Electronic device and housing

Abstract

This electronic device comprises an antenna that transmits or receives radio waves, and a housing that accommodates at least a portion of the antenna therein. The housing is provided with a lens that at least partially refracts radio waves transmitted or received by the antenna. The lens has a first surface facing the outside of the housing and a second surface facing the inside of the housing. The first surface is formed to include a planar shape, and the second surface is formed to include a convex shape.

Description

Electronic device and housing Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims the priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-229496 filed in Japan on December 25, 2024, and incorporates the entire disclosure of the previous application herein for reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates to an electronic device and a housing.

[0003] For example, in the field of industries related to automobiles, technologies for measuring the distance between a host vehicle and a predetermined object are highly regarded. In particular, in recent years, technologies for radars (RADAR (Radio Detecting and Ranging)) that measure the distance to an object by transmitting radio waves such as millimeter waves and receiving reflected waves reflected by an object such as an obstacle have been variously studied. The importance of such technologies for measuring distances and the like is expected to increase further in the future with the development of technologies for assisting a driver's driving and technologies related to autonomous driving that automate part or all of the driving.

[0004] Also, technologies for performing various sensings by using an antenna device that transmits and / or receives radio waves as a sensor have been studied. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a configuration in which an in-vehicle lens antenna is arranged in a space behind a vehicle bumper. Thus, a technology for mounting an antenna device on a moving body such as an automobile and measuring the distance between the host vehicle and an oncoming vehicle or other approaching object is known.

[0005] Further, for example, a technology for using an antenna device to monitor vital signs such as a driver or a passenger in a vehicle has also been proposed. In recent years, with the miniaturization and cost reduction of sensors equipped with antennas, the demand for mounting on devices other than automobiles has also increased. For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a radio wave sensor provided with a lens that enables space saving.

[0006] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-142913 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-193235

[0007] An electronic device according to one embodiment comprises an antenna for transmitting or receiving radio waves, and a housing that houses at least a portion of the antenna inside. The housing includes a lens that at least partially refracts the radio waves transmitted or received by the antenna. The lens has a first surface facing outward from the housing and a second surface facing inward from the housing, the first surface being formed to include a planar shape, and the second surface being formed to include a convex shape.

[0008] A housing according to one embodiment is a housing that houses at least a part of an antenna for transmitting or receiving radio waves, and comprises a lens that at least partially refracts the radio waves transmitted or received by the antenna. The lens has a first surface facing outward from the housing and a second surface facing inward from the housing, the first surface being formed to include a planar shape and the second surface being formed to include a convex shape.

[0009] Figure 4A shows the configuration of the external appearance of an electronic device (third example) according to one embodiment, viewed from the front. Figure 5A shows the configuration of the antenna substrate built into the electronic device (third example) according to one embodiment. Figure 6A shows the configuration of the external appearance of an electronic device (third example) according to one embodiment. Figure 7A shows the configuration of the external appearance of an electronic device (third example) according to one embodiment. Figure 8A shows the configuration of the antenna substrate built into the electronic device (third example) according to one embodiment. Figure 8A shows the positional relationship between the lens and the antenna element in an electronic device (first example) according to one embodiment. Figure 9A shows the simulation results of the configuration (sixth example) shown. This figure shows the positional relationship between the lens and the antenna element in an electronic device according to one embodiment (7th example). This figure shows the simulation results for the configuration shown in Figure 10A (7th example). This figure shows the positional relationship between the lens and the antenna element in an electronic device according to one embodiment (8th example). This figure shows the simulation results for the configuration shown in Figure 11A (8th example). This figure shows the positional relationship between the lens and the antenna element in an electronic device according to one embodiment (9th example). This figure shows the simulation results for the configuration shown in Figure 12A (9th example). This figure shows the positional relationship between the lens and the antenna element in an electronic device according to one embodiment (10th example). This figure shows the simulation results for the configuration shown in Figure 13A (10th example). This figure shows an example of how the electronic device according to one embodiment is used. This figure shows an example of how the electronic device according to one embodiment is used.

[0010] Generally, in electronic devices that transmit or receive radio waves, it is desirable to increase the gain of the antenna while miniaturizing the main body and / or housing of the electronic device. This disclosure relates to an electronic device and housing that achieve miniaturization while increasing the gain of the antenna that transmits or receives radio waves. According to one embodiment, it is possible to provide an electronic device and housing that achieve miniaturization while increasing the gain of the antenna that transmits or receives radio waves.

[0011] In this disclosure, “electronic device” may mean an electrical device. “User” may mean a person (typically a human) or an animal using an electronic device and / or a system including such electronic device according to one embodiment. A user may also include a person who uses the electronic device according to one embodiment to monitor a subject such as a human. “Subject” may mean a person (a subject of monitoring, e.g., a human or an animal) who is monitored by the electronic device according to one embodiment. Furthermore, a user may include a subject.

[0012] An electronic device according to one embodiment can be mounted on a moving object, such as an automobile, to detect various types of information, such as the distance to any object in the vicinity of the moving object. Therefore, an electronic device according to one embodiment may be mounted on a moving object, such as an automobile. On the other hand, an electronic device according to one embodiment can also be attached to a stationary object that does not move, to detect various types of information, such as the distance to any object in the vicinity of the stationary object.

[0013] An electronic device according to one embodiment can transmit a wave to the surrounding area from a transmitting antenna. Furthermore, the electronic device according to one embodiment can receive reflected waves, which are the transmitted waves reflected by an object or the like, from a receiving antenna. At least one of the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna may be provided on the electronic device, or, for example, on a radar sensor.

[0014] An electronic device according to one embodiment can also detect biometric information, such as vital signs, of objects such as people present in the vicinity of the electronic device. Therefore, the electronic device according to one embodiment may be used in specific facilities used by people engaged in social activities, such as companies, hospitals, nursing homes, schools, gyms, and care facilities. The electronic device according to one embodiment may be used in any facility where it is desirable to understand and / or manage the health status of an object, and is not limited to the above-mentioned facilities such as companies, hospitals, and nursing homes. Any facility may include non-commercial facilities such as the user's home. Furthermore, the electronic device according to one embodiment may be used outdoors, not just indoors. For example, the electronic device according to one embodiment may be used inside moving vehicles such as trains, buses, and airplanes, as well as at stations and platforms. Furthermore, the electronic device according to one embodiment may be used in moving vehicles such as automobiles, aircraft, or ships, hotels, the user's home, the living room, bathroom, toilet, or bedroom at home. Furthermore, the electronic device according to one embodiment may be used to measure the vital signs of cattle, pigs, or other livestock or animals in zoos, ranches, or farms. The electronic device according to one embodiment may also be used as a diagnostic device for building materials or equipment in buildings. When the electronic device according to one embodiment is used as a diagnostic device for building materials or equipment such as escalators or elevators inside a building, the millimeter-wave sensor may need to be small and highly directional due to the need to place it in a narrow, open space within the building material or equipment.

[0015] Hereinafter, an electronic device according to one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] Figure 1 shows the external appearance of an electronic device according to one embodiment. Figure 1 shows the external appearance of the electronic device according to one embodiment in a front view. Figure 2 shows a cross-section of the electronic device shown in Figure 1. Figures 1 and 2 show an electronic device equipped with a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna that functions as a sensor according to one embodiment. Hereinafter, descriptions of the electronic device according to one embodiment that are the same as or similar to those of conventionally known sensors equipped with antennas may be simplified or omitted as appropriate.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment may have a housing 10 in its external appearance. The housing 10 may define the external shape of the electronic device 1. The housing 10 may be made of, for example, a resin such as plastic, or a metal. The housing 10 may also have the function of protecting at least a part of the components housed inside the electronic device 1. In particular, the housing 10 may be configured to cover at least a part of at least one of the transmitting antenna 50 and the receiving antenna 60, which will be described later. At least a part of the housing 10 may function as a radome. At least a part of the radome portion may be made of a material that transmits the transmitted waves transmitted from the electronic device 1 and transmits the received waves (reflected waves) received by the electronic device 100.

[0018] The housing 10 shown in Figure 1 is shown as an example with a shape based on a nearly rectangular shape. However, the housing 10 of the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment is not limited to the shape shown in Figure 1, and may be of various shapes such as disc-shaped, elliptical, or triangular, depending on functional requirements and / or design requirements.

[0019] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the housing 10 of the electronic device 1 may have a first surface 11. The first surface 11 of the housing 10 may be the surface facing the positive direction of the Z-axis as shown in Figure 1. The electronic device 1 shown in Figure 1 may transmit radio waves on the positive direction of the Z-axis and receive radio waves from the negative direction of the Z-axis.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, the first surface 11 of the housing 10 may be provided with lenses 20 and 30. As will be described later, lens 20 may be a lens corresponding to a transmitting antenna, and lens 30 may be a lens corresponding to a receiving antenna. In the electronic device 1 shown in Figure 1, lenses 20 and 30 are arranged substantially parallel to the X-axis. In one embodiment, lenses 20 and 30 do not have to be arranged substantially parallel to the X-axis. For example, lenses 20 and 30 may be arranged substantially parallel to the Y-axis, or they may be arranged in directions different from the X-axis and Y-axis. Also, although the electronic device 1 shown in Figure 1 is provided with two lenses, lenses 20 and 30, in one embodiment, it may be provided with one lens, or with three or more lenses.

[0021] Figure 2 shows the electronic device 1 shown in Figure 1 cut in a cross-section that includes lenses 20 and 30. That is, Figure 2 may be a diagram showing the electronic device 1 shown in Figure 1 cut in a cross-section parallel to the X-axis and including lenses 20 and 30.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment includes a housing 10. As shown in Figure 2, the first surface 11 of the housing 10 may be the surface facing the positive Z-axis direction of the housing 10. The second surface 12 of the housing 10 may be the surface facing the negative Z-axis direction of the housing 10. That is, the second surface 12 of the housing 10 may be the surface opposite to the first surface 11 of the housing 10. As shown in Figure 2, the housing 10 may include lenses 20 and 30.

[0023] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the electronic device 1 may include an antenna board 40, a transmitting antenna 50, and a receiving antenna 60. Figure 3 is an enlarged view showing only the antenna board 40 on which the transmitting antenna 50 and the receiving antenna 60 are arranged.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, the transmitting antenna 50 and the receiving antenna 60 may be arranged on the antenna substrate 40. The transmitting antenna 50 and the receiving antenna 60 may each be antenna elements that are fed by a feed line. The transmitting antenna 50 and / or the receiving antenna 60 may each radiate radio waves in a direction that includes the positive Z-axis direction as shown in Figure 3. The antenna substrate 40 may be a general substrate on which antenna elements are arranged.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the antenna board 40 may be placed on the circuit board 70. The circuit board 70 may be a general-purpose board on which various electronic components are placed.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the connector 80 may be connected to the antenna board 40. The connector 80 may be configured to include terminals for connecting the antenna board 40 to other electronic components.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment may include other components as needed, such as the bottom surface of the housing 10 and a member that joins the bottom surface to the main body. Furthermore, the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment may not include at least a part of the functional components shown in Figure 2, and may include other functional components other than those shown in Figures 1 and 2. Also, the electronic device 1 shown in Figure 2 has a gap between the second surface 12 of the housing 10 and the circuit board 70, and also has a gap between the circuit board 70 and the bottom surface. However, the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment may have other shapes or configurations as appropriate. Furthermore, in the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment, at least one dielectric material other than air may be inserted in part or all of the space between the second surface 12 of the housing 10 and the circuit board 70.

[0028] As described above, the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment may include a housing 10 and a transmitting antenna 50 that transmits radio waves and / or a receiving antenna 60 that receives radio waves. The housing 10 may be configured to house at least a part of at least one of the transmitting antenna 50 and the receiving antenna 60 inside. The housing 10 may also include a lens 20 and / or a lens 30. The lens 20 may be configured to at least partially refract the radio waves transmitted by the transmitting antenna 50. The lens 30 may be configured to at least partially refract the radio waves received by the receiving antenna 60.

[0029] Lens 20 and / or lens 30 may be, for example, dielectric lenses. The material of lens 20 and / or lens 30 may be, for example, a resin. More specifically, the material of lens 20 and / or lens 30 may include at least one of the following: ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) resin, COP (Cyclo-olefin Polymer) resin, polyphenylene ether resin, polypropylene resin, polyethylene resin, polyolefin resin, or acrylic resin. Lens 20 and / or lens 30 may be manufactured, for example, by mold molding, or by 3D printing using an inkjet method or stereolithography. The resin used as the material for lens 20 and / or lens 30 may be, for example, a natural resin or a synthetic resin. The synthetic resin may be either a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin. The material of lens 20 and / or lens 30 may be, for example, glass.

[0030] Next, the size and arrangement of the components constituting the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment will be further described.

[0031] The applicant conducted simulations of the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment, varying the size of the lens 20 and the distance from the lens 20 to the transmitting antenna 50. As a result, it was confirmed that in order for the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment to achieve miniaturization while increasing the gain of the antenna that transmits or receives radio waves, it is desirable to satisfy certain conditions. Therefore, the relationship between the effective diameter of the lens 20 and / or lens 30 and the distance from the surface of the lens 20 and / or lens 30 to the antenna element will be further explained below in the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment. The following explanation will mainly focus on the lens 20, but the same discussion applies to the lens 30. In all of the following simulations, it was assumed that an air layer was inserted between the surface of the lens 20 and / or lens 30 and the antenna element.

[0032] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram showing the size and arrangement of the main components in an electronic device 1 (first example) according to one embodiment. Figure 4A shows only the lens 20 and the transmitting antenna 50 of the electronic device 1 shown in Figure 2.

[0033] As shown in Figure 4A, the lens 20 may have a first surface 21 and a second surface 22. Here, the first surface 21 (plane) of the lens 20 may be a surface facing the positive Z-axis direction. As shown in Figures 4A and 2, the first surface 21 (plane) of the lens 20 may be a surface facing outwards from the housing 10. The second surface 22 (convex) of the lens 20 may be a surface facing inwards from the Z-axis direction. As shown in Figure 4A, the second surface 22 of the lens 20 may be a convex surface in the negative Z-axis direction. As shown in Figures 4A and 2, the second surface 22 (convex) of the lens 20 may be a surface facing inwards from the housing 10.

[0034] Hereinafter, as shown in Figure 4A, the effective diameter of the lens 20 is denoted as Φ. The distance from the first surface 21 of the lens 20 to the radiating element of the transmitting antenna 50 is denoted as TL. Furthermore, the wavelength of the maximum frequency in the radio wave band transmitted by the transmitting antenna 50 is denoted as λ.

[0035] In the configuration shown in Figure 4A (first example), Φ = 11.00 mm and TL = 8.80 mm. Also, in the configuration shown in Figure 4A (first example), the maximum frequency of the radio wave band transmitted by the transmitting antenna 50 was set to 64 GHz, and its wavelength was set to λ = 4.69 mm.

[0036] Figure 4B shows the results of a gain simulation performed with the configuration shown in Figure 4A (first example). Figure 4B shows an example of the simulation results of the directivity characteristics of the XZ plane using the configuration shown in Figure 4A (first example). Here, an electromagnetic field analysis simulation using the finite element method was performed on the XZ plane with the effective diameter Φ of the dielectric lens (lens 20) as the reference.

[0037] In the graph shown in Figure 4B, the horizontal axis represents the angle [°] from the positive Z-axis in the XZ plane, and the vertical axis represents the gain [dB] for each angle. Also, in the graph shown in Figure 4B, the simulation results with lens 20 are shown with a solid line, and the simulation results without lens 20 are shown with a dashed line. In the first example shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the simulation results obtained were (Φ / λ) = 2.35 and (TL / Φ) = 0.80.

[0038] As shown in Figures 2 and 4A, the lens 20 may be configured to have a first surface 21 facing outwards from the housing 10 and a second surface 22 facing inwards from the housing 10. In this case, as shown in Figure 4A, the first surface 21 of the lens 20 may be formed to include a planar shape. Also, as shown in Figure 4A, the second surface 22 of the lens 20 may be formed to include a convex shape. Similarly, the lens 30 may be configured to have a first surface 31 facing outwards from the housing 10 and a second surface 32 facing inwards from the housing 10. Here, the first surface 31 of the lens 30 may be formed to include a planar shape. Also, the second surface 23 of the lens 30 may be formed to include a convex shape.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4A, in one embodiment, the second surface 22 of the lens 20 may be the surface opposite to the first surface 21 of the lens 20. Similarly, the second surface 32 of the lens 30 may be the surface opposite to the first surface 31 of the lens 30. Also, as shown in Figures 2 and 4A, in one embodiment, the second surface 22 of the lens 20 may include a convex curved surface facing the radiating element of the transmitting antenna 50. Similarly, the second surface 32 of the lens 30 may include a convex curved surface facing the radiating element of the receiving antenna 60.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 4A, in one embodiment, the first surface 21 of the lens 20 may be formed flush with the outer surface of the housing 10. Similarly, the first surface 31 of the lens 30 may be formed flush with the outer surface of the housing 10. Also, as shown in Figures 2 and 4A, in one embodiment, the lens 20 may be formed integrally with the housing 10. Similarly, the lens 30 may be formed integrally with the housing 10. In one embodiment, at least one of the lens 20 and the lens 30 may be formed as a separate component from the housing 10.

[0041] Hereinafter, following the first example of an electronic device 1 according to one embodiment, examples 2 to 10 of the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment will be shown. In the following description, explanations that are the same as or similar to those in Figure 4A and / or Figure 4B may be simplified or omitted as appropriate.

[0042] Figure 5A shows the lens 20 and the transmitting antenna 50, and their positional relationship, in an electronic device 1 (second example) according to one embodiment.

[0043] In the configuration shown in Figure 5A (second example), Φ = 11.50 mm and TL = 7.00 mm. Also in the configuration shown in Figure 5A (second example), the maximum frequency of the radio wave band transmitted by the transmitting antenna 50 is 64 GHz, and its wavelength is λ = 4.69 mm. Furthermore, in the configuration shown in Figure 5A (second example), the second surface 22 (convex surface) of the lens 20 includes a Fresnel lens.

[0044] FIG. 5B is a diagram showing the result of gain simulation in the configuration (second example) shown in FIG. 5A. FIG. 5B shows an example of the result of simulating the directivity characteristics in the XZ plane according to the configuration (second example) shown in FIG. 5A. In the second example shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, simulation results of (Φ / λ) = 2.45 and (TL / Φ) = 0.61 were obtained.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 4A, in one embodiment, the second surface 22 of the lens 20 may include the shape of a spherical lens. Similarly, in one embodiment, the second surface 23 of the lens 30 may include the shape of a spherical lens. Also, as shown in FIG. 5A, in one embodiment, the second surface 22 of the lens 20 may include the shape of a Fresnel lens. Similarly, in one embodiment, the second surface 23 of the lens 30 may include the shape of a Fresnel lens. Further, in one embodiment, the second surface 22 of the lens 20 may include the shape of an aspherical lens. Similarly, in one embodiment, the second surface 23 of the lens 30 may include the shape of an aspherical lens.

[0046] FIG. 6A is a diagram showing the lens 20 and the transmission antenna 50 in the electronic device 1 (third example) according to one embodiment, and their positional relationship.

[0047] In the configuration (third example) shown in FIG. 6A, Φ = 3.50 mm and TL = 3.00 mm were set. Also, in the configuration (third example) shown in FIG. 6A, the maximum frequency of the radio wave band transmitted by the transmission antenna 50 was set to 64 GHz, and its wavelength was set to λ = 4.69 mm.

[0048] FIG. 6B is a diagram showing the result of gain simulation in the configuration (third example) shown in FIG. 6A. FIG. 6B shows an example of the result of simulating the directivity characteristics in the XZ plane according to the configuration (third example) shown in FIG. 6A. In the third example shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, simulation results of (Φ / λ) = 0.75 and (TL / Φ) = 0.86 were obtained.

[0049] FIG. 7A is a diagram showing the lens 20 and the transmission antenna 50 in the electronic device 1 (fourth example) according to one embodiment, and their positional relationship.

[0050] In the configuration shown in Figure 7A (fourth example), Φ = 5.50 mm and TL = 8.80 mm. Also, in the configuration shown in Figure 7A (fourth example), the maximum frequency of the radio wave band transmitted by the transmitting antenna 50 was set to 64 GHz, and its wavelength was set to λ = 4.69 mm.

[0051] Figure 7B shows the results of a gain simulation for the configuration shown in Figure 7A (fourth example). Figure 7B shows an example of the simulation results of the directivity characteristics in the XZ plane using the configuration shown in Figure 7A (fourth example). In the fourth example shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the simulation results obtained were (Φ / λ) = 1.17 and (TL / Φ) = 1.60.

[0052] Figure 8A shows the lens 20 and the transmitting antenna 50, and their positional relationship, in an electronic device 1 (fifth example) according to one embodiment.

[0053] In the configuration shown in Figure 8A (Fifth Example), Φ = 11.60 mm and TL = 6.70 mm. Also, in the configuration shown in Figure 8A (Fifth Example), the maximum frequency of the radio wave band transmitted by the transmitting antenna 50 was set to 64 GHz, and its wavelength was set to λ = 4.69 mm.

[0054] Figure 8B shows the results of a gain simulation for the configuration shown in Figure 8A (Fifth Example). Figure 8B shows an example of the simulation results of the directivity characteristics in the XZ plane using the configuration shown in Figure 8A (Fifth Example). In the fifth example shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the simulation results obtained were (Φ / λ) = 2.47 and (TL / Φ) = 0.58.

[0055] Figure 9A shows the lens 20 and the transmitting antenna 50, and their positional relationship, in an electronic device 1 (sixth example) according to one embodiment.

[0056] In the configuration shown in Figure 9A (sixth example), Φ = 7.70 mm and TL = 4.50 mm. Also, in the configuration shown in Figure 9A (sixth example), the maximum frequency of the radio wave band transmitted by the transmitting antenna 50 was set to 64 GHz, and its wavelength was set to λ = 4.69 mm.

[0057] Figure 9B shows the results of a gain simulation for the configuration shown in Figure 9A (sixth example). Figure 9B shows an example of the simulation results of the directivity characteristics in the XZ plane using the configuration shown in Figure 9A (sixth example). In the sixth example shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the simulation results obtained were (Φ / λ) = 1.64 and (TL / Φ) = 0.58.

[0058] Figure 10A is a diagram showing the lens 20 and the transmitting antenna 50, and their positional relationship, in an electronic device 1 (seventh example) according to one embodiment.

[0059] In the configuration shown in Figure 10A (Seventh Example), Φ = 5.50 mm and TL = 3.20 mm. Also, in the configuration shown in Figure 10A (Seventh Example), the maximum frequency of the radio wave band transmitted by the transmitting antenna 50 was set to 64 GHz, and its wavelength was set to λ = 4.69 mm.

[0060] Figure 10B shows the results of a gain simulation for the configuration shown in Figure 10A (Seventh Example). Figure 10B shows an example of the simulation results of the directivity characteristics in the XZ plane using the configuration shown in Figure 10A (Seventh Example). In the Seventh Example shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the simulation results obtained were (Φ / λ) = 1.17 and (TL / Φ) = 0.58.

[0061] Figure 11A shows the lens 20 and the transmitting antenna 50, and their positional relationship, in an electronic device 1 (eighth example) according to one embodiment.

[0062] In the configuration shown in Figure 11A (eighth example), Φ = 5.00 mm and TL = 2.90 mm. Also, in the configuration shown in Figure 11A (eighth example), the maximum frequency of the radio wave band transmitted by the transmitting antenna 50 was set to 64 GHz, and its wavelength was set to λ = 4.69 mm.

[0063] Figure 11B shows the results of a gain simulation for the configuration shown in Figure 11A (eighth example). Figure 11B shows an example of the simulation results of the directivity characteristics in the XZ plane using the configuration shown in Figure 11A (eighth example). In the eighth example shown in Figures 11A and 11B, the simulation results obtained were (Φ / λ) = 1.07 and (TL / Φ) = 0.58.

[0064] Figure 12A shows the lens 20 and the transmitting antenna 50, and their positional relationship, in an electronic device 1 (9th example) according to one embodiment.

[0065] In the configuration shown in Figure 12A (9th example), Φ = 4.50 mm and TL = 2.60 mm. Also, in the configuration shown in Figure 12A (9th example), the maximum frequency of the radio wave band transmitted by the transmitting antenna 50 was set to 64 GHz, and its wavelength was set to λ = 4.69 mm.

[0066] Figure 12B shows the results of a gain simulation for the configuration shown in Figure 12A (Ninth Example). Figure 12B shows an example of the simulation results of the directivity characteristics in the XZ plane using the configuration shown in Figure 12A (Ninth Example). In the Ninth Example shown in Figures 12A and 12B, the simulation results obtained were (Φ / λ) = 0.96 and (TL / Φ) = 0.58.

[0067] Figure 13A shows the lens 20 and the transmitting antenna 50, and their positional relationship, in an electronic device 1 (10th example) according to one embodiment.

[0068] In the configuration shown in Figure 13A (10th example), Φ = 3.50 mm and TL = 2.00 mm. Also, in the configuration shown in Figure 13A (10th example), the maximum frequency of the radio wave band transmitted by the transmitting antenna 50 was set to 64 GHz, and its wavelength was set to λ = 4.69 mm.

[0069] Figure 13B shows the results of a gain simulation for the configuration shown in Figure 13A (10th example). Figure 13B shows an example of the simulation results of the directivity characteristics in the XZ plane using the configuration shown in Figure 13A (10th example). In the 9th example shown in Figures 13A and 13B, the simulation results obtained were (Φ / λ) = 0.75 and (TL / Φ) = 0.57.

[0070] In each example of the electronic device 1 according to the embodiment described above, the transmitting antenna 50 and the receiving antenna 60 may include at least one transmitting antenna 50 and at least one receiving antenna 60. In this case, the housing 10 may be provided with a plurality of lenses as the lens 20 and / or lens 30, each corresponding to at least one transmitting antenna 50 and at least one receiving antenna 60.

[0071] Next, we will explain the results of simulations performed on each of the configurations from the first to the tenth example of the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment.

[0072] The simulations described in Figures 4A and 4B through 13A and 13B were performed with a frequency of 64 GHz and a wavelength of 4.69 mm for the radio waves transmitted from the transmitting antenna 50. In the above simulations, a maximum gain of 4.69 [dBi] was obtained when the lens 20 was absent.

[0073] Table 1 lists the parameters for each configuration from the first to the tenth example in which the above-described simulation was performed. In Table 1, the values ​​of Φ and TL are shown for each configuration from the first to the tenth example. Also in Table 1, the values ​​of (Φ / λ) and (TL / Φ) are shown for each configuration from the first to the tenth example. In Table 1, Gmax represents the maximum gain [dBi] value obtained from the simulation results for each configuration from the first to the tenth example.

[0074]

[0075] In Table 1 above, the bottom row Δ represents the value obtained by subtracting the maximum gain without lens 20 from the maximum gain with lens 20 for each configuration from the first to the tenth example. In other words, Δ in Table 1 can be considered an estimate of the gain improvement when lens 20 is provided.

[0076] As shown in Table 1 above, in each of the configurations from the first to the eighth example, a remarkable result was obtained in which the gain improved by 3 dBi or more. Therefore, the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment may, for example, adopt the size and / or arrangement of components based on each of the configurations from the first to the eighth example described above. In other words, since +3 dBi corresponds to doubling the power gain, as a guideline, the size and / or arrangement of components based on each of the configurations from the first to the eighth example described above may be adopted in order to obtain 3 dBi.

[0077] In other words, the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment may be configured such that (Φ / λ) > 1.00, where Φ is the effective diameter of the lens 20 and λ is the wavelength of the maximum frequency of the radio wave band transmitted by the transmitting antenna 50. In this case, the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment may be configured such that (TL / Φ) ≥ 0.58, where TL is the distance from the first surface 21 of the lens 20 to the radiating element of the transmitting antenna 50.

[0078] Similarly, in one embodiment of the electronic device 1, the effective diameter of the lens 30 is Φ, and the wavelength of the maximum frequency of the radio wave band received by the receiving antenna 60 is λ, such that (Φ / λ) > 1.00. In this case, in one embodiment of the electronic device 1, the distance from the first surface 31 of the lens 30 to the radiating element of the receiving antenna 60 is TL, such that (TL / Φ) ≥ 0.58.

[0079] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the electronic device 1, the effective diameter of the lens 20 is Φ, and the wavelength of the maximum frequency of the radio wave band transmitted by the transmitting antenna 50 is λ, such that 1.00 > (Φ / λ) ≥ 0.75 is satisfied. In this case, in one embodiment of the electronic device 1, the distance from the first surface 21 of the lens 20 to the radiating element of the transmitting antenna 50 is TL, such that (TL / Φ) ≥ 0.86 is satisfied.

[0080] Similarly, in one embodiment of the electronic device 1, the effective diameter of the lens 30 is Φ, and the wavelength of the maximum frequency of the radio wave band received by the receiving antenna 60 is λ, such that 1.00 > (Φ / λ) ≥ 0.75 is satisfied. In this case, in one embodiment of the electronic device 1, the distance from the first surface 31 of the lens 30 to the radiating element of the receiving antenna 60 is TL, such that (TL / Φ) ≥ 0.86 is satisfied.

[0081] As described above, according to one embodiment of the electronic device 1, a compact lens antenna device can be provided. For this reason, the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment can be less subject to constraints when mounted on various parts of a moving object, for example.

[0082] Furthermore, the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment can improve gain by using a lens even with a relatively small number of antenna elements (radiating elements). Therefore, a reduction in manufacturing costs can also be expected with the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment. The electronic device 1 according to one embodiment provides a high-gain lens antenna with controlled directivity. The electronic device 1 according to one embodiment can have a relatively small lens aperture, and the distance between the lens and the antenna can also be made relatively short.

[0083] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the electronic device 1, the first surface 21 of the lens 20 may be planar, and the second surface 22 of the lens 20 facing the antenna element (radiating element) of the transmitting antenna 50 may be convex. Also, in one embodiment of the electronic device 1, the lens 20 can be integrated with the housing 10, eliminating the need to position the transmitting antenna 50 and the lens 20 each time the sensor is installed.

[0084] For reference, the following shows examples of installation configurations for the electronic equipment 1 and other devices according to the above-described embodiment.

[0085] Figures 14A and 14B specifically illustrate an example of installing an electronic device 1 according to one embodiment on a mobile device such as an automobile.

[0086] As shown in Figures 14A and 14B, the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment may be placed on the ceiling or other location corresponding to each seat of a driver or passenger in a mobile body MB such as an automobile. For example, the mobile body MB shown in Figures 14A and 14B is designed to accommodate one driver in the driver's seat, one passenger in the front passenger seat, and three passengers in the rear seats. In this case, for example, up to five electronic devices 1 may be individually assigned to the driver, one passenger in the front passenger seat, and three passengers in the rear seats. That is, one electronic device 1A may be assigned to the driver, and one electronic device 1B may be assigned to the passenger in the front passenger seat. Also, three electronic devices 1C, 1D, and 1D may be assigned to the three passengers in the rear seats, respectively.

[0087] According to the electronic devices 1A to 1E of one embodiment shown in Figures 14A and 14B, it is expected that the vital signs of one driver, one passenger in the front passenger seat, and three passengers in the rear seats can be detected with high accuracy.

[0088] On the other hand, any number of electronic devices 1 may be installed on the front, rear, and / or sides of the mobile body MB shown in Figures 14A and 14B. With such installation, the electronic devices 1 can measure the distance between the vehicle and oncoming vehicles or other approaching objects.

[0089] The effects of the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment will be described further below.

[0090] According to one embodiment of the electronic device 1, the aperture of the lens 20 and other components can be reduced in diameter, making a low-profile and compact lens antenna device possible. Therefore, according to one embodiment of the electronic device 1, the design is advantageous when mounted on, for example, an automobile. For example, according to one embodiment of the electronic device 1, the transmitting antenna 50 and the receiving antenna 60 can be made invisible or inconspicuous from the housing 10. Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the electronic device 1, since the lens 20 and / or lens 30 appear to be integrated with the housing 10, the lens 20 and / or lens 30 can also be made invisible or inconspicuous.

[0091] According to one embodiment of the electronic device 1, the directivity of the transmitting antenna 50 and / or the receiving antenna 60 can be controlled, and a high-gain lens antenna device can be provided. According to one embodiment of the electronic device 1, the antenna substrate 40 and the like can be miniaturized, and the number of radiating elements of the transmitting antenna 50 and / or the receiving antenna 60 can be reduced. Therefore, cost reduction can be expected with one embodiment of the electronic device 1.

[0092] In one embodiment of the electronic device 1, by making the lens 20 and / or lens 30 aspherical in shape, a lens with good correction of spherical aberration can be constructed. Therefore, the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment is effective in making the electric field strength distribution of the aperture surface uniform. Furthermore, in the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment, if Fresnel lenses are used as the lens 20 and / or lens 30, the lens can be made thinner. For this reason, according to the electronic device 1 according to one embodiment, the thickness of the lens-integrated case (for example, housing 10) can be reduced.

[0093] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the electronic device 1, the gain can be increased by configuring the values ​​of Φ / λ and TL / Φ to satisfy predetermined conditions.

[0094] Generally, when attempting to make an antenna sensor small and inexpensive, depending on its application, the gain may be insufficient. In this case, if one tries to increase the gain by strengthening the directivity, for example by increasing the number of radiating elements of the antenna, it may lead to an increase in the size and / or cost of the device. Also, when monitoring vital signs of humans or animals, it is desirable from a design perspective that the convex surface of the lens is not pointed towards the humans or animals. According to one embodiment of electronic equipment 1, it is possible to provide a lens antenna device that enables directivity control while keeping costs down and is also aesthetically superior.

[0095] While this disclosure has been described based on the drawings and embodiments, it should be noted that those skilled in the art will find it easy to make various modifications or alterations based on this disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications or alterations are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the functions included in each functional part can be rearranged in a logically consistent manner. Multiple functional parts may be combined into one or divided. The embodiments relating to this disclosure described above are not limited to being implemented strictly according to the respective embodiments, but can be implemented by combining features or omitting parts as appropriate. In other words, the contents of this disclosure can be modified and altered in various ways based on this disclosure by those skilled in the art. Therefore, these modifications and alterations are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, in each embodiment, each functional part and each means can be added to other embodiments or replaced with each functional part and each means of other embodiments in a logically consistent manner. Also, in each embodiment, multiple functional parts and each means can be combined into one or divided. Furthermore, the embodiments of this disclosure described above are not limited to being implemented strictly according to the respective embodiments described, but can also be implemented by combining the features or omitting some of them as appropriate.

[0096] The above description was primarily based on the assumption that it would be implemented as an electronic device 1. However, it can also be implemented as a housing 10 used in one embodiment of the electronic device 1.

[0097] The above describes an electronic device and / or housing according to one embodiment, but the electronic device and / or housing according to one embodiment may be implemented as follows, for example, as long as there is no physical or logical inconsistency. [Note 1] An electronic device comprising: an antenna for transmitting or receiving radio waves; and a housing that houses at least a part of the antenna inside, wherein the housing includes a lens that at least partially refracts the radio waves transmitted or received by the antenna, and the lens has a first surface facing outward from the housing and a second surface facing inward from the housing, the first surface being formed to include a planar shape, and the second surface being formed to include a convex shape. [Note 2] The electronic device according to Note 1, wherein the lens is a dielectric lens. [Note 3] The electronic device according to Note 1 or 2, wherein the second surface of the lens is the surface opposite to the first surface. [Note 4] The electronic device according to any one of Notes 1 to 3, wherein the second surface of the lens includes a convex curved surface facing the radiating element of the antenna. [Note 5] The electronic device according to any one of Notes 1 to 4, wherein the second surface of the lens includes an aspherical lens or a Fresnel lens obtained by dividing an aspherical curved surface into concentric circles. [Note 6] The electronic device according to any one of Notes 1 to 5, wherein the first surface of the lens is formed to be flush with the outer surface of the housing. [Note 7] The electronic device according to any one of Notes 1 to 6, wherein the lens is formed integrally with the housing. [Note 8] The electronic device according to any one of Notes 1 to 7, wherein the antenna includes at least one transmitting antenna and at least one receiving antenna, and the housing comprises a plurality of lenses as the lens, corresponding to each of the at least one transmitting antenna and the at least one receiving antenna. [Note 9] The electronic device according to any one of Notes 1 to 8, wherein the effective diameter of the lens is Φ, and the wavelength of the maximum frequency of the radio wave band transmitted or received by the antenna is λ, and (Φ / λ) > 1.00, and the distance from the first surface of the lens to the radiating element of the antenna is TL, and the device is configured such that (TL / Φ) ≥ 0.58.[Note 10] The electronic device according to any one of Notes 1 to 8, wherein the effective diameter of the lens is Φ, and the wavelength of the maximum frequency of the radio wave band transmitted or received by the antenna is λ, and 1.00 > (Φ / λ) ≥ 0.75 is satisfied, and the distance from the first surface of the lens to the radiating element of the antenna is TL, and the device is configured such that (TL / Φ) ≥ 0.86 is satisfied. [Note 11] A housing for housing at least a part of an antenna that transmits or receives radio waves, comprising a lens that at least partially refracts the radio waves transmitted or received by the antenna, wherein the lens has a first surface facing outward from the housing and a second surface facing inward from the housing, the first surface is formed including a planar shape, and the second surface is formed including a convex shape.

[0098] 1 Electronic device 10 Housing 11 First side of housing 10 12 Second side of housing 10 20, 30 Lens 21, 31 First side of lens 22, 32 Second side of lens 40 Antenna board 50 Transmitting antenna 60 Receiving antenna 70 Circuit board 80 Connector

Claims

1. Electronic device comprising: an antenna for transmitting or receiving radio waves; and a housing that houses at least a portion of the antenna inside, wherein the housing includes a lens that at least partially refracts the radio waves transmitted or received by the antenna, and the lens has a first surface facing outward from the housing and a second surface facing inward from the housing, the first surface being formed to include a planar shape and the second surface being formed to include a convex shape.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the lens is a dielectric lens.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the second surface of the lens is the surface opposite to the first surface.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the second surface of the lens includes a convex curved surface facing the radiating element of the antenna.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the second surface of the lens includes an aspherical lens or a Fresnel lens obtained by dividing an aspherical curved surface into concentric circles.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first surface of the lens is formed to be flush with the outer surface of the housing.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the lens is integrally formed with the housing.

8. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the antenna includes at least one transmitting antenna and at least one receiving antenna, and the housing comprises a plurality of lenses as lenses, each corresponding to the at least one transmitting antenna and the at least one receiving antenna.

9. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the effective diameter of the lens is Φ, and the wavelength of the maximum frequency of the radio wave band transmitted or received by the antenna is λ, and (Φ / λ) > 1.00, and the distance from the first surface of the lens to the radiating element of the antenna is TL, and the device is configured such that (TL / Φ) ≥ 0.

58.

10. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the effective diameter of the lens is Φ, and the wavelength of the maximum frequency of the radio wave band transmitted or received by the antenna is λ, and 1.00 > (Φ / λ) ≥ 0.75 is satisfied, and the distance from the first surface of the lens to the radiating element of the antenna is TL, and the device is configured such that (TL / Φ) ≥ 0.86 is satisfied.

11. A housing for housing at least a portion of an antenna that transmits or receives radio waves, comprising a lens that at least partially refracts radio waves transmitted or received by the antenna, wherein the lens has a first surface facing outward from the housing and a second surface facing inward from the housing, the first surface being formed to include a planar shape and the second surface being formed to include a convex shape.

Images