wireless antenna

Abstract

To provide a radio antenna capable of changing the coverage of an electromagnetic wave from an end surface of an end of a dielectric waveguide.SOLUTION: A radio antenna 100 includes a cable-shaped waveguide 110, and an antenna function part 120 formed of a dielectric. The antenna function part 120 is attachable to an end of the waveguide 110. The antenna function part 120 attached to the end of the waveguide 110 is detachable from the end of the waveguide 110. The coverage of an electromagnetic wave from the end of the waveguide 110 is different between the case where the antenna function part 120 is attached to the end of the waveguide 110 and the case where the antenna function part 120 is not attached to the end of the waveguide 110.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a radio antenna technology that uses a dielectric waveguide, and more particularly to a radio antenna technology that can change the coverage of electromagnetic waves from an end face at the end of a dielectric waveguide. [Background technology]

[0002] Fifth-generation mobile communication systems (so-called 5G) and sixth-generation mobile communication systems (so-called 6G) ​​require high bit rates for high-speed wireless communication. For example, 5G requires a bit rate of 10 Gbps, and 6G requires a bit rate of 100 Gbps. As one method for achieving such high-speed wireless communication, the application of quasi-millimeter waves (there is no clear definition, but it is approximately 20 GHz to 30 GHz), millimeter wave bands (frequency bands of 30 GHz to 300 GHz), or sub-terahertz bands (frequency bands of 100 GHz or higher) to wireless communication is being considered.

[0003] Electromagnetic waves with such high frequencies are characterized by significant attenuation as they propagate through space. It is known that the loss of electromagnetic waves in the TEM (Transverse Electromagnetic) mode that propagate through free space (known as free space propagation loss) is proportional to the square of the frequency. Furthermore, electromagnetic waves with such high frequencies are characterized by large diffraction losses due to obstructions (in other words, the electromagnetic waves tend to propagate in a straight line). For this reason, there is a demand for technology to reduce blind zones (i.e., areas where electromagnetic waves cannot reach).

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a wireless antenna that includes a dielectric waveguide, which is a wired transmission medium, and a dielectric attachment (referred to as a "mass" in Patent Document 1) that can be installed anywhere on the dielectric waveguide, as a technology for reducing blind zones. According to the wireless antenna of Patent Document 1, a dielectric waveguide is installed from a wireless base station, and a dielectric attachment is installed at a portion of the dielectric waveguide near an area that would be a blind zone if the wireless antenna were not used. The dielectric attachment radiates electromagnetic waves, thereby reducing blind zones. The wireless antenna of Patent Document 1 does not require active components such as repeaters, and the dielectric attachment (i.e., the electromagnetic wave radiation source) can be installed anywhere on the dielectric waveguide, thereby achieving coverage tailored to the situation with low power consumption. For example, in high-frequency communications, efficient coverage can be achieved in factories or rooms where people or equipment are present as shields. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-114766 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Patent Document 1 discloses that the end of a dielectric waveguide may be open and not connected to anything, may be short-circuited, may be connected to an antenna (e.g., a linear antenna, an aperture antenna, etc.), or may be terminated. In any case, the coverage of the electromagnetic wave from the end face of the end of the dielectric waveguide is fixed.

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned technical problems, the present disclosure provides a wireless antenna technology that can change the coverage of electromagnetic waves from the end face at the end of a dielectric waveguide. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The technical matters described herein are not intended to explicitly or implicitly limit the invention described in the claims, and are not provided to limit the invention described in the claims to anyone other than those who will benefit from the present invention (e.g., the applicant and the right holder), but are described simply to facilitate understanding of the gist of the present invention. The outline of the present invention from other perspectives can be understood, for example, from the claims at the time of filing of this patent application. The wireless antenna disclosed in this specification includes a cable-shaped dielectric waveguide and a first antenna function unit formed of a dielectric. The first antenna function unit can be attached to an end of the dielectric waveguide. The first antenna function unit attached to the end of the dielectric waveguide is detachable from the end of the dielectric waveguide. Therefore, the coverage of electromagnetic waves from the end of the dielectric waveguide differs between when the first antenna function unit is attached to the end of the dielectric waveguide and when the first antenna function unit is not attached to the end of the dielectric waveguide. The first antenna function portion has, for example, the shape of a cone, a truncated cone, a spherical detent, or an obliquely truncated cylinder. The wireless antenna may further include a second antenna function unit formed of a dielectric. The second antenna function unit can be attached to the end of the dielectric waveguide. The second antenna function unit attached to the end of the dielectric waveguide is detachable from the end of the dielectric waveguide. The radiation pattern of the second antenna function unit is different from the radiation pattern of the first antenna function unit. A user can replace the first antenna function unit with the second antenna function unit. Therefore, the coverage of electromagnetic waves from the end of the dielectric waveguide differs between when the first antenna function unit is attached to the end of the dielectric waveguide and when the second antenna function unit is attached to the end of the dielectric waveguide. The second antenna function portion has, for example, the shape of a cone, a truncated cone, a spherical detent, or an obliquely truncated cylinder. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the radio antenna disclosed in this specification, the coverage of the electromagnetic waves from the end face of the terminal of the dielectric waveguide can be easily changed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of a configuration of a wireless communication system including a wireless antenna according to an embodiment, in which (a) an antenna function unit is attached to the wireless antenna, and (b) an antenna function unit is not attached to the wireless antenna. [Figure 2] Example of waveguide configuration. (a) Cross-sectional view along the longitudinal direction of the waveguide. (b) Cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the waveguide. [Figure 3] Example of waveguide configuration. (a) Cross-sectional view along the longitudinal direction of the waveguide. (b) Cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the waveguide. [Figure 4] Example of waveguide configuration. (a) Cross-sectional view along the longitudinal direction of the waveguide. (b) Cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the waveguide. [Figure 5] An example of a waveguide configuration. [Figure 6] Examples of waveguide end shapes: (a) Pyramidal, (b) Truncated pyramidal, (c) Hemisphere, (d) Obliquely truncated prism, (e) Tip of a flat-head screwdriver. [Figure 7] Examples of the shape of the antenna functional part. (a) In the case of a cone. (b) In the case of a truncated cone. (c) In the case of a spherical indentation. (d) In the case of an obliquely cut cylinder. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the angle of a radiation pattern. [Figure 9] Radiation pattern when the antenna functional part is a cone (L=10mm). [Figure 10] Radiation pattern when the antenna functional part is a cone (L=40mm). [Figure 11] Radiation pattern when the antenna functional part is spherically recessed (R=5mm). [Figure 12] Radiation pattern when the antenna functional part is spherically recessed (R=10mm). [Figure 13] Radiation pattern when the antenna functional part is cylindrical (γ=90 degrees). [Figure 14] Radiation pattern when the antenna functional part is an obliquely cut cylinder (γ=75 degrees). [Figure 15] An example of an antenna function section with a hole corresponding to the shape of the end of the waveguide. [Figure 16] The antenna function section and waveguide are secured with screws. [Figure 17] An example of connecting the antenna function part and waveguide using an adapter. [Figure 18] An example of a radio antenna with a branched configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The wireless communication system 1 shown in FIG. 1(a) includes a wireless antenna 100 according to the embodiment, a communication terminal 200, and a signal generating device 800. As shown in FIG. 1(a), the wireless antenna 100 includes a waveguide 110 and an antenna function unit 120. The waveguide 110 is a tangible object made of a dielectric material, and as shown in FIG. 1(a), has an external shape in which the length is significantly greater than the width (or the square root of the cross-sectional area), similar to a cable. The waveguide 110 may have a linear shape, or a slightly meandering shape as shown in FIG. 1(a), in other words, a shape with a bend that does not adversely affect the low-loss propagation of the waveguide 110, which will be described later, or may have a branched structure. The branched structure of the waveguide 110 will be described later. In this embodiment, one end of the waveguide 110 is connected to a signal generating device 800 that generates a signal having a frequency in the millimeter wave (30 GHz to 300 GHz), quasi-millimeter wave (although there is no clear definition, it is approximately 20 GHz to 30 GHz), or sub-terahertz band (a frequency band of 100 GHz or higher). There is no limitation on the type of this signal, and it may be an analog signal, a digital signal, a discrete-time signal, or a continuous-time signal.

[0012] <Waveguide> The waveguide 110 has a uniform structure, i.e., the shape and size of a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (i.e., the direction in which electromagnetic waves propagate) of the waveguide 110 at any position in the longitudinal direction are constant, and the material is constant at any position. In the embodiment, the waveguide 110 has the shape of an elongated solid cylinder, and the cross-sectional shape of the waveguide 110 is circular (see FIG. 2 ), but is not limited thereto, and for example, the waveguide 110 may have the shape of an elongated solid rectangular parallelepiped, in which case the cross-sectional shape of the waveguide 110 may be rectangular or square.

[0013] Alternatively, the waveguide 110 may have a structure that is a tube itself or a structure that includes a tube, in which case, inside the waveguide 110, there are N cavities 112 (i.e., spaces filled with gas) extending in the longitudinal direction of the waveguide 110. N is an integer that satisfies N≧1. A "tube" is a long, thin hollow structure that has cavities 112 therein that extend continuously in the longitudinal direction and that communicate with the outside at least at one end. From the viewpoint of ease of manufacturing, the N cavities 112 extend linearly, preferably parallel to one another.

[0014] When the waveguide 110 has a structure that is a tube itself, the waveguide 110 has a long, hollow structure including N cavities 112. Each of the N cavities 112 extends continuously inside the waveguide 110 in the longitudinal direction of the waveguide 110 and communicates with the outside of the waveguide 110 (usually the outside air) at one or both ends of the waveguide 110. From the viewpoint of low-loss propagation of electromagnetic waves, the N cavities 112 preferably extend from one end of the waveguide 110 to the other end or near the other end. FIG. 3 shows an example of the structure of the waveguide 110 that is a tube itself (where N=1). Each cavity 112 is filled with the outside air, i.e., air.

[0015] When the waveguide 110 has a structure including a tube, the waveguide 110 has a structure including, for example, a long, hollow tube including N cavities 112 and covers 117 closing both ends of the tube, and each of the N cavities 112 extends continuously inside the waveguide 110 in the longitudinal direction of the waveguide 110 and does not communicate with the outside of the waveguide 110 (usually the outside air) at both ends of the waveguide 110. From the viewpoint of low-loss propagation of electromagnetic waves, each cavity 112 preferably extends from near one end to near the other end of the waveguide 110. Typically, each cavity 112 is filled with air, but at least one of the N cavities 112 may be filled with a gas (e.g., helium) having a dielectric constant smaller than that of air. When it is required to avoid deformation of the waveguide 110 due to the difference between the pressure of the gas in each cavity 112 and the external atmospheric pressure (for example, when the waveguide 110 is used in a location with an atmospheric pressure different from that at the manufacturing site), a through-hole 115 may be formed to connect the outside of the waveguide 110 to at least one cavity 112. The through-hole 115 has a size (specifically, a diameter) sufficiently small compared to the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave. The through-hole 115 can eliminate the difference between the pressure in the cavity 112 and the external atmospheric pressure without impairing the propagation characteristics of the waveguide 110. FIG. 4 shows an example of the structure of the waveguide 110 including a tube (where N=1).

[0016] When N≧2, two different cavities 112 do not communicate with each other inside the waveguide 110. Furthermore, when N≧1, in a cross section of the waveguide 110 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the waveguide 110 at any position in a portion of the waveguide 110 where at least one cavity 112 is located, there are preferably N cavities 112, and each cavity 112 does not communicate with the space outside the waveguide 110 (except for the presence of a through-hole 115 for pressure adjustment). In other words, in that cross section, each cavity 112 is surrounded by the dielectric material that forms the waveguide 110.

[0017] When N≧2, the arrangement of the N cavities 112 preferably has linear symmetry or rotational symmetry in a cross section of the waveguide 110 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the waveguide 110. An example of a cross section of the waveguide 110 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the waveguide 110 when N=4 is shown in FIG.

[0018] In a cross section of the waveguide 110 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the waveguide 110 at any position in the portion of the waveguide 110 where the cavity 112 is located, the outer circumferential shape of the waveguide 110 may be, for example, any of a square, rectangle, circle, and ellipse, and the cross-sectional shape of the cavity 112 may be, for example, any of a square, rectangle, circle, and ellipse. The outer circumferential shape of the waveguide 110 does not have to match the cross-sectional shape of the cavity 112. For example, a configuration in which the outer circumferential shape of the waveguide 110 is rectangular and the cross-sectional shape of the cavity 112 is circular is also acceptable.

[0019] From the viewpoint of ease of manufacturing or ease of electromagnetic field analysis, N=1 is preferable. In this case, it is preferable that the center of waveguide 110 coincides with the center of cavity 112. In a cross section of waveguide 110 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of waveguide 110 at any position of the portion of waveguide 110 where cavity 112 is located, if the outer peripheral shape of waveguide 110 is square or rectangular, its center is the intersection of the diagonals; if it is circular, its center is the center of the circle; and if it is elliptical, its center is the intersection of the major and minor axes. Similarly, if the inner peripheral shape of waveguide 110, i.e., the cross-sectional shape of cavity 112, is square or rectangular, its center is the intersection of the diagonals; if it is circular, its center is the center of the circle; and if it is elliptical, its center is the intersection of the major and minor axes.

[0020] From the viewpoint of long-distance transmission, it is preferable that the number of propagation modes of the electromagnetic wave is 1 for at least one of vertically polarized waves and horizontally polarized waves in the frequency band of the electromagnetic wave propagating through the waveguide 110. In other words, it is preferable that the waveguide 110 satisfies the single-mode condition.

[0021] The dielectric constant of the waveguide 110 is greater than the dielectric constant of the surrounding area of ​​the waveguide 110. In the example shown in FIG. 1(a), the surrounding area of ​​the waveguide 110 is air, and the dielectric constant of air is approximately 1, so the dielectric constant of the waveguide 110 is greater than 1. Therefore, the electromagnetic field of a signal input to one end of the waveguide 110 from the signal generating device 800 is concentrated in the waveguide 110, which has a large dielectric constant, and is transmitted with low loss toward the other end of the waveguide 110, reaching the other end of the waveguide 110. From the viewpoint of transmission loss, a material with a small dielectric loss tangent in the frequency band of the electromagnetic waves used is preferably selected as the dielectric of the waveguide 110. Generally, the dielectric loss tangent increases as the dielectric constant increases, so the dielectric constant that the dielectric of the waveguide 110 should have is determined taking into account the amount of loss.

[0022] In the examples shown in Figures 2 to 4, the other end of the waveguide 110 is a solid or hollow cylinder and has a flat end face 110a with the longitudinal direction of the waveguide 110 as its normal line, but is not limited to this. For example, the other end of the waveguide 110 may have the shape of a cone (see Figure 6(a)), a truncated cone (i.e., a frustum) (see Figure 6(b)), a hemisphere (see Figure 6(c)), an oblique cylinder (see Figure 6(d)), or the tip of a flat-head screwdriver (see Figure 6(e)). In the case of a cone, the end face 110a is the side face of the cone, in the case of a truncated cone, the end face 110a is the side and top face of the truncated cone, in the case of a hemisphere, the end face 110a is the surface of the hemisphere, in the case of a truncated prism, the end face 110a is the ellipsoidal surface of the truncated prism, and in the case of the tip shape of a flat-head screwdriver, the end face 110a is the semi-elliptical plane of the flat-head screwdriver.

[0023] <Antenna function section> The antenna function section 120 is a tangible object made of a dielectric material separate from the waveguide 110, and can function as a radiation section that radiates electromagnetic waves (radio waves in terms of band). The antenna function section 120 may be a single component, or may be a component composed of two or more tangible objects.

[0024] The antenna function unit 120 is attached to the other end of the waveguide 110 in response to a user request (see FIG. 1(a)). The antenna function unit 120 attached to the other end of the waveguide 110 can be detached from the waveguide 110 in response to a user request (see FIG. 1(b)). In other words, the antenna function unit 120 is a detachable component.

[0025] From the viewpoint of efficient radiation of electromagnetic waves, it is preferable that the relative dielectric constant of the antenna function section 120 is the same as or greater than the relative dielectric constant of the waveguide 110. The relative dielectric constant of the antenna function section 120 is uniform, that is, the relative dielectric constants at any two different points on the antenna function section 120 are equal to each other. More preferably, from the viewpoint of dielectric loss, a material with a small dielectric loss tangent in the frequency band of the electromagnetic waves to be used is selected as the dielectric of the antenna function section 120. Generally, the higher the relative dielectric constant, the larger the dielectric loss tangent, so the relative dielectric constant that the dielectric of the antenna function section 120 should have is determined taking dielectric loss into consideration.

[0026] When the antenna function unit 120 is not present, the signal from the signal generating device 800 is radiated into space as an electromagnetic wave from the end face 110a at the other end of the waveguide 110. When the antenna function unit 120 is present, the signal from the signal generating device 800 is radiated into space as an electromagnetic wave from the antenna function unit 120. The electromagnetic wave radiated from the end face 110a at the other end of the waveguide 110 or the antenna function unit 120 is received by a wireless antenna (not shown) of a communication terminal 200 such as a mobile phone.

[0027] The radiation pattern of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna function section 120 mainly depends on the shape and size of the antenna function section 120 .

[0028] Examples of the antenna functional portion 120 include a cone (see FIG. 7(a)), a truncated cone (i.e., a frustum) (see FIG. 7(b)), a spherical notch (see FIG. 7(c)), and an obliquely truncated cylinder (see FIG. 7(d)). The spherical notch is preferably the one with the larger volume of two spherical notches obtained by cutting a sphere along a single plane.

[0029] 9 to 14 show radiation patterns obtained by electromagnetic field analysis of several examples of the antenna function unit 120. The horizontal axis of the radiation pattern indicates the angle shown in FIG. 8, and each figure shows a pattern in the horizontal plane. FIGS. 9 and 10 show radiation patterns when a cone-shaped antenna function unit 120 is connected to the other end of the waveguide 110. L is the height of the cone, and FIG. 9 shows the case where L = 10 mm, and FIG. 10 shows the case where L = 40 mm. When L = 10 mm, a gain of approximately 10 dB is obtained in the range from -28 degrees to +28 degrees. When L = 40 mm, a gain of 10 dB or more is obtained in the range from -14 degrees to +14 degrees, but a gain of 13 dB or more is obtained in the range from -10 degrees to +10 degrees. The effective radiated power is expressed as the product (EIRP) of the input power to the antenna function unit 120 and the radiation gain of the antenna function unit 120.

[0030] 11 and 12 show radiation patterns when the antenna functional section 120 is a spherical indentation obtained from a sphere with a radius R. Fig. 11 shows the case where R = 5 mm, and Fig. 12 shows the case where R = 10 mm. It can be seen from Figs. 11 and 12 that sharper directional characteristics can be obtained as R increases.

[0031] Figures 13 and 14 show radiation patterns when the antenna functional unit 120 is an obliquely cut cylinder with an angle γ between the base and the ellipsoid. Figure 13 shows the case where γ = 90 degrees (cylinder), and Figure 14 shows the case where γ = 75 degrees. Figures 13 and 14 show that as γ decreases, the gain near the center (i.e., in the 0 degree direction) decreases and the gain in negative angle directions increases.

[0032] <Connection between the waveguide and the antenna function section> Once the antenna function unit 120 is attached to the other end of the waveguide 110, it is desirable that the antenna function unit 120 does not move at the other end of the waveguide 110. For this purpose, the other end of the waveguide 110 and the antenna function unit 120 can be connected, for example, by a connection method using an adhesive or a connection method using a mechanical structure.

[0033] The antenna function unit 120 is attached to the other end of the waveguide 110, preferably without any gaps. For this purpose, a part of the surface of the antenna function unit 120 has a connection surface having the same surface shape as the surface shape of the other end of the waveguide 110. When the other end of the waveguide 110 has a flat end surface 110a having the longitudinal direction of the waveguide 110 as its normal, the connection surface of the antenna function unit 120 may be the base of a cone, the base of a frustum, a circular flat surface at the end of a spherical incision, the base of an obliquely truncated prism, or the like. When the other end of the waveguide 110 has a flat end surface 110a having the longitudinal direction of the waveguide 110 as its normal, the shape and size of the connection surface of the antenna function unit 120 preferably match the shape and size of the end surface 110a, respectively, but this is not limited to this. When an adhesive is used to attach the antenna function unit 120 to the other end of the waveguide 110, it is desirable that the relative dielectric constant of the adhesive be approximately the same as the relative dielectric constant of the waveguide 110 or the relative dielectric constant of the antenna function unit 120.

[0034] If the other end of the waveguide 110 has a cone shape (see FIG. 6(a)), for example, the connection surface of the antenna function unit 120 is, for example, the inner surface of a hole 120a formed in the antenna function unit 120 (see FIG. 15). The hole 120a has the same size and shape as the cone at the other end of the waveguide 110. Dielectric grease may be applied to the surface of the cone at the other end of the waveguide 110 to prevent a gap from forming when the cone at the other end of the waveguide 110 is inserted into the hole 120a. It is desirable that the dielectric constant of the dielectric grease be approximately the same as that of the waveguide 110 or the antenna function unit 120. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the antenna function unit 120 is a spherical indentation, but the shape is not limited to this and may be a cone, a truncated cone, or an oblique truncated prism. Of course, the antenna function unit 120 must be large enough to form a hole 120a corresponding to the shape of the other end of the waveguide 110. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the other end of the waveguide 110 is a cone, but is not limited to this example and may have the shape of a truncated cone, a hemisphere, an oblique prism, or the tip of a flat-head screwdriver.

[0035] In the case of a connection method using an adhesive, the adhesive may be applied, for example, to the end face 110a at the other end of the waveguide 110 or the connection surface or hole 120a of the antenna function part 120, or adhesive tape may be attached along the circumferential direction of the boundary between the other end of the waveguide 110 and the antenna function part 120.

[0036] In the case of a connection method using a mechanical structure, the mechanical structure is, for example, a screw structure, in which one of the antenna function unit 120 and the other end of the waveguide 110 has a male screw structure, and the other has a female screw structure corresponding to the male screw structure. In the example shown in FIG. 16 , the other end of the waveguide 110 has a female screw structure 110b, and the antenna function unit 120 has a male screw structure 120b. The antenna function unit 120 is attached to the other end of the waveguide 110 by fitting the male screw structure 120b with the female screw structure 110b. The mechanical structure is not limited to the screw structure example, and may also be a convex and concave fitting structure (not shown). In the case of a convex and concave fitting structure, adhesive tape may be attached along the circumferential direction of the boundary between the other end of the waveguide 110 and the antenna function unit 120 to prevent the antenna function unit 120 from coming off the other end of the waveguide 110. Dielectric grease may be applied to the screw grooves, convex portions, or concave portions so as to prevent gaps from occurring when the antenna function section 120 and the other end of the waveguide 110 are mechanically connected to each other. The dielectric constant of the dielectric grease is preferably approximately the same as the dielectric constant of the waveguide 110 or the antenna function section 120. In particular, when the mechanical structure is such that a portion of the antenna function section 120 extends into the other end of the waveguide 110, as in the example shown in FIG. 16 , it is preferable to set the dielectric constant of the antenna function section 120 to the same as the dielectric constant of the waveguide 110, taking into account the effect on the characteristics of the waveguide 110.

[0037] When the other end of the waveguide 110 has a flat end face 110a with the longitudinal direction of the waveguide 110 as its normal, and the shape (or size) of the connection surface of the antenna function unit 120 does not match the shape (or size) of the end face 110a, an adapter 121 made of a dielectric material may be used (see FIG. 17 ). The adapter 121 has a bottom surface whose shape and size match the shape and size of the end face 110a at the other end of the waveguide 110, and an top surface whose shape and size match the shape and size of the connection surface of the antenna function unit 120. The method of connecting the other end of the waveguide 110 and the adapter 121 may be a connection method using an adhesive or a connection method using a mechanical structure, and the method of connecting the adapter 121 and the antenna function unit 120 may be a connection method using an adhesive or a connection method using a mechanical structure. Note that the antenna function unit 120 may be a component composed of two or more tangible objects, and the adapter 121 may also be understood to be a tangible object that is part of the two or more tangible objects.

[0038] By attaching an antenna function section 120 to the other end of the waveguide 110, which realizes a radiation pattern different from the radiation pattern of the electromagnetic waves from the end face 110a at the other end of the waveguide 110, the coverage of the electromagnetic waves from the end face 110a of the waveguide 110 can be changed.

[0039] The wireless antenna 100 may include M antenna function units 120, where M is a predetermined integer equal to or greater than 2. The M antenna function units 120 have different radiation patterns. Specifically, any two of the M antenna function units 120 have different shapes and / or sizes. A user can replace one antenna function unit 120 with another antenna function unit 120. For example, when M=2, if the shape of the first antenna function unit 120 is a cone and the shape of the second antenna function unit 120 is a spherical indentation, the wireless antenna 100 realizes a total of three radiation patterns: an electromagnetic wave radiation pattern from the end face 110a at the other end of the waveguide 110 (i.e., when the antenna function unit 120 is not attached to the other end of the waveguide 110), an electromagnetic wave radiation pattern from the first antenna function unit 120 (i.e., when the first antenna function unit 120 is attached to the other end of the waveguide 110), and an electromagnetic wave radiation pattern from the second antenna function unit 120 (i.e., when the second antenna function unit 120 is attached to the other end of the waveguide 110). Alternatively, when M=2, if the first antenna function unit 120 is shaped like a cone and the second antenna function unit 120 is shaped like a spheroid with a hole 120a corresponding to the cone, the wireless antenna 100 realizes three types of radiation patterns: a radiation pattern of electromagnetic waves from the end face 110a at the other end of the waveguide 110 (i.e., when the antenna function unit 120 is not attached to the other end of the waveguide 110), a radiation pattern of electromagnetic waves from the first antenna function unit 120 (i.e., when the first antenna function unit 120 is attached to the other end of the waveguide 110), and a radiation pattern of electromagnetic waves from the second antenna function unit 120 (i.e., when the first antenna function unit 120 and the second antenna function unit 120 are attached to the other end of the waveguide 110). Therefore, by replacing the M antenna function units 120 that realize different radiation patterns, the coverage of the electromagnetic waves from the end face 110a at the end of the waveguide 110 can be changed.

[0040] The waveguide 110 may have a branched structure. There are no limitations on the branch shape or the number of branches. FIG. 18 shows an example of a T-shaped waveguide 110 with two branches. The waveguide 110 with a branched structure may have a configuration as a single product, or may have a configuration in which, for example, multiple sub-waveguides with the same structure are connected. In the latter case, a connection using, for example, a branched waveguide 350 can be used to connect the sub-waveguides. An antenna function unit 120 may be attached to all or part of the end of the waveguide 110.

[0041] The wireless antenna 100 may further include an antenna function portion that can be located on or near the waveguide 110. This antenna function portion is the dielectric attachment described above. The dielectric attachment may have, for example, a clothespin shape and can be attached directly to the waveguide 110, or it can be detached from the waveguide 110. Alternatively, the dielectric attachment may be attached to a spacer that keeps the distance between the dielectric attachment and the waveguide 110 constant. It can also be detached from the spacer.

[0042] When the wireless antenna 100 includes a detachable dielectric attachment on the waveguide 110, electromagnetic waves having a portion of the power input to the waveguide 110 are radiated into space from the dielectric attachment, and electromagnetic waves having residual power are radiated from the end face 110a at the other end of the waveguide 110. The power of the electromagnetic waves radiated from the end face 110a at the other end of the waveguide 110 (i.e., the residual power) depends on the power of the electromagnetic waves radiated from the dielectric attachment. If the total number of dielectric attachments increases, the residual power decreases, resulting in a narrower coverage of the electromagnetic waves radiated from the end face 110a at the other end of the waveguide 110 and the creation of a blind zone. However, by attaching the antenna function unit 120 disclosed in this specification to the other end of the waveguide 110, the decrease in EIRP due to the reduced residual power can be compensated for by an increase in gain, or the radiation pattern can be changed. If the residual power increases due to the dielectric attachment being removed from the waveguide 110 or due to an increase in input power, electromagnetic waves from the end face 110a at the other end of the waveguide 110 or from the antenna function unit 120 may cause radio wave interference in the surrounding area. However, by removing the antenna function unit 120 from the other end of the waveguide 110 or by attaching a different antenna function unit 120 to the other end of the waveguide 110, the coverage can be changed.

[0043] <Addendum 1> The technical features disclosed in the various embodiments and their modifications described above are not necessarily mutually exclusive, and technical features of one embodiment or its modifications may be applied to technical features of another embodiment or its modifications, provided that there is no contradiction from a technical viewpoint.

[0044] The claims as of the filing of this application do not necessarily exhaustively claim all inventions disclosed in this specification. In this regard, this should not be understood or construed as meaning that the applicant has pre-filing waived any right to a patent for any invention not claimed at the time of filing this application. To the extent permitted by the laws, regulations, or treaties of any country or region where this application is filed, the applicant reserves the right to a patent for any invention not claimed in this application, the right to file a divisional application for such invention, the right to claim such invention by amendment, and any other rights, unless the applicant expressly and conclusively expresses a contrary intention.

[0045] An example of a summary of the present invention based on another aspect is as follows.

[0046] A first invention is a wireless antenna capable of transmitting and receiving signals in the millimeter wave band, quasi-millimeter wave band, or sub-terahertz band, and includes a cable-like waveguide formed of a dielectric, and a first antenna function unit formed of a dielectric, which can be attached to an end of the waveguide, and which can be detached from the end of the waveguide.

[0047] The second invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, it further includes a second antenna function unit formed of a dielectric, which can be attached to the end of the waveguide and can be detached from the end of the waveguide, and the radiation pattern of the second antenna function unit is different from the radiation pattern of the first antenna function unit.

[0048] A third invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, the first antenna function portion has the shape of a cone, a truncated cone, a spherical indentation, or an obliquely truncated column.

[0049] A fourth invention is characterized in that, in the second invention, the first antenna function part has the shape of a cone, a truncated cone, a spherical indentation, or a slanted prism, and the second antenna function part has the shape of a cone, a truncated cone, a spherical indentation, or a slanted prism.

[0050] The fifth invention is characterized in that, in the first or third invention, one of the first antenna function part and the end of the waveguide has a male screw structure, and the other has a female screw structure corresponding to the male screw structure.

[0051] The sixth invention is characterized in that, in the second or fourth invention, one of the first antenna function unit and the end of the waveguide has a male screw structure, and the other has a female screw structure corresponding to the male screw structure, and the second antenna function unit has the same male screw structure or female screw structure as the first antenna function unit.

[0052] A seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that in the fifth aspect, the relative dielectric constant of the first antenna function portion is the same as the relative dielectric constant of the waveguide.

[0053] An eighth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that in the sixth aspect of the present invention, the first antenna function section, the second antenna function section and the waveguide have the same relative dielectric constant.

[0054] The ninth invention is characterized in that, in any of the first to eighth inventions, it further includes a third antenna function part (i.e., a dielectric attachment) formed of a dielectric, and the third antenna function part can be located on or near the waveguide.

[0055] A tenth aspect of the present invention is a wireless communication system including the wireless antenna of any one of the first to ninth aspects of the present invention and a communication terminal.

[0056] <Addendum 2> While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular system, device, or component thereof to the teachings of the present invention without departing from the essential scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed for carrying out this invention, but rather that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0057] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second," if any, does not denote any order or importance, and terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish between elements. The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention in any way. The term "comprises" and its conjugations, when used in this specification and / or the appended claims, reveal the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements, if any. In the claims and the specification, unless otherwise specified, the use of words such as "connected," "coupled," "joined," "connected," or synonyms thereof, and all forms thereof, does not necessarily negate the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are, for example, "connected" or "coupled" to each other or "coupled" to each other. In the claims and the specification, the term "optional," if any, should be understood as a term that represents the same meaning as the universal symbol ∀, unless otherwise specified. For example, the phrase "for any X" has the same meaning as "for all X" or "for each X."

[0058] Unless otherwise specified, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Furthermore, terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and this disclosure, and should not be interpreted ideally or excessively formally unless explicitly defined.

[0059] It will be understood that in describing the present invention, many techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has distinct advantages, and each can be used in combination with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Therefore, to avoid cluttering, this specification will refrain from describing every possible combination of individual techniques or steps. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are fully within the scope of the present invention and claims.

[0060] The corresponding structure, material, acts, and equivalents of all functional elements combined with means or steps in the following claims are intended to include the structure, material, or acts, if any, that perform the function in combination with other elements.

[0061] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is not limited to these embodiments. Various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The selected and described embodiments are intended to illustrate the principles of the present invention and its practical application. The present invention may be used in various embodiments with various modifications and variations, which are determined according to the expected use. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims, and are intended to be accorded the same protection when interpreted in accordance with the breadth that is fairly, legally, and equitably to be given. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1. Wireless communication systems 100 Radio Antenna 110 Waveguide 110a end face 110b female screw structure 112 Cavity 115 Through hole 117 Cover 120 Antenna function part 120a hole 120b male screw structure 121 Adapter 200 Communication terminal 350 Branching Waveguide 800 signal generator

Claims

1. A wireless antenna capable of transmitting and receiving signals in the millimeter wave band, quasi-millimeter wave band, or sub-terahertz band, a cable-shaped waveguide formed of a dielectric; a first antenna function unit formed of a dielectric material and attachable to and detachable from the end of the waveguide; Including, two or more cavities extending in the longitudinal direction of the waveguide are present inside the waveguide, the two or more cavities are arranged in line symmetry or rotational symmetry in a cross section of the waveguide perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the waveguide, Both ends of the waveguide are blocked; a through hole is formed in the waveguide, the through hole communicating at least one of the two or more cavities with the outside of the waveguide; Radio antenna.

2. 2. The radio antenna according to claim 1, Further, the antenna includes a second antenna function unit formed of a dielectric material and attachable to and detachable from the end of the waveguide; one of the first antenna function unit and the second antenna function unit is attached to an end of the waveguide as an antenna function unit replaceable with the other one; The radiation pattern of the second antenna function unit is different from the radiation pattern of the first antenna function unit. A radio antenna characterized by:

3. 3. The radio antenna according to claim 2, the first antenna function portion has a shape of a cone, a truncated cone, a spherical indentation, or an oblique truncated cylinder, The second antenna function portion has a shape of a cone, a truncated cone, a spherical indentation, or an oblique truncated column. A radio antenna characterized by:

4. 2. The radio antenna according to claim 1, One of the first antenna function section and the end of the waveguide has a male screw structure, and the other has a female screw structure corresponding to the male screw structure. A radio antenna characterized by:

5. 5. The radio antenna according to claim 4, The relative dielectric constant of the first antenna function portion is the same as the relative dielectric constant of the waveguide. A radio antenna characterized by:

6. 2. The radio antenna according to claim 1, further including a third antenna function unit formed of a dielectric material; The third antenna function may be located on or near the waveguide. A radio antenna characterized by:

7. A wireless antenna capable of transmitting and receiving signals in the millimeter wave band, quasi-millimeter wave band, or sub-terahertz band, a cable-shaped waveguide formed of a dielectric; a first antenna function unit formed of a dielectric material and attachable to and detachable from the end of the waveguide; Including, one of the first antenna function unit and the end of the waveguide has a male screw structure, and the other has a female screw structure corresponding to the male screw structure; Radio antenna.

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