Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US7339533?dq=7,812,828
Timestamp: 2014-11-28 18:49:02
Document Index: 428603255

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 111', 'art 112', 'art 112', 'art 111', 'art 112', 'art 111', 'art 151', 'art 151', 'art 111', 'art 111', 'art 111', 'art 111', 'art 111', 'art 212', 'art 111', 'art 211', 'art 212', 'art 111', 'art 212', 'art 221', 'art 222', 'art 211', 'art 221', 'art 222', 'art 221', 'art 211', 'art 222', 'art 211', 'art 221', 'art 222', 'art 211', 'art 211', 'art 311', 'art 311', 'art 311', 'art 312', 'art 111', 'art 312', 'art 321', 'art 322', 'art 321', 'art 321', 'art 321', 'art 321', 'art 321', 'art 311', 'art 321', 'art 322', 'art 321', 'art 311', 'art 322', 'art 311', 'art 322', 'art 311', 'art 411', 'art 412', 'art 511', 'art 511', 'art 511', 'art 512', 'art 111', 'art 512', 'art 512', 'art 512', 'art 511', 'art 512', 'art 511', 'art 1812', 'art 4212', 'art 4255', 'art 4243', 'art 4253', 'art 4252', 'art 4421', 'art 4311', 'art 4312', 'art 4311', 'art 4312', 'art 4421', 'art 4631', 'art 4632', 'art 4632', 'art 4626', 'Application No. 10']

Patent US7339533 - Antenna apparatus and electronic device - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsThe present invention discloses an antenna apparatus including a dielectric substrate on which an element including a conductive material pattern is formed. The dielectric substrate is a film....http://www.google.com/patents/US7339533?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US7339533 - Antenna apparatus and electronic deviceAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS7339533 B2Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 11/341,368Publication dateMar 4, 2008Filing dateJan 30, 2006Priority dateJan 31, 2005Fee statusPaidAlso published asCN1862877A, CN1862877B, EP1686651A2, EP1686651A3, EP1944830A1, US7495618, US7986272, US20060170597, US20080122705, US20090058733Publication number11341368, 341368, US 7339533 B2, US 7339533B2, US-B2-7339533, US7339533 B2, US7339533B2InventorsShigemi Kurashima, Masahiro Yanagi, Hideki Iwata, Takashi Arita, Takashi Yuba, Kazuhiko Ikeda, Yuriko SegawaOriginal AssigneeFujitsu Component LimitedExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (24), Non-Patent Citations (4), Referenced by (22), Classifications (13), Legal Events (3) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetAntenna apparatus and electronic deviceUS 7339533 B2Abstract The present invention discloses an antenna apparatus including a dielectric substrate on which an element including a conductive material pattern is formed. The dielectric substrate is a film.
a housing having an antenna apparatus integrally formed thereto;
wherein the antenna apparatus includes a dielectric substrate on which an element including a conductive material pattern is formed,
wherein the dielectric substrate is a film;
wherein the element is guided into the housing via a through-hole penetrating the housing.
2. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the antenna apparatus is integrally formed with the housing by insert molding the antenna apparatus to the housing.
3. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the antenna apparatus is integrally formed with the housing by fastening the antenna apparatus to the housing.
4. The electronic device as claimed, in claim 1, wherein the antenna apparatus is integrally formed with the housing by in-molding the antenna apparatus to the housing.
5. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the antenna apparatus is integrally formed with the housing by hot stamping the antenna apparatus to the housing.
6. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the element of the antenna apparatus is directly formed onto the housing.
7. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the antenna apparatus is provided on a front surface of the housing.
8. An electronic device, comprising;
wherein the antenna apparatus includes a dielectric substrate on which an element including a conductive material pattern is formed;
wherein the dielectric substrate is a film; and
wherein the element is guided into the housing via an edge plane of the housing.
9. The electronic device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the antenna apparatus is integrally funned with the housing by insert molding the antenna apparatus to the housing.
10. The electronic device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the antenna apparatus is integrally farmed with the housing by fastening the antenna apparatus to the housing.
11. The electronic device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the antenna apparatus is integrally formed with the housing by in-molding the antenna apparatus to the housing.
12. The electronic device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the antenna apparatus is integrally formed with the housing by hot stamping the antenna apparatus to the housing.
13. The electronic device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the element of the antenna apparatus is directly formed onto the housing.
14. The electronic device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the antenna apparatus is provided on a front surface of the housing.
a housing having an antenna apparatus integrally formed thereto; and
a circuit board being connected to the antenna apparatus via a cable;
wherein the antenna apparatus has a portion projecting out of the housing.
16. The electronic device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the cable is configured to be soldered to at least one of the antenna apparatus and the circuit board.
17. The electronic device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the cable is connected to at least one of the antenna apparatus and the circuit board via a connector.
18. The electronic device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the cable is connected to at least one of the antenna apparatus arid the circuit board via an anisotropic conductive rubber material.
19. The electronic device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the cable is connected to at least one of the antenna apparatus and the circuit board via an anisotropic conductive film.
20. The electronic device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the cable is connected to the antenna apparatus via an elastic member.
21. The electronic device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the cable is connected to the circuit board by being pressed against the circuit board by an elastic member.
22. The electronic device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the cable is formed by extending a portion of the circuit board.
23. The electronic device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the circuit board is provided inside the housing, wherein the circuit board is directly connected to the antenna apparatus via a connector.
24. The electronic device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the antenna apparatus includes at least one of a monopole antenna, a dipole antenna, and a chip antenna.
a housing for installing an antenna apparatus therein, the housing including an opening part to which the antenna apparatus is mounted;
wherein the antenna apparatus is mounted to the opening part in a bent state for operating as a reflection mirror.
26. The electronic device as claimed in claim 25, further comprising a liquid crystal panel that is also mounted to said opening part of the housing.
27. The electronic device as claimed in claim 25, wherein the antenna apparatus is provided on a rear plane on the liquid crystal plane.
28. The electronic device as claimed in claim 25, wherein the liquid crystal plane includes a transparent conductive film provided on a front plane thereof.
29. The electronic device as claimed in claim 25, wherein the conductive material pattern that is formed on the element has a high reflectivity.
30. The electronic device as claimed in claim 25, wherein the conductive material pattern is formed on the element by at least one of a plating method, a lamination method, a sputtering method, and a vapor evaporation method.
The side plane of the circular cone-shaped feeder member 12 is configured to form an angle of θ degrees with respect to the surface of the earth plate 11. A desired property can be obtained by adjusting the angle.
FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a first mounting example according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of a second mounting example according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a third mounting example according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of a fourth mounting example according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 24A-24B are schematic drawings of the fifth mounting example according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 26A and 26B are schematic drawings of the sixth mounting example according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of an eighth mounting example according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view of an eleventh mounting example according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the twelfth mounting example according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 41 is a schematic drawing of a dipole type antenna apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 47 is a schematic drawing of a modified example of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 65A-65B are schematic drawings for describing the relation between the thickness of a substrate and the width of a strip-line for attaining an impedance of 50Ω; and
FIG. 66 is a table for describing the relation between the thickness of a substrate and the width of a strip-line for attaining an impedance of 50Ω.
[Antenna Apparatus 100]
The antenna part 111 includes a conductive pattern 122 formed on a flexible printed wiring board 121. In the circuit part 112, an electronic component 132 is mounted on a printed wiring board 131. Accordingly, a process circuit for processing signals in the UWB (Ultra Wide Band) can be obtained by the electronic component 132 and the wiring patterns. Furthermore, in the circuit part 112, an FPC connector 133 is formed on the printed wiring board 131. The FPC connector 133 is connected to the antenna part 111. The circuit part 112 processes the signals received/transmitted at the antenna part 111.
[Antenna Part (Element) 111]
The strip-line 143 according to an embodiment of the present invention is formed by applying a conductive material (e.g. aluminum, copper) on the planes of the flexible printed wiring board 111 in the Z1 direction and in the Y2 direction. The strip-line 143 is formed on a manner extending in the Y2 direction. One end of the strip-line 143 is connected to the element pattern 122 and the other end of the strip-line 143 is connected to a connection part 151 formed at a distal end part of the flexible printed wiring board 121 in the Y2 direction. It is to be noted that the width of the strip-line 114 and the thickness of the flexible printed wiring board are set to attain a characteristic impedance of approximately 50Ω. For example, the width of the strip-line 114 and the thickness of the flexible printed wiring board may be set so that the strip-line 14 becomes wider as the flexible printed wiring board 111 becomes thicker and that the strip-line 14 becomes narrower as the flexible printed wiring board 111 becomes thinner. More specifically, in a case where the thickness of the base material of the flexible printed wiring board 121 ranges from approximately 0.08 mm to 0.14 mm, the width of the strip-line 143 becomes approximately 200 μm.
The connection part 151 is provided in a manner projecting in the Y2 direction from a Y2 direction end plane of the flexible printed wiring board 121.
Since the flexible printed wiring board 121 is used as the base material of the antenna part 111, the antenna part 111 can be bent in a manner illustrated with broken lines in FIGS. 4A and 4B. By bending the element pattern 141 in a prescribed angle with respect to the ground pattern 142 (as illustrated with the broken lines in FIGS. 4A and 4B) various properties (VSWR, loss, directivity) are improved compared to disposing the element pattern 141 and the ground pattern 142 on the same plane.
[Attachment of Antenna Part 111]
It is to be noted that, although the antenna part 111 is attached to the printed wiring board 131 by using the FPC connector 133 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the antenna part 111 may be attached to the printed wiring board 131 by using another alternative method(s) or component(s).
First Modified Example For example, a connecting part 212 of the antenna part 111 may be directly soldered to a connection pattern of the printed wiring board 131.
The antenna part 211 according to the first modified example of the present invention includes a connection part 212 having a configuration which is different from that of the antenna part 111. The connection part 212 includes a first connection part 221 and a second connection part 222.
As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, first and second connection pads 241 and 242 are formed on the printed wiring board 131 (to which the antenna part 211 is to be soldered). The first connection pad 241 is formed on a Z1 direction plane (Z1 side of the Z-Y plane) of the printed wiring board 131 at a position corresponding to the first connection part 221. Furthermore, the second connection pad 242 is formed on a Z2 direction plane of the printed wiring board 131 at a position corresponding to the second connection part 222. As shown in FIG. 6A, the first connection part 221 of the antenna part 211 is bent in the Z1 direction and the second connection part 222 of the antenna part 211 is bent in the Z2 direction, such that the printed wiring board 131 is sandwiched therebetween. In sandwiching the printed wiring board 131, the first connection part 221 is positioned in a manner facing the first connection pad 241 of the printed wiring board 131 and the second connection part 222 is positioned in a manner facing the second connection pad 242 of the printed wiring board 131.
Thereby, the printed wiring board 131 is connected to the antenna part 211.
Although the antenna part 211 is soldered to the printed wiring board 131 on both planes of the printed wiring board 131 in the above-described first modified example, the antenna part may also be soldered to one of the planes of the printed wiring board 131.
Second Modified Example FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective views of the antenna part 311 according to the second modified example of present invention. FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic drawings for describing the connection of the antenna part 311 according to the second modified example of the present invention. In the drawings of the second modified example of the present invention, like components are denoted by like numerals as of FIGS. 3, 4A and 4B of the above-described embodiment of the present invention and are not further described.
The antenna part 311 according to the second modified example of the present invention includes a connection part 312 having a configuration which is different from that of the antenna part 111. The connection part 312 includes a first connection part 321 and a second connection part 322.
The first connection part 321 is formed at the area where the strip line 143 extends in the Y2 direction from a Y2 direction end part of the flexible printed wiring board 121 in a manner projecting in the Y2 direction from the Y2 direction end part of the flexible printed wiring board 121. The first connection part 321 has a connection pad 331 formed on its plane facing the Z1 direction. The connection pad 331 is connected to the Y2 direction end part of the strip line 143. The first connection part 321 is formed with a predetermined length such that the front and back planes of the first connection part 321 can be reversed by twisting the first connection part 321 in a θ1 direction.
As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, first and second connection pads 341 and 342 are formed on the printed wiring board 131 (to which the antenna part 311 is to be soldered). The first connection pad 341 is formed on a Z1 plane of the printed wiring board 131 at a position corresponding to the first connection part 321. Furthermore, the second connection pad 342 is formed on a Z2 plane of the printed wiring board 131 at a position corresponding to the second connection part 322. As shown in FIG. 8A, the first connection part 321 of the antenna part 311 is positioned facing the first connection pad 341 of the printed wiring board 131 and the second connection part 322 of the antenna part 311 is positioned facing the second connection pad 342 of the printed wiring board 131 by twisting the second connection part 322 in the θ1 direction.
Thereby, one side (plane) of the printed wiring board 131 is connected to the antenna part 311.
Third Modified Example Although the antenna part is directly soldered to the printed wiring board in the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the antenna part and the printed wiring board may alternatively be connected via a coaxial cable.
Although the coaxial cable 461 is connected to the antenna part 411 by soldering the shield 462 to the connection pad 431 in the above-described modified example, the coaxial cable 461 may also be directly soldered to the ground pattern 142 from the back side of the connection part 412.
Fourth Modified Example FIGS. 11A and 11B are perspective views of the antenna part 511 according to the fourth modified example of present invention. FIGS. 12A-12C are schematic drawings for describing the connection of the antenna part 511 according to the fourth modified example of the present invention. In the drawings of the fourth modified example of the present invention, like components are denoted by like numerals as of FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10A, and 10B of the above-described embodiment of the present invention and are not further described.
The antenna part 511 according to the fourth modified example of the present invention includes a connection part 512 having a configuration which is different from that of the antenna part 111. The connection part 512 is formed at the area where the strip line 143 extends in the Y2 direction from a Y2 direction end part of the flexible printed wiring board 121 in a manner projecting in the Y2 direction from the Y2 direction end part of the flexible printed wiring board 121. The connection part 512 is provided with a through-hole 521. The through-hole 521 is a hole penetrating through the Z1 and Z2 planes of the flexible printing wiring board 121. A connection pad 531, which is connected to the ground pattern 142, is formed around the through-hole 521 on the Z2 direction plane of the connection part 512.
As shown in FIG. 12A, a coaxial cable 461 connects the antenna part 511 and the flexible printed wiring board 121 by mounting its shield 462 above the through-hole 521. Then, the shield 462 is soldered to the connection pad 531 on the Z2 direction plane of the connection part 512 via the through-hole 521. The core wire 463 is soldered to the connection pad 451 on its Z1 direction plane. Accordingly, the core wire 463 is connected to the connection pad 451, and the shield 462 is connected to the connection pad 531. Thereby, the coaxial cable 461 is connected to the antenna part 511 and the flexible wiring board 121.
Fifth Modified Example FIGS. 13A-13D are schematic drawings for describing the configuration of the printed wiring board 121 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In yet another alternative example shown in FIG. 13D, the element pattern 141 may be provided on the surface side of the base material 631, the ground pattern 142 may be provided between the base material 632 and the base material 633, and a power source pattern 641 may be provided between the base material 631 and the base material 632. Furthermore, a surface mounted electronic component (not shown) may be mounted on the surface side of the base material 633.
Other Examples Although a monopole type antenna is used in the above-described embodiment of the present invention for describing the antenna apparatus of the present invention, a dipole type antenna (ultra wideband dipole antenna) may also be used.
The dipole type antenna apparatus 800 can attain the same effects and performances as those of the above-described monopole type antenna apparatus 100.
Mounting Examples Next, examples (methods) for mounting the antenna apparatus of the present invention onto various electronic devices (e.g. a mouse, a keyboard, a mobile phone) are described.
First Mounting Example FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view for describing the first mounting example according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view for describing the first mounting example according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The coaxial cable 1115 has one end connected to the antenna apparatus 1114 and another end connected to the circuit board 1113. The antenna apparatus 1114 and the coaxial cable 1115 may be connected in a manner as shown in FIGS. 9A-10B of the third modified example or in a manner shown in FIGS. 11A-12C of the fourth modified example.
Thereby, a signal line of the coaxial cable 1115 is connected to the element pattern of the antenna apparatus 1114, and a ground (GND) line of the coaxial cable 1115 is connected to the GND pattern of the antenna apparatus 1114.
With the first mounting example, little or no space is required for mounting the antenna apparatus 1114 since the antenna apparatus 1114 is integrally formed with the housing 1111. This enables size-reduction of the electronic device 1100.
Second Mounting Example FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view for describing the second mounting example according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view for describing the second mounting example according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIGS. 17 and 18, like components are denoted by like numerals as of FIGS. 15 and 16 of the first mounting example and are not further described.
The socket connectors 1211 are mounted on the circuit board 1113 and the antenna apparatus 1114. The plug connectors 1212 are attached to each end of the coaxial cable 1115. By connecting the plug connectors 1212 of the coaxial cable 1115 to the socket connectors 1211 of the circuit board 1113 and the antenna apparatus 1114, the circuit board 1113 and the antenna apparatus 1114 are connected via the coaxial cable 1115.
Furthermore, although the connectors used in the above-described second mounting example are surface mounting type connectors dedicated to be mounted on a surface portion, other connectors such as edge mounting type connectors dedicated to be mounted on an edge portion may alternatively used as long as the connectors are enable easy connection of the coaxial cable 1115.
Third Mounting Example FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view for describing the third mounting example according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view for describing the third mounting example according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIGS. 19 and 20, like components are denoted by like numerals as of FIGS. 17 and 18 of the second mounting example and are not further described.
With the third mounting example, no cable is necessary since the circuit board 1113 and the antenna apparatus 1114 are directly connected. Furthermore, the circuit board 1113 and the antenna apparatus 1114 can easily be connected by simply coupling the housing 1111 and the housing 1112 together.
Fourth Mounting Example FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view for describing the fourth mounting example according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 22A and 22B are schematic drawings for describing a main portion of the fourth mounting example according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIGS. 21, 22A, and 22B, like components are denoted by like numerals as of FIGS. 15 and 16 of the first mounting example and are not further described.
Although the connection between the circuit board 1113 and the FPC cable 1411 and the connection between the antenna apparatus 1114 and the FPC cable 1411 are achieved by soldering according to this fourth mounting example, the connections may also be achieved by attaching connectors to the circuit board 1113 and the antenna apparatus 1114 and inserting the ends of the FPC cable 1411 into the connectors of the circuit board 1113 and the antenna apparatus 1114.
Fifth Mounting Example FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view for describing the fifth mounting example according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 24A and 24B are schematic drawings for describing a main portion of the fifth mounting example according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIGS. 23, 24A and 24B, like components are denoted by like numerals as of FIGS. 21, 22A and 22B of the fourth mounting example and are not further described.
In FIG. 23, an electronic device 1500 includes an antenna apparatus 1114 integrally formed with a cable portion 1511. The cable portion 1511 has a cable-like configuration that is formed by extending a flexible printed wiring board included in the antenna apparatus 1114. The cable portion 1511 includes a signal cable 1511 a and a ground cable 1511 b. As shown in FIG. 24B, the tip of the signal cable 1511 a is soldered to an antenna connection pattern 1521 of the circuit board 1113.
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 24B, the tip of the ground cable 1511 b is soldered to a ground pattern 1522 of the circuit board 1113 after twisting the ground cable 1511 b such that the tip of the front and back sides of the ground cable are switched.
Sixth Mounting Example FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the sixth mounting example according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 26A and 26B are perspective views for describing a main portion of the sixth mounting example according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIGS. 25, 26A and 26B, like components are denoted by like numerals as of FIGS. 21, 22A and 22B of the fourth mounting example and are not further described.
In the sixth mounting example, by matching the pattern of the FPC cable 1411 with the patterns (including the antenna connection pattern 1621 and the ground pattern 1622) of the circuit board 1113 and coupling the housing 1111 and the housing 1112 together, the tip of the FPC cable 1411 is urged toward the direction of the circuit board 1113 by the spring 1632. As a result, the FPC cable 1611 can be easily connected with the antenna connection pattern 1621 and the ground pattern 1622 of the circuit board 1113 via the anisotropic conductive rubber 1631.
Seventh Mounting Example FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the seventh mounting example according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 28A is a perspective view for describing a main portion of the seventh mounting example according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 28B is a cross-sectional view for describing a main portion of the seventh mounting example according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIGS. 27, 28A and 28B, like components are denoted by like numerals as of FIGS. 25, 26A and 26B of the sixth mounting example and are not further described.
With the seventh mounting example, by matching the pattern of the FPC cable 1411 with the patterns (including the antenna connection pattern 1621) of the circuit board 1113 and performing thermal compression bonding on the anisotropic conductive film 1711, the FPC cable 1411 can be easily connected with the circuit board 1113 (including the antenna connection pattern 1621).
Eighth Mounting Example FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the eighth mounting example according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 30A is a cross-sectional view for describing a main portion of the eighth mounting example according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 30B is a perspective view for describing a main portion of the eighth mounting example according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIGS. 29, 30A and 30B, like components are denoted by like numerals as of FIGS. 27, 28A and 28B of the seventh mounting example and are not further described.
As shown in FIG. 29, an electronic device 1800 includes a contact spring member 1811 that is welded to the antenna connection pattern 1621 of the circuit board 1113. The antenna apparatus 1114 and the circuit board 1113 included in the electronic device 1800 are connected by having the tip of the FPC cable 1411 pressed against the contact spring member 1811 by a protruding part 1812 of the housing 1111 when coupling the housing 1111 and the housing 1112 together. The contact spring member 1811 may be provided to the antenna connection pattern 1621 and connected thereto by using, for example, a contact bonding method.
In the eighth mounting example, the FPC cable 1411 can easily be connected to the circuit board 1113 by coupling the housing 1111 and the housing 1112 together.
Ninth Mounting Example FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the ninth mounting example according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 32 is a perspective view for describing a main portion of the ninth mounting example according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIGS. 31 and 32, like components are denoted by like numerals as of FIGS. 25, 26A and 26B of the sixth mounting example and are not further described.
In the ninth mounting example, by placing the cable portion 1911 between the spring 1931 and the antenna connection pattern 1921 of the circuit board 1113, the wiring 1911 a (which is connected to the element pattern 1114 c) is connected to the antenna connection pattern 1921 and the wiring 1911 b (which is connected to the ground pattern 1114 b) is connected and ground.
Tenth Mounting Example FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view of the tenth mounting example according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view for describing a main portion of the tenth mounting example according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIGS. 33 and 34, like components are denoted by like numerals as of FIGS. 19 and 20 of the first mounting example and are not further described.
The element pattern 2011 a and the ground pattern 2011 b are formed on the housing 1111 at positions similar to the antenna apparatus 1114.
The element pattern 2011 a, which is formed on the front side (Z1 direction side) of the housing 1111, is guided to the back side of the housing 1111 via a through-hole 2012 penetrating through the housing 1111. The ground pattern 2011 b is formed on the back side (Z2 direction side) of the housing 1111.
The in-mold type molding method is a technique for integrally molding the antenna pattern 2011 to the housing 1111 after a film (e.g. formed by metal vapor deposition) dedicated for in-mold molding is attached to the bottom surface of a metal mold.
Eleventh Mounting Example FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view of the eleventh mounting example according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view for describing a main portion of the eleventh mounting example according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIGS. 35 and 36, like components are denoted by like numerals as of FIGS. 33 and 34 of the tenth mounting example and are not further described.
As shown in FIG. 36, the element pattern 2011 a is formed in a manner traveling around to the back side of the housing 1111 via the through-hole 2012. Since the protective film 2111 is also formed inside the through-hole 2012, a connection spring 2112 is provided (as an alternative for the connection pin 2013 in the tenth mounting example) for connecting with the antenna pattern 2011 a. The connection spring 2112 is soldered to the antenna pattern of the circuit board 1113. When the housing 1111 is coupled with the housing 1112, the back side of the housing 1111 presses against the connection spring 2112, to thereby cause elastic deformation of the connection spring 2112. Accordingly, the connection spring 2112 contacts the element pattern 2011 a. Twelfth Mounting Example FIG. 37 is an exploded perspective view of the twelfth mounting example according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view for describing a main portion of the twelfth mounting example according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIGS. 37 and 38, like components are denoted by like numerals as of FIGS. 33 and 34 of the tenth mounting example and are not further described.
Alternatively, in a manner similar to the eleventh mounting example, the element pattern 2011 a may be connected to the circuit board 1113 by a connection spring at the back side of the cover 2213. Furthermore, in a manner similar to the eleventh mounting example, a protective film may be provided on the element pattern 2011 a. Other Mounting Examples Although the above-described mounting examples are applied to an antenna apparatus having conductive patterns (including an element pattern and a ground pattern) formed on a flexible printed wiring board, the mounting examples may also be applied to an antenna apparatus having conductive patterns (including an element pattern and a ground pattern) formed on, for example, a ceramic substrate or an epoxy resin substrate.
Although the antenna apparatus in the above-described mounting examples is provided on a flat plane area of the housing 1111 or the cover 2213, the antenna apparatus may also be provided on a curved area of the housing 1111 or the cover 2213 (see, for example, FIG. 39A) by using, for example, a printing method. The antenna apparatus may also be provided inside a curved area of the housing 1111 or the cover 2213 (see, for example, FIG. 39B) by using, for example, an insert-molding method. The antenna apparatus may also be provided on an area between the flat plane area and the curved area of the housing 1111 or the cover 2213.
Since the antenna apparatuses shown in FIGS. 40 and 41 have a conductive pattern(s) formed on a singe side of a printed wiring board, it is particularly easy to apply the fourth, sixth, or the ninth mounting example to the antenna apparatuses shown in FIGS. 40 and 41. Furthermore, the fourth, sixth, or the ninth mounting example may also be easily applied to the antenna apparatus shown in FIGS. 42A and 42B by providing a conductive pattern(s) on a single side of said antenna apparatus including a chip antenna and a micro-strip-line.
In the tenth and eleventh mounting examples, the element pattern 2011 a is provided on the front side of the housing 1111, and the ground pattern 2011 b is provided on the back side of the housing 1111. However, it is also possible to provide the element pattern 2011 a on the back side of the housing 1111 and the ground pattern 2011 b on the front side of the housing 1111.
Applied Examples Next, various applied examples (examples to which the antenna apparatus of the present invention is applied) are described.
First Applied Example FIG. 44 is a schematic drawing showing a configuration of a system 4200 to which an antenna apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.
The digital camera 4201 and the printer 4202 perform data communications by using ultra wideband wireless technology such as UWB. An antenna apparatus (e.g. UWB antenna apparatus) according to the foregoing embodiment of the present invention is mounted to the digital camera 4201 and the printer 4202.
[Digital Camera 4201]
FIG. 45 is a schematic drawing showing an exemplary configuration of the digital camera 4201.
The digital camera 4201 includes, for example, a housing 4211, a flash part 4212, an antenna apparatus 4213, a circuit board 4214, a CCD 4215, an optical system 4216, a liquid crystal panel 4217, a shutter button 4218, a battery 4219, a cable 4220, and a battery cover 4221.
Although the antenna apparatus 4213 in the above-described modified examples is disposed on the rear side of the liquid crystal panel 4217, an antenna element pattern and a ground pattern may alternatively by formed on the front side of the liquid crystal panel 4217 by providing a transparent conductive film thereto.
[Printer 4202]
In another example, the scanning part 4255 reads a document and transmits the image data of the read document to a computer via the control part 4243 and the interface 4256. In yet another example, the control part 4253 transmits the read image data of the document to a computer via the communication part 4252 and the antenna apparatus 4251.
Second Applied Example FIG. 52 is a schematic drawing showing a configuration of a system 4300 to which an antenna apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. In FIG. 52, like components are denoted by like numerals as of FIG. 44 and are not further explained.
The system 4300 is for charging a digital camera 4301 by mounting the digital camera 4301 on a cradle 4302 and for performing data communications with an external device 4303 via the cradle 4302. The cradle 4302 is supplied with electric power from an AC power source via an AC adapter 4304.
FIG. 53 is a block diagram of an exemplary configuration of the cradle 4302.
The power circuit 4314 charges the digital camera 4301 via the interface 4312 and the connector 4315 by the direct current supply from the AC adapter 4303.
Third Applied Example FIG. 54 is a schematic drawing showing a configuration of a system 4400 to which an antenna apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. In FIG. 54, like components are denoted by like numerals as of FIG. 52 and are not further explained.
The base part 4421 of the tripod 4401 includes an interface part 4311, a communication part 4312, an antenna apparatus 4313, and a battery 4411. The interface part 4311 and the communication part 4312 are driven by the battery 4411. The antenna apparatus is mounted to the front surface of the base part 4421 of the tripod 4401 by the above-described mounting methods shown in FIGS. 15-43B.
Fourth Applied Example FIG. 56 is a schematic drawing showing a configuration of a system 4500 to which an antenna apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. In FIG. 56, like components are denoted by like numerals as of FIG. 49 and are not further explained.
The antenna apparatus 4518 is connected to one end of the coaxial cable 4551. A plug 4561 is connected to the other end of the coaxial cable 4551. The TV antenna line 4552 includes a conducting wire having a length substantially corresponding to λ/4 of the VHF or UHF band. A plug 4553 is connected to one end of the TV antenna line 4552. The plugs 4561, 4562 are connected to the sockets 4519, 4520 provided to the video camera body 4510.
In this example, by having the plugs 4561, 4562 locked (fastened) to the video camera body 4505 with a locking (fastening) mechanism, the cap 4506 can be prevented from disengaging from the video camera body 4505.
Fifth Applied Example FIG. 59 is a schematic drawing showing a configuration of a mobile phone 4601 to which an antenna apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 60 is a block diagram of an exemplary configuration of the mobile phone 4601.
The antenna part 4631 is sealed to the antenna apparatus 4641 by resin. The antenna apparatus 4641 has a configuration shown in FIG. 4, for example. The antenna apparatus 4641 is connected to the strap part 4632. The strap part 4632 includes a coaxial cable. A plug 4651 is provided on one end (end proximal to the mobile phone body 4611) of the coaxial cable. The plug 4651 is connected to the socket 4627 provided in the mobile phone body 4611. Accordingly, the strap 4612 is engaged with the mobile phone body 4611. Furthermore, the antenna apparatus 4641 is connected to the UWB part 4626. It is to be noted that the plug 4651 and the socket 4627 are engaged with each other with a sufficient engaging strength such that the strap 4612 can be prevented from disengaging from the mobile phone body 4611. Furthermore, a locking (fastening) mechanism may also be provided to the plug 4651 and/or the socket 4627 to further prevent the strap 4612 from disengaging from the mobile phone body 4611.
Sixth Applied Example FIG. 61 is a schematic drawing showing a configuration of a system to which the antenna apparatus 4100 (including an antenna part) according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.
FIGS. 64A and 64B are schematic drawings showing an exemplary configuration of the mouse 4713. Since the antenna part is provided with the flexible printed wiring board 4121, the antenna apparatus 4100 can be easily mounted to the inner surface of the housing 4731 of the mouse 4713 as shown in FIG. 64B.
FIGS. 65A, 65B and 66 are diagrams for describing the relation between the thickness of a substrate and the width of a strip-line 143 for attaining a predetermined characteristic impedance (in this example, 50Ω). In FIG. 65A, �ε r� indicates the dielectric constant of the substrate, �h� indicates the thickness of the substrate, and �W� indicates the width of the strip-line. According to FIGS. 65B and 66, in a case where FR-4 is used as the material of the substrate, a pattern width ranging from 0.012 to 1.86 mm is required for attaining a characteristic impedance of 50Ω when the thickness of the substrate ranges from 0.01 to 1 mm. In a case where PI is used as the material of the substrate, a pattern width ranging from 0.017 to 2.07 mm is required for attaining a characteristic impedance of 50Ω when the thickness of the substrate ranges from 0.01 to 1 mm. In a case where PET resin is used as the material of the substrate, a pattern width ranging from 0.018 to 2.45 mm is required for attaining a characteristic impedance of 50Ω when the thickness of the substrate ranges from 0.01 to 1 mm.
Hence, as shown in FIGS. 65A, 65B and 66, it is preferable to determine the width of the strip-line 143 in accordance with the material of the substrate and/or the thickness of the substrate for attaining a characteristic impedance of 50 Ω.
The present application is based on Japanese Priority Application Nos. 2005-023846, 2005-202154, 2005-243040, and 2005-328514 filed on Jan. 31, 2005, Jul. 11, 2005, Aug. 24, 2005, and Nov. 14, 2005, respectively, with the Japanese Patent Office, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
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