Antenna equipment

Abstract

Even when a shielding component is positioned on the communication direction side of the antenna, communication can be performed effectively. [Solution] The optical target device 1 comprises an inner cylinder case 21 having an opening on the axial front side, a communication antenna 37 housed in the inner cylinder case 21, a retaining member 452 positioned in front of the communication antenna 37 and having higher shielding properties than resin, and a resin cap 48 positioned in front of the retaining member 452. The cap 48 is larger than the retaining member 452 when viewed from the axial direction. The communication antenna 37 is positioned on the outer diameter side of the retaining member 452 and on the inner diameter side of the cap 48.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an antenna device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a method of measuring the position of the inner wall of a tunnel by sighting targets such as prisms and mirrors installed in the tunnel with a surveying instrument. In this type of measurement, an antenna may be arranged together with a target on the inner wall of the tunnel and communication may be performed during measurement or the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when a shielding object having shielding properties such as a metal member is arranged between the antenna and its communication destination, the communication performance deteriorates. Therefore, for example, when the opening of a case housing the target and the antenna is blocked by a metal member or the like, the signal in the opening direction is attenuated and the communication distance becomes short. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to perform communication suitably even in a configuration where a member having shielding properties is arranged on the communication direction side of the antenna.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To achieve the above object, an antenna device according to the present invention includes a case member having an opening on one side in a predetermined direction, an antenna housed in the case member, A first member is positioned on the opening side of the antenna and has higher shielding properties than resin, A resin cap positioned on the opening side of the first member, Equipped with, The cap, when viewed from the predetermined direction, is larger than the first member. The antenna is positioned on the outer diameter side of the first member and on the inner diameter side of the cap. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, communication can be performed effectively even when the shielding member is positioned on the communication direction side of the antenna. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a cross-section of the tunnel. [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view of an optical target device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an exploded perspective view of the outer cylinder unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This is an exploded perspective view of the inner cylinder unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] This is an exploded perspective view of the inner cylinder unit according to the embodiment, including the moving mechanism. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates a method for installing an optical target device on the inner wall of a tunnel, showing the outer cylinder unit inserted into the mounting hole. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates a method for installing an optical target device on the inner wall of a tunnel, showing the entire optical target device inserted into the mounting hole. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating the method of using the optical target device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a diagram illustrating the method of using the optical target device according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a block diagram showing a schematic control configuration of an optical target device according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows the flow of the mode switching process according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below. The drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only, and therefore the scope of the present invention is not limited to the examples shown in the drawings.

[0009] [1. Overview] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the mountain tunnel 99 under construction. The cross-section in Figure 1 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the tunnel 99.

[0010] In the construction of tunnel 99, the tunnel 99 will be constructed in the mountainous area by excavating the tunnel face using blasting, etc. During construction, the movement and displacement of the inner wall 98 of tunnel 99 will be measured periodically (for example, daily) in order to judge the stability of the ground, the safety of tunnel 99, the effectiveness of the support structure, and the effectiveness of the lining.

[0011] In measurement, a plurality of optical target devices 1 and a surveying instrument 85 are used. The plurality of optical target devices 1 are arranged in the circumferential direction of the tunnel 99 and installed on the inner wall 98 of the tunnel 99. There are a plurality of sets each consisting of the plurality of optical target devices 1 arranged in the circumferential direction, and the plurality of sets are arranged at predetermined intervals in the axial direction of the tunnel 99. As the face excavation progresses, additional sets are added. The surveying instrument 85 is an optical collimation device such as a total station, a transit, and an optical distance measuring instrument. The surveying instrument 85 is set on the floor or the like of the tunnel 99, and the three-dimensional position of the optical target device 1 is measured by collimating the optical target device 1 using the surveying instrument 85. That is, the distance, tilt angle, and pan angle from the surveying instrument 85 to the optical target device 1 are measured by the surveying instrument 85, and the three-dimensional position of the optical target device 1 is calculated and measured by the surveying instrument 85 from the distance, tilt angle, and pan angle. The tilt angle refers to the elevation angle of the collimation direction of the surveying instrument 85 around the horizontal axis orthogonal to the collimation direction. The pan angle refers to the angle (azimuth angle) of the collimation direction around the vertical axis intersecting the collimation direction. The collimation direction refers to the direction along the light beam projected by the surveying instrument 85. Note that the position of the surveying instrument 85 may be shifted in the axial direction of the tunnel 99 from the plane passing through the plurality of optical target devices 1 arranged in the circumferential direction of the tunnel 99 (this plane is perpendicular to the axial direction of the tunnel 99), or may be aligned with that plane.

[0012] During the construction of the tunnel 99, if the optical target device 1 protrudes inside the inner wall 98 (inside the tunnel 99), the optical target device 1 becomes an obstacle. Therefore, the optical target device 1 is devised so as not to become an obstacle during non-measurement. The optical target device 1 of the present embodiment is arranged in the mounting hole 97 formed in the inner wall 98, and substantially the whole of the optical target device 1 is accommodated in the mounting hole 97 during non-measurement.

[0013] [2. Optical Target Device] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the optical target device 1. The optical target device 1 corresponds to an example of the antenna device according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the optical target device 1 includes an outer cylinder unit 10 and an inner cylinder unit 20. The outer cylinder unit 10 and the inner cylinder unit 20 are formed in corresponding cylindrical shapes, and the outer cylinder unit 10 removably houses the inner cylinder unit 20 therein. Hereinafter, the direction along the central axis Ax of the outer cylinder unit 10 is referred to as the "axial direction", the direction perpendicular to the central axis Ax is referred to as the "radial direction", and the rotational direction centered on the central axis Ax is referred to as the "circumferential direction". Also, in the axial direction, the opening side of the outer cylinder unit 10 (the left side in FIG. 2) is referred to as the "front side (front)", and the side opposite to the front side (the right side in FIG. 2) is referred to as the "rear side (rear)".

[0014] (1) Outer cylinder unit FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the outer cylinder unit 10. As shown in this figure, the outer cylinder unit 10 has an outer cylinder case 11, a cap end 12, a lock fastener 13, and a stopper 14. The outer cylinder case 11 is formed in a long cylindrical shape in the axial direction, and both ends in the axial direction are open. The outer cylinder case 11 of the present embodiment is made of a resin such as polyvinyl chloride, for example, and has an outer diameter of 42 mm.

[0015] The cap end 12 is attached to the rear end of the outer cylinder case 11 and closes the rear end opening thereof. The cap end 12 is fixed to the outer cylinder case 11 by a screw 18a. The gap between the cap end 12 and the outer cylinder case 11 is sealed with an O-ring 15.

[0016] The lock fastener 13 is a metal member for holding the outer cylinder unit 10 in the mounting hole 97 of the tunnel 99, and is attached to the rear end of the cap end 12. Specifically, the lock fastener 13 has a ring portion 131 and a plurality (three in the present embodiment) of leg portions 132. The ring portion 131 is formed in a cylindrical shape along the axial direction and is inserted through the shaft portion 121 of the cap end 12 from the rear. The ring portion 131 is held almost concentrically with the outer cylinder case 11 via the cap end 12. With the ring portion 131 inserted through the shaft portion 121 of the cap end 12, a nut 16 is fastened to the threaded portion 122 on the tip side (rear end side) of the shaft portion 121, thereby clamping the cap end 12 and the nut 16 in the axial direction. This fixes the lock fastener 13 and the cap end 12.

[0017] The multiple legs 132 are elastic plates extending forward from the front end of the ring portion 131. The base ends of the multiple legs 132 are arranged equally on the circumferential edge of the front end of the ring portion 131. Each leg 132 is formed in a thin plate shape perpendicular to a plane passing through the central axis Ax and along the axial direction, and its front end is deformable along this plane. When each leg 132 is not inserted into the mounting hole 97 of the tunnel 99, its front end is bent (deformed) to a radial position larger than the diameter of the mounting hole 97. Therefore, as will be described later, when each leg 132 is inserted into the mounting hole 97, it exerts a biasing force in the outward radial direction due to its elasticity and can be locked into the inner circumferential surface of the mounting hole 97.

[0018] The stopper 14 is a cylindrical resin component that is fixed to the front end of the outer cylinder case 11. The stopper 14 is fitted over the outer circumference of the outer cylinder case 11 and fixed to the outer cylinder case 11 by screws 18b. At the front end of the stopper 14, a flange-shaped portion 141 is formed that protrudes outward and extends almost all the way around. The outer diameter of the flange portion 141 is, for example, 55 mm or more.

[0019] Multiple convex fins 142 are erected on approximately the rear half of the outer circumferential surface of the stopper 14, projecting outwards toward the outer diameter. The multiple fins 142 are arranged in parallel in the radial direction, and each is formed over approximately the entire circumference of the stopper 14. Each fin 142 only needs to extend along a direction intersecting the axial direction.

[0020] Multiple (three in this embodiment) wedge grooves 143 are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the stopper 14 at equal intervals. Each wedge groove 143 is formed along the axial direction with a predetermined groove width perpendicular to the radial direction, and is formed by machining the flange portion 141 and fin 142 at the corresponding position. As will be described later, the wedge grooves 143 are grooves into which wedges 17 can be inserted to reinforce the holding of the outer cylinder unit 10 in the mounting hole 97 of the tunnel 99.

[0021] (2) Inner cylinder unit Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the inner cylinder unit 20. As shown in this figure, the inner cylinder unit 20 comprises an inner cylinder case 21, a battery 31, a control board 35, a communication antenna 37, a top tube 41, a retroreflector 45, a cap 48, and a moving mechanism 50.

[0022] The inner cylinder case 21 is formed in an axially elongated cylindrical shape and has an opening on the front side in the axial direction. The inner cylinder case 21 corresponds to an example of a case member according to the present invention. The inner cylinder case 21 is formed in a cylindrical shape that is slightly smaller than the outer cylinder case 11 and can be inserted concentrically into the outer cylinder case 11 (outer cylinder unit 10). The rear end of the inner cylinder case 21 is closed by a lid member 22 (see Figure 2, etc.). The lid member 22 has a threaded portion 222 that is screwed onto the cap end 12 (boss 125) of the outer cylinder unit 10 and is erected facing rearward.

[0023] The battery 31 is detachably housed in the battery holder 32 and positioned at the rear of the inner cylinder case 21. The battery holder 32 is fixed to the inner cylinder case 21 by screws 23a. All holes in the inner cylinder case 21 through which the screws 23a are inserted are waterproofed. In this embodiment, the battery 31 is a rechargeable secondary battery, but it may also be a primary battery.

[0024] The control board 35 is housed in the inner cylinder case 21 while being held in the battery holder 32. The control board 35 has a motor control circuit and the like mounted on it. The motor control circuit controls the operation of the motor 52 of the moving mechanism 50, which will be described later. A communication module board 36 is located in front of the control board 35. The communication module board 36 has a communication circuit mounted on it for communicating with the remote controller 80 (described later), and is electrically connected to the communication antenna 37.

[0025] In this embodiment, the communication antenna 37 is a film antenna and is housed in the inner cylinder case 21 while positioned on the outer circumferential surface of the top tube 41. More specifically, the communication antenna 37 is fixed in a recess 41a formed at the front end of the outer circumferential surface of the top tube 41. Furthermore, as will be described later, the communication antenna 37 is positioned on the outer diameter side of the holding member 452 that holds the retroreflector 45, and on the inner diameter side of the cap 48 (outer diameter position). The communication antenna 37 transmits and receives radio waves to and from the remote controller 80. The communication module board 36 demodulates the radio waves received by the communication antenna 37 and outputs them to the control board 35, and also outputs transmission signals based on control commands from the control board 35 to the communication antenna 37.

[0026] The top tube 41 is a cylindrical resin component and is housed in the inner cylinder case 21 at its front end. The top tube 41 has a flange-shaped portion 411 at its front end. The flange portion 411 has a larger outer diameter than the inner cylinder case 21, and its rear surface abuts against the front end surface of the inner cylinder case 21. An O-ring 42 is placed in a groove on the rear surface of the flange portion 411, and the O-ring 42 seals the space between the outer cylinder unit 10 and the top tube 41 (see Figure 8). A light-emitting element (e.g., an LED) 43 is mounted on the front surface of the flange portion 411. The light-emitting element 43 emits light when power is supplied from the battery 31 via the control board 35.

[0027] The retroreflector 45 is located at the front end of the inner cylinder unit 20. The retroreflector 45 has, for example, at least one prism and retroreflects light rays incident from various directions. As shown in Figure 8, the retroreflector 45 is held (fixed) by a metal retaining member 452. The retaining member 452 is an example of the first member according to the present invention. The retaining member 452 holds the retroreflector 45 in its axial center and has large-diameter cylindrical portions 452a and 452b at both the front and rear ends. The cylindrical portions 452a and 452b have an outer diameter larger than that of the retroreflector 45 and are formed to an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the top tube 41. The retaining member 452 does not have to be made of metal, as long as it is made of a material that has higher (electromagnetic wave) shielding properties than resin (more specifically, the resin that makes up the cap 48). The retroreflector 45 is configured to be axially movable so that it can be in a retracted state, stored inside the top tube 41, and in an exposed state, exposed in front of the top tube 41. Specifically, a slider 46 is attached to the rear surface of the rear cylindrical portion 452b of the retaining member 452 that holds the retroreflector 45, and is axially slidable between the slider 46 and the inner circumferential surface of the top tube 41. The slider 46 is guided by the top tube 41 and moves axially together with the retroreflector 45 and the retaining member 452. A rubber seal ring 47 is positioned at the rear of the slider 46, and the seal ring 47 seals the space between the slider 46 and the top tube 41.

[0028] The cap 48 is formed in the shape of a short disc, larger than the retaining member 452 when viewed from the axial direction, and is fixed to the front surface of the retaining member 452 with screws 482 so as to cover the front of the retroreflector 45 and the retaining member 452. When the retroreflector 45 is in the retracted state, the outer circumference of the cap 48 abuts against the front surface of the top tube 41, closing the front opening of the top tube 41. Light-transmitting windows 481 are formed on the cap 48 at radial and circumferential positions corresponding to the light-emitting element 43. Therefore, even when the retroreflector 45 is in the retracted state, the light from the light-emitting element 43 can be seen from the front through the light-transmitting windows 481.

[0029] The cap 48 is made of an insulator such as resin so as not to block the radio waves propagating between the communication antenna 37 and the remote controller 80. Furthermore, the inner cylinder case 21 and the outer cylinder case 11 may also be made of an insulator. However, if the inner cylinder case 21 and the outer cylinder case 11 are made of a conductor such as metal, radio waves between the communication antenna 37 and the remote controller 80 will be less likely to leak to the outside of the outer cylinder case 11, thus enabling suitable communication with the remote controller 80.

[0030] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the inner cylinder unit 20, including the moving mechanism 50 and the retroreflector 45. However, Figure 5 omits the illustration of the cover 59 (see Figure 4) that covers the motor 52 and other components, which will be described later. As shown in Figure 5, the moving mechanism 50 is an electric actuator that moves the retroreflector 45 in the axial direction. The moving mechanism 50 is positioned in the axial direction between the top tube 41 and the battery holder 32 within the inner cylinder case 21. Specifically, the moving mechanism 50 includes a linear guide 51, a motor 52, a lead screw 54, a carriage 55, and a fixing member 58.

[0031] The linear guide 51 is formed to be elongated in the axial direction and is fixed to the inner cylinder case 21. The motor 52 is fixed to the rear side of the linear guide 51. The motor 52 is, for example, a DC motor. The lead screw 54 is positioned in front of the motor 52, extending along the axial direction. The lead screw 54 is connected to the drive shaft of the motor 52 via a torque limiter 53. Therefore, if the load torque acting from the lead screw 54 to the torque limiter 53 is outside a predetermined range, the torque limiter 53 disconnects the connection between the lead screw 54 and the motor 52.

[0032] The carriage 55 is supported by a linear guide 51 so as to be movable in the axial direction. The carriage 55 has a female thread (not shown) that screws into the lead screw 54 and moves axially as the lead screw 54 rotates. The front end of the carriage 55 is fixed to the retroreflector 45 via a slider 46. Therefore, as the lead screw 54 rotates, the carriage 55 moves axially together with the retroreflector 45. In the following, the rotation of the lead screw 54 and motor 52 that moves the retroreflector 45 and carriage 55 forward will be referred to as "forward rotation," and the rotation of the lead screw 54 and motor 52 that moves the retroreflector 45 and carriage 55 backward will be referred to as "reverse rotation."

[0033] The fixing member 58 is formed to be elongated in the axial direction and is positioned to cover the lead screw 54 and fixed to the linear guide 51. A first stopper 58a and a second stopper 58b are attached to the surface of the fixing member 58 facing the linear guide 51. The first stopper 58a and the second stopper 58b contact a projection 55a protruding from the rear end of the carriage 55, thereby restricting the movement of the carriage 55. The first stopper 58a is located at the front end of the fixing member 58 and restricts the forward movement of the carriage 55. The second stopper 58b is located at the rear end of the fixing member 58 and restricts the rearward movement of the carriage 55.

[0034] The projection 55a, the first stopper 58a, and the second stopper 58b are made of a conductive material. The projection 55a and the first stopper 58a and the second stopper 58b are grounded or energized such that their voltage levels are different, one high and the other low. Therefore, when the projection 55a comes into contact with the first stopper 58a or the second stopper 58b, the voltage level of one of them, which was set to a high level, changes to a low level. The motor control circuit of the control board 35 detects contact between the projection 55a and the first stopper 58a or the second stopper 58b by monitoring the voltage of one or both of the first stopper 58a and the second stopper 58b and the projection 55a.

[0035] (3) Remote controller Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the schematic control configuration of the optical target device 1. As shown in this figure, the optical target device 1 is remotely controlled by a remote controller 80. Specifically, the optical target device 1 is equipped with a control unit 61, which controls the operation of each part of the optical target device 1 based on control commands from the remote controller 80. The control unit 61 is, for example, a microcontroller mounted on a control board 35, which includes the motor control circuit described above. The control unit 61 drives the motor 52 of the moving mechanism 50 and communicates with the remote controller 80 from the communication antenna 37 through a communication circuit on the communication module board 36. The remote controller 80 includes an operating unit that includes a retraction switch and an deployment switch, and a communication device and a communication antenna. When the operator operates the retraction switch, the remote controller 80 transmits a retraction command to the optical target device 1 via the communication device and communication antenna. Also, when the operator operates the deployment switch, the remote controller 80 transmits a deployment command to the optical target device 1 via the communication device and communication antenna.

[0036] [3. Method for setting up the optical target device] Figures 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views of mounting holes 97 for illustrating the method of installing the optical target device 1 on the inner wall 98 of the tunnel 99. Figure 6 shows the outer cylinder unit 10 inserted into the mounting hole 97, and Figure 7 shows the entire optical target device 1 inserted into the mounting hole 97. As shown in Figure 1, once tunnel excavation has progressed, multiple mounting holes 97 are drilled into the inner wall of the tunnel 99 at intervals in the circumferential direction. The mounting holes 97 are located away from the tunnel face but close to it. In this embodiment, the mounting hole 97 has a diameter of 45 mm, corresponding to the outer diameter of the outer cylinder unit 10 (outer cylinder case 11) which is 42 mm. Therefore, a φ45 mm bit can be used to drill holes for inserting lock bolts into the tunnel 99. In other words, a bit specifically for machining the mounting hole 97 for installing the optical target device 1 is not required.

[0037] Next, as shown in Figure 6, the outer cylinder unit 10 of the optical target device 1 is inserted into each mounting hole 97. Here, with the rear end of the lock fastener 13 facing the back of the mounting hole 97, the outer cylinder unit 10 is inserted into the mounting hole 97. Then, the flange portion 141 of the stopper 14 is brought into contact with the inner wall 98 of the tunnel 99 at the opening of the mounting hole 97. As a result, almost the entire outer cylinder unit 10 is inserted into the mounting hole 97.

[0038] At this time, the diameter of the mounting hole 97 is 45 mm, and the outer diameter of the outer cylinder unit 10 (outer cylinder case 11) is 42 mm. Therefore, even including various machining errors, the mounting hole 97 is neither particularly large nor small compared to the outer cylinder unit 10, and the outer cylinder unit 10 can be inserted into the mounting hole 97 in a generally suitable manner.

[0039] At this time, on the rear side of the outer cylinder unit 10 (the side behind the mounting hole 97), the multiple legs 132 of the lock fastener 13 are bracing the inner circumferential surface of the mounting hole 97 with their elastic force. As a result, the movement of the outer cylinder unit 10 is suppressed. Furthermore, since the tip (rear end) of each leg 132 is facing the opening side of the mounting hole 97, the tip catches on the inner circumferential surface of the mounting hole 97, preventing the outer cylinder unit 10 from moving in the direction of falling out of the mounting hole 97. Furthermore, on the front side of the outer cylinder unit 10 (the opening side of the mounting hole 97), multiple fins 142 protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the stopper 14 deform and come into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the mounting hole 97. This suppresses axial movement of the outer cylinder unit 10, that is, movement in the direction of falling out of the mounting hole 97. Therefore, since the mounting hole 97 is easily formed with a larger opening side than the inner side, the outer cylinder unit 10 can be suitably fixed on the opening side. Furthermore, if you want to secure the outer cylinder unit 10 more firmly, you may insert a wedge 17 between the stopper 14 and the mounting hole 97 (see Figure 8). In this case, when the outer cylinder unit 10 is placed in the mounting hole 97, the wedge 17 should be inserted into each wedge groove 143 on the outer surface of the stopper 14 that is exposed at the opening of the mounting hole 97.

[0040] Next, as shown in Figure 7, the inner cylinder units 20 are inserted into the outer cylinder units 10 with each mounting hole 97. First, the power switch 62 (see Figure 10) is turned ON to ensure that the control board 35 and other components are powered by the battery 31. Then, with the cover member 22 facing the back of the mounting hole 97, the inner cylinder unit 20 is inserted into the outer cylinder unit 10. The inner cylinder unit 20 is then fixed to the outer cylinder unit 10 by fastening the threaded portion 222 at the rear end of the cover member 22 into the threaded hole of the boss 125 on the outer cylinder unit 10. In this state, when the retroreflector 45 is not exposed (storage state), the cap 48 of the inner cylinder unit 20 is exposed on the inside of the tunnel 99 so as to close the opening of the mounting hole 97. In addition, the space between the outer cylinder unit 10 and the inner cylinder unit 20 is sealed by the O-ring 42 located on the rear surface of the flange portion 411 of the top tube 41 (see Figure 8).

[0041] The inner cylinder unit 20 is detachable from the outer cylinder unit 10 by screwing in the threaded portion 222, and can be removed from the outer cylinder unit 10 and recovered, for example, at the end of the construction period. In this case, the outer cylinder unit 10 may be buried inside the tunnel 99. In this case, it is desirable that the outer cylinder unit 10 be made of a particularly simple structure and inexpensive materials. Also in this case, each part of the outer cylinder unit 10 may be made of environmentally friendly materials such as biomass plastic or biodegradable plastic.

[0042] [4. How to use the optical target device] Figures 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating the method of using the optical target device 1. When not measuring the inner wall 98 of tunnel 99, the optical target device 1 is in its normal state (storage state) with the retroreflector 45 retracted, as shown in Figure 8. Here, times other than when measuring include, for example, when excavating tunnel 99, when bringing in materials, when removing materials, when constructing shoring, when removing shoring, when constructing lining, and when performing spraying work.

[0043] To begin measurement, the operator first switches the optical target device 1 from a state in which the retroreflector 45 is retracted (retracted state) to a state in which the retroreflector 45 is exposed (exposed state). When the operator operates the deployment switch on the remote controller 80, radio waves containing the deployment command are transmitted from the remote controller 80 to the communication antenna 37 of the optical target device 1.

[0044] In this configuration, with the retroreflector 45 in its retracted state, the metal retaining member 452 is positioned in front of the communication antenna 37, and the opening of the inner cylinder unit 20 is closed by the cap 48. Generally, when an antenna is embedded in a hole and its opening is closed, radio waves have difficulty passing through, resulting in reduced communication sensitivity. For example, if a metal shield is placed between the transmitter and receiver, the signal is said to be attenuated by about 10 dB to 15 dB, depending on the measurement conditions. However, in the optical target device 1 of this embodiment, the communication antenna 37 is positioned on the outer diameter side of the holding member 452 and on the inner diameter side of the cap 48. In other words, the front of the communication antenna 37 is not covered by the metal holding member 452, and the cap 48 that covers the front is made of resin. This suppresses signal attenuation and allows for optimal communication. Furthermore, the communication antenna 37 is positioned at the front end of the optical target device 1 (inner cylinder case 21). This allows for more efficient communication.

[0045] When the communication antenna 37 receives radio waves from the remote controller 80, a deployment command carried on those radio waves is output to the control board 35. When the control board 35 receives the deployment command, the motor control circuit of the control board 35 rotates the motor 52 of the moving mechanism 50 in the forward direction, moving the retroreflector 45 toward the opening of the mounting hole 97. Then, when the projection 55a of the carriage 55 hits the first stopper 58a, the load torque acting on the torque limiter 53 exceeds a predetermined value, and the connection between the lead screw 54 and the motor 52 is disconnected. At the same time, the voltage level of the projection 55a or the first stopper 58a changes (for example, a voltage drop), and the motor control circuit uses this voltage change as a trigger to stop the motor 52. Thus, as shown in Figure 9, the retroreflector 45 is exposed into the tunnel 99 from inside the mounting hole 97.

[0046] Subsequently, the worker sets up the surveying instrument 85 inside the tunnel 99. Then, the surveying instrument 85 projects a beam of light onto the retroreflector 45 of the optical target device 1. The beam of light is retroreflected by the retroreflector 45, and the reflected beam is received by the surveying instrument 85. The surveying instrument 85 measures the distance to the retroreflector 45, as well as the tilt angle and pan angle, and calculates the three-dimensional position of the retroreflector 45 based on these measurements.

[0047] After the measurement is complete, the operator returns the optical target device 1 to the stored state (retracted state) with the retroreflector 45 retracted. When the operator operates the retraction switch on the remote controller 80, a retraction command is transmitted from the remote controller 80 to the control board 35 of the optical target device 1. In the exposed state of the retroreflector 45, the front of the communication antenna 37 is not covered by the cap 48, allowing for more favorable communication with the remote controller 80 compared to the retracted state. When the control board 35 receives a storage command, the motor control circuit of the control board 35 reverses the rotation of the motor 52 of the moving mechanism 50, moving the retroreflector 45 to the back of the mounting hole 97. Then, when the projection 55a of the carriage 55 hits the second stopper 58b, the load torque acting on the torque limiter 53 exceeds a predetermined value, and the connection between the lead screw 54 and the motor 52 is disconnected. At the same time, the voltage level of the projection 55a or the second stopper 58b changes, and the motor control circuit uses this voltage change as a trigger to stop the motor 52.

[0048] In this way, the retroreflector 45 is housed inside the top tube 41, and the opening of the top tube 41 is closed by the cap 48. In this configuration, only the cap 48 is exposed inside the tunnel 99, while most of the optical target device 1, especially the retroreflector 45, is contained within the mounting hole 97. Therefore, the optical target device 1 does not interfere with the construction work of the tunnel 99. Furthermore, the retroreflector 45 can be protected from debris generated by blasting at the tunnel face. Furthermore, even when the retroreflector 45 is retracted, the worker can see the light from the light-emitting element 43 of the top tube 41 through the light-transmitting window 481 of the cap 48, and thus determine the position of the optical target device 1. This is particularly effective when the inside of the tunnel 99 is dark.

[0049] [5. Mode switching process] Next, we will explain the mode switching process by which the optical target device 1 switches its operating mode. In the optical target device 1 of this embodiment, multiple sleep functions can be used interchangeably. Specifically, the optical target device 1 has four operating stages (operating modes): active state, light sleep state, deep sleep state, and ultra-deep sleep state. These operating modes have different power consumption and transition between them via operation control and timer control from the remote controller 80. The specific operating states for each operating mode are as follows:

[0050] (1) Active state The optical target device 1 is operating normally and is in a standby state, constantly receiving and executing commands from the remote controller 80. (2) Light sleep state (L / S) This state alternates between an active state and a sleep state at predetermined time intervals. Compared to other operating modes, the sleep state is relatively short; for example, it alternates between a 9-second sleep state and a 1-second active state. The sleep state refers to a dormant state where the power switch 62 is ON, but various functions are stopped to reduce power consumption of the internal circuitry. In the sleep state, commands from the remote controller 80 are not received. In the above example, control commands can only be executed for the 1 second when the system is in the active state, so power consumption is reduced to about 1 / 10 of that in the active state. (3) Deep sleep state (D / S) This state shuts off the power to almost all internal circuits for a set time (or until a set time). The sleep state lasts longer than the L / S state. For example, if the period of time when no work is performed is from 5 PM to 8 AM the next morning, the D / S state can be set during that time to reduce power consumption. During this time, in case work becomes necessary for some reason, the system can be set to enter the L / S state for about 2 minutes every 30 minutes to accept commands. In that case, the system will be in the L / S state for only 4 minutes per hour, so power consumption will be reduced to 1 / 10 × 1 / 15 = 1 / 150 of the active state. (4) Ultra-deep sleep state (U / S) For example, during holidays such as the New Year or Obon holidays, when no work is performed for an even longer period than the D / S state, the power to almost all internal circuits is shut off until the set date and time when the device becomes active again. For example, if you switch to the U / S state every weekend when no work is performed, the battery life of 31 will be extended.

[0051] The details of the mode switching process will be explained in detail. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the mode switching process. The mode switching process is performed by the control unit 61 reading and deploying the corresponding program that has been stored in advance, based on user input. Note that in Figure 11, the optical target device 1 is labeled as the "slave unit".

[0052] First, I will explain the preparation work for the optical target device 1. Here, the control unit 61 sets the operating mode to U / S state based on the user's operation of the mode switching switch 63 (see Figure 10) (step S11). The mode switching switch 63 allows switching of the operating mode. Once set to U / S state by the operation of the mode switching switch 63, the optical target device 1 will not start up until the user operates it again. Next, the control unit 61 charges the battery 31 based on user operation (step S12). The user charges the battery 31, for example, by connecting the optical target device 1 to the charger. Next, the control unit 61 determines whether or not the battery 31 has been fully charged (step S13). If it has not been fully charged (step S13; No), it continues the charging process in step S12. In step S13, when the control unit 61 determines that charging of the battery 31 is complete (step S13; Yes), the optical target device 1 is ready for use. Subsequently, the control unit 61 switches the operating mode to the L / S state based on the user's operation of the mode switching switch 63 (step S15). Here, for example, the system is set to alternate between a 9-second sleep state and a 1-second active state.

[0053] Next, we will explain how to switch operating modes during measurement work. Prior to measurement, the user pre-registers at least one optical target device 1 to be used for measurement with the remote controller 80 so that it can be identified (step S20). This registration process may be performed before the preparation for use (charging) described above, or it may be omitted if the device has already been registered. Then, the optical target device 1 is installed in the mounting hole 97 of the tunnel 99 with its operating mode set to L / S state as described above.

[0054] When measurement begins, the remote controller 80 selects and activates the optical target device 1 to be measured based on user input (step S21). Then, the control unit 61 of the optical target device 1 selected in step S21 switches the operating mode from L / S state to active state (step S22). Next, the control unit 61 receives an unfolding command (Open) or a retraction command (Close) from the remote controller 80 (step S23). The control unit 61 then determines whether the unfolding or retraction operation has been completed (step S24), and if it determines that it has not been completed (step S24; No), it repeats the step. In steps S23 and S24, it is determined whether the unfolding or retraction operation corresponding to the measurement work has been completed.

[0055] If it is determined in step S24 that the deployment or storage operation has been completed (step S24; Yes), the control unit 61 determines whether or not it is possible to change the operation mode following the completion of the operation (step S25). If it is determined in step S25 that it is not possible to change the operating mode (step S25; No), the control unit 61 repeats the step. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S25 that the operating mode can be changed (step S25; Yes), the control unit 61 switches the operating mode from the active state to the L / S state (step S26). And with that, the measurement is complete.

[0056] Subsequently, the control unit 61 switches the operating mode from L / S state to D / S state based on, for example, a user operation on the remote controller 80 (step S28). Here, for example, you can set the device to a D / S state so that it goes into sleep mode at times other than when measurements are being taken. Alternatively, you could set it to a U / S state with a specified mode deactivation date instead of a D / S state.

[0057] Subsequently, the control unit 61 switches the operating mode from D / S state to L / S state based on user operation or timer control (step S29). In other words, when measurement is to be performed again, the device returns from the D / S state to the L / S state and waits for user input. However, if no user input is received within a predetermined time (e.g., 2 minutes), the operating mode may be returned to the D / S state after the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0058] In this way, by switching between multiple sleep states (operating modes) depending on usage conditions, power consumption can be reduced and the battery 31 can be extended. Consequently, in addition to improving the efficiency of measurement work, the operating costs and reliability of the optical target device 1 can also be improved. The method of switching the operating mode is not particularly limited to the mode switching process described above. For example, the device may be in L / S state only between 14:00-16:00 and 21:00-24:00, when measurements are expected to be taken, and in D / S state at other times. Furthermore, the time parameter used as the condition for switching the operating mode is not particularly limited and may include date and time (year, month, day), day of the week, time of day, etc.

[0059] [6. Technical Effects of this Embodiment] As described above, according to this embodiment, the resin cap 48, which is positioned in front of the retaining member 452 (on the opening side of the inner cylinder case 21), is larger than the retaining member 452, which has higher shielding properties than resin, when viewed from the axial direction (a predetermined direction). Furthermore, the communication antenna 37 is positioned on the outer diameter side of the retaining member 452 and on the inner diameter side of the cap 48. In other words, the front of the communication antenna 37 is not covered by the retaining member 452, which has higher shielding properties than resin, and the cap 48 covering the front is made of resin. This suppresses signal attenuation. Therefore, even if the shielding member is positioned on the communication direction side (front side) of the communication antenna 37, communication can be performed effectively.

[0060] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the communication antenna 37 is positioned at the front end of the inner cylinder case 21 (case member), which is on the communication direction side. This allows for even more efficient communication.

[0061] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the communication antenna 37 is a film antenna and is arranged on the circumferential surface of the top tube 41 (cylindrical member) that houses the holding member 452. This allows the communication antenna 37 to be suitably positioned on the outer diameter side. The "circumferential surface of the cylindrical member" on which the communication antenna 37 is placed may also refer to the inner circumferential surface of the inner cylinder case 21.

[0062] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the optical target device 1 further comprises a retroreflector 45 held by a holding member 452, and a moving mechanism 50 that moves the retroreflector 45 to extend and retract it from inside the inner cylinder unit 20 (inner cylinder case 21). As a result, when not in use, the retroreflector 45 is stored inside the mounting hole 97, so it does not interfere with tunnel construction work. Also, debris and equipment from blasting at the tunnel face will not hit the retroreflector 45. Therefore, there is no need to remove the retroreflector 45 and the optical target device 1 from the inner wall 98 of the tunnel 99. Consequently, there is no need to install and remove the retroreflector 45 and the optical target device 1 each time a measurement is taken. Thus, the effort and labor involved in taking measurements can be minimized. In addition, there is no need to perform work at height each time a measurement is taken, and measurements of the inner wall 98 of the tunnel 99 can be performed safely.

[0063] [7. Others] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, the specific configuration of the moving mechanism 50 is not particularly limited, as long as it can move the retroreflector 45 in the axial direction. Furthermore, the inner cylinder unit 20 only needs to be able to hold the retroreflector 45 against the inner wall 98 of the tunnel 99, and the retroreflector 45 does not need to be able to extend and retract. Furthermore, the optical target according to the present invention may be any optically utilized target for measurement, and is not limited to a retroreflector. Furthermore, the present invention is widely applicable to antenna devices in which the antenna is housed in a case member.

[0064] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the tunnel 99 is under construction. In contrast, after the completion of the construction work on the tunnel 99, the inner wall 98 of the tunnel 99 can be measured using the surveying instrument 85 and the optical target device 1. Furthermore, by machining mounting holes in the inner wall of an existing tunnel and fitting the optical target device 1 into these mounting holes, the inner wall of the existing tunnel can be measured using the surveying instrument 85 and the optical target device 1.

[0065] Furthermore, details shown in the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0066] 1 Optical targeting device 20 Inner cylinder unit 21. Inner cylinder case (case component, cylindrical component) 31 Battery (power supply) 37. Communication antenna (antenna) 41. Top tube (cylindrical member) 45 Retroreflector (optical target) 452 Holding member (first member) 48 caps 50 Moving mechanism 61 Control Unit 97 Mounting holes 99 Tunnel Ax center axis

Claims

1. A case member having an opening in one of the predetermined directions, The antenna housed in the aforementioned case member, A first member is positioned on the opening side of the antenna and has higher shielding properties than resin, A resin cap positioned on the opening side of the first member, Equipped with, The cap, when viewed from the predetermined direction, is larger than the first member. The antenna is positioned on the outer diameter side of the first member and on the inner diameter side of the cap. Antenna device.

2. The antenna is positioned inside the case member at the end on the opening side. The antenna device according to claim 1.

3. The antenna is a film antenna, and is positioned on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical member housing the first member. The antenna device according to claim 1.

4. The first member is a holding component for holding an optical target. The antenna device according to claim 1.

5. The cap is capable of closing the opening. The antenna device according to claim 1.

6. The case member is positioned inside a mounting hole formed in the inner wall of the tunnel. The antenna device according to claim 1.

7. The optical target held in the first member, A movement mechanism that moves the optical target to make it appear and disappear from inside the case member, Furthermore, The antenna device according to claim 1.

8. It comprises a power supply and a control unit that controls the communication of the antenna, The control unit switches between multiple sleep states with different power consumption levels based on user operation or time conditions. The antenna device according to claim 1.

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