery of the opening 802. The second wall portion 804 prevents water droplets that have fallen on the top surface of the case 800 from entering the case 800 through the opening 801.

[0127] 13 , the case 800 has board screw bosses 805 and positioning bosses 811. The board screw bosses 805 are provided for fixing the board 820 and the mounting bracket 850 to the case 800. The positioning bosses 811 are provided for aligning the mounting bracket 850 with the case 800.

[0128] The mounting bracket 850 is made by pressing a metal plate or a conductive plate such as a steel plate or iron plate, for example. The mounting bracket 850 is a component for fixing the unit 26 to a structure (a part of a vehicle) to which the unit 26 is to be attached.

[0129] The mounting bracket 850 includes through holes 851 and 852. As shown in Fig. 13, the board 820 and mounting bracket 850 are attached and fixed to the case 800 by board mounting screws 833 that pass through the through holes 852 and the screw insertion holes 822 of the board 820 and are screwed into the board screw bosses 805 of the case 800. The number of through holes 852 and board mounting screws 833 is four in the illustrated example, but can be changed to any number.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 19, the unit 26 is attached and fixed to the structure to which it is attached by the mounting bracket 850 using a bolt 902 that passes through a through-hole 851 in the mounting bracket 850 and a nut 904 that is fitted to the bolt 902.

[0131] As shown in Fig. 13, the case 800 has snap fits 812 as locking portions on both the left and right side surfaces. The snap fits 812 engage with locking portions 861 of the cover 860 to lock the cover 860 to the case 800. The case 800 has a fastening portion 813 (Fig. 13) on the lower left side of the rear surface, which is used to fasten the cable 829 with a cable tie 864 or the like, as shown in Fig. 18. The position of the fastening portion 813 can be changed as desired.

[0132] The substrate 820 is housed and held in a position perpendicular to the up-down direction in the case 800. The substrate 820 is equipped with an amplifier circuit that amplifies signals received by the antenna elements 550 and 650, and the like.

[0133] The substrate 820 has screw insertion holes 822. The screw insertion holes 822 are through-holes through which substrate mounting screws 833 pass. In the illustrated example, there are three screw insertion holes 822, but the number of screw insertion holes 822 can be changed as desired.

[0134] A substrate 825 corresponding to the DAB antenna and a substrate 827 corresponding to the AM / FM antenna are provided upright relative to the substrate 820. They may be provided at an angle to the substrate 820, or may have a step or the like. Coils serving as electronic components are provided on the substrates 825 and 827, respectively, and connecting members 826 and 828 are also provided on the substrates 825 and 827.

[0135] The connecting member 826 is a member corresponding to the connecting members 404 and 405 of the first embodiment. The connecting member 826 is electrically connected to the substrate 825, and is in contact with the extending portion 561 of the antenna element 550 to be electrically connected to the extending portion 561. The portion of the connecting member 826 that contacts the extending portion 561 is configured to be elastically deformable like a leaf spring. Similar to the connecting members 404 and 405 of the first embodiment, the connecting member 826 is configured to include a first end portion 826a, a first extending portion 826b, a bent portion 826c, a second extending portion 826d, a second end portion 826e, and a wall portion 826f, and functions in the same manner.

[0136] The connecting member 828 is a member corresponding to the connecting member 404 of the first embodiment. The connecting member 828 is electrically connected to the substrate 827, and is in contact with the extending portion 661 of the antenna element 650 to be electrically connected to the extending portion 661. The portion of the connecting member 828 that comes into contact with the extending portion 661 is configured to be elastically deformable like a leaf spring. The connecting member 828 is configured and functions in the same manner as the connecting members 404 and 405 of the first embodiment and the connecting member 826 of the second embodiment.

[0137] The cable 829 transmits the output signal of the board 820 to the vehicle side. A connector 830 provided at the tip of the cable 829 is connected to a connecting portion on the vehicle side (not shown).

[0138] The mounting bracket 850 is a part for fixing the unit 26 to a metal plate 900 (FIG. 19) of the vehicle.

[0139] The mounting bracket 850 includes through holes 851 to 853. The board 820 and mounting bracket 850 are attached and fixed to the case 800 by board mounting screws 833 that pass through the through hole 852 and the screw insertion holes 822 of the board 820 and are screwed into the board screw bosses 805 of the case 800. In the illustrated example, the number of through holes 852 and board mounting screws 833 is three, but this can be changed to any number. The mounting bracket 850 and the case 800 are positioned relative to each other by the through hole 853 engaging with the positioning bosses 811 of the case 800.

[0140] 19 is inserted through the through-hole 851. The bolt 902 is provided integrally with the metal plate 900 of the vehicle by welding or the like. The unit 26 is attached and fixed to the metal plate 900 of the vehicle by the mounting bracket 850 using the bolt 902 that passes through the through-hole 851 and a nut (not shown) that is combined with the bolt 902.

[0141] The cover 860 is, for example, a resin molded body, and covers at least a portion of the bottom opening of the case 800. Locking portions 861 provided on the left and right portions of the cover 860 engage with snap fits 812 of the case 800 as shown in FIG. 16 , thereby locking the cover 860 to the case 800. The cover 860 has a fastening portion 862 on the left side of the rear edge, which is used to fasten the cable 829 with a cable tie 864 or the like as shown in FIG. 18 . The fastening portion 862 is connected to the fastening portion 813 of the case 800 in the vertical direction. The cover 860 has a temporary holding portion 863 on the bottom surface for temporarily holding the cable 829.

[0142] FIG. 14 shows the process of attaching the antenna element 550 to the holder 750.

[0143] First, as shown in the upper and middle rows of Fig. 14 , the antenna element 550 is set in the support portion 762 of the holder 750. At this time, the right portion of the locking hole 570 of the antenna element 550 is aligned with the locking protrusion 764 of the support portion 762, and the through hole 572 of the antenna element 550 is aligned with the first cover portion 765 of the support portion 762. At this time, the leaf spring portion 770 of the holder 750 engages with the through hole 574. Specifically, the upwardly protruding protrusion of the leaf spring portion 770 extends into the through hole 574. In the process shown in Figs. 14 and 15 , the extension portion 561 of the antenna element 550 passes through the opening 766 and reaches the opening 761.

[0144] Next, as shown in the middle to lower parts of Figure 14, the antenna element 550 is slid to the right relative to the holder 750. As a result, the narrow portion on the right side of the locking hole 570 engages with the locking protrusion 764, and the antenna element 550 is locked to the support portion 762. During the process of sliding the antenna element 550 to the right relative to the holder 750, the protruding portion of the leaf spring portion 770 elastically deforms downward, passes through the portion of the main body portion 560 between the through holes 573 and 574, and engages with the through hole 573. This prevents the antenna element 550 from slipping out to the left. In other words, the protruding portion of the leaf spring portion 770 gets caught in the portion of the main body portion 560 between the through holes 573 and 574, generating a locking force that prevents the antenna element 550 from moving to the left. To remove the antenna element 550 from the holder 750, simply follow the installation procedure in reverse.

[0145] Although not shown, antenna element 650 is also assembled to holder 750 in the same manner as antenna element 550. However, while antenna element 550 is slid rightward relative to holder 750 in the process shown in FIG. 14 , antenna element 650 is slid leftward relative to holder 750 in the corresponding process. By configuring two antenna elements to slide left and right (in the Y direction) on support portions 762 and 763 of holder 750 in this manner, for example, if the main bodies of the two antenna elements have the same area, the two antenna elements can be made to have the same shape, and the antenna element attached to support portions 762 and 763 can be shared. However, a configuration in which two antenna elements slide from the same direction on support portions 762 and 763 may also be used. In this case, the orientation of the through holes and locking holes can be adjusted as appropriate.

[0146] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the antenna element unit 25 according to the second embodiment, in which the antenna elements 550 and 650 and the holder 750 are assembled, as viewed from the upper left front side. FIG. 19 shows the process of assembling the antenna element unit 25 to the vehicle metal plate 900. In the process of assembling the antenna element unit 25 to the vehicle metal plate 900, the lower part of the holder 750 is inserted into the through-hole 901 of the vehicle metal plate 900. The snap fit 769 shown in FIG. 13 engages with the through-hole 901 of the vehicle metal plate 900 as shown in FIG. 25. Furthermore, the bolt 771 provided on the holder 750 passes through the through-hole 903 of the vehicle metal plate 900. The nut 904 is threaded onto the bolt 771, fixing the antenna element unit 25 to the vehicle metal plate 900. As described above, the antenna element unit 25 is attached and fixed to the vehicle metal plate 900 from above.

[0147] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the unit 26 according to the second embodiment, viewed from the upper left front side. In this embodiment, the unit 26 is an amplifier unit. With the case 800 fitted into the opening 761 of the antenna element unit 25 shown in FIG. 13 , the unit 26 is attached to and fixed to a metal plate 900 of the vehicle from below by a bolt 902 (shown in FIG. 19 ) passing through the through-hole 851 and a nut (not shown) mated with the bolt 902. As a result, the unit 26 is attached to the antenna element unit 25 from the side opposite the side to which the antenna element unit 25 is attached to the metal plate 900 of the vehicle. The unit 26 and the antenna element unit 25 are integrated to form the antenna device 15 shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 . The vehicle metal plate 900 is not shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 . As shown in FIG. 18 , the cable 829 is temporarily held in a temporary holding portion 863 of the cover 860 while looping around the underside of the cover 860 so as not to protrude from the unit 26 in any direction. After the unit 26 is mounted on the metal plate 900 of the vehicle, the cable 829 is removed from the temporary holder 863 and connected to a connecting portion on the vehicle side (not shown).

[0148] In addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment, the present embodiment also provides the following effects.

[0149] (1) The cover 860 prevents a worker from touching the circuit board 820 and the like when assembling the unit 26 to the metal plate 900 of the vehicle. The cover 860 also prevents dust and other particles from entering the case 800.

[0150] (2) The case 800 is smaller in size in the front-rear direction than the case 41. This makes it possible to effectively accommodate space restrictions in the front-rear direction on the vehicle side.

[0151] (3) In case 800, opening 801 is formed at a position shifted rearward (in the -X direction) from the center of case 800, and opening 802 is formed at a position shifted forward (in the +X direction) from the center of case 800. This makes it possible to appropriately deal with the space restrictions within case 800 that arise when case 800 is made smaller in the front-to-rear direction.

[0152] (4) The rib 810 is provided at the rear of the top surface of the case 800, which reduces the risk of incorrect assembly when the case 800 is attached to the metal plate 900 of the vehicle. Furthermore, the case 800 and the cover 860 are each provided with fasteners 813, 862 (FIG. 13) that are used to fasten the cable 829 with a cable tie 864 or the like, as shown in FIG. 18 , which allows the cable 829 to be easily secured, improving assembly workability. Note that fasteners other than the cable tie 864 may also be used.

[0153] (5) Since the boss 809 (FIG. 12) of the case 800 is fitted into the boss 772 (FIG. 13) of the holder 750, the case 800 and the holder 750 can be aligned and assembled, thereby improving assembly precision.

[0154] (6) The antenna element 550 is assembled to the holder 750 by sliding it in the left-right direction (Y direction) of the holder 750. This makes it easy to assemble the antenna element 550 to the holder 750. The same can be said for the antenna element 650.

[0155] (7) The ribs 571 formed on the antenna element 550 increase the strength of the antenna element 550. The same can be said for the antenna element 650.

[0156] (8) The bolts 771 that fit into the through holes 903 of the vehicle's metal plate 900 shown in Fig. 23 are integrally formed on the holder 750 by insert molding or the like. This makes it easy to align the holder 750 with the vehicle's metal plate 900. In addition, in combination with the mounting bracket 850, the antenna device 15 is more firmly attached to the vehicle's metal plate 900.

[0157] (9) A temporary holding portion 863 that temporarily holds the cable 829 is provided on the underside of the cover 860. This prevents the cable 829 from protruding from the front, rear, left, or right sides of the unit 26, and prevents the cable 829 from being pinched when assembling the unit 26 or when attaching it to the metal plate 900 of the vehicle. This can also be advantageously used when the length to the connection destination of the connector 830 differs depending on the vehicle to which it is attached, which is advantageous for standardizing parts.

[0158] Summary According to the present specification, there is provided an antenna device having the following aspects.

[0159] (Aspect 1) Aspect 1 is an antenna device comprising: an antenna element; a connecting member connected to the antenna element; and a substrate to which the connecting member is attached, wherein the antenna element has a main body portion and an extending portion extending from the main body portion, and the connecting member has an end portion located on the substrate side, a first extending portion extending from the end portion and including a portion extending in the direction of insertion and removal of the connecting member with respect to the extending portion, a bent portion in the first extending portion located at a position furthest from the end portion, and a second extending portion extending from the bent portion toward the substrate, and the extending portion of the antenna element presses the second extending portion of the connecting member toward the portion of the first extending portion.

[0160] According to the above-described aspect, even if the relative positions of the antenna element 30a and the connecting member 405 change from the standard state, the antenna element 30a and the connecting member 405 can be connected in a desired state.

[0161] For example, the first end 510 corresponds to an "end," the Z direction corresponds to an "insertion / removal direction," and the portion 511b corresponds to a "portion extending in the insertion / removal direction."

[0162] (Aspect 2) Aspect 2 is an antenna device in which, in the insertion / removal direction, the length of the extending portion of the antenna element is longer than the length of a portion of the first extending portion that corresponds to the second extending portion.

[0163] According to the above-described aspect, even if the relative positions of the antenna element 30a and the connecting member 405 change significantly from the standard state, as shown in FIG. 7, for example, the antenna element 30a and the connecting member 405 can be brought into a desired connection state.

[0164] The portion of first extension portion 501 of connecting member 404 that is from bent portion 502 to length L1 and the portion of portion 511b of connecting member 405 that is from bent portion 512 to length L11 correspond to the "portion of the first extension portion that corresponds to the second extension portion." Also, the portion of portion 701b of connecting member 602 that is from bent portion 702 to length L21 corresponds to the "portion of the first extension portion that corresponds to the second extension portion."

[0165] (Aspect 3) Aspect 3 is an antenna device further including a coil connecting the connection member and the substrate.

[0166] According to the above-described embodiment, the antenna device 10 is particularly compatible with radio waves for FM radio broadcasting because it includes the antenna element 30b and the helical element 403. The helical element 403 corresponds to a "coil."

[0167] (Aspect 4) Aspect 4 is the antenna device, wherein the connection member has a wall portion surrounding at least a part of the second extending portion, and the extending portion passes through a space inside the wall portion.

[0168] According to the above-described aspect, for example, the extending portion 301a is inserted into the space inside the wall portion 515 and then connected to the second extending portion 513. Therefore, in this aspect, it is possible to prevent components outside the wall portion 515 from unintentionally coming into contact with the second extending portion 513.

[0169] (Aspect 5) Aspect 5 is an antenna device further comprising a housing member that houses the connection member, the housing member having a positioning portion that positions the connection member and a first opening into which the extension portion is inserted, the positioning portion abutting against the wall portion.

[0170] According to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to determine the positions of the connection members 404 and 405 within the case 41. The case 41 corresponds to the "accommodating member," and the openings 413a and 413b each correspond to the "first opening."

[0171] (Aspect 6) Aspect 6 is an antenna device further including a holding member that houses the housing member and holds the antenna element, the holding member having a second opening into which the extension portion is inserted.

[0172] According to the above-described aspect, the unit 21 can be easily attached and detached from the holder 30 of the antenna device 10. This improves convenience for workers when, for example, replacing electronic components included in the unit 21.

[0173] The holder 30 corresponds to a "holding member," and the openings 320a and 320b correspond to a "second opening."

[0174] The above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0175] 10, 11, 15 Antenna device, 25 Antenna element unit, 26 Unit 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 550, 650 Antenna element 31, 750 Holder, 41, 800 Case, 100, 900 Metal plate 400, 600, 820, 825, 827 Substrate, 403, 601 Helical element (coil), 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, 560, 660 Main body portion 301a, 301b, 301c, 301d, 561 Extension portion 320a, 320b, 413a, 413b, 761, 766, 768, 801, 802 Opening, 404, 405, 602, 610, 630, 826, 828 Connection member 417a, 417b Positioning portion, 500, 510, 700, 710, 826a First end portion, 501, 511, 701, 711, 826b First extension portion, 502, 512, 516, 702, 712, 826c Bent part, 503, 513, 703, 713, 826d Second extension part, 504, 514, 704, 714, 826e Second end part, 505, 515, 705, 715, 826f Wall part, 511a, 511b, 701a, 701b, 711a, 711b Part, 517 Third extension portion, 562 Convex portion, 563 Connection portion 570, 575, 670, 675 Locking holes, 571, 671, 810 Ribs 572, 573, 574, 672, 673, 674, 851 to 853, 901, 903 Through holes, 750 Holder, 764, 774 Locking protrusions, 762, 763 Supporting portion, 770 Leaf spring portion, 765 First covering portion, 767 Second covering portion, 769, 812 Snap fits, 771, 902 Bolts, 772, 809 Bosses, 803 First wall portion, 804 Second wall portion, 805 Board screw bosses, 811 Positioning bosses, 813 Fastening portion, 822 Screw insertion holes, 829 Cable, 830 Connector, 833 Board mounting screws, 850 Mounting bracket, 860 Cover, 861 Locking portion, 862 Fastening part, 863 temporary holding part, 864 cable tie, 904 nut

Claims

1. An antenna device comprising: an antenna element; a connecting member connected to the antenna element; and a substrate to which the connecting member is attached, wherein the antenna element has a main body and an extending portion extending from the main body, wherein the connecting member has an end portion located on the substrate side, a first extending portion extending from the end portion and including a portion extending in the direction in which the connecting member is inserted into or removed from the extending portion, a bent portion in the first extending portion located at a position furthest from the end portion, and a second extending portion extending from the bent portion toward the substrate, wherein the extending portion of the antenna element presses the second extending portion of the connecting member toward the portion of the first extending portion.

2. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the length of the extension portion of the antenna element in the insertion / removal direction is longer than the length of a portion of the first extension portion that corresponds to the second extension portion.

3. The antenna device according to claim 1, further comprising a coil connecting the connection member and the substrate.

4. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member has a wall portion surrounding at least a part of the second extending portion, and the extending portion passes through a space inside the wall portion.

5. An antenna device as described in claim 4, further comprising a housing member for housing the connecting member, the housing member having a positioning portion for positioning the connecting member and a first opening into which the extension portion is inserted, the positioning portion abutting against the wall portion.

6. The antenna device according to claim 5, further comprising a holding member that houses the housing member and holds the antenna element, the holding member having a second opening into which the extension portion is inserted.

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