Antenna element, antenna module, and electronic apparatus

Abstract

An antenna element (101A) is provided with an insulator layer, and a conductor member positioned along the insulator layer or positioned inside the insulator layer. The insulator layer is provided with base layers (21, 22), an inclined part formation layer (1), and coating layers (31, 32) that cover the inclined part formation layer (1) between the base layers (21, 22) and the coating layers (31, 32). A part of the coating layers (31, 32) is laminated on a part of the base layers (21, 22), the inclined part formation layer (1) is laminated between the other parts of the base layers (21, 22) and the other parts of the coating layers (31, 32), a part of the conductor member is a radiation conductor (RC) formed on the coating layers covering the inclined part formation layer, and a part of the conductor member is a power supply transmission line (FL) formed on the coating layers (31, 32).

Description

Antenna element, antenna module, and electronic device

[0001] The present invention relates to an antenna element, an antenna module including the antenna element, and an electronic device including the antenna element.

[0002] An antenna element included in a small electronic device such as a communication terminal device is generally configured by providing an antenna formed by a conductor pattern on an insulating base material. As the electronic device incorporating such an antenna element becomes thinner and smaller, it is often necessary to arrange the antenna element in a limited space within the housing of the electronic device in a limited orientation. Therefore, it is preferable that the antenna element is not in a simple rectangular parallelepiped shape but is formed into a shape suitable for being housed in the housing. Further, it is preferable to configure it to exhibit a predetermined directivity.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an antenna element in which an antenna formed by a conductor pattern is provided on a laminate formed by laminating insulator layers. Such an antenna element specializes the shape of the laminate and the radiation conductor by removing the inner layer of the laminate of the insulator layers.

[0004] International Publication No. 2016 / 181782

[0005] In the antenna element described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to form a feeding line for the radiation element on the surface layer of the laminate. As a result, the feeding line between the feeding circuit and the radiation conductor becomes long, and problems such as occurrence of transmission loss and unnecessary coupling with a neighboring conductor may occur. Further, even if an inclined surface is formed on the laminate in consideration of directivity and a radiation conductor is formed on this inclined surface, it is difficult to form a feeding line for the radiation conductor.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an antenna element having an inclined surface and having good feeding line characteristics, an antenna module including this antenna element, and an electronic device including the antenna element.

[0007] An example of an antenna element provided in this disclosure is an antenna element comprising an insulating layer and a conductor member located along the insulating layer or located inside the insulating layer, wherein the insulating layer comprises a base layer, a slope-forming layer, and a covering layer that covers the slope-forming layer between itself and the base layer, wherein a portion of the covering layer is laminated on a portion of the base layer, and the slope-forming layer is laminated between the other portion of the base layer and the other portion of the covering layer, wherein a portion of the conductor member is a radiating conductor formed in the covering layer that covers the slope-forming layer, and a portion of the conductor member is a power transmission line formed in a layer of the covering layer different from the radiating conductor and is conductive to the radiating conductor.

[0008] An example of an antenna module in this disclosure includes the antenna element and circuit components mounted on the lower surface of the base layer.

[0009] An example of an electronic device provided in this disclosure comprises an antenna element and an electronic circuit connected to the antenna element.

[0010] According to the present invention, an antenna element having an inclined surface and good feed line characteristics, an antenna module including the antenna element, and an electronic device equipped with the antenna element can be obtained.

[0011] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna element according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of another antenna element according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna element according to the second embodiment. The upper part of Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna element according to the third embodiment. The lower part of Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the base layer, the slope-forming layer, and the coating layer before pressurizing and heating. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of another antenna element according to the third embodiment. The upper part of Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna element according to the fourth embodiment. The lower part of Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the base layer, the slope-forming layer, and the coating layer before pressurizing and heating. Figure 7 is a plan view of each layer of the antenna element according to the fourth embodiment. The upper part of Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna according to the fifth embodiment. The lower part of Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the base layer, the slope-forming layer, and the coating layer before pressurizing and heating. The upper part of Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of another antenna according to the fifth embodiment. The lower part of Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the base layer, the slope-forming layer, and the coating layer before pressurizing and heating. The upper part of Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna according to the sixth embodiment. The lower part of Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the base layer, inclined layer forming layer, and coating layer before pressurizing and heating. Figure 11 is a plan view of only the main layers of the antenna element according to the seventh embodiment. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element according to the eighth embodiment. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of another antenna element according to the ninth embodiment. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of another antenna element according to the ninth embodiment. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element according to the tenth embodiment. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element according to the eleventh embodiment. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of another antenna element according to the eleventh embodiment. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device according to the twelfth embodiment. Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna module according to the thirteenth embodiment. Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna module according to the fourteenth embodiment. Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna according to the fifteenth embodiment. Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of another antenna according to the fifteenth embodiment. The upper part of Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna 115C according to the fifteenth embodiment. The lower part of Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of the base layer, slope-forming layer, and coating layer before pressurization and heating.The upper part of Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna as a comparative example, and the lower part of Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view of the base layer, inclined layer forming layer, and coating layer of that antenna before pressurizing and heating. The upper part of Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view of another antenna as a comparative example, and the lower part of Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view of the base layer, inclined layer forming layer, and coating layer of that antenna before pressurizing and heating. Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view of yet another antenna as a comparative example. The upper part of Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view of antenna 116 according to the 16th embodiment. The lower part of Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view of the base layer, inclined layer forming layer, and coating layer before pressurizing and heating. The upper part of Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view of antenna 117 according to the 17th embodiment. The lower part of Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view of the base layer, inclined layer forming layer, and coating layer before pressurizing and heating.

[0012] Hereafter, with reference to the figures, several specific examples will be given to illustrate multiple embodiments for carrying out the present invention. The same reference numerals are used for the same parts in each figure. For the sake of ease of explanation and understanding, the embodiments for carrying out the invention will be shown in multiple embodiments, but it is possible to partially omit, substitute, or combine the configurations shown in different embodiments. In the second embodiment and subsequent embodiments, descriptions of matters common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and only the differences will be described. In particular, similar effects and advantages due to similar configurations will not be mentioned sequentially in each embodiment.

[0013] 《First Embodiment》 In the first embodiment, an antenna element equipped with a patch antenna is provided as an example.

[0014] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna element 101A according to the first embodiment. This antenna element 101A comprises an insulating layer and a conductive member located along or inside the insulating layer.

[0015] The insulating layer comprises base layers 21 and 22, a slope-forming layer 1, and covering layers 31 and 32 that cover the slope-forming layer 1 between the base layers 21 and 22.

[0016] Parts of the coating layers 31 and 32 are laminated together with parts of the base layers 21 and 22. A slope-forming layer 1 is laminated between the other parts of the base layers 21 and 22 and the other parts of the coating layers 31 and 32.

[0017] A radiating conductor RC is formed in the covering layer 32 that covers the inclined portion forming layer 1. In addition, a power supply transmission line FL that is electrically connected to the radiating conductor RC is formed in the covering layer 31.

[0018] The radiating conductor RC and the power transmission line FL are part of the aforementioned conductor member. The various conductors described below are also part of the aforementioned conductor member.

[0019] On the upper surface of the base layer 21, a wiring pattern WP, a pad electrode PE, and a ground conductor layer GL are formed. On the lower surface of the base layer 22, a terminal electrode TE is formed.

[0020] Interlayer connecting conductors V are formed in the base layers 21 and 22 to provide conductivity between the wiring pattern WP and the terminal electrode TE. Interlayer connecting conductors V are also formed in the base layers 21 and 22 to provide conductivity between the pad electrode PE and the terminal electrode TE. Thus, the antenna element 101A is a laminate of multiple layers. Hereafter, the bottom surface of this laminate will be referred to as the "reference surface".

[0021] A radiating conductor RC and a terminal electrode TE are formed on the surface of the coating layer 32. The radiating conductor RC is located on the outer surface of the coating layer 32 (the surface inclined at approximately 90° with respect to the base layers 21 and 22). The terminal electrode TE is located on the upper surface of the coating layer 32.

[0022] A power supply transmission line FL and a pad electrode PE are formed on the back surface of the coating layer 31.

[0023] Interlayer connecting conductors V are formed in the coating layers 31 and 32, connecting the power supply transmission line FL to the power supply point of the radiating conductor RC. Interlayer connecting conductors V are also formed in the coating layers 31 and 32, providing electrical conductivity between the pad electrode PE and the terminal electrode TE.

[0024] The inclined portion forming layer 1 has an interlayer connecting conductor V that connects the power supply transmission line FL and the wiring pattern WP. The inclined portion forming layer 1 also has an interlayer connecting conductor V that connects the pad electrode PE formed on the base layer 21 and the pad electrode PE formed on the coating layer 31.

[0025] The antenna element 101A functions as a patch antenna with a radiating conductor RC, a ground conductor layer GL, and insulators that form the inclined portion forming layer 1 and covering layers 31 and 32 between the ground conductor layer GL and the radiating conductor RC.

[0026] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of another antenna element 101B according to the first embodiment. While the antenna element 101A shown in Figure 1 was an example using a single-sided Cu-laminated substrate, the antenna element 101B is an example using a double-sided Cu-laminated substrate.

[0027] The antenna element 101B comprises an insulating layer and a conductive member located along or inside the insulating layer.

[0028] The insulating layer comprises a base layer 20, a slope-forming layer 1, and a covering layer 30 that covers the slope-forming layer 1 between the base layer 20 and the covering layer 30.

[0029] A portion of the coating layer 30 is laminated together with a portion of the base layer 20. A slope-forming layer 1 is laminated between the other portion of the base layer 20 and the other portion of the coating layer 30. Thus, a double-sided Cu-laminated substrate may be used.

[0030] In this embodiment, for example, a single antenna element mounted on a main board (not shown) is shown, but antenna elements 101A or 101B may be configured on a part of the main board.

[0031] According to this embodiment, since the surface on which the radiating conductor is formed is inclined with respect to the reference plane, it can be used as an antenna with a different directional direction compared to an antenna where the radiating conductor is parallel to the reference plane. Furthermore, since the feed transmission line is formed in the inner layer of the laminate, power can be supplied to the radiating conductor from its back surface at a desired position. This makes it easier to optimize impedance matching between the radiating conductor and the feed transmission line, resulting in good antenna characteristics.

[0032] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a special substrate, such as a frame-shaped substrate, is not required to tilt the radiating conductors, and since there is no need to join the frame-shaped substrate to the substrate (adhesive / joining member), the overall height can be reduced.

[0033] Figures 1 and 2 show a single multilayer substrate. However, during the manufacturing process of such a single multilayer substrate, it is a continuum of multiple multilayer substrates, and the continuum is cut at the final stage of the manufacturing process or just before the final stage to unify it. This relationship between continuum and unification is the same in the other figures as well.

[0034] In Figures 1 and 2, the boundaries between the insulating layers are depicted as lines in the cross-sectional view. However, in reality, after pressurization and heating, the insulating layers fuse together, so the boundaries do not appear clearly even when the cross-section is observed under a microscope or by X-ray. The same applies to the boundaries of the insulating layers in each figure in the embodiments described below.

[0035] The boundaries depicted in each figure are for illustrative purposes only. Furthermore, the names given to each layer in the claims are to represent the layered structure of the laminate. Even if the manufacturing method does not reveal boundary lines or interfaces when the cross-section is observed under a microscope or X-ray, this does not in itself circumvent the present invention.

[0036] 《Second Embodiment》 In the second embodiment, an example of an antenna element with a different tilt angle of the radiating conductor from the example shown in the first embodiment is provided.

[0037] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 102 according to the second embodiment. The basic structure is the same as that of the antenna element 101A shown in Figure 1. In the antenna element 102, a part of the inclined portion forming layer 1 has inclined surfaces with different inclination angles, and as a result, an inclined surface is formed on a part of the coating layer 31, 32 with an inclination angle of less than 90° with respect to the base layer 21, 22. The radiating conductor RC is located on this inclined surface.

[0038] Thus, the radiation conductor RC may be formed on an inclined surface having an inclination angle less than 90° with respect to the ground conductor layer GL. With this inclination angle, the directivity of the patch antenna can be determined within an angular range over a wide range.

[0039] 《Third Embodiment》 In the third embodiment, an antenna device in which a high-frequency equivalent ground plane by a ground conductor layer is inclined will be exemplified. Further, the structure of an inclined portion forming layer formed by laminating a plurality of insulator layers will be exemplified. Furthermore, a laminate configured by laminating this inclined portion forming layer in a state sandwiched between a base layer and a covering layer will be exemplified.

[0040] The upper part of FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 103A according to the third embodiment. The lower part of FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view in a state before pressurizing and heating the base layer, the inclined portion forming layer, and the covering layer.

[0041] In FIG. 4, the insulator layers L15, L14, and L13 constitute the base layer. The insulator layers L12, L11, L10,..., L3 constitute the inclined portion forming layer. And the insulator layers L2 and L1 constitute the covering layer.

[0042] A radiation conductor RC is formed on the upper surface of the insulator layer L1. A power supply transmission line FL and a ground conductor layer GL are formed on the upper surface of the insulator layer L2.

[0043] In the insulator layer L1, an interlayer connection conductor V for interlayer connecting the radiation conductor RC and the power supply transmission line FL is formed.

[0044] In the insulator layers L3 to L15, pad electrodes PE, a ground conductor layer GL, an interlayer connection conductor connecting the pad electrodes PE to each other, and an interlayer connection conductor connecting the ground conductor layers GL to each other are formed. In FIG. 4, the reference numerals for the pad electrodes PE and the ground conductor layer GL are partially omitted.

[0045] As shown in the figure shown at the bottom of FIG. 4, the left end in the figure of the insulator layers L12 to L3 for the inclined portion formation layer is located to the right of the left ends of the insulator layers L15, L14, and L13 for the base layer. Also, the left end position in the figure of the insulator layers L12 to L3 for the inclined portion formation layer is gradually displaced to the right from the insulator layer L12 to the insulator layer L3. That is, the inclined portion formation layer is formed of a laminate of a plurality of insulator layers, and the thickness with respect to the reference plane is distributed. And by this, an inclined surface not parallel to the reference plane is formed in the covering layer that covers the inclined portion formation layer.

[0046] The left ends of the ground conductor layer GL formed in the insulator layers L14 and L13 for the base layer, the ground conductor layer GL formed in the insulator layers L12 to L3 for the inclined portion formation layer, and the ground conductor layer GL formed in the insulator layer L2 for the covering layer are inclined with respect to the bottom surface of the laminate (hereinafter referred to as the "reference plane") as shown by the two-dot chain line.

[0047] Thus, not only the radiation conductor RC is inclined from the reference plane, but also the ground conductor layer GL is inclined from the reference plane. By these inclination angles, the directivity of the patch antenna can be determined within a wide angular range.

[0048] From the state shown at the bottom of FIG. 4, the insulator layers L15, L14, and L13 for the base layer, the insulator layers L12 to L3 for the inclined portion formation layer, and the insulator layers L2 and L1 for the covering layer are laminated and pressurized and heated. By this, the insulator layers L2 and L1 cover the ends of the insulator layers L3 to L12 for the inclined portion formation layer and incline. Also, the insulator layer L2 is pressure-bonded to the ends of the insulator layers L3 to L12, and the boundaries of the respective insulator layers L1 to L15 are pressure-bonded. A part of the insulator layer L2 is pressure-bonded to the insulator layer L13. By the above-described pressure bonding, the antenna element 103A shown at the top of FIG. 4 is constituted.

[0049] The dielectric constants of the insulating layers L1 and L2 for the coating layer are higher than those of the insulating layers L3 to L12 for the gradient forming layer. Also, the dielectric constants of the insulating layers L1 and L2 for the coating layer are higher than those of the insulating layers L13, L14, and L15 for the base layer. For example, insulating layers L1 and L2 are layers made of high dielectric constant materials such as dielectric ceramics, and their relative dielectric constant is, for example, 6 to 10. Insulating layers L3 to L12 are made of high dielectric constant materials such as glass epoxy material (FR4), and their relative dielectric constant is, for example, 4 to 4.8. Insulating layers L13, L14, and L15 are made of low dielectric constant materials such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and their relative dielectric constant is, for example, 2.2 to 3.

[0050] Thus, because the dielectric constant of the coating layer is relatively high, the wavelength shortening effect due to the dielectric constant of the dielectric material in contact with the radiating conductor RC allows for a reduction in the optimal size of the radiating conductor RC. On the other hand, because the dielectric constant of the dielectric material of the slope-forming layer or base layer is relatively low, dielectric losses in transmission lines and the like formed in the slope-forming layer or base layer can be reduced.

[0051] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of another antenna element 103B according to this embodiment. In this antenna element 103B, the radiating conductor RC is continuously arranged from the inclined portion to the flat portion of the coating layer formed by the inclined portion forming layer. In addition, terminal electrodes TE that conduct to the power supply transmission line FL are formed on both the upper and lower surfaces of the laminate. Furthermore, interlayer connecting conductors that conduct to the ground conductor layers GL in the lamination direction are distributed according to the width of the ground conductor layer GL of each layer. Here, the insulating layers L15, L14, and L13 are the base layers, the insulating layers L12 to L3 are the inclined portion forming layers, and the insulating layers L2 and L1 are the coating layers. The other structures are the same as those of the antenna element 103A shown in inner 4.

[0052] In Figure 5, the power transmission line FL is not continuous in the cross-sectional position, but it is formed in the insulating layer L2 at a position different from this cross-sectional position, and its end is electrically connected to the terminal electrode TE on the upper surface of the laminate.

[0053] Thus, the radiating conductor RC may be arranged continuously from the inclined portion to the flat portion of the coating layer formed by the inclined portion-forming layer. This makes it possible to increase the area of ​​the radiating conductor per unit volume of the laminate.

[0054] Furthermore, by forming terminal electrodes TE that conduct to the power transmission line FL on both the upper and lower surfaces of the laminate, the degree of freedom in determining the power supply path to the radiating conductor RC is increased.

[0055] Furthermore, by distributing interlayer connecting conductors that conduct electricity between ground conductor layers GL in the stacking direction according to the width of the ground conductor layers GL in each layer, the potential of the ground conductor layers GL in each layer can be stabilized.

[0056] According to this embodiment, since it is not necessary to cut the insulating member at an angle to form the inclined portion layer, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0057] 《Fourth Embodiment》 In the fourth embodiment, an example of an antenna element having two radiating conductors with different operating frequency bands is provided.

[0058] The upper part of Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 104 according to the fourth embodiment. The lower part of Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the base layer, the inclined portion forming layer, and the coating layer before pressurizing and heating.

[0059] In Figure 6, insulating layers L22, L21, L20, and L19 constitute the base layer. Insulating layers L18, L17, L16, ... L9 constitute the gradient forming layer. And insulating layers L8, L7, L6, ... L1 constitute the coating layer.

[0060] A first radiating conductor RC1 is formed on the upper surface of the insulating layer L1. A second radiating conductor RC2 is formed on the upper surface of the insulating layer L6. A power supply transmission line FL11 is formed on the upper surface of the insulating layer L8. A power supply transmission line FL21 is formed on the upper surface of the insulating layer L7.

[0061] Interlayer connecting conductors are formed in the insulating layers L1 to L7 to interlayer connect the radiating conductor RC1 and one end of the power transmission line FL11. Interlayer connecting conductors are formed in the insulating layer L6 to interlayer connect the radiating conductor RC2 and one end of the power transmission line FL21.

[0062] The insulator layer L20 has power transmission lines FL12 and FL22 formed on it. Interlayer connecting conductors are formed in the insulator layers L8 to L19 to interlayer connect the other end of power transmission line FL11 to one end of power transmission line FL12. Interlayer connecting conductors are formed in the insulator layers L7 to L19 to interlayer connect the other end of power transmission line FL21 to one end of power transmission line FL22. Interlayer connecting conductors are formed in the insulator layers L20, L21, and L22 to interlayer connect the other end of power transmission line FL12 to terminal electrode TE1. Similarly, interlayer connecting conductors are formed in the insulator layers L20, L21, and L22 to interlayer connect the other end of power transmission line FL22 to terminal electrode TE2.

[0063] Ground conductor layers GL are formed in the insulating layers L9 to L22. In the upper part of Figure 6, as shown by the dashed line, the left end of each ground conductor layer GL is inclined with respect to the reference plane of the laminate. This inclination angle is smaller than the inclination angles of the first radiating conductor RC1 and the second radiating conductor RC2.

[0064] In the frequency band in which the first radiating conductor RC1 acts as a radiating conductor, the second radiating conductor RC2 acts as a ground conductor layer relative to the first radiating conductor RC1. Therefore, the area composed of the first radiating conductor RC1, the second radiating conductor RC2, and the insulating layers L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5 between them acts as a patch antenna in the first frequency band.

[0065] Furthermore, the area composed of the second radiating conductor RC2, multiple ground conductor layers GL, and a portion of the insulating layer between them (the insulating layer between the second radiating conductor RC2 and the dashed line) acts as a patch antenna for the second frequency band. The center frequency of the second frequency band is lower than the center frequency of the first frequency band.

[0066] Figure 7 is a plan view of each layer of the antenna element 104 according to this embodiment. A rectangular first radiating conductor RC1 is formed in the insulating layer L1. A rectangular second radiating conductor RC2 is formed in the insulating layer L6. The second radiating conductor RC2 has a larger area than the first radiating conductor RC1. A power supply transmission line FL21 is formed in the insulating layer L7. A power supply transmission line FL11 is formed in the insulating layer L8. Ground conductor layers GL are formed in the insulating layers L9 to L22. The width of the insulating layers gradually increases from insulating layer L9 to insulating layer L19. Also, the width of the ground conductor layer GL gradually increases from insulating layer L9 to insulating layer L22.

[0067] The antenna element according to the fourth embodiment includes patch antennas that operate in two separate frequency bands, and can therefore be used over a wide frequency band.

[0068] Furthermore, since the line connecting the power transmission line FL11 and the power transmission line FL12, which consists of interlayer connecting conductors and pad electrodes, has a shape that penetrates the opening formed in the ground conductor layer, it is easy to set the characteristic impedance of the entire power transmission line to a predetermined value.

[0069] 《Fifth Embodiment》 In the fifth embodiment, an example is given of an antenna element equipped with a power transmission line, which has a different structure from the antenna element shown in the fourth embodiment.

[0070] The upper part of Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 105A according to the fifth embodiment. The lower part of Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the base layer, the inclined portion forming layer, and the coating layer before pressurizing and heating.

[0071] In Figure 8, insulating layers L21, L20, and L19 constitute the base layer. Insulating layers L18, L17, L16, ... L9 constitute the gradient forming layer. And insulating layers L8, L7, L6, ... L1 constitute the coating layer.

[0072] A first radiating conductor RC1 is formed on the lower surface of the insulating layer L1. A second radiating conductor RC2 is formed on the lower surface of the insulating layer L6. A power supply transmission line FL11 is formed on the lower surface of the insulating layer L8. A power supply transmission line FL21 is formed on the lower surface of the insulating layer L7.

[0073] Interlayer connecting conductors are formed in the insulating layers L2 to L8 to connect the radiating conductor RC1 to one end of the power transmission line FL11. Interlayer connecting conductors are formed in the insulating layer L7 to connect the radiating conductor RC2 to one end of the power transmission line FL21.

[0074] The power supply transmission lines FL12 and FL22 are formed on the lower surface of the insulator layer L19. Interlayer connecting conductors are formed in the insulator layers L9 to L19 to interlayer connect the other end of the power supply transmission line FL11 to one end of the power supply transmission line FL12. Interlayer connecting conductors are formed in the insulator layers L8 to L19 to interlayer connect the other end of the power supply transmission line FL21 to one end of the power supply transmission line FL22. Interlayer connecting conductors are formed in the insulator layers L20 and L21 to interlayer connect the other end of the power supply transmission line FL12 to the terminal electrode TE1. Similarly, interlayer connecting conductors are formed in the insulator layers L20 and L21 to interlayer connect the other end of the power supply transmission line FL22 to the terminal electrode TE2.

[0075] Ground conductor layers GL are formed on the lower surfaces of the insulating layers L8 to L18. In the upper part of Figure 8, as shown by the dashed lines, the left end of each ground conductor layer GL is inclined with respect to the reference plane of the laminate.

[0076] Other basic configurations are the same as those of the antenna element 104 shown in the fourth embodiment. In this way, both of the two radiating conductors RC1 and RC2 may be placed within the laminate.

[0077] The upper part of Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of another antenna element 105B according to the fifth embodiment. The lower part of Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the base layer, the inclined portion forming layer, and the coating layer before pressurizing and heating.

[0078] In this antenna element 105B, the shape of the transmission lines from the two feed transmission lines FL1 and FL2 to the terminal electrodes TE1 and TE2 formed on the lower surface of the laminate is different. These transmission lines are formed by lamination of pad electrodes and interlayer connecting conductors, but in the example shown in Figure 9, they are arranged diagonally so that the path length of the transmission lines from the feed transmission lines FL1 and FL2 to the terminal electrodes TE1 and TE2 is shortened. By shortening the overall path length of the feed transmission lines in this way, the resistance loss of the entire feed transmission line can be reduced.

[0079] 《Sixth Embodiment》 In the sixth embodiment, an example is given of an antenna element in which an interlayer connecting conductor formed in the base layer or the inclined portion forming layer and an interlayer connecting conductor formed in the coating layer are directly joined by pressurization and heating.

[0080] The upper part of Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 106 according to the sixth embodiment. The lower part of Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the base layer, the inclined portion forming layer, and the coating layer before pressurizing and heating.

[0081] In Figure 10, insulating layers L20 and L19 constitute the base layer. Insulating layers L18, L17, L16, ... L9 constitute the slope-forming layer. And insulating layers L8, L7, L6, ... L1 constitute the coating layer.

[0082] As shown in the upper part of Figure 10, the interlayer connecting conductor formed in the inclined portion forming layer and the interlayer connecting conductor formed in the coating layer are directly joined without a conductor pattern. The other configurations are the same as those of the antenna element 105B shown in Figure 9.

[0083] In addition, although it was explained above that the base layer is composed of insulating layers L20 and L19, if we consider that the base layer is composed of insulating layers L20, L19 and L18, and the inclined section forming layer is composed of insulating layers L17, L16, ... L9, then the interlayer connecting conductor formed in the base layer and the interlayer connecting conductor formed in the coating layer are directly joined by pressure and heat.

[0084] According to this embodiment, the transmission path to the power supply point of the radiating conductor can be routed along the shortest path, thus suppressing characteristic degradation due to the routing of the transmission path.

[0085] 《Seventh Embodiment》 In the seventh embodiment, an antenna element comprising a radiating conductor having two feed points is provided as an example.

[0086] Figure 11 is a plan view of only the main layers of the antenna element according to the seventh embodiment. Among the multiple insulating layers, a rectangular first radiating conductor RC1 is formed in insulating layer La. Power is supplied to this first radiating conductor RC1 to two feed points FP11 and FP12 located at different positions. Interlayer connecting conductors, etc., that conduct to feed points FP11 and FP12 are formed in insulating layer Lb. A rectangular second radiating conductor RC2 is formed in insulating layer Lc. The second radiating conductor RC2 has a larger area than the first radiating conductor RC1. Power is supplied to this second radiating conductor RC2 to two feed points FP21 and FP22 located at different positions. Power supply transmission lines FL21 and FL22 are formed in insulating layer Ld. Power supply transmission lines FL11 and FL12 are formed in insulating layer Le.

[0087] A ground conductor layer GL and terminal electrodes TE11, TE12, TE21, and TE22 are formed on the lower surface of the insulating layer Lf.

[0088] The feed points FP11 and FP12 of the first radiating conductor RC1 are connected to the power transmission lines FL11 and FL12 via multiple interlayer connecting conductors, etc. The feed points FP21 and FP22 of the second radiating conductor RC2 are connected to the power transmission lines FL21 and FL22 via multiple interlayer connecting conductors, etc.

[0089] Power transmission lines FL11 and FL12 are connected to terminal electrodes TE11 and TE12 via interlayer connecting conductors, and power transmission lines FL21 and FL22 are connected to terminal electrodes TE21 and TE22 via interlayer connecting conductors.

[0090] According to this embodiment, the feed point for each radiating conductor can be selected, and the directivity or polarization plane of the antenna can be controlled.

[0091] 《Eighth Embodiment》 In the eighth embodiment, an antenna element having three radiating conductors is illustrated.

[0092] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna element 108 according to the eighth embodiment. In Figure 12, insulating layers L22, L21, L20, and L19 constitute the base layer. Insulating layers L18, L17, L16, ... L9 constitute the slope-forming layer. And insulating layers L8, L7, L6, ... L1 constitute the coating layer.

[0093] A radiating conductor RC1 is formed in the insulating layer L1, a radiating conductor RC2 is formed in the insulating layer L6, and a radiating conductor RC3 is formed in the insulating layer L3. Radiating conductors RC1, RC2, and RC3 are all formed on inclined surfaces. A power supply transmission line FL11 is formed on the upper surface of the insulating layer L8. A power supply transmission line FL21 is formed on the upper surface of the insulating layer L7.

[0094] Interlayer connecting conductors, etc., that connect the feed point of the radiating conductor RC1 to FL11 pass through openings formed in the radiating conductors RC2 and RC3 with an insulating material.

[0095] The feed point for the radiating conductor RC3 is located at a different position than the cross-sectional position shown in this cross-sectional diagram, and is therefore not shown in Figure 12. Similarly, the feed transmission line for the radiating conductor RC3 is located at a different position than the cross-sectional position shown in Figure 12. The other configurations are the same as those of the antenna element 104 shown in Figure 6.

[0096] Furthermore, power supply to the radiating conductor RC3 is not limited to direct power supply to the supply point; it may also be performed by capacitive power supply (electric field power supply) or electromagnetic field power supply. Such capacitive power supply (electric field power supply) or electromagnetic field power supply may also be applied to other radiating conductors. The same applies to other embodiments.

[0097] In the frequency band where the first radiating conductor RC1 acts as a radiating conductor, the area composed of the first radiating conductor RC1, the third radiating conductor RC3, and the multiple insulating layers between them acts as a patch antenna for the first frequency band. In the frequency band where the second radiating conductor RC2 acts as a radiating conductor, the area composed of the second radiating conductor RC2, the ground conductor layer GL, and the multiple insulating layers between them acts as a patch antenna for the second frequency band. Furthermore, in the frequency band where the third radiating conductor RC3 acts as a radiating conductor, the area composed of the third radiating conductor RC3, the second radiating conductor RC2, and the multiple insulating layers between them acts as a patch antenna for the third frequency band.

[0098] In the example of antenna element 108, if the resonant frequency of radiating conductor RC1 is f1, the resonant frequency of radiating conductor RC2 is f2, and the resonant frequency of radiating conductor RC3 is f3, then the relationship is f1 > f3 > f2.

[0099] The antenna element 108 according to the eighth embodiment includes patch antennas that operate in three frequency bands, and can therefore be used in a wider frequency band.

[0100] 《Ninth Embodiment》 In the ninth embodiment, an antenna element is provided which has a ground conductor pattern along with a radiating conductor in the covering layer.

[0101] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 109A according to the ninth embodiment. In Figure 13, insulating layers L22, L21, L20, and L19 constitute the base layer. Insulating layers L18, L17, L16, ..., L9 constitute the inclined portion forming layer. And insulating layers L8, L7, L6, ..., L1 constitute the coating layer.

[0102] A radiating conductor RC1 is formed in the insulating layer L1, and a radiating conductor RC2 is formed in the insulating layer L6. Radiating conductor RC1 is formed on an inclined surface. Radiating conductor RC2 is formed continuously from the inclined portion to the flat portion. A ground conductor pattern GA is formed on the upper surface of insulating layer L4. This ground conductor pattern GA formed on insulating layer L4 consists of two strip-shaped conductor patterns that extend in the Y-axis direction along both sides of the radiating conductor RC2. These are shown in Figure 13 as symbols for the three orthogonal axes X, Y, and Z.

[0103] A power transmission line FL11 is formed on the upper surface of the insulating layer L8. A power transmission line FL21 is formed on the upper surface of the insulating layer L7.

[0104] In the frequency band in which the first radiating conductor RC1 acts as a radiating conductor, the area composed of the first radiating conductor RC1, the second radiating conductor RC2, and the multiple insulating layers between them acts as a patch antenna for the first frequency band. In the frequency band in which the second radiating conductor RC2 acts as a radiating conductor, the area composed of the second radiating conductor RC2, the ground conductor layer GL, and the multiple insulating layers between them acts as a patch antenna for the second frequency band.

[0105] The ground conductor pattern GA controls the directivity of the patch antenna for the first frequency band and the patch antenna for the second frequency band.

[0106] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of another antenna element 109B according to the ninth embodiment. The size and shape of the radiating conductors RC1 and RC2 differ from the example shown in Figure 13. Also, the position of the ground conductor pattern GA is different.

[0107] The radiating conductor RC2 of antenna element 109B is arranged continuously from the inclined portion to the flat portion of the coating layer. The ground conductor pattern GA is located along both sides of the radiating conductor RC2. The configuration of the other main parts is the same as that of antenna element 109A.

[0108] 《Tenth Embodiment》 In the tenth embodiment, an example is given of an antenna element in which the lamination range of the base layer and the coating layer appears in two locations in a predetermined cross-section.

[0109] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna element 110 according to the tenth embodiment. This antenna element 110 comprises an insulating layer and a conductive member located along or inside the insulating layer.

[0110] The insulating layer comprises base layers 21 and 22, a slope-forming layer 1, and covering layers 31 and 32 that cover the slope-forming layer 1 between the base layers 21 and 22.

[0111] Parts of the coating layers 31 and 32 are laminated together with parts of the base layers 21 and 22. A slope-forming layer 1 is laminated between the other parts of the base layers 21 and 22 and the other parts of the coating layers 31 and 32.

[0112] Unlike the antenna element 101A shown in Figure 1, the antenna element 110 has two overlapping layers of the base layer 21 and the coating layer 31, as shown in the cross-section in Figure 15. For example, the coating layers 31 and 32 cover the entire circumference of the inclined portion forming layer 1. The other configurations are the same as those of the antenna element 101A shown in Figure 1.

[0113] According to this embodiment, the strength of the laminate formed by the base layer, the inclined portion forming layer, and the coating layer can be increased.

[0114] 《Eleventh Embodiment》 In the eleventh embodiment, an antenna element having separate radiating conductors in different inclined sections is illustrated.

[0115] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 111A according to the 11th embodiment. In Figure 16, insulating layers L17, L16, L15, and L14 constitute the base layer. Insulating layers L13, L12, ..., L4 constitute the inclined portion forming layer. And insulating layers L3, L2, and L1 constitute the coating layer.

[0116] Radiating conductors RC11, RC12, and RC13 are formed on the upper surface of insulating layer L1. Radiating conductors RC21, RC22, and RC23 are formed on the upper surface of insulating layer L3. Ground conductor layer GL is formed on insulating layers L7 to L12. Various wiring patterns are formed on insulating layers L14 to L17 which constitute the base layer. Multiple terminal electrodes TE are formed on the lower surface of the laminate.

[0117] Note that in Figure 16 (at this cross-sectional location), no power transmission lines connecting to the power supply points of each radiating conductor are visible. Furthermore, no interlayer connecting conductors connecting multiple ground conductor layers GL are visible.

[0118] In the antenna element 109A, there are multiple inclined sections in the coating layer formed by the inclined section forming layer, and individual radiating conductors are formed in these multiple inclined sections. Multiple terminal electrodes TE are electrically connected to the feed transmission line and the ground conductor layer GL for each radiating conductor, respectively.

[0119] According to the antenna element 109A, since it has separate radiating conductors at different inclined sections, it is possible to radiate in multiple directions and directions, thereby expanding the communication range (direction).

[0120] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of another antenna element 111B according to the 11th embodiment. This antenna element 109B is the antenna element 111A shown in Figure 16, with mounting terminals provided.

[0121] In Figure 17, a resist film RF and solder balls SB are provided on the bottom surface of the laminate formed by stacking insulating layers L1 to L17. The other configurations are the same as those of antenna element 111A.

[0122] The antenna element 111B facilitates, for example, surface mounting to the main board.

[0123] According to this embodiment, since radiating conductors can be arranged along multiple inclined surfaces, more surfaces can be used as radiation sources, thereby widening the directional characteristics and increasing the degree of freedom.

[0124] The inclined surface along which the radiating conductors are aligned may be any of the four sides of a truncated square pyramid, for example. Furthermore, the top surface may be used in conjunction with the sides of the truncated square pyramid. In addition, the inclined surface may be a side of a pyramidal pyramid, including a truncated triangular pyramid.

[0125] Furthermore, although the above example suggested that the inclined surface must be flat, this is not the case; the inclined surface may also be curved.

[0126] Furthermore, in the above example, it was stated as if each inclined surface was rotationally symmetrical with respect to the stacking direction of the laminate as the central axis. That is, an example was described in which the original figure overlaps (matches) when rotated 360 / n degrees (where n is arbitrary). However, the inclined surface may be, for example, the shape of the side of a cone or a frustocone. It may also be the broken shape of a sphere or the shape of the side of an inverted bowl (Bowl Shape).

[0127] Furthermore, the value of n in the 360 / n degree rotation is 2, meaning the shape matches the original figure when rotated 180 degrees. For example, it may be a kamaboko shape.

[0128] 《Twelfth Embodiment》 In the twelfth embodiment, an example of an electronic device equipped with the antenna elements described above is provided.

[0129] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 301 according to the twelfth embodiment. Multiple terminal electrodes TE and a resist film RF are formed on the mounting surface of the main board MB. The antenna element 111B shown in Figure 17 is surface-mounted on this main board MB. That is, the solder ball SB formed on the mounting surface (bottom surface) of the antenna element 111B is soldered to the terminal electrodes TE on the mounting surface (top surface) of the main board.

[0130] Electronic circuits such as communication circuits and transmit / receive signal processing circuits for performing communication using the antenna element 111B are provided on the main board MB. Alternatively, these electronic circuits are formed in the base layer or the slope-forming layer.

[0131] According to this embodiment, communication with communication devices located in multiple directions and orientations can be performed simply by surface mounting the device onto a general-purpose circuit board. Furthermore, since it can be mounted on the main board, it facilitates the reduction of the profile of electronic devices.

[0132] 《Third Embodiment》 In the thirteenth embodiment, an example of an antenna module equipped with the antenna elements described above is provided.

[0133] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna module 201 according to the thirteenth embodiment. This antenna module 201 includes an antenna element 111A, a circuit component CC, and a connector CN. The antenna element 111A is the same as the antenna element 111A shown in Figure 16.

[0134] The circuit component CC has solder balls SB on its mounting surface (top surface) and is mounted on the antenna element 111A. Similarly, the connector CN has solder balls SB on its mounting surface (top surface) and is mounted on the antenna element 111A.

[0135] The circuit component CC is, for example, a SIP (system in a package) and processes the transmitted and received signals from the antenna element 111A. The connector CN is used to connect the antenna module 201 to another circuit board.

[0136] Other examples of circuit components CC include reactance elements for impedance matching between the power supply transmission line and the transmission line on the main board side, power amplification ICs for outputting transmission signals to the patch antenna, and signal amplification ICs for amplifying the received signals from the patch antenna.

[0137] According to this embodiment, the wiring length from circuit components such as SIPs to CCs can be shortened, resulting in less wiring loss. Therefore, it is particularly effective for circuits with high frequencies, such as those in the millimeter-wave band.

[0138] 《Fourteenth Embodiment》 In the fourteenth embodiment, an example is given of an antenna module equipped with a connector in the outlet portion.

[0139] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna module 202 according to the 14th embodiment. This antenna module 202 includes an antenna element having a lead-out portion DW and a connector CN connected to the lead-out portion DW of the antenna element.

[0140] The antenna element comprises insulating layers L17, L16, L15, and L14 as a base layer, insulating layers L13 to L4 as slope-forming layers, and insulating layers L3, L2, and L1 as covering layers. The conductive members formed in each of these layers are the same as those of the antenna element 111A shown in Figure 16.

[0141] The lead-out section DW consists of a mounting electrode ME on which the connector CN is mounted, and a transmission line that is electrically connected to this mounting electrode ME.

[0142] In the example shown in Figure 20, the draw-out portion DW is formed from a part of the base layer, but it may also be drawn from the inclined portion forming layer or the coating layer. Alternatively, the draw-out portion may be formed from an assembly of the base layer, inclined portion forming layer, and coating layer. For example, the draw-out portion may be formed from a composite of the base layer and the coating layer.

[0143] According to this embodiment, the cable can be easily bent at the pull-out section, making it easier to integrate into the enclosure of electronic devices. Furthermore, since wiring can be done three-dimensionally, connections can be made in the smallest possible area, for example, when connecting to the main board. In other words, the mounting area for the main board can be increased.

[0144] 《Fifth Embodiment》 In the fifteenth embodiment, an antenna element is described in which the laminated structure of the inclined portion forming layer and the coating layer covering the inclined portion forming layer differs from the examples shown so far.

[0145] The upper part of Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna 115A according to the 15th embodiment. The lower part of Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the base layer, the inclined portion forming layer, and the coating layer before pressurizing and heating.

[0146] In Figure 21, the insulating layer L5 constitutes the base layer. The insulating layers L2 and L4 constitute the slope-forming layers. The insulating layers L1 and L3 constitute the coating layers. The insulating layer L1 is the outer coating layer, and the insulating layer L3 is the inner coating layer. A radiating conductor RC is formed on the upper surface of the insulating layer L1.

[0147] As shown in the lower part of Figure 21, the left ends of the insulating layers L2 and L4 for the slope-forming layer are located to the right of the left ends of the insulating layer L5 for the base layer and the insulating layers L1 and L3 for the coating layer. Also, the left end of the insulating layer L2 for the slope-forming layer is located to the right of the left end of the insulating layer L4.

[0148] As shown in the lower part of Figure 21, the insulating layers L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5 are stacked and then pressurized and heated. As a result, as shown in the upper part of Figure 21, insulating layers L1 and L3 cover the ends of insulating layers L2 and L4, which are for forming the inclined section, and become inclined. Also, the boundaries of each insulating layer L1 to L5 are pressed together. A part of insulating layer L1 is pressed together with insulating layer L5. The left end of insulating layer L3 deforms so that it hangs down from the left end of insulating layer L4. Insulating layer L1 constitutes the outer layer of the coating layer, and the left end of insulating layer L3 constitutes the inner layer of the coating layer.

[0149] As shown in the upper part of Figure 21, the left end of the radiating conductor RC is located at the bend of the insulating layer L3 in the thickness direction of the insulating layer L1. As a result, insulating layers L1 and L3 exist as two covering layers between the corner of the insulating layer L4 and the end of the radiating conductor RC. The two arrows in the figure represent this positional relationship.

[0150] The general concept of the relationship between the insulating layers L1 and L3 for this covering layer and the left end of the radiating conductor RC can be expressed as follows.

[0151] (a) One end of the conductor member (the left end of the radial conductor RC) is located in the middle of the inclined section.

[0152] (b) The coating layer consists of an inner layer (the left end of the insulating layer L3) and an outer layer (insulating layer L1).

[0153] (c) The inner layer is partially present along the inclined portion.

[0154] (d) One end of the conductor member is located at the point where the inner layer and the outer layer overlap in the thickness direction (the point indicated by the two arrows).

[0155] Needless to say, Figure 21 shows the structure of the antenna element in cross-section, so the expression "edge" in this cross-sectional view refers to a part of the edge that includes straight or curved edges in three dimensions.

[0156] The phrase "located on the inclined section" can also be expressed as "located midway through the inclined section when traversing in the order of flat section - inclined section - flat section."

[0157] When the insulator layers are pressurized and heated in their stacked state, stress concentrates near the surface of the stacked insulator layers due to the ends of the radiating conductors RC. Later, in another embodiment, as shown in the comparative example, this stress may cause the surface of the stacked insulator layers to tear along the ends of the radiating conductors RC.

[0158] According to the structure of antenna 115A, even if stress concentrates near the surface of the stacked insulating layers due to the ends of the radiating conductor RC, the phenomenon of the stacked insulating layers tearing along the ends of the radiating conductor RC near the surface is suppressed.

[0159] The upper part of Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna 115B according to the 15th embodiment. The lower part of Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of the base layer, the inclined portion forming layer, and the coating layer before pressurizing and heating.

[0160] In Figure 22, insulating layer L5 constitutes the base layer. Insulating layers L3 and L4 constitute the slope-forming layers. Insulating layers L1 and L2 constitute the coating layers. Insulating layer L1 is the outer coating layer, and insulating layer L2 is the inner coating layer. A radiating conductor RC is formed on the upper surface of insulating layer L1.

[0161] The difference between antenna 115B and antenna 115A is the position of the left end of the radiating conductor RC, the position of the insulating layer for the covering layer, and the insulating layer for the inclined section forming layer.

[0162] In antenna 115B, the height of the left end of the radiating conductor RC is high, so accordingly, the insulating layer L2 for the covering layer is located higher than the insulating layer L3 for the inclined portion forming layer.

[0163] In antenna 115B, as shown in the upper part of Figure 22, the left end of the radiating conductor RC is located at the bend of the insulating layer L2 in the thickness direction of the insulating layer L1. As a result, insulating layers L1 and L2 exist as two covering layers between the corner of the insulating layer L3 and the end of the radiating conductor RC. The two arrows in the figure represent this positional relationship.

[0164] According to the structure of antenna 115B, even if stress concentrates near the surface of the stacked insulating layers due to the ends of the radiating conductor RC, the phenomenon of the stacked insulating layers tearing along the ends of the radiating conductor RC near the surface is suppressed.

[0165] The upper part of Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna 115C according to the 15th embodiment. The lower part of Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of the base layer, the inclined portion forming layer, and the coating layer before pressurizing and heating.

[0166] The number of insulating layers constituting antenna 115C is greater than the number of insulating layers in the antennas shown in Figures 21 and 22.

[0167] In Figure 23, insulating layers L8, L9, and L10 constitute the base layer. Insulating layers L2, L3, L4, L6, and L7 constitute the gradient forming layer. Insulating layers L1 and L5 constitute the coating layer. Insulating layer L1 is the outer coating layer, and insulating layer L5 is the inner coating layer. A radiating conductor RC is formed on the upper surface of insulating layer L1.

[0168] As shown in the lower part of Figure 23, the left ends of the insulating layers L2, L3, L4, and L6 for the slope-forming layer are located to the right of the left ends of the insulating layers L8, L9, and L10 for the base layer and the insulating layer L5 for the coating layer. Also, as shown in the upper part of Figure 23, the left end of the insulating layer L5 for the slope-forming layer is located to the right of the left end of the insulating layer L7 below it.

[0169] In antenna 115C, as shown in the upper part of Figure 23, the left end of the radiating conductor RC is located at the bend of the insulating layer L5 in the thickness direction of the insulating layer L1. As a result, insulating layers L1 and L5 exist as two covering layers between the corner of the insulating layer L6 and the end of the radiating conductor RC. The two arrows in the figure represent this positional relationship.

[0170] According to the structure of antenna 115C, even if stress is concentrated near the surface of the stacked insulating layers due to the ends of the radiating conductor RC, the phenomenon of the stacked insulating layers tearing along the ends of the radiating conductor RC near the surface is suppressed.

[0171] Here, the effects and advantages of this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 24, 25, and 26, which are comparative examples.

[0172] The upper part of Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna as a comparative example, and the lower part of Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view of the base layer, inclined layer, and coating layer of that antenna before pressurization and heating.

[0173] In the antenna shown in Figure 24, insulating layers L8, L9, and L10 constitute the base layer. Insulating layers L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, and L7 constitute the slope-forming layer. Insulating layer L1 constitutes the coating layer. A radiating conductor RC is formed on the upper surface of insulating layer L1.

[0174] As shown in the lower part of Figure 24, the insulating layers are stacked and then pressurized and heated. As a result, as shown in the upper part of Figure 24, insulating layer L1 covers the edges of insulating layers L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, and L7, which are for forming the inclined section, and becomes inclined. In addition, the boundaries of each insulating layer are pressed together.

[0175] As shown in the upper part of Figure 24, the corners of the insulating layers L5, L6, and L7 are not crushed, but in areas without radiating conductors RC, insulating layer L1 takes on a gently wavy shape according to the shape of these corners. Therefore, if the left end of the radiating conductor RC is indented, the resistance in that area will decrease. Furthermore, this indentation may cause the antenna characteristics of the radiating conductor RC to not be as intended by the design.

[0176] The upper part of Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna as another comparative example, and the lower part of Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view of the base layer, inclined layer, and coating layer of that antenna before pressurization and heating.

[0177] In this comparative example, the insulating layer L5 is intentionally designed to be longer than the insulating layer L4. This suppresses the indentation at the left end of the radiating conductor RC, as shown in the upper part of Figure 25. However, this increases the overall dimensions of the laminated insulating layers in the left-right direction in the figure.

[0178] Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view of another comparative example antenna. In this example, insulating layers L1 and L2 are used as insulating layers for covering, and insulating layers L3, L4, L5, L6, and L7 are used as insulating layers for forming the inclined portion. In other words, the number of insulating layers for covering is two.

[0179] Thus, by reducing the number of insulating layers for the slope-forming layer and increasing the number of insulating layers as the covering layer, the problems of the indentation at the left end of the radiating conductor RC and the undulation in areas where there is no radiating conductor RC are resolved. However, the thickness at the point with the fewest number of insulating layers becomes thicker. Also, by reducing the number of layers in the slope-forming layer, the area for forming the wiring conductor pattern in this slope-forming layer becomes smaller, which negatively affects the routing of transmission lines to the ground conductor layer and the radiating conductor RC. Even if the number of insulating layers L8, L9, and L10 for the base layer is reduced in order to thin the "thickness at the point with the fewest number of insulating layers," it still negatively affects the routing of transmission lines to the ground conductor layer and the radiating conductor RC.

[0180] 《16th Embodiment》 In the 16th embodiment, an example is given of an antenna element in which multiple conductive layers exist in an insulating layer as a covering layer.

[0181] The upper part of Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna 116 according to the 16th embodiment. The lower part of Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view of the base layer, the inclined portion forming layer, and the coating layer before pressurizing and heating.

[0182] In Figure 27, insulating layers L9, L10, and L11 constitute the base layer. Insulating layers L2, L4, L6, and L8 constitute the slope-forming layer. Insulating layers L1, L3, L5, and L7 constitute the coating layer. Insulating layer L1 is the outer coating layer, and insulating layers L3, L5, and L7 are the inner coating layers. A first radiating conductor RC1, a second radiating conductor RC2, and a third radiating conductor RC3 are formed on the upper surface of insulating layer L1.

[0183] As shown in the lower part of Figure 27, the left ends of the insulating layers L4, L6, and L8 for forming the inclined section are located to the right of the left ends of the insulating layers L3, L5, and L7 for forming the coating layer.

[0184] In antenna 116, as shown in the upper part of Figure 27, the left end of the first radiating conductor RC1 is located at the bend of the insulating layer L3 in the thickness direction of the insulating layer L1. As a result, insulating layers L1 and L3 exist as two covering layers between the corner of insulating layer L4 and the end of the radiating conductor RC1. The second radiating conductor RC2 is located at the bend of the insulating layer L5 in the thickness direction of the insulating layer L1. As a result, insulating layers L1 and L5 exist as two covering layers between the corner of insulating layer L6 and the second radiating conductor RC2. The third radiating conductor RC3 is located at the bend of the insulating layer L7 in the thickness direction of the insulating layer L1. As a result, insulating layers L1 and L7 exist as two covering layers between the corner of insulating layer L8 and the third radiating conductor RC3.

[0185] According to the structure of the antenna 116, even if stress is concentrated near the surface of the stacked insulating layers due to the ends of the first radiating conductor RC1, the second radiating conductor RC2, and the third radiating conductor RC3, the phenomenon of the stacked insulating layers cracking along the ends of the first radiating conductor RC1, the second radiating conductor RC2, and the third radiating conductor RC3 is suppressed.

[0186] 《Embodiment 17》 In the seventeenth embodiment, an antenna element is provided that has multiple conductive layers in an insulating layer serving as a covering layer. Furthermore, an antenna element is provided that has an inner covering layer that is continuous with the locations where multiple conductive members overlap in the thickness direction of the covering layer.

[0187] The upper part of Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna 117 according to the 17th embodiment. The lower part of Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view of the base layer, the inclined portion forming layer, and the coating layer before pressurizing and heating.

[0188] In Figure 28, insulating layers L8, L9, and L10 constitute the base layer. Insulating layers L2, L3, L5, L6, and L7 constitute the slope-forming layer. Insulating layers L1 and L4 constitute the coating layer. Insulating layer L1 is the outer coating layer, and insulating layer L4 is the inner coating layer. A first radiating conductor RC1 and a second radiating conductor RC2 are formed on the upper surface of insulating layer L1.

[0189] As shown in the lower part of Figure 28, the left end of the insulating layers L5 and L6 for forming the inclined section is located to the right of the left end of the insulating layer L4 for forming the coating layer.

[0190] In antenna 117, as shown in the upper part of Figure 28, the left end of the first radiating conductor RC1 has two insulating layers L1 and L4 between the corner of the insulating layer L5 and the end of the first radiating conductor RC1. Similarly, the second radiating conductor RC2 has two insulating layers L1 and L4 between the corner of the insulating layer L6 and the second radiating conductor RC2. As a result, with the structure of antenna 117, even if stress concentrates near the surface of the stacked insulating layers due to the end of the first radiating conductor RC1 or the second radiating conductor RC2, the phenomenon of the stacked insulating layers tearing along the end of the first radiating conductor RC1 or the second radiating conductor RC2 is suppressed. Thus, the inner layers of the coating layer may be continuous at locations where one end of multiple conductor members overlaps in the thickness direction of the coating layer.

[0191] Various embodiments of the present invention have been presented so far, but these are all examples, and these presentations are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention can be omitted, replaced, or modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. Embodiments with such omissions, replacements, or modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the present invention, as well as in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims of this application.

[0192] For example, although patch antennas are illustrated in each embodiment, a plate-shaped inverted F antenna (PIFA) can be configured similarly. Furthermore, the radiating conductor pattern is not limited to a planar pattern, but may be linear. Moreover, the linear shape may be, for example, spiral or meander line.

[0193] Furthermore, in each embodiment, both laminates with rounded and non-rounded portions of the insulator layer are shown. However, the non-rounded laminates are shown for ease of understanding of the structure, and normally some degree of rounding is formed. However, the presence or absence of rounding in these curved portions is not directly related to the scope of the present invention.

[0194] In each embodiment, an antenna element was shown in which the conductive member formed on the inclined portion is a radiating conductor; however, the conductive layer formed on the inclined portion is not limited to a radiating conductor.

[0195] CC...Circuit component CN...Connector DW...Outlet FL, FL1, FL2, FL21, FL22...Power supply transmission line FP11, FP12, FP21, FP22...Power supply point GA...Ground conductor pattern GL...Ground conductor layer L1-L22...Insulator layer La, Lb, Lc, Ld, Le, Lf...Insulator layer MB...Main board ME...Mounted electrode PE...Pad electrode RC...Radiating conductor RC1...First radiating conductor RC2...Second radiating conductor RC3...Third radiating conductor RC11, RC12, RC13...Radiating conductor RC21, RC22, RC23...Radiating conductor RF...Resist film SB...Solder ball TE, TE1, TE2...Terminal electrode TE11, TE12, TE21, TE22... Terminal electrodes V... Interlayer connecting conductor WP... Wiring pattern 1... Inclined section forming layer 20, 21, 22... Base layer 30, 31, 32... Covering layer 101A, 101B, 102, 103A, 103B, 104, 105A, 105B, 106, 107A, 107B, 107C, 108, 109A, 109B... Antenna element 201... Antenna module 301... Electronic equipment

Claims

1. An antenna element comprising an insulating layer and a conductor member located along the insulating layer or located inside the insulating layer, wherein the insulating layer comprises a slope-forming layer that forms a slope, a base layer and a covering layer that covers the slope-forming layer between itself and the base layer, a part of the covering layer is laminated on a part of the base layer, the slope-forming layer is laminated between the other part of the base layer and the other part of the covering layer, a part of the conductor member is a radiating conductor formed in the covering layer that covers the slope-forming layer, and a part of the conductor member is a power supply transmission line formed in a layer of the covering layer different from the radiating conductor and conducting to the radiating conductor.

2. The antenna element according to claim 1, wherein at least one end of the conductor member is located on the inclined portion, the covering layer has an inner layer and an outer layer, the inner layer is partially present along the inclined portion, and the conductor member is located at a point where the inner layer and the outer layer overlap in the thickness direction.

3. The antenna element according to claim 1, wherein the conductor members are located at multiple locations in the inclined portion, the coating layer has an inner layer and an outer layer, and the inner layer is continuous at locations where the multiple conductor members overlap in the thickness direction of the coating layer.

4. The antenna element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inclined portion forming layer is composed of a plurality of the insulating layers stacked, and the shape of the inclined portion is determined according to the distribution of the number of stacked insulating layers.

5. The antenna element according to claim 4, wherein a part of the conductor member is a power transmission line formed in a plurality of the insulator layers of the inclined portion forming layer and conducts to the radiating conductor.

6. The antenna element according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a part of the conductor member is a ground conductor layer formed in a plurality of the insulator layers of the inclined portion forming layer.

7. The antenna element according to claim 6, wherein the direction of alignment of the edges of the ground conductor layer formed in the inclined portion forming layer is inclined at an angle of less than 90° with respect to the base layer.

8. The antenna element according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the covering layer covering the inclined portion forming layer is non-parallel to the base layer, and the radiating conductor is inclined at an angle of less than 90° with respect to the base layer.

9. The antenna element according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the dielectric constant of the coating layer is higher than the dielectric constant of the inclined portion forming layer.

10. The antenna element according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein there are multiple radiating conductors, and the multiple radiating conductors are formed in different layers in the lamination direction of the coating layer.

11. The antenna element according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the insulating layer has a flat portion, and the radiating conductor is arranged continuously from the inclined portion of the coating layer formed by the inclined portion forming layer to the flat portion.

12. The antenna element according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein there are multiple inclined portions in the coating layer formed by the inclined portion forming layer, and individual radiating conductors are formed in these multiple inclined portions.

13. The antenna element according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the lower surface of the base layer is provided with terminal electrodes that conduct to the power supply transmission line.

14. The antenna element according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the base layer or the coating layer includes a pull-out portion that is partially pulled outward in the layer direction from the inclined portion forming layer.

15. An antenna module comprising an antenna element according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and a circuit component mounted on the lower surface of the base layer.

16. An antenna module comprising the antenna element described in claim 14 and a connector connected to the lead portion of the antenna element, wherein the lead portion is provided with mounting electrodes for mounting the connector.

17. An electronic device comprising an antenna element according to any one of claims 1 to 14, and an electronic circuit connected to the antenna element.

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