Antenna device and electronic device including antenna device

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

0001This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-076288, filed Mar. 30, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

0002Embodiments described herein relate generally to an antenna device and an electronic device including the antenna device.

BACKGROUND

0003Recently, the housings of portable terminal devices typified by cellular phones, smart phones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), and tablet type terminals have been required to reduce the dimensions and weight from the viewpoint of compactness and lightweightness. Accordingly, demands have arisen for more compact antenna devices. It has also been required to allow a single portable terminal device to communicate with a plurality of radio systems using different frequency bands.

0004Conventionally, therefore, a multifrequency antenna device has been proposed, which has, for example, the second antenna element formed from a monopole element and provided in a direction opposite to the first antenna element formed from a folded element with a stub at a position near the feeding point of the first antenna element.

0005In these conventionally provided multifrequency antenna devices, although it is possible to independently adjust the first resonance caused by the folded element and the second resonance caused by the monopole element, there occurs a band in which radiation efficiency deteriorates due to parallel resonance between the first resonance and the second resonance, resulting in difficulty in achieving wider bandwidth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0006A general architecture that implements the various features of the embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrate the embodiments and not to limit the scope of the invention.

0007<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a view showing the arrangement of an electronic device including an antenna device according to the first embodiment;

0008<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a view showing an example of the antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

0009<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the imaginary part of the antenna impedance of the antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>;

0010<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4A</figref>, <b>4</b>B and <b>4</b>C are views showing a plurality of models obtained by changing the length of the parasitic element of the antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

0011<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the imaginary parts of the antenna impedances based on the plurality of models shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4A</figref>, <b>4</b>B and <b>4</b>C;

0012<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a graph showing the VSWR frequency characteristics based on the plurality of models shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4A</figref>, <b>4</b>B and <b>4</b>C;

0013<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a view for explaining one of the conditions for the antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

0014<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8A</figref>, <b>8</b>B, <b>8</b>C and <b>8</b>D are views showing a plurality of models obtained by changing the length of the folded element of the antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>;

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the imaginary parts of antenna impedances based on the plurality of models shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8A</figref>, <b>8</b>B, <b>8</b>C and <b>8</b>D;

0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a view showing the arrangement of an antenna device according to the second embodiment;

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a view showing the arrangement of an antenna device according to the third embodiment;

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a view showing an example of the antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>;

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the imaginary part of the antenna impedance in the example shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>;

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a graph showing VSWR frequency characteristics in the example shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>;

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a perspective view showing the arrangement of an antenna device according to the fourth embodiment;

0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a perspective view showing the arrangement of an antenna device according to the fifth embodiment;

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>;

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> is a perspective view showing the arrangement of an antenna device according to the sixth embodiment;

0025<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the imaginary part of the antenna impedance of the antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>;

0026<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> is a graph showing the VSWR frequency characteristics of the antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>;

0027<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> is a perspective view showing the arrangement of an antenna device according to the seventh embodiment;

0028<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the imaginary part of the antenna impedance of the antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref>;

0029<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> is a graph showing the VSWR frequency characteristics of the antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref>;

0030<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref> is a perspective view showing the arrangement of an antenna device according to the eighth embodiment;

0031<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref> is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the imaginary part of the antenna impedance of the antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref>;

0032<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref> is a graph showing the VSWR frequency characteristics of the antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref>;

0033<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref> is a perspective view showing the arrangement of an antenna device according to the ninth embodiment;

0034<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref> is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the imaginary part of the antenna impedance of the antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref>;

0035<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29</figref> is a graph showing the VSWR frequency characteristics of the antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref>;

0036<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30</figref> is a perspective view showing the arrangement of an antenna device according to the <b>10</b>th embodiment;

0037<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 31</figref> is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the imaginary part of the antenna impedance of the antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30</figref>;

0038<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32</figref> is a graph showing the VSWR frequency characteristics of the antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30</figref>;

0039<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 33A</figref>, <b>33</b>B, <b>33</b>C, <b>33</b>D and <b>33</b>E are views showing the first modification group of a folded element;

0040<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 34A</figref>, <b>34</b>B, <b>34</b>C, <b>34</b>D and <b>34</b>E are views showing the second modification group of a folded element;

0041<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 35A</figref>, <b>35</b>B, <b>35</b>C, <b>35</b>D and <b>35</b>E are views showing the first modification group of a monopole element;

0042<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 36A</figref>, <b>36</b>B, <b>36</b>C and <b>36</b>D are views showing the second modification group of a monopole element;

0043<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 37A</figref>, <b>37</b>B, <b>37</b>C, <b>37</b>D and <b>37</b>E are views showing the first modification group of a parasitic element;

0044<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 38A</figref>, <b>38</b>B, <b>38</b>C and <b>38</b>D are views showing the second modification group of a parasitic element; and

0045<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 39A and 39B</figref> are views showing a modification group to which the second parasitic element is added.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0046Various embodiments will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.

0047In general, according to one embodiment, an antenna device includes a first antenna element formed from a folded monopole element, a second antenna element formed from a monopole element, and a third antenna element formed from a parasitic element.

0048One end of the first antenna element is connected to a feeding terminal, and the other end is connected to a first ground terminal. The first antenna element is folded in the middle, with a stub being provided between the forward and backward portions formed by folding.

0049One end of the second antenna element is connected to the above feeding terminal directly or through part of the first antenna element, and the other end is open.

0050One end of the third antenna element is connected to a second ground terminal provided at a position on the opposite side to the first ground terminal through the feeding terminal, and the other end is open.

0051The electrical length of the first antenna element from the feeding terminal to the first ground terminal through the other end of the folding portion is set to nearly ½ a wavelength corresponding to a predetermined first resonance frequency.

0052The electrical length of the second antenna element from the feeding terminal to the other end is set to nearly ¼ a wavelength corresponding to a predetermined second resonance frequency.

0053The third antenna element is placed parallel to the second antenna element in a state in which at least part of the third antenna element can be capacitively coupled to the second antenna element. The electrical length of the third antenna element from the second ground terminal to the other end is set to nearly ¼ a wavelength corresponding to a predetermined third resonance frequency.

0054The antenna device having the above arrangement can prevent the occurrence of parallel resonance between a plurality of series resonance bands. This can implement wider resonance bands.

FIRST EMBODIMENT

0055<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a view showing the arrangement of the main components of an electronic device including an antenna device according to the first embodiment. This electronic device includes a notebook personal computer or television receiver including a radio interface. The housing (not shown) of this device accommodates a printed circuit board <b>1</b>.

0056Note that the electronic device may be a portable terminal such as a cellular phone, smart phone, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or tablet type terminal other than a notebook personal computer or television receiver. The printed circuit board <b>1</b> may be formed as part of the metal housing or formed from a metal member such as a copper foil.

0057The printed circuit board <b>1</b> includes a first area <b>1</b><i>a </i>and a second area <b>1</b><i>b</i>. The first area <b>1</b><i>a </i>is provided with an antenna device <b>4</b>. A ground pattern <b>3</b> is formed in the second area <b>1</b><i>b</i>. In addition, first and second ground terminals <b>31</b> and <b>32</b> are provided in the second area <b>1</b><i>b</i>. Note that a plurality of circuit modules required to constitute an electronic device are mounted on the rear surface side of the printed circuit board <b>1</b>.

0058The circuit module includes a radio unit <b>2</b>. The radio unit <b>2</b> has a function of transmitting and receiving radio signals by using the channel frequency assigned to a radio system as a communication target. The first area <b>1</b><i>a </i>is provided with a feeding terminal <b>22</b>. The radio unit <b>2</b> is connected to the feeding terminal <b>22</b> through a feeding pattern <b>21</b>.

0059The antenna device <b>4</b> has the following arrangement.

0060The antenna device <b>4</b> includes a folded monopole element <b>41</b> as the first antenna element, a monopole element <b>42</b> as the second antenna element, and a parasitic element <b>43</b> as the third antenna element. The elements <b>41</b>, <b>42</b> and <b>43</b> are arranged such that the folded monopole element <b>41</b> is placed at a position nearest to the ground pattern <b>3</b>, and the monopole element <b>42</b> and the parasitic element <b>43</b> are placed outside the monopole element <b>41</b> in increasing order of distance from the ground pattern <b>3</b>.

0061The folded monopole element <b>41</b> is formed from a conductive pattern having a shape obtained by folding the element in a hairpin form at a position dividing the entire element into almost two equal portions, with one end of the element being connected to the feeding terminal <b>22</b>, and the other end being connected to the first ground terminal <b>31</b>. A stub <b>411</b> is provided between the forward and backward portions formed by folding the element. The element length of the folded monopole element <b>41</b>, that is, the electrical length from the feeding terminal <b>22</b> to the first ground terminal <b>31</b> through the folding position, is set to nearly ½ a wavelength corresponding to a predetermined first resonance frequency f<b>1</b>.

0062The monopole element <b>42</b> is formed from an L-shaped conductive pattern having a proximal end connected to the feeding terminal <b>22</b> through part of the folded monopole element <b>41</b>, and a distal end open. The element length of the monopole element <b>42</b>, that is, the electrical length from the feeding terminal <b>22</b> to the distal end, is set to nearly ¼ a wavelength corresponding to a predetermined second resonance frequency f<b>2</b>.

0063The parasitic element <b>43</b> is formed from an L-shaped conductive pattern having a proximal end connected to the ground terminal <b>32</b>, and a distal end open. The element length of the parasitic element <b>43</b>, that is, the electrical length from the ground terminal <b>32</b> to the distal end, is set to a length nearly ¼ a wavelength corresponding to a predetermined third resonance frequency f<b>3</b>. The parasitic element <b>43</b> is also placed parallel to the monopole element <b>42</b> such that at least part of the horizontal portion of the parasitic element <b>43</b> on the distal end side can be current-coupled to the horizontal portion of the monopole element <b>42</b>.

0064The first resonance frequency f<b>1</b> is set in the band (700 MHz to 900 MHz) used by, for example, a radio system using LTE (Long Term Evolution). The second resonance frequency f<b>2</b> is set in the band (1.7 GHz to 1.9 GHz) used by a radio system based on the 3G standard. The third resonance frequency f<b>3</b> is set in a band near the first resonance frequency f<b>1</b> or the second resonance frequency f<b>2</b> to expand the band used by the above radio system using LTE or the band used by the radio system based on the 3G standard.

0065The element lengths of the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub, monopole element <b>42</b>, and parasitic element <b>43</b> and their relative positions are set to lengths that are necessary to generate the first, second, and third resonance frequencies f<b>1</b>, f<b>2</b>, and f<b>3</b>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> shows an example of an antenna device configured to satisfy this condition. The numbers in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> represent the dimensions (unit: mm) of the respective antenna element portions.

0066In order to generate the third resonance frequency f<b>3</b> on the parasitic element <b>43</b>, the parasitic element <b>43</b> needs to be placed such that at least part of the distal end horizontal portion of the parasitic element <b>43</b> becomes parallel to the horizontal portion of the monopole element <b>42</b>. In order to check this condition, the present applicant analyzed the frequency characteristics of the imaginary parts of antenna impedances obtained when setting the distance (d in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>) between the feeding terminal <b>22</b> and the ground terminal <b>32</b>, to which the parasitic element <b>43</b> is grounded, to 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, and 20 mm. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows an example of the analysis result.

0067As is obvious from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, when the distance d becomes larger than 15 mm, that is, the length of the portion of the parasitic element <b>43</b> which is parallel to the monopole element <b>42</b> becomes equal to or less than 0 mm, the parasitic element <b>43</b> cannot maintain a capacitively coupled state with the monopole element <b>42</b>. As a consequence, it becomes impossible to cause resonance, as indicated by “A” in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. Obviously, therefore, it is necessary to place the parasitic element <b>43</b> so as to maintain a state in which at least the distal end portion of the parasitic element <b>43</b> is parallel to the horizontal portion of the monopole element <b>42</b>.

0068In addition, the antenna device <b>4</b> of the first embodiment can independently adjust the third resonance frequency f<b>3</b> by changing the element length of the parasitic element <b>43</b>. In order to check this effect, the present applicant prepared three kinds of models 01, 02, and 03 obtained by setting the element length of the parasitic element <b>43</b> to different lengths as shown in, for example, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4A</figref>, <b>4</b>B and <b>4</b>C and analyzed the frequency characteristics of the imaginary parts of the antenna impedances of the respective models and frequency characteristics of voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR). <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5 and 6</figref> each show an example of each analysis result.

0069As is obvious from the characteristics shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5 and 6</figref>, setting the length of the horizontal portion of the parasitic element <b>43</b> to a relatively large value (e.g., 40 mm) as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4A</figref> can generate the third resonance frequency f<b>3</b> in a low band K<b>31</b> (e.g., near 1.2 GHz). In addition, setting the length of the horizontal portion of the parasitic element <b>43</b> to a value (e.g., 27.5 mm) smaller than 40 mm as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4B</figref> can generate the third resonance frequency f<b>3</b> in a band K<b>32</b> (near 2 GHz) higher than 1.2 GHz. Furthermore, setting the length of the horizontal portion of the parasitic element <b>43</b> to a value (e.g., 12.5 mm) shorter than 27.5 mm as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4C</figref> can generate the third resonance frequency f<b>3</b> in a band K<b>33</b> (near 3.2 GHz) higher than 2 GHz. Note that K<b>1</b> and K<b>2</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> represent the first and second resonance frequencies f<b>1</b> and f<b>2</b> generated by the folded monopole element <b>41</b> and the monopole element <b>42</b>.

0070The parasitic element <b>43</b> causes no interference with the folded monopole element <b>41</b> and the monopole element <b>42</b>. This is because the folded monopole element <b>41</b>, the monopole element <b>42</b>, and the parasitic element <b>43</b> are arranged in a positional relationship like that shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> so as not to cause parallel resonance in bands between series resonances between the folded monopole element <b>41</b>, the monopole element <b>42</b>, and the parasitic element <b>43</b>, thereby preventing an increase in mismatch loss and deterioration in radiation efficiency.

0071That is, according to the antenna device <b>4</b> described above, merely setting the element length of the parasitic element <b>43</b> to an arbitrary length can independently set the third resonance frequency f<b>3</b> in an arbitrary band near the first or second resonance frequency f<b>1</b> or f<b>2</b> without causing any interference between the folded monopole element <b>41</b> and the monopole element <b>42</b>. This can implement wider bands of the first or second resonance frequency f<b>1</b> or f<b>2</b>.

0072In order to effectively obtain the above effects, a distance C between the first ground terminal <b>31</b> and the feeding terminal <b>22</b> of the folded monopole element <b>41</b> may be set to ⅕ or less a wavelength corresponding to the first resonance frequency f<b>1</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>. In order to check this condition, the present applicant prepared four kinds of models, 04 to 07, obtained by changing the distance C as shown in, for example, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8A</figref>, <b>8</b>B, <b>8</b>C and <b>8</b>D and analyzed the frequency characteristics of the imaginary parts of the antenna impedances of the respective models. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> shows an example of the analysis result.

0073As is obvious from the analysis result shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, in the models 04 to 06 with the distance C being set to be relatively short, series resonances K<b>11</b>, K<b>12</b> and K<b>13</b> occur owing to the folded monopole element <b>41</b>. However, in the model 07 with the distance C being set to be long, no sufficient series resonance occurs, and hence the first resonance frequency f<b>1</b> cannot be set.

0074As described in detail above, according to the first embodiment, the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub, the monopole element <b>42</b>, and the parasitic element <b>43</b> are arranged in increasing order of distance from the ground pattern <b>3</b>, and the parasitic element <b>43</b> is placed so as to make at least part of its distal end horizontal portion become parallel to the horizontal portion of the monopole element <b>42</b>, thereby generating the third resonance frequency f<b>3</b> on the parasitic element <b>43</b>.

0075Therefore, merely setting the element length of the parasitic element <b>43</b> to an arbitrary length in the above manner can independently set the third resonance frequency f<b>3</b> in an arbitrary band near the first or second resonance frequency f<b>1</b> or f<b>2</b> without causing any interference between the folded monopole element <b>41</b> and the monopole element <b>42</b>. This can implement wider bands of the first or second resonance frequency f<b>1</b> or f<b>2</b>.

SECOND EMBODIMENT

0076<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a view showing the arrangement of an antenna device according to the second embodiment. The same reference numerals as in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> denote the same parts in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, and a detailed description of them will be omitted.

0077The section extending from the stub installation position to the folding position of a folded monopole element <b>41</b> with a stub is formed from one element <b>412</b> having a plate-like shape. Note that the element <b>412</b> may have a rod-like shape other than a plate-like shape.

0078This arrangement can increase the structural strength of the section of the folded monopole element <b>41</b> which extends from the stub to the folding position, and hence can increase the yield in manufacturing an antenna device <b>4</b>.

THIRD EMBODIMENT

0079<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a view showing the arrangement of an antenna device according to the third embodiment. The same reference numerals as in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> denote the same parts in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, and a detailed description of them will be omitted.

0080A folded monopole element <b>41</b> is formed by folding its section extending from the stub installation position to the folding position in a crank shape, with one additional element <b>44</b> being provided at a position corresponding to the root portion of the crank shape.

0081<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> shows a specific arrangement of this monopole element. The numbers in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> represent the dimensions (unit: mm) of the respective antenna element portions. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 13 and 14</figref> show the results obtained by analyzing the frequency characteristics of the imaginary part of the antenna impedance and voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) frequency characteristic. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 13 and 14</figref> show also characteristics obtained without using the additional element <b>44</b>.

0082As is obvious from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 13 and 14</figref>, providing the additional element <b>44</b> can also generate a resonance frequency at near 2.5 GHz. This allows the antenna device <b>4</b> to cope with a larger number of resonances. In addition, this can continuously expand the multiple resonance band from 2.0 GHz to 2.5 GHz.

FOURTH EMBODIMENT

0083<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a view showing the arrangement of an antenna device according to the fourth embodiment. The same reference numerals as in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> denote the same parts in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, and a detailed description of them will be omitted.

0084A ground pattern <b>3</b> formed on a printed circuit board <b>1</b> has a side in a crank shape which is in contact with a first area <b>1</b><i>a</i>. A feeding cable <b>23</b> is placed along a side of the portion on the ground pattern <b>3</b> which is formed into the crank shape so as to protrude into the first area <b>1</b><i>a</i>. The feeding cable <b>23</b> is formed from a coaxial cable obtained by shielding a conductive line <b>24</b>, and the shielded line is grounded to a ground terminal <b>33</b> provided on the ground pattern <b>3</b>.

0085In addition, a portion of the first area <b>1</b><i>a </i>which protrudes into a second area <b>1</b><i>b </i>by forming the ground pattern <b>3</b> into a crank shape is provided with a feeding terminal <b>22</b>. The distal end portion of the conductive line <b>24</b> of the feeding cable <b>23</b> is electrically connected to the feeding terminal <b>22</b> through a means such as soldering.

0086This arrangement allows to place the feeding cable <b>23</b> along a side of the ground pattern <b>3</b> without forcibly bending the feeding cable <b>23</b>. This can improve the implementation efficiency of electronic components per unit area by effectively using the space of the printed circuit board <b>1</b>, thereby further improving the reliability of the device. In addition, this arrangement can prevent the feeding cable <b>23</b> from overlapping a parasitic element <b>43</b>, and hence can reduce variations in antenna characteristics owing to wiring of the feeding cable <b>23</b>.

FIFTH EMBODIMENT

0087<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a perspective view showing the arrangement of an antenna device according to the fifth embodiment. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>. The same reference numerals as in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> denote the same parts in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, and a detailed description of them will be omitted.

0088The antenna device according to the fifth embodiment includes a resin antenna base material (resin base material) <b>5</b>. A folded monopole element <b>41</b> with a stub, a monopole element <b>42</b>, and a parasitic element <b>43</b> are arranged on the circumferential surface of the resin base material <b>5</b>.

0089More specifically, a printed circuit board <b>1</b> is formed from a flexible board. Conductive patterns respectively forming the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub, the monopole element <b>42</b>, and the parasitic element <b>43</b> are formed in a first area <b>1</b><i>a </i>of the printed circuit board <b>1</b> formed from this flexible board. On the other hand, the resin base material <b>5</b> is formed from a prismatic body having a longitudinal cross-section. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>, the printed circuit board <b>1</b> formed from the above flexible board as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is wound around the circumferential surface of the resin base material <b>5</b> formed from this prismatic body.

0090For the sake of illustrative convenience, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> shows that the printed circuit board <b>1</b> is spaced apart from the circumferential surface of the resin base material <b>5</b>. In practice, however, the printed circuit board <b>1</b> is provided in tight contact with the resin base material <b>5</b> with an adhesive or bonding material such as a doubled-sided adhesive tape. As the resin base material <b>5</b>, a columnar body, an elliptic columnar body, or a plate-like body can be used instead of a prismatic body.

0091This arrangement can decrease the dimensions of the printed circuit board <b>1</b> in a planar direction, and hence can downsize the antenna device <b>4</b>, that is, the electronic device. In addition, arranging the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub, the monopole element <b>42</b>, and the parasitic element <b>43</b> on the circumferential surface of the resin base material <b>5</b> can provide a highly reliable device with structural stability.

SIXTH EMBODIMENT

0092<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> is a perspective view showing the arrangement of an antenna device according to the sixth embodiment. The same reference numerals as in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> denote the same parts in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15</figref>, <b>16</b> and <b>17</b>, and a detailed description of them will be omitted.

0093Conductive patterns respectively forming a folded monopole element <b>41</b> with a stub, a monopole element <b>42</b>, and a parasitic element <b>43</b> are formed on a printed circuit board <b>1</b> formed from a flexible board. Of these elements, the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub has a section extending from its stub installation position to the folding position, which is formed from one plate-like element <b>412</b>. The middle position of the monopole element <b>42</b> is connected to the folded monopole element <b>41</b> through a connecting element <b>424</b>. The proximal end portion of the parasitic element <b>43</b> is formed into a plate-like shape. In addition, power is fed to the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub and the monopole element <b>42</b> via a feeding cable <b>23</b> formed from a coaxial cable.

0094<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 19 and 20</figref> show an example of the results obtained by analyzing the frequency characteristics of the imaginary part of the antenna impedance and frequency characteristics of voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) of the antenna device having the above arrangement. According to this example, a first resonance K<b>1</b> occurs near 800 MHz owing to the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub <b>411</b>, and a third resonance K<b>3</b> occurs near 1.0 GHz at a position near the first resonance K<b>1</b> owing to the parasitic element <b>43</b>. This can expand the resonance band from 800 MHz to 1.0 GHz. In addition, a resonance K<b>2</b> occurs near 1.9 GHz owing to the monopole element <b>42</b>.

SEVENTH EMBODIMENT

0095<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> is a perspective view showing the arrangement of an antenna device according to the seventh embodiment. The same reference numerals as in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> denote the same parts in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15</figref>, <b>16</b>, <b>17</b> and <b>18</b>, and a detailed description of them will be omitted.

0096Conductive patterns respectively forming a folded monopole element <b>41</b> with a stub, a monopole element <b>42</b>, and a parasitic element <b>43</b> are formed on the printed circuit board <b>1</b> formed from a flexible substrate. Of these elements, the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub has a section extending from its stub installation position to the folding position, which is formed from one plate-like element <b>412</b>. The plate-like element <b>412</b> has a width larger than that of the section extending from the stub installation position to a feeding terminal <b>22</b>. The parasitic element <b>43</b> has a planar proximal end portion. In addition, power is fed to the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub and the monopole element <b>42</b> via a feeding cable <b>23</b> formed from a coaxial cable.

0097<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 22 and 23</figref> show an example of the results obtained by analyzing the frequency characteristics of the imaginary part of the antenna impedance and frequency characteristics of voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) by the antenna device having the above arrangement. According to this example, a first resonance K<b>1</b> occurs near 900 MHz owing to the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub. A second resonance K<b>2</b> occurs near 1.9 MHz owing to the monopole element <b>42</b>, and a third resonance K<b>3</b> occurs near 2.3 GHz at a position adjacent to the second resonance K<b>2</b> owing to the parasitic element <b>43</b>. This can expand the resonance band from 1.9 GHz to 2.3 GHz.

EIGHTH EMBODIMENT

0098<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref> is a perspective view showing the arrangement of an antenna device according to the eighth embodiment. The same reference numerals as in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref> denote the same parts in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15</figref>, <b>16</b> and <b>17</b>, and a detailed description of them will be omitted.

0099Conductive patterns respectively forming a folded monopole element <b>41</b> with a stub, a monopole element <b>42</b>, and a parasitic element <b>43</b> are formed on the printed circuit board <b>1</b> formed from a flexible substrate. Of these elements, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>, the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub is formed by folding its section extending from the stub installation position to the folding position in a crank shape. The section extending from this stub installation position to the folding position is formed from one element <b>412</b>, and the element <b>412</b> has a width larger than the section extending from the stub installation position to a feeding terminal <b>22</b>.

0100One additional element <b>44</b> is provided at a position corresponding to the root portion of the crank shape. The parasitic element <b>43</b> has a planar proximal end portion. In addition, power is fed to the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub and the monopole element <b>42</b> via a feeding cable <b>23</b> formed from a coaxial cable.

0101<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 25 and 26</figref> show an example of the results obtained by analyzing the frequency characteristics of the imaginary part of the antenna impedance and frequency characteristics of voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) of the antenna device having the above arrangement. According to this example, a first resonance K<b>1</b> occurs near 900 MHz owing to the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub. A second resonance K<b>2</b> occurs near 2.0 GHz owing to the monopole element <b>42</b>, and a third resonance K<b>3</b> occurs near 2.6 MHz at a position adjacent to the second resonance K<b>2</b> owing to the parasitic element <b>43</b>. This can expand the resonance band from 2.0 GHz to 2.6 GHz. In addition, a fourth resonance K<b>4</b> occurs near 3.2 GHz owing to the additional element <b>44</b>.

0102That is, this arrangement can provide a multiple resonance antenna device having a wide resonance band ranging from 2.0 GHz to 2.6 GHz.

NINTH EMBODIMENT

0103<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref> is a perspective view showing the arrangement of an antenna device according to the ninth embodiment. The same reference numerals as in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref> denote the same parts in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref>, and a detailed description of them will be omitted.

0104The ninth embodiment differs from the eighth embodiment in that a monopole element <b>42</b> has a longer element length.

0105<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 28 and 29</figref> show an example of the results obtained by analyzing the frequency characteristics of the imaginary part of the antenna impedance and frequency characteristics of voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) of the antenna device having the above arrangement. According to this example, it is possible to decrease the frequency of a second resonance K<b>2</b> owing to the monopole element <b>42</b> to a frequency near 1.85 GHz. Therefore, the second resonance K<b>2</b> owing to the monopole element <b>42</b> and a third resonance K<b>3</b> owing to a parasitic element <b>43</b> can further expand a 2-GHz resonance band.

10th EMBODIMENT

0106<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30</figref> is a perspective view showing the arrangement of an antenna device according to the 10th embodiment. The same reference numerals as in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30</figref> denote the same parts in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>, and a detailed description of them will be omitted.

0107The 10th embodiment differs from the sixth embodiment in that a parasitic element <b>43</b> is branched midway into two elements <b>4371</b> and <b>4372</b> having different lengths, and the element <b>4371</b>, i.e., one of the elements <b>4371</b> and <b>4372</b>, has a plate-like distal end portion <b>433</b>.

0108<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 31 and 32</figref> show an example of the results obtained by analyzing the frequency characteristics of the imaginary part of the antenna impedance and frequency characteristics of voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) by the antenna device having the above arrangement. According to this example, a first resonance K<b>1</b> occurs near 800 MHz owing to a folded monopole element <b>41</b> with a stub. A third resonance K<b>3</b> occurs near 1.0 GHz at a position near the first resonance K<b>1</b> owing to one parasitic element <b>4371</b>. This can expand the resonance band from 800 MHz to 1.0 GHz. In addition, a second resonance K<b>2</b> occurs near 1.9 GHz owing to a monopole element <b>42</b>, and a fourth resonance K<b>4</b> occurs near 2.2 GHz at a position near the second resonance K<b>2</b> owing to the other parasitic element <b>4372</b>. This can expand the resonance band from 1.9 GHz to 2.2 GHz.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

0109(1) Modification of Folded Monopole Element <b>41</b> with Stub

0110<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 33A</figref>, <b>33</b>B, <b>33</b>C, <b>33</b>D and <b>33</b>E and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 34A</figref>, <b>34</b>B, <b>34</b>C, <b>34</b>D and <b>34</b>E show various modifications of the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub.

0111The antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 33A</figref> is configured such that the section extending from the installation position of the stub <b>411</b> of the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub to the folding end is folded. This arrangement can reduce the installation space of the antenna device in the longitudinal direction of the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub even if its element length is long.

0112The antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 33B</figref> has a plurality of (two in the case shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 33B</figref>) stubs <b>4111</b> and <b>4112</b> provided between the forward and backward portions of the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub which are formed by folding. This arrangement can cause a larger number of resonances.

0113The antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 33C</figref> is configured such that the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub has a wide portion near the feeding terminal <b>22</b>.

0114The antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 33D</figref> is configured such that the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub has a wide portion near the first ground terminal <b>31</b>.

0115The antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 33E</figref> is configured such that the ground position of the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub relative to the ground pattern <b>3</b>, i.e., the position of the first ground terminal <b>31</b>, is offset in the direction of the distal end of the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub.

0116The antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 34A</figref> is configured such that the section extending from the installation position of the stub <b>411</b> of the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub to the folding end is formed from one element, which is formed into a meandering shape.

0117The antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 34B</figref> is configured such that the portion between the middle portion and distal end portion of the section extending from the installation position of the stub <b>411</b> of the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub to the folding end is formed from one element.

0118The antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 34C</figref> is configured such that the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub and the monopole element <b>42</b> have a wide portion near the feeding terminal <b>22</b>.

0119The antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 34D</figref> is configured such that the portion between the middle portion and distal end portion of the section extending from the installation position of the stub <b>411</b> of the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub to the folding end is formed from a wide plate-like element.

0120The antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 34E</figref> is configured such that lumped parameter elements <b>61</b>, <b>62</b> and <b>63</b> are respectively inserted in a portion near the feeding terminal <b>22</b> of the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub and monopole element <b>42</b>, the interval from the branch position between the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub and the monopole element <b>42</b> to the installation position of the stub <b>411</b>, and a portion near the first ground terminal <b>31</b> of the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub. The lumped parameter elements <b>61</b>, <b>62</b> and <b>63</b> are formed from inductances and have a function of increasing the electrical length of the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub.

0121(2) Modification of Monopole Element <b>42</b>

0122<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 35A</figref>, <b>35</b>B, <b>35</b>C, <b>35</b>D and <b>35</b>E and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 36A</figref>, <b>36</b>B, <b>36</b>C and <b>36</b>D show various modifications of the monopole element <b>42</b>.

0123The antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 35A</figref> is configured such that the distal end portion of the monopole element <b>42</b> is folded. This makes it possible to reduce the installation space of the antenna device in the longitudinal direction of the monopole element <b>42</b> even if it has a long element length.

0124The antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 35B</figref> is configured such that the monopole element <b>42</b> has a wide distal end portion.

0125The antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 35C</figref> is configured such that the monopole element <b>42</b> is connected to the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub through the connecting element <b>424</b> at a position where they are parallel to each other.

0126The antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 35D</figref> is configured such that the distal end portion of the monopole element <b>42</b> is branched to provide an additional element <b>425</b>. Note that the device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 35D</figref> is provided with only one additional element <b>425</b>. However, two or more additional elements may be provided.

0127The antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 35E</figref> is configured such that the monopole element <b>42</b> is branched at the feeding terminal <b>22</b> or at its nearby position without being branched midway along the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub.

0128The antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 36A</figref> is configured such that the distal end portion of the monopole element <b>42</b> is formed into a meandering shape.

0129The antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 36B</figref> is configured such that a connecting portion <b>427</b> of the monopole element <b>42</b> for the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub is formed into a wide portion.

0130The antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 36C</figref> is configured such that a second monopole element <b>428</b> is provided on the monopole element <b>42</b> in a direction opposite to the bending direction of the monopole element <b>42</b>. Although <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 36C</figref> shows a case in which one second monopole element <b>428</b> is provided, two or more second monopole elements may be provided.

0131The antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 36D</figref> is configured such that a lumped parameter element <b>64</b> is inserted in a portion near the connecting portion between the monopole element <b>42</b> and the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub. The lumped parameter element <b>64</b> is formed from an inductance and has a function of increasing the electrical length of the monopole element <b>42</b>.

0132(3) Modification of Parasitic Element <b>43</b>

0133<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 37A</figref>, <b>37</b>B, <b>37</b>C, <b>37</b>D and <b>37</b>E and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 38A</figref>, <b>38</b>B, <b>38</b>C and <b>38</b>D show various modifications of the parasitic element <b>43</b>.

0134The antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 37A</figref> is configured such that the distal end portion of the parasitic element <b>43</b> is folded.

0135The antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 37B</figref> is configured such that the distal end portion of the parasitic element <b>43</b> is formed into a meandering shape. This makes it possible to reduce the installation space of the antenna device in the longitudinal direction of the parasitic element <b>43</b> even if it has a long element length.

0136The antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 37C</figref> is configured such that the parasitic element <b>43</b> has a wide distal end portion.

0137The antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 37D</figref> is configured such that the distal end portion of the parasitic element <b>43</b> is branched into a plurality of portions to provide a plurality of elements <b>4341</b> and <b>4342</b>. In the case shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 37D</figref>, the distal end portion is branched into two portions. However, the distal end portion may be branched into three or more portions.

0138The antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 37E</figref> is configured such that a plurality of parasitic elements <b>43</b> and <b>45</b> are provided between the feeding terminal <b>22</b> and the second ground terminal <b>32</b>.

0139The antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 38A</figref> is configured such that the middle portion of the parasitic element <b>43</b> is formed into a meandering shape. This arrangement makes it possible to reduce the installation space of the antenna device in the longitudinal direction of the parasitic element <b>43</b> even if it has a long element length.

0140The antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 38B</figref> is configured such that the proximal end portion of the parasitic element <b>43</b> which is near the second ground terminal <b>32</b> is formed into a wide portion.

0141The antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 38C</figref> is configured such that the parasitic element <b>43</b> is branched into a plurality of portions at a position where it is bent in an L shape, thereby providing a plurality of elements <b>4371</b> and <b>4372</b>. In the case shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 38C</figref>, the parasitic element <b>43</b> is branched into two portions. However, the parasitic element <b>43</b> may be branched into three or more portions.

0142The antenna device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 38D</figref> is configured such that a lumped parameter element <b>65</b> is inserted in a portion near the connecting position between the parasitic element <b>43</b> and the second ground terminal <b>32</b>. The lumped parameter element <b>65</b> is formed from an inductance and has a function of increasing the electrical length of the parasitic element <b>43</b>.

0143(4) When Parasitic Element Is Added

0144<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 39A and 39B</figref> each show an example of the arrangement including an additional parasitic element.

0145<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 39A</figref> shows an arrangement in which a second parasitic element <b>46</b> is placed between the ground pattern <b>3</b> and the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub independently of the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub.

0146Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 39B</figref>, a second parasitic element <b>47</b> is placed between the ground pattern <b>3</b> and the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub, and the ground terminal of the second parasitic element <b>47</b> is shared with the first ground terminal <b>31</b> of the folded monopole element <b>41</b> with the stub. The above arrangement can further increase the number of resonances and expand the band.

0147In addition, the shapes, installation positions, sizes of the folded monopole element with the stub, monopole element, and parasitic element and the types, arrangements, and the like of the electronic device can be variously modified and embodied.

0148While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.