Electromagnetic wave reflecting device, electromagnetic wave reflecting fence, method for installing electromagnetic wave reflecting device, and method for installing electromagnetic wave reflecting fence

Abstract

To provide an electromagnetic wave reflecting device that can be easily installed while maintaining electromagnetic wave reflection performance even in locations with poor surface flatness. [Solution] The electromagnetic wave reflecting device comprises a reflecting panel that reflects radio waves in a desired frequency band selected from the frequency band of 1 GHz to 170 GHz, a frame that holds the reflecting panel, and legs that support the frame, wherein the frame includes side frames that hold the side edges of the reflecting panel, and a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the reflecting panel is provided on at least one of the frame and the legs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electromagnetic wave reflection device, an electromagnetic wave reflection fence, a method for installing an electromagnetic wave reflection device, and a method for installing an electromagnetic wave reflection fence.

Background Art

[0002] Indoor base stations have been introduced in factories, plants, offices, commercial facilities, etc. due to the automation of manufacturing processes and office work and the introduction of control and management by AI (Artificial Intelligence). The 5G mobile communication standard provides a frequency band of 6 GHz or less called "sub-6" and a 28 GHz band classified as a millimeter wave band. In the next-generation 6G mobile communication standard, an expansion to the sub-terahertz band is expected. By using such a high-frequency band, the communication bandwidth is significantly expanded, and a large amount of data communication is performed with low latency.

[0003] A configuration has been proposed in which an electromagnetic wave reflection device is arranged along at least a part of a process line (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Millimeter-wave and subterahertz radio waves, due to their high frequency, have high directivity, short propagation distance, and high propagation loss. Indoor facilities such as factories, plants, and commercial buildings have various obstacles such as equipment and structures, making it difficult to maintain high communication quality. While electromagnetic wave reflectors can improve the radio wave propagation environment, the floors of factories and plants are not always level or flat. Even if the floors of factories and plants are flat at the time of construction, the paint will gradually peel off over time due to the type and thickness of the coating, the degree of surface preparation, and the effects of hot water, etc. Even if partial repairs are made, many areas with poor flatness can be found.

[0006] When installing electromagnetic wave reflectors in factories and other facilities, it is desirable that equipment engineers and contractors can easily assemble and install them according to the site layout. When the electromagnetic wave reflector also functions as a safety fence, it is desirable that the height of the electromagnetic wave reflecting surface be aligned, from the viewpoint of at least one of electromagnetic wave reflection performance and safety. One of the objectives of this invention is to provide an electromagnetic wave reflector that can be easily installed while maintaining electromagnetic wave reflection performance even in locations with poor surface flatness. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, the electromagnetic wave reflection device is A reflective panel that reflects radio waves in a desired frequency band selected from the 1GHz to 170GHz frequency band, A frame that holds the reflective panel, Legs that support the aforementioned frame, The frame and at least one of the legs are provided with a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the reflective panel. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] This will enable the realization of an electromagnetic wave reflecting device that can be easily installed while maintaining electromagnetic wave reflection performance, even in locations with poorly flat mounting surfaces. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing problems that may occur when the flatness of the installation surface is poor. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of an electromagnetic wave reflection fence formed by connecting multiple electromagnetic wave reflection devices. [Figure 3] This is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of the electromagnetic wave reflection device of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing an example of an adjuster used in the height adjustment mechanism. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing another example of an adjuster used in the height adjustment mechanism. [Figure 7] This is a diagram of cross-sections A and B at different height positions of the frame. [Figure 8A] This is a diagram of cross-sections A and B at different height positions of the frame of the modified example. [Figure 8B] This is a diagram of cross-sections A and B of the frame of another modified example. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram of the assembled electromagnetic wave reflection fence. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram of the electromagnetic wave reflection device of the second embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing cross-section C of Figure 10. <000007​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ [Figure 19] It is a diagram of the electromagnetic field simulation result of a process line using the electromagnetic wave reflection fence of an embodiment. [Figure 20] It is a diagram of the electromagnetic field simulation result of a process line using the electromagnetic wave reflection fence of a comparative example.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram more specifically showing problems that may occur when the flatness of the installation surface of an electromagnetic wave reflection device is poor. Consider a case where a plurality of reflection panels PNL that reflect electromagnetic waves in a predetermined frequency band are connected by a frame FRM and used as an electromagnetic wave reflection fence. When reflection panels PNL of the same specification are installed in a place with poor flatness, the height position at which the reflection panels PNL are held can change depending on the scaffolding position of the frame FRM that holds the reflection panels PNL. If the number of reflection panels is one or two, it may be possible to force the reflection panels PNL into the frame FRM and install them in a state where there are height variations on the installation surface P. However, when connecting a large number of reflection panels PNL, not only will the height positions of the reflection panels PNL become uneven, but depending on the inclination of the installation surface P, the reflection panels PNL may be held obliquely with respect to the frame FRM, making it difficult to keep the reflection potentials of adjacent reflection panels PNL uniform. [[ID=***]] [[ID=***]]

[0011] [[ID=***]] When the height deviation of the reflection panels PNL accumulates, as indicated by the arrow X, it becomes difficult to fit the reflection panels PNL into the frame FRM itself. Such problems can occur not only inside factories and plants but also when installing an electromagnetic wave reflection fence outdoors. Therefore, in the embodiment, an electromagnetic wave reflection device and an electromagnetic wave reflection fence that can be easily assembled and installed while maintaining electromagnetic wave reflection performance even in a place with poor flatness of the installation surface P are realized. [[ID=***]] [[ID=***]]

[0012] [[ID=***]] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an electromagnetic wave reflective fence 100 formed by connecting electromagnetic wave reflectors 10-1, 10-2, and 10-3. In the figure, the electromagnetic wave reflective fence 100 is constructed by connecting three electromagnetic wave reflectors 10-1, 10-2, and 10-3 (hereinafter, they may be collectively referred to as "electromagnetic wave reflectors 10" as appropriate), but there is no particular limit to the number of electromagnetic wave reflectors 10 that are connected.

[0013] The electromagnetic wave reflectors 10-1, 10-2, and 10-3 each have reflective panels 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3, respectively (hereinafter collectively referred to as "reflective panel 11" as appropriate). Each reflective panel 11 reflects electromagnetic waves having frequencies in the range of 1 GHz to 170 GHz, preferably 1 GHz to 100 GHz, and more preferably 1 GHz to 80 GHz. As described later, each reflective panel 11 has a conductive film as a reflective film, designed according to the desired reflection mode, frequency band, etc. The conductive film may be formed of a periodic pattern, a mesh pattern, a geometric pattern, a transparent film, etc. As an example, the density of the mesh constituting the conductive film and the period of the repeating pattern are designed to reflect electromagnetic waves in the range of 28 GHz ± 4 GHz.

[0014] Each of the reflective panels 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3 may have a specular surface where the angle of incidence and the angle of emission of electromagnetic waves are equal, or it may have a non-specular surface where the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection are different. Non-specular surfaces include diffusing surfaces and scattering surfaces, as well as metasurfaces, which are artificial reflective surfaces designed to reflect radio waves in a desired direction.

[0015] Each reflective panel 11 is supported by a frame 50 along its height and mounted on a mounting surface P (see Figure 1) by legs 55. In each of the electromagnetic wave reflectors 10-1, 10-2, and 10-3, a height adjustment mechanism H for adjusting the height position of the corresponding reflective panel 11 is provided on at least one of the frame 50 and the legs 55. The specific configuration of the height adjustment mechanism H will be described later.

[0016] Figure 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view along the line III-III in Figure 2. The horizontal cross-section along the line III-III is a view from above, cut across a plane horizontal to the mounting surface, of the frame 50 and the reflective panels 11-1 and 11-1 held by the frame 50. The frame 50 has a main body 501 made of a conductive material and slits 57-1 and 57-2 formed on both sides of the main body 501. Slit 57-1 holds the side edge of the reflective panel 11-1, and slit 57-2 holds the side edge of the reflective panel 11-2.

[0017] The reflective panels 11-1 and 11-2 each have, for example, a conductive film 115 and dielectric plates 111 and 112 sandwiching the conductive film 115. The main body 501 of the frame 50 electrically connects the reflective panels 11-1 and 11-2 such that the reflection potential generated in the conductive film 115 when electromagnetic waves are incident on the electromagnetic wave reflector 10 is continuous or substantially uniform between the reflective panels 11-1 and 11-2. A hollow 56 may be provided in the main body 501 of the frame 50 as long as the reflection potential between the reflective panels 11-1 and 11-2 is maintained substantially uniformly. "Substantially uniform" does not require that two adjacent reflective panels be at exactly the same potential level, but rather allows for potential fluctuations within an acceptable range due to manufacturing differences, etc.

[0018] The hollow section 56 does not communicate with either slit 57-1 or 57-2, and does not interfere with the electrical connection between the frame 50 and the reflective panels 11-1 and 11-2. By providing the hollow section 56 in the frame 50, the frame 50 can be made lighter.

[0019] In the example shown in Figure 3, the conductive film 115 extends from the side edges of the reflective panels 11-1 and 11-2 to the surface side of the dielectric plate 111 or 112, ensuring contact area with the main body 501 of the frame 50, but the example is not limited to this. If the reflection potential between adjacent reflective panels 11 is nearly uniform or continuous without interruption, it is not necessary to extend the conductive film 115 to the surface side. Instead of sandwiching the conductive film 115 between two dielectrics, the conductive film 115 may be formed on one surface of either the dielectric plate 111 or 112. In this case, a ground film may be formed on the other surface of the dielectric plate.

[0020] In this embodiment, the electromagnetic wave reflector 10 is provided with a height adjustment mechanism H (see Figure 1) to allow adjustment of the height of the reflective panel 11. By making the height of the reflective panel 11 adjustable, the electromagnetic wave reflector 10 can be assembled and installed simply and appropriately according to the conditions of the installation surface. When multiple electromagnetic wave reflectors 10 are connected to form an electromagnetic wave reflecting fence, the height positions of the multiple reflective panels can be aligned to maintain good reflection characteristics, and this is also advantageous in terms of appearance and safety. In the following embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for the same components to avoid redundant explanations.

[0021] <First Embodiment> Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the electromagnetic wave reflector 10A of the first embodiment. The height direction of the electromagnetic wave reflector 10A is the Z direction, the width direction (or connecting direction) is the X direction, and the thickness direction is the Y direction. The electromagnetic wave reflector 10A comprises a reflecting panel 11 that reflects radio waves in a desired band selected from the frequency band of 1 GHz to 170 GHz, a frame 50 that holds the reflecting panel 11, and legs 55 that support the frame 50. At least one of the frame 50 and the legs 55 has adjusters 52 and / or 60 that adjust the height of the reflecting panel 11. The adjusters 52 and 60 are examples of height adjustment mechanisms H.

[0022] Frame 50 holds two opposing sides of the reflective panel 11 along its height direction. The "height direction" of the reflective panel 11 refers to the Z direction perpendicular to the XY plane, which is the installation surface, when the electromagnetic wave reflector 10A is installed. In addition to frame 50, a top frame 15T that holds the upper end of the reflective panel 11 and a bottom frame 15B that holds the lower end may also be used. In this case, frame 50, top frame 15T, and bottom frame 15B constitute a frame that holds the entire circumference of the reflective panel 11.

[0023] Frame 50 may also be called a "side frame" in relation to the top frame 15T and bottom frame 15B. As explained with reference to Figure 3, the frame 50, which serves as a side frame, has a cross-sectional configuration that maintains the continuity of the reflection potential between adjacent reflective panels 11. By providing the top frame 15T and bottom frame 15B in addition to frame 50, mechanical strength and safety are ensured during the transport and assembly of the reflective panels 11. The top frame 15T and bottom frame 15B may have the same cross-sectional configuration as frame 50.

[0024] Adjusters 52 are provided, for example, at the corners between the side frame 50 and the top frame 15T, or at the corners between the frame 50 and the bottom frame 15B, to adjust the height position of the reflective panel 11. Adjusters 60 are provided, for example, on the legs 55, to adjust the height position of the reflective panel 11. Adjusters 60 provided on the legs 55 may have fixing holes 561 formed therein for fixing the adjuster 60 to the legs 55.

[0025] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the adjuster 52. The adjuster 52 is provided at the corner of the frame 50 and the top frame 15 and has a triangular bracket 527. Holes 521 and 522 are formed in the bracket 527. The adjuster 52 also includes a screw 525 inserted into hole 522, a slide bracket 524 that receives the screw 525, a screw 526 inserted into hole 521, and a slide bracket 523 having a screw hole that receives the screw 526. The slide bracket 524 is slidable vertically within a slit 57 formed in the frame 50. The slide bracket 523 is slidable within a slit 157 formed in the top frame 15T.

[0026] The reflective panel 11 is fixed to the top frame 15T with screws 526 and slide brackets 523. The height position of the reflective panel 11 fixed to the top frame 15T is adjusted with screws 525 and slide brackets 524. By using the adjuster 52 as a height adjustment mechanism, the height of the reflective surface of the electromagnetic wave reflector 10A can be set to a desired height according to the condition of the installation surface. When multiple electromagnetic wave reflectors 10A are connected to form an electromagnetic wave reflecting fence, the height positions between multiple reflective panels 11 can be aligned even if the installation surface of the electromagnetic wave reflecting fence is not flat.

[0027] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the adjuster 60. The adjuster 60 has an L-shaped bracket 61 that is attached to the leg portion 55 and the lower end of the frame 50. The bracket 61 has elongated holes 62 and 63 provided on the height direction (Z direction) surface of the L-shape and a fixing hole 561 provided on the horizontal direction (X direction) surface of the L-shape. The adjuster 60 also includes a slide bracket 622 that receives a screw 621 inserted into the elongated hole 62 and a slide bracket 632 that receives a screw 631 inserted into the elongated hole 63. The slide brackets 622 and 632 are slidable vertically within a slit 57 formed in the frame 50.

[0028] By making the slide brackets 622 and 632 slidable in the height direction (Z direction) and fixing them with screws 621 and 631 at the desired height position, the lower end of the reflective panel 11 can be set to a predetermined height. Once the lower end position of the reflective panel 11 is determined, the upper end position of the reflective panel 11 is also determined, so the reflective panel 11 can be set to the desired height position. The number of sets of elongated holes and slide brackets that can slide in the Z direction is not limited to two. Depending on the dimensions and weight of the frame 50 and the reflective panel 11, there may be one elongated hole or three or more. The fixing holes 561 may be used when fixing the bracket 61 to the leg portion 55 (see Figure 4) with screws or the like.

[0029] Figure 7 shows cross-sections A and B of frame 50A at different height positions. Cross-section A in Figure 7(A) is a horizontal cross-section parallel to the XY plane when cut at height position A in Figure 4, and cross-section B in Figure 7(B) is a horizontal cross-section parallel to the XY plane when cut at height position B in Figure 4. Frame 50A, which is a side frame, may have different cross-sectional shapes at height position A where the height adjustment mechanism H (adjusters 52, 60, etc.) is provided, and at height position B where the reflective panel 11 is held. At the upper and lower ends of frame 50A, as shown in Figure 7(A), a hollow 56 is formed in the center of the main body 501, and slits 503-1 and 503-2, and grooves 58-1 and 58-2 communicating with slits 503-1 and 503-2, respectively, are formed on both sides of the hollow 56. Grooves 58-1 and 58-2 house adjusters 59-1 and 59-2, which function as height adjustment mechanisms H, so that they can slide in the Z direction.

[0030] On the other hand, in cross-section B, which holds the reflective panels 11-1 and 11-2, as shown in Figure 7(B), slits 57-1 and 57-2 are formed on both sides of the hollow 56 to receive the side ends of the reflective panels 11-1 and 11-2. In Figure 7(B), for illustrative purposes, the conductive film 115 (see Figure 3) formed on the reflective panels 11-1 and 11-2 is omitted. In reality, the reflective panels 11-1 and 11-2 are provided with a conductive film that reflects electromagnetic waves in a predetermined frequency band, and are electrically interconnected via the main body 501 of the frame 50A.

[0031] Figure 8A shows cross-sections A and B of the modified frame 50Ba at different height positions. Cross-sections A (A) and B (B) are horizontal cross-sections parallel to the XY plane when cut at height positions A and B in Figure 4. The main body 502 of frame 50Ba has the same horizontal cross-sectional structure at height position A, where the height adjustment mechanism H (adjusters 52, 60, etc.) is provided, and at height position B, which holds the reflective panel 11.

[0032] As shown in Figures 8A(A) and (B), the main body 502 of the frame 50Ba has slits 503-1 and 503-2 on both sides of the hollow 56, and grooves 58-1 and 58-2 that communicate with these slits 503-1 and 503-2, respectively. In Figure 8A(A), grooves 58-1 and 58-2 house adjusters 59-1 and 59-2, which are height adjustment mechanisms H, so that they can slide in the Z direction. In Figure 8A(B), grooves 58-1 and 58-2 house the side ends of reflective panels 11-1 and 11-2 that are inserted from the slits 503-1 and 503-2. Since the frame 50Ba has the same cross-sectional shape in the Z direction, mold making and extrusion molding are easy, and manufacturing costs can be reduced. Furthermore, since the volumes of grooves 58-1 and 58-2 are larger than those of slits 57-1 and 57-2 in Figure 7, the frame 50B can be made even lighter.

[0033] Figure 8B shows cross-sections A and B of frame 50Bb, which is another modified example. Like frame 50Ba, frame 50Bb has the same horizontal cross-sectional structure in cross-sections A and B, which are at different height positions. A hollow 56 is provided in the center of the main body 506 of frame 50Bb, and on both sides of the hollow 56 are slits 503-1 and 503-2 and grooves 580-1 and 580-2 that communicate with these slits 503-1 and 503-2. Grooves 580-1 and 580-2 each have recesses 581-1 and 581-2 that face the hollow 56. Grooves 580-1 and 580-2, which contain the recesses 581-1 and 581-2 respectively, do not communicate with the hollow 56. This configuration also results in a uniform frame structure, making mold manufacturing and extrusion molding easier. Furthermore, at position B in the height direction, the ends of the reflective panel 11 inserted through slits 503-1 and 503-2 can be received by recesses 581-1 and 581-2, thus stabilizing the holding state of the reflective panel 11. The grooves 580-1 and 580-2 that accommodate the reflective panels 11-1 and 11-2 can also be used to fix the reflective panel 11 by inserting parts such as bolts and nuts.

[0034] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the assembled electromagnetic wave reflective fence 100A. In this example, four electromagnetic wave reflectors 10A-1, 10A-2, 10A-3, and 10A-4 are connected in the X direction. The electromagnetic wave reflective fence 100A is installed on an uneven surface P, but the height positions of the reflective panels 11-1, 11-2, 11-3, and 11-4 are aligned using adjusters 52. Needless to say, adjusters 60 may be used instead of adjusters 52, or in conjunction with adjusters 52. By aligning the height positions of the multiple reflective panels 11-1, 11-2, 11-3, and 11-4, the reflective characteristics of the electromagnetic wave reflective fence 100A are maintained, and it functions as a safety fence of a constant height.

[0035] <Second Embodiment> Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of an electromagnetic wave reflector 10B according to a second embodiment. The electromagnetic wave reflector 10B comprises a reflecting panel 11 that reflects radio waves in a desired frequency band selected from the frequency band of 1 GHz to 170 GHz, a frame 50 that holds the reflecting panel 11, and legs 55B that support the frame 50. In the electromagnetic wave reflector 10B, a rail 70 is provided on the legs 55B as a height adjustment mechanism to adjust the relative height of the reflecting panel 11 with respect to the installation surface. The shape and configuration of the rail 70 are not particularly limited as long as it can hold the legs 55B of the electromagnetic wave reflector 10B. As an example, a U-shaped joiner can be used as the rail 70.

[0036] The side edges of the reflective panel 11 along the height direction are held by the side frame, which is frame 50. The horizontal cross section cut along the BB line may be the same as, for example, the B cross section of frame 50A shown in Figure 7(B). The upper end of the reflective panel 11 may be held by the top frame 15T, and the lower end may be held by the bottom frame 15B.

[0037] The legs 55B that support the frame 50 are slidably fitted with the rail 70 and fixed in place by screws 71. Since the rail 70 has a flat bottom surface 75, the electromagnetic wave reflector 10B can be stably installed even when placed on an uneven surface. The height position of the reflecting panel 11 is fixed with respect to the rail 70, but the height position relative to the unevenness of the installation surface is adjusted by the rail 70. In this sense, the rail 70 also functions as a height adjustment mechanism.

[0038] Figure 11 shows section C of Figure 10. Section C is a horizontal cross-section of the leg portion 55B when cut at position CC by a plane parallel to the XY plane. The leg portion 55B has a main body 505. Since the leg portion 55B does not contribute to the electrical connection of the reflective panel 11, it can be formed from any material. The main body 505 is provided with a hollow 56, and on both sides of the hollow 56 are grooves 58-1 and 58-2 which communicate with slits 503-1 and 503-2, respectively.

[0039] The main body 505 of the leg portion 55B also has a hole 551 that communicates with the hollow 56 in the Y direction. The rail 70 has a hole 701 formed at a predetermined position, and the electromagnetic wave reflector 10B can be fixed to the rail 70 at a predetermined height by aligning the hole 551 of the leg portion 55B with the hole 701 of the rail 70 and fixing it with a screw 71. The leg portion 55B and the main body of the frame 50 may be formed integrally. In this case, the leg portion 55B is made of the same material as the frame 50, and a hole 551 communicating with the hollow 56 is provided at a predetermined position in the leg portion 55B. This configuration is advantageous in terms of manufacturing cost.

[0040] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the assembled electromagnetic wave reflective fence 200. In this example, four electromagnetic wave reflectors 10B-1, 10B-2, 10B-3, and 10B-4 are connected in the X direction. The electromagnetic wave reflective fence 200 is installed on an uneven surface P, but the legs 55B of the electromagnetic wave reflectors 10B-1, 10B-2, 10B-3, and 10B-4 are fixed to a flat rail 70, and the height positions of the reflector panels 11-1, 11-2, 11-3, and 11-4 are aligned. If a gap occurs between the installation surface P and the rail 70, spacers or fillers such as foamed urethane may be inserted to fill the gap. This stabilizes the rail 70 and improves the stability of the installation of the electromagnetic wave reflective fence 200.

[0041] <Third Embodiment> Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the electromagnetic wave reflector 10C according to the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, a height adjustment mechanism 80 is provided at the corner between the frame 50C and the top frame 15T. The electromagnetic wave reflector 10C comprises a reflective panel 11 that reflects radio waves in a desired band selected from the frequency band of 1 GHz to 170 GHz, a frame 50C that holds the reflective panel 11, and legs 55 that support the frame 50C. The lower end of the reflective panel 11 may be held by the bottom frame 15B.

[0042] A height adjustment mechanism 80 may be provided at the corners of frame 50C and top frame 15T, or at the corners of frame 50C and bottom frame 15B, in addition to the corners of frame 50C and top frame 15T. Holes 151 are formed at the upper end of frame 50C and top frame 15T, and / or at the lower end of frame 50C and bottom frame 15B. The holes 151, together with the T-shaped adjuster 81 described later, embody the height adjustment mechanism 80.

[0043] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the height adjustment mechanism 80. The height adjustment mechanism 80 includes a T-shaped adjuster 81. The T-shaped adjuster 81 has elongated holes 811, 812, 813, and 814. In the example shown, the T-shaped adjuster 81 is attached to the upper end of the frame 50C and to the top frames 15T on both sides of the frame 50C by screws 82, 83, 84, and 85. The T-shaped adjuster 81 is fixed so that the positions of the elongated holes 811, 812, 813, and 814 correspond to holes 151 (see Figure 13) formed in the frame 50C and the top frames 15T. The internal configuration of the frame 50C that holds the reflective panel 11 may be the same as the horizontal cross-section of the frame 50 shown in Figure 3. The gap between the frame 50C and the top frames 15T may be filled by inserting spacers or fillers such as foamed urethane.

[0044] When multiple electromagnetic wave reflectors 10C are connected to install an electromagnetic wave reflecting fence on an uneven surface, the elongated holes 811, 812, 813, and 814 are used to hold the reflecting panels 11 so that the heights of adjacent reflecting panels 11 are aligned as much as possible, regardless of the height differences of the legs 55. This allows the electromagnetic wave reflecting fence to be easily assembled and installed while maintaining its reflective properties according to the conditions of the installation surface.

[0045] <Application to process lines> Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of a process line 150 to which an electromagnetic wave reflection fence 100 is applied. The coordinates of the lower left corner are (0,0,0). In a process line 150 that assembles automobiles, home appliances, machinery, etc., multiple production devices 110, such as robot arms, are arranged within the process line 150, and assembly parts 120 move between the production devices 110. The production devices 110 are equipped with communication devices and transmit and receive wireless signals with a transmitting station Tx installed near the process line 150. The transmitting station Tx and the production devices 110 transmit and receive signals at a desired frequency selected from a frequency band of, for example, 24 GHz or higher and 32 GHz or lower.

[0046] Within the facility where the process line 150 is installed, there are structures such as columns 130, shelves, and racks. The radio signal transmitted from the transmitting station Tx is reflected or scattered by structures such as columns 130 and production equipment 110. The reception quality deteriorates as the distance from the transmitting antenna of the transmitting station Tx increases. As shown in Figure 15, the communication environment of the process line 150 is improved by installing an electromagnetic wave reflection fence 100 along the process line 150.

[0047] To reliably deliver signals to the production equipment 110 within the process line 150, it is desirable that the heights of the electromagnetic wave reflection fences 100 be somewhat uniform. If the heights of the electromagnetic wave reflection fences 100 vary from place to place, the reflection characteristics into the process line 150 may vary. The reflection characteristics of the electromagnetic wave reflection fences 100 will be confirmed by simulation.

[0048] Figure 16 shows the specifications of the process line 150 used in the simulation. The process line 150 is installed along the longitudinal direction (X direction) in a portion of a 70m x 35m floor. The floor, walls, and ceiling are made of concrete, and the ceiling height is 10m. There are 1m x 1m x 10m columns 130 within the facility. A metal robotic arm and a metal vehicle frame are present within the process line 150.

[0049] An electromagnetic wave reflective fence 100 is used as a reflector. The electromagnetic wave reflective fence 100 consists of 40 electromagnetic wave reflectors 10, each having a reflective panel 11 with a width of 1 m and a height of 2 m, connected on one side. This electromagnetic wave reflective fence is installed on both sides of the process line 150. The length of the reflector in the X direction is 40 m, and the transmitting station Tx is installed 10 m away from the end of the reflector. The transmitting antenna used in transmitting station Tx is a directional antenna with a beam width of 17° and a maximum gain of 20 dBi. The transmitting antenna is positioned at a height of 3.0 m. The receiver Rx can take on all coordinate positions in the XY plane to measure the electromagnetic field strength distribution within the floor. The receiving antenna is an omnidirectional antenna with a maximum gain of 0 dBi and a height of 1.0 m.

[0050] Figure 17 shows models of an embodiment and a comparative example using a part of the model in Figure 16. Throughout the embodiment and comparative example, the size (width × height) of the reflective panel is 1m × 2m. As shown in Figure 17(A), the electromagnetic wave reflective fence 100 of the embodiment has a height of 2.4m from the floor to the top of the reflective panel 11, including the legs 55. In contrast, the reflector of the comparative example, as shown in Figure 17(B), has electromagnetic wave reflective devices 101 and 103 of different heights arranged alternately to create an uneven height.

[0051] Figure 18 shows models of electromagnetic wave reflectors with different heights used in the comparative example. The size of the reflective panel 11 used in electromagnetic wave reflector 101 is 1000 mm x 2000 mm, and the height of the lower edge of the reflective panel 11 is 650 mm. The size of the reflective panel 13 used in electromagnetic wave reflector 103 is 1000 mm x 2000 mm, and the height of the lower edge of the reflective panel 11 is 150 mm. There is a height difference of 50 cm between electromagnetic wave reflectors 101 and 103. In actual installations such as factories, height differences of 1 cm to 5 cm are common, but a height difference of 50 cm is provided to make the difference in electromagnetic field strength distribution visible.

[0052] Figure 19 shows the electromagnetic field simulation results for the embodiment. Figure 20 shows the electromagnetic field simulation results for the comparative example. In the embodiment shown in Figure 19, the total area is 60 m².2 An electromagnetic wave reflective fence 100 (30 panels on each side) consisting of 30 connected 1m x 2m reflective panels 11 is placed on both sides of the process line with the specifications shown in Figure 16, and the in-plane distribution of the received intensity of electromagnetic waves transmitted at a frequency of 28.3 GHz is obtained. Based on the results in Figure 19, the sum of the received intensity within the process line 150 is calculated to be -58454 dBm.

[0053] In the comparison example in Figure 20, the total area is 60m², with some areas having a height difference of 50cm. 2 An electromagnetic wave reflective fence (30 panels on each side) consisting of 30 interconnected 2m x 1m reflective panels 11 is placed on both sides of the process line with the specifications shown in Figure 16, and the in-plane distribution of the received intensity of electromagnetic waves transmitted at a frequency of 28.3 GHz is obtained. Based on the results in Figure 20, the sum of the received intensity within the process line 150 is calculated to be -58795 dBm. This confirms that the received intensity is reduced compared to when using the electromagnetic wave reflective fence 100 of constant height shown in Figure 19.

[0054] Even if the height difference of the installation surface P is 5 to 10 cm, it is thought that as the length of the process line 150 increases, it will affect the sum of the received intensity within the process line 150. In the embodiment, the height of the reflective panel 11 can be adjusted despite the unevenness of the installation surface P, so the height of the reflective panel 11 can be made to be as close to a constant as possible. When the electromagnetic wave reflective fence 100, or 100A or 200, is also used as a safety barrier, the height of the safety barriers is made uniform, resulting in uniform safety.

[0055] The electromagnetic wave reflectors 10, 10A, 10B, and 10C of the embodiment, and the electromagnetic wave reflecting fences 100, 100A, and 200, are easy to transport, assemble, and install on site. Each electromagnetic wave reflector may be transported separately, with the reflecting panel 11, the frame 50 as a side frame, the top frame 15T, the bottom frame 15B, and the legs 55, or it may be transported with the top frame 15T and bottom frame 15B attached to the upper and lower ends of the reflecting panel 11. Alternatively, it may be transported with the frame 50 attached to one side end. In these cases, the remaining parts can be assembled at the installation site. The height position of the reflecting panel 11 can also be easily adjusted on site according to the condition of the installation surface.

[0056] The method for installing the electromagnetic wave reflector involves (a) assembling the electromagnetic wave reflector by supporting a reflective panel 11 that reflects radio waves in a desired frequency band selected from the 1GHz to 170GHz frequency band with a frame, (b) installing the electromagnetic wave reflector on the installation surface, and (c) adjusting the height position of the reflective panel 11 relative to the installation surface using a height adjustment mechanism provided on the electromagnetic wave reflector.

[0057] The method for installing an electromagnetic wave reflective fence involves (a) assembling an electromagnetic wave reflective fence that reflects radio waves in a desired frequency band selected from the 1GHz to 170GHz range by connecting a first electromagnetic wave reflecting device having a first reflecting panel and a second electromagnetic wave reflecting device having a second reflecting panel with a frame, (b) installing the electromagnetic wave reflective fence on the installation surface, and (c) adjusting the height positions of the first and second reflecting panels relative to the installation surface using a height adjustment mechanism provided on the first or second electromagnetic wave reflecting device. With this method for installing electromagnetic wave reflecting devices and electromagnetic wave reflective fences, the height can be easily adjusted according to the condition of the installation surface, even if the flatness of the installation surface is poor.

[0058] Although the present invention has been described above based on specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described configurations. The hollow 56 provided in the frame 50 (or 50A to 50C) is not essential, and the hollow may not be provided if a lightweight conductive material is used. When using rails 70 as a height adjustment mechanism to keep the height of the reflective panel constant, hat joiners with a convex center may be used for the rails instead of U-shaped joiners. In this case, the leg portion 55B may have a horizontal cross-sectional shape that fits on both sides of the convex portion of the rail 70. A step-type gradual height adjustment mechanism may be used instead of continuous height adjustment using elongated holes.

[0059] The size (width x height) of the reflective panel 11 of the electromagnetic wave reflector 10 (or 10A to 10C) is not limited to 1m x 2m, but can be appropriately selected within the range of 30cm x 30cm to 3m x 3m. As the size of the reflective panel 11 increases, the effects of height fluctuations become more apparent, making height adjustment in the embodiment more effective. When multiple reflective panels 11 are connected and used as an electromagnetic wave reflecting fence, the frame 50 (or 50A to 50C) can be used to align the upper end positions of the reflective panels while maintaining continuity of the reflected potential between adjacent reflective panels 11. The electromagnetic wave reflector and electromagnetic wave reflecting fence of the embodiment can be effectively used not only in process lines, but also in indoor and outdoor event facilities where many exhibits and queues of people tend to form, and in offices with many electronic devices. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 10, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10A, 10B, 10C Electromagnetic wave reflector 11, 11-1, 11-2, 11-3, 11-4 Reflective Panels 15B Bottom Frame 15T Top Frame 50, 50A, 50Ba, 50Bb, 50C Frame (Side Frame) 52, 59-1, 59-2, 60 Adjuster 55, 55B Legs 56 Hollow 57-1, 57-2, 503-1, 503-2 Slit 58-1, 58-2, 580-1, 580-2 groove 60 Adjuster 61 brackets 62, 63, 811, 812, 813, 814 Slotted holes 70 rails 71, 82, 83, 84, 85 screws 701 Hole 80 Height adjustment mechanism 81 T-shaped adjuster 100, 100A, 200 Electromagnetic Wave Reflecting Fence 111, 112 Dielectric Plate 115 Conductive film 110 Production equipment 120 Assembly Parts 150 process lines 501, 502 Main Unit 527 Bracket 561 Fixed hole H Height adjustment mechanism Tx transmitting station

Claims

1. A reflective panel that reflects radio waves in a desired frequency band selected from the 1 GHz to 170 GHz frequency band, A frame that holds the reflective panel, The frame is supported by legs, The frame includes side frames that hold the side edges of the reflective panel, An electromagnetic wave reflecting device wherein at least one of the frame and the legs is provided with a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the reflecting panel.

2. The electromagnetic wave reflecting device according to claim 1, wherein the reflecting panel has a specular reflective surface where the angle of incidence and the angle of emission of the radio waves are equal, or a non-specular reflective surface where the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection are different.

3. The electromagnetic wave reflecting device according to claim 2, wherein the non-mirrored reflective surface includes an artificial reflective surface designed to reflect the radio waves in a desired direction.

4. The electromagnetic wave reflecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reflecting panel reflects electromagnetic waves in the frequency band of 28 GHz ± 4 GHz.

5. The electromagnetic wave reflecting device according to claim 4, wherein the reflective panel has a conductive film or transparent film having a periodic pattern, a mesh pattern, or a geometric pattern as a reflective film.

6. The electromagnetic wave reflecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the side frame has a slit for receiving the side end of the reflecting panel and a hollow space that does not communicate with the slit.

7. An electromagnetic wave reflecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, satisfying either (1) or (2) below. (1) The height adjustment mechanism comprises a bracket attached to the leg portion and the lower end of the frame, and a slide bracket, The bracket has an elongated hole provided on the surface in the height direction, The slide bracket receives a screw inserted into the elongated hole and is slidable in the height direction. (2) The height adjustment mechanism is a rail that fits with the leg portion, The leg portion is slidably fitted onto the rail and fixed at a predetermined position along the length of the rail.

8. An electromagnetic wave reflective fence comprising a plurality of electromagnetic wave reflective devices according to any one of claims 1 to 7, connected in the width direction of the reflective panel, The height positions of the multiple reflective panels are aligned by the height adjustment mechanism. Electromagnetic wave reflective fence.

9. A reflective panel that reflects radio waves in a desired frequency band selected from the 1 GHz to 170 GHz frequency band, a frame that holds the reflective panel, and legs that support the frame are transported separately. The electromagnetic wave reflecting device is assembled by connecting the reflective panel, the frame, and the legs. A height adjustment mechanism is provided on at least one of the frame and the legs to adjust the height position of the reflective panel relative to the installation surface. Installation method for electromagnetic wave reflecting devices.

10. A first reflective panel and a second reflective panel that reflect radio waves in a desired frequency band selected from the frequency band of 1 GHz to 170 GHz, a frame connecting the first reflective panel and the second reflective panel, and legs supporting the frame are transported separately. The first reflective panel, the second reflective panel, the frame, and the legs are connected to assemble the electromagnetic wave reflective fence. A method for installing an electromagnetic wave reflective fence, comprising adjusting the height positions of the first reflective panel and the second reflective panel with respect to the installation surface using a height adjustment mechanism provided on at least one of the frame and the legs.

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