Antenna module

Abstract

This antenna module (1) comprises: a dielectric substrate (21); a flat plate-shaped radiating element (11); a flat plate-shaped ground electrode (20) provided on the dielectric substrate (21) so as to face the radiating element (11); feedline wiring (25); and a feeder element (12). The radiating element (11) includes a feed point (212). The feeder element (12) is configured integrally with the radiating element (11) and connects the feed point (212) and the feedline wiring (25) through the interior of the dielectric substrate (21).

Description

Antenna module

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an antenna module.

[0002] Conventionally, an antenna module called a patch antenna is known. For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 256858 (Patent Document 1) discloses a patch antenna including a substrate, a flat radiation metal layer provided on the substrate, and a signal feeding element having a screw-structured protrusion. In the patch antenna disclosed in Patent Document 1, the protrusion of the signal feeding element is configured to fit into the inside of the substrate through a through hole formed in the substrate so that the head of the signal feeding element contacts the radiation metal layer.

[0003] Also, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-165980 (Patent Document 2) discloses a patch antenna including a dielectric substrate, a flat patch electrode provided on the dielectric substrate, and a feeding pin. In the patch antenna disclosed in Patent Document 2, the feeding pin passes through a through hole formed in the dielectric substrate and is configured to be soldered to and contact the patch electrode.

[0004] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 256858, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-165980

[0005] In the patch antenna disclosed in Patent Document 1, the head of the signal feeding element and the radiation metal layer are in conduction by contacting each other. However, if the fitting between the protrusion of the signal feeding element and the inside of the substrate becomes loose, the head of the signal feeding element and the radiation metal layer may separate and contact failure may occur. As a result, the high-frequency signal supplied through the protrusion of the signal feeding element may not be efficiently transmitted to the radiation metal layer, and the antenna characteristics may deteriorate. Furthermore, the head of the signal feeding element protruding from the radiation metal layer may also hinder the transmission of the high-frequency signal from the signal feeding element to the radiation metal layer.

[0006] Furthermore, in the patch antenna disclosed in Patent Document 2, the feed pin and the patch electrode are electrically connected via solder. However, if a soldering defect occurs between the feed pin and the patch electrode, the high-frequency signal supplied from the feed pin cannot be efficiently transmitted to the patch electrode, which may degrade the antenna characteristics.

[0007] This disclosure was made to solve these problems, and its purpose is to provide an antenna module with good antenna characteristics.

[0008] An antenna module according to a certain aspect of this disclosure comprises a dielectric substrate, a planar first radiating element, a planar ground electrode provided on the dielectric substrate opposite to the first radiating element, a feed line, and a first feed element. The first radiating element includes a first feed point. The first feed element is integrally configured with the first radiating element and connects the first feed point and the feed line through the interior of the dielectric substrate.

[0009] In the antenna module of this disclosure, the first feeding element is integrally configured with a flat plate-shaped first radiating element, and furthermore, the first feeding element connects the first feeding point of the first radiating element to the feeding wiring through the inside of a dielectric substrate. Because the first feeding element and the first radiating element are integrally configured in this way, there is no risk of poor contact occurring between the first feeding element and the first radiating element, and the high-frequency signal supplied via the first feeding element is efficiently transmitted to the first radiating element. As a result, the antenna module of this disclosure can have good antenna characteristics.

[0010] This is a perspective view of the antenna module according to Embodiment 1. This is a cross-sectional view of the antenna module according to Embodiment 1. This is a cross-sectional view of the antenna module according to Embodiment 2. This is a cross-sectional view of the antenna module according to Embodiment 3. This is a cross-sectional view of the antenna module according to Embodiment 4. This is a cross-sectional view of the antenna module according to Embodiment 5. This is a cross-sectional view of the antenna module according to Embodiment 6. This is a cross-sectional view of the antenna module according to Embodiment 7. This is a cross-sectional view of the antenna module according to Embodiment 8. This is a cross-sectional view of the antenna module according to Embodiment 9.

[0011] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0012] <Embodiment 1> An antenna module 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the antenna module 1 according to Embodiment 1. The antenna module 1 is mounted on a base station, for example, and receives high-frequency signals transmitted from inside the base station and radiates radio waves. The frequency band of the radio waves transmitted by the antenna module 1 is, for example, the millimeter-wave band (24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz) (FR2) or the 6 GHz to 24 GHz band (FR3) used in fifth-generation (5G) communication standards. The antenna module 1 may also transmit radio waves in other frequency bands.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the antenna module 1 comprises a dielectric substrate 21 and a radiating section 10.

[0014] The dielectric substrate 21 is formed by stacking a plurality of dielectric layers in a predetermined direction and has a rectangular parallelepiped or substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. A through-hole 22 is formed inside the dielectric substrate 21. In this disclosure, the "through-hole" may be a hole formed from one surface of the dielectric substrate 21 to the other surface, or a hole formed from one surface of the dielectric substrate 21 to a point in the interior of the dielectric substrate 21.

[0015] The radiating section 10 comprises a flat plate-shaped radiating element 11 and a rod-shaped feeding element 12. The feeding element 12 is integrally formed with the radiating element 11. Specifically, the feeding element 12 extends from a predetermined position on the lower surface of the radiating element 11 in the direction normal to or approximately normal to the lower surface. At the predetermined position on the radiating element 11, one end of the feeding element 12 is integrated and connected to the radiating element 11. The predetermined position on the radiating element 11 to which one end of the feeding element 12 is connected corresponds to the feed point 212 of the antenna module 1. The radiating section 10 may be an integrally molded product of the radiating element 11 and the feeding element 12 manufactured using a mold, or the radiating element 11 and the feeding element 12 may be bonded and fixed together so that they do not separate.

[0016] The horizontal cross-section of the power supply element 12 in the direction horizontal to the plane of the radiating element 11 has a circular or substantially circular shape. The outer diameter of the horizontal cross-section of the power supply element 12 is smaller than the diameter of the through-hole 22 formed in the dielectric substrate 21. As a result, the end of the power supply element 12 can be inserted into the through-hole 22 formed in the dielectric substrate 21.

[0017] The radiating element 11 is an example of the "first radiating element" in this disclosure. The feeding element 12 is an example of the "first feeding element" in this disclosure. The feeding point 212 of the antenna module 1 is an example of the "first feeding point" in this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna module 1 according to Embodiment 1. In Figure 2, a cross-section of the dielectric substrate 21 is shown along the direction normal to the main surface 210 of the dielectric substrate 21.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, a through-hole 22 is formed inside the dielectric substrate 21, extending from the main surface 210 along the direction normal to the main surface 210. The power supply element 12 of the radiating section 10 is inserted into the through-hole 22 from the main surface 210 side toward the interior of the dielectric substrate 21.

[0020] An external thread structure is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the power supply element 12. In contrast, an internal thread structure is formed inside the dielectric substrate 21 corresponding to the through-hole 22. Alternatively, the external thread structure may be formed inside the dielectric substrate 21, and the internal thread structure may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the power supply element 12. The thread structure formed inside the dielectric substrate 21 is an example of the "first thread structure" of this disclosure. The thread structure formed on the outer circumferential surface of the power supply element 12 is an example of the "second thread structure" of this disclosure.

[0021] The radiating element 11 has screw holes formed in positions corresponding to the power supply element 12. When a screwdriver (not shown) is inserted into the screw holes and the radiating element 11 and power supply element 12 are rotated horizontally relative to the main surface 210, the screw structure formed on the outer circumferential surface of the power supply element 12 engages with the screw structure formed inside the dielectric substrate 21, and the power supply element 12 advances and is inserted into the dielectric substrate 21.

[0022] As the power supply element 12 is continuously inserted into the through-hole 22, the radiating element 11, which is integrally formed with the power supply element 12, eventually comes into contact with the main surface 210 of the dielectric substrate 21. As a result, the radiating element 11 is held by the main surface 210 of the dielectric substrate 21, and the power supply element 12 fits into the through-hole 22 of the dielectric substrate 21, fixing the radiating portion 10 to the dielectric substrate 21.

[0023] The antenna module 1 comprises a flat ground electrode 20 and a power supply wiring 25 inside a dielectric substrate 21. A high-frequency signal is transmitted to the power supply wiring 25 from a power source (not shown). The ground electrode 20 is positioned opposite the main surface 210 of the dielectric substrate 21.

[0024] Once the radiating portion 10 is fixed to the dielectric substrate 21, the radiating element 11 is positioned opposite the ground electrode 20. The through-hole 22 is formed from the main surface 210 of the dielectric substrate 21 along the direction normal to the main surface 210 to below the power supply wiring 25. As a result, the power supply element 12, passing through the through-hole 22, reaches below the power supply wiring 25. In this way, the power supply element 12 connects the power supply point 212 of the radiating element 11 to the power supply wiring 25 via the through-hole 22 of the dielectric substrate 21.

[0025] A grounding electrode 20 is provided between the radiating element 11 and the power supply wiring 25, but the power supply element 12 is connected to the power supply wiring 25 in such a way that it does not come into contact with the grounding electrode 20.

[0026] The end of the power supply element 12 connected to the power supply wiring 25 protrudes from the power supply wiring 25. The end of the power supply element 12 protruding from the power supply wiring 25 forms a stub 50.

[0027] In the antenna module 1 configured in this way, a high-frequency signal transmitted by the power supply wiring 25 is supplied to the power supply point 212 of the radiating element 11 by the power supply element 12. The high-frequency signal supplied to the power supply point 212 is radiated as radio waves by the radiating element 11. The high-frequency signal transmitted from the power supply wiring 25 to the radiating element 11 is an example of the "first high-frequency signal" in this disclosure.

[0028] Furthermore, the antenna module 1 can perform impedance matching by utilizing a stub 50 formed by a feed element 12 protruding from the feed wiring 25.

[0029] As described above, in the antenna module 1, the feeding element 12 and the radiating element 11, which have a screw structure, are integrally configured. Therefore, it is not necessary to attach the feeding element 12 and the radiating element 11 separately to the dielectric substrate 21 and then bond them together by soldering or other means. As a result, there is no risk of poor contact between the feeding element 12 and the radiating element 11 due to poor soldering or solder deterioration. This allows the high-frequency signal supplied via the feeding element 12 to be efficiently transmitted to the radiating element 11.

[0030] Furthermore, since the radiating section 10, in which the power supply element 12 and the radiating element 11 are integrally formed, is separate from the dielectric substrate 21, there is no need to fill vias corresponding to the power supply element 12 inside the dielectric substrate 21 or to attach the power supply element 12 to the dielectric substrate 21 by crimping or the like. This prevents material bleeding of the vias and prevents variations in the size of the antenna module 1.

[0031] Furthermore, since the radiating element 11 and the power supply element 12 are integrated so that the power supply element 12 is connected to the lower surface of the radiating element 11, the head of the power supply element 12 does not protrude from the radiating element 11, which would not hinder the transmission of high-frequency signals from the power supply element 12 to the radiating element 11.

[0032] Based on the above, the antenna module 1 can have good antenna characteristics.

[0033] <Embodiment 2> The antenna module 1A according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figure 3. In the following, only the parts of the antenna module 1A according to Embodiment 2 that differ from the antenna module 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna module 1A according to Embodiment 2.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, the antenna module 1A includes a radiating section 10A. The radiating section 10A includes a feeding element 12A, which is a rod-shaped member integrally formed with a flat plate-shaped radiating element 11. Unlike the feeding element 12 of the antenna module 1 according to Embodiment 1, the outer surface of the feeding element 12A does not have a screw structure.

[0035] A through-hole 22A is formed inside the dielectric substrate 21, extending from the main surface 210 along the direction normal to the main surface 210. The power supply element 12A of the radiating portion 10 is pressed from the main surface 210 side toward the interior of the dielectric substrate 21 and inserted into the through-hole 22A.

[0036] As the power supply element 12A is continuously inserted into the through-hole 22A by pressing, the radiating element 11, which is integrally formed with the power supply element 12A, eventually comes into contact with the main surface 210 of the dielectric substrate 21. As a result, the radiating element 11 is held by the main surface 210 of the dielectric substrate 21, and the radiating portion 10 is fixed to the dielectric substrate 21.

[0037] Since the through-hole 22A is formed from the main surface 210 of the dielectric substrate 21 along the direction normal to the main surface 210 to below the power supply wiring 25, the power supply element 12A passing through the through-hole 22A reaches below the power supply wiring 25. As a result, the power supply element 12A connects the power supply point 212 of the radiating element 11 and the power supply wiring 25 via the through-hole 22A of the dielectric substrate 21.

[0038] In the antenna module 1 configured in this way, the high-frequency signal transmitted by the power supply wiring 25 is supplied to the power supply point 212 of the radiating element 11 by the power supply element 12A. The high-frequency signal supplied to the power supply point 212 is radiated as radio waves by the radiating element 11.

[0039] As described above, in the antenna module 1A, the feeding element 12A and the radiating element 11 are integrally configured, so there is no risk of poor contact between the feeding element 12A and the radiating element 11, and the high-frequency signal supplied via the feeding element 12A is efficiently transmitted to the radiating element 11. As a result, the antenna module 1A can have good antenna characteristics.

[0040] <Embodiment 3> The antenna module 1B according to Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Figure 4. In the following, only the parts of the antenna module 1B according to Embodiment 3 that differ from the antenna module 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna module 1B according to Embodiment 3.

[0041] As shown in Figure 4, the antenna module 1B is a so-called dual-band type antenna module equipped with a radiating section 10B and a radiating section 30, capable of radiating radio waves in two different frequency bands. The radiating section 10B is a radiating section for the low band, and the radiating section 30 is a radiating section for the high band that transmits high-frequency signals in a higher frequency band than the high-frequency signals transmitted by the radiating section 10B.

[0042] The radiation unit 30 includes a flat radiation element 31 and a power feeding element 32 which is a rod-shaped member. The power feeding element 32 is integrally formed with the radiation element 31. Specifically, the power feeding element 32 extends from a predetermined position on the lower surface of the radiation element 31 in the normal direction or substantially normal direction of the lower surface. At a predetermined position of the radiation element 31, one end of the power feeding element 32 is integrated and connected with the radiation element 31. The predetermined position of the radiation element 31 where one end of the power feeding element 32 is connected corresponds to the power feeding point 332 of the antenna module 1. Note that the radiation unit 30 may be an integrally molded product of the radiation element 31 and the power feeding element 32 manufactured using a mold, or the radiation element 31 and the power feeding element 32 may be adhered and fixed so as not to separate from each other.

[0043] The horizontal cross section of the power feeding element 32 in the horizontal direction with respect to the plane of the radiation element 31 has a circular or substantially circular shape. The outer diameter of the horizontal cross section of the power feeding element 32 is smaller than the diameter of the through hole 42 formed in the dielectric substrate 21. Thereby, the end of the power feeding element 32 can be inserted into the through hole 42 formed in the dielectric substrate 21.

[0044] Note that the radiation element 31 is an example of the "second radiation element" of the present disclosure. The power feeding element 32 is an example of the "second power feeding element" of the present disclosure. The power feeding point 332 of the antenna module 1 is an example of the "second power feeding point" of the present disclosure.

[0045] Inside the dielectric substrate 21, a through hole 42 is formed along the normal direction of the main surface 220 from the main surface 220. The power feeding element 32 of the radiation unit 30 is inserted into the through hole 42 from the main surface 220 side toward the inside of the dielectric substrate 21.

[0046] A screw structure is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the power feeding element 32. On the other hand, inside the dielectric substrate 21 corresponding to the through hole 42, a screw structure that fits with the screw structure of the power feeding element 32 is formed.

[0047] A screw hole is formed in the radiation element 31 at a position corresponding to the power supply element 32. When a driver (not shown) is inserted into the screw hole and the radiation element 31 and the power supply element 32 are rotated in the horizontal direction with respect to the main surface 220, the screw structure formed on the outer peripheral surface of the power supply element 32 fits into the screw structure formed inside the dielectric substrate 21, and the power supply element 32 advances into and is inserted into the dielectric substrate 21.

[0048] When the power supply element 32 is continuously inserted into the through-hole 42, eventually, the radiation element 31 integrally formed with the power supply element 32 contacts the main surface 220 of the dielectric substrate 21. As a result, the radiation element 31 is held by the main surface 220 of the dielectric substrate 21, and the power supply element 32 fits into the through-hole 42 of the dielectric substrate 21, and the radiation part 30 is fixed to the dielectric substrate 21.

[0049] When the radiation part 30 is fixed to the dielectric substrate 21, the radiation element 31 is arranged to face the radiation element 11 and the ground electrode 20 of the radiation part 10B. When the dielectric substrate 21 is viewed from the main surface 220 side of the dielectric substrate 21, the radiation element 31 is arranged at a position overlapping at least a part of the radiation element 11. Also, the radiation element 31 is arranged at a position farther from the power supply wiring 25 than the radiation element 11 in the normal direction of the dielectric substrate 21. Since the through-hole 42 is formed from the main surface 220 of the dielectric substrate 21 along the normal direction of the main surface 220 to below the power supply wiring 25, the power supply element 32 passing through the through-hole 42 reaches below the power supply wiring 25. Thereby, the power supply element 32 connects the power supply point 332 of the radiation element 31 and the power supply wiring 25 through the through-hole 42 of the dielectric substrate 21.

[0050] A ground electrode 20 is provided between the radiation element 31 and the power supply wiring 25, but the power supply element 32 is connected to the power supply wiring 25 so as not to contact the ground electrode 20.

[0051] The end of the power supply element 32 connected to the power supply wiring 25 protrudes from the power supply wiring 25. The stub 60 is formed by the end of the power supply element 32 protruding from the power supply wiring 25.

[0052] In the antenna module 1B configured in this way, the high-frequency signal transmitted by the power supply wiring 25 is supplied to the feed point 212 of the radiating element 11 by the power supply element 12. The high-frequency signal supplied to the feed point 212 is radiated as radio waves by the radiating element 11. Furthermore, the high-frequency signal transmitted by the power supply wiring 25 is supplied to the feed point 332 of the radiating element 31 by the power supply element 32. The high-frequency signal transmitted from the power supply wiring 25 to the radiating element 31 is a high-frequency signal with a higher frequency band than the high-frequency signal transmitted from the power supply wiring 25 to the radiating element 11. The high-frequency signal supplied to the feed point 332 is radiated as radio waves by the radiating element 31. The high-frequency signal transmitted from the power supply wiring 25 to the radiating element 31 is an example of the "second high-frequency signal" in this disclosure.

[0053] Furthermore, the antenna module 1B can perform impedance matching by utilizing a stub 60 formed by a feed element 32 protruding from the feed wiring 25.

[0054] As described above, the antenna module 1B can be configured as a dual-band type antenna module by the radiating section 10B and the radiating section 30. Furthermore, since the feeding element 32 and the radiating element 31 are integrally configured in the antenna module 1B, there is no risk of poor contact between the feeding element 32 and the radiating element 31, and the high-frequency signal supplied via the feeding element 32 is efficiently transmitted to the radiating element 31. As a result, the antenna module 1B can have good antenna characteristics.

[0055] As described above, in the antenna module 1B, a dual-band type antenna module with good antenna characteristics can be configured by the radiating section 10B and the radiating section 30.

[0056] <Embodiment 4> The antenna module 1C according to Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to Figure 5. In the following, only the parts of the antenna module 1C according to Embodiment 4 that differ from the antenna module 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna module 1C according to Embodiment 4.

[0057] As shown in Figure 5, the antenna module 1C is a so-called dual-polarization type antenna module capable of radiating radio waves in two different polarization directions. Inside the dielectric substrate 21, a penetration portion 23 is formed from the main surface 210 along the direction normal to the main surface 210.

[0058] The radiating section 10C further includes a polarization-related power supply element 13. The power supply element 13 is inserted into the through-hole 23 by pressing it from the inside of the dielectric substrate 21 toward the main surface 210. As the power supply element 13 is continuously inserted into the through-hole 23 by pressing, it eventually comes into contact with the lower surface of the radiating element 11 from the inside of the dielectric substrate 21, and the power supply element 13 is fixed to the dielectric substrate 21.

[0059] The through-hole 23 is formed from the main surface 210 of the dielectric substrate 21, along the direction normal to the main surface 210, to below the power supply wiring 25. Therefore, the power supply element 12 connects the power supply point 213 of the radiating element 11 and the power supply wiring 25 via the through-hole 23 of the dielectric substrate 21. In the radiating element 11, the power supply point 213 is provided at a different position from the power supply point 212 to which the power supply element 12 is connected.

[0060] The power supply element 13 is an example of the "third power supply element" in this disclosure. The power supply point 213 of the antenna module 1 is an example of the "third power supply point" in this disclosure.

[0061] A grounding electrode 20 is provided between the radiating element 11 and the power supply wiring 25, but the power supply element 13 is connected to the power supply wiring 25 in such a way that it does not come into contact with the grounding electrode 20.

[0062] The end of the power supply element 13 protrudes from the power supply wiring 25. The end of the power supply element 13 protruding from the power supply wiring 25 forms the stub 70.

[0063] In the antenna module 1C configured in this way, the high-frequency signal transmitted by the power supply wiring 25 is supplied to the feed point 212 of the radiating element 11 by the power supply element 12. The high-frequency signal supplied to the feed point 212 is radiated as radio waves by the radiating element 11. Furthermore, the high-frequency signal transmitted by the power supply wiring 25 is supplied to the feed point 213 of the radiating element 11 by the power supply element 13. The high-frequency signal transmitted from the power supply wiring 25 to the feed point 212 of the radiating element 11 by the power supply element 12 is a high-frequency signal in the same frequency band as the high-frequency signal transmitted from the power supply wiring 25 to the feed point 213 of the radiating element 11 by the power supply element 13. The high-frequency signal supplied to the feed point 213 is radiated as radio waves by the radiating element 11 in a polarization direction different from the radio waves radiated from the feed point 212.

[0064] Furthermore, the antenna module 1C can perform impedance matching by utilizing a stub 70 formed by a feed element 13 protruding from the feed wiring 25.

[0065] As described above, in antenna module 1C, a dual-polarization type antenna module with good antenna characteristics can be configured by the feeding elements 12 and 13.

[0066] <Embodiment 5> The antenna module 1D according to Embodiment 5 will be described with reference to Figure 6. In the following, only the parts of the antenna module 1D according to Embodiment 5 that differ from the antenna module 1C according to Embodiment 4 will be described. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna module 1D according to Embodiment 5.

[0067] As shown in Figure 6, in the antenna module 1D, the polarization feed element 13 is not in contact with the radiating element 11, and a gap is provided between the feed element 13 and the radiating element 11. The antenna module 1D may utilize this gap to supply the high-frequency signal transmitted from the feed wiring 25 through the feed element 13 to the feed point 213 of the radiating element 11 by capacitive feeding.

[0068] <Embodiment 6> The antenna module 1E according to Embodiment 6 will be described with reference to Figure 7. In the following, only the parts of the antenna module 1E according to Embodiment 6 that differ from the antenna module 1A according to Embodiment 2 will be described. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna module 1E according to Embodiment 6.

[0069] As shown in Figure 7, the antenna module 1E is a so-called dual-polarization type antenna module capable of radiating radio waves in two different polarization directions. Specifically, the radiating section 10E of the antenna module 1E further includes a polarization feeding element 14 in addition to the configuration of the radiating section 10A of the antenna module 1A according to Embodiment 2 shown in Figure 3. The feeding element 14 is a rod-shaped member integrally formed with the flat plate-shaped radiating element 11 together with the feeding element 12A.

[0070] A through-hole 24 is formed inside the dielectric substrate 21, extending from the main surface 210 along the direction normal to the main surface 210. The power supply element 14 of the radiating portion 10E is pressed from the main surface 210 side toward the interior of the dielectric substrate 21 and inserted into the through-hole 24. Since the power supply element 14 is integrally configured with the radiating element 11 together with the power supply element 12A, when the power supply element 14 is inserted into the through-hole 24, the power supply element 12A is also inserted into the through-hole 22A.

[0071] As the power supply element 14 is continuously inserted into the through-hole 24 by pressing, the radiating element 11, which is integrally formed with the power supply element 14, eventually comes into contact with the main surface 210 of the dielectric substrate 21. As a result, the radiating element 11 is held by the main surface 210 of the dielectric substrate 21, and the radiating portion 10 is fixed to the dielectric substrate 21.

[0072] Since the through-hole 24 is formed from the main surface 210 of the dielectric substrate 21 along the direction normal to the main surface 210 to below the power supply wiring 25, the power supply element 14 passing through the through-hole 24 reaches below the power supply wiring 25. As a result, the power supply element 14 connects the power supply point 213 of the radiating element 11 and the power supply wiring 25 via the through-hole 24 of the dielectric substrate 21.

[0073] In the antenna module 1E configured in this way, the high-frequency signal transmitted by the power supply wiring 25 is supplied to the feed point 212 of the radiating element 11 by the power supply element 12A. The high-frequency signal supplied to the feed point 212 is radiated as radio waves by the radiating element 11. Furthermore, the high-frequency signal transmitted by the power supply wiring 25 is supplied to the feed point 213 of the radiating element 11 by the power supply element 14. The high-frequency signal transmitted from the power supply wiring 25 to the feed point 212 of the radiating element 11 by the power supply element 12A is a high-frequency signal in the same frequency band as the high-frequency signal transmitted from the power supply wiring 25 to the feed point 213 of the radiating element 11 by the power supply element 14. The high-frequency signal supplied to the feed point 213 is radiated as radio waves by the radiating element 11 in a polarization direction different from the radio waves radiated from the feed point 212.

[0074] As described above, in the antenna module 1E, a dual-polarization type antenna module with good antenna characteristics can be configured by the feed element 12A and the feed element 14.

[0075] <Embodiment 7> The antenna module 1F according to Embodiment 7 will be described with reference to Figure 8. In the following, only the parts of the antenna module 1F according to Embodiment 7 that differ from the antenna module 1E according to Embodiment 6 will be described. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna module 1F according to Embodiment 7.

[0076] As shown in Figure 8, antenna module 1F is a so-called dual-band type antenna module capable of radiating radio waves in two different frequency bands, and is also a so-called dual-polarization type antenna module capable of radiating radio waves in two different polarization directions.

[0077] As shown in Figure 8, the antenna module 1F comprises a radiating section 10F and a radiating section 30F. The radiating section 10F is a low-band radiating section capable of radiating radio waves in two different polarization directions. The radiating section 30F is a high-band radiating section that transmits high-frequency signals in a higher frequency band than the high-frequency signals transmitted by the radiating section 10F, and is capable of radiating radio waves in two different polarization directions.

[0078] The radiating section 30F comprises a flat plate-shaped radiating element 31, a rod-shaped power supply element 33, and a rod-shaped power supply element 34. The power supply elements 33 and 34 are integrally configured with the radiating element 31.

[0079] Inside the dielectric substrate 21, through-holes 233 and 234 are formed from the main surface 220 along the direction normal to the main surface 220. The through-holes 233 and 234 pass through the radiating element 11 and extend to below the power supply wiring 25 provided inside the dielectric substrate 21.

[0080] The power supply element 33 of the radiating section 30F is inserted into the through-hole 233. The power supply element 34 of the radiating section 30F is inserted into the through-hole 234. When the radiating element 11 is viewed from the main surface 220 side of the dielectric substrate 21, the power supply elements 12A and 14 of the radiating section 10F are provided on the radiating element 11 at different positions from each other. Also, the power supply elements 33 and 34 of the radiating section 30F are provided on the radiating element 11 at different positions from each other. The power supply elements 12A, 14, 33, and 34 are arranged at different positions from each other.

[0081] Each of the power supply elements 33 and 34 of the radiating section 30F passes through the inside of the dielectric substrate 21 via the through-holes 233 and 234 and is connected to the power supply wiring 25.

[0082] In the antenna module 1F configured in this way, the high-frequency signal transmitted by the feed line 25 is supplied to the feed point of the radiating element 11 by the feed element 12A and radiated as radio waves by the radiating element 11. Furthermore, the high-frequency signal transmitted by the feed line 25 is supplied to the feed point of the radiating element 11 by the feed element 14 and radiated as radio waves by the radiating element 11. The high-frequency signal transmitted from the feed line 25 to the radiating element 11 by the feed element 12A is a high-frequency signal in the same frequency band as the high-frequency signal transmitted from the feed line 25 to the radiating element 11 by the feed element 14. The high-frequency signal supplied by the feed element 12A is radiated as radio waves by the radiating element 11 in a polarization direction different from that of the radio waves of the high-frequency signal supplied by the feed element 14.

[0083] Furthermore, in antenna module 1F, the high-frequency signal transmitted by the feed line 25 is supplied to the feed point of the radiating element 31 by the feed element 33 and radiated as radio waves by the radiating element 31. In addition, the high-frequency signal transmitted by the feed line 25 is supplied to the feed point of the radiating element 31 by the feed element 34 and radiated as radio waves by the radiating element 31. The high-frequency signal transmitted from the feed line 25 to the radiating element 31 by the feed element 33 is a high-frequency signal in the same frequency band as the high-frequency signal transmitted from the feed line 25 to the radiating element 31 by the feed element 34. Furthermore, the high-frequency signal transmitted from the feed line 25 to the radiating element 31 is a high-frequency signal in a higher frequency band than the high-frequency signal transmitted from the feed line 25 to the radiating element 11. The high-frequency signal supplied by the feed element 33 is radiated as radio waves by the radiating element 31 in a different polarization direction than the radio waves of the high-frequency signal supplied by the feed element 34.

[0084] As described above, the antenna module 1F can be configured as a dual-band and dual-polarization type antenna module by comprising the radiating section 10F and the radiating section 30F.

[0085] <Embodiment 8> The antenna module 1G according to Embodiment 8 will be described with reference to Figure 9. In the following, only the parts of the antenna module 1G according to Embodiment 8 that differ from the antenna module 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna module 1G according to Embodiment 8.

[0086] As shown in Figure 9, the antenna module 1G comprises a radiating section 10G and a housing 80. The housing 80 is molded from a material such as plastic and is attached to a dielectric substrate 21. In addition to the integrally formed radiating element 11 and feeding element 12, the radiating section 10G further comprises a holding section 15 for holding the radiating element 11. The holding section 15 is molded from a material with a relatively high dielectric constant, such as a resin suitable for high frequencies, and holds the radiating element 11 so as to surround it. The housing 80 may be molded from the same material as the holding section 15. The feeding element 12, which is integrally formed with the radiating element 11, protrudes from the holding section 15.

[0087] The housing 80 has a space 240 into which the holding portion 15 is incorporated. Furthermore, the housing 80 has a through portion 245 for inserting the power supply element 12 that protrudes from the holding portion 15 incorporated into the space 240.

[0088] In the antenna module 1G configured in this way, when the holding part 15 is incorporated into the space 240 formed in the housing 80, the power supply element 12 is inserted into the housing 80 via the through-hole 245. The holding part 15 has screw holes formed at positions corresponding to the power supply element 12. When a screwdriver (not shown) is inserted into the screw holes and the holding part 15 is rotated, the screw structure formed on the outer circumferential surface of the power supply element 12 engages with the screw structure formed inside the dielectric substrate 21, and the power supply element 12 advances and is inserted into the dielectric substrate 21. The space 240 formed in the housing 80 is large enough for the holding part 15 to rotate. When the holding part 15 is screwed into the housing 80, the power supply element 12 passes through the inside of the housing 80 and the dielectric substrate 21 to reach below the power supply wiring 25. As a result, the power supply element 12 connects the power supply point 212 of the radiating element 11 and the power supply wiring 25 by passing through the inside of the housing 80 and the dielectric substrate 21.

[0089] As described above, the antenna module 1G has a dielectric substrate 21 pre-attached to and integrated with the housing 80, and the radiating section 10G is held by a holding section 15 that can be incorporated into the housing 80. As a result, by incorporating the radiating section 10G, which is integrated with the holding section 15, into the space 240 formed in the housing 80, the antenna module 1G can be easily manufactured without having to prepare a new housing.

[0090] <Embodiment 9> The antenna module 1H according to Embodiment 9 will be described with reference to Figure 10. In the following, only the parts of the antenna module 1H according to Embodiment 9 that differ from the antenna module 1E according to Embodiment 6 and the antenna module 1G according to Embodiment 8 will be described. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna module 1H according to Embodiment 9.

[0091] As shown in Figure 10, the antenna module 1H is a dual-polarization type antenna module, similar to the antenna module 1E according to Embodiment 6 shown in Figure 7. Furthermore, the antenna module 1H, similar to the antenna module 1G according to Embodiment 8 shown in Figure 9, further includes a holding portion 15 in the radiating portion 10H that holds the radiating element 11.

[0092] The housing 80 has a space 240 into which the holding part 15 is incorporated. Furthermore, the housing 80 has through-holes 246 and 247 for inserting the power supply elements 12A and 14, which protrude from the holding part 15 incorporated into the space 240, by pressing them.

[0093] In the antenna module 1H configured in this way, when the holding portion 15 is incorporated into the space 240 formed in the housing 80, the feeding element 12A and the feeding element 14 are inserted into the housing 80 through the through-holes 246 and 247, respectively. Once the holding portion 15 is incorporated into the housing 80, the feeding elements 12A and 14 reach below the feeding wire 25 by passing through the inside of the housing 80 and the dielectric substrate 21. As a result, the feeding element 12A connects the feeding point 212 of the radiating element 11 to the feeding wire 25 by passing through the inside of the housing 80 and the dielectric substrate 21. Furthermore, the feeding element 14 connects the feeding point 213 of the radiating element 11 to the feeding wire 25 by passing through the inside of the housing 80 and the dielectric substrate 21.

[0094] As described above, the antenna module 1H has a dielectric substrate 21 pre-attached to and integrated with the housing 80, and the radiating section 10H is held by a holding section 15 that can be incorporated into the housing 80. As a result, even if the antenna module 1H is a dual-polarization type antenna module, the antenna module 1H can be easily manufactured without preparing a new housing by incorporating the radiating section 10H, which is integrated with the holding section 15, into the space 240 formed in the housing 80.

[0095] <Aspects> (Section 1) An antenna module according to one aspect comprises a dielectric substrate, a flat-plate-shaped first radiating element, a flat-plate-shaped ground electrode provided on the dielectric substrate opposite to the first radiating element, a power supply wiring, and a first power supply element. The first radiating element includes a first power supply point. The first power supply element is integrally configured with the first radiating element and connects the first power supply point and the power supply wiring through the inside of the dielectric substrate.

[0096] (Section 2) In the antenna module described in Section 1, the power supply wiring transmits a first high-frequency signal. The first power supply element supplies the first high-frequency signal transmitted by the power supply wiring to the first power supply point. The first radiating element radiates radio waves based on the first high-frequency signal supplied to the first power supply point.

[0097] (Article 3) In the antenna module described in Article 1 or Article 2, the first feeding element is a rod-shaped member that passes through the inside of the dielectric substrate.

[0098] (Article 4) In the antenna module described in any one of Articles 1 to 3, a second screw structure is formed on the outer surface of the first feeding element, which fits into a first screw structure formed inside the dielectric substrate.

[0099] (Article 5) In the antenna module described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, the end of the first feeding element protrudes from the feeding wiring and forms a stub.

[0100] (Section 6) The antenna module described in any one of Sections 2 to 5 further comprises a second radiating element in the shape of a flat plate that receives a second high-frequency signal in a higher frequency band than the first high-frequency signal and radiates radio waves, and a second feeding element that supplies the second high-frequency signal transmitted by the feeding wiring to the second feeding point of the second radiating element. The second radiating element is positioned further from the feeding wiring than the first radiating element in the direction normal to the dielectric substrate. The second feeding element is integrally configured with the second radiating element and connects the second feeding point and the feeding wiring by penetrating the first radiating element and passing through the inside of the dielectric substrate.

[0101] (Clause 7) In the antenna module described in any one of paragraphs 2 to 6, the first radiating element includes a third feeding point located at a position different from the first feeding point. The antenna module further includes a third feeding element that supplies a first high-frequency signal transmitted by a feeding wire to the third feeding point of the first radiating element through the inside of a dielectric substrate.

[0102] (Clause 8) The antenna module described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 7 further comprises a holding portion for holding a first radiating element and a housing attached to a dielectric substrate, in which a space for incorporating the holding portion is formed. The first feeding element connects the first feeding point and the feeding wiring through the inside of the housing and the inside of the dielectric substrate.

[0103] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be included.

[0104] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H Antenna module, 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H, 30, 30F Radiating section, 11, 31 Radiating element, 12, 12A, 13, 14, 32, 33, 34 Feed element, 15 Holding section, 20 Ground electrode, 21 Dielectric substrate, 22, 22A, 23, 24, 42, 233, 234, 245, 246, 247 Through section, 25 Feed wiring, 50, 60, 70 Stub, 80 Housing, 210, 220 Main surface, 212, 213, 332 Feed point, 240 Space.

Claims

1. An antenna module comprising a dielectric substrate, a flat-plate-shaped first radiating element, a flat-plate-shaped ground electrode provided on the dielectric substrate opposite to the first radiating element, a power supply wiring, and a first power supply element, wherein the first radiating element includes a first power supply point, and the first power supply element is integrally configured with the first radiating element and connects the first power supply point and the power supply wiring through the interior of the dielectric substrate.

2. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein the power supply wiring transmits a first high-frequency signal, the first power supply element supplies the first high-frequency signal transmitted by the power supply wiring to a first power supply point, and the first radiating element radiates radio waves based on the first high-frequency signal supplied to the first power supply point.

3. The antenna module according to claim 2, wherein the first power supply element is a rod-shaped member that passes through the inside of the dielectric substrate.

4. The antenna module according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a second screw structure is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first power supply element, which fits into a first screw structure formed inside the dielectric substrate.

5. The antenna module according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the end of the first power supply element protrudes from the power supply wiring and forms a stub.

6. The antenna module according to any one of claims 2 to 5, further comprising: a flat plate-shaped second radiating element that receives a second high-frequency signal in a higher frequency band than the first high-frequency signal and radiates radio waves; and a second feeding element that supplies the second high-frequency signal transmitted by the feeding wiring to a second feeding point of the second radiating element, wherein the second radiating element is positioned further away from the feeding wiring than the first radiating element in the direction normal to the dielectric substrate; and the second feeding element is integrally configured with the second radiating element, penetrates the first radiating element, and passes through the inside of the dielectric substrate to connect the second feeding point and the feeding wiring.

7. The antenna module according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the first radiating element includes a third feeding point located at a position different from the first feeding point, and further comprises a third feeding element that supplies the first high-frequency signal transmitted by the feeding wiring to the third feeding point of the first radiating element through the inside of the dielectric substrate.

8. The antenna module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a holding portion for holding the first radiating element, and a housing attached to the dielectric substrate and having a space formed in which the holding portion is incorporated, wherein the first power supply element connects the first power supply point and the power supply wiring through the inside of the housing and the inside of the dielectric substrate.

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