Guidance blocks

Abstract

To provide a guide block which can inhibit deterioration of radio field intensity.SOLUTION: A guide block includes: a sheet structure having sheets; a housing; an antenna; and a reflector. The housing is disposed on an installation surface and protrudes upward from the installation surface. The antenna is provided within the housing and emits electric waves. The reflector is disposed between the installation surface and the antenna, and reflects the electric waves emitted from the antenna. A reflection space is provided between the antenna and the reflector. The sheet structure has a waterproof area in which entry of water from the outside is inhibited by joining the multiple sheets. The reflector is provided within the waterproof area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a guide block. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are known guide blocks that are installed on the floor and have protrusions on their surfaces to physically provide information to visually impaired people and safely guide them. In addition to physical information, various technologies have been proposed for these guide blocks to wirelessly provide information to visually impaired people by incorporating wireless devices such as IC tags.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a guide block configuration that includes a flat concrete block, a through-hole that passes through the flat block in the vertical direction, and an IC tag placed in the through-hole. According to the technology described in Patent Document 1, traffic information is wirelessly transmitted from the IC tag to mobile terminals carried by visually impaired people passing nearby. This is said to improve convenience for visually impaired people. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5976391 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Recently, advances have been made in technology to make guide blocks thinner in order to improve installation flexibility and ease of installation. For example, one method for making guide blocks thinner is to stack multiple sheets to form a flat surface, and then incorporate wireless devices, including a communication antenna and a circuit board, into the sheet. The antenna emits radio waves radially in all directions, such as up, down, left, and right, to transmit information to the mobile devices of passersby passing over the guide block. However, in such thin sheet-like guidance blocks, the antenna is located close to the ground, so radio waves emitted from the antenna, especially downward, are easily absorbed by moisture in the ground, which can weaken the strength of the antenna's radio waves.Furthermore, because the antenna is located close to the ground, there is a risk of interference with radio waves emitted from other devices buried in the ground, which can weaken the strength of the radio waves.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a guidance block that can suppress a decrease in radio wave intensity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one embodiment of the present invention provides an induction block including a housing, an antenna provided inside the housing for transmitting radio waves, and a reflector for reflecting the radio waves transmitted from the antenna, wherein the reflector is disposed between the installation surface and the antenna when the induction block is installed on the installation surface. The guide block has a flat portion formed on a plane parallel to the installation surface and a plurality of protrusions protruding upward from the flat portion, on a portion exposed to the outside as an outer surface when the guide block is installed on the installation surface, and the housing is accommodated in positions corresponding to the protrusions. .

[0008] According to this configuration, a reflector is placed between the antenna and the installation surface (ground) in the vertical direction. This causes radio waves emitted downward from the antenna to be reflected upward by the reflector. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in radio wave intensity caused by the radio waves emitted downward being absorbed by moisture in the ground. The reflector is installed between the antenna and the installation surface, so it can guard against radio waves emitted from, for example, other underground devices or cables. This makes it possible to suppress interference between radio waves from other underground devices and radio waves from the antenna inside the guidance block. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the antenna's radio wave strength due to radio wave interference. Therefore, it is possible to provide a guidance block that can suppress a decrease in radio wave intensity. This allows the strength of the radio waves emitted from the antenna inside the guidance block toward the ground to be maintained at a high level, thereby improving the reception distance and number of times signals can be received by mobile devices carried by passersby compared to conventional technology that does not use reflectors.

[0009] Furthermore, the guidance block has a reflection space between the antenna and the reflector.

[0010] With this configuration, the reflectance of radio waves by the reflector can be improved compared to when the antenna and reflector are placed without providing a reflection space between them (for example, when the antenna and reflector are placed in contact with each other).

[0011] In addition, the reflector of the guidance block has an upper surface facing the antenna and a lower surface facing the installation surface, and the upper surface is capable of reflecting radio waves transmitted from the antenna.

[0012] With this configuration, the upper surface of the reflector facing the antenna is capable of reflecting radio waves, so that radio waves transmitted downward from the antenna are reflected by the upper surface, thereby suppressing absorption of radio waves from the antenna by moisture in the ground and increasing the radio wave strength of the antenna.

[0013] Furthermore, the lower surface of the guiding block is capable of reflecting radio waves from underground.

[0014] With this configuration, the bottom surface of the reflector facing the installation surface can also reflect radio waves, so that radio waves emitted from other underground devices can be reflected by the bottom surface, thereby suppressing interference between radio waves from other devices and the antenna, and maintaining high radio wave strength from the antenna.

[0015] The guide block and the reflector are larger in outer size than the antenna.

[0016] According to this configuration, the radio waves from the antenna can be effectively reflected by the reflector.

[0017] The housing of the guidance block is made of metal, and the housing has a passage for allowing radio waves from the antenna to exit the housing.

[0018] With this configuration, even if the housing is made of a metal material, radio waves from the antenna can pass through the passage to exit the housing, thereby increasing the rigidity of the housing and increasing the radio wave intensity.

[0019] In addition, the passage portion of the guidance block is formed of an insulating material that is permeable to radio waves, and the insulating material is provided between the housing and the reflector.

[0020] According to this configuration, the housing and the reflector can be insulated from each other by providing an insulating member between them. Furthermore, the portion where the insulating member is provided functions as a passage, so that radio waves from the antenna can be transmitted to the outside of the housing through the insulating member. Therefore, a simple configuration can achieve both insulation of the housing and improvement of radio wave strength.

[0021] In addition, the guide block further includes a sheet structure having a plurality of sheets, the sheet structure having a waterproof area in which the intrusion of water from the outside is suppressed by joining the plurality of sheets, and the reflector is provided within the waterproof area.

[0022] With this configuration, the reflector is provided in a waterproof area, which prevents oxidation of the reflector due to moisture underground or from the outside air, thereby preventing a decrease in reflectivity due to oxidation of the reflector and maintaining high radio wave intensity even over time.

[0023] Further, the guide block includes a reflector that includes a first reflector and a second reflector that is different from the first reflector, the first reflector is provided within the waterproof area, and the second reflector is provided below the first reflector and between the sheet structure and the installation surface when the guide block is installed on the installation surface.

[0024] According to this configuration, since the second reflector is provided between the sheet structure and the installation surface, the distance between the second reflector and the antenna in the vertical direction can be increased. This ensures a reflective space between the second reflector and the antenna, further suppressing a decrease in radio wave intensity from the antenna. Since the first reflector is provided within the waterproof area, oxidation of the first reflector due to moisture from the ground or the outside air, for example, can be suppressed. This suppresses a decrease in reflectivity of the first reflector due to oxidation over time, and allows radio wave intensity to be maintained high. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a guidance block that can suppress a decrease in radio wave intensity. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a position information guidance system using guide blocks according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the guide block according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a guide block according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a guide block according to a third embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a guide block according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be assigned the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions of those components may be omitted. In the following description, the up-down direction corresponds to the vertical direction when the guide block 1 is installed on the installation surface (ground).

[0028] (First embodiment) (Guidance blocks) FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a location information guidance system using guide blocks 1 according to the first embodiment. The guiding blocks 1 are so-called guiding blocks for visually impaired people, and are used by laying them on roads or floors (installation surfaces) to provide necessary information to visually impaired people P.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 1, the guide block 1 constitutes a part of a location information guidance system that provides location information, etc. Specifically, in the example shown in Fig. 1, the location information guidance system includes the guide block 1, a communication terminal 51, earphones 53, and a cloud 52. The guide block 1 has the function of transmitting a signal (ID) that identifies it. A wireless device (not shown) built into the guide block 1 constantly transmits a signal, and when a visually impaired person or other passerby (hereinafter simply referred to as a passerby P unless otherwise specified) approaches the guide block 1, the communication terminal 51 carried by the passerby P can receive the signal from the guide block 1. The received signal is sent to the cloud 52 via the network, and the cloud 52 sends information corresponding to the signal to the communication terminal 51. In this way, the passerby P obtains information from the wireless device. Here, the guide blocks 1 are laid on the floor at regular intervals. This allows the passerby P to obtain new information as they walk. Between each guide block 1, guide blocks without built-in wireless devices are placed. The guide blocks 1 do not necessarily have to be placed on the floor at regular intervals.

[0030] The information acquired from the guide block 1 can be further converted into, for example, audio by the communication terminal 51, so that the passerby P can hear it. If the passerby P is visually impaired, the information can be heard, for example, through earphones 53. The communication terminal 51 may provide the information in a form that can be seen by the passerby P, for example, by displaying the received information on a screen. Furthermore, if the passerby P is visually impaired, the information may be provided so that, for example, an assistant can see it. The communication terminal 51 may transmit the received information to another communication terminal (not shown).

[0031] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the guide block 1 according to the first embodiment. The guiding block 1 is a so-called guiding block for visually impaired people, and is used by laying it on roads or floors (installation surfaces) to provide necessary information to visually impaired people, etc. (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as passersby).

[0032] The guide block 1, together with mobile terminals carried by passersby and the cloud (neither of which are shown), constitutes part of a location information guidance system that provides location information and other information. The guide block 1 has the function of transmitting a signal (ID) that identifies itself. The guide block 1 is constantly transmitting a signal, and when a passerby approaches the guide block 1, the mobile terminal carried by the passerby receives the signal from the guide block 1. The received signal is sent to the cloud via the network, and the cloud sends information corresponding to the signal to the mobile terminal. This allows passersby to obtain information from the guide block 1.

[0033] The guide blocks 1 are laid on the floor at regular intervals, for example. This allows passersby to obtain new information as they walk. Note that the guide blocks 1 do not necessarily have to be laid on the floor at regular intervals.

[0034] The guide block 1 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the front in the vertical direction. The thickness of the entire guide block 1 in the vertical direction in this embodiment is about several millimeters. Therefore, the guide block 1 can be installed on the installation surface by, for example, gluing it to the installation surface without digging the ground. The guide block 1 includes a sheet structure 2, a housing 3, an insulating member 4, a support member 5, a circuit board 6, an antenna 7, and a reflector 8.

[0035] The seat constituent body 2 is the main body of the guide block 1 and forms the outer shell of the guide block 1. The seat constituent body 2 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the front. The seat constituent body 2 includes a first sheet 11, a second sheet 12, and an intermediate sheet 13.

[0036] The first sheet 11 is the portion that is exposed to the outside as the outer surface when the guide block 1 is placed on the installation surface 10. The first sheet 11 is made of a material such as silicone resin, polyacrylic resin, polyamide resin, polyurethane resin, vinyl chloride resin, or polyester elastomer.

[0037] The first sheet 11 is formed in the shape of a transparent or translucent sheet. The first sheet 11 has a flat portion 15 and a plurality of protruding portions 16. The flat portion 15 is formed on a plane parallel to the installation surface 10. The protruding portions 16 protrude upward from the flat portion 15. When viewed from the front, the protruding portions 16 are formed in the shape of lines extending parallel to one side of the guide block 1. The plurality of protruding portions 16 are arranged parallel to each other and at predetermined intervals. The flat portion 15 and the protruding portions 16 described above are formed from a single continuous sheet (first sheet 11). Note that FIG. 2 illustrates one of the plurality of protruding portions 16.

[0038] A solid yellow pattern, for example, is printed on almost the entire back surface (lower surface) of first sheet 11. By printing on the back surface of first sheet 11, which is made of a transparent or translucent material, the color and pattern of the printed surface can be seen from the front surface (upper surface) of first sheet 11. Note that a non-slip portion (not shown) or the like may be separately provided on the surface of first sheet 11 to prevent pedestrians from slipping and falling when they step on guide block 1.

[0039] The second sheet 12 is provided below the first sheet 11. The second sheet 12 is formed of a material such as a soft aluminum thin plate, a soft vinyl chloride thin plate, a polyester thin plate, a rubber sheet, etc. Examples of the rubber sheet include urethane rubber, acrylic rubber, silicone rubber, and fluororubber.

[0040] The second sheet 12 is formed in the shape of a thin, flat sheet. The second sheet 12 is formed in a rectangular shape of the same size as the first sheet 11 when viewed from the front. The peripheral edge of the second sheet 12 and the peripheral edge of the first sheet 11 are joined to each other around the entire periphery. The first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12 are joined to each other by adhesive, double-sided tape, welding, etc. The first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12 are joined to each other at their respective peripheral edges, thereby preventing the intrusion of water and foreign matter into the space between the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12. The region of the sheet structure 2 where the intrusion of water and foreign matter is prevented is called a waterproof region 18. In other words, the sheet structure 2 has a waterproof region 18 where the intrusion of water, foreign matter, etc. from the outside is suppressed by joining multiple sheets together.

[0041] The intermediate sheet 13 is provided between the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12 in the up-down direction. The intermediate sheet 13 is made of a material such as soft rubber. The intermediate sheet 13 is formed in a flat sheet shape. The intermediate sheet 13 is formed so as to be disposed in a position corresponding to the flat portion 15 of the first sheet 11 when the sheets are stacked. In other words, the intermediate sheet 13 has a rectangular outer shape in a front view, and has holes formed therein in positions corresponding to the protrusions 16 of the first sheet 11. The intermediate sheet 13 is a member for suppressing misalignment of the housing 3 accommodated in the protrusions 16 of the first sheet 11. When the sheet structure 2 is stacked, the upper surface of the intermediate sheet 13 contacts the first sheet 11. The lower surface of the intermediate sheet 13 contacts the second sheet 12.

[0042] The housing 3 is disposed on the installation surface 10 and protrudes upward from the installation surface 10. The housing 3 is provided between the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12. Specifically, the housing 3 is disposed in a waterproof area 18 surrounded by the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12. The housing 3 is housed inside the convex portion 16 of the first sheet 11. The housing 3 is formed in an elongated shape that follows the shape of the convex portion 16. In a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (cross-sectional view of FIG. 2), the housing 3 is formed in a trapezoidal frame shape that follows the internal shape of the convex portion 16. In a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the housing 3 is formed in a U-shape that convex upward. A bottom portion 23, which is the lower end of the housing 3, is disposed on the second sheet 12 via an insulating member 4 and a reflector 8, which will be described in detail later. Therefore, an internal space 25 is provided between the housing 3 and the second sheet 12 (more precisely, the reflector 8), surrounded by the housing 3 on the front, rear, left, right, and top sides, and by the reflector 8 below.

[0043] In this embodiment, the housing 3 is made of a metal material such as stainless steel or iron. The housing 3 has a plurality of passages 21. The passages 21 are provided on the top surface of the housing 3 and on two side surfaces that form the long sides of the housing 3 when viewed from the front. The passages 21 at least allow radio waves to be emitted from the inside of the housing 3 (the above-mentioned internal space 25) to the outside of the housing 3.

[0044] The insulating member 4 is provided on the bottom 23 of the housing 3. The insulating member 4 provides insulation between the housing 3 and the reflector 8 provided below the housing 3. In this embodiment, the insulating member 4 is formed to be permeable to radio waves. This allows the insulating member 4 to function as the passage 21 of the housing 3. In other words, the insulating member 4 functions as the above-mentioned "passage 21 provided on the two side surfaces that form the long sides of the housing 3 when viewed from the front."

[0045] The support member 5 is provided in the internal space 25 of the housing 3. The support member 5 holds the circuit board 6. The support member 5 lifts and holds the circuit board 6 so that the circuit board 6 is spaced upward from the installation surface 10 of the housing 3. The support member 5 and the insulating member 4 may be integrally formed.

[0046] The circuit board 6 is provided in the internal space 25 of the housing 3. The circuit board 6 is held at the upper end of the support member 5. The circuit board 6 may include a wireless device (not shown) that transmits signals. The antenna 7 is provided in the internal space 25 of the housing 3. The antenna 7 is mounted on the circuit board 6. In this embodiment, the antenna 7 is integrated with the circuit board 6. The antenna 7 transmits radio waves (signals) to the mobile terminals of passersby. The antenna 7 transmits radio waves radially, for example, in all directions: front and back, left and right, and up and down. In addition to the circuit board 6 and the antenna 7, for example, a battery, wiring members, etc. may be separately provided in the internal space 25 of the housing 3.

[0047] The reflector 8 is disposed between the installation surface 10 and the antenna 7. In this embodiment, a plurality of reflectors 8 (two in this embodiment) are provided. The reflector 8 reflects radio waves transmitted from the antenna 7. The reflector 8 has a first reflector 41 and a second reflector 42.

[0048] The first reflector 41 is provided between the second sheet 12 and the housing 3 (insulating member 4 thereof). The first reflector 41 is provided within the waterproof area 18. When viewed from the front, the first reflector 41 is formed in a rectangular shape with an outer shape that is the same as or slightly larger than the outer shape of the antenna 7. A reflection space S is provided between the first reflector 41 and the antenna 7. The reflection space S is a space provided between the first reflector 41 and the antenna 7 in the vertical direction, and is a space in which no members such as metal materials are provided. The radio waves transmitted from the antenna 7 pass through the reflection space S to reach the reflector 8.

[0049] The first reflector 41 is formed in a plate shape parallel to the installation surface 10. The first reflector 41 is formed of a metal material (including an alloy), such as gold, silver, copper, aluminum, brass, or stainless steel. Alternatively, the first reflector 41 may be formed by applying metal vapor deposition or metal powder coating to the surface of a plate-shaped member. An upper surface 41a of the first reflector 41 facing the antenna 7 reflects radio waves transmitted from the antenna 7 (see arrow A1 in FIG. 2). A lower surface 41b of the first reflector 41 facing the installation surface 10 is formed to be able to reflect radio waves, similar to the upper surface 41a. The lower surface 41b of the first reflector 41 reflects radio waves, for example, from other devices buried in the ground. Note that, to increase reflectivity, the surface of the first reflector 41 is preferably formed to have a mirror finish.

[0050] The second reflector 42 is provided below the first reflector 41. The second reflector 42 is provided between the second sheet 12 and the installation surface 10. The second reflector 42 is provided outside the waterproof area 18. The second reflector 42 is formed in a rectangular shape having an outer shape that is the same as or slightly larger than the outer shape of the first reflector 41 when viewed from the front.

[0051] The second reflector 42 has the same configuration as the first reflector 41. That is, the second reflector 42 is formed in a plate shape parallel to the ground. The second reflector 42 is formed of a metal material (including an alloy), such as gold, silver, copper, aluminum, brass, or stainless steel. Alternatively, the second reflector 42 may be formed by applying metal vapor deposition or metal powder coating to the surface of a plate-shaped member. The upper surface 42a of the second reflector 42 facing the antenna 7 reflects radio waves transmitted from the antenna 7. The lower surface 42b of the second reflector 42 facing the installation surface 10 reflects radio waves and the like from other devices embedded in the ground (see arrow A2 in FIG. 2). As with the first reflector 41, the surface of the second reflector 42 is preferably formed to have a mirror finish to increase reflectivity.

[0052] Here, the functions of the first reflector 41 and the second reflector 42 will be explained. The larger the reflection space S, that is, the longer the distance between the reflector 8 and the antenna 7, the easier it is to reflect radio waves, and the more effectively the radio wave intensity from the antenna 7 can be prevented from decreasing. Therefore, from the perspective of the size of the reflection space S, the second reflector 42, which is positioned farther from the antenna 7, is advantageous. On the other hand, the first reflector 41 is positioned within the waterproof area 18, and therefore is less susceptible to the effects of moisture and the like compared to the second reflector 42, and the decrease in reflectivity due to oxidation can be prevented. Therefore, from the perspective of corrosion resistance, the first reflector 41 positioned within the waterproof area 18 is advantageous.

[0053] (Action, effect) Next, the function and effect of the above-mentioned guide block 1 will be described. The guidance block 1 of this embodiment comprises a housing 3 that protrudes upward from the installation surface 10, an antenna 7 that is provided inside the housing 3 and transmits radio waves, and a reflector 8 that is positioned between the installation surface 10 and the antenna 7 and reflects the radio waves transmitted from the antenna 7. A reflector 8 is disposed between the antenna 7 and the installation surface 10 (ground) in the vertical direction. As a result, radio waves transmitted downward from the antenna 7 are reflected upward by the reflector 8. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in radio wave intensity caused by the radio waves transmitted downward being absorbed by moisture in the ground. The reflector 8 is provided between the antenna 7 and the installation surface 10, and can therefore guard against radio waves emitted from, for example, other underground devices or cables. This makes it possible to suppress interference between radio waves from other underground devices and radio waves from the antenna 7 in the guidance block 1. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the radio wave strength of the antenna 7 due to radio wave interference. Therefore, it is possible to provide a guidance block 1 that can suppress a decrease in radio wave intensity. This maintains a high intensity of the radio waves emitted toward the ground from the antenna 7 inside the guidance block 1. Therefore, compared to conventional technology that does not have a reflector, it is possible to improve the reception distance and the number of reception times on mobile terminals carried by passersby.

[0054] A reflection space S is provided between the antenna 7 and the reflector 8. With this configuration, the reflectance of radio waves by the reflector 8 can be improved compared to when the antenna 7 and the reflector 8 are arranged without providing the reflection space S between them (for example, when the antenna 7 and the reflector 8 are arranged in contact with each other).

[0055] The reflector 8 is formed in a plate shape having upper surfaces 41a, 42a facing the antenna 7 and lower surfaces 41b, 42b facing the installation surface 10, and both the upper surfaces 41a, 42a and the lower surfaces 41b, 42b are capable of reflecting radio waves. With this configuration, the reflector 8 is formed in a plate shape, which allows the thickness of the guidance block 1 to be reduced. Since the upper surfaces 41a, 42a of the reflector 8 facing the antenna 7 are capable of reflecting radio waves, radio waves transmitted downward from the antenna 7 are reflected by the upper surfaces 41a, 42a. This prevents radio waves from being absorbed by moisture in the ground, thereby increasing the radio wave intensity of the antenna 7. Furthermore, since the lower surfaces 41b, 42b of the reflector 8 facing the installation surface 10 are also capable of reflecting radio waves, radio waves transmitted from other underground devices can be reflected by the lower surfaces 41b, 42b. This makes it possible to suppress interference between radio waves from other devices and radio waves from the antenna 7, and to maintain high radio wave strength from the antenna 7.

[0056] The outer shape of the reflector 8 is larger than the outer shape of the antenna 7. This allows the radio waves from the antenna 7 to be reflected by the reflector 8 more effectively.

[0057] The housing 3 is made of metal, and has a passage 21 for allowing radio waves from the antenna 7 to exit the housing 3. With this configuration, even if the housing 3 is made of a metal material, the radio waves from the antenna 7 can pass through the passage 21 and exit the housing 3. Therefore, the rigidity of the housing 3 can be increased while the radio wave intensity can be increased.

[0058] The passage 21 is formed by an insulating member 4 that is permeable to radio waves, and the insulating member 4 is provided between the housing 3 and the reflector 8. According to this configuration, by providing the insulating member 4 between the housing 3 and the reflector 8, it is possible to insulate the housing 3 from the reflector 8. Furthermore, the portion where the insulating member 4 is provided functions as the passage 21, so that radio waves from the antenna 7 can be transmitted to the outside of the housing 3 through the insulating member 4. Therefore, with a simple configuration, it is possible to achieve both insulation of the housing 3 and improvement of radio wave strength.

[0059] The sheet structure 2 has a waterproof area 18 in which intrusion of water from the outside is suppressed by joining a plurality of sheets together, and the reflector 8 is provided within the waterproof area 18. According to this configuration, since the reflector 8 is provided within the waterproof area 18, oxidation of the reflector 8 due to moisture in the ground or the outside air, for example, can be suppressed. This suppresses a decrease in reflectivity due to oxidation of the reflector 8, and makes it possible to maintain high radio wave intensity even over time.

[0060] A plurality of reflectors 8 are provided, with the first reflector 41 being provided within the waterproof region 18, and the second reflector 42 being provided below the first reflector 41 and between the sheet structure 2 and the installation surface 10. With this configuration, the second reflector 42 is provided between the sheet structure 2 and the installation surface 10, so that the distance between the second reflector 42 and the antenna 7 in the vertical direction can be increased. This ensures a reflection space S between the second reflector 42 and the antenna 7, and further suppresses a decrease in the radio wave intensity from the antenna 7. Since the first reflector 41 is provided within the waterproof region 18, oxidation of the first reflector 41 due to moisture in the ground or the outside air, for example, can be suppressed. This suppresses a decrease in reflectivity of the first reflector 41 due to oxidation over time, and makes it possible to maintain high radio wave intensity.

[0061] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a guide block 201 according to the second embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the housing 203 is made of a plastic material.

[0062] The housing 203 of the second embodiment is made of a plastic material. The material of the housing 203 is, for example, reinforced plastic. The housing 203 is permeable to radio waves transmitted from the antenna 7. Therefore, the housing 203 of the second embodiment is not provided with a passage 21 (see FIG. 2) for passing radio waves. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the housing 203 itself is made of an insulating material, and therefore, no insulating member 4 (see FIG. 2) is provided between the housing 203 and the reflector 8. In other words, the bottom 223 of the housing 203 contacts the upper surface 41a of the reflector 8.

[0063] According to the guide block 1 of the second embodiment, the guide block 201 can have a simpler configuration.

[0064] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a guide block 301 according to the third embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that only one reflector 308 is provided and that no insulating member 4 is provided.

[0065] The guide block 301 of the third embodiment has a single reflector 308 in the thickness direction (vertical direction). The reflector 308 is provided between the second sheet 12 and the housing 3. The reflector 308 is provided within the waterproof area 18. The location of the reflector 308 in the third embodiment is the same as the location of the first reflector 41 in the first embodiment. A reflection space S is provided between the reflector 308 and the antenna 7. An upper surface 308a of the reflector 308 reflects radio waves transmitted from the antenna 7 (see arrow A3 in FIG. 4). A lower surface 308b of the reflector 308 reflects radio waves and the like from other devices buried in the ground (see arrow A4 in FIG. 4).

[0066] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the housing 3 is provided above and spaced apart from the upper surface 308a of the reflector 308. That is, a gap is provided between the bottom 323 of the housing 3 and the reflector 308. This gap serves as a passage 321.

[0067] According to the guide block 301 of the third embodiment, the housing 3 and the reflector 308 are arranged at a distance from each other, thereby insulating the housing 3 from the reflector 308 without providing an insulating member 4. Furthermore, the gap between the housing 3 and the reflector 308 can be used as a passage 321. Furthermore, even when only one reflector 308 is used, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be achieved. Therefore, the versatility of the guide block 301 can be improved. 4, the support member 5 (see FIG. 2) may also be omitted. In this case, for example, a locking portion or the like may be provided on the housing 3, and the circuit board 6 and the antenna 7 may be held by the housing 3 via the locking portion.

[0068] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a guide block 401 according to the fourth embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those in the third embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again. The fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that the reflector 408 is formed in a concave shape rather than a plate shape.

[0069] In the guide block 401 of the fourth embodiment, the reflector 408 is formed in a block shape having a recess 445 recessed downward. By forming the recess 445, the reflector 408 is formed to have a U-shaped cross section when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, as shown in FIG. 5. Although not shown, the reflector 408 may also be formed to have a similar U-shaped cross section when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the short side direction. The reflector 408 is integrally formed from a metal material such as a copper alloy or an aluminum alloy. An insulating member 404 is disposed inside the recess 445 (bottom 445a). A circuit board 6 and an antenna 7 are provided on the insulating member 404.

[0070] According to the guidance block 401 of the fourth embodiment, the radio waves emitted from the antenna 7 are reflected by the bottom 445a of the recess 445 of the reflector 408, and then exit to the outside through the passages 321, 421 formed in the housing 3 (see arrow A5 in Figure 5). As shown in FIG. 5, the passage 421 provided in the upper part of the housing may be provided at a position offset to the left or right from the center of the housing in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0071] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, a configuration has been described in which a reflector 8 is provided corresponding to each recess of the first sheet 11, but this is not limitative. The reflector 8 may be configured to be the same size as the sheet structure 2 in a front view and provided across the entire sheet. In other words, the reflector 8 need only be larger than the outer shape of the antenna 7 in a front view, and is not limited to being the same size as the antenna 7. This allows a larger amount of radio waves transmitted downward from the antenna 7 to be reflected.

[0072] The antenna 7 and the circuit board 6 may be configured separately. In this case, it is sufficient that at least the antenna 7 is provided above the reflector 8. Also, for example, a pattern antenna in which a pattern is printed on the circuit board 6 may be used. Three or more reflectors 8 may be provided in the vertical direction. A hole or gap may be provided in a part of the support member 5. For example, the hole or gap may be provided in a part that overlaps with the antenna 7 when viewed from the front. As the reflection space S, a non-metallic material that is permeable to radio waves may be disposed between the antenna 7 and the reflector 8.

[0073] In the first embodiment, the insulating member 4 may be omitted. In this case, it is desirable to arrange the housing 3 and the reflector 8 apart from each other. Similarly, in the first and second embodiments, the support member 5 may be omitted. The guide blocks 1 are not limited to being installed on roads or floors that are stepped on, but may also be installed on walls, handrails, etc. that are touched by hand.

[0074] In addition, within the scope of the spirit of the present invention, it is possible to replace the components in the above-described embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described embodiments may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1,201,301 Guidance blocks 2. Sheet structure 3,203 cabinets 4. Insulating materials 7 Antenna 8 Reflector 10 Installation surface 11 First sheet (multiple sheets) 12 Second sheet (multiple sheets) 13 Intermediate seats (multiple seats) 18 Waterproof area 21,321 Passage section 41 First Reflector 42 Second Reflector 41a,42a,308a Top surface 41b,42b,308b Bottom surface S reflection space

Claims

1. The housing and an antenna provided inside the housing and configured to transmit radio waves; a reflector that reflects radio waves transmitted from the antenna; A guide block comprising: the reflector is disposed between the installation surface and the antenna when the guidance block is installed on the installation surface, The guide block has a flat portion formed on a plane parallel to the installation surface, and a plurality of protrusions protruding upward from the flat portion, at a portion exposed to the outside as an outer surface when the guide block is installed on the installation surface; The housing includes a guide block accommodated at a position corresponding to the protrusion.

2. 2. The guidance block according to claim 1, wherein a reflection space is provided between the antenna and the reflector.

3. the reflector has an upper surface facing the antenna and a lower surface facing the installation surface, 3. The guidance block according to claim 1, wherein the upper surface is capable of reflecting radio waves transmitted from the antenna.

4. 4. The guidance block according to claim 3, wherein the lower surface is capable of reflecting radio waves from underground.

5. The guide block according to claim 1 , wherein the reflector is larger than the outer shape of the antenna.

6. The housing is made of metal, 6. The guidance block according to claim 1, wherein the housing has a passage for allowing radio waves from the antenna to exit the housing.

7. the passage is formed of an insulating material that is permeable to radio waves, The guide block according to claim 6 , wherein the insulating member is provided between the housing and the reflector.

8. Further comprising a sheet construction having a plurality of sheets, The sheet structure has a waterproof region in which the intrusion of water from the outside is suppressed by joining the plurality of sheets, The guide block according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the reflector is provided within the waterproof area.

9. the reflectors include a first reflector and a second reflector different from the first reflector; the first reflector is provided within the waterproof area, The guide block according to claim 8, wherein the second reflector is located below the first reflector and between the seat structure and the installation surface when the guide block is installed on the installation surface.

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