pole

Abstract

To improve the communication performance of a wireless communication apparatus housed in a pole body.SOLUTION: A pole P1 includes: a pole body 1 that is cylindrical and erected on the ground; a lid body 2 that closes an opening 10 provided in the pole body 1; and a wireless communication apparatus 3 that is housed in the pole body 1. The wireless communication apparatus 3 has an antenna 30 that performs at least one of transmission and reception of radio waves. The wireless communication apparatus 3 performs at least one of transmission and reception of radio signals that use radio waves as a communication medium via the antenna 30. The lid body 2 is formed so as to allow radio waves to pass through.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pole, and more particularly to a pole used for installing devices such as lighting fixtures.

Background Art

[0002] As a conventional example, the pole described in Patent Document 1 is exemplified. The pole described in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter referred to as the conventional example) includes a pole body standing on the ground and an antenna unit housed in the pole body. The antenna unit has an antenna and, for example, transmits broadcast radio waves from the antenna. An opening is provided in the pole body. The opening of the pole body is closed by a lid portion detachably attached to the pole body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a pole capable of improving the communication performance of a wireless communication device housed in a pole body.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A pole according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a pole body that is cylindrical and stands on the ground, a lid body that closes an opening provided in the pole body, and a wireless communication device housed in the pole body. The wireless communication device has an antenna that performs at least one of transmission and reception of radio waves. The wireless communication device performs at least one of transmission and reception of a wireless signal using the radio wave as a communication medium via the antenna. The lid body is formed to be permeable to the radio wave. A metal reinforcing member is provided on the surface of the cover facing the opening. A portion of the reinforcing member is positioned behind the antenna when viewed from the cover.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] The pole of this disclosure has the effect of improving the communication performance of wireless communication equipment housed in the pole body. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a pole according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front view of a pole according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the main part of the pole shown above. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the main part of the pole shown above. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the cover, reinforcing member, and wireless communication equipment in the pole shown above. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the pole shown above. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a circuit block diagram of the pole shown above. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of a modified example 1 of the pole according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a front view of a modified example 2 of the pole according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a circuit block diagram of the pole in the modified example 2 shown above. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] A pole P1 according to an embodiment of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the figures described in the following embodiments are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the size and thickness of each component do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Note that the configuration described in the following embodiments is merely one example of this disclosure. This disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of this disclosure can be achieved.

[0009] (1) Overview The pole P1 according to this embodiment comprises a cylindrical pole body 1 that is erected in the ground, a cover 2 that closes an opening 10 provided in the pole body 1, and a wireless communication device 3 housed in the pole body 1 (see Figure 1). The wireless communication device 3 has an antenna 30 that transmits and receives radio waves, or at least one of the latter. The wireless communication device 3 transmits and receives wireless signals using radio waves as the communication medium via the antenna 30. The cover 2 is formed to allow radio waves to pass through.

[0010] Generally, pole bodies 1 installed outdoors are made of metal materials such as steel pipes, taking into consideration strength and durability. In other words, since the pole body 1 is made of a good electrical conductor, it is difficult for radio waves transmitted from the antenna 30 of the wireless communication equipment 3 housed in the pole body 1 to pass through.

[0011] Therefore, the pole P1 according to this embodiment has an opening 10 in the pole body 1 and the opening 10 is covered with a cover 2 that is formed to allow radio waves to pass through. Thus, the pole P1 according to this embodiment can transmit radio waves radiated from the antenna 30 of the wireless communication device 3 to the outside of the pole body 1 through the opening 10 and the cover 2. Alternatively, the pole P1 according to this embodiment can allow the antenna 30 to receive radio waves transmitted from an external communication device that can communicate with the wireless communication device 3 through the opening 10 and the cover 2. Moreover, since the cover 2 of the pole P1 according to this embodiment is permeable to radio waves, attenuation of radio waves when passing through the cover 2 can be suppressed. As a result, the pole P1 according to this embodiment can improve the communication performance of the wireless communication device 3 housed in the pole body 1.

[0012] (2) Details The pole P1 according to this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as pole P1) includes a pole body 1, a cover 2, a wireless communication device 3, and a reinforcing member 4. The pole P1 further includes a lighting fixture 5, a power supply unit 8, and a joint unit 9 (see Figures 2-6).

[0013] (2-1) Pole body The pole body 1 is formed in a cylindrical shape from a metal material such as a steel pipe. The pole body 1 is erected on the ground so that one end (lower end) in the axial direction is buried in the ground (see Fig. 2). Further, an opening 10 is provided in the lower part of the pole body 1 (at a position 1 m to 1.5 m above the ground) (see Fig. 4). The opening 10 is formed in a quadrangle with rounded corners (hereinafter referred to as a rounded-corner quadrangle). Note that the pole body 1 is provided with one screw hole 11 at positions adjacent to each other above and below the opening 10 (see Fig. 4).

[0014] (2-2) Wireless communication device The wireless communication device 3 includes an antenna 30 and a wireless communication unit 31 (see Figs. 4 and 5). The antenna 30 is configured by housing an antenna element (for example, a monopole antenna or a dipole antenna) in a case formed in a cylindrical shape from, for example, a synthetic resin.

[0015] The wireless communication unit 31 includes at least one of a transmission circuit and a reception circuit, and a power supply circuit that converts AC power into DC power and supplies the converted DC power to the transmission circuit and the reception circuit. The wireless communication unit 31 receives a wireless signal through the antenna 30, demodulates and decodes the received wireless signal, and acquires control data and the like. The control data is, for example, data (command) for causing the power supply unit 8 to perform lighting, extinguishing, dimming, etc. of the lighting fixture 5. Alternatively, the wireless communication unit 31 may have a function of an access point of a public wireless LAN and may be configured to transmit and receive radio waves of the wireless LAN through the antenna 30.

[0016] (2-3) Cover The lid 2 is formed in a plate shape of a rounded rectangular shape curved along the short width (see FIGS. 4 and 5). The lid 2 is formed of a material that transmits radio waves, that is, a material having electrical insulation. As an example, the lid 2 is formed of a synthetic resin such as polycarbonate resin or FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic). However, the lid 2 may be made of a material having electrical insulation other than synthetic resin, for example, ceramics, wood, or the like. Note that circular screw insertion holes 20 are provided one by one at the center in the short width direction at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the lid 2 (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0017] (2-4) Reinforcement member The reinforcement member 4 has a base plate 40, a support portion 41, and an antenna cover 42 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). The base plate 40 is formed in a plate shape of a rounded rectangular shape curved along the short width by a metal material. A rectangular window 400 is provided in the base plate 40. The window 400 penetrates the base plate 40 in the thickness direction above the center in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 40. Further, circular screw insertion holes 401 are provided one by one at the center in the short width direction at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 40. Furthermore, a male screw portion 402 protrudes from the lower portion on the concave surface of the base plate 40 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). The male screw portion 402 is fixed to the base plate 40 by an appropriate method such as welding.

[0018] The support section 41 has a square-shaped base plate 410, three side plates 411 that protrude upward from three sides of the base plate 410, and a fixing plate 412 that protrudes downward from the remaining side of the base plate 410 (see Figures 5 and 6). The fixing plate 412 is provided with a circular screw insertion hole. The base plate 410, the three side plates 411, and the fixing plate 412 are integrally formed by bending a metal plate. The support section 41 is attached to the lower part of the concave surface of the base plate 40 by tightening a nut 43 onto a male screw portion 402 inserted through the screw insertion hole of the fixing plate 412 (see Figures 5 and 6). The support section 41 supports the wireless communication device 3 by placing the wireless communication device 3 on the base plate 410 (see Figures 4 and 6). Furthermore, the antenna 30 of the wireless communication device 3, which is supported by the support portion 41, faces the window 400 of the base plate 40 (see Figure 4).

[0019] The antenna cover 42 has a top plate 420 formed in a quadrilateral shape with one side curved, and three side plates 421 that protrude downward from the remaining three sides of the top plate 420 (see Figures 5 and 6). The top plate 420 and the three side plates 421 are integrally formed by bending a metal plate. The antenna cover 42 is attached to the base plate 40 by appropriate methods such as screws or welding, so as to surround the window 400 from the concave side of the base plate 40 (see Figure 5). The antenna cover 42 surrounds the antenna 30 of the wireless communication device 3, which is supported by the support part 41 (see Figure 6). In other words, the antenna cover 42, which is part of the reinforcing member 4, is positioned behind the antenna 30 when viewed from the lid 2.

[0020] (2-5) Lighting fixtures The lighting fixture 5 is attached to the upper end of the pole body 1 (see Figure 2). The lighting fixture 5 is, for example, a road light, street light, or security light that uses an LED as its light source. The lighting fixture 5 may also be attached to an arm that protrudes laterally from the pole body 1.

[0021] (2-6) Power supply unit The power supply unit 8 is housed in the pole body 1 (see Figure 4). The power supply unit 8 is electrically connected to a power cable buried underground and is configured to convert AC power supplied from the power grid through the power cable into DC power to supply power to the lighting fixture 5. The power cable is routed into the pole body 1 from an entry point 12 located at the bottom of the pole body 1, which is buried underground (see Figure 2). However, the power supply unit 8 may also be built into the lighting fixture 5.

[0022] (2-7) Joint Unit The joint unit 9 is housed in the pole body 1. The joint unit 9 has a circuit breaker and is inserted in the middle of the circuit that electrically connects the external power system G1 with the power supply unit 8 and the wireless communication equipment 3 (see Figure 7). In other words, the joint unit 9 can electrically disconnect the wireless communication equipment 3 and the power supply unit 8 from the power system G1 by operating the handle of the circuit breaker. Furthermore, the joint unit 9 can forcibly disconnect the wireless communication equipment 3 and the power supply unit 8 from the power system G1 when an abnormal current (e.g., short circuit current, overload current, leakage current, etc.) flows from the power system G1 to the wireless communication equipment 3 and the power supply unit 8.

[0023] (2-8) Assembling the pole Next, we will explain the procedure for assembling pole P1 by housing the wireless communication equipment 3 in the pole body 1 which is erected in the ground.

[0024] The worker performing the assembly electrically connects the wireless communication unit 31 of the wireless communication device 3, which is attached to the cover 2 (reinforcement member 4) removed from the pole body 1, with the joint unit 9 housed in the pole body 1, using wires. The wireless communication unit 31 is inserted into the support part 41 and the antenna 30 is positioned between the opening 400 and the antenna cover 42. Furthermore, the worker electrically connects the output line (signal line for transmitting commands) of the wireless communication unit 31 to the power supply unit 8.

[0025] Next, the worker places the support part 41 and the antenna cover 42 into the opening 10 of the pole body 1, and then places the reinforcing member 4 over the pole body 1. Furthermore, with the lid 2 placed on top of the reinforcing member 4, the worker screws one mounting screw 44 into each of the two screw insertion holes 20 of the lid 2 and the two screw insertion holes 401 of the base plate 40.

[0026] Following the above steps completes the assembly of pole P1.

[0027] (3) Advantages of the pole according to this embodiment As described above, the pole P1 has an opening 10 in the pole body 1 covered with a cover 2 that is made to allow radio waves to pass through. Therefore, the pole P1 can transmit radio waves radiated from the antenna 30 of the wireless communication device 3 to the outside of the pole body 1 through the opening 10 and the cover 2. Similarly, the pole P1 can allow the antenna 30 to receive radio waves transmitted from an external communication device that can communicate with the wireless communication device 3 through the opening 10 and the cover 2. Thus, the pole P1 can prevent foreign matter, including rainwater, from entering the pole body 1 through the opening 10 with the cover 2, while suppressing the attenuation of radio waves by the cover 2 and improving the communication performance of the wireless communication device 3.

[0028] Furthermore, since the pole P1 has a cover 2 made of an electrically insulating synthetic resin material, the shape of the cover 2 can be freely designed, and the increase in manufacturing costs can be kept down. The cover 2 may also be made of a translucent synthetic resin material. In that case, the inside of the pole body 1 can be seen through the cover 2, so the status of the wireless communication equipment 3 housed in the pole body 1 can be easily checked from outside the pole body 1.

[0029] Furthermore, since the cover 2 (and reinforcing member 4) can be detachably attached to the pole body 1 of the pole P1, the workability of maintenance work on wireless communication equipment 3 and other devices housed in the pole body 1 can be improved.

[0030] Here, the pole P1 houses the wireless communication equipment 3 within the pole body 1 such that the opening 10 and the antenna 30 overlap when viewed from a direction intersecting the axial direction of the pole body 1 (horizontal direction) (see Figure 6). Therefore, the pole P1 can further suppress the attenuation of radio waves caused by the cover 2 and further improve the communication performance of the wireless communication equipment 3.

[0031] However, in a structure where the opening 10 of the pole body 1 is closed only by a synthetic resin cover 2, the mechanical strength of the cover 2 is lower than that of the metal pole body 1, so there is a possibility that the cover 2 may be damaged by external impacts.

[0032] Therefore, the pole P1 enhances the mechanical strength of the cover 2 by providing a metal reinforcing member 4 on the surface (concave surface) facing the opening 10 of the cover 2. Moreover, since the pole P1 positions a part of the reinforcing member 4 (antenna cover 42) behind the antenna 30 when viewed from the cover 2, it is possible to suppress attenuation of radio waves caused by the metal reinforcing member 4.

[0033] (4) Variations Next, several modified versions of the pole P1 according to the embodiment will be described. Note that the configurations of each modified version described below are common to the configuration of the embodiment described above, so components common to the configuration of the embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description and illustration may be omitted as appropriate.

[0034] (4-1) Experimental variation 1 In the modified example 1, as shown in Figure 8, the pole P1 has the wireless communication equipment 3, including the antenna 30, attached to the cover 2 instead of the reinforcing member 4.

[0035] In the pole P1 of the modified example 1, the wireless communication device 3 is supported by a support part 41 attached to the cover 2.

[0036] However, in the modified example 1, the pole P1 allows the wireless communication equipment 3 to be removed from the opening 10 of the pole body 1 together with the cover 2 by removing the cover 2 from the pole body 1. As a result, the pole P1 of the modified example 1 can improve the workability of maintenance work.

[0037] (4-2) Modification 2 The pole P1 of Modification 2 further includes an output device that outputs information contained in the wireless signal received by the wireless communication device 3 through at least one medium of sound or light. The output device is, for example, a speaker 6. However, the output device is not limited to a speaker 6, and may be a device that outputs information using light as a medium, such as an electronic display board.

[0038] Furthermore, the pole P1 of the modified example 2 is further equipped with an acquisition unit that acquires information contained in the wireless signal, in addition to the output device. The acquisition unit is, for example, a camera 7 capable of taking still images or videos. However, the acquisition unit is not limited to a camera 7 and may be a sensor such as a human presence sensor.

[0039] The speaker 6 and camera 7 are attached to an arm 13 that protrudes horizontally from the pole body 1, as shown in Figure 9. Both the speaker 6 and camera 7 are electrically connected to the wireless communication device 3 (see Figure 10). The speaker 6 outputs sound in response to the acoustic signal output from the wireless communication device 3. The camera 7 photographs the area around the pole P1 and outputs the captured image data (still image or video) to the wireless communication device 3.

[0040] The wireless communication device 3 encodes and modulates the data received from the camera 7, modulates it, and transmits it as a wireless signal via the antenna 30. The image data transmitted from the wireless communication device 3 is played back at the receiving equipment. Such images are used, for example, for crime prevention and disaster prevention.

[0041] However, since the pole P1 of the modified example 2 is further equipped with an output device such as a speaker 6 or an acquisition unit such as a camera 7, the workability of installation and maintenance work can be improved compared to the case where the output device and acquisition unit are installed in a separate location from the pole P1.

[0042] (5) Summary A pole (P1) according to a first aspect of this disclosure comprises a cylindrical pole body (1) erected in the ground, a cover (2) that closes an opening (10) provided in the pole body (1), and a wireless communication device (3) housed in the pole body (1). The wireless communication device (3) has an antenna (30) that transmits and receives radio waves. The wireless communication device (3) transmits and receives wireless signals using radio waves as the communication medium via the antenna (30). The cover (2) is formed to allow radio waves to pass through.

[0043] In the first embodiment of the pole (P1), since the cover (2) is permeable to radio waves, attenuation of radio waves when passing through the cover (2) can be suppressed. As a result, the pole (P1) in the first embodiment can improve the communication performance of the wireless communication equipment (3) housed in the pole body (1).

[0044] A pole (P1) according to a second aspect of this disclosure can be realized by combining it with the first aspect. In the pole (P1) according to the second aspect, the cover (2) is preferably made of an electrically insulating synthetic resin material.

[0045] The pole (P1) according to the second embodiment offers greater freedom in the shape of the cover (2) and can suppress increases in manufacturing costs.

[0046] A pole (P1) according to a third aspect of this disclosure can be realized by combination with the first or second aspect. In the pole (P1) according to the third aspect, the cover (2) is preferably detachably attached to the pole body (1).

[0047] The pole (P1) according to the third embodiment can improve the workability of maintenance work on wireless communication equipment (3) and the like housed in the pole body (1).

[0048] A pole (P1) according to a fourth aspect of this disclosure can be realized in combination with any of the first to third aspects. In the pole (P1) according to the fourth aspect, the wireless communication equipment (3) is preferably housed in the pole body (1) such that the opening (10) and the antenna (30) overlap when viewed from a direction intersecting the axial direction of the pole body (1).

[0049] The pole (P1) according to the fourth embodiment can further suppress the attenuation of radio waves caused by the cover (2) and further improve the communication performance of the wireless communication equipment (3).

[0050] A pole (P1) according to a fifth aspect of this disclosure can be realized in combination with any of the first to fourth aspects. In the pole (P1) according to the fifth aspect, the antenna (30) is preferably attached to the cover (2).

[0051] In the fifth embodiment of the pole (P1), the wireless communication equipment (3) can be removed from the pole body (1) together with the cover (2) by removing the cover (2). As a result, the pole (P1) in the fifth embodiment can improve the workability of maintenance work.

[0052] A pole (P1) according to a sixth aspect of this disclosure can be realized by combination with any of the first to fifth aspects. In the pole (P1) according to the sixth aspect, it is preferable that a metal reinforcing member (4) is provided on the surface of the cover (2) facing the opening (10). It is preferable that a part of the reinforcing member (4) (antenna cover 42) is positioned behind the antenna (30) as seen from the cover (2).

[0053] The pole (P1) according to the sixth embodiment can increase the mechanical strength of the cover (2) with the reinforcing member (4), while suppressing the attenuation of radio waves by the reinforcing member (4) by positioning a part of the reinforcing member (4) behind the antenna (30) when viewed from the cover (2).

[0054] A pole (P1) according to the seventh aspect of this disclosure can be realized in combination with any of the first to sixth aspects. Preferably, the pole (P1) according to the seventh aspect further comprises a lighting fixture (5) supported on the pole body (1).

[0055] The pole (P1) according to the seventh embodiment can be used as a lighting pole by supporting a lighting fixture (5) on the pole body (1).

[0056] A pole (P1) according to the eighth aspect of this disclosure can be realized in combination with any of the first to seventh aspects. Preferably, the pole (P1) according to the eighth aspect further comprises an output device (speaker 6) that outputs information contained in a radio signal received by a wireless communication device (3) through at least one medium of sound or light.

[0057] The pole (P1) according to the eighth embodiment can improve the workability of installation and maintenance work compared to the case where the output equipment is installed in a location separate from the pole (P1).

[0058] A pole (P1) according to the ninth aspect of this disclosure can be realized in combination with any of the first to eighth aspects. The pole (P1) according to the ninth aspect preferably further comprises an acquisition unit (camera 7) that acquires information contained in a wireless signal. The wireless communication device (3) preferably transmits the wireless signal containing the information acquired by the acquisition unit via an antenna (30).

[0059] The pole (P1) according to the ninth embodiment can improve the workability of installation and maintenance work compared to the case where the acquisition unit is installed in a separate location from the pole (P1). [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] P1 Pole 1. Pole body 2 Lid 3 Wireless communication equipment 4. Reinforcement members 5 Lighting fixtures 6. Speakers (output devices) 7. Camera (acquisition unit) 10 Openings 30 Antennas 42 Antenna cover (part of the reinforcing material)

Claims

1. A cylindrical pole body that can be erected in the ground, A cover that closes the opening provided in the pole body, The wireless communication equipment housed in the pole body, Equipped with, The wireless communication device has an antenna that transmits and receives radio waves, and transmits and receives wireless signals using the radio waves as a communication medium via the antenna. The cover is formed to be permeable to the radio waves, A metal reinforcing member is provided on the surface of the lid facing the opening. A portion of the reinforcing member is positioned behind the antenna when viewed from the cover. pole.

2. The lid is made of an electrically insulating synthetic resin material. The pole according to claim 1.

3. The cover is detachably attached to the pole body. The pole according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The wireless communication device is housed in the pole body such that, when viewed from a direction intersecting the axial direction of the pole body, the opening and the antenna overlap. A pole according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The antenna is attached to the cover, A pole according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. Further comprising a lighting fixture supported on the pole body, A pole according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The wireless communication device further comprises an output device that outputs information contained in the wireless signal received by the wireless communication device through at least one medium of sound or light. A pole according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Further comprising an acquisition unit that acquires information contained in the wireless signal, The wireless communication device transmits the wireless signal containing the information acquired by the acquisition unit via the antenna. A pole according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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