Access point equipment and wireless communication system

Abstract

To provide an access point device that can easily and efficiently secure a communication environment. [Solution] The access point device is used as a wireless communication device. The access point device comprises a housing, a hub located inside the housing, and an antenna located outside the housing. The housing is provided with an opening for a communication cable, which allows a communication cable connected to the hub to be routed to the outside of the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an access point device and a wireless communication system.

Background Art

[0002] Communication equipment used when communicating in a tunnel is disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The communication equipment disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used in the extension work of a power cable in which a plurality of workers sequentially feed a power cable shorter than the tunnel into the tunnel and lay it.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] [[ID=!!!]]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There may be a case where a power cable for supplying power to a remote location is laid in a tunnel. For such a power cable laying work, a motor roller (equipment for laying a power cable) installed in the tunnel is used. When transporting the power cable by the motor roller, it is necessary for the worker to monitor whether the power cable is being transported without problems. If a problem occurs during the transportation of the power cable while the worker is monitoring, the workers communicate with each other and give instructions to stop the work. Conventionally, a wired landline phone installed in the tunnel has been used for communication between workers. Such a wired landline phone was installed every several tens of meters in the tunnel. When a worker found a problem during the power cable laying work, the worker had to go to the location where the landline phone was installed and make a call to communicate.

[0005] It should be noted that there seems to be an incorrect tag "!!!" in the original text at line 21 which is maintained as is in the translation. If this is an error, it may need to be corrected in the original source.However, with this method of communication, if a worker discovers a problem far from the location of the landline phone, they cannot contact the relevant party immediately. In addition to this problem of responsiveness, it also requires excessive effort to travel to the location of the landline phone. Therefore, this method of communication was inefficient. Furthermore, due to the narrow and winding nature of the tunnel, radio waves have difficulty penetrating. Therefore, securing a communication environment is required from the perspective of maintaining means of communication within the tunnel. Moreover, tunnels often have high humidity environments, raising concerns about the impact on electronic equipment.

[0006] Therefore, one of the objectives is to provide an access point device that can easily and efficiently secure a communication environment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An access point device in accordance with this disclosure is used as a wireless communication device. The access point device comprises a housing, a hub located inside the housing, and an antenna located outside the housing. The housing is provided with a communication cable opening that allows a communication cable connected to the hub to be routed outside the housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] Such access point devices make it easy to secure an efficient communication environment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the external appearance of the access point device. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the internal structure of the access point device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the access point device installed inside the tunnel. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the access point device installed inside the tunnel. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of a wireless communication system used when laying power cables inside a tunnel. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a wireless communication system used when laying power cables inside a tunnel. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] (1) The access point device relating to this disclosure is used as a wireless communication device. The access point device comprises a housing, a hub located inside the housing, and an antenna located outside the housing. The housing is provided with an opening for a communication cable, through which a communication cable connected to the hub can be routed to the outside of the housing.

[0011] The access point device according to this disclosure includes a hub, allowing a wired communication cable to be connected to the hub, thereby ensuring a communication environment. In some cases, the access point device may be installed, for example, inside a tunnel. Tunnels are often highly humid. In this case, since the hub is located inside the enclosure, it is easy to keep the electronic device, the hub, separate from the high-humidity environment. The enclosure is provided with an opening for communication cables, allowing the hub to be routed through, thus ensuring a connection using a communication cable while avoiding exposure to external environments such as high humidity. Furthermore, tunnels may have numerous existing lines, potentially generating a lot of noise that negatively impacts the electronic device, the hub. Even in such cases, the presence of the hub inside the enclosure reduces the impact of noise. Additionally, since the antenna is located outside the enclosure, it can efficiently transmit and receive radio waves. Therefore, the access point device according to this disclosure makes it easy to ensure an efficient communication environment.

[0012] (2) In (1) above, the angle of the antenna may be variable. By doing so, for example, when installing an access point device inside a tunnel, the angle of the antenna can be changed according to the shape of the tunnel. Therefore, the angle of the antenna can be adjusted to ensure more reliable transmission and reception of radio waves, making it easier to secure an efficient communication environment.

[0013] (3) In (1) or (2) above, the antenna may include a planar antenna. Such an antenna can greatly reduce the risk of collapse when the antenna is installed and is also good from a safety standpoint.

[0014] (4) In any of (1) to (3) above, the antenna may be rotatable about a first axis of rotation. By doing so, the angle of the antenna can be changed by rotating the antenna about the first axis of rotation. Therefore, it becomes easy to flexibly change the orientation of the antenna to match the shape of the tunnel.

[0015] (5) In any of (1) to (4) above, the antenna may be rotatable around a first axis of rotation and a second axis of rotation extending in a direction intersecting the first axis of rotation. By doing so, the angle of the antenna can be changed over a wider range by rotating it around the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation. Therefore, it becomes easier to change the orientation of the antenna more flexibly to match the shape of the tunnel.

[0016] (6) In any of (1) to (3) above, the antenna may be rotatable by a ball joint. By doing so, the angle of the antenna can be changed to a desired direction using the ball joint. Therefore, it becomes easier to change the direction of the antenna more flexibly to match the shape of the tunnel.

[0017] (7) In any of the above (1) to (6), the hub may be detachably provided on the housing. By doing so, the replacement of the hub becomes easy. Also, it is possible to attach the housing with the hub removed, and then attach the hub after the housing is attached. Therefore, the convenience during the installation of the access point device can be improved.

[0018] (8) In any of the above (1) to (7), the housing may further include a battery disposed inside the housing for supplying power to the hub. By doing so, power can be supplied to the hub inside the housing, so there is no need to supply power to the hub from outside the access point device. Therefore, the cable for power supply extending from the housing to the outside can be omitted, and the device configuration of the access point device can be simplified.

[0019] (9) In the above (8), the battery may be detachably provided on the housing. By doing so, the replacement of the battery becomes easy. Also, it is possible to attach the housing with the battery removed, and then attach the battery after the housing is attached. Therefore, the convenience during the installation of the access point device can be improved.

[0020] (10) In any of the above (1) to (9), the housing may further include a desiccant disposed inside the housing. For example, when the access point device is installed in a tunnel, the air circulation in the tunnel is poor, so there is a high tendency for high humidity. However, by doing so, the possibility of the humidity inside the housing rising can be reduced. Therefore, the possibility of the metal members disposed inside the housing rusting can be reduced, and the possibility of electric leakage can be reduced.

[0021] (11) In any of the above (1) to (10), multiple antennas may be provided. By doing so, radio waves can be transmitted and received efficiently using multiple antennas. Therefore, a more reliable and efficient communication environment can be ensured.

[0022] (12) In (11) above, the antenna may include a first-direction transmitting antenna capable of transmitting radio waves in a first direction, and a second-direction transmitting antenna capable of transmitting radio waves in a second direction which is different from the first direction. In this way, radio waves can be transmitted in both the first and second directions by using the first-direction transmitting antenna and the second-direction transmitting antenna. Therefore, an efficient communication environment can be ensured by using the first-direction transmitting antenna and the second-direction transmitting antenna.

[0023] (13) In any of the above (1) to (12), a frame may be further provided which is attached to the outside of the housing. This makes it easy to attach the housing to a desired position using the frame. In particular, when installing an access point device inside a tunnel, it is easy to attach the housing to the ceiling or side wall of the tunnel using the frame.

[0024] (14) In (13) above, the antenna may be attached to the frame. By doing so, the antenna can be fixed to the frame attached to the outside of the housing. Therefore, it becomes easier to stabilize the position of the antenna.

[0025] (15) In any of the above (1) to (14), the enclosure may be in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. Such an enclosure has a relatively simple shape, making it easy to improve productivity, handling, and mounting.

[0026] (16) In any of the above (1) to (15), a wireless communication device may be further provided which is located inside the enclosure. By doing so, wireless communication between the access point device and the outside becomes possible using the wireless communication device. Therefore, convenience can be improved.

[0027] (17) In (16) above, the wireless communication device and the antenna may be connected by a cable through an antenna opening provided in the housing. By doing so, the electrical connection between the wireless communication device and the antenna can be secured using the cable, enabling wireless communication between the antenna and the outside. Therefore, the condition of the antenna, such as malfunctions, can be easily grasped from the outside through wireless communication, thereby improving convenience.

[0028] (18) In any of (1) to (17) above, the housing may include a box body provided with an opening for communication cables and an opening for inserting components, and a lid body that closes the opening for inserting components. In this way, communication cables can be pulled out from inside the box body to the outside using the opening for communication cables provided in the box body. In addition, after placing electronic devices such as hubs and batteries inside the box body using the opening for inserting components, the opening for inserting components can be closed with the lid body. Therefore, the airtightness of the housing can be maintained to a high degree.

[0029] (19) In any of (1) to (18) above, the housing may include a hub support plate. The hub may be attached to the hub support plate. By doing so, the hub can be attached to the hub support plate and held stably within the housing.

[0030] (20) In (16) above, the housing may include a support plate for the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device may be attached to the support plate for the wireless communication device. By doing so, the wireless communication device can be attached to the support plate for the wireless communication device and held stably within the housing.

[0031] (21) In any of (1) to (20) above, the housing may include a bottom plate. The opening for the communication cable may be provided in the bottom plate. By doing so, the housing can be mounted so that the bottom plate is positioned vertically downward, making it easy to pull the communication cable vertically downward through the opening for the communication cable. Therefore, the efficiency of routing the communication cable can be improved.

[0032] (22) In any of (1) to (21) above, the housing may include a hub support plate for supporting the hub and a bottom plate with an opening for communication cables. The hub support plate may be provided at a distance from the bottom plate. This makes it easy to keep the hub attached to the hub support plate away from the bottom plate with the opening. Therefore, it is easy to reduce the influence of external environmental factors such as high humidity on the hub. Also, since the hub is attached to a hub support plate that is different from the bottom plate with the opening, a decrease in the rigidity of the hub support plate can be avoided. Therefore, the hub can be supported more stably.

[0033] (23) In (16) above, the housing may include a support plate for the wireless communication device that supports the wireless communication device, and a bottom plate provided with an opening for a communication cable. The support plate for the wireless communication device may be provided at a distance from the bottom plate. By doing so, it is easy to keep the wireless communication device attached to the support plate for the wireless communication device away from the bottom plate with the opening. Therefore, it is easy to reduce the influence of external environmental factors such as high humidity on the wireless communication device. In addition, since the wireless communication device is attached to a support plate for the wireless communication device that is different from the bottom plate with the opening, a decrease in the rigidity of the support plate for the wireless communication device can be avoided. Therefore, the wireless communication device can be supported more stably.

[0034] (24) In any of (1) to (23) above, the gap between the opening for the communication cable and the communication cable may be sealed. By doing so, the risk of outside air entering the inside of the housing through the gap between the opening for the communication cable and the communication cable can be greatly reduced. Therefore, it becomes easier to maintain a high level of waterproofness inside the housing.

[0035] (25) In (13) above, the frame may have an arm that protrudes outward. The antenna may be attached to the arm. By doing so, the transmission and reception of radio waves by the antenna can be performed efficiently. Therefore, a more efficient communication environment can be secured.

[0036] (26) In any of the above (1) to (25), the housing may be attached to the ceiling of the tunnel or the side wall of the tunnel. This ensures efficient transmission and reception of radio waves while making the access point device less susceptible to interference from other equipment and facilities in the tunnel. It also reduces the risk that the access point device may obstruct the passage of workers in the tunnel.

[0037] (27) In (13) above, the frame may be attached to the ceiling or side wall of the tunnel. By doing so, an access point device can be attached to the ceiling or side wall of the tunnel using the frame, ensuring an efficient communication environment while avoiding obstruction of the passage of workers inside the tunnel.

[0038] (28) The wireless communication system relating to this disclosure is a wireless communication system installed in a tunnel. The wireless communication system comprises a first access point device and a second access point device installed at a distance from the first access point device. The first access point device includes a first housing, a first hub located inside the first housing, and a first antenna located outside the first housing. The first housing is provided with a first communication cable opening from which a communication cable connected to the first hub can be routed to the outside of the first housing. The second access point device includes a second housing, a second hub located inside the second housing, and a second antenna located outside the second housing. The second housing is provided with a second communication cable opening from which a communication cable connected to the second hub can be routed to the outside of the second housing. The wireless communication system further comprises a communication cable. The communication cable connects the first hub and the second hub through the first communication cable opening and the second communication cable opening.

[0039] Such wireless communication systems can ensure an efficient communication environment.

[0040] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure] Next, embodiments of the access point device and wireless communication system relating to this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0041] (Embodiment 1) The configuration of the access point device in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure will now be described. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the external appearance of the access point (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as AP (Access Point)) device. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the internal structure of the AP device. Figures 3 and 4 are schematic perspective views showing the AP device installed in a tunnel. Figures 3 and 4 are views of the AP device from different angles, respectively.

[0042] Referring to Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, the AP device 11 includes a housing 12, a hub 13, a battery 14, antennas 15 and 16, a frame 17, and a wireless communication device 18. The housing 12 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Inside the housing 12 are the hub 13 used for communication and the battery 14 that supplies power. The hub 13 is detachably mounted in the housing 12. That is, the hub 13 can be placed inside the housing 12 or removed from the housing 12. The battery 14 supplies power to the hub 13. The battery 14 is detachably mounted in the housing 12. That is, the battery 14 can be placed inside the housing 12 or removed from the housing 12. The frame 17 is attached to the outside of the housing 12. The frame 17 has arms 19 that protrude outwards. The frame 17 is composed of a plurality of metal strip-shaped members. Furthermore, a desiccant 21, indicated by a dashed line, is also placed inside the housing 12. Examples of desiccant 21 include silica gel. The housing 12 is provided with a communication cable opening 23, which allows the communication cable 22 connected to the hub 13 to be routed to the outside of the housing 12. The specific configuration of the housing 12 will be described later.

[0043] In this embodiment, there are multiple antennas 15 and 16, specifically two. Antennas 15 and 16 include an antenna (first-direction transmitting antenna) 15 capable of transmitting radio waves in a first direction, and an antenna (second-direction transmitting antenna) 16 capable of transmitting radio waves in a second direction different from the first direction. Antennas 15 and 16 are each located outside the housing 12. Antennas 15 and 16 are each attached to a frame 17. Specifically, antennas 15 and 16 are each attached to an arm 19 formed on the frame 17. Antennas 15 and 16 are each planar antennas. The angles of antennas 15 and 16 are variable. Specifically, antennas 15 and 16 are each rotatable around a first rotation axis 24 and 25, which are virtually shown by the dashed lines in Figure 4. The angles of antennas 15 and 16 can be adjusted by changing their angles independently.

[0044] The housing 12 includes a box body 26 and a lid 27. The box body 26 is provided with an opening 23 for communication cables and an opening 28 for inserting components. The hub 13, battery 14, wireless communication device 18, etc. are placed inside the box body 26 using the opening 28 for inserting components. After inserting the hub 13, etc., into the box body 26, the opening 28 for inserting components is closed with the lid 27. The housing 12 includes a bottom plate 29. The bottom plate 29 is formed from a part of the box body 26. The bottom plate 29 is positioned vertically downward when the AP device 11 is installed. The bottom plate 29 is provided with an opening 23 for communication cables and an opening 31 for antennas. The wireless communication device 18 and antennas 15 and 16 are connected by a cable 32 via the antenna opening 31.

[0045] The housing 12 includes a hub support plate 33. The hub support plate 33 is flat. The hub 13 is attached to the hub support plate 33. Thus, the hub 13 is supported by the hub support plate 33. The hub support plate 33 also serves as a support plate for the wireless communication device. That is, the hub 13 and the wireless communication device 18 are attached to a single flat plate. Thus, the wireless communication device 18 is supported by the hub support plate 33, which also serves as a support plate for the wireless communication device. The hub support plate 33 is located inside the box body 26. The hub support plate 33, which also serves as a support plate for the wireless communication device, is provided at a distance from the bottom plate 29. The bottom plate 29 is also provided with a communication cable opening 23 that allows the communication cable 22 connected to the hub 13 to be routed to the outside of the housing 12, but the gap between the communication cable opening 23 and the communication cable 22 is sealed. Specifically, the communication cable 22 is pulled out of the housing 12 using the opening 23 for the communication cable, and then the gap is filled with a sealing material 34.

[0046] The access point device 11 described above includes a hub 13, allowing a wired communication cable 22 to be connected to the hub 13, thereby ensuring a communication environment. The access point device 11 may be installed, for example, inside a tunnel. Tunnels are often highly humid. In this case, since the hub 13 is located inside the housing 12, it is easy to keep the electronic device hub 13 away from the high-humidity environment. The housing 12 is provided with a communication cable opening 23 through which the communication cable 22 can be routed, thus ensuring a connection using the communication cable 22 while avoiding exposure of the hub 13 to external environments such as high humidity. Furthermore, tunnels may have numerous existing wires, potentially generating a lot of noise that could negatively affect the electronic device hub 13. Even in such cases, the hub 13 is located inside the housing 12, reducing the impact of noise. Additionally, the antennas 15 and 16 are located outside the housing 12, allowing for efficient transmission and reception of radio waves. Therefore, the access point device 11 described above makes it easy to ensure an efficient communication environment.

[0047] In this embodiment, the angles of antennas 15 and 16 are variable. Therefore, for example, when installing the access point device 11 inside a tunnel, the angles of antennas 15 and 16 can be changed according to the shape of the tunnel. Thus, the angles of antennas 15 and 16 can be adjusted to ensure more reliable transmission and reception of radio waves, making it easier to secure an efficient communication environment.

[0048] In this embodiment, antennas 15 and 16 are planar antennas. Such antennas can significantly reduce the risk of collapse when installed, and are therefore advantageous from a safety standpoint.

[0049] In this embodiment, the antennas 15 and 16 are rotatable around the first rotation axes 24 and 25. Therefore, the angle of the antennas 15 and 16 can be changed by rotating them around the first rotation axes 24 and 25. Consequently, it becomes easy to flexibly change the orientation of the antennas 15 and 16 to match the shape of the tunnel.

[0050] In this embodiment, the hub 13 is detachably mounted on the housing 12. Therefore, the hub 13 can be easily replaced. Furthermore, the housing 12 can be installed with the hub 13 removed, and then the hub 13 can be attached after the housing 12 has been installed. Thus, the convenience of installing the access point device 11 can be improved.

[0051] In this embodiment, a battery 14 is provided inside the housing 12 to supply power to the hub 13. Therefore, since power can be supplied to the hub 13 from inside the housing 12, there is no need to supply power to the hub 13 from outside the access point device 11. Consequently, the power supply cable extending from the housing 12 to the outside can be omitted, and the device configuration of the access point device 11 can be simplified.

[0052] In this embodiment, the battery 14 is detachably mounted on the housing 12. Therefore, the battery 14 can be easily replaced. Furthermore, the housing 12 can be installed with the battery 14 removed, and then the battery 14 can be attached after the housing 12 has been installed. Thus, the convenience of installing the access point device 11 can be improved.

[0053] In this embodiment, a desiccant 21 is provided inside the housing 12. For example, when the access point device 11 is installed in a tunnel, the air circulation inside the tunnel is poor, and humidity tends to be high. However, by doing this, the risk of humidity rising inside the housing 12 can be reduced. Therefore, the risk of metal components placed inside the housing 12 rusting and the risk of electrical leakage can be reduced.

[0054] In this embodiment, multiple antennas 15 and 16 are provided. Therefore, radio waves can be transmitted and received efficiently using multiple antennas 15 and 16. Consequently, a more reliable and efficient communication environment can be ensured.

[0055] In this embodiment, the antennas 15 and 16 include a first-direction transmitting antenna 15 capable of transmitting radio waves in a first direction, and a second-direction transmitting antenna 16 capable of transmitting radio waves in a second direction, which is different from the first direction. Therefore, by utilizing the first-direction transmitting antenna 15 and the second-direction transmitting antenna 16, radio waves can be transmitted in both the first and second directions. Thus, by utilizing the first-direction transmitting antenna 15 and the second-direction transmitting antenna 16, an efficient communication environment can be ensured.

[0056] In this embodiment, a frame 17 is provided that is attached to the outside of the housing 12. Therefore, it becomes easy to attach the housing 12 to a desired position using the frame 17. In particular, when the access point device 11 is installed inside a tunnel, it becomes easy to attach the housing 12 to the ceiling or side wall of the tunnel using the frame 17.

[0057] In this embodiment, the antennas 15 and 16 are attached to the frame 17. Therefore, the antennas 15 and 16 can be fixed to the frame 17 which is attached to the outside of the housing 12. Consequently, it becomes easy to stabilize the position of the antennas 15 and 16.

[0058] In this embodiment, the housing 12 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. A housing 12 with such a shape is relatively simple, making it easy to improve productivity, handling, and mounting.

[0059] In this embodiment, the access point device 11 includes a wireless communication device 18 located inside the housing 12. Therefore, wireless communication between the access point device 11 and the outside world is possible using the wireless communication device 18. Consequently, convenience can be improved.

[0060] In this embodiment, the wireless communication device 18 and the antennas 15 and 16 are connected by a cable 32 via an antenna opening 31 provided in the housing 12. Therefore, by using the cable 32, an electrical connection is ensured between the wireless communication device 18 and the antennas 15 and 16, enabling wireless communication between the antennas 15 and 16 and the outside. Consequently, the condition of the antennas 15 and 16, such as malfunctions, can be easily detected from the outside through wireless communication, thereby improving convenience.

[0061] In this embodiment, the housing 12 includes a box body 26 provided with an opening 23 for communication cables and an opening 28 for inserting components, and a lid 27 that closes the opening 28 for inserting components. Therefore, the communication cable 22 can be pulled out from inside the box body 26 to the outside of the box body 26 using the opening 23 for communication cables provided in the box body 26. In addition, after placing electronic devices such as the hub 13 and battery 14 inside the box body 26 using the opening 28 for inserting components, the opening 28 can be closed with the lid 27. Thus, the airtightness of the housing 12 can be maintained at a high level.

[0062] In this embodiment, the housing 12 includes a hub support plate 33. The hub 13 is attached to the hub support plate 33. Therefore, by attaching the hub 13 to the hub support plate 33, the hub 13 can be stably held within the housing 12.

[0063] In this embodiment, the housing 12 includes a hub support plate 33 that also serves as a support plate for the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device 18 is mounted on the hub support plate 33 that also serves as a support plate for the wireless communication device. Therefore, by mounting the wireless communication device 18 on the hub support plate 33 that also serves as a support plate for the wireless communication device, the wireless communication device 18 can be stably held within the housing 12.

[0064] In this embodiment, the housing 12 includes a bottom plate 29. The communication cable opening 23 is provided in the bottom plate 29. Therefore, by mounting the housing 12 so that the bottom plate 29 is positioned vertically downward, it becomes easy to pull the communication cable 22 vertically downward through the communication cable opening 23. Thus, the routing of the communication cable 22 can be made more efficient.

[0065] In this embodiment, the housing 12 includes a hub support plate 33 that supports the hub 13, and a bottom plate 29 provided with an opening 23 for communication cables. The hub support plate 33 is provided at a distance from the bottom plate 29. Therefore, it is easy to keep the hub 13, which is attached to the hub support plate 33, away from the bottom plate 29 with the opening. Consequently, it is easy to reduce the influence of external environmental factors such as high humidity on the hub 13. In addition, since the hub 13 is attached to the hub support plate 33, which is different from the bottom plate 29 with the opening, a decrease in the rigidity of the hub support plate 33 can be avoided. Therefore, the hub 13 can be supported more stably.

[0066] In this embodiment, the housing 12 includes a hub support plate 33 that also serves as a support plate for the wireless communication device 18, and a bottom plate 29 provided with an opening 23 for a communication cable. The hub support plate 33, which also serves as a support plate for the wireless communication device, is provided at a distance from the bottom plate 29. Therefore, it is easy to keep the wireless communication device 18, which is attached to the hub support plate 33, away from the bottom plate 29 with the opening. Consequently, it is easy to reduce the influence of external environmental factors such as high humidity on the wireless communication device 18. Furthermore, since the wireless communication device 18 is attached to the hub support plate 33, which also serves as a support plate for the wireless communication device, which is different from the bottom plate 29 with the opening, a decrease in the rigidity of the hub support plate 33 can be avoided. Consequently, the wireless communication device 18 can be supported more stably.

[0067] In this embodiment, the gap between the communication cable opening 23 and the communication cable 22 is sealed. Therefore, the risk of outside air entering the housing 12 through the gap between the communication cable opening 23 and the communication cable 22 can be greatly reduced. Consequently, it becomes easier to maintain a high level of waterproofness inside the housing 12.

[0068] Next, the configuration of the wireless communication system using AP device 11 will be described. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the overview of a wireless communication system used when laying power cables inside a tunnel. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a wireless communication system used when laying power cables inside a tunnel.

[0069] Referring together to Figures 5 and 6, the wireless communication system 40 is installed inside the tunnel 41 and is used for communication methods and power cable laying methods inside the tunnel 41. The power cable laying method involves laying the power cable 42 inside the tunnel 41 while monitoring the conditions inside the tunnel 41. The tunnel 41 is narrow and intricately winding, curving left and right and bending up and down. In terms of shape, when viewed from the direction in which the tunnel 41 extends, for example, the vertical length of the inner wall constituting the tunnel 41, i.e., the length from the floor 43 to the ceiling 44, is approximately 2.5 m, and the horizontal length is 2.2 m, making it rectangular. The tunnel 41 includes a so-called vertical shaft. The environment inside the tunnel 41 is often high humidity.

[0070] The wireless communication system 40 includes communication equipment, a plurality of AP devices, and a wired communication cable 45. The communication equipment, the plurality of AP devices, and the wired communication cable 45 are each installed inside the tunnel 41. In this embodiment, the housing 12 included in the AP device 11 is attached to the ceiling 44 of the tunnel 41 or to the side wall of the tunnel 41. Specifically, the frame 17 included in the AP device 11 is attached to the ceiling 44 of the tunnel 41 or to the side wall of the tunnel 41. The communication equipment is connected to a communication network 46 located outside the tunnel 41 in a communicative manner.

[0071] The communication equipment includes a hub 51 to which a communication cable 45 is connected. Here, the wireless communication system 40 includes a communication confirmation device (not shown) that checks whether wireless communication is enabled or not. The communication confirmation device communicates with wireless terminals located in the first wireless communication area 66 and the second wireless communication area 67, which will be described later. The wireless communication system 40 also includes a wireless communication-capable portable terminal 53 owned by each worker, specifically a smartphone, mobile phone, notebook PC, or tablet terminal. The wireless communication system 40 may also include a camera 55 that photographs a predetermined location inside the tunnel 41, a plurality of transceivers 56 that enable the exchange of voices between them inside the tunnel 41, and smart glasses 57 that are detachably attached to the human body and capable of capturing images inside the tunnel 41.

[0072] The multiple AP devices include a first access point device (first AP device) 61 and a second access point device (second AP device) 62. The second AP device 62 is installed at a distance from the first AP device 61. In this embodiment, the second AP device 62 is positioned adjacent to the first AP device 61 in the direction in which the tunnel 41 extends. The first AP device 61 has a first wireless communication area 66. The second AP device 62 has a second wireless communication area 67. The multiple AP devices may further include additional AP devices such as a third AP device 63 and a fourth AP device 64.

[0073] The first AP device 61, the second AP device 62, the third AP device 63, and the fourth AP device 64 each have the same configuration as the AP device 11 shown in Figures 1 to 4 above. Specifically, the first AP device 61 includes a first housing corresponding to the housing 12, a first hub corresponding to the hub 13 located inside the first housing, and first antennas corresponding to antennas 15 and 16 located outside the first housing. The first housing is provided with a first communication cable opening corresponding to a communication cable opening 23, through which a communication cable corresponding to a communication cable 22 connected to the first hub can be routed to the outside of the first housing. The second AP device 62 includes a second housing corresponding to the housing 12, a second hub corresponding to the hub 13 located inside the second housing, and second antennas corresponding to antennas 15 and 16 located outside the second housing. The second housing is provided with a second communication cable opening corresponding to a communication cable opening 23, through which a communication cable corresponding to a communication cable 22 connected to the second hub can be routed to the outside of the second housing. The same applies to the third AP device 63 and the fourth AP device 64. In other words, the first AP device 61, the second AP device 62, the third AP device 63, and the fourth AP device 64 are all devices with the same configuration, differing only in their placement.

[0074] The wireless communication system 40 includes a communication cable 45. The communication cable 45 connects a hub (first hub) and a hub (second hub) via a hub 71, passing through an opening for a first communication cable and an opening for a second communication cable. The communication cable 45 also connects a hub (second hub) to a hub (third hub) included in a third AP device 63 via a hub 72, and connects a hub (third hub) to a hub (fourth hub) included in a fourth AP device 64 via a hub 73.

[0075] According to the wireless communication system 40 described above, by utilizing the first AP device 61 and the second AP device 62, as well as the third AP device 63 and the fourth AP device 64 installed in the tunnel 41, a wireless communication environment can be secured in the first wireless communication area 66, the second wireless communication area 67, as well as the third wireless communication area 68 and the fourth wireless communication area 69. As a result, workers can communicate with each other while working in the tunnel 41 using their own wireless portable terminals 53, etc. Therefore, a communication environment can be secured in the tunnel 41, allowing workers to communicate with each other immediately. Of course, in this case, there is no need to install a wired landline telephone, and workers do not need to go to a location where a landline telephone is installed when making contact. Therefore, the effort required for installing landline telephones and the effort required for workers to go to a location where a landline telephone is installed when communicating with each other can be reduced. In summary, such a wireless communication system 40 can ensure an efficient communication environment.

[0076] (Other embodiments) In the above embodiment, the hub is provided to be detachably attached to the housing, but the hub may be fixed to the housing. Similarly, the battery is provided to be detachably attached to the housing, but the battery may be fixed inside or outside the housing. Furthermore, the access point device includes a battery, but the access point device may not include a battery. In this case, power to the hub may be supplied using power cables laid in the tunnel. Additionally, the access point device does not need to include a desiccant.

[0077] Furthermore, although the above embodiment includes a wireless communication device as the access point device, it is not limited to this, and the access point device may not include a wireless communication device. In this case, for example, a wireless communication device may be placed near the access point device, and wireless communication may be performed using this wireless communication device.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the antenna is rotatable around a first rotation axis, but it is not limited to this. The antenna may also be rotatable around a second rotation axis extending in a direction intersecting the first rotation axis. By doing so, the angle of the antenna can be changed over a wider range by rotating it around the first and second rotation axes. Therefore, it becomes easier to change the orientation of the antenna more flexibly to match the shape of the tunnel. The antenna may also be rotatable by a ball joint. By doing so, the angle of the antenna can be changed to a desired direction using the ball joint. Therefore, it becomes easier to change the orientation of the antenna even more flexibly to match the shape of the tunnel. Furthermore, there may be only one antenna.

[0079] The embodiments disclosed herein should be understood to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive in any way. The scope of the present invention is defined not by the foregoing description but by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 11. Access Point (AP) Device 12 cabinets 13,51,71,72,73 Hub 14 batteries 15 Antenna (First Direction Transmitting Antenna) 16 Antenna (Second Directional Transmitting Antenna) 17 Frame 18 Wireless communication devices 19 Arms 21 Desiccant 22 Communication Cables 23. Opening for communication cables 24,25 First axis of rotation 26 Box body 27 Lid 28. Opening for inserting parts 29 Bottom plate 31 Antenna opening 32 Cables 33 Hub support plate 34. Sealant 40 Wireless Communication Systems 41 tunnel 42 Power Cables 43 Floor surface 44 Ceiling 45 Communication Cable 46 Communication Networks 53 Mobile devices 55 Camera 56 transceivers 57 Smart Glasses 61 1st AP device 62 2nd AP device 63 3rd AP device 64 4th AP device 66. First Wireless Communication Area 67 Second Wireless Communication Area 68 Third Wireless Communication Area 69. Fourth Wireless Communication Area

Claims

1. An access point device used as a wireless communication device, The casing and A hub located inside the aforementioned housing, The enclosure includes an antenna located outside the enclosure, An access point device wherein the housing is provided with an opening for a communication cable, which allows a communication cable connected to the hub to be routed to the outside of the housing.

2. The access point device according to claim 1, wherein the angle of the antenna is variable.

3. The access point device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the antenna includes a planar antenna.

4. The access point device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the antenna is rotatable about a first rotation axis.

5. The access point device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the antenna is rotatable about a first rotation axis and a second rotation axis extending in a direction intersecting the first rotation axis.

6. The access point device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the antenna is rotatable by a ball joint.

7. The access point device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the hub is detachably provided in the housing.

8. The access point device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a battery disposed inside the housing and supplying power to the hub.

9. The access point device according to claim 8, wherein the battery is detachably provided in the housing.

10. The access point device according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a desiccant disposed inside the housing.

11. The access point device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a plurality of antennas are provided.

12. The aforementioned antenna is A first-direction transmitting antenna capable of transmitting radio waves in a first direction, The access point device according to claim 11, further comprising a second direction transmitting antenna capable of transmitting radio waves in a second direction different from the first direction.

13. The access point device according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a frame attached to the outside of the housing.

14. The access point device according to claim 13, wherein the antenna is attached to the frame.

15. The access point device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the housing has a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

16. The access point device according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a wireless communication device disposed inside the housing.

17. The access point device according to claim 16, wherein the wireless communication device and the antenna are connected by a cable through an antenna opening provided in the housing.

18. The aforementioned enclosure is A box body provided with the aforementioned opening for communication cables and opening for inserting components, An access point device according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising a cover for closing the opening for inserting the component.

19. The housing includes a support plate for the hub, The access point device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the hub is attached to the support plate for the hub.

20. The housing includes a support plate for a wireless communication device, The access point device according to claim 16, wherein the wireless communication device is attached to the support plate for the wireless communication device.

21. The aforementioned enclosure includes a bottom plate, The access point device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the opening for the communication cable is provided in the bottom plate.

22. The aforementioned enclosure is A hub support plate that supports the aforementioned hub, The bottom plate includes the opening for the communication cable, The access point device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the hub support plate is provided at a distance from the bottom plate.

23. The aforementioned enclosure is A support plate for the wireless communication device that supports the aforementioned wireless communication device, The bottom plate includes the opening for the communication cable, The access point device according to claim 16, wherein the support plate for the wireless communication device is provided at a distance from the bottom plate.

24. The access point device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the gap between the opening for the communication cable and the communication cable is sealed.

25. The frame has an arm that protrudes outward, The access point device according to claim 13, wherein the antenna is attached to the arm.

26. The access point device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing is attached to the ceiling or side wall of a tunnel.

27. The access point device according to claim 13, wherein the frame is attached to the ceiling of the tunnel or the side wall of the tunnel.

28. A wireless communication system installed inside a tunnel, The system comprises a first access point device and a second access point device installed at a distance from the first access point device. The first access point device is The first enclosure and A first hub is disposed inside the first housing, The first housing includes a first antenna located outside the first housing, The first housing is provided with a first communication cable opening that allows a communication cable connected to the first hub to be routed to the outside of the first housing. The second access point device is The second cabinet and A second hub is located inside the second housing, The second housing includes a second antenna located outside the second housing, The second housing is provided with a second communication cable opening that allows a communication cable connected to the second hub to be routed to the outside of the second housing. Furthermore, it is equipped with a communication cable, A wireless communication system in which the communication cable connects the first hub and the second hub through the opening for the first communication cable and the opening for the second communication cable.

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