JP2004343382A - Electronic device for radio communication - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic device for radio communication which is a PC card 21 capable of radiating radio waves from an antenna upward regardless of the mounted position of the antenna. <P>SOLUTION: The PC card 21 is incorporated in or removably fitted to a personal computer 11 so as to provide the personal computer 11 with radio communication functions. The PC card 21 comprises a mounting base board 24 fitted to the personal computer 11 with the end thereof projecting from the personal computer 11 and mounting a radio circuit, at least a chip antenna 23 arranged at the projecting region of the mounting base board 24 and electrically connected to the radio circuit, a case body covering the mounting base board 24, and a reflector 28 arranged below the chip antenna 23 to upwardly reflect at least a part of the radio waves radiated from the chip antenna 23 and directed downward. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic device for wireless communication that provides a wireless communication function to a computer device such as a personal computer, and more particularly to a technique that is effective when applied to improvement of radiation characteristics of an antenna provided in the electronic device for wireless communication. is there.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Today, a computer device such as a personal computer adopts a technology such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), which does not require a cable, and is easily connected to peripheral devices such as a printer and the Internet such as the Internet, thereby providing high convenience. I have.
[0003]
An external wireless communication electronic device such as a PC card, a CF card, an SD card, or a USB adapter, or a built-in wireless communication electronic device is used as a means for providing a wireless communication function to a computer device. The wireless communication electronic device has an antenna disposed at a portion protruding from the computer device, and communication is executed by exchanging radio waves transmitted and received by the antenna with the computer device via a wireless circuit. An antenna used in a wireless communication electronic device is mounted on a mounting board and housed in a housing, and generally has a radiation pattern that is directed upward when a mounting surface faces upward.
[0004]
Here, in response to a demand for multi-band transmission, a radio communication electronic device includes a plurality of antennas that emit radio waves having mutually different frequencies, for example, a 2.4 GHz band antenna and a 5 GHz band frequency two antennas. Some are housed in a housing. Then, since a plurality of antennas having different frequencies are mounted on the mounting board, the area occupied by the antennas on the mounting board necessarily increases.
[0005]
In order to increase the mounting efficiency by suppressing the occupied area of the antenna on the mounting board, it is conceivable to mount the antenna on the front and back surfaces of the mounting board as described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-204621.
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-8-204621 [0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, according to the above-described technique, in a computer device equipped with a wireless communication electronic device, the radiation pattern of some antennas is directed downward.
[0007]
If the radiation pattern has a downward radiation pattern, the directivity deteriorates due to various obstacles, and a communication failure occurs, making it impossible to enjoy a comfortable use environment.
[0008]
Also, even with an antenna having an upward radiation pattern, some radio waves go downward, so that pointing it upward can realize a better communication state.
[0009]
Obstacles that block radio waves are present not only below the antenna, such as a desk, but also on the sides, such as walls and furniture. If these cannot be avoided, good communication conditions Cannot be realized.
[0010]
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a wireless communication electronic device capable of changing a radiation direction of a radio wave from an antenna by reflection regardless of a mounting position of the antenna.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, a wireless communication electronic device according to the present invention is a wireless communication electronic device that is built in or removably attached to a computer device and provides a wireless communication function to the computer device. A protrusion protruding from the computer device and attached thereto, at least one antenna disposed on the protrusion and electrically connected to a radio circuit, and a radiation direction of at least a part of radio waves radiated from the antenna. And a reflecting means for changing.
[0012]
According to such an invention, the radiation direction of the radio wave from the antenna can be changed by the reflection means, so that the radio wave is shielded by the obstacle regardless of the mounting position of the antenna on any surface of the mounting board. Disappears, and a good communication state can be realized.
[0013]
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the reflection means is provided so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis.
[0014]
This makes it possible to change the reflection angle of the radio wave radiated from the antenna by changing the rotation angle of the reflection means, and thus it is possible to adjust the angle of the reflection means to a more favorable radiation state.
[0015]
In a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the reflecting means is displaced between a first position at which a radio wave radiated from the antenna is reflected and a second position at which the radio wave is not reflected.
[0016]
This makes it possible to change the reflection angle of the radio wave radiated from the antenna, and to selectively use when the direction change of the radio wave is necessary or not.
[0017]
In a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the bearing for supporting the rotating shaft has an elongated hole for rotatably holding the rotating shaft at a plurality of vertical positions.
[0018]
Thus, the pivot point of the reflection means can be moved in the vertical direction, so that the degree of freedom in adjusting the radio wave radiation pattern by the reflection means is further increased.
[0019]
In a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the reflection unit forms a part of a housing that covers the mounting substrate.
[0020]
Accordingly, when the reflecting means is closed, the reflecting means is integrated with the housing, so that the electronic device for wireless communication is easily carried and the reflecting means can be prevented from being damaged.
[0021]
In a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the reflecting means is provided so as to be swingable in an arbitrary direction around a fulcrum formed by fitting the spherical projection and the spherical hole.
[0022]
Thereby, the angle of reflection of the radio wave radiated from the antenna can be changed, so that the angle of the reflection means can be adjusted to a more favorable radiation state.
[0023]
In a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the reflecting surface of the reflecting means is a convex or concave curved surface.
[0024]
Thus, radio waves can be radiated over a wider range, and radio waves from a wider range can be received with better sensitivity.
[0025]
In a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the reflection surface of the reflection means has a large number of protrusions.
[0026]
This makes it possible to obtain a radiation pattern in which radio waves are irregularly reflected by the reflection means and widely diffused.
[0027]
In a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the antenna is arranged on a mounting board of the protruding portion, and is formed at a position higher than a circuit mounting area where the wireless circuit is mounted.
[0028]
As a result, the distance between the antenna and the reflection means becomes wider, the sensitivity adjustment becomes easier, and the influence of noise from the computer device can be reduced.
[0029]
In a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the reflection means is detachably attached to the housing.
[0030]
As a result, even if the electronic device for wireless communication is not equipped with the reflection means, it can be attached later.
[0031]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to the drawings. Here, in the attached drawings, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description is omitted. The embodiment of the present invention is a particularly useful embodiment in which the present invention is implemented, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment.
[0032]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a PC card of the present invention and a personal computer having an expansion slot into which the PC card is inserted. FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway view of a PC card according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the PC card of FIG. 2 from a different direction, FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a radiation pattern of the PC card of FIG. 2, and FIG. 5 is a PC showing another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an essential part of a card, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an essential part of a PC card according to still another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a state in which the angle of the reflector is changed in the PC card of FIG. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the angle of the reflector is further changed in the PC card of FIG. 6, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a main part of the PC card according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing a main portion of the PC card in the form of embodiment.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 1, a portable personal computer (computer device) 11 includes a main body 12 having various electronic components (not shown) stored therein and having an input unit such as a keyboard 12a, and a liquid crystal panel. And a display unit 13. A PC card slot (expansion slot) 14 into which a wireless communication PC card (wireless communication electronic device) 21 is detachably inserted is provided on a side surface of the main body 12. Note that, as the computer device, various devices such as a portable information terminal other than a personal computer can be applied.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 2, the PC card 21 for providing the personal computer 11 with a wireless communication function has a wireless circuit (not shown) made up of various electronic components mounted thereon, and a tip portion indicating an operation state and the like. An LED 22 and a mounting board 24 on which a chip antenna (antenna) 23 serving as a signal transmission / reception means electrically connected to the wireless circuit are provided.
[0035]
The positions where the electronic components are mounted on the mounting board 24 are shielded by covering both surfaces with metal shield covers 25a and 25b such as SUS. The tip (projecting region), which is one end where the chip antenna 23 is disposed, is covered with a resin cover 26 such as PBT (polybutylene-terephthalate) which does not hinder transmission and reception of radio waves. A protruding portion (extended portion) that protrudes from the PC card slot 14 and is located outside while being inserted into the slot 14 is configured. The housing is composed of the shield covers 25 a and 25 b covering the mounting board 24 and the resin cover 26. In the present embodiment, a single mounting board 24 is used to cover a portion from a shielded portion covered on both sides with metal shield covers 25a and 25b to a protruding portion. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of mounting boards may be used, for example, the mounting board of the protruding portion is formed as a separate board and connected by a flexible printed board.
[0036]
A connector 27 for electrically connecting the PC card 21 to the personal computer 11 when inserted into the PC card slot 14 is provided on the opposite side of the extended section. Then, the shield covers 25a and 25b and the resin cover 26 are fixedly mounted on the mounting board 24 with the LED 22, the chip antenna 23 and the connector part 27 mounted thereon, and the PC card 21 is integrally formed.
[0037]
In the chip antenna 23, a radiation electrode is formed on a main surface of a base made of a dielectric such as a ceramic dielectric material for high frequency having a relative dielectric constant ε of about 37, for example. Are mounted on both sides of the mounting board 24 in order to achieve the above. The first chip antenna 23a mounted on one surface and the second chip antenna 23b mounted on the other surface have different radiating electrode areas and have different frequency bands, for example, the first chip antenna 23a Is in the 2.4 GHz band, and the second chip antenna 23b is in the 5 GHz band. According to such a mounting mode, in the PC card 21 of the present embodiment inserted into the PC card slot 14 with the mounting surface of the first chip antenna 23a facing upward, the radiation pattern of the first chip antenna 23a is Is directed upward, and the radiation pattern of the second chip antenna 23b is directed downward (see FIG. 4).
[0038]
As shown in FIG. 3, on the lower side of the chip antenna 23, a radio wave radiated downward from the second chip antenna 23b and a part of a downward radio wave radiated from the first chip antenna 23a, That is, the reflector (reflecting means) 28 that reflects the radio wave radiated from the chip antenna 23 and directed downwards upward is disposed.
[0039]
The reflector 28 is made of a member capable of reflecting radio waves, for example, a metal such as Al (aluminum), Fe (iron), or SUS, or a resin material whose surface or inner layer is subjected to metal plating. It is attached to the housing via two rotating shafts 29 provided on both sides and extending in a substantially horizontal direction. Therefore, the reflector 28 is rotatable about the rotation shaft 29 as a fulcrum.
[0040]
As shown in the drawing, the reflector 28 forms a part of the housing, and is closed at a predetermined angle with respect to the main surface of the base of the antenna 23 on which the radiation electrode is formed even in a closed state, that is, a state closest to the horizontal. It is inclined. Then, the tilt angle can be adjusted to an arbitrary angle by rotating. As means for stopping the reflector 28 at a desired angle, a form in which a load is applied to the rotating shaft 29 or a form in which a latch portion is provided in the reflector 28 may be used. Further, the reflector 28 may have a configuration independent of the housing.
[0041]
In FIG. 4, reference numeral P1 denotes a radiation direction of the first chip antenna 23a, reference numeral P2 denotes a radiation direction when radiated from the second chip antenna 23b and reflected by the reflector 28, and reference numeral P2 'denotes a direction of the reflector 28. The radiation directions of the second chip antenna 23b when they are not provided are shown.
[0042]
As shown in FIG. 4, the reflector 28 inclined with respect to the main surface of the base of the chip antenna 23 reflects the radio waves emitted from the chip antenna 23 and directed downward in the upward direction. Thus, regardless of the mounting position of the chip antenna 23 on any surface of the mounting board 24, the radio wave from the chip antenna 23 can be radiated upward.
[0043]
Since the reflector 28 is rotatable as described above, if the angle between the reflector 28 and the main surface of the base of the chip antenna is reduced, the radio wave is reflected in a direction closer to vertical, and conversely, increases. If it does, it will be reflected in a more horizontal direction. As described above, by changing the rotation angle of the reflector 28, the reflection angle of the radio wave radiated downward from the chip antenna 23 can be changed, so that the inclination angle of the reflector 28 is adjusted to a better radiation state. can do.
[0044]
Furthermore, since the reflector 28 forms a part of the housing, the reflector 28 is integrated with the housing in the closed state, so that the carrying of the PC card 21 becomes convenient and the damage of the reflector 28 can be prevented. Can be prevented.
[0045]
The reflector 28 is provided at a predetermined interval from the chip antenna 23 to prevent the reflector 28 from canceling out radiation waves. In order to reflect the radio wave radiated downward from the second chip antenna 23b upward as much as possible, the reflector 28 has a projected area of a radiation electrode formed on the lower second chip antenna 23b. It is desirable to have the above size.
[0046]
In the illustrated case, the reflector 28 is rotatable. However, the reflector 28 may be fixed at a predetermined angle with respect to the main surface of the base of the chip antenna 23. Further, when the reflector 28 is rotatable, the reflector 28 may be parallel to the main surface of the base of the chip antenna 23 in the closed state, and may have a predetermined angle when rotated.
[0047]
Here, the following structure can be adopted for the reflector 28.
[0048]
That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the reflector 28 is made independent of the members constituting the housing, and the first position (FIG. 5) where the radio wave radiated from the chip antenna 23 and directed downward is reflected. At the position indicated by a solid line) and a second position not reflecting the position (a position indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 5). Note that the first position means a position at which a radio wave is reflected, and the second position means a position at which a radio wave is not reflected, and does not indicate two positions defining the maximum rotation angle. .
[0049]
In such a configuration, when it is not necessary to change the direction of the radio wave going downward, the reflector 28 is set to the second position, and when it is necessary to change the direction of the radio wave, the reflector 28 is turned from the second position. It can be moved to the first position and used properly. Further, since the reflector 28 is provided separately from the housing, replacement of the reflector 28 during maintenance is facilitated.
[0050]
As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the base portion 30 is attached to the housing, and the fulcrum where the spherical protrusion 28 a provided on the reflector 28 and the spherical hole 30 a provided on the base 30 are fitted to each other. The reflector 28 can be formed so as to be able to swing in any direction about this fulcrum. Note that a spherical projection may be formed on the base 30 and a spherical hole may be formed on the reflector 28.
[0051]
As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the reflector 28 can be attached to and detached from the housing via the base portion 30, so that the PC card 21 without the reflector 28 can be attached later. Becomes possible.
[0052]
Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the rotating shaft 29 is provided at a plurality of vertical positions (shown in FIG. 9) on bearings that support the rotating shaft 29 (in FIG. 9, the resin cover 26 also serves as the bearing). In such a case, the long hole 26a that can be rotatably held in three stages) may be formed. With this configuration, the pivot point of the reflector 28 can be moved in the vertical direction, so that the degree of freedom in adjusting the radio wave radiation direction by the reflector 28 is further increased.
[0053]
Further, the reflection surface of the reflector 28 is generally formed as a flat surface, but may be a convex or concave curved surface. With a curved surface, radio waves can be radiated over a wider range, and radio waves from a wider range can be received with better sensitivity. Further, a large number of projections (spherical projections, conical projections) may be formed on the reflection surface of the reflector 28. This makes it possible to obtain a radiation pattern in which radio waves are diffusely reflected by the reflector 28 and diffused widely.
[0054]
Then, as shown in FIG. 10, a step may be formed in a protruding region of the mounting substrate 24 on which the chip antenna 23 is arranged, and the protruding region may be formed at a position higher than a circuit mounting region where the wireless circuit is mounted. As a result, the distance between the chip antenna 23 and the reflector 28 becomes wider, sensitivity adjustment becomes easier, and the influence of noise from the personal computer 11 can be reduced.
[0055]
In the above description, the upper and lower positional relations are defined when the PC card 21 is inserted into the PC card slot 14 and the user uses the personal computer 11. The upward direction, which is the direction in which radio waves are emitted, is a concept that includes directly above and obliquely above.
[0056]
Further, in the present embodiment, the case where PC card slot 14 is provided on the side surface of main body 12 of personal computer (computer device) 11 as shown in FIG. 1 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a card slot is provided on the side surface of the display unit 13, and a protruding portion protrudes from the card slot, or a protrusion including an antenna built in the personal computer (computer device) 11 on the side surface of the display unit 13. The present invention can be applied to a case where a unit is provided. In short, the electronic device for wireless communication of the present invention may be used in order to avoid obstacles that block radio waves, such as a desk located below the antenna and a wall located on the side of the antenna. Therefore, the reflector 28 only needs to be able to change the radiation direction of the radio wave from the antenna, and is not limited to reflecting the radio wave going downward in the upward direction.
[0057]
Further, in the present embodiment, a plurality of chip antennas 23 having different frequencies are used, but one antenna having a different frequency or one antenna having a single frequency can be used.
[0058]
It is needless to say that other than a chip antenna can be applied to the antenna.
[0059]
Furthermore, in the above description, the case where the wireless communication electronic device according to the present invention is applied to a PC card is described. However, other examples of the wireless communication electronic device include a CF card, an SD card, and a USB. It can be an external type such as an adapter or a type built in a computer device.
[0060]
【The invention's effect】
As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.
[0061]
Not only direct radio waves in the downward direction when an antenna is provided on the lower surface of the mounting board, but also, for example, leaked radio waves in the downward direction when the antenna is provided on the upper surface, the direction of radio wave radiation by the reflection means Can be changed, the radio wave is not blocked by the obstacle regardless of the mounting position of the antenna on any surface of the mounting board, and a good communication state can be realized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a PC card of the present invention and a personal computer having an expansion slot into which the PC card is inserted.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a PC card according to an embodiment of the present invention, with a part cut away.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the PC card of FIG. 2 from a different direction.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a radiation direction in the PC card of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a main part of a PC card according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a main part of a PC card according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which the angle of the reflector is changed in the PC card of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state where the angle of the reflector is further changed in the PC card of FIG. 6;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a main part of a PC card according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a main part of a PC card according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 Personal computer (computer device)
12 Main body 12a Keyboard 13 Display 14 Card slot 21 Cards 23, 23a, 23b Chip antenna (antenna)
24 Mounting Boards 25a, 25b Shield Cover 26 Resin Cover 26a Slot 27 Connection Connector 28 Reflector (Reflector)
28a spherical projection 29 rotating shaft 30 base 30a spherical hole

Claims (10)

An electronic device for wireless communication that is built in or removably attached to a computer device and provides a wireless communication function to the computer device,
A protruding portion having one end protruding from the computer device and attached;
At least one antenna disposed on the protrusion and electrically connected to a wireless circuit;
Reflecting means for changing the direction of radiation of at least a part of the radio wave radiated from the antenna. 2. The wireless communication electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the reflection unit is provided to be rotatable about a rotation axis. 3. The wireless communication electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the reflection unit is displaced between a first position at which the radio wave radiated from the antenna is reflected and a second position at which the radio wave is not reflected. 4. The electronic device for wireless communication according to claim 2, wherein the bearing for supporting the rotating shaft is formed with an elongated hole for rotatably holding the rotating shaft at a plurality of vertical positions. apparatus. The wireless communication electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the reflection unit forms a part of a housing that covers the mounting board. 2. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the reflection means is provided so as to be able to swing in an arbitrary direction about a fulcrum formed by fitting the spherical projection and the spherical hole. Electronic devices. The wireless communication electronic device according to claim 1, wherein a reflection surface of the reflection unit is a convex or concave curved surface. 8. The wireless communication electronic device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of protrusions are formed on the reflection surface of the reflection unit. 9. The said antenna is arrange | positioned at the mounting substrate of the said protrusion part, and is formed in the position higher than the circuit mounting area in which the said radio | wireless circuit was mounted, The Claims any one of Claims 1-8 characterized by the above-mentioned. Electronic device for wireless communication. The wireless communication electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the reflection unit is detachably attached to the housing.

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