U.S. patent application number 15/820228 was filed with the patent office on 2018-04-05 for electronic apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Keita Endo, Yasuharu MATSUOKA, Kazuya Nakano, Kenji Nishikawa, Shintarou Tanaka, Ryo Yonezawa, Kazuki Zusho.
Application Number | 20180097287 15/820228 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58631462 |
Filed Date | 2018-04-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180097287 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MATSUOKA; Yasuharu ; et
al. |
April 5, 2018 |
ELECTRONIC APPARATUS
Abstract
An electronic apparatus includes: a first antenna board having a
plate shape and extending with a first length; a second antenna
board having a plate shape and extending with a second length; and
a rectangular parallelepiped upper casing for accommodating the
first antenna board and the second antenna board. The first antenna
board and the second antenna board are arranged such that a
longitudinal direction of the first antenna board and a
longitudinal direction of the second antenna board are parallel to
one side of one main surface of the rectangular parallelepiped
upper casing. The first antenna board and the second antenna board
are arranged parallel to each other.
Inventors: |
MATSUOKA; Yasuharu; (Osaka,
JP) ; Nakano; Kazuya; (Osaka, JP) ; Nishikawa;
Kenji; (Hyogo, JP) ; Endo; Keita; (Osaka,
JP) ; Tanaka; Shintarou; (Osaka, JP) ;
Yonezawa; Ryo; (Kyoto, JP) ; Zusho; Kazuki;
(Osaka, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. |
Osaka |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
58631462 |
Appl. No.: |
15/820228 |
Filed: |
November 21, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/JP2016/004512 |
Oct 7, 2016 |
|
|
|
15820228 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01Q 1/36 20130101; H01Q
1/2266 20130101; H04B 1/3827 20130101; H01Q 21/28 20130101; H01Q
1/2291 20130101; H01Q 5/378 20150115; H01Q 5/35 20150115; H01Q 5/10
20150115; H01Q 1/24 20130101; H01Q 1/48 20130101; H04B 1/0064
20130101; H01Q 1/38 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01Q 5/35 20060101
H01Q005/35; H01Q 1/24 20060101 H01Q001/24; H01Q 5/10 20060101
H01Q005/10; H01Q 21/28 20060101 H01Q021/28; H01Q 1/22 20060101
H01Q001/22 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 30, 2015 |
JP |
2015-214879 |
Claims
1. An electronic apparatus comprising: a first antenna board having
a plate shape and extending with a first length; a second antenna
board having a plate shape and extending with a second length; and
a casing, having a rectangular parallelepiped shape, for
accommodating the first antenna board and the second antenna board,
wherein the first antenna board and the second antenna board are
arranged such that a longitudinal direction of the first antenna
board and a longitudinal direction of the second antenna board are
parallel to one side of one main surface of the casing, and the
first antenna board and the second antenna board are arranged
parallel to each other.
2. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first
antenna board is arranged such that a pair of main surfaces of the
first antenna board is perpendicular to the one main surface of the
casing, and the second antenna board is arranged such that a pair
of main surfaces of the second antenna board is parallel to the one
main surface of the casing.
3. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first
antenna board is arranged such that a pair of main surfaces of the
first antenna board is parallel to the one main surface of the
casing, and the second antenna board is arranged such that a pair
of main surfaces of the second antenna board is perpendicular to
the one main surface of the casing.
4. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first
antenna board and the second antenna board are respectively
arranged such that respective pairs of main surfaces of the first
antenna board and the second antenna board are parallel to the one
main surface of the casing.
5. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first
antenna board and the second antenna board are respectively
arranged such that respective pairs of main surfaces of the first
antenna board and the second antenna board are perpendicular to the
one main surface of the casing.
6. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first
antenna board is operated in a first frequency band, the second
antenna board is operated in a second frequency band higher than
the first frequency band, and the second length is shorter than the
first length.
7. The electronic apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first
antenna board comprises: a first dielectric substrate; a first
feedpoint disposed at a predetermined position of the first
dielectric substrate; and a first radiating element formed on at
least one of a pair of main surfaces of the first dielectric
substrate, the first radiating element being formed along a
longitudinal direction of the first antenna board with a third
length shorter than the first length, the second antenna board
comprises: a second dielectric substrate; a second feedpoint
disposed at a predetermined position of the second dielectric
substrate; and a second radiating element formed on at least one of
a pair of main surfaces of the second dielectric substrate, the
second radiating element being formed along a longitudinal
direction of the second antenna board with a fourth length shorter
than the second length, and the first radiating element includes a
first zone and a second zone along the longitudinal direction of
the first antenna board, the first radiating element being
connected to the first feedpoint in the first zone, and opposedly
facing the second radiating element only in at least a portion of
the second zone.
8. The electronic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first
radiating element is configured to wholly resonate during an
operation of the first antenna board at a first frequency within
the first frequency band, and the first zone of the first radiating
element is configured to resonate during an operation of the first
antenna board at a second frequency higher than the first frequency
within the first frequency band.
9. The electronic apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first
antenna board includes an LC resonator between the first zone and
the second zone of the first radiating element.
Description
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic apparatus
where a plurality of antennas are disposed in a casing.
2. Description of Related Art
[0002] Among electronic apparatuses capable of performing wireless
communication, there have been known an electronic apparatus where
a plurality of antennas are disposed in a casing of the electronic
apparatus for realizing spatial diversity (see Unexamined Japanese
Patent Publication No. 2005-136912 and Japanese Patent Publication
No. 4184956). Further, to enable communication by a plurality of
wireless communication methods (for example, Long Term Evolution:
LTE, Wi-Fi and the like), there has been also known an electronic
apparatus where a plurality of antennas which are respectively
operated in a plurality of frequency bands corresponding to the
respective wireless communication methods are disposed in a casing
of the electronic apparatus.
SUMMARY
[0003] An electronic apparatus according to the present disclosure
includes: a first antenna board having a plate shape and extending
with a first length; a second antenna board having a plate shape
and extending with a second length; and a casing, having a
rectangular parallelepiped shape, for accommodating the first
antenna board and the second antenna board. The first antenna board
and the second antenna board are arranged such that a longitudinal
direction of the first antenna board and a longitudinal direction
of the second antenna board are parallel to one side of one main
surface of the casing. The first antenna board and the second
antenna board are arranged parallel to each other.
[0004] According to the electronic apparatus according to the
present disclosure, the first antenna board and the second antenna
board are arranged parallel to each other and hence, the casing can
be made compact compared to a case where the first antenna board
and the second antenna board are arranged in series in a row
without being arranged parallel to each other. In this manner,
according to the electronic apparatus of the present disclosure, it
is possible to prevent the increase in a size of the casing even
when a plurality of antenna boards are accommodated in the
casing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electronic apparatus
according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an outer side of an
upper casing of the electronic apparatus according to the first
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an inner surface of a
panel of the upper casing of the electronic apparatus according to
the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0008] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a portion of the inner surface
of the panel of the upper casing of the electronic apparatus
according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a portion of an outer surface
of the panel of the upper casing of the electronic apparatus
according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 6 is a side view showing an upper side surface of the
panel of the upper casing of the electronic apparatus according to
the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the panel of the upper
casing taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 3;
[0012] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a configuration of a first
antenna board of the electronic apparatus according to the first
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a pattern of radiation
conductors on a front surface of the first antenna board shown in
FIG. 8;
[0014] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a pattern of the radiation
conductors on a rear surface of the first antenna board shown in
FIG. 8;
[0015] FIG. 11 is a view showing a portion of the first antenna
board of the electronic apparatus according to the first exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure which resonates when the first
antenna board is operated at first low frequency f1a;
[0016] FIG. 12 is a view showing a portion of the first antenna
board of the electronic apparatus according to the first exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure which resonates when the first
antenna board is operated at second low frequency f1b;
[0017] FIG. 13 is a view showing a portion of the first antenna
board of the electronic apparatus according to the first exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure which resonates when the first
antenna board is operated at third low frequency f1c;
[0018] FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a configuration of a second
antenna board of the electronic apparatus according to the first
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 15 is a plan view showing a pattern of radiation
conductors on a front surface of the second antenna board shown in
FIG. 14;
[0020] FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a pattern of the radiation
conductors on a rear surface of the second antenna board shown in
FIG. 14;
[0021] FIG. 17 is a view showing a portion of the second antenna
board of the electronic apparatus according to the first exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure which resonates when the
second antenna board is operated at first high frequency f2a;
[0022] FIG. 18 is a view showing a portion of the second antenna
board of the electronic apparatus according to the first exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure which resonates when the
second antenna board is operated at second high frequency f2b;
[0023] FIG. 19 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the first
antenna board and the second antenna board of the electronic
apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing an inner surface of a
panel of an upper casing of an electronic apparatus according to a
second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 21 is a plan view showing a portion of the inner
surface of the panel of the upper casing of the electronic
apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 22 is a side view showing an upper side surface of the
panel of the upper casing of the electronic apparatus according to
the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the panel of the upper
casing taken along line 23-23 in FIG. 20;
[0028] FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing an inner surface of a
panel of an upper casing of an electronic apparatus according to a
third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0029] FIG. 25 is a plan view showing a portion of the inner
surface of the panel of the upper casing of the electronic
apparatus according to the third exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 26 is a side view showing an upper side surface of the
panel of the upper casing of the electronic apparatus according to
the third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0031] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the panel of the upper
casing taken along line 27-27 in FIG. 24;
[0032] FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing an inner surface of a
panel of an upper casing of an electronic apparatus according to a
fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0033] FIG. 29 is a plan view showing a portion of the inner
surface of the panel of the upper casing of the electronic
apparatus according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0034] FIG. 30 is a side view showing an upper side surface of the
panel of the upper casing of the electronic apparatus according to
the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0035] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the panel of the upper
casing taken along line 31-31 in FIG. 28.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described in
detail with reference to drawings as appropriate. However, detailed
description more than necessary may be omitted. For example, in
some cases, a detailed description of a matters which is already
known, and a repeated description of substantially the same
configuration will be omitted. These omissions are made to avoid
unnecessary redundancy of the following description and to
facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art.
[0037] Note that the inventor of the present disclosure provides
the accompanying drawings and the following description in order to
allow those skilled in the art to fully understand the present
disclosure, and do not intend to limit the subject matter as
described in the appended claims.
First Exemplary Embodiment
[0038] Electronic apparatus 100 according to a first exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure is described with reference to
FIG. 1 to FIG. 19.
[1-1. Configuration]
[1-1-1. Overall Configuration]
[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing electronic apparatus
100 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure in an open state. Electronic apparatus 100 is a notebook
computer, for example. A casing of electronic apparatus 100
includes lower casing 10 and upper casing 20 which are openably
connected with each other by means of hinges 31, 32. Each of lower
casing 10 and upper casing 20 has a substantially rectangular
parallelepiped shape. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an outer
side of upper casing 20 of electronic apparatus 100 shown in FIG.
1.
[0040] Electronic apparatus 100 includes keyboard 11 and pointing
device 12 on a front surface of lower casing 10. In electronic
apparatus 100, wireless communication circuit 13 for a wide area
network (WAN) (for example, LTE or the like) which is operated in a
low frequency band, and wireless communication circuit 14 for a
local area network (LAN) (for example, Wi-Fi or the like) which is
operated in a high frequency band higher than the low frequency
band are disposed in lower casing 10. The low frequency band
includes 700 MHz to 950 MHz and 1.4 GHz to 2.17 GHz, for example.
The high frequency band includes 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz and 5.15 GHz to
5.825 GHz, for example.
[0041] In electronic apparatus 100, display 24 which is formed of a
liquid crystal display device and antenna boards 40-1, 40-2, 50-1,
50-2 are disposed in upper casing 20. Each of antenna boards 40-1,
40-2 is a WAN antenna having a plate shape and extending with a
predetermined length, and is operated in the low frequency band
(for example, 700 MHz to 950 MHz and 1.4 GHz to 2.17 GHz). Antenna
boards 40-1, 40-2 are respectively connected to WAN wireless
communication circuit 13 through feed lines 61-1 and 61-2. Each of
antenna boards 50-1, 50-2 is a LAN antenna having a plate shape and
extending with a predetermined length which is shorter than the
length of antenna boards 40-1, 40-2, and is operated in the high
frequency band (for example, 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz and 5.15 GHz to
5.825 GHz). Antenna boards 50-1, 50-2 are respectively connected to
LAN wireless communication circuit 14 through feed lines 62-1 and
62-2.
[0042] Antenna boards 40-1, 40-2, 50-1, 50-2 are formed in a region
of upper casing 20 around display 24. In the example shown in FIG.
1 and FIG. 2, antenna boards 40-1, 40-2, 50-1, 50-2 can be arranged
in the region of upper casing 20 over an entire width which is
disposed on an upper side of display 24 (a portion on a side
opposite to hinges 31 and 32 with respect to display 24). In this
region, WAN antenna boards 40-1, 40-2 are disposed at positions
different from each other, and LAN antenna boards 50-1, 50-2 are
disposed at positions different from each other. WAN wireless
communication circuit 13 performs communication by selectively
using either one of antenna board 40-1 or antenna board 40-2 thus
realizing spatial diversity. In the same manner, LAN wireless
communication circuit 14 performs communication by selectively
using either one of antenna board 50-1 or antenna board 50-2 thus
realizing spatial diversity.
[0043] Upper casing 20 includes: bezel 21 forming an inner casing
which is not exposed to the outside when electronic apparatus 100
is folded; and panel 22 and antenna cover 23 forming an outer
casing which is exposed to the outside when electronic apparatus
100 is folded. Bezel 21 and antenna cover 23 are made of a
non-metal material such as a synthetic resin. Panel 22 is made of a
conductive material such as a magnesium alloy. Bezel 21 is disposed
so as to surround a peripheral edge portion of a screen of display
24. Panel 22 has a substantially rectangular shape as viewed in a
plan view. Panel 22 is a back surface panel disposed on the rear
side of display 24. Panel 22 has a portion for supporting antenna
boards 40-1, 40-2, 50-1, 50-2 such that panel 22 accommodates
antenna boards 40-1, 40-2, 50-1, 50-2 without preventing
transmission and reception of a radio wave performed by antenna
boards 40-1, 40-2, 50-1, 50-2. In the example shown in FIG. 1 and
FIG. 2, the antenna support portion is formed on panel 22 having a
substantially rectangular shape as viewed in a plan view in an
elongated region along an opposite side of a side connected to
hinges 31 and 32. Antenna cover 23 is disposed so as to cover the
antenna support portion of panel 22 and antenna boards 40-1, 40-2,
50-1, 50-2 formed on the antenna support portion of panel 22.
[0044] In Electronic apparatus 100, a central processing unit
(CPU), a battery, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive
(SSD), various input/output terminals, and other parts are further
disposed in lower casing 10. In electronic apparatus 100, parts
such as an optical disk drive for reading/writing data from/in a
Blu-ray disc and/or a DVD disc, a microphone and a speaker may be
further disposed in lower casing 10. In electronic apparatus 100, a
part such as a web camera may be further disposed in upper casing
20. A function and a shape of these parts are substantially equal
to those of a conventional notebook computer and hence,
illustration and detailed description of these parts are
omitted.
[1-1-2. Arrangement of Antenna Board]
[0045] Next, the arrangement of antenna boards 40-1, 40-2, 50-1,
50-2 is described with reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 7.
[0046] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an inner surface of
panel 22 of upper casing 20 of electronic apparatus 100 shown in
FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a portion of the inner
surface of panel 22 of upper casing 20 of electronic apparatus 100
shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a portion of an
outer surface of panel 22 of upper casing 20 of electronic
apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a side view showing an
upper side surface of panel 22 of upper casing 20 of electronic
apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of
panel 22 of upper casing 20 taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 3.
Hereinafter, with reference to XYZ coordinates shown in the
drawing, +Y side, -Y side, -X side and +X side are assumed as an
upper side, a lower side, a left side and a right side
respectively.
[0047] Back surface 22a of panel 22 which is parallel to an XY
plane forms one main surface of upper casing 20. As described
above, panel 22 has a substantially rectangular shape as viewed in
a plan view. Panel 22 has upper side 22b and lower side 22d which
are parallel to an X axis and right side 22c and left side 22e
which are parallel to a Y axis. Antenna boards 40-1, 40-2, 50-1,
50-2 are arranged such that longitudinal directions of antenna
boards 40-1, 40-2, 50-1, 50-2 are parallel to upper side 22b of
panel 22. In other words, antenna boards 40-1, 40-2, 50-1, 50-2 are
arranged so as to be parallel to an extending direction of one side
portion of upper casing 20.
[0048] Antenna board 40-1 and antenna board 50-1 are arranged
parallel to each other. As shown in FIG. 6, antenna board 40-1 is
fixed to panel 22 by screw 25. Antenna board 40-1 is arranged such
that a pair of main surfaces of antenna board 40-1 is perpendicular
to back surface 22a of panel 22. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4,
antenna board 50-1 is fixed to panel 22 by screw 25. Antenna board
50-1 is arranged such that a pair of main surfaces of antenna board
50-1 is parallel to back surface 22a of panel 22.
[0049] Antenna board 40-2 and antenna board 50-2 are arranged
parallel to each other. As shown in FIG. 6, antenna board 40-2 is
fixed to panel 22 by screw 25. Antenna board 40-2 is arranged such
that a pair of main surfaces of antenna board 40-2 is perpendicular
to back surface 22a of panel 22. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4,
antenna board 50-2 is fixed to panel 22 by screw 25. Antenna board
50-2 is arranged such that a pair of main surfaces of antenna board
50-2 is parallel to back surface 22a of panel 22.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 7, antenna board 40-1 and antenna board
50-1 are arranged with predetermined distance d1 therebetween in
the Y direction. Assume a case where a length of antenna board 40-1
in the longitudinal direction is approximately 90 mm, for example,
and a length of antenna board 50-1 in the longitudinal direction is
approximately 30 mm, for example. In such a case, distance d1 is
set to approximately 4 mm, for example.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 3, antenna board 40-1 includes feedpoint
P11a, and feedpoint P11a is connected to WAN wireless communication
circuit 13 through feed line 61-1. Antenna board 40-2 includes
feedpoint P12a, and feedpoint P12a is connected to WAN wireless
communication circuit 13 through feed line 61-2. Antenna board 50-1
includes feedpoint P21a, and feedpoint P21a is connected to LAN
wireless communication circuit 14 through feed line 62-1. Antenna
board 50-2 includes feedpoint P22a, and feedpoint P22a is connected
to LAN wireless communication circuit 14 through feed line
62-2.
[1-1-3. Configurations and Manners of Operations of Antenna
Boards]
[0052] Next, configurations and manners of operations of antenna
boards 40-1, 40-2, 50-1, 50-2 are described with reference to FIG.
8 to FIG. 18. Each of antenna boards 40-1, 40-2 is formed as a
multi band antenna which is operated at a plurality of frequencies
in a low frequency band. Each of antenna boards 50-1, 50-2 is
formed as a multi band antenna which is operated at a plurality of
frequencies in a high frequency band.
[0053] First, the configuration and the manner of the operation of
antenna board 40-1 are described with reference to FIG. 8 to FIG.
13.
[0054] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the configuration of first
antenna board 40-1 of electronic apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a pattern of radiation conductors on
a front surface of first antenna board 40-1 shown in FIG. 8. FIG.
10 is a plan view showing a pattern of the radiation conductors on
a rear surface of first antenna board 40-1 shown in FIG. 8.
[0055] Antenna board 40-1 includes: dielectric substrate 41;
feedpoint P11a and connection point P11b; radiating elements 42 to
44 formed on a pair of main surfaces (front surface 41a and rear
surface 41b) of dielectric substrate 41; parasitic element 45; and
ground conductors G1a, G1b. Dielectric substrate 41 has a
predetermined width and a predetermined length. Dielectric
substrate 41 also has a first end portion (hereinafter referred to
as "left end" since the first end portion is disposed on the left
side in the drawing) and second end portion (hereinafter referred
to as "right end" since the second end portion is disposed on the
right side in the drawing) in the longitudinal direction, and a
first surface (front surface 41a) and a second surface (rear
surface 41b). Radiating elements 43, 44, parasitic element 45 and
ground conductor G1a are formed on front surface 41a of dielectric
substrate 41. Radiating element 42 and ground conductor G1b are
formed on rear surface 41b of dielectric substrate 41. In FIG. 8
and FIG. 10, radiating element 42 and ground conductor G1b formed
on rear surface 41b of dielectric substrate 41 are indicated by
dotted lines. Each of radiating elements 42 to 44 is formed along
the longitudinal direction of antenna board 40-1 with a
predetermined length shorter than a length of antenna board 40-1 in
the longitudinal direction. Radiating elements 42 to 44, parasitic
element 45 and ground conductors G1a, G1b are formed on both
surfaces of a printed circuit board as a conductive pattern, for
example.
[0056] Ground conductors G1a, G1b are disposed at predetermined
positions on dielectric substrate 41. For example, ground
conductors G1a, G1b are disposed at positions close to the left end
of dielectric substrate 41. Antenna board 40-1 also has at least
one through hole conductor 47c which penetrates dielectric
substrate 41, and electrically connects ground conductors G1a, G1b
with each other.
[0057] Radiating element 42 is formed on rear surface 41b of
dielectric substrate 41 so as to extend with a predetermined length
from a position away from ground conductor G1b by a predetermined
distance (a position on the right side of ground conductor G1b in
FIG. 8 and FIG. 10) toward the right end of dielectric substrate
41. Feedpoint P11a is formed on radiating element 42 at a position
where radiating element 42 and ground conductor G1b are disposed
close to each other. Connection point P11b is formed on ground
conductor G1b at a position where radiating element 42 and ground
conductor G1b are disposed close to each other. Accordingly,
feedpoint P11a and connection point P11b are disposed close to each
other. Accordingly, radiating element 42 extends from feedpoint
P11a toward the right end of dielectric substrate 41. Radiating
element 42 has: a first end portion (hereinafter referred to as
"left end" since the first end portion is disposed on the left side
in the drawing) which is disposed close to feedpoint P11a; and a
second end portion (hereinafter referred to as "right end" since
the second end portion is disposed on the right side in the
drawing) which is disposed remote from feedpoint P11a.
[0058] Radiating element 43 is formed on front surface 41a of
dielectric substrate 41 so as to extend with a predetermined length
along the longitudinal direction of dielectric substrate 41.
Radiating element 43 has: a first end portion (hereinafter referred
to as "left end" since the first end portion is disposed on the
left side in the drawing); and a second end portion (hereinafter
referred to as "right end" since the second end portion is disposed
on the right side in the drawing). The second end portion is
remoter from feedpoint P11a than the first end portion is.
Accordingly, the first end portion is disposed relatively close to
feedpoint P11a, and the second end portion is disposed relatively
remote from feedpoint P11a. Radiating element 43 has a portion
thereof which overlaps with radiating element 42 with dielectric
substrate 41 interposed between radiating element 43 and radiating
element 42, and a portion thereof extending from a position where
radiating element 43 overlaps with the right end of radiating
element 42 toward the right end of dielectric substrate 41. At any
position in a portion of antenna board 40-1 where radiating
elements 42, 43 overlap with each other with dielectric substrate
41 interposed therebetween, antenna board 40-1 has at least one
through hole conductor 47b which penetrates dielectric substrate 41
and electrically connects radiating elements 42, 43 with each
other. In the example shown in FIG. 8 to FIG. 10, through hole
conductors 47b are formed at the left end of radiating element
43.
[0059] Radiating element 44 is formed on front surface 41a of
dielectric substrate 41 so as to extend with a predetermined length
from a position away from ground conductor G1a by a predetermined
distance (a position on the right side of ground conductor G1a in
FIG. 8 and FIG. 9) toward the right end of dielectric substrate 41.
Radiating element 44 has a first end portion (hereinafter referred
to as "left end" since the first end portion is disposed on the
left side in the drawing) and a second end portion (hereinafter
referred to as "right end" since the second end portion is disposed
on the right side in the drawing). At the left end of radiating
element 44 and the left end of radiating element 42, antenna board
40-1 has at least one through hole conductor 47a which penetrates
dielectric substrate 41, and electrically connects radiating
elements 42, 44 with each other. Accordingly, radiating element 44
is electrically connected with feedpoint P11a, and radiating
element 44 extends from feedpoint P11a toward the right end of
dielectric substrate 41. A length of radiating element 44 in the
longitudinal direction is shorter than a length of radiating
element 42 in the longitudinal direction. To prevent a phenomenon
where strong electromagnetic coupling occurs between radiating
element 44 and radiating elements 42, 43 so that the resonance of
radiating element 44 is prevented, at least a portion of radiating
element 44 is disposed remote from radiating elements 42, 43.
Accordingly, for example, on both surfaces of dielectric substrate
41, radiating element 44 and radiating element 42 are arranged such
that at least a portion of radiating element 44 does not overlap
with radiating element 42 with dielectric substrate 41 interposed
between radiating element 44 and radiating element 42. Further, on
front surface 41a of dielectric substrate 41, radiating element 44
is arranged away from radiating element 43 by a predetermined
distance.
[0060] Parasitic element 45 and ground conductor G1a are formed as
an integral body. Parasitic element 45 is formed on front surface
41a of dielectric substrate 41 so as to extend with a predetermined
length from ground conductor G1a toward the right end of dielectric
substrate 41. Parasitic element 45 is disposed so as to allow the
occurrence of predetermined electromagnetic coupling between
parasitic element 45 and radiating elements 42, 44.
[0061] Feedpoint P11a and connection point P11b are connected to
WAN wireless communication circuit 13 through feed line 61-1. Feed
line 61-1 is a shield line having inner conductor 61-la and outer
conductor 61-1b. Inner conductor 61-la is connected to feedpoint
P11a, and outer conductor 61-1b is connected to connection point
P11b.
[0062] Antenna board 40-1 has screw hole 48 at a position where
ground conductors G1a, G1b are located so as to fix antenna board
40-1 to panel 22 by screw 25. When antenna board 40-1 is fixed to
panel 22 by screw 25, ground conductors G1a, G1b are electrically
connected to panel 22. However, antenna board 40-1 is formed such
that when antenna board 40-1 is fixed to panel 22 by screw 25,
conductive portions (radiating elements 42 to 44 and parasitic
element 45) other than ground conductors G1a, G1b are not
electrically brought into contact with the panel.
[0063] Radiating element 42 is capacitively coupled with radiating
element 43 at a portion where radiating elements 42, 43 overlap
with each other with dielectric substrate 41 interposed
therebetween. With the adjustment of a position of the right end of
radiating element 42, a capacity between radiating elements 42, 43
can be adjusted. At least one of radiating elements 42, 43 has a
portion having a meandering shape formed with a predetermined
length at a portion where radiating elements 42, 43 are
capacitively coupled with each other. In the example shown in FIG.
8 to FIG. 10, radiating element 43 has a portion having a
meandering shape which is formed with a predetermined length from
the left end of radiating element 43 toward the right end of
radiating element 43. The portion having a meandering shape has a
predetermined inductance. With the adjustment of a length of the
portion having a meandering shape, an inductance of the portion
having a meandering shape can be adjusted. LC resonator 46 is
formed by the portion of radiating element 43 having a meandering
shape and a portion where radiating elements 42, 43 are
capacitively coupled with each other. A resonance frequency of LC
resonator 46 is determined depending on an inductance of the
meandering portion and an area of a portion of radiating element 42
which overlaps with the meandering portion. Accordingly, a
resonance frequency of LC resonator 46 can be determined to a
desired frequency by only adjusting a position of the right end of
radiating element 42. That is, the resonance frequency of LC
resonator 46 can be adjusted independently from an entire length of
radiating element 43 and an entire length of radiating element
44.
[0064] In order to minimize electromagnetic coupling between
radiating elements 42 to 44 (excluding a portion of LC resonator
46), radiating elements 42 to 44 are formed so as to be disposed
remote from each other in the width direction of dielectric
substrate 41.
[0065] As described hereinafter, antenna board 40-1 is operated at
three frequencies (that is, first low frequency f1a, second low
frequency f1b, and third low frequency f1c) in a low frequency
band.
[0066] FIG. 11 is a view showing a portion of first antenna board
40-1 of electronic apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 which resonates
when first antenna board 40-1 is operated at first low frequency
f1a. When antenna board 40-1 is operated at first low frequency
f1a, a portion of first antenna board 40-1 ranging from feedpoint
P11a of radiating element 42, 43 to the right end of radiating
element 43 resonates. Radiating element 43 includes the portion
having a meandering shape and hence, an electrical length of
radiating element 43 is increased.
[0067] FIG. 12 is a view showing a portion of first antenna board
40-1 of electronic apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 which resonates
when first antenna board 40-1 is operated at second low frequency
f1b. When antenna board 40-1 is operated at second low frequency
f1b higher than first low frequency f1a, a portion of antenna board
40-1 ranging from feedpoint P11a of radiating element 42 to LC
resonator 46 resonates. Antenna board 40-1 includes LC resonator 46
and hence, radiating element 42 resonates at second low frequency
f1b.
[0068] FIG. 13 is a view showing a portion of first antenna board
40-1 of electronic apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 which resonates
when first antenna board 40-1 is operated at third low frequency
f1c. When antenna board 40-1 is operated at third low frequency f1c
higher than second low frequency f1b, radiating element 44
resonates.
[0069] When the low frequency band includes 700 MHz to 950 MHz and
1.4 GHz to 2.17 GHz, for example, first low frequency f1a is a
frequency in a band of 700 MHz, second low frequency f1b is a
frequency in a band of 1.5 GHz, and third low frequency f1c is a
frequency in a band of 2.1 GHz.
[0070] Antenna board 40-2 is also formed in the same manner as
antenna board 40-1.
[0071] Next, the configuration and the manner of the operation of
antenna board 50-1 are described with reference to FIG. 14 to FIG.
18.
[0072] FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the configuration of second
antenna board 50-1 of electronic apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 15 is a plan view showing a pattern of radiation conductors on
a front surface of second antenna board 50-1 shown in FIG. 14. FIG.
16 is a plan view showing a pattern of the radiation conductors on
a rear surface of second antenna board 50-1 shown in FIG. 14.
[0073] Antenna board 50-1 includes: dielectric substrate 51;
feedpoint P21a and connection point P21b; radiating elements 52, 53
formed on a pair of main surfaces (front surface 51a and rear
surface 51b) of dielectric substrate 51; parasitic element 54; and
ground conductors G2a, G2b. Dielectric substrate 51 has a
predetermined width and a predetermined length. Dielectric
substrate 51 also has a first end portion (hereinafter referred to
as "left end" since the first end portion is disposed on the left
side in the drawing) and a second end portion (hereinafter referred
to as "right end" since the second end portion is disposed on the
right side in the drawing) along the longitudinal direction, and a
first surface (front surface 51a) and a second surface (rear
surface 51b). Radiating element 53, parasitic element 54, and
ground conductor G2a are formed on front surface 51a of dielectric
substrate 51. Radiating element 52 and ground conductor G2b are
formed on rear surface 51b of dielectric substrate 51. In FIG. 14
and FIG. 16, radiating element 52 and ground conductor G2b formed
on rear surface 51b of dielectric substrate 51 are indicated by
dotted lines. Each of radiating elements 52, 53 is formed along the
longitudinal direction of antenna board 50-1 with a predetermined
length shorter than a length of antenna board 50-1 in the
longitudinal direction. Radiating elements 52, 53, parasitic
element 54 and ground conductors G2a, G2b are formed on both
surfaces of a printed circuit board as a conductive pattern, for
example.
[0074] Ground conductors G2a, G2b are disposed at predetermined
positions on dielectric substrate 51. For example, ground
conductors G2a, G2b are disposed at positions close to the left end
of dielectric substrate 51. Antenna board 50-1 also has at least
one through hole conductor 55b which penetrates dielectric
substrate 51, and electrically connects ground conductors G2a, G2b
with each other.
[0075] Radiating element 52 is routed in a loop shape on rear
surface 51b of dielectric substrate 51 between feedpoint P21a and
connection point P21b disposed close to each other. Radiating
element 52 further extends from a position where radiating element
52 is connected to connection point P21b to ground conductor G2b,
and is connected to ground conductor G2b.
[0076] Radiating element 53 is formed on front surface 51a of
dielectric substrate 51 so as to extend with a predetermined length
from a position away from ground conductor G2a by a predetermined
distance (a position on the right side of ground conductor G2a in
FIG. 14 and FIG. 15) toward the right end of dielectric substrate
51. At one end of radiating element 52 close to a left end of
radiating element 53 and feedpoint P21a, antenna board 50-1 has at
least one through hole conductor 55a which penetrates dielectric
substrate 51, and electrically connects radiating elements 52, 53
with each other. Accordingly, radiating element 53 is electrically
connected to feedpoint P21a, and radiating element 53 extends from
feedpoint P21a toward the right end of dielectric substrate 51.
[0077] Parasitic element 54 and ground conductor G2a are formed as
an integral body. Parasitic element 54 is formed on front surface
51a of dielectric substrate 51 so as to extend with a predetermined
length from ground conductor G2a toward the right end of dielectric
substrate 51. Parasitic element 54 is disposed so as to allow the
occurrence of predetermined electromagnetic coupling with radiating
elements 52, 53.
[0078] Feedpoint P21a and connection point P21b are connected to
LAN wireless communication circuit 14 through feed line 62-1. Feed
line 62-1 is a shield line having inner conductor 62-la and outer
conductor 62-1b. Inner conductor 62-la is connected to feedpoint
P21a, and outer conductor 62-1b is connected to connection point
P21b.
[0079] Antenna board 50-1 has screw hole 56 at a position where
ground conductors G2a, G2b are located so as to fix antenna board
50-1 to panel 22 by screw 25. When antenna board 50-1 is fixed to
panel 22 by screw 25, ground conductors G2a, G2b are electrically
connected to panel 22. However, antenna board 50-1 is formed such
that when antenna board 50-1 is fixed to panel 22 by screw 25,
conductive portions (radiating elements 52, 53 and parasitic
element 54) other than ground conductors G2a, G2b are not
electrically brought into contact with the panel.
[0080] As described hereinafter, antenna board 50-1 is operated at
two frequencies (that is, first high frequency f2a, second high
frequency f2b) in a high frequency band.
[0081] FIG. 17 is a view showing a portion of second antenna board
50-1 of electronic apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 which resonates
when second antenna board 50-1 is operated at first high frequency
f2a. When antenna board 50-1 is operated at first high frequency
f2a, both radiating element 52 and radiating element 53 which are
connected with each other by way of through hole conductor 55a
resonate, and each of radiating element 52 and radiating element 53
is operated as an inverted F antenna.
[0082] FIG. 18 is a view showing a portion of second antenna board
50-1 of electronic apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 which resonates
when second antenna board 50-1 is operated at second high frequency
f2b. When antenna board 50-1 is operated at second high frequency
f2b, radiating element 52 is electromagnetically coupled with
parasitic element 54 so that a portion of radiating element 52
whose shape conforms to a loop shape and parasitic element 54
resonate whereby radiating element 52 is operated as a loop
antenna.
[0083] When the high frequency band includes 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz and
5.15 GHz to 5.825 GHz, for example, first high frequency f2a is a
frequency in a band of 2.4 GHz, and second high frequency f2b is a
frequency in a band of 5 GHz.
[0084] Antenna board 50-2 is also formed in the same manner as
antenna board 50-1.
[1-2. Manner of Operation]
[0085] In general, in incorporating an antenna in a casing of an
electronic apparatus, to enable the antenna to transmit and receive
a radio wave, it is necessary to form at least a portion of the
casing using a non-metal material. On the other hand, to impart
required strength to the casing of the electronic apparatus, it may
be required that the most part of the casing be made of metal, and
a portion of the casing which is made of a non-metal material be
reduced as much as possible. In this case, a size of a portion of
the casing where an antenna can be arranged (that is, a portion of
the casing made of a non-metal material) is limited. For example,
assume a case where an electronic apparatus is a notebook computer
which includes a lower casing and an upper casing. In this case, a
portion of the electronic apparatus where an antenna can be
arranged may be limited to an elongated region on the upper casing
having a substantially rectangular shape as viewed in a plan view
which extends along one side of the upper casing.
[0086] Assume a case where a plurality of antennas are arranged in
a casing of an electronic apparatus. In such a case, when a portion
of the casing where the antennas can be arranged is limited to an
elongated region of the casing, a restriction may be imposed on the
plurality of antennas such that the antennas are arranged in series
along the longitudinal direction of such a region. In this case, a
restriction is imposed also on the size of the respective
antennas.
[0087] Assume a case where a restriction is imposed on the size of
the portion where the antennas can be arranged. In such a case, to
arrange an antenna operated at a lower frequency (that is, antenna
having a larger size) in the casing of the electronic apparatus, it
is necessary to increase a size of the casing.
[0088] On the other hand, in the electronic apparatus according to
the first exemplary embodiment, antenna boards 40-1, 40-2, 50-1,
50-2 are arranged as described above and hence, the following
manner of the operation and advantageous effects can be
acquired.
[0089] In electronic apparatus 100, antenna board 40-1 and antenna
board 50-1 are arranged parallel to each other, and antenna board
40-2 and antenna board 50-2 are arranged parallel to each other.
With such a configuration, compared to a case where antenna boards
40-1, 40-2, 50-1, 50-2 are arranged in series in a row without
being arranged parallel to each other, a width (a length in the X
direction) of upper casing 20 can be reduced so that upper casing
20 can be made compact.
[0090] Assume that upper casing 20 has a fixed size. In such a
case, compared to a case where antenna boards 40-1, 40-2, 50-1,
50-2 are arranged in series in a row without being arranged
parallel to each other, it is possible to increase a size of a
region in which antenna boards 40-1, 40-2 operated in a low
frequency band are arranged. Accordingly, operation frequencies of
antenna boards 40-1, 40-2 can be lowered.
[0091] In electronic apparatus 100, antenna board 40-1 is arranged
such that the pair of main surfaces of antenna board 40-1 is
perpendicular to the pair of main surfaces of antenna board 50-1.
With such a configuration, compared to a case where antenna board
40-1 and antenna board 50-1 are arranged such that a surface of
antenna board 40-1 and a surface of antenna board 50-1 opposedly
face each other, electromagnetic coupling between the conductive
portion of antenna board 40-1 and the conductive portion of antenna
board 50-1 can be reduced. In the same manner, in electronic
apparatus 100, antenna board 40-2 is arranged such that the pair of
main surfaces of antenna board 40-2 is perpendicular to the pair of
main surfaces of antenna board 50-2. With such a configuration,
compared to a case where antenna board 40-2 and antenna board 50-2
are arranged such that a surface of antenna board 40-2 and a
surface of antenna board 50-2 opposedly face each other,
electromagnetic coupling between the conductive portion of antenna
board 40-2 and the conductive portion of antenna board 50-2 can be
reduced. Electromagnetic coupling between antenna boards 40-1,
40-2, 50-1, 50-2 is reduced and hence, respective antenna boards
40-1, 40-2, 50-1, 50-2 can be favorably operated. In this manner,
according to electronic apparatus 100 of the first exemplary
embodiment, it is possible to prevent the increase of a size of
upper casing 20 even when the plurality of antenna boards 40-1,
40-2, 50-1, 50-2 are accommodated in upper casing 20.
[0092] Each of antenna boards 40-1, 40-2 operated in the low
frequency band is formed as a multi band antenna and hence, the
following manner of the operation and advantageous effects can be
acquired.
[0093] FIG. 19 is an equivalent circuit diagram of antenna board
40-1 and antenna board 50-1 of electronic apparatus 100 shown in
FIG. 1. As described above, in antenna board 40-1, LC resonator 46
is formed between radiating elements 42, 43. In other words,
radiating elements 42, 43 of antenna board 40-1 include, along the
longitudinal direction of antenna board 40-1, a zone ranging from
feedpoint P11a to LC resonator 46 (a zone of radiating element 42)
and a zone ranging from LC resonator 46 to a distal end of
radiating element 43 (a zone of radiating element 43). Antenna
board 40-1 is connected to feedpoint P11a in the zone of radiating
element 42, and opposedly faces radiating element 52 (and radiating
element 53) of antenna board 50-1 only in at least a portion of the
zone of radiating element 43. When antenna board 40-1 is operated
at first low frequency f1a, the whole radiating elements 42, 43
resonate. When antenna board 40-1 is operated at second low
frequency f1b, the zone of radiating element 43 does not resonate,
and the zone of radiating element 42 resonates.
[0094] The zone of radiating element 42 in antenna board 40-1 does
not opposedly face radiating elements 52, 53 of antenna board 50-1.
Accordingly, even when second low frequency f1b approaches first
high frequency f2a or second high frequency f2b, and antenna board
40-1 and antenna board 50-1 are respectively operated at these
frequencies, antenna board 40-1 and antenna board 50-1 minimally
influence each other.
[0095] Further, as shown in FIG. 8, radiating element 44 of antenna
board 40-1 does not opposedly face radiating elements 52, 53 of
antenna board 50-1. Accordingly, even when third low frequency f1c
approaches first high frequency f2a or second high frequency f2b,
and antenna board 40-1 and antenna board 50-1 are respectively
operated at these frequencies, antenna board 40-1 and antenna board
50-1 minimally influence each other.
[0096] Antenna board 40-2 and antenna board 50-2 are also operated
in the same manner as antenna board 40-1 and antenna board
50-2.
[0097] In electronic apparatus 100, for example, antenna boards
40-1, 40-2 operated in the low frequency band can be used as a WAN
antenna, and antenna boards 50-1, 50-2 operated in the high
frequency band can be used as a LAN antenna. In small-sized upper
casing 20 of electronic apparatus 100, antenna boards 40-1, 40-2,
50-1, 50-2 which are operated in two different operation frequency
bands can be effectively used while preventing the lowering of
performance of the antennas.
[1-3. Effects and Other Benefits]
[0098] In the first exemplary embodiment, electronic apparatus 100
includes: first antenna boards 40-1, 40-2 having a plate shape and
extending with a first length; second antenna boards 50-1, 50-2
having a plate shape and extending with a second length; and
rectangular parallelepiped upper casing 20. Rectangular
parallelepiped upper casing 20 accommodates first antenna boards
40-1, 40-2 and second antenna boards 50-1, 50-2. First antenna
boards 40-1, 40-2 and second antenna boards 50-1, 50-2 are arranged
such that longitudinal directions of first antenna boards 40-1,
40-2 and longitudinal directions of second antenna boards 50-1,
50-2 are parallel to one side of one main surface of upper casing
20. First antenna board 40-1 and second antenna board 50-1 are
arranged parallel to each other, and first antenna board 40-2 and
second antenna board 50-2 are arranged parallel to each other.
[0099] With such a configuration, compared to a case where antenna
boards 40-1, 40-2, 50-1, 50-2 are arranged in series in a row
without being arranged parallel to each other, a width (a length in
the X direction) of upper casing 20 can be reduced so that upper
casing 20 can be made compact. Accordingly, it is possible to
prevent the increase in a size of upper casing 20 even when the
plurality of antenna boards 40-1, 40-2, 50-1, 50-2 are accommodated
in upper casing 20.
[0100] Further, in the first exemplary embodiment, first antenna
boards 40-1, 40-2 are arranged such that a pair of main surfaces of
each of first antenna boards 40-1, 40-2 is perpendicular to one
main surface of upper casing 20. Second antenna boards 50-1, 50-2
are arranged such that a pair of main surfaces of each of second
antenna board 50-1, 50-2 is parallel to the one main surface of
upper casing 20.
[0101] With such a configuration, electromagnetic coupling between
the conductive portion of antenna board 40-1 and the conductive
portion of antenna board 50-1 can be reduced, and electromagnetic
coupling between the conductive portion of antenna board 40-2 and
the conductive portion of antenna board 50-2 can be reduced.
[0102] In the first exemplary embodiment, first antenna boards
40-1, 40-2 are operated in the low frequency band (first frequency
band), and second antenna boards 50-1, 50-2 are operated in the
high frequency band (second frequency band) higher than the low
frequency band. A length of each of second antenna boards 50-1,
50-2 in the longitudinal direction (second length) is shorter than
a length of each of first antenna boards 40-1, 40-2 in the
longitudinal direction (first length).
[0103] With such a configuration, for example, antenna boards 40-1,
40-2 operated in the low frequency band can be used as a WAN
antenna, and antenna boards 50-1, 50-2 operated in the high
frequency band can be used as a LAN antenna.
[0104] In the first exemplary embodiment, each of first antenna
boards 40-1, 40-2 includes: first dielectric substrate 41; first
feedpoints P11a, P12a; and at least one of first radiating elements
42 to 44. First feedpoints P11a, P12a are formed at predetermined
positions on first dielectric substrate 41. Each of first radiating
elements 42 to 44 is formed on at least one of the pair of main
surfaces of first dielectric substrate 41. Each of first radiating
elements 42 to 44 is formed along the longitudinal direction of
first antenna boards 40-1, 40-2 with a length (third length)
shorter than a length (first length) of first antenna boards 40-1,
40-2 in the longitudinal direction. Each of second antenna boards
50-1, 50-2 includes: second dielectric substrate 51; second
feedpoints P21a, P22a; and at least one of second radiating
elements 52, 53. Second feedpoints P21a, P22a are formed at
predetermined positions on second dielectric substrate 51. Each of
second radiating elements 52, 53 is formed on at least one of the
pair of main surfaces of second dielectric substrate 51. Each of
second radiating elements 52, 53 is formed along the longitudinal
direction of second antenna boards 50-1, 50-2 with a length (fourth
length) shorter than a length (second length) of second antenna
board 50-1, 50-2 in the longitudinal direction. Each of first
radiating elements 42 to 44 extends along the longitudinal
direction of first antenna boards 40-1, 40-2, and includes the zone
of radiating element 42 (first zone) and the zone of radiating
element 43 (second zone). Each of first radiating elements 42 to 44
is connected to first feedpoints P11a, P12a in the zone of
radiating element 42, and only at least a portion of the zone of
radiating element 43 opposedly faces second radiating elements 52,
53.
[0105] With such a configuration, first antenna boards 40-1, 40-2
are operated as a multi band antenna. There may be a case where a
resonance frequency of the zone of radiating element 42 of each of
first antenna boards 40-1, 40-2 approaches a resonance frequency of
each of second antenna boards 50-1, 50-2. In such a case, even when
first antenna boards 40-1, 40-2 and second antenna boards 50-1,
50-2 are respectively operated at these frequencies, first antenna
boards 40-1, 40-2 and second antenna boards 50-1, 50-2 minimally
influence each other.
[0106] In the first exemplary embodiment, when each of first
antenna boards 40-1, 40-2 is operated at first low frequency f1a
within the low frequency band, whole radiating elements 42, 43
resonate. When each of first antenna boards 40-1, 40-2 is operated
at second low frequency f1b higher than first low frequency f1a
within the low frequency band, the zone of radiating element 42 of
each of first antenna boards 40-1, 40-2 resonates.
[0107] There may be a case where second low frequency f1b
approaches a resonance frequency of each of second antenna boards
50-1, 50-2. In such a case, even when first antenna boards 40-1,
40-2 and second antenna boards 50-1, 50-2 are respectively operated
at these frequencies, first antenna boards 40-1, 40-2 and second
antenna boards 50-1, 50-2 minimally influence each other.
[0108] In the first exemplary embodiment, each of first antenna
boards 40-1, 40-2 includes LC resonator 46 between the zone of
radiating element 42 and the zone of radiating element 43.
[0109] With such a configuration, with the adjustment of a
resonance frequency of LC resonator 46, a resonance frequency of
the zone of radiating element 42 and a resonance frequency of the
zone of radiating element 43 can be properly adjusted.
Second Exemplary Embodiment
[0110] An electronic apparatus according to a second exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure is described with reference to
FIG. 20 to FIG. 23.
[2-1. Configuration]
[0111] FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing an inner surface of
panel 22A of an upper casing of the electronic apparatus according
to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG.
21 is a plan view showing a portion of the inner surface of panel
22A of the upper casing of the electronic apparatus according to
the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 22
is a side view showing an upper side surface of panel 22A of the
upper casing of the electronic apparatus according to the second
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 23 is a
cross-sectional view of the panel of the upper casing taken along
line 23-23 in FIG. 20. In the electronic apparatus according to the
second exemplary embodiment, panel 22 of upper casing 20 of
electronic apparatus 100 according to the first exemplary
embodiment is replaced with panel 22A shown in FIG. 20 to FIG.
23.
[0112] Back surface 22Aa of panel 22A parallel to an XY plane forms
one main surface of the upper casing. Panel 22A has a substantially
rectangular shape as viewed in a plan view. Panel 22A has upper
side 22Ab and lower side 22Ad which are parallel to an X axis, and
right side 22Ac and left side 22Ae which are parallel to a Y axis.
Antenna boards 40-1, 40-2, 50-1, 50-2 are arranged such that
longitudinal directions of antenna boards 40-1, 40-2, 50-1, 50-2
are parallel to upper side 22Ab of panel 22A.
[0113] Antenna board 40-1 and antenna board 50-1 are arranged
parallel to each other. As shown in FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, antenna
board 40-1 is fixed to panel 22A by screw 25. Antenna board 40-1 is
arranged such that a pair of main surfaces of antenna board 40-1 is
parallel to back surface 22Aa of panel 22A. As shown in FIG. 22,
antenna board 50-1 is fixed to panel 22A by screw 25. Antenna board
50-1 is arranged such that a pair of main surfaces of antenna board
50-1 is perpendicular to back surface 22Aa of panel 22A.
[0114] Antenna board 40-2 and antenna board 50-2 are arranged
parallel to each other. As shown in FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, antenna
board 40-2 is fixed to panel 22A by screw 25. Antenna board 40-2 is
arranged such that a pair of main surfaces of antenna board 40-2 is
parallel to back surface 22Aa of panel 22A. As shown in FIG. 22,
antenna board 50-2 is fixed to panel 22A by screw 25. Antenna board
50-2 is arranged such that a pair of main surfaces of antenna board
50-2 is perpendicular to back surface 22Aa of panel 22A.
[0115] As shown in FIG. 23, antenna board 40-1 and antenna board
50-1 are arranged with predetermined distance d2 therebetween in
the Y direction.
[2-2. Effects]
[0116] In the second exemplary embodiment, first antenna board 40-1
and second antenna board 50-1 are arranged parallel to each other,
and first antenna board 40-2 and second antenna board 50-2 are
arranged parallel to each other.
[0117] With such a configuration, in the same manner as the first
exemplary embodiment, compared to a case where antenna boards 40-1,
40-2, 50-1, 50-2 are arranged in series in a row without being
arranged parallel to each other, a width (a length in the X
direction) of upper casing 20 can be reduced so that upper casing
20 can be made compact. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the
increase in a size of the upper casing even when the plurality of
antenna boards 40-1, 40-2, 50-1, 50-2 are accommodated in the upper
casing.
[0118] Further, in the second exemplary embodiment, first antenna
boards 40-1, 40-2 are arranged such that a pair of main surfaces of
each of first antenna boards 40-1, 40-2 is parallel to one main
surface of upper casing 20. Further, second antenna board 50-1,
50-2 are arranged such that a pair of main surfaces of each of
second antenna boards 50-1, 50-2 is perpendicular to the one main
surface of the upper casing.
[0119] With such a configuration, in the same manner as the first
exemplary embodiment, electromagnetic coupling between the
conductive portion of antenna board 40-1 and the conductive portion
of antenna board 50-1 can be reduced, and electromagnetic coupling
between the conductive portion of antenna board 40-2 and conductive
portion of antenna board 50-2 can be reduced.
Third Exemplary Embodiment
[0120] An electronic apparatus according to a third exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure is described with reference to
FIG. 24 to FIG. 27.
[3-1. Configuration]
[0121] FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing an inner surface of
panel 22B of an upper casing of the electronic apparatus according
to the third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG.
25 is a plan view showing a portion of the inner surface of panel
22B of the upper casing of the electronic apparatus according to
the third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 26
is a side view showing an upper side surface of panel 22B of the
upper casing of the electronic apparatus according to the third
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 27 is a
cross-sectional view of the panel of the upper casing taken along
line 27-27 in FIG. 24. In the electronic apparatus according to the
third exemplary embodiment, panel 22 of upper casing 20 of
electronic apparatus 100 according to the first exemplary
embodiment is replaced with panel 22B shown in FIG. 24 to FIG.
27.
[0122] Back surface 22Ba of panel 22B which is parallel to an XY
plane forms one main surface of the upper casing. Panel 22B has a
substantially rectangular shape as viewed in a plan view. Panel 22B
has upper side 22Bb and lower side 22Bd which are parallel to the X
axis, and right side 22Bc and left side 22Be which are parallel to
the Y axis. Antenna boards 40-1, 40-2, 50-1, 50-2 are arranged such
that longitudinal directions of antenna boards 40-1, 40-2, 50-1,
50-2 are parallel to upper side 22Bb of panel 22B.
[0123] Antenna board 40-1 and antenna board 50-1 are arranged
parallel to each other. As shown in FIG. 24 and FIG. 25, antenna
board 40-1 is fixed to panel 22B by screw 25. Antenna board 40-1 is
arranged such that a pair of main surfaces of antenna board 40-1 is
parallel to back surface 22Ba of panel 22B. As shown in FIG. 24 and
FIG. 25, antenna board 50-1 is fixed to panel 22B by screw 25.
Antenna board 50-1 is arranged such that a pair of main surfaces of
antenna board 50-1 is parallel to back surface 22Ba of panel
22B.
[0124] Antenna board 40-2 and antenna board 50-2 are arranged
parallel to each other. As shown in FIG. 24 and FIG. 25, antenna
board 40-2 is fixed to panel 22B by screw 25. Antenna board 40-2 is
arranged such that a pair of main surfaces of antenna board 40-2 is
parallel to back surface 22Ba of panel 22B. As shown in FIG. 24 and
FIG. 25, antenna board 50-2 is fixed to panel 22B by screw 25.
Antenna board 50-2 is arranged such that a pair of main surfaces of
antenna board 50-2 is parallel to back surface 22Ba of panel
22B.
[0125] As shown in FIG. 27, antenna board 40-1 and antenna board
50-1 are arranged with predetermined distance d3 therebetween in
the Y direction.
[3-2. Effects]
[0126] In the third exemplary embodiment, first antenna board 40-1
and second antenna board 50-1 are arranged parallel to each other,
and first antenna board 40-2 and second antenna board 50-2 are
arranged parallel to each other.
[0127] With such a configuration, in the same manner as the first
exemplary embodiment, compared to a case where antenna boards 40-1,
40-2, 50-1, 50-2 are arranged in series in a row without being
arranged parallel to each other, a width (a length in the X
direction) of upper casing 20 can be reduced so that upper casing
20 can be made compact. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the
increase in a size of the upper casing even when the plurality of
antenna boards 40-1, 40-2, 50-1, 50-2 are accommodated in the upper
casing.
[0128] Further, in the third exemplary embodiment, first antenna
boards 40-1, 40-2 and second antenna boards 50-1, 50-2 are arranged
such that respective pairs of main surfaces of first antenna boards
40-1, 40-2 and second antenna boards 50-1, 50-2 are parallel to one
main surface of the upper casing.
[0129] With such a configuration, in the same manner as the first
exemplary embodiment, electromagnetic coupling between the
conductive portion of antenna board 40-1 and the conductive portion
of antenna board 50-1 can be reduced, and electromagnetic coupling
between the conductive portion of antenna board 40-2 and conductive
portion of antenna board 50-2 can be reduced. In the third
exemplary embodiment, an area where the conductive portion of each
of antenna boards 40-1, 40-2 and the conductive portion of each of
antenna boards 50-1, 50-2 opposedly face each other is minimized.
Accordingly, compared to the case of the first and second exemplary
embodiments, electromagnetic coupling can be further reduced. In
the third exemplary embodiment, a size in the Z direction of a
portion where first antenna boards 40-1, 40-2 and second antenna
boards 50-1, 50-2 are arranged is minimized. Accordingly, a
thickness in the Z direction of the upper casing which accommodates
these antenna boards can be minimized.
Fourth Exemplary Embodiment
[0130] An electronic apparatus according to a fourth exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure is described with reference to
FIG. 28 to FIG. 31.
[4-1. Configuration]
[0131] FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing an inner surface of
panel 22C of an upper casing of the electronic apparatus according
to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG.
29 is a plan view showing a portion of the inner surface of panel
22C of the upper casing of the electronic apparatus according to
the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 30
is a side view showing an upper side surface of panel 22C of the
upper casing of the electronic apparatus according to the fourth
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 31 is a
cross-sectional view of the panel of the upper casing taken along
line 31-31 in FIG. 28. In the electronic apparatus according to the
fourth exemplary embodiment, panel 22 of upper casing 20 of
electronic apparatus 100 according to the first exemplary
embodiment is replaced with panel 22A shown in FIG. 28 to FIG.
31.
[0132] Back surface 22Ca of panel 22C which is parallel to an XY
plane forms one main surface of the upper casing. Panel 22C has a
substantially rectangular shape as viewed in a plan view. Panel 22C
has upper side 22Cb and lower side 22Cd which are parallel to the X
axis, and right side 22Cc and left side 22Ce which are parallel to
the Y axis. Antenna boards 40-1, 40-2, 50-1, 50-2 are arranged such
that longitudinal directions of antenna boards 40-1, 40-2, 50-1,
50-2 are parallel to upper side 22Cb of panel 22C.
[0133] Antenna board 40-1 and antenna board 50-1 are arranged
parallel to each other. As shown in FIG. 30, antenna board 40-1 is
fixed to panel 22C by screw 25. Antenna board 40-1 is arranged such
that a pair of main surfaces of antenna board 40-1 is perpendicular
to back surface 22Ca of panel 22C. As shown in FIG. 30, antenna
board 50-1 is fixed to panel 22C by screw 25. Antenna board 50-1 is
arranged such that a pair of main surfaces of antenna board 50-1 is
perpendicular to back surface 22Ca of panel 22C.
[0134] Antenna board 40-2 and antenna board 50-2 are arranged
parallel to each other. As shown in FIG. 30, antenna board 40-2 is
fixed to panel 22C by screw 25. Antenna board 40-2 is arranged such
that a pair of main surfaces of antenna board 40-2 is perpendicular
to back surface 22Ca of panel 22C. As shown in FIG. 30, antenna
board 50-2 is fixed to panel 22C by screw 25. Antenna board 50-2 is
arranged such that a pair of main surfaces of antenna board 50-2 is
perpendicular to back surface 22Ca of panel 22C.
[0135] As shown in FIG. 31, antenna board 40-1 and antenna board
50-1 are arranged with predetermined distance d4 therebetween in
the Y direction.
[4-2. Effects]
[0136] In the fourth exemplary embodiment, first antenna board 40-1
and second antenna board 50-1 are arranged parallel to each other,
and first antenna board 40-2 and second antenna board 50-2 are
arranged parallel to each other.
[0137] With such a configuration, in the same manner as the first
exemplary embodiment, compared to a case where antenna boards 40-1,
40-2, 50-1, 50-2 are arranged in series in a row without being
arranged parallel to each other, a width (a length in the X
direction) of upper casing 20 can be reduced so that upper casing
20 can be made compact. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the
increase in a size of the upper casing even when the plurality of
antenna boards 40-1, 40-2, 50-1, 50-2 are accommodated in the upper
casing.
[0138] Further, in the fourth exemplary embodiment, first antenna
boards 40-1, 40-2 and second antenna boards 50-1, 50-2 are arranged
such that respective pairs of main surfaces of each of first
antenna boards 40-1, 40-2 and each of second antenna boards 50-1,
50-2 are perpendicular to one main surface of the upper casing.
[0139] With such a configuration, compared to the case of the third
exemplary embodiment, a size in the Y direction of a portion where
first antenna boards 40-1, 40-2 and second antenna boards 50-1,
50-2 are arranged can be reduced. Accordingly, the upper casing
which accommodates these antenna boards can be made compact.
Other Exemplary Embodiments
[0140] As has been described above, the first to fourth exemplary
embodiments have been described as examples of the technique
disclosed in the present application. However, the technique of the
present disclosure is not limited to these exemplary embodiments,
and is also applicable to other exemplary embodiments in which, for
example, a modification, a replacement, an addition, and an
omission of the above-mentioned embodiments are appropriately made.
New exemplary embodiments can also be made by combining the
respective components described in the first to fourth exemplary
embodiments with other components described in the first to fourth
exemplary embodiments.
[0141] In the first to fourth exemplary embodiments, to realize
spatial diversity, first antenna boards 40-1, 40-2 are operated in
the same frequency band, and second antenna boards 50-1, 50-2 are
operated in the same frequency band. However, the present
disclosure is not limited to such a configuration. One of first
antenna boards 40-1, 40-2 may be operated in an additional
frequency band (for example, a frequency band for receiving a
global positioning system (GPS)), and one of second antenna boards
50-1, 50-2 may be operated in an additional frequency band. First
antenna boards 40-1, 40-2 may be operated in different frequency
bands, and second antenna boards 50-1, 50-2 may be operated in
different frequency bands.
[0142] The configuration of first antenna board 40-1, 40-2 is not
limited to the configuration described with reference to FIG. 8 to
FIG. 13.
[0143] For example, a shape of each of dielectric substrates 41, 51
is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be an arbitrary
shape including another polygonal shape, a shape with a curved line
or the like.
[0144] For example, in antenna boards 40-1, 40-2, the portion
having a meandering shape may be shorter or longer than the example
shown in FIG. 8 to FIG. 10. With respect to the structure of the
portion having a meandering shape, the portion can be formed in
conformity with a resonance frequency at which LC resonator 46 is
desired to resonate. The portion having a meandering shape may be
formed in radiating element 42 instead of radiating element 43 or
may be formed in both radiating elements 42, 43.
[0145] For example, with respect to through hole conductors which
electrically connect radiating elements 42, 43 with each other, at
least one through hole conductor may be disposed at a position
different from a position shown in FIG. 8 to FIG. 10.
[0146] For example, radiating element 44 may be removed from
antenna boards 40-1, 40-2, and antenna boards 40-1, 40-2 may be
operated only at first low frequency f1a and second low frequency
f1b.
[0147] The configuration of second antenna boards 50-1, 50-2 is
also not limited to the configuration described with reference to
FIG. 14 to FIG. 18.
[0148] For example, second antenna board 50-1, 50-2 may be operated
at a single frequency.
[0149] In the first to fourth exemplary embodiments, the
description has been made by taking the case where the panels 22,
22A to 22C are made of a magnesium alloy as an example. However,
the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration.
Panels 22, 22A to 22C may be made of other metal such as aluminum,
or may be made of a non-metal material.
[0150] In the first to fourth exemplary embodiments, the
description has been made by taking the case where electronic
apparatus 100 is a notebook computer as an example. However, the
present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration. The
present disclosure is applicable to an arbitrary electronic
apparatus provided with a casing which accommodates a plurality of
antennas. For example, the electronic apparatus may be a portable
electronic apparatus such as a tablet personal computer, a cellular
phone, a game machine, a digital still camera, a digital video
camera, a television receiver, a Blu-ray disc player or a
navigation system. Further, the electronic apparatus may be a
stationary electronic apparatus such as a desktop computer or a
liquid crystal projector, for example.
[0151] In the first to fourth exemplary embodiments, the
description has been made by taking the case where the casing is
upper casing 20 of a notebook computer as an example. However, the
present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration. The
present disclosure is applicable to an arbitrary casing of an
arbitrary electronic apparatus which accommodates a plurality of
antennas.
[0152] The exemplary embodiments have been described heretofore for
exemplifying the technique of the present disclosure. The
accompanying drawings and detailed description have been provided
for this purpose.
[0153] Accordingly, the components described in the appended
drawings and the detailed description include not only components
essential for solving the above problem, but may also include
components that are not essential for solving the above problem so
as to exemplify the above-mentioned technique. Therefore, it should
not be immediately construed that these components that are not
essential are essential even if the components are described in the
accompanying drawings and the detailed description.
[0154] Since the above described exemplary embodiments are for
exemplifying the technique of the present disclosure, various
modifications, replacements, additions, and omissions can be made
within the scope of the appended claims or of their
equivalents.
[0155] The present disclosure is applicable to an arbitrary
electronic apparatus provided with a casing which accommodates a
plurality of antennas.
* * * * *