JP6914301B2 - Antenna device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an antenna device.

Consider an antenna device with a planar radiating element arranged parallel to the xy plane. In order to radiate polarized light whose plane of polarization is parallel to the zx plane (hereinafter, also referred to as "x polarization") from this radiating element in the positive direction of the z-axis, for example, on the negative side of the z-axis of this radiating element. A first electrode extending parallel to the x-axis may be opposed to the radiating element, and a high-frequency current may be supplied to the first electrode. Further, in order to radiate linearly polarized light whose polarization plane is parallel to the yz plane (hereinafter, also referred to as “y polarization”) from this radiating element in the positive direction of the z-axis, for example, the z-axis of this radiating element A second electrode extending parallel to the y-axis on the negative direction side may face the radiating element, and a high-frequency current may be supplied to the second electrode. Non-Patent Document 1 discloses an antenna device capable of radiating two types of polarized waves having different planes of polarization by such a method.

Yan Wang and Zhengwei Du, "Dual-Polarized Slot-Coupled Microstrip Antenna Array With Stable Active Element Pattern", IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ANTENNAS AND PROPAGATION, Vol. 63, No. 9, September 2015

However, such an antenna device has the following problems.

That is, in order to realize such an antenna device as a substrate type antenna device, the first electrode extending parallel to the x-axis and the second electrode extending parallel to the y-axis are arranged on the z-axis direction side of the radiating element. It is preferable to form the same layer located in. This is because the manufacturing process can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. However, when the first electrode and the second electrode are formed in the same layer, the arrangement of the first electrode and the second electrode, and the feeder connected to the first electrode and the feeder connected to the second electrode The wiring path becomes complicated. As a result, problems such as an increase in loss, an unexpected change in impedance, a deterioration in the polarization extinction ratio, and an increase in crosstalk may occur.

One aspect of the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and emits two types of polarized light having different planes of polarization without causing unreasonable complication of the arrangement of electrodes and the wiring path of the feeder line. The purpose is to realize a possible antenna device.

In the antenna device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first electrode, the second electrode, the mediator electrode facing the first electrode, the first radiation element facing the second electrode, and the mediator electrode A first line and a second line connecting the first radiation element are provided, the extension direction of the second electrode is parallel to the first axis, and a connection point between the mediator electrode and the first line. The alignment direction of the mediator electrode and the connection point between the second line is parallel to the extension direction of the first electrode, and the connection point between the first radiation element and the first line and the first radiation. A configuration is adopted in which the alignment direction of the element and the connection point between the second line is parallel to the second axis.

According to the above configuration, by supplying a high frequency current to the first electrode, it is possible to radiate a polarized wave whose plane of polarization is parallel to the second axis from the first radiating element. Further, according to the above configuration, by supplying a high frequency current to the second electrode, it is possible to radiate a polarized wave whose plane of polarization is parallel to the first axis from the first radiating element. Therefore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to realize an antenna device capable of radiating two types of polarized waves having different planes of polarization. Moreover, the first electrode only needs to face the mediating electrode, and does not need to face the first radiating element. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the arrangement of the first electrode and the second electrode, and the complicated wiring path of the feeder line connected to the first electrode and the feeder line connected to the second electrode.

In the antenna device according to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the antenna device according to the first aspect, the third electrode, the second radiation element facing the third electrode, the mediator electrode, and the second radiation A third line and a fourth line connecting the elements are further provided, the first radiating element is arranged on the positive direction side of the first axis of the intermediary electrode, and the second radiating element is the same. The mediating electrode is arranged on the negative direction side of the first axis, the extending direction of the third electrode is parallel to the first axis, the connection point between the mediating electrode and the third line, and the mediating electrode. The line-up direction of the connection point with the fourth line is parallel to the extension direction of the first electrode, and the connection point between the second radiation element and the third line, the second radiation element, and the second line. A configuration is adopted in which the alignment direction with the connection points with the four lines is parallel to the second axis.

According to the above configuration, by supplying a high-frequency current to the first electrode, it is possible to radiate polarized light whose plane of polarization is parallel to the second axis from both the first radiating element and the second radiating element. Further, according to the above configuration, by supplying a high frequency current to the second electrode and the third electrode, polarization whose plane of polarization is parallel to the first axis is radiated from both the first radiation element and the second radiation element. Can be made to. Therefore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to realize an antenna device capable of radiating two types of polarized waves having different planes of polarization and having a higher gain.

In the antenna device according to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the antenna device according to the second aspect, the first line and the second line pass through the center of the mediation electrode and are parallel to the first axis. The third line and the fourth line are arranged symmetrically with respect to the straight line, and the third line and the fourth line are arranged symmetrically with respect to the straight line passing through the center of the mediating electrode and parallel to the first axis. The 1st line and the 3rd line are arranged symmetrically with respect to a straight line passing through the center of the mediating electrode and parallel to the 2nd axis, and the 2nd line and the 4th line are the mediating electrode. A configuration is adopted in which the tracks are arranged symmetrically with respect to a straight line passing through the center of the track and parallel to the second axis.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to realize an antenna device having a high polarization ratio and good crosstalk characteristics.

In the antenna device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the antenna device according to the second or third aspect, the connection point between the mediator electrode and the first line is in the positive direction of the first axis of the mediator electrode. It is provided at the end of the side on the positive direction side of the second axis, and the connection point between the mediator electrode and the second line is the first side of the side on the positive direction side of the first axis of the mediator electrode. It is provided at the end on the negative direction side of the two axes, and the connection point between the mediator electrode and the third line is on the positive direction side of the second axis of the side on the negative direction side of the first axis of the mediator electrode. The connection point between the mediator electrode and the fourth line is provided at the end portion, and the connection point between the mediator electrode and the fourth line is provided at the end portion on the negative direction side of the second axis of the side on the negative direction side of the first axis of the mediator electrode. Yes, the configuration is adopted.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to realize an antenna having a higher polarization ratio and better crosstalk characteristics.

In the antenna device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the antenna device according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, the difference between the length of the first line and the length of the third line is the first. It is an integral multiple of the wavelength of the high-frequency current input to the electrode, and the difference between the length of the second line and the length of the fourth line is an integral multiple of the wavelength of the high-frequency current input to the first electrode. , The configuration is adopted.

According to the above configuration, when a high-frequency current is supplied to the first electrode, the high-frequency current flowing from the mediation electrode to the first radiation element and the high-frequency current flowing from the mediation electrode to the second radiation element are homogenized. Can be done. Therefore, according to the above configuration, when a high-frequency current is supplied to the first electrode, the polarization plane whose plane of polarization is parallel to the second direction is more effectively generated from both the first radiation element and the second radiation element. Can be radiated. The integer also includes 0 (zero). Therefore, the case where the length of the first line and the length of the third line are equal, and the case where the length of the second line and the length of the fourth line are equal are also included in the above configuration.

In the antenna device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the antenna device according to any one of the second to fifth aspects, the first radiating element, the second radiating element, the intermediary electrode, the first line, and the like. The conductor pattern including the second line, the third line, and the fourth line is symmetrical with respect to a straight line parallel to the second axis passing through the center of the mediation electrode.

According to the above configuration, when a high frequency current is supplied to the first electrode, the symmetry between the electromagnetic wave radiated from the first radiating element and the electromagnetic wave radiated from the second radiating element can be enhanced. Therefore, according to the above configuration, when a high-frequency current is supplied to the first electrode, the polarization whose plane of polarization is parallel to the second axis is more effectively generated from both the first radiation element and the second radiation element. Can be radiated. Further, according to the above configuration, when a high frequency current is supplied to the second electrode and the third electrode, the symmetry between the electromagnetic wave radiated from the first radiating element and the electromagnetic wave radiated from the second radiating element is enhanced. be able to. Therefore, according to the above configuration, when a high-frequency current is supplied to the second electrode and the third electrode, the polarization plane whose plane of polarization is parallel to the first axis is more efficiently generated by the first radiation element and the second radiation. It can be radiated from both elements.

In the antenna device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the antenna device according to the sixth aspect, the first line and the third line are straight lines arranged on the same straight line. The second line and the fourth line have a configuration in which they are straight lines arranged on the same straight line.

According to the above configuration, when a high frequency current is supplied to the first electrode, the symmetry between the electromagnetic wave radiated from the first radiating element and the electromagnetic wave radiated from the second radiating element can be further enhanced. Therefore, according to the above configuration, when a high-frequency current is supplied to the first electrode, the polarization plane whose plane of polarization is parallel to the second axis is more effectively generated from both the first radiation element and the second radiation element. Can be radiated.

In the antenna device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the antenna device according to any one of the second to seventh aspects, the first non-feeding element overlapping the first radiation element in the plan view and the above-mentioned in the plan view. A configuration is adopted in which a second non-feeding element that overlaps with the second radiation element is further provided.

According to the above configuration, the reflection characteristics can be improved.

According to the present invention, it is possible to realize an antenna device capable of radiating two types of polarized waves having different planes of polarization without incurring unnecessarily complicated arrangement of electrodes and wiring paths of feeder lines.

It is an exploded perspective view which shows the structure of the antenna device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the 1st excitation method of the antenna device shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows the 2nd excitation method of the antenna device shown in FIG. It is a graph which shows the characteristic (frequency characteristic of the gain for each polarization) of the antenna apparatus shown in FIG. 1 obtained when the radiating element is excited according to the excitation method shown in FIG. It is a graph which shows the characteristic (frequency characteristic of the gain for each polarization) of the antenna device shown in FIG. 1 obtained when the radiating element is excited according to the excitation method shown in FIG. It is a graph which shows the frequency characteristic of the 11th component, the 22nd component, and the 21st component of the S matrix of the antenna apparatus shown in FIG. It is an exploded perspective view which shows the modification of the antenna device shown in FIG. It is a graph which shows the characteristic (frequency characteristic of the gain for each polarization) of the antenna device shown in FIG. 7 obtained when the radiating element is excited according to the excitation method shown in FIG. It is a graph which shows the characteristic (frequency characteristic of the gain for each polarization) of the antenna device shown in FIG. 7 obtained when the radiating element is excited according to the excitation method shown in FIG. It is a graph which shows the frequency characteristic of the 11th component, the 22nd component, and the 21st component of the S matrix of the antenna device shown in FIG. 7.

(Antenna device configuration)
The configuration of the antenna device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the antenna device 1.

In the following description, the Cartesian coordinate system shown in FIG. 1 is used. The x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis in the following description are the first axis, the second axis orthogonal to the first axis, and the third axis orthogonal to the plane extending between the first axis and the second axis, respectively. In other words. Further, the xy plane, the yz plane, and the zx plane in the following description are the plane where the first axis and the second axis are stretched, the plane where the second axis and the third axis are stretched, and the third axis and the first, respectively. It can be rephrased as a plane on which the shaft stretches. However, the second axis need only intersect with the first axis and does not necessarily have to be orthogonal to the first axis. Further, the third axis need only intersect the plane stretched by the first axis and the second axis, and does not necessarily have to be orthogonal to the plane stretched by the first axis and the second axis.

As shown in FIG. 1, the antenna device 1 is composed of a first conductor layer L1, a first dielectric layer L2, a second conductor layer L3, a second dielectric layer L4, and a third conductor layer L5. It is configured. In the antenna device 1, the first conductor layer L1, the first dielectric layer L2, the second conductor layer L3, the second dielectric layer L4, and the third conductor layer L5 are laminated in this order. The main surface of each layer is parallel to the xy plane, and the stacking direction is parallel to the z-axis.

The first conductor layer L1 is a conductor layer that has a power feeding function. In the present embodiment, the first conductor layer L1 is realized by two conductor films 11a and 11b that are insulated from each other. The material of the conductor films 11a and 11b is, for example, copper. However, the materials of the conductor films 11a and 11b are arbitrary and not limited thereto.

The conductor film 11a functions as one electrode 11a1 and one line 11a2.

The electrode 11a1 is a conductor pattern having a rectangular shape in a plan view. The electrodes 11a1 are arranged in a plane parallel to the xy plane so that the long side is parallel to the y-axis. The line 11a2 is a conductor pattern having a strip-shaped plan view.

The line 11a2 extends in the negative direction of the y-axis from the short side of the electrode 11a1 on the negative direction of the y-axis in a plane parallel to the xy plane. The line 11a2 constitutes a microstrip line together with the second conductor layer L3 facing the first dielectric layer L2.

The conductor film 11b functions as two electrodes 11b1, 11b2 and three lines 11b3, 11b4, 11b5.

The electrode 11b1 is a conductor pattern having a rectangular shape in a plan view. The electrode 11b1 is arranged in a plane parallel to the xy plane so that the long side is parallel to the x-axis, and the short side of the electrode 11b1 on the negative side of the x-axis is the positive x-axis of the electrode 11a1 described above. Facing the long side on the direction side. The electrode 11b2 is a conductor pattern having a rectangular shape in a plan view. The electrode 11b2 is arranged in a plane parallel to the xy plane so that the long side is parallel to the x-axis, and the short side of the electrode 11b2 on the positive side of the x-axis is negative on the x-axis of the electrode 11a1 described above. Facing the long side on the direction side.

The line 11b3 is a conductor pattern having a strip-shaped plan view. The line 11b3 extends in the y-axis positive direction from the end of the long side of the electrode 11b1 on the y-axis positive direction on the x-axis negative direction side in the plane parallel to the xy plane, and then extends in the x-axis negative direction. ing. The line 11b4 is a conductor pattern having a strip-shaped plan view. The line 11b4 extends in the y-axis positive direction from the end of the long side of the electrode 11b2 on the y-axis positive direction on the x-axis negative direction side in the plane parallel to the xy plane, and then extends in the x-axis positive direction. ing. The end of the line 11b3 opposite to the electrode 11b1 side and the end of the line 11b4 opposite to the electrode 11b2 side are connected to each other. The line 11b5 is a conductor pattern having a strip-shaped plan view. The line 11b5 extends in the direction parallel to the xy plane in the positive direction of the y-axis from the connection point between the line 11b3 and the line 11b4. Each of the three lines 11b3, 11b4, 11b5 constitutes a microstrip line together with the second conductor layer L3 facing each other via the first dielectric layer L2.

The difference between the length of the line 11b3 and the length of the line 11b4 is set to 0 or an integral multiple of the wavelength of the high frequency current input to the antenna device 1. As a result, when a high-frequency current is input to the line 115b, a high-frequency current of the same phase flows through the electrodes 11b1 and 11b2.

The first dielectric layer L2 is a dielectric layer interposed between the first conductor layer L1 described above and the second conductor layer L3 described later. In the present embodiment, the first dielectric layer L2 is realized by one continuous dielectric substrate 12. The material of the dielectric substrate 12 is, for example, LCP (liquid crystal polymer). However, the number of layers and the material of the dielectric substrate 12 are arbitrary and are not limited thereto.

The second conductor layer L3 is a conductor layer that has a ground function. In the present embodiment, the second conductor layer L3 is realized by one continuous conductor film 13. The material of the conductor film 13 is, for example, copper. However, the material of the conductor film 13 is arbitrary and is not limited thereto.

Three openings 13a, 13b, and 13c are formed in the conductor film 13. Each of the three openings 13a, 13b, and 13c is an opening having a rectangular shape in a plan view. The opening 13a is parallel to the xy plane so that the long side is parallel to the x-axis and intersects the above-mentioned electrode 11a1 (orthogonally in the present embodiment) in a plan view from the positive direction of the z-axis. It is arranged in the plane. The opening 13b is parallel to the xy plane so that the long side is parallel to the y-axis and intersects the above-mentioned electrode 11b1 (orthogonally in the present embodiment) in a plan view from the positive direction of the z-axis. It is arranged in the plane. The opening 13c is parallel to the xy plane so that the long side is parallel to the y-axis and intersects the above-mentioned electrode 11b2 (orthogonally in the present embodiment) in a plan view from the positive direction of the z-axis. It is arranged in the plane.

The second dielectric layer L4 is a dielectric layer interposed between the second conductor layer L3 described above and the third conductor layer L5 described later. In the present embodiment, the second dielectric layer L4 is realized by one continuous dielectric substrate 14. The material of the dielectric substrate 14 is, for example, LCP. However, the number of layers and the material of the dielectric substrate 14 are arbitrary and are not limited thereto.

The third conductor layer L5 is a conductor layer that has a radiation function. In the present embodiment, the third conductor layer L5 is realized by one continuous conductor film 15. The material of the conductor film 15 is, for example, copper. However, the material of the conductor film 15 is arbitrary and is not limited thereto.

The conductor film 15 functions as one electrode 15a, two radiating elements 15b, 15c, and four lines 15d, 15e, 15f, 15g.

The electrode 15a is a rectangular conductor pattern. A plane parallel to the xy plane so that the long side of the electrode 15a is parallel to the y-axis and intersects (orthogonally in the present embodiment) the above-mentioned opening 13a in a plan view from the positive direction of the z-axis. It is located inside.

The two radiating elements 15b and 15c each have a rectangular conductor pattern. The radiating element 15b has an x of the electrode 15a in a plane parallel to the xy plane so that the long side is parallel to the y-axis and includes the above-mentioned opening 13b in a plan view from the positive direction of the z-axis. It is located on the positive side of the axis. The radiating element 15c has an x of the electrode 15a in a plane parallel to the xy plane so that the long side is parallel to the y-axis and includes the above-mentioned opening 13c in a plan view from the positive direction of the z-axis. It is located on the negative axis side. In the present embodiment, the long sides of the radiating elements 15b and 15c are parallel to the y-axis, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the long sides of the radiating elements 15b and 15c are parallel to the x-axis.

The four lines 15d, 15e, 15f, and 15g are band-shaped conductor patterns, respectively. The line 15d extends in the x-axis positive direction in the plane parallel to the xy plane from the end of the long side of the electrode 15a on the x-axis positive direction side on the y-axis positive direction, and then the x-axis negative of the radiating element 15b. It is connected to the end on the positive side of the y-axis of the side on the directional side. The line 15e extends in the x-axis positive direction in a plane parallel to the xy plane from the end of the long side of the electrode 15a on the x-axis positive direction side on the y-axis negative direction, and then the x-axis negative of the radiating element 15b. It is connected to the end on the negative side of the y-axis of the side on the directional side. The line 15f extends in the x-axis negative direction in a plane parallel to the xy plane from the end of the long side of the electrode 15a on the x-axis negative direction side on the y-axis positive direction, and then the x-axis positive of the radiating element 15c. It is connected to the end on the positive side of the y-axis of the side on the directional side. The line 15g extends in the x-axis negative direction in a plane parallel to the xy plane from the end of the long side of the electrode 15a on the x-axis negative direction side in the y-axis negative direction, and then the x-axis positive of the radiating element 15c. It is connected to the end on the negative side of the y-axis of the side on the directional side.

The difference between the length of the line 15d and the length of the line 15f is set to 0 (may be set to an integral multiple of the wavelength of the high frequency current input to the antenna device 1). Similarly, the difference between the length of the line 15e and the length of the line 15g is set to 0 (may be set to an integral multiple of the wavelength of the high frequency current input to the antenna device 1). As a result, when a high-frequency current is induced in the electrode 15a, a current of the same phase flows in the radiating element 15b and the radiating element 15c.

As described above, the antenna device 1 includes the electrode 11a1 (an example of the "first electrode" in the claims) in the first conductor layer L1 and the (1) electrode 11a1 in the third conductor layer L5. 15a (an example of "mediating electrode" in the claims), (2) line 15d (an example of "first line" in the claims) and line 15e (an example of the "first line" in the claims) facing A radiation element 15b (an example of the "first radiation element" in the claims) connected to the electrode 15a by (an example of "two lines") and (3) a line 15f (an example of the "third line" in the claims). An example) and a radiation element 15c (an example of a "second radiation element" in the claims) connected to the electrode 15a by a line 15g (an example of the "fourth line" in the claims). .. Then, the alignment direction of the connection point between the electrode 15a and the line 15d and the connection point between the electrode 15a and the line 15e, the connection point between the electrode 15a and the line 15f, and the arrangement direction of the connection point between the electrode 15a and the line 15g are , Parallel to the stretching direction of the electrode 11a1. Further, the direction of arrangement of the connection point between the radiating element 15b and the line 15d and the connection point between the radiating element 15b and the line 15e, the connection point between the radiating element 15c and the line 15f, and the connection point between the radiating element 15c and the line 15g. Is parallel to the y-axis (an example of the "second axis" in the claims).

With the above configuration, in the antenna device 1, by indirectly exciting the two radiating elements 15b and 15c via the electrode 15a, the polarization plane from the two radiating elements 15b and 15c is linearly biased parallel to the yz plane. It is possible to radiate a wave (hereinafter, also referred to as "y-polarized light"). The details of this excitation method will be described later as a "second excitation method" instead of the reference drawing.

Further, the antenna device 1 faces the first conductor layer L1 with (1) an electrode 11b1 facing the radiation element 15b (an example of the "second electrode" in the claims) and (2) the radiation element 15c. It further includes an electrode 11b2 (an example of a "third electrode" in the claims).

With the above configuration, in the antenna device 1, by directly exciting the two radiating elements 15b and 15c without passing through the electrode 15a, the plane of polarization from the two radiating elements 15b and 15c is a straight line parallel to the zx plane. It is possible to radiate polarized waves (hereinafter, also referred to as "x polarized waves"). The details of this excitation method will be described later as a "first excitation method" instead of the reference drawing.

In the antenna device 1 according to the present embodiment, the line 15d and the line 15e are provided at positions symmetrical with respect to a straight line parallel to the x-axis, passing through the center of the electrode 15a. Similarly, the line 15f and the line 15g pass through the center of the electrode 15a and are arranged at positions symmetrical with respect to a straight line parallel to the x-axis. Further, the line 15d and the line 15f pass through the center of the electrode 15a and are arranged at positions symmetrical with respect to a straight line parallel to the y-axis. Similarly, the line 15e and the line 15g pass through the center of the electrode 15a and are arranged at positions symmetrical with respect to a straight line parallel to the y-axis.

In particular, in the antenna device 1 according to the present embodiment, the connection point between the electrode 15a and the line 15d is provided at the end of the electrode 15a on the x-axis positive direction side on the y-axis positive direction side, and the electrode 15a is provided. The connection point between the electrode 15a and the line 15e is provided at the end of the electrode 15a on the positive side of the x-axis on the negative side of the y-axis. Similarly, the connection point between the radiating element 15b and the line 15d is provided at the end of the radiating element 15b on the negative side of the x-axis on the positive side of the y-axis, and the connection between the radiating element 15b and the line 15e is provided. The points are provided at the ends of the radiation element 15b on the negative side of the x-axis on the negative side of the y-axis. Further, in the antenna device 1 according to the present embodiment, the connection point between the electrode 15a and the line 15f is provided at the end on the y-axis positive direction side of the x-axis negative direction side of the electrode 15a, and the electrode 15a The connection point between the electrode 15a and the line 15g is provided at the end of the electrode 15a on the negative direction side of the x-axis side on the negative direction side of the y-axis. Similarly, the connection point between the radiating element 15c and the line 15f is provided at the end of the radiating element 15c on the x-axis positive direction side on the y-axis positive direction side, and connects the radiating element 15c and the line 15g. The points are provided at the ends of the radiation element 15c on the positive side of the x-axis on the negative side of the y-axis.

With the above configuration, in the antenna device 1, it is possible to increase the gain of the x-polarized wave and the y-polarized wave radiated from the two radiating elements 15b and 15c. Further, in the antenna device 1, it is possible to increase the polarization ratio and improve the crosstalk characteristics.

(First excitation method of radiating element)
A first method for exciting the two radiating elements 15b and 15c in the antenna device 1 (hereinafter, referred to as “first excitation method”) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the antenna device 1.

The first excitation method is a method of directly exciting two radiating elements 15b and 15c by inputting a high frequency current to the conductor film 11b without passing through the electrode 15a.

In the first excitation method, a high-frequency current is input to the electrode 11b1 via the line 11b5 and the line 11b3, and a high-frequency current is input to the electrode 11b2 via the line 11b5 and the line 11b4. Then, a current of the same phase is induced in the radiating element 15b that is electromagnetically coupled to the electrode 11b1 via the opening 13b and the radiating element 15c that is electromagnetically coupled to the electrode 11b2 via the opening 13c. .. At this time, as shown by the black arrow in FIG. 2, in a certain half cycle, a current flowing in the positive direction of the x-axis flows through both the radiating element 15b and the radiating element 15c. Further, as shown by a white arrow in FIG. 2, in the next half cycle, a current flowing in the negative direction of the x-axis flows through both the radiating element 15b and the radiating element 15c.

As described above, the direction of the electric current induced in the two radiating elements 15b and 15c in the first excitation method is a direction parallel to the x-axis. Therefore, according to the first excitation method, linearly polarized waves whose polarization plane is parallel to the zx plane (hereinafter, also referred to as “x polarization”) are in the z-axis positive direction from each of the two radiating elements 15b and 15c. It is radiated toward.

In the antenna device 1, the conductor film 15 including the electrode 15a, the radiating element 15b, the radiating element 15c, the line 15d, the line 15e, the line 15f, and the line 15g (an example of the "conductor pattern" in the scope of the patent claim) is A configuration that is symmetric (line symmetric) with respect to a straight line parallel to the y-axis passing through the center of the electrode 15a is adopted. This makes it possible to more effectively radiate x-polarized light from the two radiating elements 15b and 15c. Further, in the antenna device 1, the line 15d and the line 15f are linear lines arranged on the same straight line, and the line 15e and the line 15g are straight lines arranged on the same straight line. .. Therefore, it becomes possible to more effectively radiate x-polarized light from the two radiating elements 15b and 15c.

(Second excitation method for radiating element)
A second method of exciting the two radiating elements 15b and 15c in the antenna device 1 (hereinafter, referred to as “second excitation method”) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the antenna device 1.

The second excitation method is a method of indirectly exciting the two radiating elements 15b and 15c via the electrode 15a by inputting a high frequency current to the conductor film 11a.

In the second excitation method, a high frequency current is input to the electrode 11a1 via the line 11a2. Then, a current is induced in the electrode 15a that is electromagnetically coupled to the electrode 11a1 through the opening 13a. Then, the radiating element 15b is supplied with a current of opposite phase from the electrode 15a via the line 15d and the line 15e. At this time, with respect to the current supplied from the electrode 15a to the radiating element 15b via the line 15d and the current supplied from the electrode 15a to the radiating element 15b via the line 15e, the components parallel to the x-axis cancel each other out. The components that meet and are parallel to the y-axis strengthen each other. As a result, the radiating element 15b is directed in the positive direction of the y-axis as shown by the white arrow in FIG. 3 in a certain half cycle, and in the negative direction of the y-axis as shown by the black arrow in FIG. 3 in the next half cycle. Current flows toward. On the other hand, a current of opposite phase is supplied to the radiating element 15c from the electrode 15a via the line 15f and the line 15g. At this time, with respect to the current supplied from the electrode 15a to the radiating element 15c via the line 15f and the current supplied from the electrode 15a to the radiating element 15c via the line 15g, the components parallel to the x-axis cancel each other out. The components that meet and are parallel to the y-axis strengthen each other. As a result, the radiating element 15c is directed in the positive direction of the y-axis as shown by the white arrow in FIG. 3 in a certain half cycle, and in the negative direction of the y-axis as shown by the black arrow in FIG. 3 in the next half cycle. Current flows toward.

As described above, in the second excitation method, the direction of the current induced in the two radiating elements 15b and 15c is a direction parallel to the y-axis. Therefore, according to the second excitation method, linearly polarized waves whose planes of polarization are parallel to the yz plane (hereinafter, also referred to as “y-polarized light”) are oriented in the z-axis positive direction from each of the two radiating elements 15b and 15c. It is radiated toward.

In the antenna device 1, the conductor film 15 including the electrode 15a, the radiating element 15b, the radiating element 15c, the line 15d, the line 15e, the line 15f, and the line 15g (an example of the "conductor pattern" in the scope of the patent claim) is A configuration that is symmetric (line symmetric) with respect to a straight line parallel to the y-axis passing through the center of the electrode 15a is adopted. This makes it possible to more effectively radiate y-polarized light from the two radiating elements 15b and 15c. Further, in the antenna device 1, the line 15d and the line 15f are linear lines arranged on the same straight line, and the line 15e and the line 15g are straight lines arranged on the same straight line. .. Therefore, it becomes possible to more effectively radiate y-polarized light from the two radiating elements 15b and 15c.

(Simultaneous implementation of the first excitation method and the second excitation method)
The first excitation method and the second excitation method can be carried out at the same time. That is, if the first high-frequency current is input to the conductor film 11b and the second high-frequency current is input to the conductor film 11a at the same time, the x polarization is positive in the z-axis direction from each of the two radiating elements 15b and 15c. At the same time, y-polarized light is radiated from each of the two radiating elements 15b and 15c in the positive direction of the z-axis.

(Characteristics of antenna device)
The characteristics of the antenna device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the gains of x-polarized light and y-polarized light obtained when the two radiating elements 15b and 15c are excited according to the first excitation method shown in FIG.

According to FIG. 4, it can be seen that the gain of x-polarization is more than 0 dB and the gain of y-polarization is less than −20 dB in the entire frequency band shown in FIG. That is, it can be seen that the selective radiation of x-polarized light is successful.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the gains of x-polarized light and y-polarized light obtained when the two radiating elements 15b and 15c are excited according to the second excitation method shown in FIG.

According to FIG. 5, the gain of y-polarization exceeds 0 dB in substantially the entire frequency band shown, whereas the gain of x-polarization falls below −20 dB in the entire frequency band shown. You can see that there is. That is, it can be seen that the selective radiation of y-polarized light is successful.

FIG. 6 shows the 11 components, 22 components, and 21 of the S matrix obtained when the line 11a2 connected to the electrode 11a1 is used as the input port 1 and the line 11b5 connected to the electrode 11b1 and the electrode 11b2 is used as the input port 2. It is a graph which shows the frequency characteristic of a component.

According to FIG. 6, it can be seen that the 21 components of the S matrix are less than -30 dB in substantially the entire range of the illustrated frequency band. This means that the inter-port interference between the input port 1 and the input port 2 is sufficiently small.

(Modification example of antenna device)
A modified example of the antenna device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the antenna device 1 (hereinafter, referred to as “antenna device 1A”) according to the present modification.

The antenna device 1A includes an antenna device 1 composed of a first conductor layer L1, a first dielectric layer L2, a second conductor layer L3, a second dielectric layer L4, and a third conductor layer L5, and a third dielectric layer L6. , And a fourth conductor layer L7 is added.

The third dielectric layer L6 is a dielectric layer interposed between the third conductor layer L5 described above and the fourth conductor layer L7 described later. In the present embodiment, the third dielectric layer L6 is realized by one continuous dielectric substrate 16. The material of the dielectric substrate 16 is, for example, LCP. However, the number of layers and the material of the dielectric substrate 16 are arbitrary and are not limited thereto.

The fourth conductor layer L7 is realized by two conductor films 17a and 17b that are insulated from each other. The material of the conductor films 17a and 17b is, for example, copper. However, the materials of the conductor films 17a and 17b are arbitrary and are not limited thereto.

The two conductor films 17a and 17b each have a rectangular conductor pattern and function as a non-feeding element. The conductor film 17a is aligned with the xy plane so that the long side is parallel to the x-axis and overlaps with the above-mentioned radiating element 15b in a plan view from the positive direction of the z-axis (included in this modification). They are arranged in parallel planes. The conductor film 17b is aligned with the xy plane so that the long side is parallel to the x-axis and overlaps with the above-mentioned radiating element 15c in a plan view from the positive direction of the z-axis (included in this modification). They are arranged in parallel planes. In this modification, the long sides of the conductor films 17a and 17b are parallel to the x-axis, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the long sides of the conductor films 17a and 17b are parallel to the y-axis.

(Characteristics of the antenna device according to the modified example)
The characteristics of the antenna device 1A will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10.

FIG. 8 is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the gains of x-polarized light and y-polarized light obtained when the two radiating elements 15b and 15c are excited according to the first excitation method shown in FIG.

According to FIG. 8, it can be seen that the gain of x-polarization is more than 0 dB and the gain of y-polarization is less than −20 dB in the entire range of the illustrated frequency band. That is, it can be seen that the selective radiation of x-polarized light is successful.

FIG. 9 is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the gains of x-polarized light and y-polarized light obtained when the two radiating elements 15b and 15c are excited according to the second excitation method shown in FIG.

According to FIG. 9, it can be seen that the gain of y-polarization is higher than 0 dB and the gain of x-polarized light is lower than −20 dB in the entire frequency band shown in FIG. That is, it can be seen that the selective radiation of y-polarized light is successful.

FIG. 10 shows the 11 components, 22 components, and 21 of the S matrix obtained when the line 11a2 connected to the electrode 11a1 is used as the input port 1 and the line 11b5 connected to the electrode 11b1 and the electrode 11b2 is used as the input port 2. It is a graph which shows the frequency characteristic of a component.

According to FIG. 10, it can be seen that the 21 components of the S matrix are less than -30 dB in the entire range of the illustrated frequency band. This means that the inter-port interference between the input port 1 and the input port 2 is sufficiently small. Further, by comparing FIG. 10 and FIG. 6, it can be confirmed that the reflection characteristics are improved by providing the conductor films 17a and 17b that function as the non-feeding element.

(Additional notes)
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the above-described embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

1,1A Antenna device L1 1st conductor layer 11a1 Electrode (1st electrode)
11b1 electrode (second electrode)
11b2 electrode (third electrode)
L2 1st dielectric layer L3 2nd conductor layer (conductor layer)
13a opening (first opening)
13b opening (second opening)
13c opening (third opening)
L4 2nd dielectric layer L5 3rd conductor layer 15a Electrode (mediating electrode)
15b Radiating element (1st radiating element)
15c radiant element (second radiant element)
15d line (1st line)
15e track (second track)
15f track (3rd track)
15g track (4th track)
L6 3rd Dielectric Layer L7 4th Conductor Layer 17a Conductor Membrane (1st Passive Repeater)
17b Conductor film (second non-feeding element)

Claims (8)

With the first electrode
With the second electrode
With the conductor layer
An intermediary electrode facing the first electrode through a first opening formed in the conductor layer,
A first radiating element facing the second electrode through a second opening formed in the conductor layer,
A first line and a second line connecting the mediation electrode and the first radiation element are provided.
The stretching direction of the second electrode is parallel to the first axis and is parallel to the first axis.
The alignment direction of the connection point between the mediation electrode and the first line and the connection point between the mediation electrode and the second line is parallel to the extension direction of the first electrode.
The alignment direction of the connection point between the first radiating element and the first line and the connection point between the first radiating element and the second line is parallel to the second axis.
An antenna device characterized by that. With the third electrode
A second radiating element facing the third electrode through a third opening formed in the conductor layer,
A third line and a fourth line connecting the mediation electrode and the second radiation element are further provided.
The first radiating element is arranged on the positive direction side of the first axis of the mediation electrode.
The second radiating element is arranged on the negative direction side of the first axis of the mediating electrode.
The stretching direction of the third electrode is parallel to the first axis.
The alignment direction of the connection point between the mediation electrode and the third line and the connection point between the mediation electrode and the fourth line is parallel to the extension direction of the first electrode.
The alignment direction of the connection point between the second radiating element and the third line and the connection point between the second radiating element and the fourth line is parallel to the second axis.
The antenna device according to claim 1. The first line and the second line are arranged symmetrically with respect to a straight line passing through the center of the mediation electrode and parallel to the first axis.
The third line and the fourth line are arranged symmetrically with respect to a straight line passing through the center of the mediation electrode and parallel to the first axis.
The first line and the third line are arranged symmetrically with respect to a straight line passing through the center of the mediation electrode and parallel to the second axis, and the second line and the fourth line are the same. It is arranged symmetrically with respect to a straight line passing through the center of the mediator electrode and parallel to the second axis.
The antenna device according to claim 2. The connection point between the mediator electrode and the first line is provided at the end of the mediator electrode on the positive direction side of the first axis on the positive direction side of the second axis, and the mediator electrode and the first line are provided. The connection point with the two lines is provided at the end of the mediator electrode on the positive direction side of the first axis on the negative direction side of the second axis.
The connection point between the mediator electrode and the third line is provided at the end of the mediator electrode on the negative direction side of the first axis on the positive direction side of the second axis, and the mediator electrode and the third line are provided. The connection point with the four lines is provided at the end of the mediator electrode on the negative direction side of the first axis on the negative direction side of the second axis.
The antenna device according to claim 2 or 3. The difference between the length of the first line and the length of the third line is an integral multiple of the wavelength of the high frequency current input to the first electrode.
The difference between the length of the second line and the length of the fourth line is an integral multiple of the wavelength of the high frequency current input to the first electrode.
The antenna device according to any one of claims 2 to 4. The conductor pattern including the first radiation element, the second radiation element, the mediation electrode, the first line, the second line, the third line, and the fourth line passes through the center of the mediation electrode. Symmetrical to a straight line parallel to the second axis,
The antenna device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the antenna device. The first line and the third line are straight lines arranged on the same straight line.
The second line and the fourth line are straight lines arranged on the same straight line.
The antenna device according to claim 6. A first non-feeding element that overlaps with the first radiating element in a plan view,
A second non-feeding element that overlaps with the second radiating element in a plan view is further provided.
The antenna device according to any one of claims 2 to 7.

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