Antenna device

Abstract

An antenna device is provided with a plurality of waveguide sections (20, 30), a partition wall section that partitions the plurality of waveguide sections, a plurality of radiation openings (50, 60) that radiate radio waves, and a distribution section (40) that distributes and propagates the radio waves to a plurality of waveguide paths. Each of the plurality of waveguide sections extends in a first direction (Dax), is formed in a row in a second direction (Dcr), and overlaps a position in the first direction of a connection section (21, 31) connected to an end of the distribution section on the other side in the first direction. The plurality of radiation openings are arranged such that the positions of the radiation openings of two adjacent waveguide sections in the first direction are shifted. The distribution section has a power supply opening in the second direction, is formed by being folded back from one side to the other side in the first direction so as to be able to propagate radio waves to the respective connection sections of two adjacent waveguide sections, and causes the phases of the radio waves propagating to the respective connection sections of the two waveguide sections to be opposite to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to antenna devices. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an antenna device is known that includes multiple antenna elements each having four radiation openings for radiating radio waves (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The antenna element in this antenna device has four radiation openings arranged in a predetermined direction at predetermined intervals.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2022-122319 Summary of the Invention

[0006] As described above, in the antenna device of Patent Document 1, four radiating openings are arranged in a predetermined direction at predetermined intervals. When multiple radiating openings are arranged in this predetermined direction, in order to increase the gain of radio waves emitted from the antenna device, it is necessary to align the phases of the radio waves emitted from the multiple radiating openings and synthesize them. However, in order to align the phases of the radio waves emitted from the multiple radiating openings arranged in the predetermined direction, the intervals between the multiple radiating openings must be at least the same size as the wavelength of the radio waves.

[0007] However, ensuring that the spacing between the multiple radiating openings is the same as the wavelength of the radio wave inevitably increases the size of the antenna device in the direction in which the multiple radiating openings are arranged. Furthermore, when the multiple radiating openings are arranged in a predetermined direction while maintaining the spacing at the same size as the wavelength of the radio wave, the sidelobes of the radio waves emitted from the antenna device tend to become larger. The inventors conducted detailed research and discovered the above situation.

[0008] In view of the above-mentioned points, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an antenna device capable of suppressing side lobes of radio waves while suppressing an increase in size.

[0009] According to one viewpoint of this disclosure,

[0010] Antenna devices have:

[0011] The plurality of waveguide tube sections each form a waveguide tube path serving as a propagation path for radio waves;

[0012] a partition wall portion, disposed between the plurality of waveguide tube portions, to separate the plurality of waveguide tube portions;

[0013] a plurality of radiation openings connected to the plurality of waveguide tubes, respectively, for radiating radio waves; and

[0014] The distribution unit has a power supply opening for introducing radio waves, and forms a propagation path, namely, a distribution waveguide, for distributing the radio waves introduced from the power supply opening to a plurality of waveguide paths for propagation;

[0015] The plurality of waveguide tubes extend in a predetermined first direction, are arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and have a connection portion on one side of the first direction connected to the end of the distribution portion on the other side of the first direction, with the positions of the connection portions in the first direction overlapping.

[0016] The plurality of radiation openings are arranged so as to be offset from positions in the first direction of two radiation openings connected to two waveguide tubes adjacent to each other across the partition wall among the plurality of waveguide tubes.

[0017] The distribution portion has a power supply opening in the second direction, and is folded back from one side of the first direction to the other side in a manner capable of propagating radio waves to the respective connection portions of two waveguide tube portions adjacent to each other across the partition wall portion among the multiple waveguide tube portions, so that the phases of the radio waves propagated to the respective connection portions of the two waveguide tube portions are opposite to each other.

[0018] With this configuration, the phases of radio waves emitted from two radiation openings connected to two waveguides adjacent to each other across the partition wall are brought close to the same phase, thereby amplifying the radio waves emitted from the two radiation openings while suppressing side lobes.

[0019] Furthermore, compared to a structure in which a portion radiating radio waves is arranged along a first direction in a single waveguide extending in the first direction, the dimensions of each of the plurality of waveguide portions in the first direction can be reduced, thereby suppressing an increase in the size of the antenna device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 The schematic structure of the antenna device according to the first embodiment is shown schematically. Figure 2 II sectional view.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing a disassembled state of a first block and a second block constituting the antenna device according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3 It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the feeding portion, the first waveguide portion, the second waveguide portion, the distribution portion, the first radiation opening portion, and the second radiation opening portion according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a plan view schematically showing the antenna device according to the first embodiment, as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction.

[0024] Figure 5yes Figure 3 VV cross-sectional view of.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing a hollow waveguide for explaining the phase of radio waves radiated from an antenna device.

[0026] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the electric field and magnetic field generated in the hollow waveguide.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a hollow waveguide in which a radiation port is arranged in a narrow wall portion.

[0028] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing a hollow waveguide in which a radiation port is arranged in a wide wall portion.

[0029] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing a distribution waveguide for distributing radio waves propagating through the waveguide.

[0030] Figure 11 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the electric field generated in the distribution waveguide.

[0031] Figure 12 It is a schematic diagram simply showing the antenna device according to the first embodiment.

[0032] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of a comparative waveguide of an antenna device according to a comparative example.

[0033] Figure 14 It is a top view of a comparative waveguide of an antenna device according to a comparative example.

[0034] Figure 15 It is a diagram showing the distribution of gain in an antenna device of a comparative example.

[0035] Figure 16 It is a diagram showing the distribution of gain in the antenna device according to the first embodiment.

[0036] Figure 17 The antenna device of the first modification example of the first embodiment is Figure 2 Quite a picture.

[0037] Figure 18 The antenna device of the first modification example of the first embodiment is Figure 3 Quite a picture.

[0038] Figure 19 The antenna device of the second modified example of the first embodiment is Figure 5 Quite a picture.

[0039] Figure 20The antenna device of the second modified example of the first embodiment is Figure 5 Quite a picture.

[0040] Figure 21 The antenna device of the second modified example of the first embodiment is Figure 5 Quite a picture.

[0041] Figure 22 The antenna device of the third modified example of the first embodiment is Figure 2 Quite a picture.

[0042] Figure 23 The antenna device of the third modified example of the first embodiment is Figure 3 Quite a picture.

[0043] Figure 24 The antenna device of the third modified example of the first embodiment is Figure 4 Quite a picture.

[0044] Figure 25 The antenna device of the fourth modified example of the first embodiment is Figure 2 Quite a picture.

[0045] Figure 26 The antenna device of the fourth modified example of the first embodiment is Figure 3 Quite a picture.

[0046] Figure 27 The antenna device of the fourth modified example of the first embodiment is Figure 4 Quite a picture.

[0047] Figure 28 The antenna device of the fifth modification example of the first embodiment is Figure 2 Quite a picture.

[0048] Figure 29 The antenna device of the fifth modification example of the first embodiment is Figure 3 Quite a picture.

[0049] Figure 30 The antenna device of the second embodiment is Figure 12 Quite a picture.

[0050] Figure 31 The antenna device of the third embodiment is Figure 12 Quite a picture.

[0051] Figure 32 The antenna device of the fourth embodiment is Figure 2 Quite a picture.

[0052] Figure 33The antenna device of the first modified example of the fourth embodiment is Figure 2 Quite a picture.

[0053] Figure 34 The antenna device of the fifth embodiment is Figure 2 Quite a picture.

[0054] Figure 35 This is a plan view schematically showing the antenna device according to the fifth embodiment, as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction.

[0055] Figure 36 yes Figure 35 XXXVI-XXXVI sectional view of FIG.

[0056] Figure 37 This is a plan view schematically showing the general configuration of a device including a plurality of antenna devices in the sixth embodiment.

[0057] Figure 38 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the general structure of the antenna device according to the seventh embodiment.

[0058] Figure 39 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the general structure of the antenna device according to the eighth embodiment.

[0059] Figure 40 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the general structure of an antenna device according to a ninth embodiment.

[0060] Figure 41 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the general structure of an antenna device according to a tenth embodiment.

[0061] Figure 42 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the general structure of the antenna device according to the eleventh embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in the following embodiments, the same or equivalent parts as those described in the previous embodiments are marked with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are sometimes omitted. In addition, in the embodiments, when only a part of the constituent elements is described, the constituent elements described in the previous embodiments can be applied to the other parts of the constituent elements. With respect to the following embodiments, as long as the combination is not particularly hindered, the embodiments can be partially combined with each other even without special instructions.

[0063] (First embodiment)

[0064] Reference Figures 1 to 16This embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, an example in which the antenna device 1 of the present disclosure is applied to a device including an MMIC 2 as an electrical component will be described. Note that "MMIC" is an abbreviation for Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit. Figure 1 The MMIC 2 shown is a semiconductor device that includes an input / output unit 3 for transmitting and receiving radio waves. MMIC 2 is a transceiver provided in correspondence with antenna device 1. In this embodiment, the operating frequency of the radio waves transmitted and received by MMIC 2 is set to a frequency band corresponding to millimeter waves (e.g., 76.5 GHz). Furthermore, the operating frequency of the radio waves transmitted and received by MMIC 2 is not limited to a frequency corresponding to millimeter waves and may also be a frequency other than millimeter waves.

[0065] like Figure 1 As shown, MMIC2 is mounted on an electrical substrate 4. The electrical substrate 4 is a printed circuit board having a plurality of wiring patterns formed by conductive components such as metal foil. The electrical substrate 4 has one surface 4a on one side in the thickness direction of the substrate and another surface 4b on the other side in the thickness direction of the substrate. Furthermore, MMIC2 is mounted on the other surface 4b of the electrical substrate 4. A substrate through hole SH is formed in the electrical substrate 4 at a position opposite to the input and output portion 3 of the MMIC2, which passes through the electrical substrate 4. In addition, Figure 1 , solder Sd for joining the MMIC 2 to the other surface 4 b of the electric substrate 4 is shown.

[0066] Multiple spacers 5 are arranged on one side 4a of the electrical substrate 4. The spacers 5 are made of, for example, a conductive material. The spacers 5 are fixed to the electrical substrate 4. The antenna device 1 is arranged on the one side 4a of the electrical substrate 4, with the multiple spacers 5 interposed therebetween. The antenna device 1 is fixed to the electrical substrate 4 by screwing, adhesive bonding, or the like, while in contact with the MMIC 2 and the multiple spacers 5.

[0067] Antenna device 1 is an antenna that transmits radio waves transmitted and received by MMIC 2. Antenna device 1 is composed of a structure ST having a laminated structure formed by stacking two conductive blocks BC1 and BC2 in a predetermined direction. The two blocks BC1 and BC2 are composed of metal blocks. Alternatively, at least one of the two blocks BC1 and BC2 may be formed not from a metal block but from a component formed by a conductive film such as a metal film formed on the surface of a resin block by plating, for example, or from a block formed from a conductive material other than metal.

[0068] The antenna device 1 comprises two blocks BC1 and BC2, which are joined together by screws, adhesive, or other means. The antenna device 1 is secured to the electrical board 4 with the stacking direction Dst of the two blocks BC1 and BC2 aligned with the thickness direction of the electrical board 4. In this embodiment, the side of the two blocks BC1 and BC2 closer to the electrical board 4 is referred to as the first block BC1, and the side farther from the electrical board 4 is referred to as the second block BC2. The antenna device 1 is stacked in the order of the first block BC1 and the second block BC2, starting from the other side of the stacking direction Dst toward the one side.

[0069] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the two blocks BC1 and BC2 have identical rectangular shapes when viewed from above, i.e., along the stacking direction Dst. Furthermore, the two blocks BC1 and BC2 have approximately the same size when viewed from above, so that they overlap in the stacking direction Dst. Partially, the opposing surfaces of the first block BC1 and the second block BC2 touch. This electrically connects the two blocks BC1 and BC2.

[0070] The surface of the first block BC1 that faces the electrical board 4, i.e., the surface on the other side of the stacking direction Dst, faces one surface 4a of the electrical board 4 via the MMIC 2 and a plurality of spacers 5. Although not shown, the first block BC1 is electrically connected to a ground pattern included in the wiring pattern formed on one surface 4a of the electrical board 4 via at least a portion of the plurality of spacers 5. Since the second block BC2 is electrically connected to the first block BC1, it is electrically connected to the ground pattern of the electrical board 4 via the first block BC1. The ground pattern of the electrical board 4 is at ground potential.

[0071] The first block BC1 has an external port 6 formed therein for transmitting radio waves between the MMIC 2 and the external port 6. The external port 6 is formed in the first block BC1 as an opening opening on the other side of the stacking direction Dst, and is configured to transmit radio waves between the external port 6 and the MMIC 2. The external port 6 is formed in the first block BC1 at a position facing the input / output portion 3 of the MMIC 2, with the through-substrate hole SH interposed therebetween. This allows radio waves to propagate between the external port 6 and the MMIC 2.

[0072] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, the first block BC1 and the second block BC2 are formed with a power supply unit 10, which is provided for transmitting radio waves to and from the MMIC 2, and a first waveguide unit 20 and a second waveguide unit 30, which form part of the waveguide that serves as the propagation path for the radio waves. Furthermore, the first block BC1 and the second block BC2 are formed with a distribution unit 40, which distributes the radio waves introduced from the power supply unit 10 to the first waveguide unit 20 and the second waveguide unit 30. Furthermore, the second block BC2 is formed with a first radiation opening 50 and a second radiation opening 60, which radiate the radio waves to the outside world.

[0073] The power supply unit 10, the first waveguide tube unit 20, the second waveguide tube unit 30, and the distribution unit 40 are formed by combining a pair of grooves 121 and 122 formed in the first block BC1 and the second block BC2 at locations facing each other in the stacking direction Dst. The first radiation opening 50 and the second radiation opening 60 are formed by penetrating the second block BC2 in the stacking direction Dst. The locations of the first block BC1 and the second block BC2 where the power supply unit 10, the first waveguide tube unit 20, the second waveguide tube unit 30, and the distribution unit 40 are formed constitute a "waveguide tube". In addition, in this embodiment, the power supply unit 10 is connected to the external port 6. In addition, in Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and the following Figure 4 In the figures, etc., illustration of the peripheral portion of the external port 6 of the antenna device 1 is omitted.

[0074] A first groove 121 is formed in the portion of the first block BC1 that faces the second block BC2. The first groove 121 is a bottomed groove that is recessed from one side in the stacking direction Dst to the other. The external port 6 is formed on the bottom surface of the first groove 121. A second groove 122 is formed in the portion of the second block BC2 that faces the first groove 121 of the first block BC1. The second groove 122 is a bottomed groove that is recessed from the other side in the stacking direction Dst to one side.

[0075] The power supply unit 10 guides the radio waves sent from the input / output unit 3 of the MMIC 2 to the distribution unit 40 and guides the radio waves received from the first radiation opening 50 and the second radiation opening 60 to the input / output unit 3 of the MMIC 2. Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the cross-section of the power supply section 10 perpendicular to the stacking direction Dst is formed into a generally L-shaped shape. The power supply section 10 is formed by connecting a first power supply section 11, which is connected to the distribution section 40 and extends in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction Dst, and a second power supply section 12, which is perpendicular to the stacking direction Dst and the direction in which the first power supply section 11 extends and is connected to the first power supply section 11. In other words, the power supply section 10 is formed by a partially bent groove. In this embodiment, the power supply section 10 is formed by a 90° bent groove.

[0076] Hereinafter, the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction Dst and extending along the second feeding portion 12 will be referred to as the tube axial direction Dax. The direction perpendicular to the stacking direction Dst and the tube axial direction Dax and extending along the first feeding portion 11 will be referred to as the tube width direction Dcr. The tube axial direction Dax is along the central axis of the second feeding portion 12. The tube width direction Dcr is along the central axis of the first feeding portion 11. The tube axial direction Dax corresponds to the first direction. The tube width direction Dcr corresponds to the second direction. The stacking direction Dst corresponds to the third direction.

[0077] The first and second feeding portions 11, 12 have equal dimensions in the stacking direction Dst. Furthermore, the cross-section of the first feeding portion 11 perpendicular to the tube width direction Dcr is rectangular and extends along the stacking direction Dst. Specifically, the first feeding portion 11 is formed into a rectangular shape, with its dimension in the stacking direction Dst being larger than its dimension in the tube axial direction Dax.

[0078] Furthermore, the cross-section of the second feeding portion 12, perpendicular to the tube axial direction Dax, is rectangular and extends along the stacking direction Dst. Specifically, the second feeding portion 12 is formed into a rectangular shape whose dimension in the stacking direction Dst is larger than its dimension in the tube width direction Dcr. Furthermore, the dimension of the first feeding portion 11 in the tube axial direction Dax is equal to the dimension of the second feeding portion 12 in the tube width direction Dcr.

[0079] The first power supply unit 11 has one end in the tube width direction Dcr connected to the second power supply unit 12, and the other end in the tube width direction Dcr connected to the distribution unit 40. The second power supply unit 12 has one end in the tube axial direction Dax connected to the MMIC 2 via the external port 6, and the other end in the tube axial direction Dax connected to the first power supply unit 11. This allows radio waves to propagate between the power supply unit 10 and the MMIC 2. A power supply path 10a is formed inside the power supply unit 10, through which radio waves propagate. The power supply path 10a is formed between the first block BC1 and the second block BC2 as a cavity formed by a 90-degree bend.

[0080] The first waveguide portion 20 is a propagation path of a "waveguide" that guides the radio waves introduced from the power supply portion 10 to the first radiation opening portion 50 and guides the radio waves received from the first radiation opening portion 50 to the power supply portion 10. The second waveguide portion 30 is a propagation path of a "waveguide" that guides the radio waves introduced from the power supply portion 10 to the second radiation opening portion 60 and guides the radio waves received from the second radiation opening portion 60 to the power supply portion 10. Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the first waveguide tube portion 20 and the second waveguide tube portion 30 are formed to extend along the tube axial direction Dax.

[0081] The first waveguide tube portion 20 and the second waveguide tube portion 30 are arranged in the tube width direction Dcr, and their respective central axes extend along the tube axial direction Dax. Figure 2 As shown, the first waveguide tube portion 20 and the second waveguide tube portion 30 are arranged in the tube width direction Dcr with the partition wall portion 13 interposed therebetween.

[0082] like Figure 4 As shown, the first waveguide tube portion 20 has a first connection portion 21 connected to the distribution portion 40 on one side in the tube axial direction Dax, and a first end wall 22 constituting the end portion of the waveguide tube on the other side in the tube axial direction Dax. The first end wall 22 is composed of a planar wall extending in a direction perpendicular to the tube axial direction Dax. Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , the first connection portion 21 serving as the boundary between the first waveguide portion 20 and the distribution portion 40 is indicated by a dotted line.

[0083] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, the first waveguide tube portion 20 has a first wide wall surface 23 on one side in the tube width direction Dcr and a first wide wall surface 24 on the other side in the tube width direction Dcr. Furthermore, the first waveguide tube portion 20 has a first narrow wall surface 25 on one side in the stacking direction Dst and a first narrow wall surface 26 on the other side in the stacking direction Dst. The first wide wall surface 23 on one side and the first wide wall surface 24 on the other side are planar surfaces perpendicular to the tube width direction Dcr and extend in the tube axial direction Dax and the stacking direction Dst. The first narrow wall surface 25 on one side and the first narrow wall surface 26 on the other side are planar surfaces perpendicular to the stacking direction Dst and extend in the tube axial direction Dax and the tube width direction Dcr.

[0084] Furthermore, the dimension of the first narrow wall surface 25 on one side and the first narrow wall surface 26 on the other side in the tube width direction Dcr is smaller than the dimension of the first wide wall surface 23 on one side and the first wide wall surface 24 on the other side in the stacking direction Dst. The first radiation opening 50 is connected to the first narrow wall surface 25 on one side. In other words, the first waveguide tube section 20 does not have the first radiation opening 50 connected to the first wide wall surface 23 on one side or the first wide wall surface 24 on the other side. The first waveguide tube section 20 serves as a waveguide that propagates radio waves between the power supply section 10 and the first radiation opening 50.

[0085] The second waveguide tube portion 30 has a second connection portion 31 connected to the distribution portion 40 on one side in the tube axial direction Dax, and a second end wall 32 constituting the end portion of the waveguide tube on the other side in the tube axial direction Dax. The second end wall 32 is formed of a planar wall extending in a direction perpendicular to the tube axial direction Dax. Figure 4In FIG. 1 , the second connection portion 31 serving as the boundary between the second waveguide portion 30 and the distribution portion 40 is indicated by a dotted line.

[0086] The second waveguide tube portion 30 also includes a second wide wall surface 33 on one side in the tube width direction Dcr, a second wide wall surface 34 on the other side in the tube width direction Dcr, a second narrow wall surface 35 on one side in the stacking direction Dst, and a second narrow wall surface 36 on the other side in the stacking direction Dst. The second wide wall surface 33 on one side and the second wide wall surface 34 on the other side are planar surfaces perpendicular to the tube width direction Dcr and extend in the tube axial direction Dax and the stacking direction Dst. The second narrow wall surface 35 on one side and the second narrow wall surface 36 on the other side are planar surfaces perpendicular to the stacking direction Dst and extend in the tube axial direction Dax and the tube width direction Dcr.

[0087] Furthermore, the dimension of the second narrow wall surface 35 on one side and the second narrow wall surface 36 on the other side in the tube width direction Dcr is smaller than the dimension of the second wide wall surface 33 on one side and the second wide wall surface 34 on the other side in the stacking direction Dst. The second radiation opening 60 is connected to the second narrow wall surface 35 on the one side. That is, the second waveguide tube section 30 does not have the second radiation opening 60 connected to the second wide wall surface 33 on the one side or the second wide wall surface 34 on the other side. The second waveguide tube section 30 serves as a waveguide that propagates radio waves between the power supply section 10 and the second radiation opening 60.

[0088] The first connection portions 21 and second connection portions 31 of the first waveguide portion 20 and the second waveguide portion 30 overlap in the tube axial direction Dax, and the first end wall 22 and the second end wall 32 overlap in the tube axial direction Dax. In other words, the first and second waveguide portions 20 and 30 have equal dimensions in the tube axial direction Dax. Furthermore, the antenna device 1 includes a partition wall 13 disposed between the first and second waveguide portions 20 and 30 to separate them.

[0089] Inside the first waveguide section 20, a first waveguide path 20a is formed, extending along the tube axial direction Dax and propagating radio waves. Inside the second waveguide section 30, a second waveguide path 30a is formed, extending along the tube axial direction Dax and propagating radio waves. The first waveguide path 20a and the second waveguide path 30a are formed as cavities extending along the tube axial direction Dax between the first block BC1 and the second block BC2. For example, in this embodiment, the boundary between the first block BC1 and the second block BC2 is located in the middle of the range occupied by the first waveguide path 20a and the second waveguide path 30a in the stacking direction Dst.

[0090] The first waveguide path 20a is formed to one side of the center of the first block BC1 and the second block BC2 in the tube width direction Dcr. Conversely, the second waveguide path 30a is formed to the other side of the center of the first block BC1 and the second block BC2 in the tube width direction Dcr. Furthermore, the first waveguide path 20a and the second waveguide path 30a are formed at equal distances from the center of the first block BC1 and the second block BC2 in the tube width direction Dcr. The first radiating opening 50 is connected to the first waveguide section 20. The second radiating opening 60 is connected to the second waveguide section 30.

[0091] The distribution section 40 is a propagation path that forms a "waveguide" that distributes the radio waves introduced from the power supply section 10 to the first waveguide section 20 and the second waveguide section 30. The cross-section of the groove forming the distribution section 40, perpendicular to the stacking direction Dst, is formed into a generally U-shaped shape. Specifically, the distribution section 40 extends from the first connection section 21 of the first waveguide section 20 toward the other side of the tube axial direction Dax, then folds back from the other side of the tube axial direction Dax to one side, allowing it to connect to the second connection section 31 of the second waveguide section 30. Therefore, the groove formed by connecting the first waveguide section 20, the second waveguide section 30, and the distribution section 40 is formed into a generally folded U-shape.

[0092] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the distribution section 40 includes a first distribution section 41 extending along the tube axial direction Dax and connected to the first connection section 21 of the first waveguide tube section 20, and a second distribution section 42 extending along the tube axial direction Dax and connected to the second connection section 31 of the second waveguide tube section 30. Furthermore, the distribution section 40 includes a third distribution section 43 extending along the tube width direction Dcr and connected to the first distribution section 41 and the second distribution section 42. The first distribution section 41 and the second distribution section 42 are aligned in the tube width direction Dcr, with their respective central axes extending along the tube axial direction Dax. Furthermore, the first distribution section 41 and the second distribution section 42 are aligned in the tube width direction Dcr, with the partition wall section 13 interposed therebetween.

[0093] The first distribution section 41 guides the radio waves introduced into the distribution section 40 toward the first waveguide section 20. The other side of the first distribution section 41 in the tube axial direction Dax communicates with the first waveguide section 20, while one side in the tube axial direction Dax communicates with the third distribution section 43. The first distribution section 41 has a power supply opening 411 on one side in the tube width direction Dcr, which is connected to the power supply section 10. Radio waves are introduced through this power supply opening 411.

[0094] The second distribution section 42 guides the radio waves introduced into the distribution section 40 toward the second waveguide path 30a. The second distribution section 42 communicates with the second waveguide section 30 on its other side in the tube axial direction Dax, and with the third distribution section 43 on its one side in the tube axial direction Dax. The second distribution section 42 communicates with the power supply section 10 via the first distribution section 41 and the third distribution section 43. Radio waves introduced from the power supply opening 411 of the first distribution section 41 are guided into the second distribution section 42 via the third distribution section 43. The first and second distribution sections 41, 42 have equal dimensions in the tube axial direction Dax. The third distribution section 43 extends along the tube width direction Dcr, connecting to the first distribution section 41 on one side in the tube width direction Dcr and to the second distribution section 42 on the other side in the tube width direction Dcr. The third distribution section 43 guides radio waves introduced from the power supply opening 411 of the first distribution section 41 toward the second distribution section 42.

[0095] In the distribution section 40, which is composed of the first distribution section 41, the second distribution section 42, and the third distribution section 43 thus formed, the portion where the first distribution section 41 and the third distribution section 43 connect is bent 90°, that is, at a right angle. Furthermore, in the distribution section 40, the portion where the second distribution section 42 and the third distribution section 43 connect is bent 90°, that is, at a right angle. Furthermore, the distribution section 40 forms a folded portion that folds back 180° from one side in the tube axial direction Dax to the other side, bypassing the partition wall 13.

[0096] The distribution section 40 is connected to the first waveguide section 20 and the second waveguide section 30, which are adjacent to each other across the partition wall section 13. Furthermore, a distribution waveguide 40a is formed inside the distribution section 40 in a folded manner, through which radio waves are propagated. The distribution waveguide 40a is formed between the first block BC1 and the second block BC2 as a cavity formed by a 180-degree bend. The distribution section 40 has a distribution end wall 431 on one side of the tube axial direction Dax, forming a portion of the inner wall surface of the third distribution section 43. The distribution end wall 431 faces the distribution waveguide 40a and forms a short-circuit portion of the distribution waveguide 40a. It is composed of a planar wall extending in a direction perpendicular to the tube axial direction Dax.

[0097] Furthermore, this allows radio waves to propagate between the first waveguide path 20a, the second waveguide path 30a, the distribution waveguide 40a, and the power supply path 10a of the power supply unit 10. Specifically, radio waves introduced from the power supply path 10a of the power supply unit 10 to the distribution waveguide 40a of the distribution unit 40 are distributed within the distribution waveguide 40a and propagate toward the first waveguide path 20a of the first waveguide unit 20 and the second waveguide path 30a of the second waveguide unit 30.

[0098] The cross-section of the first waveguide tube portion 20, the second waveguide tube portion 30, and the distribution portion 40 perpendicular to the direction of radio wave propagation is a rectangular shape extending along the stacking direction Dst. Figure 5 As shown, the shape of the cross section of each of the first waveguide tube portion 20 and the second waveguide tube portion 30, which is perpendicular to the tube axial direction Dax, is formed into a rectangular shape in which the dimension in the stacking direction Dst is larger than the dimension in the tube width direction Dcr. The shape of the cross section of each of the first distribution portion 41 and the second distribution portion 42, which is perpendicular to the tube axial direction Dax, is also formed into a rectangular shape in which the dimension in the stacking direction Dst is larger than the dimension in the tube width direction Dcr. In addition, the shape of the cross section of the third distribution portion 43, which is perpendicular to the tube width direction Dcr, is formed into a rectangular shape in which the dimension in the stacking direction Dst is larger than the dimension in the tube axial direction Dax. In addition, in Figure 5 In FIG, the boundary between the first block BC1 and the second block BC2 is shown by a dotted line.

[0099] Furthermore, the cross-sectional shapes of the first waveguide section 20, the second waveguide section 30, and the distributor section 40, perpendicular to the direction of radio wave propagation, are identical. Specifically, the dimensions of the first waveguide section 20, the second waveguide section 30, the first distributor section 41, the second distributor section 42, and the third distributor section 43 in the stacking direction Dst are identical. Furthermore, the dimensions of the first waveguide section 20, the second waveguide section 30, the first distributor section 41, and the second distributor section 42 in the tube width direction Dcr are identical. Furthermore, the dimensions of the first waveguide section 20, the second waveguide section 30, the first distributor section 41, and the second distributor section 42 in the tube width direction Dcr are identical to the dimension of the third distributor section 43 in the tube axial direction Dax.

[0100] Furthermore, the dimensions of the first waveguide tube portion 20, the second waveguide tube portion 30, the first distribution portion 41, the second distribution portion 42, and the third distribution portion 43 in the stacking direction Dst are equal to the dimensions of the power supply portion 10 in the stacking direction Dst. Furthermore, the dimension in the tube axial direction Dax from the distribution end wall 431 to the first connection portion 21 of the first waveguide path 20a is equal to the dimension in the tube axial direction Dax from the distribution end wall 431 to the second connection portion 31 of the second waveguide path 30a.

[0101] The first radiation opening 50 forms a slot portion that radiates radio waves propagating from the feeder 10 to the first waveguide 20 to the outside of the antenna device 1 and receives radio waves from the outside. The second radiation opening 60 forms a slot portion that radiates radio waves propagating from the feeder 10 to the second waveguide 30 to the outside of the antenna device 1 and receives radio waves from the outside.

[0102] The first radiation opening 50 is formed so as to extend from the surface of the second block BC2 on one side in the stacking direction Dst to the first waveguide 20. The second radiation opening 60 is formed so as to extend from the surface of the second block BC2 on one side in the stacking direction Dst to the second waveguide 30.

[0103] The first radiation opening 50 includes a first radiation opening 51 on one side in the stacking direction Dst, which opens toward the exterior of the antenna device 1. Furthermore, the first radiation opening 50 includes a first communication port 52 on the other side in the stacking direction Dst, which communicates with the first waveguide tube 20. The first radiation opening 50 is formed as a through-hole extending from the first radiation opening 51 through the second block BC2 to the first communication port 52. Furthermore, the first radiation opening 50 includes a first peripheral wall surface 53, which serves as a through-hole wall surface. The first peripheral wall surface 53 is formed into an annular shape surrounding the first radiation opening 50 when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction Dst.

[0104] The second radiation opening portion 60 includes a second radiation opening 61 on one side in the stacking direction Dst, which opens toward the exterior of the antenna device 1. Furthermore, the second radiation opening portion 60 includes a second communication port 62 on the other side in the stacking direction Dst, which communicates with the second waveguide tube portion 30. The second radiation opening portion 60 is formed as a through-hole extending from the second radiation opening 61 through the second block BC2 to the second communication port 62. Furthermore, the second radiation opening portion 60 includes a second peripheral wall surface 63, which serves as a through-hole wall surface. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction Dst, the second peripheral wall surface 63 forms an annular ring surrounding the second radiation opening portion 60.

[0105] The cross-sections of the first and second radiating openings 50 and 60, perpendicular to the stacking direction Dst, are formed into oblong shapes extending along the tube axial direction Dax. Specifically, the dimensions of the first and second radiating openings 50 and 60 in the tube width direction Dcr are smaller than their dimensions in the tube axial direction Dax. Furthermore, the first and second radiating openings 50 and 60 have tapered shapes with their inner diameters increasing from the other side of the stacking direction Dst toward the one side. Specifically, the first radiating opening 50 is formed as a through-hole, with its inner diameter increasing from the first communication port 52 toward the first radiating opening 51. The second radiating opening 60 is formed as a through-hole, with its inner diameter increasing from the second communication port 62 toward the second radiating opening 61.

[0106] In other words, the first and second radiating openings 50 and 60 are formed as through-holes whose inner diameters increase toward the stacking direction Dst. In this embodiment, the dimension Dcr of the first communication opening 52 of the first radiating opening 50 is equal to the dimension Dcr of the first waveguide 20, while the dimension Dcr of the first radiating opening 51 is greater than the dimension Dcr of the first waveguide 20. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the dimension Dcr of the second communication opening 62 of the second radiating opening 60 is equal to the dimension Dcr of the second waveguide 30, while the dimension Dcr of the second radiating opening 61 is greater than the dimension Dcr of the second waveguide 30.

[0107] Therefore, the first circumferential wall surface 53 surrounding the first radiation opening 50 is inclined relative to the direction along the stacking direction Dst, such that the distance from the axial center of the first radiation opening 50 increases from the other side toward the first side of the stacking direction Dst. Specifically, the first circumferential wall surface 53 is an inclined surface in which both the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the tube axial direction Dax and the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the tube width direction Dcr are inclined relative to the direction along the stacking direction Dst.

[0108] Furthermore, the second circumferential wall surface 63 surrounding the second radiating opening 60 is inclined relative to the direction along the stacking direction Dst, such that the distance from the axial center of the second radiating opening 60 increases from the other side toward the first side of the stacking direction Dst. Specifically, the second circumferential wall surface 63 is an inclined surface in which both the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the tube axial direction Dax and the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the tube width direction Dcr are inclined relative to the direction along the stacking direction Dst.

[0109] Furthermore, the first radiation opening 50 and the second radiation opening 60 are formed at different positions in the tube axial direction Dax, and are formed so as to be offset in the tube axial direction Dax. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first radiation opening 50 is formed offset to one side of the tube axial direction Dax relative to the second radiation opening 60.

[0110] As a result, the distance between the first radiation opening 50 and the power supply opening 411 in the tube axial direction Dax is shorter than the distance between the second radiation opening 60 and the power supply opening 411 in the tube axial direction Dax. In other words, the first radiation opening 50 is located closer to the power supply opening 411 than the second radiation opening 60. In other words, the distance from the first connection portion 21 to the portion of the first waveguide 20a that communicates with the first communication port 52 is shorter than the distance from the second connection portion 31 to the portion of the second waveguide 30a that communicates with the second communication port 62.

[0111] Here, if Figure 4As shown, the distance in the tube axial direction Dax between the center of the cross section of the first radiation opening 50 perpendicular to the stacking direction Dst and the center of the cross section of the second radiation opening 60 perpendicular to the stacking direction Dst is defined as the opening pitch PT. The opening pitch PT is the distance from the axis of the first radiation opening 50, which has an oblong cross section perpendicular to the stacking direction Dst, to the axis of the second radiation opening 60, which has an oblong cross section perpendicular to the stacking direction Dst.

[0112] The opening pitch PT is based on the in-tube wavelength λ of the radio waves propagating through the first waveguide path 20a and the second waveguide path 30a. g For example, the opening pitch PT is set to the wavelength λ in the tube. g In this embodiment, the opening pitch PT is set to the wavelength λ in the tube. g ×0.5, that is, the wavelength λ in the tube g In addition, the opening spacing PT may not be the wavelength λ in the strict sense of the tube. g ×0.5, but includes the size of manufacturing errors, such as the wavelength λ in the tube. g ×0.4~wavelength in tube λ g In the antenna device 1 of this embodiment, the wavelength λ in the tube is g is 6.0mm, the free space wavelength λ0 is 3.92mm, and the opening spacing PT is 3.0mm.

[0113] Here, if Figure 4 As shown, the combined dimension of the first waveguide tube section 20 in the tube axial direction Dax and the dimension of the distribution section 40 in the tube axial direction Dax is referred to as the axial dimension Dx. Furthermore, the dimension from one end of the first waveguide tube section 20 in the tube width direction Dcr to the other end of the second waveguide tube section 30 in the tube width direction Dcr is referred to as the width dimension Dr. In this embodiment, the axial dimension Dx is 8.75 mm, and the width dimension Dr is 1.3 mm. The width dimension Dr is a dimension that is less than or equal to half the free space wavelength λ0. Furthermore, the dimension Dcr of the feed section 10 in the tube width direction is 0.85 mm. That is, the combined dimension of the width dimension Dr and the dimension Dcr of the feed section 10 in the tube width direction is 2.15 mm.

[0114] Next, the operation of antenna device 1 will be described. In antenna device 1 of this embodiment, for example, when radio waves are output from input / output section 3 of MMIC 2, these radio waves are input to external port 6. The radio waves input to external port 6 then propagate from external port 6 to power supply path 10a of power supply section 10, and then propagate through power supply path 10a to distribution waveguide 40a of distribution section 40.

[0115] Furthermore, the radio waves input into the distribution waveguide 40a are distributed within the distribution waveguide 40a, with one propagating toward the other side of the tube axial direction Dax and the other propagating toward the one side of the tube axial direction Dax. The radio waves propagating toward the other side of the tube axial direction Dax propagate into the first waveguide path 20a of the first waveguide section 20. The radio waves propagating toward the one side of the tube axial direction Dax then return after propagating through the first distribution section 41, the third distribution section 43, and the second distribution section 42, propagating into the second waveguide path 30a of the second waveguide section 30. Furthermore, the radio waves propagating into the first waveguide path 20a are radiated from the first radiation opening 51 of the first radiation opening section 50 to the exterior of the antenna device 1. Furthermore, the radio waves propagating into the second waveguide path 30a are radiated from the second radiation opening 61 of the second radiation opening section 60 to the exterior of the antenna device 1.

[0116] Furthermore, for example, when the input / output unit 3 of the MMIC 2 receives radio waves from the external space of the antenna device 1 , the antenna device 1 propagates the radio waves in the opposite direction to the case where the input / output unit 3 outputs radio waves.

[0117] Next, we will explain why the antenna device 1 of this embodiment includes a distribution section 40, radiating radio waves distributed within the distribution waveguide 40a from the first and second radiation openings 51 and 61, respectively, to the exterior of the antenna device 1. Antenna devices such as the antenna device 1 of this embodiment, which have multiple radio wave radiating openings, can amplify the radio waves and increase the gain by aligning the phases of the radio waves radiated from each opening. Therefore, when forming multiple openings in a waveguide that propagates radio waves, it is necessary to arrange the openings in the waveguide so that the phases of the radio waves radiated from each opening are aligned.

[0118] Here, refer to Figures 6 to 9 The hollow waveguide tube 100 shown for explanation is used to explain the phase of the radio wave radiated by the antenna device. Figure 6 As shown, the hollow waveguide 100 is formed to extend in the X direction D1 and is formed in a square cylindrical shape in which the dimension in the Z direction D3 is smaller than the dimension in the Y direction D2. Figure 6The X-direction D1 shown is the direction in which energy is supplied to the hollow waveguide 100, causing radio waves to propagate within the hollow waveguide 100. This direction corresponds to the tube axial direction Dax in the first and second waveguide sections 20 and 30 of this embodiment. Furthermore, the Y-direction D2 is a direction orthogonal to the X-direction D1 and corresponds to the stacking direction Dst in the first and second waveguide sections 20 and 30 of this embodiment. Furthermore, the Z-direction D3 is a direction orthogonal to the X-direction D1 and the Y-direction D2 and corresponds to the tube width direction Dcr in the first and second waveguide sections 20 and 30 of this embodiment.

[0119] The hollow waveguide 100 has a rectangular cross-section perpendicular to the X-direction D1 extending along the Y-direction D2, and contains a hollow waveguide 100a within it, through which radio waves propagate. Furthermore, the hollow waveguide 100 has a constant wall thickness in the cross-section perpendicular to the X-direction D1. That is, similar to the hollow waveguide 100, the hollow waveguide 100a has a rectangular cross-section perpendicular to the X-direction D1 extending along the Y-direction D2. Furthermore, the hollow waveguide 100 has two wide wall portions 110 extending and opposing each other in the X-direction D1 and the Y-direction D2, and two narrow wall portions 120 extending and opposing each other in the X-direction D1 and the Z-direction D3. The dimension of each of the two wide wall portions 110 in the Y-direction D2 is larger than the dimension of each of the two narrow wall portions 120 in the Z-direction D3. The hollow waveguide 100a is formed by being surrounded by the two wide wall portions 110 and the two narrow wall portions 120.

[0120] In the hollow waveguide 100 formed in this way, energy is supplied from one side to the other side in the X direction D1, and the radio wave propagates in a manner such that the propagation mode of the radio wave is the TE10 mode. In addition, the TE10 mode represents the transverse electric 10 mode. In this case, in the hollow waveguide 100a, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown by the solid arrow, an electric field is generated along the Z direction D3. The direction of the electric field changes alternately along the X direction D1 from one side to the other side in the Z direction D3 and from the other side to one side in the Z direction D3.

[0121] In addition, as the electric field is generated, inside the hollow waveguide 100a, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown by the dotted arrow, when viewed from the top along the Z direction D3, a magnetic field with a vortex direction of a substantially square vortex is generated. As the electric field is generated, multiple magnetic fields are generated in a row along the X direction D1, and the vortex directions of adjacent magnetic fields are opposite to each other. In addition, the interval between adjacent magnetic fields is the wavelength λ in the tube. g And, thereby, in the hollow waveguide 100a, the radio wave propagates along the X direction D1.

[0122] Next, refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the case where a plurality of radiation ports 130 are formed in the hollow waveguide 100 that generates such electric and magnetic fields in the hollow waveguide 100a, the restrictions on the arrangement of the radiation ports 130 due to the differences in the arrangement of the radiation ports 130 will be described. Figure 8 In FIG. 1 , an example is shown in which two radiation ports 130 are arranged only on one of the two narrow wall portions 120 and the two wide wall portions 110 surrounding the hollow waveguide 100a. Figure 9 , an example is shown in which three radiation ports 130 are arranged only on the two narrow wall portions 120 and one of the two wide wall portions 110 surrounding the hollow waveguide 100a. Figure 8 and Figure 9 In FIG, the electric field generated in the hollow waveguide 100a is shown by a solid line, and the magnetic field generated in the hollow waveguide 100a is shown by a dotted line. Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the examples shown, in the hollow waveguide 100 in which the propagation mode of radio waves is the TE10 mode, the radiation ports 130 are arranged so that the phases of the radio waves radiated from the plurality of radiation ports 130 become the same.

[0123] Specifically, when two radiation ports 130 are configured on the narrow wall portion 120, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, the two radiation ports 130 need to be arranged along the X direction D1 at a position where the direction of the magnetic field is along the X direction D1. In addition, when the two radiation ports 130 are arranged along the X direction D1 in the narrow wall portion 120 and the two radiation ports 130 are excited respectively, the distance between the two radiation ports 130 needs to be set to the wavelength λ in the tube. g A dimension that is a positive multiple of the length.

[0124] By setting the distance between the two radiation ports 130 to the wavelength λ in the tube g A size that is a positive multiple of the length of Figure 8 As shown, the directions of the magnetic fields of the two radiation ports 130 can be aligned. Furthermore, the phases of the radio waves emitted from the two radiation ports 130 can be made the same. That is, when two radiation ports 130 are arranged in the narrow wall portion 120 and the propagation mode of the radio waves is set to the TE10 mode, in order to make the phases of the radio waves emitted from the radiation ports 130 the same, the distance between the two radiation ports 130 must be at least λ, which is the wavelength in the tube. g Therefore, when a plurality of radiation ports 130 are arranged in the narrow wall portion 120 , the dimension of the antenna device in the X direction D1 tends to increase.

[0125] In addition, Figure 8In the figure, between the two radiation ports 130, a dotted line is used to indicate a configuration in which the distance between the two radiation ports 130 and the respective wavelengths λ in the tube is equal. g The imaginary radiation port 130 is located at half the length of the Figure 8 As shown, if the distance between the two radiation ports 130 is the wavelength λ in the tube, g The imaginary radiation port 130 is configured at a position half the length of the tube. The direction of the magnetic field of the imaginary radiation port 130 is the same as the wavelength λ in the tube. g The directions of the magnetic fields of the two radiation ports 130 separated by half the length are opposite to each other. In this case, the phases of the radio waves emitted from the imaginary radiation port 130 and the radio waves emitted from the two radiation ports 130 are opposite to each other. Therefore, it is impossible to make the phases of the radio waves emitted from the imaginary radiation port 130 and the radio waves emitted from the two adjacent radiation ports 130 the same, making it difficult to achieve high gain.

[0126] Next, refer to Figure 9 The following describes a case where three radiation ports 130 are arranged in the wide wall portion 110. Figure 9 As shown, when excited by the three radiation ports 130 disposed in the wide wall portion 110, two of the three radiation ports 130 need to be arranged along the X-direction D1 so that the direction of the magnetic field is along the X-direction D1. Alternatively, the remaining radiation port 130 may be arranged at a position offset from the two radiation ports 130 along the Y-direction D2, such that the direction of the magnetic field is opposite to that of the two radiation ports 130.

[0127] Furthermore, when two radiation ports 130 are arranged in parallel along the X direction D1 in the wide wall portion 110, the interval between the two radiation ports 130 needs to be set to the wavelength λ in the tube. g In addition, the distance between the two radiation ports 130 arranged along the X direction D1 and one radiation port 130 arranged staggered along the Y direction D2 in the X direction D1 needs to be set to the wavelength λ in the tube. g That is, when three radiation ports 130 are arranged on the wide wall portion 110, they need to be staggered alternately on one side and the other side in the Y direction D2, and in the X direction D1, every wavelength λ in the tube g The radiation ports 130 are arranged at intervals that are a positive multiple of half the length of the .

[0128] Thus, by setting the interval between the three radiation ports 130 in the X direction D1 to the wavelength λ in the tube, g A positive multiple of half the length of Figure 9As shown, the directions of the magnetic fields of the three radiation ports 130 can be aligned. In addition, the phases of the radio waves emitted from the three radiation ports 130 can be made the same. Therefore, when the three radiation ports 130 are arranged in the wide wall portion 110 and the propagation mode of the radio waves is set to the TE10 mode, the spacing between the three radiation ports 130 in the X direction D1 ensures that the wavelength λ in the tube is g That is, when the radiation port 130 is configured for the wide wall portion 110, the wavelength λ in the tube can be g The radiation ports 130 are arranged in the X direction D1 in a manner that is alternately staggered along the Y direction D2 and has a length of half the length of the radiation ports 130 .

[0129] Therefore, when arranging the radiation ports 130 in the wide wall portion 110 of the hollow waveguide 100, the number of radiation ports 130 can be increased compared to when arranging the radiation ports 130 in the narrow wall portion 120 of the hollow waveguide 100 with the same dimension in the X direction D1. Consequently, when arranging the radiation ports 130 in the wide wall portion 110, higher gain can be achieved compared to when arranging the radiation ports 130 in the narrow wall portion 120 with the same dimension in the X direction D1. In other words, when the number of radiation ports 130 is the same, arranging the radiation ports 130 in the wide wall portion 110 can reduce the dimension in the X direction D1 of the hollow waveguide 100 compared to when arranging the radiation ports 130 in the narrow wall portion 120.

[0130] However, in the structure where the radiation port 130 is arranged in the wide wall portion 110, in addition to arranging a plurality of radiation ports 130 along the X direction D1, it is necessary to arrange radiation ports 130 at positions offset in the Y direction D2 relative to the radiation ports 130 arranged along the X direction D1. Generally speaking, when the radiation port 130 is arranged in the wide wall portion 110, the length of the wide wall portion 110 in the Y direction D2 needs to be set to about half the length of the free space wavelength λ0 to the length of the free space wavelength λ0. For example, in the tube, the wavelength λ g When the wavelength λ0 is 6.0 mm and the free space wavelength λ0 is 3.92 mm, the size of the wide wall portion 110 in the Y direction D2 is 1.98 mm to 3.92 mm.

[0131] Therefore, in the configuration where the radiation port 130 is located in the wide wall portion 110, the size in the Y direction D2 is more than doubled compared to the configuration where the radiation port 130 is located in the narrow wall portion 120. Therefore, when the radiation port 130 is located in the wide wall portion 110, the size in the Y direction D2 of the hollow waveguide 100 is larger than when the radiation port 130 is located in the narrow wall portion 120 of the hollow waveguide 100 having the same size in the X direction D1.

[0132] As described above, when the propagation mode of radio waves in the hollow waveguide 100 extending in the X direction D1 is set to the TE10 mode, the direction of the magnetic field generated in the hollow waveguide 100 changes every wavelength λ in the waveguide. g Therefore, when multiple radiation ports 130 are arranged on the narrow wall portion 120 and the radio waves from each radiation port 130 are in the same phase, it is necessary to ensure that the wavelength λ in the tube is kept constant at the intervals between the multiple radiation ports 130. g Therefore, the size of the hollow waveguide tube 100 in the X direction D1 is likely to become larger.

[0133] On the other hand, when a plurality of radiation ports 130 are arranged in the wide wall portion 110 and the radio waves from the respective radiation ports 130 are in the same phase, the radio waves can be transmitted at every wavelength λ in the tube. g The radiation ports 130 are arranged in the X direction D1 so as to be alternately staggered along the Y direction D2, with the length of the hollow waveguide 100 being half of the length of the hollow waveguide 100. Therefore, compared with the case where a plurality of radiation ports 130 are arranged in the narrow wall portion 120, the dimension of the hollow waveguide 100 in the X direction D1 can be reduced, but the dimension in the Y direction D2 tends to be larger.

[0134] Therefore, when multiple radiation ports 130 are arranged in the narrow wall portion 120 of the hollow waveguide 100 extending in the X-direction D1, it is difficult to suppress the size of the antenna device in the X-direction D1. Similarly, when multiple radiation ports 130 are arranged in the wide wall portion 110 of the hollow waveguide 100 extending in the X-direction D1, it is difficult to suppress the size of the antenna device in the Y-direction D2. Furthermore, the inventors' extensive research has revealed that when multiple radiation ports 130 are arranged in a straight line along the X-direction D1, the sidelobes of the radio waves radiated from the antenna device tend to increase.

[0135] Here, the inventors verified that Figure 10 The distribution waveguide 200 shown extends in the X-direction D1. A supply unit 210 for supplying energy is connected to one side in the Y-direction D2. This illustrates the phase change when the radio wave is split into two within the distribution waveguide 200. The distribution waveguide 200 is formed so that its dimension in the Z-direction D3 is larger than its dimension in the Y-direction D2. It includes a supply port 220 connected to the supply unit 210 and a distribution path 200a through which the radio wave propagates. Furthermore, the supply unit 210, which extends in the Y-direction D2, is connected to the distribution path 200a. In this verification, the radio wave propagation mode was set to the TE10 mode, similar to the case of radio wave propagation using the hollow waveguide 100.

[0136] In the distribution waveguide 200 extending in the X-direction D1, when energy is supplied from one side in the Y-direction D2 to propagate radio waves, the radio waves propagating into the distribution path 200a are distributed toward one side and the other side in the X-direction D1 at the supply port 220. Furthermore, of the radio waves distributed within the distribution path 200a, one propagates toward one side in the X-direction D1, while the other propagates toward the other side in the X-direction D1.

[0137] According to the inventor's in-depth research, when energy is supplied to the distribution path 200a from the Y direction D2, as shown in FIG. Figure 11 As shown by the arrows, the directions of the electric fields generated at locations separated by the same distance from the connection point of the supply port 220 to one side and the other side in the X-direction D1 are opposite. Therefore, the radio waves distributed by the distribution path 200a and propagating the same distance to one side and the other side in the X-direction D1 are in opposite phases.

[0138] Furthermore, the direction of the electric field generated at a portion slightly separated from the portion connected to the supply port 220 toward one side in the X direction D1 becomes different from the direction of the electric field generated at a portion slightly separated from the portion connected to the supply port 220 toward the other side in the X direction D1 by the wavelength λ in the tube. g Therefore, the electric wave distributed at the distribution path 200a and slightly propagated to one side of the X direction D1 is the same as the electric wave propagated to the other side of the X direction D1 by the wavelength λ in the tube. g The phases of the radio waves propagating at half the size are the same.

[0139] Therefore, by adopting a structure in which energy is supplied to the distribution waveguide 200 from one side in the Y direction D2, the interval between the two openings of the radio wave can be set to the wavelength λ in the tube. g However, if three or more openings for radiating radio waves are arranged along the X direction D1 in the distribution waveguide 200 extending along the X direction D1, the dimension in the X direction D1 will increase, making it difficult to suppress the dimension of the antenna device in the X direction D1.

[0140] Therefore, the inventors studied the antenna device 1 of this embodiment by configuring the waveguide that propagates radio waves into a folded U-shape to reduce the dimensions of the antenna device 1 in both the X-direction D1 and the Y-direction D2. Specifically, the inventors studied a structure in which the waveguide is folded 180 degrees using the first waveguide portion 20, the second waveguide portion 30, and the distributor portion 40, with the first radiation opening 50 arranged in the first waveguide portion 20 and the second radiation opening 60 arranged in the second waveguide portion 30. Furthermore, the inventors studied a structure in which the opening pitch PT between the first radiation opening 50 and the second radiation opening 60 is set to the wavelength λ within the waveguide. gThe size of the first radiation opening 50 and the second radiation opening 60 is 1 / 2 of that of the first radiation opening 50 and the second radiation opening 60 so that the phases of the radio waves respectively radiated from the first radiation opening 50 and the second radiation opening 60 are the same.

[0141] However, in order to make the radio waves radiated in such a shape have the same phase, Figure 11 As shown, the direction of the magnetic field generated by the first radiation opening 50 needs to be opposite to the direction of the magnetic field at the portion of the second waveguide tube 30 that overlaps with the first radiation opening 50 along the tube width direction Dcr. In other words, the phase of the radio wave propagating through the first waveguide tube 20a to the first radiation opening 50 needs to be opposite to the phase of the radio wave propagating through the second waveguide tube 30a to the portion that overlaps with the first radiation opening 50 along the tube width direction Dcr.

[0142] Therefore, in the antenna device 1 of this embodiment, the phases of the radio waves propagating to the overlapping portions of the first and second waveguide tube sections 20 and 30 in the tube width direction Dcr can be reversed by the distributor 40. Specifically, the distributor 40 of this embodiment can reverse the phase of the radio wave propagating from the feed opening 411 to the second connection section 31 relative to the phase of the radio wave propagating from the feed opening 411 to the first connection section 21.

[0143] Reference Figure 12 , the structure of the distribution unit 40 for inverting the phase of the radio wave propagating to the first connection unit 21 and the phase of the radio wave propagating to the second connection unit 31 will be described. Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna device 1 for simply illustrating the structure of the distribution unit 40 for reversing the phase of the radio wave propagating to the first connection unit 21 and the phase of the radio wave propagating to the second connection unit 31. Figure 12 In FIG. 1 , arrows are used to indicate the directions of the electric fields generated in the power supply path 10a, the first waveguide path 20a, the second waveguide path 30a, and the distribution waveguide 40a. Figure 12 As shown, an example will be described in which energy is supplied so as to generate an electric field from one side toward the other side in the tube axial direction Dax in the power supply path 10a.

[0144] In addition, when the center of the power supply opening 411 in the tube axial direction Dax is set as the power receiving center Ec, as shown in FIG. Figure 12As shown, the distance from the power receiving center Ec to the first connection portion 21 in the tube axial direction Dax is referred to as a first distance Ds1. Furthermore, the distance from the power receiving center Ec to the distribution end wall 431 in the tube axial direction Dax is referred to as a second distance Ds2. The first distance Ds1 is the distance in the tube axial direction Dax from the other end of the distribution portion 40 in the tube axial direction Dax to the power receiving center Ec. The second distance Ds2 is the distance in the tube axial direction Dax from the one end of the distribution portion 40 in the tube axial direction Dax to the power receiving center Ec.

[0145] The first distance Ds1 of this embodiment is set so that when radio waves propagate from the feeding unit 10 to the first distribution unit 41 , the electric field at a portion of the first waveguide tube 20 facing the first radiation opening 50 is directed from the other side toward one side in the tube width direction Dcr.

[0146] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second distance Ds2 is set so that, when radio waves propagate to the first distribution unit 41, the direction of the electric field generated at a predetermined location of the second distribution unit 42 is opposite to the direction of the electric field generated at a location of the first distribution unit 41 that overlaps with the predetermined location along the tube axial direction Dax. For example, the second distance Ds2 is set so that the direction of the electric field generated at a location of the first distribution unit 41 that overlaps with the power receiving center Ec along the tube axial direction Dax is opposite to the direction of the electric field generated at a location of the second distribution unit 42 that overlaps with the power receiving center Ec along the tube axial direction Dax.

[0147] Specifically, the second distance Ds2 is set so that the phase of the radio wave propagating to a predetermined location in the second distribution section 42 is opposite to the phase of the radio wave propagating to a location in the first distribution section 41 where the signal Dax in the tube axial direction overlaps with the predetermined location. For example, the second distance Ds2 is set so that the phase of the radio wave propagating to the location in the second distribution section 42 where the signal Dax in the tube axial direction overlaps with the power receiving center Ec is reversed relative to the phase of the radio wave propagating from the first power feeding section 11 to the first distribution section 41. In other words, the distribution section 40 sets the first distance Ds1 and the second distance Ds2 so that the phase of the radio wave propagating to the first connection section 21 of the first waveguide section 20 is opposite to the phase of the radio wave propagating to the second connection section 31 of the second waveguide section 30.

[0148] For example, the first distance Ds1 is set to the wavelength λ in the tube. g When the second distance Ds2 is set to the wavelength λ in the tube, the second distance Ds2 is set to the wavelength λ in the tube. g However, the first distance Ds1 and the second distance Ds2 are just examples and are not limited thereto.

[0149] By setting the first distance Ds1 and the second distance Ds2 in this way, Figure 12 As shown, the direction of the electric field in the first connection portion 21 and the direction of the electric field in the second connection portion 31 can be opposite to each other. In addition, the phase direction of the radio wave propagating to the first connection portion 21 and the phase direction of the radio wave propagating to the second connection portion 31 can be opposite to each other.

[0150] Furthermore, this arrangement allows the electric fields in the overlapping portions of the first and second waveguide sections 20 and 30 in the tube width direction Dcr to be directed in opposite directions. Consequently, the electric fields in the portion of the first waveguide section 20 that faces the first radiation opening 50 can be directed in opposite directions to the electric fields in the portion of the second waveguide section 30 that overlaps the first radiation opening 50 in the tube width direction Dcr. This is because, as described above, the cross-sectional shapes of the first waveguide section 20, the second waveguide section 30, and the distributor 40, perpendicular to the direction of radio wave propagation, are identical.

[0151] Therefore, the phases of the radio waves propagating to the portions of the first waveguide section 20 and the second waveguide section 30 that overlap in the tube width direction Dcr can be made opposite to each other. Furthermore, the phases of the radio waves propagating to the portion of the first waveguide section 20 that faces the first radiation opening 50 can be made equal to the phases of the radio waves propagating to the portion that overlaps with the first radiation opening 50 in the tube axial direction Dax. g The phases of the radio waves at the locations facing the second radiation opening 60, which is separated by 1 / 2, are aligned. Therefore, the phases of the radio waves radiated from the first radiation opening 50 and the second radiation opening 60 can be aligned. Furthermore, the radio waves radiated from the antenna device 1 can be amplified, thereby increasing the gain.

[0152] Next, the differences between the antenna device 1 of the present embodiment and the antenna device of the comparative example to be compared with the antenna device 1 of the present embodiment will be discussed. Figures 13 to 16 In Figure 13 and Figure 14 , the shape and various dimensions of the comparative waveguide 300 of the antenna device of the comparative example are shown. Figure 15 and Figure 16 The results of a computer simulation comparing the gain of the antenna device 1 according to the present embodiment with the gain of an antenna device according to a comparative example will be described.

[0153] like Figure 13 and Figure 14As shown, the comparison waveguide 300 is formed in a shape along the tube axial direction Dax without a structure corresponding to the distribution unit 40. Two comparison radiation openings 310 are formed along the tube axial direction Dax. In order to make the phases of the radio waves emitted from the two comparison radiation openings 310 the same, the interval between the two comparison radiation openings 310 in the tube axial direction Dax is set to be the wavelength λ in the tube. g That is, the size is set to 6.0 mm, which is a multiple of the size of the aperture pitch PT in the antenna device 1 of the present embodiment, ie, 3.0 mm.

[0154] Furthermore, the comparative radiation opening 310 is not tilted relative to the direction along the stacking direction Dst. Furthermore, the dimension of the comparative waveguide 300 in the tube axial direction Dax is 9.52 mm, and the dimension in the tube width direction Dcr is 0.85 mm. Other than these, the antenna device of the comparative example and the antenna device 1 of the present embodiment have identical structures. Thus, when two comparative radiation openings 310 are arranged in the comparative waveguide 300 along the tube axial direction Dax, the dimension in the tube axial direction Dax is larger than the axial dimension Dx of the present embodiment.

[0155] Furthermore, the above-mentioned computer simulation comparing the antenna device 1 of the present embodiment with the antenna device of the comparative example yielded the following results: Figure 15 and Figure 16 The results shown. Figure 15 is a line graph showing the distribution of gain in the antenna device of the comparative example, Figure 16 Graph showing the gain distribution in the antenna device 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0156] Figure 15 and Figure 16 The solid line shows the gain distribution on a plane perpendicular to the tube axial direction Dax. Figure 15 and Figure 16 The dotted line shows the gain distribution on a plane perpendicular to the tube width direction Dcr. Figure 15 and Figure 16 , there are shown gain distributions obtained when radio waves having a frequency of 76.5 GHz are input to the antenna device 1 and the antenna device of the comparative example.

[0157] like Figure 15 and Figure 16As shown, the maximum gain obtained from the antenna device of the comparative example and the maximum gain obtained from antenna device 1 are approximately the same. Specifically, the maximum gain obtained from the antenna device of the comparative example is 10.32 dBi. In contrast, the maximum gain obtained from antenna device 1 of this embodiment is 10.31 dBi. Thus, the difference between the maximum gain obtained from the antenna device of the comparative example and the maximum gain obtained from antenna device 1 is 0.01 dBi.

[0158] However, if Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the antenna device 1 of this embodiment can suppress side lobes compared to the antenna device of the comparative example. Therefore, the difference between the main lobe and the side lobe in the antenna device of the comparative example and the difference between the main lobe and the side lobe in the antenna device 1 of this embodiment can be greatly different.

[0159] Specifically, the difference between the maximum main lobe and the maximum side lobe in the comparative example antenna device is 4.43 dBc, a relatively small value. In contrast, the difference between the maximum main lobe and the maximum side lobe in the antenna device 1 of this embodiment is 18.31 dBc, a relatively large value. Furthermore, the antenna device 1 improves this difference by 13.88 dBc compared to the comparative example antenna device.

[0160] Furthermore, when the antenna device 1 is used for object sensing, if the difference between the maximum value of the main lobe and the maximum value of the side lobe is small, sensing errors caused by detecting the side lobes may occur. Therefore, in general, the difference between the maximum value of the main lobe and the maximum value of the side lobe is preferably large. For example, the difference between the maximum value of the main lobe and the maximum value of the side lobe is preferably greater than 17 dBc. Furthermore, the antenna device 1 of this embodiment can achieve a difference between the maximum value of the main lobe and the maximum value of the side lobe of 18.31 dBc. Therefore, when the antenna device 1 is used for object sensing, sensing errors caused by detecting the side lobes can be suppressed.

[0161] As described above, in the antenna device 1 of this embodiment, the first waveguide section 20 extends along the tube axial direction Dax and has a first connection portion 21 connected to the distributor 40 on one side in the tube axial direction Dax. The second waveguide section 30 extends along the tube axial direction Dax and has a second connection portion 31 connected to the distributor 40 on one side in the tube axial direction Dax. The positions of the first connection portion 21 and the second connection portion 31 in the tube axial direction Dax overlap. The positions of the first radiation opening 50 and the second radiation opening 60 in the tube axial direction Dax are offset. The distributor 40 has a feed opening 411 in the tube width direction Dcr. The distributor 40 is formed to bend from one side in the tube axial direction Dax to the other side so that radio waves can propagate toward the first connection portion 21 of the first waveguide section 20 and the second connection portion 31 of the second waveguide section 30, which are adjacent to each other across the partition wall 13. Furthermore, the distributor 40 causes the phases of the radio waves propagating toward the first connection portion 21 and the second connection portion 31, respectively, to be opposite to each other.

[0162] Thus, the phase of the radio wave propagating toward the portion of the first waveguide 20 facing the first radiation opening 50 can be adjusted to be equal to the phase of the radio wave propagating toward the portion of the second waveguide 30 facing the first radiation opening 50 with the wavelength λ in the tube. g The phases of the radio waves propagating from the portions of the antenna 1 that face the second radiation opening 60, which is separated by 1 / 2, are aligned. Consequently, the phases of the radio waves radiated from the first radiation opening 50 and the second radiation opening 60 can be aligned. Furthermore, the radio waves radiated from the antenna device 1 can be amplified, thereby increasing the gain.

[0163] Furthermore, the axial dimension Dx can be reduced compared to structures in which the portion for radiating radio waves is arranged along the direction in which the waveguide extends within a single waveguide, as in the aforementioned hollow waveguide 100 and comparative waveguide 300. For example, compared to a structure in which two radiating ports 130 are arranged in the narrow wall portion 120 of the hollow waveguide 100, the axial dimension Dx can be reduced by adopting a structure including the first waveguide portion 20, the second waveguide path 30a, and the distributor 40.

[0164] Furthermore, compared to a structure in which three radiation openings 130 are arranged in the wide wall portion 110 of the hollow waveguide 100, the configuration of the waveguide for propagating radio waves, comprising the first waveguide portion 20, the second waveguide path 30a, and the distributor 40, can reduce the widthwise dimension Dr. Furthermore, even when comparing the combined widthwise dimension Dr and the dimension Dcr of the feeding portion 10 in the tube widthwise direction, this combined dimension is smaller than the dimension Dcr of the hollow waveguide 100 in which the radiation openings 130 are arranged in the wide wall portion 110. Furthermore, compared to a structure in which two comparative radiation openings 310 are arranged in the comparative waveguide 300, the configuration of the waveguide for propagating radio waves, comprising the first waveguide portion 20, the second waveguide path 30a, and the distributor 40, can reduce the axial dimension Dx.

[0165] Furthermore, the antenna device 1 of this embodiment can suppress side lobes and improve the difference between the maximum main lobe and the maximum side lobe values ​​compared to the antenna device of the comparative example described above. Consequently, compared to a structure in which the radio wave radiating portion is arranged along the direction in which the waveguide extends within a single waveguide, the antenna device 1 can be made smaller and the side lobes can be suppressed.

[0166] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0167] (1) In the above embodiment, the first waveguide tube portion 20 includes the first narrow wall surface 25 and the second narrow wall surface 26 extending in the tube axial direction Dax and the tube width direction Dcr, and the first wide wall surface 23 and the second wide wall surface 24 extending in the tube axial direction Dax and the stacking direction Dst. Furthermore, the second waveguide tube portion 30 includes the second narrow wall surface 35 and the second narrow wall surface 36 extending in the tube axial direction Dax and the tube width direction Dcr, and the second wide wall surface 33 and the second wide wall surface 34 extending in the tube axial direction Dax and the stacking direction Dst. The size of each of the first narrow wall surface 25 and the second narrow wall surface 26 in the tube width direction Dcr is smaller than the size of each of the first wide wall surface 23 and the second wide wall surface 24 in the stacking direction Dst. The sizes of the second narrow wall surface 35 on one side and the second narrow wall surface 36 on the other side in the tube width direction Dcr are each smaller than the sizes of the second wide wall surface 33 on one side and the second wide wall surface 34 on the other side in the stacking direction Dst. The first radiation opening 50 is located on the first narrow wall surface 25 side of the first waveguide tube portion 20. The second radiation opening 60 is located on the second narrow wall surface 35 side of the second waveguide tube portion 30.

[0168] This can reduce the widthwise dimension Dr compared to the case where the first radiation opening 50 is arranged on one side of the first wide wall 23 of the first waveguide 20 and the second radiation opening 60 is arranged on the other side of the second wide wall 34 of the second waveguide 30 .

[0169] (2) In the above embodiment, the distributor 40 sets the first distance Ds1 and the second distance Ds2 so that the phases of the radio waves propagating toward the first connection portion 21 of the first waveguide portion 20 and the second connection portion 31 of the second waveguide portion 30 are opposite to each other.

[0170] According to this, by adjusting the respective sizes of the first distance Ds1 and the second distance Ds2 , the phases of the radio waves propagating toward the first connection portion 21 and the second connection portion 31 can be easily set to opposite phases.

[0171] (3) In the above embodiment, the first radiation opening portion 50 includes a first communication port 52 communicating with the first waveguide tube portion 20 and a first radiation opening 51 opening toward the outside, and is formed as a through hole whose inner diameter increases from the first communication port 52 toward the first radiation opening 51. The second radiation opening portion 60 includes a second communication port 62 communicating with the second waveguide tube portion 30 and a second radiation opening 61 opening toward the outside, and is formed as a through hole whose inner diameter increases from the second communication port 62 toward the second radiation opening 61.

[0172] Thus, the gain of the antenna device 1 can be increased compared to a case where the first radiation opening 50 and the second radiation opening 60 are through holes having a constant inner diameter.

[0173] (4) In the above embodiment, the antenna device 1 includes the feed portion 10. The feed portion 10 is connected to the feed opening 411 to form a feed path 10a. The feed path 10a forms a propagation path for the radio waves to the distribution waveguide 40a. The feed portion 10 is formed so that a portion thereof is bent relative to the tube width direction Dcr.

[0174] Thus, even when there is little space for arranging the feeding portion 10 around the first waveguide portion 20 , the feeding portion 10 can be easily connected to the first waveguide portion 20 by bending the feeding portion 10 .

[0175] (First Modification of the First Embodiment)

[0176] In the first embodiment described above, the first radiation opening 50 is a through hole whose inner diameter increases from the first communication opening 52 toward the first radiation opening 51, and whose cross-section perpendicular to the stacking direction Dst is formed into an oblong shape extending along the tube axial direction Dax. Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the second radiation opening 60 is a through hole whose inner diameter increases from the second communication opening 62 toward the second radiation opening 61, and whose cross-section perpendicular to the stacking direction Dst is formed into an oblong shape extending along the tube axial direction Dax. However, the shapes of the first and second radiation openings 50 and 60 are not limited to these.

[0177] For example, Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, the first radiation opening 50 may be formed by a through hole having a constant inner diameter from the first communication opening 52 toward the first radiation opening 51. In addition, the second radiation opening 60 may be formed by a through hole having a constant inner diameter from the second communication opening 62 toward the second radiation opening 61.

[0178] Although not shown, the cross-section of the first and second radiation openings 50 and 60 perpendicular to the stacking direction Dst may be formed in a shape other than an oval, such as a perfect circle, an ellipse, a rectangle, or a diamond.

[0179] (Second Modification of the First Embodiment)

[0180] In the first embodiment described above, the cross-section of the first radiation opening 50 , the second radiation opening 60 , and the distribution portion 40 perpendicular to the radio wave propagation direction is a rectangular shape extending in the stacking direction Dst. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0181] For example, Figure 19 As shown in FIG. 1 , the cross-section of the first waveguide tube portion 20, the second waveguide tube portion 30, and the distribution portion 40 perpendicular to the direction of radio wave propagation may also be formed into an oblong shape extending along the stacking direction Dst. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. Figure 20 As shown, the cross-section of the first waveguide tube portion 20, the second waveguide tube portion 30, and the distribution portion 40 perpendicular to the direction of radio wave propagation may be formed as a shape formed by connecting two trapezoids whose size in the tube width direction Dcr increases toward the center of the stacking direction Dst. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. Figure 21As shown, the cross-sectional shapes of the first waveguide portion 20, the second waveguide portion 30, and the distributor portion 40 perpendicular to the direction of radio wave propagation may be such that the dimension in the tube width direction Dcr continuously increases toward the center in the stacking direction Dst. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shapes of the first waveguide portion 20, the second waveguide portion 30, and the distributor portion 40 perpendicular to the direction of radio wave propagation may each be arcuate on one side and the other side of the stacking direction Dst.

[0182] In the first embodiment described above, the first distance Ds1 is set to the wavelength λ in the tube. g The second distance Ds2 is set to be a certain size within the range of 1 / 20 to 1 / 10 of the wavelength λ in the tube. g However, if the cross-section of the first waveguide portion 20, the second waveguide portion 30, and the distribution portion 40 perpendicular to the direction of radio wave propagation has a shape other than an oval shape, the first distance Ds1 and the second distance Ds2 may be varied.

[0183] The reason for this is that, when the cross-sectional shape is changed, the reflection direction of the radio waves when reflected in the first waveguide portion 20, the second waveguide portion 30, and the distributor portion 40 changes from an oval shape relative to the cross-sectional shape of the first waveguide portion 20, the second waveguide portion 30, and the distributor portion 40. Therefore, the first distance Ds1 and the second distance Ds2 are appropriately set according to the cross-sectional shapes of the first waveguide portion 20, the second waveguide portion 30, and the distributor portion 40 so that the phases of the radio waves propagating toward the first connecting portion 21 and the second connecting portion 31, respectively, are opposite to each other.

[0184] (Third Modification of First Embodiment)

[0185] In the first embodiment described above, an example is described in which the first radiation opening 50 is smaller than the second radiation opening 60 in terms of the distance from the power supply opening 411 in the tube axial direction Dax. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0186] For example, Figures 22 to 24 As shown, the second radiation opening 60 may be located closer to the power supply opening 411 in the tube axial direction Dax than the first radiation opening 50, and the second radiation opening 60 may be located closer to the power supply opening 411 than the first radiation opening 50. In this case, the first distance Ds1 corresponds to the distance in the tube axial direction Dax from the power receiving center Ec to the second connection portion 31.

[0187] (Fourth Modification of First Embodiment)

[0188] In the first embodiment described above, an example was described in which the antenna device 1 has two radiation openings, with one first radiation opening 50 connected to the first waveguide portion 20 and one second radiation opening 60 connected to the second waveguide portion 30. However, the number of first radiation openings 50 and the number of second radiation openings 60 are not limited to this.

[0189] For example, Figures 25 to 27 As shown, the first waveguide portion 20 may be connected to two first radiation openings 50, and the second waveguide portion 30 may be connected to two second radiation openings 60, resulting in the antenna device 1 having four radiation openings. Alternatively, although not shown, the antenna device 1 may have a structure having three first radiation openings 50 and two second radiation openings 60, or may have a structure having five or more first radiation openings 50 and two second radiation openings 60. Furthermore, the number of first radiation openings 50 and second radiation openings 60 may be equal or different.

[0190] (Fifth Modification of the First Embodiment)

[0191] In the first embodiment described above, an example was described in which a portion of the power feeding portion 10 was bent 90° with respect to the tube width direction Dcr, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0192] For example, Figure 28 and Figure 29 As shown, the power supply portion 10 may be formed in an unbent straight line. Alternatively, although not shown, the power supply portion 10 may be formed so that a portion thereof is bent at an angle other than 90°. The shape of the power supply portion 10 may be appropriately set according to the space existing around the first waveguide portion 20.

[0193] (Second embodiment)

[0194] Next, refer to Figure 30 The second embodiment will now be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the shape of the dispensing portion 40. Other than this, it is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, this embodiment will primarily describe the differences from the first embodiment, and descriptions of the same parts as the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0195] like Figure 30 As shown, the distribution portion 40 of this embodiment is formed such that the first distribution portion 41 includes a first inclined surface 412 extending obliquely with respect to the tube axial direction Dax and the tube width direction Dcr. Furthermore, the distribution portion 40 is formed such that the second distribution portion 42 includes a second inclined surface 421 extending obliquely with respect to the tube axial direction Dax and the tube width direction Dcr.

[0196] The first inclined surface 412 is formed by a portion of a surface on one side of the tube width direction Dcr, one of the four surfaces surrounding the distribution waveguide 40a in the first distribution section 41. The first inclined surface 412 faces the distribution waveguide 40a and is inclined from the other side in the tube axial direction Dax toward one side, so as to approach the center of the distribution section 40 in the tube width direction Dcr. In other words, the first inclined surface 412 is inclined so as to approach the second waveguide section 30, of the first waveguide section 20 and the second waveguide section 30, which are adjacent to each other across the partition wall section 13.

[0197] Furthermore, the first inclined surface 412 is formed from a portion midway along the tube axial direction Dax of the first distributing portion 41 to the distributing end wall 431 of the third distributing portion 43. Specifically, in this embodiment, the other side of the surface on one side in the tube width direction Dcr of the first distributing portion 41 in the tube axial direction Dax is formed along the tube axial direction Dax, and the one side in the tube axial direction Dax is formed at an inclination relative to the tube axial direction Dax.

[0198] The second inclined surface 421 is formed by a portion of the surface on the other side of the tube width direction Dcr among the four surfaces surrounding the distribution waveguide 40a in the second distribution portion 42. The second inclined surface 421 faces the distribution waveguide 40a and is inclined from the other side in the tube axial direction Dax toward one side so as to approach the center of the distribution portion 40 in the tube width direction Dcr. In other words, the second inclined surface 421 is inclined so as to approach the first waveguide portion 20 of the first waveguide portion 20 and the second waveguide portion 30 that are adjacent across the partition wall portion 13.

[0199] Furthermore, the second inclined surface 421 is formed from a portion midway in the tube axial direction Dax of the second distribution portion 42 to the distribution end wall 431 of the third distribution portion 43. Specifically, in this embodiment, the other side of the surface of the second distribution portion 42 on the other side in the tube width direction Dcr, which is on the tube axial direction Dax, is formed along the tube axial direction Dax, and the one side in the tube axial direction Dax is formed to be inclined relative to the tube axial direction Dax.

[0200] The first inclined surface 412 and the second inclined surface 421 are formed so that their dimensions in the tube axial direction Dax are equal and their dimensions in the tube width direction Dcr are equal. In other words, the angles of inclination, i.e., the angles of inclination, of the first inclined surface 412 and the second inclined surface 421 relative to the tube axial direction Dax are equal. Hereinafter, the distance from one end of the first inclined surface 412 to the other end in the tube axial direction Dax is referred to as the third distance Ds3, and the distance from one end of the second inclined surface 421 to the other end in the tube axial direction Dax is referred to as the fourth distance Ds4. In this embodiment, the third distance Ds3 and the fourth distance Ds4 are formed to be equal.

[0201] In the distribution section 40 of this embodiment, the radio waves introduced into the distribution waveguide 40a propagate through the first distribution section 41, the third distribution section 43, and the second distribution section 42 before returning. In this case, the propagation distance of the radio waves changes compared to the configuration without the first inclined surface 412 and the second inclined surface 421, as in the first embodiment. Therefore, when the phase of the radio waves changes as they propagate through the distribution waveguide 40a, the amount of phase change also changes.

[0202] Therefore, in this embodiment, the first distance Ds1, second distance Ds2, third distance Ds3, and fourth distance Ds4 are set so that, when radio waves propagate to the first distribution unit 41, the direction of the electric field generated at a predetermined portion of the second distribution unit 42 and the direction of the electric field generated at a portion of the first distribution unit 41 that overlaps with the predetermined portion along the tube axial direction Dax are opposite to each other. In other words, the distribution unit 40 sets the first distance Ds1, second distance Ds2, third distance Ds3, and fourth distance Ds4 so that the phase of the radio wave propagating toward the first connection portion 21 and the phase of the radio wave propagating toward the second connection portion 31 are opposite to each other.

[0203] The other structures are the same as those of the first embodiment. The antenna device 1 of this embodiment can obtain the same or equivalent effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0204] In addition, as in this embodiment, by setting a structure having a first inclined surface 412 and a second inclined surface 421, even when it is difficult to ensure the second distance Ds2, the phase of the radio wave propagating to the first connection part 21 can be opposite to the phase of the radio wave propagating to the second connection part 31.

[0205] (First Modification of Second Embodiment)

[0206] In the first embodiment described above, an example is described in which the first distributing portion 41 includes the first inclined surface 412 and the second distributing portion 42 includes the second inclined surface 421. However, this is not limiting. For example, the distributing portion 40 may have a shape in which the first distributing portion 41 includes the first inclined surface 412, but the second distributing portion 42 does not include the second inclined surface 421. Alternatively, the distributing portion 40 may have a shape in which the second distributing portion 42 includes the second inclined surface 421, but the first distributing portion 41 does not include the first inclined surface 412.

[0207] (Second Modification of Second Embodiment)

[0208] In the first embodiment described above, an example was described in which the first inclined surface 412 and the second inclined surface 421 have the same dimensions in the tube axial direction Dax and the same dimensions in the tube width direction Dcr. However, this is not limiting. For example, the first inclined surface 412 and the second inclined surface 421 may have different dimensions in the tube axial direction Dax. Alternatively, the first inclined surface 412 and the second inclined surface 421 may have different dimensions in the tube width direction Dcr. In other words, the first inclined surface 412 and the second inclined surface 421 may have different angles relative to the tube axial direction Dax, i.e., different inclination angles.

[0209] (Third embodiment)

[0210] Next, refer to Figure 31 The third embodiment will now be described. In this embodiment, the antenna device 1 differs from the first embodiment in that it includes a third waveguide portion 70 in addition to the first and second waveguide portions 20 and 30 as a waveguide, and a third radiation opening 80 connected to the third waveguide portion 70. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the distribution unit 40 includes a fourth distribution unit 44 and a fifth distribution unit 45 in addition to the first, second, and third distribution units 41, 42, and 43, to distribute radio waves to the first, second, and third waveguide portions 20, 30, and 70. Other aspects of this arrangement are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, in this embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be primarily described, and description of the same portions as the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0211] like Figure 31 As shown, the antenna device 1 of this embodiment includes a third waveguide section 70 extending along the tube axial direction Dax. In the antenna device 1 of this embodiment, the first waveguide section 20, the second waveguide section 30, the third waveguide section 70, and the distribution section 40 are formed in a continuous manner, with a structure having two folded portions.

[0212] The first waveguide section 20, the second waveguide section 30, and the third waveguide section 70 are arranged in the tube width direction Dcr. The first waveguide section 20, the second waveguide section 30, and the third waveguide section 70 are arranged in the tube width direction Dcr with the partition wall section 13 interposed therebetween. The third waveguide section 70 has a third connection portion 71 connected to the distribution portion 40 on one side in the tube axial direction Dax, and a third end wall 72 forming the end portion of the waveguide on the other side in the tube axial direction Dax. The third end wall 72 is formed of a planar wall extending in a direction perpendicular to the tube axial direction Dax.

[0213] The positions of the first connection portions 21, second connection portions 31, and third connection portions 71 of the first, second, and third waveguide portions 20, 30, and 70 in the tube axial direction Dax overlap. Furthermore, the positions of the first, second, and third end walls 22, 32, and 72 of the first, second, and third waveguide portions 20, 30, and 70 in the tube axial direction Dax overlap. In other words, the dimensions of the first, second, and third waveguide portions 20, 30, and 70 in the tube axial direction Dax are equal.

[0214] A third waveguide path 70a is formed inside the third waveguide portion 70, extending in the tube axial direction Dax and propagating radio waves. Like the first waveguide path 20a and the second waveguide path 30a, the third waveguide path 70a is formed between the first block BC1 and the second block BC2 as a cavity extending in the tube axial direction Dax.

[0215] The remaining structure of the third waveguide section 70 is identical to that of the second waveguide section 30. Specifically, the third waveguide section 70 has a rectangular shape in a cross-section perpendicular to the tube axial direction Dax, with the dimension in the stacking direction Dst being larger than the dimension in the tube width direction Dcr. Furthermore, the dimension in the stacking direction Dst of the third waveguide section 70 is equal to the dimensions in the stacking direction Dst of the first and second waveguide sections 20 and 30, respectively. Furthermore, the dimension in the tube width direction Dcr of the third waveguide section 70 is equal to the dimensions in the tube width direction Dcr of the first and second waveguide sections 20 and 30, respectively.

[0216] The distribution section 40 of this embodiment includes a fourth distribution section 44 extending along the tube axial direction Dax and connected to the third connection section 71 of the third waveguide tube section 70, and a fifth distribution section 45 extending along the tube width direction Dcr and connected to the second distribution section 42 and the fourth distribution section 44. The second distribution section 42 and the fourth distribution section 44 are aligned in the tube width direction Dcr, with their respective central axes extending along the tube axial direction Dax. Furthermore, the second distribution section 42 and the fourth distribution section 44 are aligned in the tube width direction Dcr, with the partition wall section 13 interposed therebetween.

[0217] The fourth distribution section 44 guides the radio waves introduced into the distribution section 40 toward the third waveguide section 70. The other side of the fourth distribution section 44 in the tube axial direction Dax communicates with the third waveguide section 70, and one side in the tube axial direction Dax communicates with the fifth distribution section 45. The fourth distribution section 44 communicates with the power supply section 10 via the fifth distribution section 45, the second distribution section 42, the third distribution section 43, and the first distribution section 41. Radio waves introduced from the power supply opening 411 of the first distribution section 41 are guided into the fourth distribution section 44 via the third distribution section 43, the second distribution section 42, and the fifth distribution section 45. The second and fourth distribution sections 42 and 44 have equal dimensions in the tube axial direction Dax. The fifth distribution section 45 extends along the tube width direction Dcr, connecting to the second distribution section 42 on one side in the tube width direction Dcr and to the fourth distribution section 44 on the other side in the tube width direction Dcr. The fifth distribution unit 45 guides the radio waves propagating from the power supply opening 411 of the first distribution unit 41 to the second distribution unit 42 to the fifth distribution unit 45 .

[0218] Furthermore, the second distributing portion 42 of this embodiment has a larger dimension in the tube axial direction Dax than the second distributing portion 42 of the first embodiment. Specifically, the second distributing portion 42 has a larger dimension in the tube axial direction Dax than the first distributing portion 41. Furthermore, the second distributing portion 42 is connected to the third distributing portion 43 midway in the tube axial direction Dax and to the fifth distributing portion 45 at one end in the tube axial direction Dax.

[0219] In the distribution section 40, which is composed of the first distribution section 41, the second distribution section 42, the third distribution section 43, the fourth distribution section 44, and the fifth distribution section 45, the portion where the second distribution section 42 connects to the fifth distribution section 45 is bent 90°, that is, at a right angle. Furthermore, the portion where the fourth distribution section 44 connects to the fifth distribution section 45 of the distribution section 40 is bent 90°, that is, at a right angle. Furthermore, the distribution section 40 of this embodiment has two folded portions formed by folding back 180° from one side to the other side in the tube axial direction Dax, bypassing the partition wall 13.

[0220] The distribution section 40 is connected to the first and second waveguide sections 20 and 30, which are adjacent to each other across the partition wall 13. It is also connected to the second and third waveguide sections 30 and 70, which are adjacent to each other across the partition wall 13. A distribution waveguide 40a is formed inside the distribution section 40, forming a folded structure for propagating radio waves. The distribution waveguide 40a has two cavities formed by bending 180 degrees between the first block BC1 and the second block BC2. The distribution section 40 has a stepped shape on one side in the tube axial direction Dax and has two short-circuit sections on one side in the tube axial direction Dax. Specifically, the distribution section 40 includes a first distribution end wall 431 that forms a portion of the inner wall surface of the third distribution section 43 and a second distribution end wall 451 that forms a portion of the inner wall surface of the fifth distribution section 45. The first and second distribution end walls 431 and 451 are planar walls that face the distribution waveguide 40a and extend in a direction perpendicular to the tube axial direction Dax.

[0221] The dimension of the fourth distribution portion 44 in the stacking direction Dst is equal to the dimension of the first distribution portion 41 and the second distribution portion 42 in the stacking direction Dst. Furthermore, the dimension of the fourth distribution portion 44 in the tube width direction Dcr is equal to the dimension of the first distribution portion 41 and the second distribution portion 42 in the tube width direction Dcr. The dimension of the fifth distribution portion 45 in the stacking direction Dst is equal to the dimension of the third distribution portion 43 in the stacking direction Dst, and the dimension of the fifth distribution portion 45 in the tube axial direction Dax is equal to the dimension of the third distribution portion 43 in the tube axial direction Dax.

[0222] Furthermore, this allows radio waves to propagate between the first waveguide path 20a, the second waveguide path 30a, the distribution waveguide 40a, and the power supply path 10a of the power supply unit 10. Specifically, the radio waves introduced from the power supply path 10a into the distribution waveguide 40a of the distribution unit 40 are distributed within the distribution waveguide 40a and propagate to the first waveguide path 20a of the first waveguide unit 20, the second waveguide path 30a of the second waveguide unit 30, and the third waveguide path 70a of the third waveguide unit 70.

[0223] The antenna device 1 of this embodiment includes a third radiation opening 80 in addition to the first radiation opening 50 and the second radiation opening 60. Like the first radiation opening 50 and the second radiation opening 60, the third radiation opening 80 is formed as a through-hole extending through the second block BC2 in the stacking direction Dst. The third radiation opening 80 includes a third radiation opening 81 on one side in the stacking direction Dst, which opens toward the exterior of the antenna device 1.

[0224] The third radiating opening 80 has a cross-section perpendicular to the stacking direction Dst that is formed into an oblong shape extending along the tube axial direction Dax. Specifically, the dimension of the third radiating opening 80 in the tube width direction Dcr is smaller than its dimension in the tube axial direction Dax. Furthermore, the third radiating opening 80 has a tapered shape, with the inner diameter increasing from the other side toward the one side in the stacking direction Dst. In other words, the third radiating opening 80 is formed as a through-hole whose inner diameter increases toward the one side in the stacking direction Dst.

[0225] Furthermore, the second and third radiation openings 60 and 80, which are connected to the second and third waveguide sections 30 and 70, respectively, adjacent to each other across the partition wall 13, are formed at different positions in the tube axial direction Dax, being staggered in the tube axial direction Dax. Specifically, in this embodiment, the third radiation opening 80 is formed closer to the tube axial direction Dax than the second radiation opening 60. Consequently, the distance between the third radiation opening 80 and the power supply opening 411 in the tube axial direction Dax is smaller than the distance between the second radiation opening 60 and the power supply opening 411 in the tube axial direction Dax. In other words, the third radiation opening 80 is formed closer to the power supply opening 411 than the second radiation opening 60.

[0226] Furthermore, the first radiation opening 50 and the third radiation opening 80 are formed at positions overlapping each other in the tube width direction Dcr. That is, the third radiation opening 80 is spaced apart from the first radiation opening 50 and the second radiation opening 60 by the opening pitch PT, i.e., the wavelength λ in the tube, from the second radiation opening 60 in the tube axial direction Dax. g Specifically, the center of the third radiation opening 80 in the tube axial direction Dax is formed to be offset 3.0 mm from the center of the second radiation opening 60 in the tube axial direction Dax to one side in the tube axial direction Dax.

[0227] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the distribution section 40 enables the phases of the radio waves propagating to the overlapping portions of the second and third waveguide sections 30 and 70 in the tube axial direction Dax to be opposite to each other. Specifically, the distribution section 40 of this embodiment enables the phase of the radio wave propagating from the fourth distribution section 44 to the third connecting section 71 to be reversed relative to the phase of the radio wave propagating from the second distribution section 42 to the second connecting section 31.

[0228] The following, such as Figure 31 As shown, the distance from the power receiving center Ec to the second distribution end wall 451 in the tube axial direction Dax is set as the fifth distance Ds5. Figure 31In the figure, the distance in the tube axial direction Dax from the power receiving center Ec to the first connection portion 21 is represented as a first distance Ds1, and the distance in the tube axial direction Dax from the power receiving center Ec to the distribution end wall 431 is represented as a second distance Ds2, similarly to the first embodiment.

[0229] Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment, the first distance Ds1 and the second distance Ds2 are set so that the phase of the radio wave propagating to a predetermined portion of the second distribution section 42 is opposite to the phase of the radio wave propagating to a portion of the first distribution section 41 that overlaps with the predetermined portion in the tube axial direction Dax. In other words, the distribution section 40 sets the first distance Ds1 and the second distance Ds2 so that the phase of the radio wave propagating to the first connection section 21 of the first waveguide section 20 is opposite to the phase of the radio wave propagating to the second connection section 31 of the second waveguide section 30.

[0230] Furthermore, the fifth distance Ds5 is set so that the phases of the radio waves propagating to a predetermined portion of the second distribution section 42 are opposite to the phases of the radio waves propagating to a portion of the fourth distribution section 44 that overlaps with the predetermined portion in the tube axial direction Dax. In other words, the distribution section 40 sets the second distance Ds2 and the fifth distance Ds5 so that the phases of the radio waves propagating to the second connection portion 31 of the second waveguide section 30 and the phases of the radio waves propagating to the third connection portion 71 of the third waveguide section 70 are opposite to each other.

[0231] Furthermore, if the first distance Ds1, the second distance Ds2, and the fifth distance Ds5 are set in this manner, the phase of the radio wave propagating to the first connection portion 21, the phase of the radio wave propagating to the second connection portion 31, and the phase of the radio wave propagating to the third connection portion 71 become the same phase. For example, when the first distance Ds1 is set to the wavelength λ in the tube, g When the second distance Ds2 and the fifth distance Ds5 are set to the wavelength λ in the tube, the second distance Ds2 and the fifth distance Ds5 are set to the wavelength λ in the tube. g However, the first distance Ds1, the second distance Ds2, and the fifth distance Ds5 are merely examples and are not limited thereto.

[0232] This allows the electric fields in the overlapping portions of the first and second waveguide sections 20 and 30 in the tube width direction Dcr to be directed in opposite directions. Furthermore, the electric fields in the overlapping portions of the second and third waveguide sections 30 and 70 in the tube width direction Dcr can be directed in opposite directions. Consequently, the phases of the radio waves propagating through the overlapping portions of the first, second, and third waveguide sections 20, 30, and 70 in the tube width direction Dcr can be directed in opposite directions.

[0233] Furthermore, the phase of the radio wave propagating to the portion of the first waveguide tube portion 20 facing the first radiation opening 50 can be made equal to the phase of the radio wave propagating from the portion along the tube axial direction Dax by the wavelength λ in the tube. g The phase of the radio wave propagating to the portion of the second waveguide tube 30 that is opposite to the second radiation opening 60 is the same as the phase of the radio wave propagating to the portion of the second waveguide tube 30 that is opposite to the second radiation opening 60. g The phases of the radio waves emitted from the first radiation opening 50, the second radiation opening 60, and the third radiation opening 80, which are separated by 1 / 2, are aligned. Consequently, the phases of the radio waves emitted from the first radiation opening 50, the second radiation opening 60, and the third radiation opening 80 can be aligned. Furthermore, the radio waves emitted by the antenna device 1 can be amplified, thereby increasing the gain.

[0234] Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which the portion radiating radio waves is arranged along the direction in which the waveguide extends within a single waveguide, the axial dimension Dx can be reduced. Consequently, compared to a configuration in which the portion radiating radio waves is arranged along the direction in which the waveguide extends within a single waveguide, the increase in size of the antenna device 1 can be suppressed, and side lobes can be suppressed.

[0235] In addition, although this embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, this embodiment can also be combined with the above-mentioned second embodiment.

[0236] (Fourth embodiment)

[0237] Next, refer to Figure 32 The fourth embodiment will now be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the number of components comprising antenna device 1. Otherwise, it is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, this embodiment will primarily describe the differences from the first embodiment, and descriptions of the same components as the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0238] like Figure 32 As shown, the antenna device 1 of this embodiment includes four each of the feeder section 10, first waveguide section 20, second waveguide section 30, distributor section 40, first radiation opening 50, and second radiation opening 60 described in the first embodiment. As in the first embodiment, the four first radiation openings 50 are located closer to the feeder opening 411 than the four second radiation openings 60. Furthermore, the four feeders 10 are connected to one side of each of the four first waveguide sections 20 in the tube width direction Dcr.

[0239] Here, if Figure 32As shown, the antenna portion 1a is composed of a feeder 10, a first waveguide portion 20, a second waveguide portion 30, a distributor 40, a first radiation opening 50, and a second radiation opening 60. The structures of the feeder 10, first waveguide portion 20, second waveguide portion 30, distributor 40, first radiation opening 50, and second radiation opening 60 that constitute the antenna portion 1a are the same as those described in the first embodiment. The antenna device 1 of this embodiment is configured such that four antenna portions 1a are arranged in the tube width direction Dcr.

[0240] The feeding portion 10, the first waveguide portion 20, the second waveguide portion 30, the distribution portion 40, the first radiation opening portion 50, and the second radiation opening portion 60 that constitute the four antenna portions 1a are formed to have the same shape. Figure 32 , for convenience, a representative one of the four feeding portion 10 , the first waveguide portion 20 , the second waveguide portion 30 , the distribution portion 40 , the first radiation opening portion 50 , and the second radiation opening portion 60 is denoted by a reference numeral, and reference numerals for the other components are omitted.

[0241] This allows the phases of the radio waves radiated from the first radiation opening 50 and the second radiation opening 60 of each antenna unit 1a to be aligned. Furthermore, the radio waves radiated by each antenna unit 1a can be amplified, thereby increasing the gain. Thus, by combining the radio waves radiated by each antenna unit 1a, the radiated radio waves can be further amplified, thereby increasing the gain, compared to a configuration in which the antenna device 1 has only one antenna unit 1a.

[0242] Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which each antenna unit 1a includes a single waveguide and the portion radiating radio waves is arranged along the direction in which the waveguide extends, the axial dimension Dx can be reduced. Consequently, compared to a configuration in which each antenna unit 1a includes a single waveguide and the portion radiating radio waves is arranged along the direction in which the waveguide extends, it is possible to suppress side lobes while minimizing the size of the antenna device 1.

[0243] In addition, although this embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, this embodiment may be combined with any of the second and third embodiments described above.

[0244] (First Modification of the Fourth Embodiment)

[0245] In the fourth embodiment described above, the example in which the power supply portion 10 of each antenna portion 1a is connected to one side of the first waveguide tube portion 20 in the tube width direction Dcr has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Figure 33As shown, two of the feeding portions 10 of each antenna portion 1 a are connected to one side of the first waveguide tube portion 20 in the tube width direction Dcr, and the remaining two feeding portions 10 are connected to the other side of the first waveguide tube portion 20 in the tube width direction Dcr.

[0246] (Second Modification of Fourth Embodiment)

[0247] In the fourth embodiment described above, an example is described in which the first radiation opening 50 in each antenna unit 1a is formed closer to the power supply opening 411 than the second radiation opening 60. However, this is not limiting. For example, the second radiation openings 60 in a portion of each antenna unit 1a may be formed closer to the power supply opening 411 than the first radiation opening 50. Alternatively, all of the second radiation openings 60 in each antenna unit 1a may be formed closer to the power supply opening 411 than the first radiation opening 50.

[0248] (Third Modification of Fourth Embodiment)

[0249] In the fourth embodiment described above, an example was described in which the feeding section 10, first waveguide section 20, second waveguide section 30, distributor section 40, first radiation opening 50, and second radiation opening 60 that constitute each antenna section 1a are of the same shape. However, this is not limiting. For example, the feeding section 10, first waveguide section 20, second waveguide section 30, distributor section 40, first radiation opening 50, and second radiation opening 60 that constitute each antenna section 1a may have a portion that differs in shape from the components that constitute other antenna sections 1a.

[0250] (Fifth embodiment)

[0251] Next, refer to Figures 34 to 36 The fifth embodiment will now be described. This embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that multiple choke slots 123 are formed in the antenna device 1. Otherwise, it is the same as the fourth embodiment. Therefore, this embodiment will primarily describe the differences from the fourth embodiment, and descriptions of the same parts as the fourth embodiment may be omitted.

[0252] like Figures 34 to 36As shown, the antenna device 1 of this embodiment has a plurality of choke slots 123 formed on one side of the second block BC2 in the stacking direction Dst. The choke slots 123 are formed by recessing the surface of one side of the second block BC2 in the stacking direction Dst. In other words, the choke slots 123 are formed so as not to penetrate the second block BC2 in the stacking direction Dst. The choke slots 123 are formed to be deeper than half the dimension of the second block BC2 in the stacking direction Dst. In other words, the choke slots 123 are formed to a position further to the other side than the center of the second block BC2 in the stacking direction Dst.

[0253] Furthermore, the choke slot 123 is formed along the tube axial direction Dax. That is, the choke slot 123 is formed along the extending direction of the first waveguide tube portion 20 and the second waveguide tube portion 30. Furthermore, in an antenna device 1 having four antenna portions 1a arranged so as to include adjacent first waveguide tube portions 20 and second waveguide tube portions 30 sandwiched between the partition wall portion 13, a choke slot 123 is formed between each antenna portion 1a.

[0254] As a result, radio waves radiated from the first radiation opening 50 and the second radiation opening 60 of one of the four antenna units 1a are less likely to interfere with radio waves radiated from the first radiation opening 50 and the second radiation opening 60 of the other antenna units 1a. Therefore, the isolation of radio waves radiated by the antenna device 1 can be improved.

[0255] The other structures are the same as those of the fourth embodiment. The antenna device 1 of this embodiment can obtain the same or equivalent effects as those of the fourth embodiment.

[0256] (Sixth embodiment)

[0257] Next, refer to Figure 37 The sixth embodiment will now be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that multiple antenna devices 1 are arranged on an electrical substrate 4. Otherwise, the sixth embodiment is identical to the first embodiment. Therefore, this embodiment will primarily describe the differences from the first embodiment, and descriptions of the same parts as the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0258] like Figure 37As shown, by using an array antenna 90 in which a plurality of antenna devices 1 are arrayed, a structure for transmitting radio waves received and transmitted by the MMIC2 can be established. Such an array antenna 90, for example, brings together the MMIC2 sides of the first waveguide tube portion 20 and the second waveguide tube portion 30 of each of the plurality of antenna devices 1. Furthermore, the array antenna 90 can be realized by being configured to be able to transmit radio waves between the power supply portion 10, the first waveguide tube portion 20, the second waveguide tube portion 30, the distribution portion 40 of the antenna device 1 and the MMIC2. Furthermore, on the array antenna 90, the choke slot 123 described in the fifth embodiment is formed between each of the plurality of antenna devices 1. In addition, in Figure 37 , for convenience, a representative one of the feeding portion 10 , the first waveguide portion 20 , the second waveguide portion 30 , the distribution portion 40 , the first radiation opening portion 50 , and the second radiation opening portion 60 of the antenna device 1 is denoted by a reference numeral, and the other reference numerals are omitted.

[0259] As described in the previous embodiment, the antenna device 1 of this embodiment can be miniaturized. Therefore, by using multiple antenna devices 1 to form an array antenna 90, a compact array antenna 90 can be realized. Furthermore, since the input / output section 3 of the MMIC 2 can be connected to the first radiation opening 50 and the second radiation opening 60 of each antenna device 1, the gain of the array antenna 90 can be increased.

[0260] The other structures are the same as those of the first embodiment. The antenna device 1 of this embodiment can obtain the same or equivalent effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0261] In addition, although this embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, this embodiment may be combined with any of the second to fifth embodiments described above.

[0262] (Seventh embodiment)

[0263] Next, refer to Figure 38 The seventh embodiment will now be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the MMIC 2 is mounted on one surface 4a of the electrical substrate 4. Otherwise, the embodiment is identical to the first embodiment. Therefore, this embodiment will primarily describe the differences from the first embodiment, and descriptions of the same parts as the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0264] like Figure 38As shown, in the antenna device 1 of this embodiment, the MMIC 2 is not mounted on the other surface 4b of the electrical substrate 4, but is mounted on the one surface 4a of the electrical substrate 4. A plurality of spacers 5 are used to ensure a gap for arranging the MMIC 2 between the first block BC1 of the antenna device 1 and the one surface 4a of the electrical substrate 4, and the MMIC 2 is arranged between the first block BC1 and the one surface 4a of the electrical substrate 4. Figure 38 and the following Figures 40 to 42 In the Figure 1 Schematic diagram of solder Sd shown in FIG.

[0265] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the external port 6 is arranged to face the input / output portion 3 of the MMIC 2. This allows radio waves to propagate between the external port 6 and the input / output portion 3 of the MMIC 2. However, unlike the first embodiment, in this embodiment, as described above, the MMIC 2 is mounted on one surface 4a of the electrical substrate 4, and therefore, no through-substrate hole SH is formed in the electrical substrate 4.

[0266] The other structures are the same as those of the first embodiment. The antenna device 1 of this embodiment can obtain the same or equivalent effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0267] In addition, although this embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, this embodiment may be combined with any of the second to sixth embodiments described above.

[0268] (Eighth Embodiment)

[0269] Next, refer to Figure 39 The eighth embodiment will now be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the spacer 5 is not provided. Other than this, it is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, this embodiment will primarily describe the differences from the first embodiment, and descriptions of the same parts as the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0270] like Figure 39 As shown, the antenna device 1 of this embodiment is arranged such that the first block BC1 contacts one surface 4a of the electrical substrate 4, without the spacer 5 described in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the MMIC 2 is mounted on the other surface 4b of the electrical substrate 4. Furthermore, a through-substrate hole SH is formed in the electrical substrate 4 at a position opposing the input / output portion 3 of the MMIC 2, penetrating the electrical substrate 4 in the stacking direction Dst. Furthermore, the external port 6 is arranged so as to face the input / output portion 3 of the MMIC 2, with the through-substrate hole SH interposed therebetween. This arrangement enables radio waves to propagate between the external port 6 and the MMIC 2.

[0271] The other structures are the same as those of the first embodiment. The antenna device 1 of this embodiment can obtain the same or equivalent effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0272] In addition, although this embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, this embodiment may be combined with any of the second to sixth embodiments described above.

[0273] (Ninth embodiment)

[0274] Next, refer to Figure 40 The ninth embodiment will now be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a connection wiring 3a and an input / output circuit 3b are provided in place of the input / output unit 3. Otherwise, the embodiment is identical to the first embodiment. Therefore, this embodiment will primarily describe the differences from the first embodiment, and descriptions of the same parts as the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0275] like Figure 40 As shown, in this embodiment, instead of the input / output portion 3 of the MMIC 2, a connection wiring 3a and an input / output circuit 3b are provided on the electric board 4. The connection wiring 3a and the input / output circuit 3b are formed of a conductive wiring pattern formed on the electric board 4.

[0276] On one side 4a of the electrical substrate 4, input / output circuits 3b are formed, and on the other side 4b, connecting wiring 3a is formed. Furthermore, a connecting portion 3c is provided on the electrical substrate 4, penetrating the electrical substrate 4 and electrically connecting the connecting wiring 3a to the input / output circuits 3b. The connecting portion 3c is formed, for example, by a through-hole. The input / output circuits 3b and the connecting wiring 3a are electrically connected via the connecting portion 3c. The input / output circuits 3b transmit and receive radio waves to and from the external port 6 of the antenna device 1. Furthermore, the input / output circuits 3b function similarly to the input / output portion 3 of the MMIC 2 in the first embodiment.

[0277] The other structures are the same as those of the first embodiment. The antenna device 1 of this embodiment can obtain the same or equivalent effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0278] In addition, although this embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, this embodiment may be combined with any of the second to sixth embodiments described above.

[0279] (Tenth embodiment)

[0280] Next, refer to Figure 41The tenth embodiment will now be described. This embodiment differs from the ninth embodiment in that the spacer 5 is not provided. Otherwise, it is identical to the ninth embodiment. Therefore, this embodiment will primarily describe the differences from the ninth embodiment, and descriptions of the same parts as the ninth embodiment may be omitted.

[0281] like Figure 41 As shown, in this embodiment, the spacer 5 of the ninth embodiment is not provided. In this embodiment, the antenna device 1 is arranged such that the first block BC1 contacts one surface 4a of the electrical substrate 4 without the spacer 5 interposed therebetween. Furthermore, the MMIC 2 is mounted on the other surface 4b of the electrical substrate 4.

[0282] Furthermore, input / output circuits 3b are formed on one side 4a of the electrical substrate 4, and connecting wiring 3a is formed on the other side 4b of the electrical substrate 4. Furthermore, the electrical substrate 4 is provided with a connecting portion 3c that passes through the electrical substrate 4 and electrically connects the connecting wiring 3a to the input / output circuits 3b. The connecting portion 3c is formed, for example, of a through-hole. The input / output circuits 3b and the connecting wiring 3a are electrically connected via the connecting portion 3c.

[0283] The other structures are the same as those of the ninth embodiment. The antenna device 1 of this embodiment can obtain the same or equivalent effects as those of the ninth embodiment.

[0284] (Eleventh embodiment)

[0285] Next, refer to Figure 42 The eleventh embodiment will now be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the MMIC 2 is mounted on one surface 4a of the electrical substrate 4 and includes connection wiring 3a and an input / output circuit 3b in place of the input / output unit 3. Otherwise, the embodiment is identical to the first embodiment. Therefore, this embodiment will primarily describe the differences from the first embodiment, and descriptions of the same parts as the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0286] like Figure 42 As shown, in the antenna device 1 of this embodiment, the MMIC 2 is mounted on one surface 4a of the electrical board 4, not on the other surface 4b. A plurality of spacers 5 are used to ensure a gap between the first block BC1 of the antenna device 1 and the one surface 4a of the electrical board 4 for positioning the MMIC 2. The MMIC 2 is positioned between the first block BC1 and the one surface 4a of the electrical board 4. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the electrical board 4 is provided with connection wiring 3a and input / output circuitry 3b, in place of the input / output section 3 of the MMIC 2. These connection wiring 3a and input / output circuitry 3b are formed from conductive wiring patterns formed on the electrical board 4.

[0287] Connecting wiring 3a is formed so as to extend from MMIC 2 along one surface 4a of electrical substrate 4. One end of connecting wiring 3a is electrically connected to a terminal of MMIC 2, and the other end is electrically connected to input / output circuit 3b. Input / output circuit 3b transmits and receives radio waves to external port 6 of antenna device 1. Input / output circuit 3b functions similarly to input / output section 3 of MMIC 2 in the first embodiment.

[0288] In this embodiment, the external port 6 is arranged to face the input / output circuit 3b. This allows radio waves to propagate between the external port 6 and the input / output circuit 3b. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the MMIC 2 is mounted on one surface 4a of the electrical substrate 4, so no through-substrate hole SH is formed in the electrical substrate 4.

[0289] The other structures are the same as those of the first embodiment. The antenna device 1 of this embodiment can obtain the same or equivalent effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0290] In addition, although this embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, this embodiment may be combined with any of the second to sixth embodiments described above.

[0291] (Other embodiments)

[0292] While the representative embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible, for example, as described below.

[0293] The MMIC 2 of the above embodiment transmits and receives radio waves, but this is an example, and the antenna device 1 may be applied to a device that transmits and receives radio waves using semiconductor devices other than the MMIC 2 .

[0294] In the above-described embodiment, the antenna device 1 is formed of a structure ST in which two blocks BC1 and BC2 are stacked in the stacking direction Dst. However, the antenna device 1 does not need to be formed of a structure ST having such a stacked structure.

[0295] In the above embodiment, an example is described in which the first waveguide portion 20 and the second waveguide portion 30 have equal dimensions in the tube axial direction Dax, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The first waveguide portion 20 and the second waveguide portion 30 may have different dimensions in the tube axial direction Dax, as long as the first connecting portion 21 and the second connecting portion 31 overlap in the tube axial direction Dax.

[0296] In the above embodiment, the first distribution portion 41 and the second distribution portion 42 have the same dimensions in the tube axial direction Dax, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The first distribution portion 41 and the second distribution portion 42 may have different dimensions in the tube axial direction Dax.

[0297] In the above-described embodiment, elements constituting the embodiment are, of course, not necessarily essential unless specifically stated as essential or unless clearly considered to be essential in principle.

[0298] In the above-mentioned embodiments, when referring to numerical values ​​such as the number, value, amount, and range of components of the embodiments, they are not limited to specific numbers except for cases where they are specifically stated to be necessary and cases where they are clearly limited to specific numbers in principle.

[0299] In the above-described embodiments, when the shapes, positional relationships, etc. of components are mentioned, they are not limited to the shapes, positional relationships, etc. unless otherwise specified or when they are limited to specific shapes, positional relationships, etc. in principle.

Claims

1. An antenna device, characterized in that: have: The plurality of waveguide tube sections each form a waveguide tube path serving as a propagation path for radio waves; a partition wall portion, disposed between the plurality of waveguide tube portions, and separating the plurality of waveguide tube portions; a plurality of radiation openings, respectively connected to the plurality of waveguide tubes, for radiating the radio waves; as well as a distribution unit having a feed opening for introducing the radio wave and forming a propagation path, namely, a distribution waveguide, for distributing the radio wave introduced from the feed opening to the plurality of waveguide paths; The plurality of waveguide tubes extend in a predetermined first direction, are arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and have a connection portion on one side of the first direction connected to the end of the distribution portion on the other side of the first direction, and the positions of the connection portions in the first direction overlap. The plurality of radiation openings are arranged so as to be offset from positions in the first direction of two radiation openings connected to two waveguide tubes adjacent to each other across the partition wall among the plurality of waveguide tubes. The distribution portion has the power supply opening in the second direction, and is formed by folding back from one side of the first direction to the other side in such a manner that the radio waves can be transmitted to the respective connecting portions of two waveguide tube portions adjacent to each other across the partition wall portion among the multiple waveguide tube portions, so that the phases of the radio waves transmitted to the respective connecting portions of the two waveguide tube portions are opposite to each other.

2. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein: When a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction, the plurality of waveguide tube portions each have a narrow wall surface extending along the first direction and the second direction and a wide wall surface extending along the first direction and the third direction. The narrow wall surface is formed so that the size in the second direction is smaller than the size in the third direction of the wide wall surface. The plurality of radiation openings are arranged on the narrow wall surface side of each of the plurality of waveguide tubes.

3. The antenna device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: When the distance in the first direction from the other end of the distribution portion in the first direction to the power supply opening is set as a first distance, and the distance in the first direction from the one end of the distribution portion in the first direction to the power supply opening is set as a second distance, The distribution unit sets the first distance and the second distance so that the phases of the radio waves propagating toward the respective connection portions of the two waveguide tubes are opposite to each other.

4. The antenna device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The end portion of the distribution portion on one side of the first direction includes: a first inclined surface facing the distribution waveguide and extending obliquely with respect to the first direction and the second direction so as to approach one side of the two waveguide tube portions as it moves from the other side of the first direction toward the one side; as well as a second inclined surface facing the distribution waveguide and extending obliquely with respect to the first direction and the second direction so as to approach the other side of the two waveguide tube portions as it moves from the other side of the first direction toward the one side; When the distance in the first direction from the end portion on the other side in the first direction of the distribution portion to the power supply opening is set as a first distance, the distance in the first direction from the end portion on one side in the first direction of the distribution portion to the power supply opening is set as a second distance, the distance from the end portion on one side in the first direction of the first inclined surface to the end portion on the other side is set as a third distance, and the distance from the end portion on one side in the first direction of the second inclined surface to the end portion on the other side is set as a fourth distance, The distribution unit sets the first distance, the second distance, the third distance, and the fourth distance so that the phases of the radio waves propagating toward the connection portions of the two waveguide paths are opposite to each other.

5. The antenna device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The plurality of radiation opening portions each include a communication port communicating with the plurality of waveguide tube portions and a radiation opening opening toward an external space, and are formed as a through hole whose inner diameter increases from the communication port toward the radiation opening.

6. The antenna device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The antenna device includes a power supply portion connected to the power supply opening to form a power supply path, and the power supply path forms a propagation path for propagating the radio wave to the distribution waveguide. The power supply portion is formed so that a portion thereof is bent with respect to the second direction.

7. The antenna device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The antenna device includes a choke slot for suppressing interference of the radio waves. The plurality of waveguide tube sections are formed by arranging a plurality of antenna sections, and the antenna section is configured to include two waveguide tube sections adjacent to each other with the partition wall section interposed therebetween. The choke slot is formed between the plurality of antenna portions arranged one after another.

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