Antenna device

Abstract

To provide an antenna device capable of adjusting a beam direction in a short time.SOLUTION: An antenna device includes: a reflector antenna which includes a primary radiator with a plurality of antenna elements each radiating or receiving an electromagnetic wave, and a reflector reflecting the electromagnetic wave; and a rotation mechanism to rotate the reflector antenna around an axis of rotation orthogonal to an arrangement direction in which the plurality of antenna elements are arranged.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an antenna device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an antenna device. In this antenna device, a primary radiator is fixedly disposed, and multiple reflectors are disposed around the primary radiator and rotated by a rotary drive device. The primary radiator irradiates radio waves to the multiple reflectors, which in turn reflect the irradiated radio waves. This forms multiple rotating, sharp beams (paragraphs 0019-0021). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4622898 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The antenna device disclosed in Patent Document 1 forms multiple sharp rotating beams. Therefore, when the reflector is rotated by the rotary drive device, the rotation speed of the reflector cannot be increased. Therefore, the beam direction of the antenna device cannot be adjusted in a short time. This problem causes problems such as the inability to quickly respond to constantly changing indoor radio wave environments when the antenna device is incorporated into semi-fixed devices such as customer premises equipment (CPE) or home routers.

[0005] In view of this problem, an aspect of the present disclosure provides an antenna device that can adjust the beam direction in a short time, for example. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An antenna device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a reflector antenna having a primary radiator with a plurality of antenna elements that emit or receive electromagnetic waves, and a reflector that reflects the electromagnetic waves, and a rotation mechanism that rotates the reflector antenna around a rotation axis that is perpendicular to the arrangement direction in which the plurality of antenna elements are arranged. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an antenna device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a top view schematically illustrating a reflector antenna and a rotation mechanism provided in the antenna device of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a primary radiator provided in the antenna device of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an array antenna module provided in the antenna device of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a signal system provided in the antenna device of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 3 is a directivity diagram showing a beam pattern in a horizontal plane of the antenna device of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an antenna device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a side view schematically illustrating an antenna device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an antenna device according to a modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view schematically illustrating an antenna device according to a modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a top view schematically illustrating an antenna device according to a modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically illustrating a primary radiator provided in an antenna device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 13]FIG. 11 is a plan view schematically illustrating a primary radiator provided in an antenna device according to a modified example of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of adjusting the beam direction of the antenna device performed by the antenna device of the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0009] 1. First embodiment 1.1 Overview of the antenna device Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the antenna device of the first embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a top view schematically illustrating a reflector antenna and a rotation mechanism provided in the antenna device of the first embodiment.

[0010] 1 , an antenna device 1 according to a first embodiment emits or receives electromagnetic waves, and the beam direction of the antenna device 1 can be adjusted in a horizontal plane by mechanical beam scanning and electronic beam scanning.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the antenna device 1 includes a reflector antenna 11 and a rotation mechanism 12.

[0012] The reflector antenna 11 emits or receives electromagnetic waves. The beam direction of the reflector antenna 11 is horizontal. The reflector antenna 11 is a parabolic antenna. The reflector antenna 11 may be a reflector antenna other than a parabolic antenna. For example, the reflector antenna 11 may be a cylindrical antenna.

[0013] The rotation mechanism 12 rotates the reflector antenna 11 around a rotation axis RA, which extends in the vertical direction, causing the beam direction of the antenna device 1 to rotate within a horizontal plane.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the reflector antenna 11 includes a primary radiator 21 and a reflector 22 .

[0015] When reflector antenna 11 radiates electromagnetic waves, primary radiator 21 radiates the electromagnetic waves, and reflector 22 reflects the radiated electromagnetic waves.

[0016] When reflector antenna 11 receives electromagnetic waves, reflector 22 reflects the electromagnetic waves, and primary radiator 21 receives the reflected electromagnetic waves.

[0017] As described above, the reflector antenna 11 is a parabolic antenna. Therefore, the reflector 22 is a dish-shaped reflector and has a parabolic surface 22S that reflects electromagnetic waves. The primary radiator 21 is disposed at the focus of the parabolic surface 22S. As a result, the electromagnetic waves radiated or received by the reflector antenna 11 propagate generally in the direction of the central axis CA of the reflector 22. Therefore, the beam direction of the reflector antenna 11 is the direction of the central axis CA of the reflector 22.

[0018] 1 and 2, the rotation mechanism 12 includes a rotation table 31. The antenna device 1 includes a support 13.

[0019] The top surface 31S of the rotating base 31 is a horizontal plane. The rotating base 31 rotates within the horizontal plane. The reflector 22 is coupled to the top surface 31S of the rotating base 31 directly or via a support (not shown). The primary radiator 21 is coupled to the top surface 31S of the rotating base 31 via a support 13. This causes the reflector antenna 11 to rotate together with the rotating base 31 around the rotation axis RA.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the antenna device 1 includes a circuit board 14 and a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) 15.

[0021] The circuit board 14 is placed on the upper surface 31S of the rotating table 31. The FPC 15 is arranged along the outer peripheral surface 13S of the support 13 and the upper surface 31S of the rotating table 31.

[0022] One end of FPC 15 is connected to circuit board 14. The other end of FPC 15 is connected to primary radiator 21. In this way, FPC 15 electrically connects circuit board 14 and primary radiator 21 to each other. As a result, FPC 15 can transmit signals from circuit board 14 to primary radiator 21 and from primary radiator 21 to circuit board 14. All or part of FPC 15 may be replaced with other types of transmission lines. For example, all or part of FPC 15 may be replaced with a coaxial cable, a coaxial tube, a waveguide, or the like.

[0023] Circuit board 14 outputs a control signal. FPC 15 transmits the output control signal from circuit board 14 to primary radiator 21. Primary radiator 21 operates in accordance with the transmitted control signal. In this way, circuit board 14 controls primary radiator 21.

[0024] When reflector antenna 11 radiates electromagnetic waves, circuit board 14 outputs an intermediate frequency (IF) signal. FPC 15 transmits the output IF signal from circuit board 14 to primary radiator 21. Primary radiator 21 then frequency-converts the transmitted IF signal to a radio frequency (RF) signal, performs signal processing on the RF signal, converts the processed RF signal into an electromagnetic wave, and radiates the electromagnetic wave.

[0025] When reflector antenna 11 receives electromagnetic waves, primary radiator 21 receives the electromagnetic waves, converts the received electromagnetic waves into RF signals, performs signal processing on the RF signals, frequency-converts the processed RF signals into IF signals, and outputs the IF signals. Furthermore, FPC 15 transmits the output IF signals from primary radiator 21 to circuit board 14. The transmitted IF signals are input to circuit board 14.

[0026] The reflector antenna 11, the circuit board 14, and the FPC 15 are placed on a rotation mechanism 12 and rotated together. Therefore, when the reflector antenna 11 is rotated, the relative positional relationship between the reflector antenna 11, the circuit board 14, and the FPC 15 does not change. This eliminates the need for a complex mechanism for maintaining the circuit board 14 and the primary radiator 21 electrically connected to each other even when the reflector antenna 11 is rotated.

[0027] 1, the antenna device 1 includes an exterior cover 16. The exterior cover 16 covers the reflector antenna 11, the rotation mechanism 12, the support 13, the circuit board 14, and the FPC 15.

[0028] 1.2 Primary radiator FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a primary radiator provided in the antenna device of the first embodiment.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, the primary radiator 21 includes an array antenna module 41 and a reflector / heat sink 42 .

[0030] The array antenna module 41 frequency-converts the IF signal transmitted by the FPC 15 into an RF signal, performs signal processing on the RF signal, converts the processed RF signal into an electromagnetic wave, and radiates the electromagnetic wave.

[0031] In addition, the array antenna module 41 receives electromagnetic waves, converts the received electromagnetic waves into RF signals, performs signal processing on the RF signals, and frequency-converts the processed RF signals into IF signals that are transmitted by the FPC 15.

[0032] The reflector / heat sink 42 reflects the electromagnetic waves radiated or received by the array antenna module 41. As a result, the beam direction of the primary radiator 21 is directed toward the reflector 22.

[0033] Furthermore, the reflecting / heat dissipating plate 42 dissipates the heat generated by the array antenna module 41 .

[0034] 1.3 Array antenna module FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the array antenna module provided in the antenna device of the first embodiment.

[0035] 3 and 4, the array antenna module 41 includes a substrate 51 and a shield 52. The array antenna module 41 also includes an RF integrated circuit (RFIC) and a connector, which are not shown.

[0036] The shield 52, RFIC, and connector are attached to the back surface of the substrate 51. The array antenna module 41 is attached to the main surface 42S of the reflector / heat sink 42 so that the front surface of the substrate 51 faces the reflector 22 and the back surface of the substrate 51 faces the reflector / heat sink 42. This causes the beam direction of the primary radiator 21 to face the reflector 22.

[0037] The shield 52 covers the RFIC, thereby preventing unnecessary electromagnetic waves from being emitted from the RFIC and preventing unnecessary electromagnetic waves from being received by the RFIC.

[0038] The connector is attached to a connector position 61 where the RFIC and shield 52 are not placed. The other end of the FPC 15 is connected to the connector.

[0039] The RFIC converts the frequency of the IF signal transmitted by the FPC 15 into an RF signal, processes the RF signal, and outputs the processed RF signal. The substrate 51 converts the output RF signal into an electromagnetic wave and radiates the electromagnetic wave.

[0040] The substrate 51 receives electromagnetic waves, converts the received electromagnetic waves into RF signals, and outputs the RF signals. The RFIC processes the output RF signals and converts the processed RF signals into IF signals that are transmitted by the FPC 15.

[0041] 3 and 4, the substrate 51 includes an antenna portion 71 and a dielectric portion 72. The substrate 51 also includes a wiring portion (not shown).

[0042] The antenna portion 71 includes an antenna conductor. The antenna portion 71 and the dielectric portion 72 form a plurality of antenna elements 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, and 71E. The antenna elements 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, and 71E are patch antennas. The antenna elements 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, and 71E are five antenna elements. The antenna elements 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, and 71E may be replaced with four or fewer or six or more antenna elements. The antenna elements 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, and 71E radiate or receive electromagnetic waves. Each of the antenna elements 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, and 71E can radiate or receive electromagnetic waves of two orthogonal polarized waves. This enables multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) communication using the antenna elements 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, and 71E. Furthermore, IF signals obtained from electromagnetic waves of two orthogonal polarized waves can be combined, thereby increasing the gain of the antenna elements 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, and 71E. One of the two orthogonal polarized waves is horizontally polarized, and the other of the two orthogonal polarized waves is vertically polarized. However, one of the two orthogonal polarized waves may be a polarized wave other than horizontally polarized, and the other of the two orthogonal polarized waves may be a polarized wave other than vertically polarized. For example, one of the two orthogonal polarized waves may be a polarized wave tilted +45° from the horizontal direction, and the other of the two orthogonal polarized waves may be a polarized wave tilted -45° from the horizontal direction.

[0043] The wiring section includes wiring that electrically connects the RFIC to each of the antenna elements 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, and 71E, including wiring that electrically connects the RFIC to each of the horizontally polarized wave feed points of the antenna elements 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, and 71E, and wiring that electrically connects the RFIC to each of the vertically polarized wave feed points of the antenna elements 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, and 71E.

[0044] The antenna elements 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, and 71E are linearly arranged. The rotation axis RA is perpendicular to the arrangement direction AD in which the antenna elements 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, and 71E are arranged. The arrangement direction AD is horizontal. As a result, when the antenna element being used among the antenna elements 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, and 71E is changed, the beam direction of the reflector antenna 11 rotates within the horizontal plane. Among the antenna elements 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, and 71E, the central antenna element 71C is positioned at the focal point F of the parabolic surface 22S.

[0045] The RFIC selects an antenna element to be used from the antenna elements 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, and 71E in accordance with the control signal transmitted by the FPC 15. The selected antenna element is a single antenna element, but the selected antenna element may be a combination of two or more antenna elements.

[0046] In addition, the RFIC converts the electromagnetic waves emitted or received by each of the antenna elements 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, and 71E into horizontally polarized electromagnetic waves or vertically polarized electromagnetic waves in accordance with the control signal transmitted by the FPC 15.

[0047] 1.4 Signaling FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a signal system provided in the antenna device of the first embodiment.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5, the antenna device 1 includes a circuit board 14, an RFIC 81, a rotation mechanism 12, an FPC 15, and an FPC 82.

[0049] The FPC 15 electrically connects the circuit board 14 and the RFIC 81. This allows the FPC 15 to transmit signals from the circuit board 14 to the RFIC 81 and from the RFIC 81 to the circuit board 14.

[0050] The FPC 82 electrically connects the circuit board 14 and the rotation mechanism 12. This allows the FPC 82 to transmit signals from the circuit board 14 to the rotation mechanism 12 and from the rotation mechanism 12 to the circuit board 14.

[0051] The circuit board 14 includes a rotation mechanism control circuit 91, a baseband circuit 92, and an RF control circuit 93. The RFIC 81 includes a control circuit 101.

[0052] The rotation mechanism control circuit 91 outputs a control signal. The FPC 82 transmits the output control signal from the rotation mechanism control circuit 91 to the rotation mechanism 12. The rotation mechanism 12 operates in accordance with the transmitted control signal. This allows the circuit board 14 to control the rotation mechanism 12.

[0053] The RF control circuit 93 outputs a control signal. The FPC 15 transmits the output control signal from the RF control circuit 93 to the control circuit 101. The control circuit 101 operates in accordance with the transmitted control signal. This allows the circuit board 14 to control the control circuit 101.

[0054] The baseband circuit 92 outputs a baseband signal. The RF control circuit 93 generates an IF signal to be transmitted by the FPC 15 from the output baseband signal.

[0055] The RF control circuit 93 also generates a baseband signal from the IF signal transmitted by the FPC 15 and outputs the generated baseband signal. The baseband circuit 92 receives the output baseband signal.

[0056] As shown in Figure 5, the control circuit 101 includes a frequency conversion circuit 111V, a switch 112V, signal processing circuits 113VA, 113VB, 113VC, 113VD and 113VE, signal processing circuits 114VA, 114VB, 114VC, 114VD and 114VE, and switches 115VA, 115VB, 115VC, 115VD and 115VE.

[0057] When the antenna device 1 radiates vertically polarized electromagnetic waves, the switch 112V electrically connects the frequency conversion circuit 111V to the signal processing circuits 113VA, 113VB, 113VC, 113VD, and 113VE. The switches 115VA, 115VB, 115VC, 115VD, and 115VE electrically connect the signal processing circuits 113VA, 113VB, 113VC, 113VD, and 113VE to the vertically polarized feed points of the antenna elements 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, and 71E, respectively. The frequency conversion circuit 111V frequency-converts the IF signal transmitted by the FPC 15 into an RF signal and outputs the RF signal. The signal processing circuits 113VA, 113VB, 113VC, 113VD, and 113VE process the output RF signal and output the processed RF signal. Furthermore, antenna elements 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D and 71E convert RF signals output from signal processing circuits 113VA, 113VB, 113VC, 113VD and 113VE into vertically polarized electromagnetic waves, and radiate the vertically polarized electromagnetic waves.

[0058] When antenna device 1 receives vertically polarized electromagnetic waves, switches 115VA, 115VB, 115VC, 115VD, and 115VE electrically connect the vertically polarized feed points of antenna elements 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, and 71E to signal processing circuits 114VA, 114VB, 114VC, 114VD, and 114VE, respectively. Switch 112V electrically connects signal processing circuits 114VA, 114VB, 114VC, 114VD, and 114VE to frequency conversion circuit 111V. Antenna elements 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, and 71E receive horizontally polarized electromagnetic waves, convert the received horizontally polarized electromagnetic waves into RF signals, and output the RF signals. Furthermore, signal processing circuits 114VA, 114VB, 114VC, 114VD, and 114VE process the RF signals output from antenna elements 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, and 71E, respectively, and output the processed RF signals. Furthermore, frequency conversion circuit 111V converts the frequency of the processed RF signals into IF signals and outputs the IF signals to be transmitted by FPC 15.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 5, the control circuit 101 also includes a frequency conversion circuit 111H, a switch 112H, signal processing circuits 113HA, 113HB, 113HC, 113HD and 113HE, signal processing circuits 114HA, 114HB, 114HC, 114HD and 114HE, and switches 115HA, 115HB, 115HC, 115HD and 115HE.

[0060] When the antenna device 1 radiates horizontally polarized electromagnetic waves, the switch 112H electrically connects the frequency conversion circuit 111H to the signal processing circuits 113HA, 113HB, 113HC, 113HD, and 113HE. The switches 115HA, 115HB, 115HC, 115HD, and 115HE electrically connect the signal processing circuits 113HA, 113HB, 113HC, 113HD, and 113HE to the horizontally polarized feed points of the antenna elements 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, and 71E, respectively. The frequency conversion circuit 111H frequency-converts the IF signal transmitted by the FPC 15 into an RF signal and outputs the RF signal. The signal processing circuits 113HA, 113HB, 113HC, 113HD, and 113HE process the output RF signal and output the processed RF signal. Furthermore, antenna elements 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D and 71E convert the RF signals output from signal processing circuits 113HA, 113HB, 113HC, 113HD and 113HE into horizontally polarized electromagnetic waves, and radiate the horizontally polarized electromagnetic waves.

[0061] When the antenna device 1 receives horizontally polarized electromagnetic waves, the switches 115HA, 115HB, 115HC, 115HD, and 115HE electrically connect the horizontally polarized feed points of the antenna elements 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, and 71E to the signal processing circuits 114HA, 114HB, 114HC, 114HD, and 114HE, respectively. The switch 112H electrically connects the signal processing circuits 114HA, 114HB, 114HC, 114HD, and 114HE to the frequency conversion circuit 111H. The antenna elements 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, and 71E then convert the horizontally polarized electromagnetic waves into RF signals and output the RF signals. The signal processing circuits 114HA, 114HB, 114HC, 114HD, and 114HE process the RF signals output from the antenna elements 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, and 71E, respectively, and output the processed RF signals. The frequency conversion circuit 111H converts the processed RF signals into IF signals and outputs the IF signals to be transmitted by the FPC 15.

[0062] The signal processing performed by signal processing circuits 113VA, 113VB, 113VC, 113VD and 113VE, signal processing circuits 114VA, 114VB, 114VC, 114VD and 114VE, signal processing circuits 113HA, 113HB, 113HC, 113HD and 113HE, and signal processing circuits 114HA, 114HB, 114HC, 114HD and 114HE includes amplification, phase shift, etc.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 5, the control circuit 101 also includes a logic circuit 116.

[0064] The logic circuit 116 controls the frequency conversion circuit 111V, the switch 112V, the signal processing circuits 113VA, 113VB, 113VC, 113VD and 113VE, the signal processing circuits 114VA, 114VB, 114VC, 114VD and 114VE, the switches 115VA, 115VB, 115VC, 115VD and 115VE, the frequency conversion circuit 111H, the switch 112H, the signal processing circuits 113HA, 113HB, 113HC, 113HD and 113HE, the signal processing circuits 114HA, 114HB, 114HC, 114HD and 114HE, and the switches 115HA, 115HB, 115HC, 115HD and 115HE in accordance with the control signals transmitted by the FPC 15. This allows the control circuit 101 to variably select the antenna element to be used for emitting or receiving electromagnetic waves from the plurality of antenna elements 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, and 71E, and change the antenna element to be used.

[0065] 1.5 Beam pattern in the horizontal plane Fig. 6 is a directivity diagram showing a beam pattern in a horizontal plane of the antenna device of the first embodiment. The circumferential direction in Fig. 6 represents the azimuth angle (°). The radial direction in Fig. 6 represents the gain (dB).

[0066] The beam patterns A0, B0, C0, D0 and E0 shown in Figure 6 are beam patterns when the reflector antenna 11 is facing in the direction of an azimuth angle of 0°, and are beam patterns when the antenna elements used are antenna elements 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D and 71E, respectively.

[0067] Beam patterns A45, B45, C45, D45 and E45 shown in Figure 6 are beam patterns when the reflector antenna 11 is facing in a direction with an azimuth angle of 45°, and are beam patterns when the antenna elements used are antenna elements 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D and 71E, respectively.

[0068] Beam patterns A90, B90, C90, D90 and E90 shown in Figure 6 are beam patterns when the reflector antenna 11 is facing in an azimuth angle of 90°, and are beam patterns when the antenna elements used are antenna elements 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D and 71E, respectively.

[0069] Beam patterns A135, B135, C135, D135 and E135 shown in Figure 6 are beam patterns when the reflector antenna 11 is oriented in a direction with an azimuth angle of 135°, and are beam patterns when the antenna elements used are antenna elements 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D and 71E, respectively.

[0070] By mechanical beam scanning, in which the rotation mechanism 12 rotates the reflector antenna 11 to rotate the beam direction of the antenna device 1 in a horizontal plane, the beam direction of the antenna device 1 can be rotated 360° in a horizontal plane and adjusted to any direction. For example, as shown in beam patterns A0, A45, A90, A135, ... in Fig. 6, the beam direction of the antenna device 1 can be adjusted to azimuth angles of 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, ...

[0071] On the other hand, by changing the antenna element to be used among the antenna elements 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, and 71E, electronic beam scanning can be performed to rotate the beam direction of the antenna device 1 in the horizontal plane. Electronic beam scanning alone cannot rotate the beam direction of the antenna device 1 360° in the horizontal plane, and cannot adjust it to any direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , the beam direction of the antenna device 1 can only be adjusted to azimuth angles of −10°, −5°, 0°, 5°, and 10°, as in the beam patterns A0, B0, C0, D0, and E0. However, electronic beam scanning allows the beam direction of the antenna device 1 to be adjusted in a short time.

[0072] The antenna device 1 can use both mechanical and electronic beam scanning. This allows the antenna device 1 to adjust the beam direction of the antenna device 1 to any direction in the horizontal plane in a short time. This allows the antenna device 1 to quickly respond to constantly changing indoor radio wave environments. Therefore, when the antenna device 1 is incorporated into semi-fixed devices such as customer premises equipment (CPE) and home routers, it can provide an optimal communication environment.

[0073] 2. Second embodiment The following describes the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment. For points that are not described, the configurations adopted in the first embodiment are also adopted in the second embodiment.

[0074] Fig. 7 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the antenna device of the second embodiment, and Fig. 8 is a side view schematically illustrating the antenna device of the second embodiment.

[0075] In the antenna device 2A of the second embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8, the reflector antenna 11 is an offset parabolic antenna. The offset direction is vertical. Therefore, the primary radiator 21 is offset from the central axis C of the reflector 22 in the direction in which the rotation axis RA extends, and is offset from the central axis C of the reflector 22 toward the rotation mechanism 12. This makes it possible to prevent the primary radiator 21 from blocking electromagnetic waves reflected by the reflector 22, and to suppress blocking loss due to the primary radiator 21. In addition, the wiring length of the FPC 15 that transmits signals from the array antenna module 41 to the circuit board 14 on the rotation mechanism 12 is shortened, thereby reducing loss due to the FPC 15.

[0076] Fig. 9 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an antenna device according to a modification of the second embodiment, Fig. 10 is a side view schematically illustrating an antenna device according to a modification of the second embodiment, and Fig. 11 is a top view schematically illustrating an antenna device according to a modification of the second embodiment.

[0077] In an antenna device 2B according to a modification of the second embodiment shown in Figures 9, 10, and 11, the reflector antenna 11 is an offset parabolic antenna. The offset direction is horizontal. This prevents the electromagnetic waves reflected by the reflector 22 from being blocked by the primary radiator 21, thereby reducing blocking loss caused by the primary radiator 21.

[0078] 3 Third embodiment The following describes the differences between the third embodiment and the first embodiment. For points that are not described, the configurations adopted in the first embodiment are also adopted in the third embodiment.

[0079] In the third embodiment, the antenna element selected and used from the antenna elements 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, and 71E when electronic beamforming is performed is a combination of two antenna elements, such as a combination of adjacent antenna elements 71A and 71B, a combination of adjacent antenna elements 71B and 71C, a combination of adjacent antenna elements 71C and 71D, or a combination of adjacent antenna elements 71D and 71E.

[0080] 4 Fourth embodiment The following describes the differences between the fourth embodiment and the first embodiment. For points that are not described, the fourth embodiment also employs the same configuration as that employed in the first embodiment.

[0081] FIG. 12 is a plan view schematically illustrating a primary radiator provided in the antenna device of the fourth embodiment.

[0082] 12, the primary radiator 21 provided in the antenna device of the fourth embodiment includes a first array antenna module 41P and a second array antenna module 41Q. The first array antenna module 41P includes a first plurality of antenna elements 71PA, 71PB, 71PC, 71PD, and 71PE. The second array antenna module 41Q includes a second plurality of antenna elements 71QA, 71QB, 71QC, 71QD, and 71QE.

[0083] The antenna elements 71PA, 71PB, 71PC, 71PD, and 71PE are arranged in the arrangement direction AD at an arrangement pitch P. The antenna elements 71QA, 71QB, 71QC, 71QD, and 71QE are also arranged in the arrangement direction AD at an arrangement pitch P.

[0084] In the array direction AD, antenna elements 71QA, 71QB, 71QC, 71QD, and 71QE are arranged at positions shifted by half the array pitch P from the positions at which antenna elements 71PA, 71PB, 71PC, 71PD, and 71PE are arranged. Furthermore, in the direction perpendicular to the array direction AD, antenna elements 71QA, 71QB, 71QC, 71QD, and 71QE are arranged at positions shifted from the positions at which antenna elements 71PA, 71PB, 71PC, 71PD, and 71PE are arranged. As a result, antenna elements 71PA, 71PB, 71PC, 71PD, and 71PE and antenna elements 71QA, 71QB, 71QC, 71QD, and 71QE are arranged in a staggered pattern. As a result, ten antenna elements consisting of antenna elements 71PA, 71PB, 71PC, 71PD, and 71PE and antenna elements 71QA, 71QB, 71QC, 71QD, and 71QE are arranged in the arrangement direction AD at an arrangement pitch of P / 2, thereby increasing the beam direction resolution of the antenna device 1 when electronic beam scanning is performed.

[0085] The first array antenna module P41 and the second array antenna module 41Q are arranged so that the center of the gap between the first array antenna module P41 and the second array antenna module 41Q is located at the focal point F of the paraboloid 22S.

[0086] FIG. 13 is a plan view schematically illustrating a primary radiator provided in an antenna device according to a modified example of the fourth embodiment.

[0087] 13, the primary radiator 21 provided in the antenna device of the modified fourth embodiment includes a first array antenna module 41P and a second array antenna module 41Q. The first array antenna module 41P includes a first plurality of antenna elements 71PA, 71PB, 71PC, 71PD, and 71PE. The second array antenna module 41Q includes a second plurality of antenna elements 71QA, 71QB, 71QC, 71QD, and 71QE.

[0088] Antenna elements 71PA, 71PB, 71PC, 71PD, and 71PE are arranged in the arrangement direction AD. Antenna elements 71QA, 71QB, 71QC, 71QD, and 71QE are also arranged in the arrangement direction AD. Furthermore, the antenna element array consisting of antenna elements 71PA, 71PB, 71PC, 71PD, and 71PE and the antenna element array consisting of antenna elements 71QA, 71QB, 71QC, 71QD, and 71QE are also arranged in the arrangement direction AD. As a result, the ten antenna elements consisting of antenna elements 71PA, 71PB, 71PC, 71PD, and 71PE and antenna elements 71QA, 71QB, 71QC, 71QD, and 71QE are arranged over a wide range in the arrangement direction AD. This allows the range of beam directions of the antenna device 1 to be widened when electronic beam scanning is performed.

[0089] Primary radiator 21 may include three or more array antenna modules. Furthermore, when primary radiator 21 includes two or more array antenna modules, the two or more array antenna modules may be arranged so that the antenna elements are arranged in a staggered manner, or so that the antenna elements are arranged in arrangement direction AD, or so that the antenna elements are arranged in a lattice arrangement, or so that the antenna elements are arranged in an arrangement mode that is a mixture of these.

[0090] 5 Fifth embodiment The following describes the differences between the fifth embodiment and the first embodiment. For points that are not described, the fifth embodiment also employs the same configuration as that employed in the first embodiment.

[0091] The RF control circuit 93 and the rotary base control circuit 101 provided in the antenna device of the fifth embodiment are included in a control unit 151 (see FIG. 5) that adjusts the beam direction of the antenna device 1, which will be described below. In adjusting the beam direction of the antenna device 1, the control unit 151 acquires the intensities of multiple electromagnetic waves while changing the antenna element used in the control circuit 101, and identifies the maximum intensity included in the acquired intensities of the multiple electromagnetic waves. Furthermore, based on the identified maximum intensity, the control unit 151 causes the rotation mechanism 12 to rotate the reflector antenna 11, thereby changing the antenna element used in the control circuit 101. In this way, the beam direction of the antenna device 1 can be adjusted using electronic beam scanning, which can be performed in a short time, and the beam direction of the antenna device 1 can be adjusted in a short time.

[0092] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of adjustment of the beam direction of the antenna device performed by the antenna device of the fifth embodiment.

[0093] When the beam direction of the antenna device 1 is adjusted, steps S11 to S17 shown in FIG. 14 are executed.

[0094] In step S11, the control unit 151 acquires the intensities of multiple electromagnetic waves while the RF control circuit 93 changes the beam direction of the antenna device 1 by electronic beam scanning, i.e., while changing the antenna element used in the control circuit 101. While the beam direction of the antenna device 1 is being changed by electronic beam scanning, the turntable control circuit 101 does not change the beam direction of the antenna device 1 by mechanical beam scanning, i.e., does not cause the rotation mechanism 12 to rotate the reflector antenna 11.

[0095] In the next step S12, the control unit 151 identifies the maximum intensity among the acquired intensities of the electromagnetic waves.

[0096] In the following step S13, the control unit 151 determines whether or not the reflector antenna 11 has made one revolution. If it is determined that the reflector antenna 11 has made one revolution, steps S15 to S17 are executed. If it is determined that the reflector antenna 11 has not made one revolution, step S14 is executed, and then step S11 is executed again.

[0097] In step S14, the rotation mechanism control circuit 91 rotates the reflector antenna 11 by a set angle.

[0098] By steps S11 to S14, the maximum intensity is detected for each set angle until the reflector antenna 11 makes one revolution.

[0099] In step S15, the control unit identifies the maximum value of the acquired maximum intensities.

[0100] In the following step S16, the rotation mechanism control circuit 91 causes the rotation mechanism 12 to rotate the reflector antenna 11 so that the reflector antenna 11 faces in the direction that the reflector antenna 11 was facing when the identified maximum value was acquired.

[0101] In the following step S17, the RF control circuit 93 causes the control circuit 101 to select the antenna element to be used so that the antenna element that was used when the specified maximum value was obtained is used.

[0102] According to steps S16 and S17, the beam direction of the antenna device 1 is set to a direction in which electromagnetic waves can be received at the maximum value.

[0103] As a result, the beam direction of the antenna device 1 is adjusted so that the intensity of the electromagnetic wave reaches its maximum value.

[0104] The beam direction of the antenna device 1 may be adjusted in a manner different from the above-described adjustment of the beam direction of the antenna device 1. For example, when step S16 is executed without executing step S17, the beam direction of the antenna device 1 may be adjusted so that the intensity of the electromagnetic wave becomes the maximum value. Furthermore, electronic beam scanning may be performed while the rotation mechanism 12 is continuously rotating the reflector antenna 11. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1, 2A, 2B Antenna device, 11 Reflector antenna, 12 Rotation mechanism, 13 Support, 14 Circuit board, 15, 82 Flexible printed circuit (FPC), 16 Outer cover, 21 Primary radiator, 22 Reflector, 41 Array antenna module, 42 Reflector / heat sink, 51 Board, 52 Shield, 61 Connector position, 71 Antenna section, 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, 71E Antenna element, 72 Dielectric section, 81 Radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), 91 Rotation mechanism control circuit, 92 Baseband circuit, 93 Radio frequency (RF) control circuit, 111V, 111H Frequency conversion circuit, 112V, 112H, 115HA, 115HB, 115HC, 115HD, 115HE, 115VA, 115VB, 115VC, 115VD, 115VE Switch, 113VA, 113VB, 113VC, 113VD, 113VE, 114VA, 114VB, 114VC, 114VD, 114VE, 113HA, 113HB, 113HC, 113HD and 113HE, 114HA, 114HB, 114HC, 114HD, 114HE signal processing circuit, RA rotation axis, AD arrangement direction

Claims

1. a reflector antenna including a primary radiator having a first array antenna module including a plurality of antenna elements arranged one-dimensionally to radiate or receive electromagnetic waves, and a reflector that reflects the electromagnetic waves; a rotation mechanism that rotates the reflector antenna around a rotation axis in a vertical direction that is perpendicular to an arrangement direction of the plurality of antenna elements included in the first array antenna module; An antenna device comprising:

2. The primary radiator includes a control circuit that varies the antenna element used. The antenna device according to claim 1 .

3. a circuit board that is disposed on the rotation mechanism and controls the rotation mechanism and the control circuit; The antenna device according to claim 2 .

4. a control unit that acquires intensities of a plurality of electromagnetic waves while changing the antenna element to be used in the control circuit, identifies a maximum intensity included in the intensities of the plurality of electromagnetic waves, causes the rotation mechanism to rotate the reflector antenna based on the maximum intensity, and changes the antenna element to be used in the control circuit; The antenna device according to claim 2 or 3, comprising:

5. Each of the plurality of antenna elements emits or receives electromagnetic waves of two orthogonal polarized waves.

5. An antenna device according to claim 1.

6. The reflector antenna is an offset parabolic antenna.

6. An antenna device according to claim 1.

7. The primary radiator is offset from the central axis of the reflector toward the rotation mechanism.

7. The antenna device according to claim 6.

8. the plurality of antenna elements is a first plurality of antenna elements; the primary radiator further includes a second array antenna module including a second plurality of antenna elements arranged in the array direction; The first and second antenna elements are staggered.

8. An antenna device according to claim 1.

9. the plurality of antenna elements is a first plurality of antenna elements; the primary radiator further includes a second array antenna module including a second plurality of antenna elements arranged in the array direction; An antenna element array consisting of a first plurality of antenna elements and an antenna element array consisting of a second plurality of antenna elements are arranged in the arrangement direction.

8. An antenna device according to claim 1.

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