Electromagnetic flux control member and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

To provide an electromagnetic flux control member capable of easily managing a mold and easily adjusting functional characteristics of the electromagnetic flux control member.SOLUTION: An electromagnetic flux control member has a first region that is disposed on a back side and allows an electromagnetic wave to enter or allows the electromagnetic wave traveling inside to exit to the outside, and a second region that is disposed on a front side and allows the electromagnetic wave entered in the first region to exit to the outside or allows the electromagnetic wave to enter. The second region includes a plurality of annular portions disposed in a concentric manner in a plan view. An outer edge of the plurality of annular portions are disposed on a back side as the outer edge of the annular portion is farther from a central axis. Width of at least part of the annular portion of the plurality of annular portions is the same and less than a wavelength of the electromagnetic wave.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electromagnetic flux control member and a method for manufacturing the same.

Background Art

[0002] In wireless communication, it is known to use a lens antenna as a means for transmitting more information efficiently over a long distance. A lens antenna has a function of controlling the traveling direction of electromagnetic waves, such as converting a spherical wave into a plane wave, and in recent years, it has begun to be used for radio waves with short wavelengths such as millimeter waves, millimeter waves, and terahertz waves.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes an antenna structure having a mother board, an antenna array including a plurality of antenna units, and a lens array including a plurality of lens units (lens antennas). The antenna array is disposed on the mother board, and the lens array is disposed on the antenna array. Each of the plurality of lens units is disposed corresponding to each of the plurality of antenna units. The emission surface of the lens unit is a smooth convex surface. The lens unit is formed of a material having a high dielectric constant such as ceramic or glass.

[0004] In the antenna structure of Patent Document 1, electromagnetic waves are emitted from the antenna array, and the traveling direction of the electromagnetic waves is controlled by the lens array, thereby increasing the antenna gain.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The lens unit in the antenna structure described in Patent Document 1 is formed, for example, by injection molding. If it is necessary to make minor adjustments to the shape of the exit surface of the lens unit, it is necessary to modify the entire transfer surface of the mold corresponding to the exit surface. This complicates mold management and makes it difficult to adjust the functional characteristics of the exit surface.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an electromagnetic flux control member that allows for easy mold management and easy adjustment of the functional characteristics of the electromagnetic flux control member. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing the electromagnetic flux control member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention relates to the following electromagnetic flux control member and a method for manufacturing the same. [1] An electromagnetic flux control member having a first region located on the back side for injecting electromagnetic waves or for emitting electromagnetic waves that have traveled through the interior to the outside, and a second region located on the front side for emitting electromagnetic waves that have been injected in the first region to the outside or for injecting electromagnetic waves, wherein the second region has a plurality of annular portions on the second region side that are arranged concentrically when viewed from above, the outer edges of the plurality of annular portions on the second region side are located on the back side the further away the outer edge of the annular portion on the second region side is from its central axis, and the width of at least some of the adjacent plurality of annular portions on the second region side is the same and less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave. [2] The electromagnetic flux control member according to [1], wherein, of the multiple annular portions on the second region side, all annular portions on the second region side except for the annular portion on the second region side furthest from the central axis have the same width. [3] The electromagnetic flux control member according to [1] or [2], wherein the width of each of the multiple annular portions on the second region side is in the range of 0.2 mm or more and less than 1.1 mm. [4] The electromagnetic flux control member according to any one of the items [1] to [3], wherein each of the multiple annular portions on the second region side has a ridge. [5] The plurality of annular portions on the second region side are arranged such that the difference in height between the outer edges of two adjacent annular portions on the second region side increases as they move away from the central axis, as described in any one of [1] to [3]. [6] The electromagnetic flux control member according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the first region has a plurality of annular portions on the first region side that are arranged concentrically when viewed from above, and the outer edges of the plurality of annular portions on the first region side are positioned on the back side of the plurality of annular portions on the first region side that are further from the central axis. [7] The electromagnetic flux control member according to [6], wherein, when viewed from above, the outer edges of the plurality of annular portions on the second region side and the outer edges of the plurality of annular portions on the first region side do not overlap. [8] The electromagnetic flux control member according to [6] or [7], wherein the area of ​​the innermost ring portion on the second region side in the second region is greater than the area of ​​the innermost ring portion on the first region side in the first region. A method for manufacturing an electromagnetic flux control member according to any one of items [9][1] to [8], comprising the step of forming a plurality of annular portions on the second region side using a molding die, wherein the molding die has a plurality of cylindrical molding pieces arranged concentrically, and each of the plurality of molding pieces includes a transfer surface that is annular when viewed from above, for forming a portion of the plurality of annular portions on the second region side.

[10] The method for manufacturing an electromagnetic flux control member according to [9], wherein each of the plurality of molding dies includes a transfer surface that is annular in plan view for molding one of the plurality of annular portions on the second region side. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electromagnetic flux control member that facilitates mold management and allows for easy adjustment of the functional characteristics of the electromagnetic flux control member. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1]Figures 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the configuration of the electromagnetic flux control member of Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figures 2A and 2B are diagrams showing the configuration of the electromagnetic flux control member of Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the molding die. [Figure 4] Figures 4A and 4B are diagrams showing the configuration of the electromagnetic flux control members of Embodiments 2 and 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the simulation apparatus. [Figure 6] Figures 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views of the electromagnetic flux control members of Comparative Examples 1 and 2. [Figure 7] Figures 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of the electromagnetic flux control members of Comparative Examples 3 and 4. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic flux control member of Comparative Example 5. [Figure 9] Figures 9A and 9B are graphs showing the relationship between the angle with respect to the reference line and the maximum gain in Embodiments 1 and 2. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the angle with respect to the reference line and the maximum gain in Embodiment 3. [Figure 11] Figures 11A and 11B are graphs showing the relationship between the angle with respect to the reference line and the maximum gain when the electromagnetic flux control member is not used and in Comparative Example 1. [Figure 12] Figure 13 is a graph showing the relationship between the angle with respect to the reference line and the maximum gain in Comparative Example 2. [Figure 13] Figures 13A and 13B are graphs showing the relationship between the angle with respect to the reference line and the maximum gain in Comparative Examples 3 and 4. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a graph showing the relationship between the angle with respect to the reference line and the maximum gain in Comparative Example 5. [Figure 15] Figures 15A and 15B are diagrams showing the configuration of the electromagnetic flux control member of Embodiment 4. [Figure 16] Figures 16A and 16B are diagrams showing the configuration of the electromagnetic flux control member of Embodiment 4. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the configuration of the mold. [Figure 18] FIGS. 18A and 18B are diagrams showing the configuration of the electromagnetic flux control member according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 19] FIGS. 19A and 19B are diagrams showing the configuration of the electromagnetic flux control member according to Embodiment 6. [Figure 20] FIGS. 20A and 20B are diagrams showing the configuration of the electromagnetic flux control member according to Embodiment 7. [Figure 21] FIGS. 21A and 21B are diagrams showing the configuration of the electromagnetic flux control member according to Embodiment 8. [Figure 22] FIGS. 22A and 22B are diagrams showing the configuration of the electromagnetic flux control member according to Embodiment 9. [Figure 23] FIGS. 23A and 23B are graphs showing the relationship between the angle with respect to the reference line and the maximum gain in Embodiments 4 and 5. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a graph showing the relationship between the angle with respect to the reference line and the maximum gain in Embodiment 6. [Figure 25] FIGS. 25A and 25B are graphs showing the relationship between the angle with respect to the reference line and the maximum gain in Embodiments 7 and 8. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a graph showing the relationship between the angle with respect to the reference line and the maximum gain in Embodiment 9. [Figure 27] FIGS. 27A and 27B are diagrams showing the configuration of the electromagnetic flux control member according to Embodiment 10. [Figure 28] FIGS. 28A and 28B are diagrams showing the configuration of the electromagnetic flux control member according to Embodiment 10. [Figure 29] FIGS. 29A and 29B are diagrams showing the configuration of the electromagnetic flux control member according to Embodiment 11. [Figure 30] FIGS. 30A and 30B are diagrams showing the configuration of the electromagnetic flux control member according to Embodiment 12. [Figure 31] FIGS. 31A and 31B are diagrams showing the configuration of the electromagnetic flux control member of the reference example. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing the configuration of the electromagnetic flux control member of the reference example. [Figure 33]Figure 33 is a graph showing the relationship between the angle relative to the baseline and the maximum gain in a reference example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0012] [Embodiment 1] (Configuration of electromagnetic flux control member) Figure 1A is a plan view of the electromagnetic flux control member 100, and Figure 1B is a bottom view of the electromagnetic flux control member 100. Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of line AA shown in Figure 1A, and Figure 2B is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of Figure 2A. Note that in Figure 2, the hatching indicating the cross-section is omitted.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1A, B and 2A, B, the electromagnetic flux control member 100 has a first region 110 located on the back side and a second region 120 located on the front side. In this embodiment, the electromagnetic flux control member 100 further has a side surface 130 located on the side.

[0014] The material of the electromagnetic flux control member 100 is not particularly limited as long as it can exhibit the effects of the present invention, and can be appropriately selected from materials that can transmit the electromagnetic waves to be controlled. Examples of materials for the electromagnetic flux control member 100 include ceramics, resins, and glass. Examples of resins include polypropylene, polycycloolefins, polytetrafluoroethylene, and modified polyphenylene ethers. The material of the electromagnetic flux control member 100 is preferably a material with a high dielectric constant, such as a relative permittivity of 5 or more, as it can exhibit a remarkable effect.

[0015] In this embodiment, the electromagnetic flux control member 100 is rotationally symmetric (circularly symmetric) with respect to the central axis CA extending in the front-back direction. In this embodiment, the height (thickness) of the electromagnetic flux control member 100 is 5 mm, and its diameter when viewed from above is 10 mm. Furthermore, the central axis CA is the central axis CA of the electromagnetic flux control member 100, the central axis CA of the first region 110, the central axis CA of the second region 120, and the central axis CA of the side surface 130.

[0016] The type of electromagnetic wave to be controlled is not particularly limited. Examples of electromagnetic waves include radio waves such as millimeter waves, quasi-millimeter waves, and terahertz waves, visible light, and infrared rays. The wavelength of the electromagnetic wave used in the electromagnetic flux control member 100 of this embodiment is not particularly limited, but is, for example, within the range of 1 to 10 mm. In this embodiment, however, the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave used is 1.1 mm or less.

[0017] The first region 110 is either a region into which electromagnetic waves are incident, or a region into which electromagnetic waves that have propagated inside are emitted to the outside. In this embodiment, the first region 110 is a region into which electromagnetic waves are incident. The first region 110 is positioned so as to intersect with the central axis CA of the electromagnetic flux control member 100.

[0018] The shape of the first region 110 is not particularly limited as long as electromagnetic waves can be incident on the inside of the electromagnetic flux control member 100, and is set appropriately according to the shape of the second region 120, etc. The first region 110 may be a plane or a concave surface. In this embodiment, the shape of the first region 110 is rotationally symmetric (circularly symmetric) with respect to the central axis CA as the axis of rotation, and is also a plane.

[0019] The second region 120 is a region for either emitting electromagnetic waves incident in the first region 110 to the outside of the electromagnetic flux control member 100 while controlling their direction of propagation, or for injecting electromagnetic waves into the second region 120. In this embodiment, the second region 120 is a region for emitting electromagnetic waves incident in the first region 110 to the outside of the electromagnetic flux control member 100 while controlling their direction of propagation. It is positioned to intersect with the central axis CA and has an overall convex shape. In this embodiment, the height of the second region 120 (the difference between the upper and lower ends) is 2.5 mm. In this embodiment, the shape of the second region 120 is rotationally symmetric (circularly symmetric) with respect to the central axis CA. The second region 120 has a plurality of annular portions 121 on the second region 120 side. In this embodiment, the second region 120 further has a plurality of first stepped surfaces 122 and a top surface 123.

[0020] The multiple annular portions 121 are annular optical surfaces arranged concentrically when viewed from above. In this embodiment, the annular portions 121 cause some of the electromagnetic waves incident in the first region 110 to be emitted to the outside. The annular portions 121 may be a plane perpendicular to the central axis CA, or an inclined plane. In this embodiment, the annular portions 121 are planes perpendicular to the central axis CA. Note that the multiple annular portions 121 are not surfaces that connect the outer edges of two adjacent annular portions 121 by the shortest distance.

[0021] The outer edges of the multiple annular sections 121 are positioned on the back side as they move away from the central axis CA. That is, in this embodiment, the multiple annular sections 121 are arranged in a stepped manner such that their height from the first region 110 gradually decreases as they move away from the central axis CA. The width w1 of at least some of the multiple annular sections 121 is the same and is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave used. In this embodiment, the width w1 of all annular sections 121 is the same. Here, the width w1 of the annular section 121 is the distance between the inner and outer edges of the annular section 121 when viewed from above, that is, the distance between the inner and outer edges of the annular section 121 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis CA. The width w1 of the annular section 121 is set appropriately according to the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave used. If the width w1 of the annular section 121 is greater than or equal to the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave used, the antenna gain may decrease.

[0022] The width w1 of at least some adjacent annular portions 121 is preferably within the range of 0.2 to 1.0 mm. If the width w1 of the annular portion 121 is less than 0.2 mm, it may be difficult to manufacture the mold 150 described later. On the other hand, if the width w1 of the annular portion 121 is greater than 1.0 mm, the antenna gain may decrease. In this embodiment, the width w1 (pitch) of the multiple annular portions 121 is 0.2 mm.

[0023] The height difference between the outer edges of two adjacent annular portions 121 in the multiple annular portions 121 may be the same or different. The height difference between the outer edges of two adjacent annular portions 121 may be arranged to increase as they move away from the central axis CA, or to decrease as they move away from the central axis CA. It is preferable that the multiple annular portions 121 are arranged such that the height difference between the outer edges of two adjacent annular portions 121 increases as they move away from the central axis CA. In this embodiment, the height difference between the outer edges of two adjacent annular portions 121 is the same as the height h1 of the first stepped surface 122.

[0024] The first stepped surface 122 is a curved surface arranged to surround the central axis CA and connects two adjacent annular portions 121. The annular portions 121 are connected to the upper and lower ends of the first stepped surface 122, respectively. The shape of the first stepped surface 122 is not particularly limited as long as it can perform the above function. The shape of the first stepped surface 122 may be the shape of the side surface of a cylinder, the shape of the side surface of a frustocone, or the shape of the side surface of an inverted frustocone. The shape of the first stepped surface 122 is preferably the shape of the side surface of a cylinder. That is, the first stepped surface 122 may be parallel to the central axis CA, or it may be inclined with respect to the central axis CA. In this embodiment, the first stepped surface 122 is parallel to the central axis CA from the viewpoint of ease of processing. That is, in this embodiment, the annular portions 121 and the first stepped surface 122 are connected perpendicularly. In this embodiment, the height h1 of the first stepped surface 122 is configured to increase from the front side (central portion) to the back side (side side) of the electromagnetic flux control member 100.

[0025] The height h1 of the first stepped surface 122 is set appropriately according to the electromagnetic wave control characteristics to be applied to the second region 120. When the second region is composed of a smooth curved surface, as in conventional electromagnetic flux control members, a preferred shape of the second region can be searched for by simulation or the like. In the second region 120 of the electromagnetic flux control member 100 according to this embodiment, the multiple annular portions 121 may be arranged so as to be close to this preferred curved surface so that control characteristics close to the preferred shape of the second region composed of the smooth curved surface searched for can be exhibited. For example, the height h1 of the multiple first stepped surfaces 122 is defined as follows. First, the width w1 of the annular portion 121 is set. Next, the multiple annular portions 121 are arranged such that the midpoint is located on a curve representing the ideal shape of the second region 120 in a cross section including the central axis CA. At this time, the distance between two adjacent annular portions 121 in the direction perpendicular to the central axis CA is the same. Finally, the multiple first stepped surfaces 122 are arranged so as to connect each of the multiple annular portions 121.

[0026] The side surface 130 is a curved surface arranged to surround the central axis CA, and connects the outer edge of the first region 110 and the outer edge of the second region 120. The shape of the side surface 130 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the shape of the side surface 130 is the shape of the side surface of a cylinder. The first region 110 is connected to the lower (back) end of the side surface 130, and the second region 120 is connected to the upper (front) end. In this embodiment, the height of the side surface 130 (the difference between the upper and lower ends) is 2.5 mm. Note that the electromagnetic flux control member 100 does not necessarily have a side surface 130. In this case, the first region 110 and the second region 120 are directly connected.

[0027] The top surface 123 is an optical surface located in the region inside the innermost annular portion 121 in the second region 120. The shape of the top surface 123 is not particularly limited. The shape of the top surface 123 may be flat or convex. In this embodiment, the top surface 123 is flat. Also in this embodiment, the annular portion 121 is a surface perpendicular to the central axis CA. The top surface 123 causes some of the electromagnetic waves incident in the first region 110 to be emitted to the outside. In this embodiment, the diameter of the top surface 123 when viewed from above is 0.4 mm.

[0028] (molding mold) The method for manufacturing the electromagnetic flux control member 100 according to this embodiment is not particularly limited. For example, the electromagnetic flux control member 100 according to this embodiment can be manufactured by injection molding.

[0029] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a mold 150 for forming the electromagnetic flux control member 100. The mold 150 forms a cavity 190 with a shape complementary to the electromagnetic flux control member 100.

[0030] The material of the mold 150 is not particularly limited as long as it has sufficient rigidity to allow the molding material to be filled and form the electromagnetic flux control member 100, and can be appropriately selected from known materials. Examples of materials for the mold 150 include metals.

[0031] In this embodiment, the mold 150 includes a first mold 160, a second mold 170, and a third mold 180.

[0032] The first mold 160 is a die for molding the first region 110. The first mold 160 has a first transfer surface 161 with a shape complementary to the first region 110. In this embodiment, since the first region 110 is planar, the first transfer surface 161 is also planar. The number of first mold 160 pieces may be one or multiple. In this embodiment, there is one first mold 160.

[0033] The second mold 170 is a die for molding the side surface 130 of the electromagnetic flux control member 100. The second mold 170 has a second transfer surface 171 that is complementary in shape to the side surface 130 of the electromagnetic flux control member 100. In this embodiment, since the side surface 130 is the shape of the side surface of a cylinder, the shape of the second transfer surface 171 is the shape of the side surface of a cylinder. The number of dies for the second mold 170 may be one or multiple. In this embodiment, there is one second mold 170.

[0034] The third mold 180 is a die for molding the second region 120. The third mold 180 has a third transfer surface 181 having a shape complementary to the second region 120 of the electromagnetic flux control member 100. The third transfer surface 181 includes surfaces corresponding to a plurality of annular portions 121, surfaces corresponding to a plurality of first stepped surfaces 122, and surfaces corresponding to the top surface 123. The third mold 180 also has a plurality of third molding dies 182 (molding dies in the claims) for molding the annular portions 121 and the first stepped surfaces 122, and a fourth molding die 183 for molding the top surface 123.

[0035] The multiple third molding dies 182 are cylindrical dies arranged concentrically. Each third molding die 182 may include an annular transfer surface 184 in plan view for molding some of the multiple annular portions 121, or each may include an annular transfer surface in plan view for molding one of the multiple annular portions 121. In this embodiment, each of the multiple third molding dies 182 includes an annular transfer surface 184 in plan view for molding one of the multiple annular portions 121. Therefore, in this embodiment, the number of third molding dies 182 is the same as the number of annular portions 121 to be molded. The width of the transfer surface 184 of the third molding die 182 is the same as the width of the annular portion 121. That is, in this embodiment, the width of the transfer surface 184 is 0.2 mm. When one transfer surface 184 is placed on the third molding die 182, the number of surfaces corresponding to the first step surface 122 is one, and when multiple transfer surfaces 184 are placed on the third molding die 182, the number of surfaces corresponding to multiple first step surfaces 122 is multiple.

[0036] In this embodiment, the multiple third molding dies 182 are arranged such that their respective transfer surfaces are positioned closer to the first transfer surface 161 as they move from the center towards the outer periphery. By changing the position of the multiple third molding dies 182 and thereby changing the shape of the third transfer surface 181, the shape of the second region 120 can be easily designed and modified.

[0037] The fourth molding die 183 is a cylindrical die positioned inside the innermost third molding die 182. The top surface of the cylinder corresponds to the top surface 123. The size of the top surface of the cylinder corresponds to the size of the top surface 123. In this embodiment, the diameter of the top surface of the cylinder is 0.4 mm.

[0038] (Molding procedure) The following describes an example of the molding procedure for the electromagnetic flux control member 100.

[0039] First, the mold 150 is prepared. Specifically, the first mold 160, the second mold 170, and the third mold 180 are fixed in place. Next, the molding material is injected into the cavity 190 formed by the first mold 160, the second mold 170, and the third mold 180. At this time, the air in the cavity 190 and the gas generated from the molding material are discharged from the boundary between the multiple third molding dies 182. As a result, the electromagnetic flux control member 100 is molded according to the mold 150.

[0040] Next, the molding material is held under pressure and cooled to solidify. Then, the first mold 160, the second mold 170, and the third mold 180 are opened to remove the molded electromagnetic flux control member 100. In this way, the electromagnetic flux control member 100 can be obtained. Note that the shape of the second region 120 can be modified by changing the arrangement of the third mold 180.

[0041] (effect) According to this embodiment, an electromagnetic flux control member 100 can be manufactured with a high yield while maintaining the functionality of the electromagnetic flux control member 100. Furthermore, since the second region 120 in the electromagnetic flux control member 100 of this embodiment is formed by a plurality of cylindrical third molding dies 182 arranged concentrically, design changes can be easily made.

[0042] [Embodiments 2 and 3] Next, the electromagnetic flux control members 200 and 300 of Embodiments 2 and 3 will be described. The shapes of the second regions 220 and 320 of the electromagnetic flux control members 200 and 300 of Embodiments 2 and 3 differ from those of the electromagnetic flux control member 100 in Embodiment 1. Therefore, components similar to those of the electromagnetic flux control member 100 in Embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0043] Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic flux control member 200 of Embodiment 2, and Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic flux control member 300 of Embodiment 3.

[0044] As shown in Figure 4A, the electromagnetic flux control member 200 of Embodiment 2 has a first region 110 and a second region 220. In this embodiment, the electromagnetic flux control member 200 further has a side surface 130.

[0045] In this embodiment, the second region 220 has a plurality of annular portions 221, a plurality of first stepped surfaces 222, and a top surface 223. The annular portions 221 are circular optical surfaces arranged concentrically when viewed from above. The outer edges of the plurality of annular portions 221 are positioned on the back side as they move away from the central axis CA. In this embodiment, the distance (pitch) between the outer edges of adjacent annular portions 221 is the same at 0.4 mm and is less than the wavelength of an electromagnetic wave. The top surface 223 is a plane with a diameter of 0.4 mm.

[0046] The height h1 of the first stepped surface 222 is configured to increase from the front side (central part) to the back side (side side) of the electromagnetic flux control member 200. The method for setting the first stepped surface 222 is the same as the method for the first stepped surface 222 in Embodiment 1.

[0047] (effect) The electromagnetic flux control member 200 of Embodiment 2 has the same effects as the electromagnetic flux control member 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0048] As shown in Figure 4B, the electromagnetic flux control member 300 of Embodiment 3 has a first region 110 and a second region 320. In this embodiment, the electromagnetic flux control member 300 further has a side surface 130.

[0049] In this embodiment, the second region 320 has a plurality of annular portions 321, a plurality of first stepped surfaces 322, and a top surface 323. The second region 320 has a plurality of annular portions 321 arranged concentrically when viewed from above. The outer edges of the plurality of annular portions 321 are positioned on the back side as they move away from the central axis CA. Of the plurality of annular portions 321, the width w1 of at least some of the annular portions 321 is the same and is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave used. In this embodiment, the distance (pitch) between the outer edges of adjacent annular portions 321 is 0.8 mm, and the width w1 of the outermost annular portion 321 is 0.2 mm. The diameter of the top surface 323 is 1.6 mm.

[0050] It is preferable that the height h1 of the first stepped surface 322 increases from the front side (central part) to the back side (side side) of the electromagnetic flux control member 300. However, the height h1 of the outermost first stepped surface 322 may be shorter than the height h1 of the first stepped surface 322 on the central side.

[0051] (effect) The electromagnetic flux control member 300 of Embodiment 3 has the same effects as the electromagnetic flux control member 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0052] (simulation) Next, when using the electromagnetic flux control members 100 to 300 of Embodiments 1 to 3, the relationship between the angle with respect to the reference line and the maximum gain and maximum gain power was investigated.

[0053] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the setup of the simulation. Here, we will explain using the electromagnetic flux control member 100 as an example. As shown in Figure 5, the distance L1 between the electromagnetic flux control member 100 and the horn antenna 10 is 10 mm. The upper opening of the horn antenna 10 is 2.5 mm high and 1.8 mm wide, and the lower opening is 0.9 mm high and 0.4 mm wide, with a length L2 of 6 mm. In this simulation, the shapes of both the upper and lower openings are rectangular. In this simulation, the radio wave source is placed 1 mm above the lower opening of the horn antenna 10.

[0054] The center of the radio wave source was defined as O. The direction along the axis of the horn antenna 10 from the center O of the radio wave source (up and down direction in Figure 5) was defined as the Z direction, the direction perpendicular to the Z direction (left and right direction in Figure 5) was defined as the X direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the Z and X directions was defined as the Y direction (front and back direction in Figure 5). A straight line along the center O of the radio wave source and along the Z direction was used as the reference line. The electromagnetic flux control member 100 had a diameter of 10 mm and a height of 5 mm. The material of the electromagnetic flux control member 100 was polypropylene. Electromagnetic wave analysis was performed using the multi-level fast multipole method (MLFMM). The analysis results were expressed as the antenna gain Gd in the far field in dBi. The frequency of the electromagnetic wave was set to 270 GHz and the wavelength to 1.1 mm.

[0055] The relationship between the angle in the XZ plane (with the direction along the reference line (Z direction) set to 0°) and the antenna gain was investigated. Furthermore, the relationship between the angle in the YZ plane (with the direction along the reference line (Z direction) set to 0°) and the maximum gain and maximum gain power was investigated. The electromagnetic flux control member used was either the electromagnetic flux control member 100 from Embodiment 1, the electromagnetic flux control member 200 from Embodiment 2, or the electromagnetic flux control member 300 from Embodiment 3. For comparison, the case without an electromagnetic flux control member and the case using the electromagnetic flux control members 2100 to 2500 shown in Comparative Examples 1 to 5 below were also investigated.

[0056] Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the electromagnetic flux control member 2100 of Comparative Example 1, and Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the electromagnetic flux control member 2200 of Comparative Example 2. Figure 7A is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the electromagnetic flux control member 2300 of Comparative Example 3, and Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the electromagnetic flux control member 2400 of Comparative Example 4. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the electromagnetic flux control member 2500 of Comparative Example 5.

[0057] As shown in Figure 6A, the electromagnetic flux control member 2100 of Comparative Example 1 has a first region 110 and a second region 2120. The first region 110 of the electromagnetic flux control member 2100 of this comparative example is a plane, and the second region 2120 is a sphere with the central axis CA as its axis of rotation. The electromagnetic flux control member 2100 of this comparative example is circularly symmetric about the central axis CA.

[0058] As shown in Figure 6B, the electromagnetic flux control member 2200 of Comparative Example 2 has a first region 110, a second region 2220, and a side surface 130. The first region 110 of the electromagnetic flux control member 2200 of this Comparative Example is a plane, and the second region 2220 is a curved surface with a curvature smaller than that of a sphere. Specifically, in this Comparative Example, the second region 220 is circularly symmetric with respect to the central axis CA as the axis of rotation, and is configured such that the curvature decreases from the front side (central part) to the back side (side side).

[0059] The electromagnetic flux control member 2300 of Comparative Example 3 differs from the electromagnetic flux control member 100 of Embodiment 1 in the shape of its second region 2320. Therefore, components similar to those of the electromagnetic flux control member 100 of Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. As shown in Figure 7A, the electromagnetic flux control member 2300 of Comparative Example 3 has a first region 110, a second region 2320, and a side surface 130. The first region 110 of the electromagnetic flux control member 2300 of this comparative example is a flat surface. The second region 2320 has a plurality of annular portions 2321, a plurality of first stepped surfaces 2322, and a top surface 2323. In this comparative example, the widths of the plurality of annular portions 2321 are all different. In this comparative example, the width of the annular portions 2321 gradually decreases from the center to the outer circumference. The diameter of the top surface 2323 is 2.0 mm. In this comparative example, the height difference between the outer edges of two adjacent annular portions 2321 (height of the first stepped surface 2322) is the same, and the difference is 0.2 mm.

[0060] The electromagnetic flux control member 2400 of Comparative Example 4 differs from the electromagnetic flux control member 100 of Embodiment 1 in the shape of its second region 2420. Therefore, components similar to those of the electromagnetic flux control member 100 of Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. As shown in Figure 7B, the electromagnetic flux control member 2400 of Comparative Example 4 has a first region 110, a second region 2420, and a side surface 130. The first region 110 of the electromagnetic flux control member 2400 of this comparative example is a flat surface. The second region 2420 has a plurality of annular portions 2421, a plurality of first stepped surfaces 2422, and a top surface 2423. In this comparative example, the widths of the plurality of annular portions 2421 are all different. In this comparative example, the width of the annular portions 2421 gradually decreases from the center to the outer circumference. The diameter of the top surface 2423 is 2.8 mm. In this comparative example, the height difference between the outer edges of two adjacent annular portions 2421 (height of the first stepped surface 2422) is the same, and the difference is 0.4 mm.

[0061] The electromagnetic flux control member 2500 of Comparative Example 5 has a different shape in its second region 2520 compared to the electromagnetic flux control member 100 of Embodiment 1. Therefore, components similar to those of the electromagnetic flux control member 100 of Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. As shown in Figure 8, the electromagnetic flux control member 2500 of Comparative Example 5 has a first region 110, a second region 2520, and a side surface 130. The first region 110 of the electromagnetic flux control member 2500 of this comparative example is a flat surface. The second region 2520 has a plurality of annular portions 2521, a plurality of first stepped surfaces 2522, and a top surface 2523. In this comparative example, the widths of the plurality of annular portions 2521 are all different. In this comparative example, the width of the annular portions 2521 gradually decreases from the center to the outer circumference. The diameter of the top surface 2523 is 4.0 mm. In this comparative example, the height difference between the outer edges of two adjacent annular portions 2521 (height of the first stepped surface 2522) is the same, and the difference is 0.8 mm.

[0062] Figure 9A is a graph showing the simulation results when using the electromagnetic flux control member 100 of Embodiment 1, and Figure 9B is a graph showing the simulation results when using the electromagnetic flux control member 200 of Embodiment 2. Figure 10 is a graph showing the simulation results when using the electromagnetic flux control member 300 of Embodiment 3. Figure 11A is a graph showing the simulation results when no electromagnetic flux control member is used, and Figure 11B is a graph showing the simulation results when using the electromagnetic flux control member 2100 of Comparative Example 1. Figure 12 is a graph showing the simulation results when using the electromagnetic flux control member 2200 of Comparative Example 2. Figure 13A is a graph showing the simulation results when using the electromagnetic flux control member 2300 of Comparative Example 3, and Figure 13B is a graph showing the simulation results when using the electromagnetic flux control member 2400 of Comparative Example 4. Figure 14 is a graph showing the simulation results when using the electromagnetic flux control member 2500 of Comparative Example 5.

[0063] In Figures 9A to 14, the horizontal axis represents the angle relative to the reference line, and the vertical axis represents the antenna gain. In Figures 9A to 14, the solid lines represent the results in the XZ plane, and the dashed lines represent the results in the YZ plane.

[0064] Table 1 shows the relationship between the type of electromagnetic flux control component used, the maximum gain, and the maximum gain power. Here, maximum gain refers to the maximum value of the antenna gain obtained. Maximum gain power refers to the ratio of the maximum gain to the antenna gain, when the maximum gain measured with only the radio wave source is set to 1.

[0065] [Table 1]

[0066] As shown in Figure 9A and Table 1, when using the electromagnetic flux control member 100 of Embodiment 1 (where the width of the annular portion 221 is approximately 1 / 5 of the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave, 0.2 mm), it can be seen that the radio waves are concentrated in the direction from the radio wave source toward the electromagnetic flux control member 100 (Z direction). Furthermore, the maximum gain power was significantly increased compared to the electromagnetic flux control member 500 of Comparative Example 2.

[0067] As shown in Figure 9B and Table 1, when using the electromagnetic flux control member 200 of Embodiment 2 (where the width of the annular portion 221 is approximately 1 / 3 of the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave, 0.4 mm), it can be seen that the radio waves are concentrated in the direction from the radio wave source toward the electromagnetic flux control member 200. The maximum gain value was about the same as that of the electromagnetic flux control member 100 of Embodiment 1. Furthermore, compared to the electromagnetic flux control member 2200 of Comparative Example 2, the maximum gain and maximum gain power were slightly increased.

[0068] As shown in Figure 10 and Table 1, when using the electromagnetic flux control member 300 of Embodiment 3 (where the width of the annular portion 221 is approximately 4 / 5 of the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave, 0.8 mm), it can be seen that the radio waves are concentrated in the direction from the radio wave source toward the electromagnetic flux control member 300. Compared to the electromagnetic flux control member 100 of Embodiment 1, the maximum gain is slightly lower, but the electromagnetic flux control member 300 of Embodiment 3 is advantageous in terms of productivity due to the larger width of the annular portion 321. Compared to the electromagnetic flux control member 2200 of Comparative Example 2, the maximum gain and maximum gain power are slightly lower, but productivity is improved.

[0069] In contrast to these, as shown in Figure 11A and Table 1, when the electromagnetic flux control member was not used, the electromagnetic waves did not concentrate in the Z direction.

[0070] As shown in Figure 11B and Table 1, when using the electromagnetic flux control member 2100 of Comparative Example 1 (where the second region 2120 is spherical), the maximum gain increased compared to the case where no electromagnetic flux control member was used, although not to the same extent as with the electromagnetic flux control members 100 to 300 of Embodiments 1 to 3.

[0071] As shown in Figure 12 and Table 1, when using the electromagnetic flux control member 2200 of Comparative Example 2 (where the second region 2220 is less sloping than a sphere), the maximum gain was further increased compared to the case of the electromagnetic flux control member 200 of Comparative Example 1, similar to the electromagnetic flux control members 100 to 300 of Embodiments 1 to 3.

[0072] As shown in Figure 13A and Table 1, when using the electromagnetic flux control member 2300 of Comparative Example 3 (where the height difference between the outer edges of two adjacent annular portions 2321 is 0.2 mm), the maximum gain was slightly reduced compared to the case of the electromagnetic flux control member 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0073] As shown in Figure 13B and Table 1, when using the electromagnetic flux control member 2400 of Comparative Example 4 (where the height difference between the outer edges of two adjacent annular portions 2421 is 0.4 mm), the maximum gain increased slightly compared to the case of the electromagnetic flux control member 200 of Embodiment 2.

[0074] As shown in Figure 14 and Table 1, when using the electromagnetic flux control member 2500 of Comparative Example 5 (where the height difference between the outer edges of two adjacent annular portions 2521 is 0.8 mm), the maximum gain increased slightly compared to the case of the electromagnetic flux control member 300 of Embodiment 3.

[0075] In the case of the horn antenna 10 alone, electromagnetic waves were not focused because no electromagnetic flux control member was used. When using the electromagnetic flux control members 2100 and 2200 of Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the maximum gain could not be sufficiently obtained because they did not have an annular section with a constant width. When using the electromagnetic flux control members 2300, 2400, and 2500 of Comparative Examples 3 to 5, the gain did not change significantly compared to the maximum gain of the electromagnetic flux control members 100 to 300 of Embodiments 1 to 3, but because the width of the annular sections 2321, 2421, and 2521 was not constant, it was not easy to adjust the characteristics of the second regions 2320, 2420, and 2520 by molding.

[0076] [Embodiment 4] (Configuration of electromagnetic flux control member) Next, the electromagnetic flux control member 400 according to Embodiment 4 will be described. The shape of the first region 410 of the electromagnetic flux control member 400 according to Embodiment 1 differs from that of the electromagnetic flux control member 100 according to Embodiment 1. Therefore, components similar to those of the electromagnetic flux control member 100 according to Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0077] Figure 15A is a plan view of the electromagnetic flux control member 400 according to Embodiment 2, and Figure 15B is a bottom view. Figure 16A is a cross-sectional view of line AA shown in Figure 15A, and Figure 16B is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of Figure 16A.

[0078] As shown in Figures 15A, B and 16A, B, the electromagnetic flux control member 400 has a first region 410 and a second region 420. In this embodiment, the electromagnetic flux control member 400 further has a side surface 430.

[0079] The first region 410 is the region into which electromagnetic waves are incident on the interior of the electromagnetic flux control member 400. The first region 410 is positioned to intersect with the central axis CA of the electromagnetic flux control member 400. In this embodiment, the height of the electromagnetic flux control member 400 is 6.5 mm, and its diameter when viewed from above is 16 mm.

[0080] The shape of the first region 410 is not particularly limited as long as it can perform the above functions. In this embodiment, the shape of the first region 410 is the inner surface of a recess. In this embodiment, the shape of the first region 410 is rotationally symmetric (circularly symmetric) with respect to the central axis CA. In this embodiment, the first region 410 has a plurality of annular portions 411 on the second region 420 side, a plurality of second stepped surfaces 412, and a bottom surface 413.

[0081] The multiple annular portions 411 on the second region 420 side are annular optical surfaces arranged concentrically when viewed from above. The annular portions 411 cause electromagnetic waves to be incident into the interior of the electromagnetic flux control member 400. The annular portions 411 may be planes perpendicular to the central axis CA, or they may be inclined planes. In this embodiment, the annular portions 411 are planes perpendicular to the central axis CA.

[0082] The outer edges of the multiple annular portions 411 are positioned towards the front as they approach the central axis CA. That is, in this embodiment, the multiple annular portions 411 are arranged in a stepped manner such that the height from the outer edge of the recess gradually decreases as they approach the central axis CA. The width w2 of at least some of the multiple annular portions 411 is the same and less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave used. In this embodiment, the width w2 of the multiple annular portions 411 is constant and less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave used. The diameter of the bottom surface is 0.8 mm. The width w2 of the annular portion 411 is appropriately selected depending on the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave used. If the width w2 of the annular portion 411 is greater than or equal to the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave used, the maximum gain may decrease.

[0083] The width w2 (pitch) of adjacent annular portions 411 is preferably within the range of 0.2 to 1.0 mm. If the width w2 of multiple annular portions 411 is less than 0.2 mm, it becomes difficult to create the mold 150. On the other hand, if the width w2 of the annular portions 411 exceeds 1.0 mm, the maximum gain may decrease. In this embodiment, the width w2 (pitch) of multiple annular portions 411 is 0.4 mm.

[0084] The second stepped surface 412 is a curved surface arranged to surround the central axis CA and connects two adjacent annular portions 411. The annular portions 411 are connected to the upper and lower ends of the second stepped surface 412, respectively. The shape of the second stepped surface 412 is not particularly limited as long as it can perform the above function. The shape of the second stepped surface 412 may be the shape of the side surface of a cylinder, the shape of the side surface of a frustocone, the shape of the side surface of an inverted frustocone, or the shape of the side surface of a cylinder. The shape of the second stepped surface 412 is preferably the shape of the side surface of a cylinder. That is, the second stepped surface 412 may be parallel to the central axis CA, or it may be inclined with respect to the central axis CA. In this embodiment, the second stepped surface 412 is parallel to the central axis CA. Here, in this embodiment, as described above, the annular portion 411 is a curved surface perpendicular to the central axis CA, and the second stepped surface 412 is the shape of the side surface of a cylinder. In other words, in this embodiment, the annular portion 411 and the second stepped surface 412 are connected perpendicularly. Preferably, in the direction along the central axis CA, the height h2 of the second stepped surface 412 is configured such that it is mostly longer from the front side (central portion) to the back side (side side) of the electromagnetic flux control member 400. Note that the height h2 of the outermost second stepped surface 412 may be shorter than the height h2 of the second stepped surface 412 on the central side.

[0085] The second region 420 is a region that causes electromagnetic waves incident in the first region 410 to be emitted outside the electromagnetic flux control member 400 while controlling their direction of propagation. The second region 420 is positioned to intersect with the central axis CA of the electromagnetic flux control member 400 and has an overall convex shape. In this embodiment, the second region 420 further includes a plurality of annular portions 421, a plurality of first stepped surfaces 422, and a top surface 423.

[0086] The multiple annular portions 421 are annular optical surfaces arranged concentrically when viewed from above. The annular portions 421 cause some of the electromagnetic waves incident in the first region 410 to be emitted to the outside. The annular portions 421 may be a plane perpendicular to the central axis CA, or an inclined plane. In this embodiment, the annular portions 421 are planes perpendicular to the central axis CA.

[0087] The outer edges of the multiple annular portions 421 are positioned on the back side as they move away from the central axis CA. That is, in this embodiment, the multiple annular portions 421 are arranged in a stepped manner such that their height from the first region 410 gradually decreases as they move away from the central axis CA. The width w1 of at least some of the multiple annular portions 421 is the same and less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave used. In this embodiment, the width w1 of all annular portions 421 is the same and less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave used. The width w1 of the annular portions 421 is appropriately selected depending on the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave used. If the width w1 of the annular portions 421 is abnormal for the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave used, the maximum gain may decrease.

[0088] The width w1 (pitch) of each adjacent annular portion 421 is preferably within the range of 0.2 to 1.0 mm. If the width w1 of multiple annular portions 421 is less than 0.2 mm, it may be difficult to manufacture the mold 150. On the other hand, if the width w1 of the annular portions 421 exceeds 1.0 mm, the maximum gain may decrease. In this embodiment, the width w1 (pitch) of multiple annular portions 421 is 0.4 mm. The diameter of the top surface 423 is 0.8 mm.

[0089] The first stepped surface 422 is a curved surface arranged to surround the central axis CA and connects two adjacent annular portions 421. The annular portions 421 are connected to the upper and lower ends of the first stepped surface 422, respectively. In this embodiment, the first stepped surface 422 has the shape of the side surface of a cylinder and is parallel to the central axis CA. The height h1 of the first stepped surface 422 is configured to increase from the front side (central portion) to the back side (side side) of the electromagnetic flux control member 400.

[0090] When the electromagnetic flux control member 400 is viewed from above (in the direction along the central axis CA), the multiple annular portions 411 and the multiple annular portions 421 may or may not coincide. In this embodiment, when the electromagnetic flux control member 400 is viewed from above, the multiple annular portions 411 and the multiple annular portions 421 all coincide.

[0091] The side surface 430 is a curved surface arranged to surround the central axis CA and connects the outer edge of the first region 410 and the outer edge of the second region 420. The shape of the side surface 430 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the shape of the side surface 430 is the shape of the side surface of a cylinder. The electromagnetic flux control member 400 does not necessarily have a side surface 430. In this case, the first region 410 and the second region 420 are directly connected.

[0092] (molding mold) Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the mold 450. The mold 450 is for molding the electromagnetic flux control member 400 and forms a cavity 490 with a shape complementary to the electromagnetic flux control member 400.

[0093] The material of the mold 450 is not particularly limited as long as it has sufficient rigidity to allow the molding material to be filled and form the electromagnetic flux control member 400, and can be appropriately selected from known materials. Examples of materials for the mold 450 include metals.

[0094] The number of molds in the mold 450 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the mold 450 has a first mold 460, a second mold 470, and a third mold 480.

[0095] The first mold 460 is a die for forming the first region 410. The first mold 460 has a first transfer surface 461 having a shape complementary to the first region 410 of the electromagnetic flux control member 400. The first transfer surface 461 includes surfaces corresponding to a plurality of annular portions 411, surfaces corresponding to a plurality of second stepped surfaces 412, and a surface corresponding to the bottom surface 413. The first mold 460 also has a plurality of first molding dies 462 (molding dies in the claims) for forming the annular portions 411 and the second stepped surfaces 412, and a fifth molding die 464 for forming the top surface 423.

[0096] The multiple first molding dies 462 are cylindrical dies arranged concentrically. Each first molding die 462 may include a first transfer surface 465 that is annular in plan view for molding some of the multiple annular portions 411, or each may include a transfer surface that is annular in plan view for molding one of the multiple annular portions 411. In this embodiment, each of the multiple first molding dies 462 includes a first transfer surface 465 that is annular in plan view for molding one of the multiple annular portions 411. Therefore, in this embodiment, the number of first molding dies 462 is the same as the number of annular portions 411 to be molded. The width of the first transfer surface 465 of the first molding die 462 is the same as the width of the annular portion 411. That is, in this embodiment, the width of the first transfer surface 465 is 0.4 mm. When one first transfer surface 465 is placed on the first molding die 462, the number of surfaces corresponding to the second step surface 412 is one, and when multiple first transfer surfaces 465 are placed on the first molding die 462, the number of surfaces corresponding to multiple second step surfaces 412 is multiple.

[0097] In this embodiment, the multiple first molding pieces 462 are arranged such that their respective transfer surfaces are positioned closer to the first transfer surface 465 as they move from the center towards the outer periphery. By changing the position of the multiple first molding pieces 462 and thereby changing the shape of the first transfer surface 465, the shape of the first region 410 can be easily designed and modified.

[0098] The second mold 470 is a die for molding the side surface 430 of the electromagnetic flux control member 400. The second mold 470 has a second transfer surface 471 that is complementary in shape to the side surface 430 of the electromagnetic flux control member 400. In this embodiment, since the side surface 430 has the shape of a cylindrical side surface, the shape of the second transfer surface 471 is the shape of a cylindrical side surface. The number of dies for the second mold 470 may be one or multiple. In this embodiment, there is one second mold 470.

[0099] The third mold 480 is a die for molding the second region 420. The third mold 480 has a third transfer surface 481 having a shape complementary to the second region 420 of the electromagnetic flux control member 400. The third transfer surface 481 includes surfaces corresponding to a plurality of annular portions 421, surfaces corresponding to a plurality of first stepped surfaces 422, and surfaces corresponding to the top surface 423. The third mold 480 also has a plurality of third molding dies 482 (molding dies in the claims) for molding the annular portions 421 and the first stepped surfaces 422, and a fourth molding die 483 for molding the top surface 423.

[0100] The multiple third molding pieces 482 are cylindrical pieces arranged concentrically. Each third molding piece 482 may include an annular transfer surface 484 in plan view for molding some of the multiple annular portions 421, or each may include an annular transfer surface in plan view for molding one of the multiple annular portions 421. In this embodiment, each of the multiple third molding pieces 482 includes an annular transfer surface 484 in plan view for molding one of the multiple annular portions 421. Therefore, in this embodiment, the number of third molding pieces 482 is the same as the number of annular portions 421 to be molded. The width of the transfer surface 484 of the third molding piece 482 is the same as the width of the annular portion 421. That is, in this embodiment, the width of the transfer surface 484 is 0.4 mm. When one transfer surface 484 is placed on the third molding die 482, the number of surfaces corresponding to the first step surface 422 is one, and when multiple transfer surfaces 484 are placed on the third molding die 482, the number of surfaces corresponding to multiple first step surfaces 422 is multiple.

[0101] In this embodiment, the multiple third molding pieces 482 are arranged such that their respective transfer surfaces are positioned closer to the first transfer surface 461 as they move from the center towards the outer periphery. By changing the position of the multiple third molding pieces 482 and thereby changing the shape of the third transfer surface 481, the shape of the second region 420 can be easily designed and modified.

[0102] The fourth molding die 483 is a cylindrical die positioned inside the innermost third molding die 482. The top surface of the cylinder corresponds to the top surface 423. The size of the top surface of the cylinder corresponds to the size of the top surface 423. In this embodiment, the diameter of the top surface of the cylinder is 0.8 mm.

[0103] An electromagnetic flux control member 400 can be manufactured by injection molding using the mold 450 configured in this manner.

[0104] [Embodiment 5] Next, the electromagnetic flux control member 500 of Embodiment 5 will be described. The shape of the first region 510 of the electromagnetic flux control member 500 of Embodiment 5 differs from that of the electromagnetic flux control member 400 in Embodiment 4. Therefore, components similar to those of the electromagnetic flux control member 400 in Embodiment 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0105] Figure 18A is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic flux control member 500 of Embodiment 5, and Figure 18B is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the first region 510 and the second region 420.

[0106] As shown in Figures 18A and 18B, the electromagnetic flux control member 500 of Embodiment 5 has a first region 510 and a second region 420. In this embodiment, the electromagnetic flux control member 500 further has a side surface 530.

[0107] In this embodiment, the first region 510 has a plurality of annular portions 411, a plurality of second stepped surfaces 412, and a bottom surface 513.

[0108] The outer edges of the multiple annular portions 411 are positioned on the front side as they approach the central axis CA. That is, in this embodiment, the multiple annular portions 411 are arranged in a stepped manner such that the height from the outer edge of the recess gradually decreases as they approach the central axis CA. In the cross-section including the central axis CA, the width w2 of the multiple annular portions 411 is constant and less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave used.

[0109] In this embodiment, the distance (pitch) w2 between the outer edges of adjacent annular portions 411 is 0.4 mm, and the width w2 of the outermost annular portion 411 is 0.6 mm. The diameter of the bottom surface 513 is 0.4 mm.

[0110] The second region 420 is the same as the second region 420 of Embodiment 4. That is, the second region 420 in this embodiment has a plurality of annular portions 421, a plurality of first stepped surfaces 422, and a top surface 423. The plurality of annular portions 421 are annular optical surfaces arranged concentrically. The outer edges of the plurality of annular portions 421 are positioned on the back side as they move away from the central axis CA. That is, in this embodiment, the plurality of annular portions 421 are arranged in a step-like manner such that the height from the first region 410 gradually decreases as they move away from the central axis CA. The width w1 of at least some of the plurality of annular portions 421 is the same and is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave used. In this embodiment, the width w1 of all annular portions 421 is the same.

[0111] In this embodiment, the distance (pitch) between the outer edges of adjacent annular portions 421 is 0.4 mm. In this embodiment, there are 18 annular portions 421. The diameter of the top surface is 0.8 mm. The electromagnetic flux control member 500 does not necessarily have a side surface 530. In this case, the first region 510 and the second region 420 may be directly connected.

[0112] In this embodiment, the region other than the annular portion 421 intersecting the central axis CA (bottom surface 513) is smaller than the region other than the annular portion 411 intersecting the central axis CA (top surface 423). When the electromagnetic flux control member 500 is viewed from above, the multiple annular portions 411 and the multiple annular portions 421 do not coincide. More specifically, in this embodiment, the multiple annular portions 411 are each offset by half a pitch toward the central axis CA relative to the multiple annular portions 421.

[0113] [Embodiment 6] Next, the electromagnetic flux control member 600 of Embodiment 6 will be described. The shape of the second region 620 of the electromagnetic flux control member 600 of Embodiment 6 differs from that of the electromagnetic flux control member 400 in Embodiment 4. Therefore, components similar to those of the electromagnetic flux control member 400 in Embodiment 4 are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0114] Figure 19A is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic flux control member 600 of Embodiment 6, and Figure 19B is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the first region 410 and the second region 620.

[0115] As shown in Figures 19A and 19B, the electromagnetic flux control member 600 of Embodiment 6 has a first region 410 and a second region 620. In this embodiment, the electromagnetic flux control member 600 further has a side surface 630.

[0116] In this embodiment, the first region 410 has a plurality of annular portions 411, a plurality of second stepped surfaces 412, and a bottom surface 413.

[0117] The outer edges of the multiple annular portions 411 are positioned on the back side as they approach the central axis CA. That is, in this embodiment, the multiple annular portions 411 are arranged in a stepped manner such that the height from the outer edge of the recess gradually decreases as they approach the central axis CA. The width w1 of at least some of the multiple annular portions 411 is the same and is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave used. In this embodiment, the width w1 of all annular portions 421 is the same.

[0118] In this embodiment, the distance (pitch) w2 between the outer edges of adjacent annular portions 411 is 0.4 mm. The diameter of the bottom surface 413 is 0.8 mm.

[0119] In this embodiment, the second region 620 has a plurality of annular portions 421, a plurality of first stepped surfaces 422, and a top surface 623. The plurality of annular portions 421 are annular optical surfaces arranged concentrically. The outer edges of the plurality of annular portions 421 are positioned on the back side as they move away from the central axis CA. That is, in this embodiment, the plurality of annular portions 421 are arranged in a step-like manner such that the height from the outer edge of the recess gradually decreases as they move away from the central axis CA. The width w1 of at least some of the plurality of annular portions 421 is the same and is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave used. In this embodiment, the distance (pitch) between the outer edges of adjacent annular portions 421 is 0.4 mm, and the width w1 of the outermost annular portion 321 is 0.6 mm. Also, the diameter of the top surface 623 when viewed from above is 0.4 mm. Note that the electromagnetic flux control member 600 does not necessarily have a side surface 630. In this case, the first region 410 and the second region 620 may be directly connected.

[0120] In this embodiment, the inner surface (top surface 623) of the innermost annular portion 421 in the second region 620 is smaller than the inner surface (bottom surface 413) of the innermost annular portion 411 in the first region 410. When the electromagnetic flux control member 600 is viewed from above, the multiple annular portions 411 and the multiple annular portions 421 do not coincide. More specifically, in this embodiment, the multiple annular portions 411 are each offset by half a pitch from the central axis CA side relative to the multiple annular portions 421.

[0121] [Embodiment 7] Next, the electromagnetic flux control member 700 of Embodiment 7 will be described. The electromagnetic flux control member 700 of Embodiment 7 differs from the electromagnetic flux control member 400 of Embodiment 4 in the shape of the first region 710 and the shape of the second region 720. Therefore, components similar to those of the electromagnetic flux control member 400 of Embodiment 4 are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0122] Figure 20A is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic flux control member 700 of Embodiment 7, and Figure 20B is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the first region 710 and the second region 720.

[0123] As shown in Figures 20A and 20B, the electromagnetic flux control member 700 of Embodiment 7 has a first region 710 and a second region 720. In this embodiment, the electromagnetic flux control member 700 further has a side surface 730.

[0124] In this embodiment, the first region 710 has a plurality of annular portions 711, a plurality of second stepped surfaces 712, and a bottom surface 713.

[0125] The outer edges of the multiple annular portions 711 are positioned on the front side as they approach the central axis CA. That is, in this embodiment, the multiple annular portions 711 are arranged in a stepped manner such that the height from the outer edge of the recess gradually decreases as they approach the central axis CA. The width w2 of at least some of the multiple annular portions 711 is the same and less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave used. In this embodiment, the width w2 of all annular portions 711 is the same and less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave used. The electromagnetic flux control member 700 does not necessarily have a side surface 730. In this case, the first region 710 and the second region 720 may be directly connected.

[0126] In this embodiment, the distance (pitch) w2 between the outer edges of adjacent annular portions 711 is 0.8 mm. The diameter of the bottom surface 713 is 1.6 mm.

[0127] In this embodiment, the second region 720 has a plurality of annular portions 721, a plurality of first stepped surfaces 722, and a top surface 723. The plurality of annular portions 721 are annular optical surfaces arranged concentrically when viewed from above. The outer edges of the plurality of annular portions 721 are positioned on the back side as they move away from the central axis CA. That is, in this embodiment, the plurality of annular portions 721 are arranged in a step-like manner such that the height from the first region 710 gradually decreases as they move away from the central axis CA. The width w2 of at least some of the plurality of annular portions 721 is the same and is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave used. In this embodiment, the width w2 of all annular portions 721 is the same and is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave used.

[0128] In this embodiment, the distance (pitch) between the outer edges of adjacent annular portions 721 is 0.8 mm. The diameter of the base is 1.6 mm.

[0129] In this embodiment, when the electromagnetic flux control member 700 is viewed from above, the multiple annular portions 711 and the multiple annular portions 721 coincide with each other.

[0130] [Embodiment 8] Next, the electromagnetic flux control member 800 of Embodiment 8 will be described. The electromagnetic flux control member 800 of Embodiment 8 differs from the electromagnetic flux control member 400 of Embodiment 4 in the shape of the first region 810 and the shape of the second region 720. Therefore, components similar to those of the electromagnetic flux control member 400 of Embodiment 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0131] Figure 21A is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic flux control member 800 of Embodiment 8, and Figure 21B is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the first region 810 and the second region 720.

[0132] As shown in Figures 21A and 21B, the electromagnetic flux control member 800 of Embodiment 8 has a first region 810 and a second region 720. In this embodiment, the electromagnetic flux control member 800 further has a side surface 830.

[0133] In this embodiment, the first region 810 has a plurality of annular portions 711, a plurality of second stepped surfaces 712, and a bottom surface 813.

[0134] The outer edges of the multiple annular portions 711 are positioned on the front side as they approach the central axis CA. That is, in this embodiment, the multiple annular portions 711 are arranged in a stepped manner such that the height from the outer edge of the recess gradually decreases as they approach the central axis CA. In a cross-section including the central axis CA, the width w2 of at least some of the multiple annular portions 711 is the same and less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave used. The electromagnetic flux control member 800 does not necessarily have a side surface 830. In this case, the first region 810 and the second region 720 may be directly connected.

[0135] In this embodiment, the distance (pitch) between the outer edges of adjacent annular portions 711 is 0.8 mm, and the width w1 of the outermost annular portion 711 is 1.2 mm. The diameter of the bottom surface 813 is 0.8 mm.

[0136] In this embodiment, the second region 720 has a plurality of annular portions 721, a plurality of first stepped surfaces 722, and a top surface 723. The plurality of annular portions 721 are annular optical surfaces arranged concentrically when viewed from above. The outer edges of the plurality of annular portions 721 are positioned on the back side as they move away from the central axis CA. That is, in this embodiment, the plurality of annular portions 721 are arranged in a step-like manner such that the height from the first region 810 gradually decreases as they move away from the central axis CA. In a cross-section including the central axis CA, the width w1 of at least some of the plurality of annular portions 721 is the same and is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave used. In this embodiment, the width w1 of all annular portions 721 is the same and is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave used.

[0137] In this embodiment, the distance (pitch) between the outer edges of adjacent annular portions 721 is 0.8 mm. The diameter of the top surface 723 is 1.6 mm.

[0138] In this embodiment, the inner surface (top surface 723) of the innermost annular portion 721 in the second region 720 is larger than the inner surface (bottom surface 813) of the innermost annular portion 711 in the first region 810. When the electromagnetic flux control member 800 is viewed from above, the multiple annular portions 711 and the multiple annular portions 721 do not coincide. More specifically, in this embodiment, the multiple annular portions 711 are each offset by half a pitch toward the central axis CA relative to the multiple annular portions 721.

[0139] [Embodiment 9] Next, the electromagnetic flux control member 900 of Embodiment 9 will be described. The shape of the second region 920 of the electromagnetic flux control member 900 of Embodiment 9 differs from that of the electromagnetic flux control member 400 in Embodiment 4. Therefore, components similar to those of the electromagnetic flux control member 400 in Embodiment 4 are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0140] Figure 22A is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic flux control member 900 of Embodiment 9, and Figure 22B is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the first region 710 and the second region 920.

[0141] As shown in Figures 22A and 22B, the electromagnetic flux control member 900 of Embodiment 9 has a first region 710 and a second region 920.

[0142] In this embodiment, the first region 710 has a plurality of annular portions 711, a plurality of second stepped surfaces 712, and a bottom surface 713.

[0143] The outer edges of the multiple annular portions 711 are positioned on the front side as they approach the central axis CA. That is, in this embodiment, the multiple annular portions 711 are arranged in a stepped manner such that the height from the outer edge of the recess gradually decreases as they approach the central axis CA. The width w2 of at least some of the multiple annular portions 711 is the same and is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave used. The electromagnetic flux control member 900 does not necessarily have a side surface 930. In this case, the first region 710 and the second region 920 may be directly connected.

[0144] In this embodiment, the distance (pitch) w2 between the outer edges of adjacent annular portions 711 is 0.8 mm. The diameter of the top surface is 1.6 mm.

[0145] In this embodiment, the second region 920 has a plurality of annular portions 721, a plurality of first stepped surfaces 722, and a top surface 923. The plurality of annular portions 721 are annular optical surfaces arranged concentrically when viewed from above. The outer edges of the plurality of annular portions 721 are positioned on the back side as they move away from the central axis CA. That is, in this embodiment, the plurality of annular portions 721 are arranged in a step-like manner such that the height from the first region 710 gradually decreases as they move away from the central axis CA. The width w1 of at least some of the plurality of annular portions 721 is the same and is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave used.

[0146] In this embodiment, the distance (pitch) between the outer edges of adjacent annular portions 721 is 0.8 mm, and the width w1 of the outermost annular portion 721 is 1.2 mm. The diameter of the base is 1.6 mm.

[0147] In this embodiment, the inner surface (top surface 923) of the innermost annular portion 721 in the second region 920 is smaller than the inner surface (bottom surface 713) of the innermost annular portion 711 in the first region 710. When the electromagnetic flux control member 900 is viewed from above, the multiple annular portions 711 and the multiple annular portions 721 do not coincide. More specifically, in this embodiment, the multiple annular portions 711 are each offset by half a pitch from the multiple annular portions 721 toward the central axis CA.

[0148] (simulation) Next, when using the electromagnetic flux control members 400 to 900 of Embodiments 4 to 9, the relationship between the angle with respect to the reference line and the maximum gain and maximum gain power was investigated.

[0149] The simulation conditions are the same as when using the electromagnetic flux control members 100 to 300 of Embodiments 1 to 3, so their explanation will be omitted. The height of the electromagnetic flux control members 400 to 900 used is 6.5 mm, and the diameter when viewed from above is 16 mm. The electromagnetic flux control members used were the electromagnetic flux control member 400 of Embodiment 4, the electromagnetic flux control member 500 of Embodiment 5, the electromagnetic flux control member 600 of Embodiment 6, the electromagnetic flux control member 700 of Embodiment 7, the electromagnetic flux control member 800 of Embodiment 8, and the electromagnetic flux control member 900 of Embodiment 9.

[0150] Figure 23A is a graph showing the analysis results when using the electromagnetic flux control member 400 of Embodiment 4, and Figure 23B is a graph showing the analysis results when using the electromagnetic flux control member 500 of Embodiment 5. Figure 24 is a graph showing the analysis results when using the electromagnetic flux control member 600 of Embodiment 6. Figure 25A is a graph showing the analysis results when using the electromagnetic flux control member 700 of Embodiment 7, and Figure 25B is a graph showing the analysis results when using the electromagnetic flux control member 800 of Embodiment 8. Figure 26 is a graph showing the analysis results when using the electromagnetic flux control member 900 of Embodiment 9. In Figures 23A to 26, the horizontal axis shows the angle relative to the reference line, and the vertical axis shows the antenna gain. In Figures 23A to 26, the solid lines show the results in the XZ plane, and the dashed lines show the results in the YZ plane.

[0151] Table 2 shows the relationship between the type of electromagnetic flux control component used, the maximum gain, and the maximum gain power. For comparison, the case where no electromagnetic flux control component is used (horn antenna only) is also described.

[0152] [Table 2]

[0153] As shown in Figure 23A and Table 2, when using the electromagnetic flux control member 400 of Embodiment 4 (with a width w2 of the annular portion 311 of 0.4 mm, a width w1 of the annular portion 421 of 0.4 mm, and the annular portions 411 and 421 being aligned), it can be seen that the radio waves are concentrated in the direction from the radio wave source toward the electromagnetic flux control member 400 (Z direction) compared to the case with only the horn antenna. Furthermore, compared to the electromagnetic flux control member 1500 of the reference example described later, the maximum gain and maximum gain power remained almost unchanged.

[0154] As shown in Figure 23B and Table 2, when using the electromagnetic flux control member 500 of Embodiment 5 (with a width w2 of the annular portion 411 of 0.4 mm, a width w1 of the annular portion 421 of 0.4 mm, and the annular portion 411 being offset relative to the annular portion 421 towards the central axis CA), it can be seen that radio waves are concentrated in the direction from the radio wave source toward the electromagnetic flux control member 400. Compared to the electromagnetic flux control member 400 of Embodiment 4, the maximum gain and maximum gain power remained almost unchanged. Furthermore, compared to the electromagnetic flux control member 1500 of the reference example described later, the maximum gain and maximum gain power remained almost unchanged.

[0155] As shown in Figure 24 and Table 2, even when using the electromagnetic flux control member 600 of Embodiment 6 (with a width w2 of the annular portion 411 of 0.4 mm, a width w1 of the annular portion 421 of 0.4 mm, and the annular portion 411 being offset relative to the annular portion 421 toward the central axis CA), it can be seen that radio waves are concentrated in the direction toward the electromagnetic flux control member 1200 from the radio wave source. Furthermore, the maximum gain and maximum gain power remained almost unchanged compared to the electromagnetic flux control member 400 of Embodiment 4. Also, the maximum gain and maximum gain power remained almost unchanged compared to the electromagnetic flux control member 1500 of the reference example described later.

[0156] As shown in Figure 25A and Table 2, when using the electromagnetic flux control member 700 of Embodiment 7 (with a width w2 of the annular portion 411 of 0.8 mm, a width w1 of the annular portion 421 of 0.8 mm, and the annular portions 711 and 721 being aligned), it can be seen that radio waves are concentrated in the direction from the radio wave source toward the electromagnetic flux control member 700. Compared to the electromagnetic flux control member 700 of Embodiment 7, the maximum gain and maximum gain power remained almost unchanged. Furthermore, compared to the electromagnetic flux control member 1500 of the reference example described later, the maximum gain and maximum gain power remained almost unchanged.

[0157] As shown in Figure 25B and Table 2, even when using the electromagnetic flux control member 800 of Embodiment 8 (with a width w2 of the annular portion 411 of 0.8 mm, a width w1 of the annular portion 421 of 0.8 mm, and the annular portion 711 being offset toward the central axis CA relative to the annular portion 721), it can be seen that radio waves are concentrated in the direction from the radio wave source toward the electromagnetic flux control member 800. Furthermore, the maximum gain and maximum gain power remained almost unchanged compared to the electromagnetic flux control member 800 of Embodiment 8. Also, the maximum gain and maximum gain power remained almost unchanged compared to the electromagnetic flux control member 1500 of the reference example described later.

[0158] As shown in Figure 26 and Table 2, when using the electromagnetic flux control member 900 of Embodiment 9 (with a width w2 of the annular portion 411 of 0.8 mm, a width w1 of the annular portion 421 of 0.8 mm, and the annular portion 711 being offset from the annular portion 721 toward the central axis CA), the maximum gain and maximum gain power decreased compared to the electromagnetic flux control member 100 of Embodiment 1. Furthermore, compared to the electromagnetic flux control member 1500 of the reference example described later, the maximum gain and maximum gain power remained almost unchanged.

[0159] As shown in Figures 23A to 26 and Table 2, in the electromagnetic flux control members 400 to 900 of embodiments 4 to 9, the width of the annular portions 621, 721, and 821 is constant, making it easy to adjust the characteristics of the second regions 620, 720, and 820 by molding.

[0160] (effect) The electromagnetic flux control members 400 to 900 according to this embodiment can be manufactured with a high yield while maintaining the functionality of the electromagnetic flux control members 400 to 900. Furthermore, by making the electromagnetic flux control members 400 to 900 meniscus-shaped, the incidence efficiency of electromagnetic waves to the electromagnetic flux control members 400 to 900 can be improved, and the thickness of the central portion of the electromagnetic flux control members 400 to 900 can be suppressed. In addition, by making the first region the inner surface of the recess, reflection of electromagnetic waves in the first region can be suppressed, and it is possible to prevent electromagnetic waves from being reflected in the first region and returning to the source.

[0161] [Embodiment 10] Next, the electromagnetic flux control member 1000 according to Embodiment 10 will be described.

[0162] Figure 27A is a plan view of the electromagnetic flux control member 1000 according to Embodiment 10, and Figure 27B is a bottom view. Figure 28A is a cross-section of line AA shown in Figure 27A, and Figure 28B is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of Figure 28A.

[0163] As shown in Figures 27A, B and 28A, B, the electromagnetic flux control member 1000 according to Embodiment 10 has a first region 110 and a second region 1020. The electromagnetic flux control member 1000 according to this embodiment further has a side surface 1030.

[0164] In this embodiment, the first region 110 is a plane.

[0165] The second region 1020 has a plurality of annular portions 1021, a plurality of first stepped surfaces 1022, and a top portion 1023.

[0166] The multiple annular portions 1021 are annular optical surfaces arranged concentrically when viewed from above. A conical apex 1023 is located in the central part of the second region 1020. In this embodiment, the annular portion 1021 has a third surface 1021a located inside the electromagnetic flux control member 1000 and a fourth surface 1021b located outside. The third surface 1021a is inclined toward the front side as it moves outwards from the electromagnetic flux control member 1000, and the fourth surface 1021b is inclined toward the back side as it moves outwards from the electromagnetic flux control member 1000. In this embodiment, the height (distance in the Z direction) of the inner edge of the third surface 1021a and the outer edge of the fourth surface 1021b are the same. In a cross-section including the central axis CA, the shape of the annular portion 1021 may be triangular or trapezoidal. In this embodiment, the shape of the annular portion 1021 in the cross-section including the central axis CA is an isosceles triangle. In this embodiment, the shape of the annular portion 1021 is formed as a triangular convex ridge. That is, in this embodiment, the annular portion 1021 functions as a matching layer.

[0167] The outer edges of the multiple annular portions 1021 are positioned on the back side as they move away from the central axis CA. That is, in this embodiment, the multiple annular portions 1021 are arranged in a stepped manner such that the height from the first region 110 gradually decreases as they move away from the central axis CA. In the cross-section including the central axis CA, the width w1 of the multiple annular portions 1021 (the distance between the inner edge of the third surface 1021a and the outer edge of the fourth surface 1021b when viewed from above) is constant and less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave used. The distance (pitch) between the outer edges of adjacent annular portions 1021 when viewed from above is preferably in the range of 0.2 to 1.0 mm. In this embodiment, the width w1 (pitch) of the multiple annular portions 1021 is 0.4 mm. The diameter of the top surface is also 0.4 mm.

[0168] The first stepped surface 1022 is a curved surface arranged to surround the central axis CA and connects two adjacent annular portions 1021. The annular portions 1021 are connected to the upper and lower ends of the first stepped surface 1022, respectively. The fourth surface 1021b is connected to the upper end of the first stepped surface 1022, and the third surface 1021a is connected to the lower end of the first stepped surface 1022. The shape of the first stepped surface 1022 may be the shape of the side surface of a cylinder or the shape of the side surface of a frustocone. That is, the first stepped surface 1022 may be parallel to the central axis CA or inclined with respect to the central axis CA. In this embodiment, the first stepped surface 1022 is parallel to the central axis CA. The height h1 of the first stepped surface 1022 is configured to increase from the front side (central part) to the back side (side side) of the electromagnetic flux control member 1000.

[0169] The side surface 1030 is a curved surface arranged to surround the central axis CA, and connects the outer edge of the first region 110 and the outer edge of the second region 1020. The shape of the side surface 1030 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the shape of the side surface 1030 is the shape of the side surface of a cylinder. The first region 110 is connected to the lower (back) end of the side surface 1030, and the second region 1020 is connected to the upper (front) end. In this embodiment, the height of the side surface 1030 is 2.5 mm. Note that the electromagnetic flux control member 1000 does not necessarily have a side surface 1030. In this case, the first region 110 and the second region 1020 are directly connected.

[0170] [Embodiment 11] Next, the electromagnetic flux control member 1100 of Embodiment 11 will be described. The electromagnetic flux control member 1100 of this embodiment differs from the electromagnetic flux control member 100 of Embodiment 1 only in the shape of the second region 1120. Therefore, components similar to those of the electromagnetic flux control member 100 of Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0171] Figure 29A is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic flux control member 1100 of Embodiment 11, and Figure 29B is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of Figure 29A.

[0172] As shown in Figures 29A and 29B, the electromagnetic flux control member 1100 of Embodiment 11 has a first region 110 and a second region 1120. The electromagnetic flux control member 1100 according to this embodiment further has a side surface 1130.

[0173] In this embodiment, the first region 110 is a plane.

[0174] The second region 1120 has a plurality of annular portions 1121 and a top portion 1023. In other words, the second region 1120 in this embodiment does not have a first stepped surface.

[0175] The multiple annular portions 1121 are annular optical surfaces arranged concentrically. A conical apex 1023 is located in the central part of the second region 1120. In this embodiment, the annular portion 1121 has a third surface 1021a located inside the electromagnetic flux control member 100 and a fourth surface 1121b located outside. The third surface 1021a is inclined toward the front side as it moves outwards from the electromagnetic flux control member 1100, while the fourth surface 1121b is inclined toward the back side as it moves outwards from the electromagnetic flux control member 1100. In this embodiment, the height of the inner edge of the third surface 1021a and the height (distance in the Z direction) of the outer edge of the fourth surface 1121b are different. Specifically, the height of the multiple third surfaces 1021a is constant. The heights of the multiple fourth surfaces 1121b are all different. In this embodiment, the inner edge of the fourth surface 1121b is connected to the outer edge of the third surface 1021a. Furthermore, the outer edge of the fourth surface 1121b is connected to the inner edge of the fourth surface 1121b of the adjacent outer annular portion 1121. In this embodiment, the shape of the annular portion 1121 is triangular in cross-section including the central axis CA.

[0176] The outer edges of the multiple annular portions 1121 are positioned on the back side as they move away from the central axis CA. That is, in this embodiment, the multiple annular portions 1121 are arranged in a stepped manner such that the height from the first region 110 gradually decreases as they move away from the central axis CA. The width w1 of at least some of the multiple annular portions 1121 (the distance between the inner edge of the third surface 1021a and the outer edge of the fourth surface 1121b) is the same and less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave used. The distance (pitch) between the outer edges of adjacent annular portions 1121 is preferably in the range of 0.2 to 1.0 mm. In this embodiment, the width w1 (pitch) of the multiple annular portions 1121 is 0.4 mm. Also, the diameter when the top portion 1023 is viewed from above is 0.4 mm.

[0177] The side surface 1130 is a curved surface arranged to surround the central axis CA, and connects the outer edge of the first region 110 and the outer edge of the second region 1120. The shape of the side surface 1130 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the shape of the side surface 1130 is the shape of the side surface of a cylinder. The first region 110 is connected to the lower (back) end of the side surface 1130, and the second region 1020 is connected to the upper (front) end. Note that the electromagnetic flux control member 1100 does not have to have the side surface 1130. In this case, the first region 110 and the second region 1120 are directly connected.

[0178] [Embodiment 12] Next, the electromagnetic flux control member 1200 of Embodiment 12 will be described. The electromagnetic flux control member 1200 of this embodiment differs from the electromagnetic flux control member 100 of Embodiment 1 only in the shape of the second region 1220. Therefore, components similar to those of the electromagnetic flux control member 100 of Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0179] Figure 30A is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic flux control member 1200 of Embodiment 12, and Figure 30B is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of Figure 30A.

[0180] As shown in Figures 30A and 30B, the electromagnetic flux control member 1200 of Embodiment 12 has a first region 110 and a second region 1220. The electromagnetic flux control member 1200 according to the embodiment further has a side surface 1230.

[0181] In this embodiment, the first region 110 is a plane.

[0182] The second region 1220 has a plurality of annular portions 1221 and a top portion 1023. In other words, the second region 1220 in this embodiment does not have a first stepped surface.

[0183] The multiple annular portions 1221 are annular optical surfaces arranged concentrically when viewed from above. A conical apex 1023 is located in the central part of the second region 1220. In this embodiment, the annular portion 1221 has a third surface 1221a located inside the electromagnetic flux control member 1200 and a fourth surface 1021b located outside. The third surface 1221a is inclined toward the front side as it moves outwards from the electromagnetic flux control member 1200, while the fourth surface 1021b is inclined toward the back side as it moves outwards from the electromagnetic flux control member 1200. In this embodiment, the height of the inner edge of the third surface 1221a and the height (distance in the Z direction) of the outer edge of the fourth surface 1021b are different. Specifically, the heights of the multiple third surfaces 1221a are all different. The height of the multiple fourth surfaces 1021b is constant. In this embodiment, the inner edge of the fourth surface 1021b is connected to the outer edge of the third surface 1221a. Furthermore, the outer edge of the fourth surface 1021b is connected to the inner edge of the fourth surface 1021b of the adjacent outer annular portion 1221. In this embodiment, the shape of the annular portion 1221 is triangular in cross-section including the central axis CA.

[0184] The outer edges of the multiple annular portions 1221 are positioned on the back side as they move away from the central axis CA. That is, in this embodiment, the multiple annular portions 1221 are arranged in a stepped manner such that the height from the first region 110 gradually decreases as they move away from the central axis CA. The width w1 of at least some of the multiple annular portions 1221 (the distance between the inner end of the third surface 1221a and the outer edge of the fourth surface 1021b) is the same and less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave used. The distance (pitch) between the outer edges of adjacent annular portions 1221 is preferably in the range of 0.2 to 1.0 mm. In this embodiment, the width w1 (pitch) of the multiple annular portions 1221 is 0.4 mm. Also, the diameter when the top is viewed from above is 0.4 mm.

[0185] The side surface 1230 is a curved surface arranged to surround the central axis CA, and connects the outer edge of the first region 110 and the outer edge of the second region 1220. The shape of the side surface 1230 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the shape of the side surface 1230 is the shape of the side surface of a cylinder. The first region 110 is connected to the lower (back) end of the side surface 1230, and the second region 1220 is connected to the upper (front) end. Note that the electromagnetic flux control member 1200 does not have to have the side surface 1230. In this case, the first region 110 and the second region 1220 are directly connected.

[0186] Although not specifically shown, the maximum gain and maximum gain power remained virtually unchanged even when using the electromagnetic flux control members 1000 to 1200 of Embodiments 10 to 12.

[0187] (effect) As described above, the electromagnetic flux control members 1000 to 1200 according to this embodiment have the same effects as the electromagnetic flux control member 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0188] In embodiments 1 to 12, the first region was used as the incidence region for injecting electromagnetic waves, and the second region was used as the emission region for emitting electromagnetic waves to the outside. However, the first region may be used as the emission region, and the second region as the incidence region. Although the results are not specifically shown, the maximum gain and maximum gain power remained virtually unchanged in this case as well.

[0189] [Reference example] Next, an electromagnetic flux control member 1500 according to a reference example will be described. In the electromagnetic flux control member 1500 according to the reference example, the first region 1510 and the second region 1520 do not have a stepped shape.

[0190] Figure 31A is a plan view of the electromagnetic flux control member 1500 according to a reference example, and Figure 31B is a bottom view. Figure 32 is a cross-sectional view of line AA shown in Figure 31A.

[0191] As shown in Figures 31A, B and 32, the electromagnetic flux control member 1500 according to the reference example has a first region 1510 and a second region 1520. The electromagnetic flux control member 1500 of the reference example further has a side surface 1530.

[0192] The material of the electromagnetic flux control member 1500 is not particularly limited as long as it can exhibit the effects of the present invention, and can be appropriately selected from materials that can transmit the electromagnetic waves to be controlled. Examples of materials for the electromagnetic flux control member 1500 include ceramics, resin materials, and glass. Examples of resin materials include polypropylene, polycycloolefin, polytetrafluoroethylene, and modified polyphenylene ether. For the electromagnetic flux control member 100, a material with a high dielectric constant, such as a relative permittivity of 5 or more, is preferable because it can exhibit a remarkable effect. In this embodiment, the electromagnetic flux control member 1500 is rotationally symmetric (circularly symmetric) with respect to the central axis CA as the axis of rotation. In this embodiment, the height of the electromagnetic flux control member 1500 is 6.5 mm, and its diameter when viewed from above is 16 mm.

[0193] The type of electromagnetic wave to be controlled is not particularly limited. Examples of electromagnetic waves include radio waves such as millimeter waves and sub-millimeter waves, visible light, and infrared radiation.

[0194] The first region 1510 is the region into which electromagnetic waves are incident. The first region 1510 is positioned to intersect with the central axis CA of the electromagnetic flux control member 1500.

[0195] The shape of the first region 1510 is not particularly limited as long as electromagnetic waves can be incident on it. In this embodiment, the shape of the first region 1510 is rotationally symmetric with respect to the central axis CA of the electromagnetic flux control member 1500. The first region 1510 may be a plane, a recess, or have multiple protrusions. In this embodiment, the shape of the first region 1510 is the inner surface of a recess without steps.

[0196] The shape of the recess is not particularly limited as long as it does not have a step. In this embodiment, the inner surface of the recess is formed such that the height of its bottom is positioned above the outermost part of the second region 1520. Furthermore, in the direction along the central axis CA, the distance between the first region 1510 and the second region 1520 is shorter on the outer edge side than on the central axis CA side. In this embodiment, the height of the first region 1510 is 1.5 mm.

[0197] The second region 1520 is a region that causes electromagnetic waves incident in the first region 1510 to be emitted outside the electromagnetic flux control member 1500 while controlling their direction of propagation. The second region 1520 is positioned to intersect with the central axis CA of the electromagnetic flux control member 1500 and has an overall convex shape. In this embodiment, the outer edge of the second region 1520 is positioned below the bottom of the recess. In this embodiment, the height of the second region 1520 is 6.0 mm.

[0198] The side surface 1530 is a curved surface arranged to surround the central axis CA, connecting the outer edge of the first region 1510 and the outer edge of the second region 1520. The shape of the side surface 1530 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the shape of the side surface 1530 is that of the side surface of a cylinder. The first region 1510 is connected to the lower (back) end of the side surface 1530, and the second region 1520 is connected to the upper (front) end. In this embodiment, the height of the side surface 1530 is 0.5 mm. Note that the electromagnetic flux control member 1500 does not necessarily have a side surface 1530. In this case, the first region 1510 and the second region 1520 are directly connected.

[0199] (simulation) Next, in this embodiment, the relationship between the angle with respect to the reference line and the maximum gain and maximum gain power was investigated.

[0200] The simulation conditions are the same as in Embodiment 1, so their explanation is omitted. In the reference example, the maximum gain of the electromagnetic flux control member 1500 is 30.21 dBi, and the maximum gain power is 1049.2.

[0201] As shown in Figure 33, when using the electromagnetic flux control member 1500 according to the reference example, it can be seen that the radio waves are concentrated in the direction from the radio wave source toward the electromagnetic flux control member 1500 (Z direction) compared to the case with only a horn antenna.

[0202] (effect) According to the electromagnetic flux control member 1500 of this embodiment, it is possible to provide an electromagnetic flux control member 1500 that can be manufactured with a high yield while maintaining the functionality of the electromagnetic flux control member 1500. [Industrial applicability]

[0203] The electromagnetic flux control member of the present invention is useful, for example, in wireless communication and optical fields. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0204] 10 Horn Antenna 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1500, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500 Electromagnetic flux control member 110, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 1510 1st area 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 920, 1020, 1120, 1220, 1520, 2120, 2220, 2320, 2420, 2520 2nd area 121, 221, 321, 421, 621, 721, 821, 1021, 1121, 1221, 2321, 2421, 2521 Annular section 122, 222, 322, 422, 622, 722, 822, 1022, 2322, 2422, 2522 1st step surface 123, 223, 423, 623, 723, 923, 2323, 2523 Top surface 130, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830, 1030, 1130, 1230, 1530 Side view 150, 450, 1050 mold 160, 460 1st mold 161, 461 First transfer surface 170, 470 2nd mold 171, 471 Second transfer surface 180, 480 3rd mold 181, 481 Third transfer surface 182, 482 Third molding die 183, 483 4th molding piece 184, 484 Transfer surface 190, 490 Cavity 311, 411, 511, 711, 811 Annular section 412, 712, 1012, 2nd step surface 413, 513, 713, 813 base 462 First molding die 464 Fifth Molding Piece 465 First transfer surface 1021a, 1221a 3rd side 1021b, 1121b, 2021b 4th page 1023 Top CA central axis

Claims

1. A first region is positioned on the back side for injecting electromagnetic waves or for emitting electromagnetic waves that have traveled through the interior to the outside, A second region is positioned on the front side, which is used to emit electromagnetic waves incident in the first region to the outside, or to cause electromagnetic waves to be incident in the second region, It has, The aforementioned second region is, When viewed from above, the multiple annular portions on the second region side are arranged concentrically, It has a plurality of stepped surfaces arranged to surround the central axis of the second region, and which connect two adjacent annular portions on the second region side, The outer edges of the multiple annular portions on the second region side are positioned on the back side, with the outer edges of the annular portions on the second region side being further from their central axis. Of the multiple annular portions on the second region side, at least some of the widths of adjacent annular portions on the second region side are the same and less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave. Electromagnetic flux control component.

2. The electromagnetic flux control member according to claim 1, wherein, among the plurality of annular portions on the second region side, the widths of the plurality of annular portions on the second region side, excluding the annular portion on the second region side furthest from the central axis, are the same.

3. The electromagnetic flux control member according to claim 1, wherein the width of each of the multiple annular portions on the second region side is within the range of 0.2 mm or more and less than 1.1 mm.

4. The electromagnetic flux control member according to claim 1, wherein each of the multiple annular portions on the second region side has a ridge line.

5. The electromagnetic flux control member according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of annular portions on the second region side are arranged such that the difference in height between the outer edges of two adjacent annular portions on the second region side increases as it moves away from the central axis.

6. The first region has a plurality of annular portions on the first region side that are arranged concentrically when viewed from above, The outer edges of the multiple annular portions on the first region side are positioned such that the outer edges of the annular portions on the first region side that are farther from the central axis are positioned on the back side. The electromagnetic flux control member according to claim 1.

7. The electromagnetic flux control member according to claim 6, wherein, when viewed from above, the outer edges of the plurality of annular portions on the second region side and the outer edges of the plurality of annular portions on the first region side do not overlap.

8. The electromagnetic flux control member according to claim 6, wherein the area of ​​the innermost ring portion on the second region side in the second region is larger than the area of ​​the innermost ring portion on the first region side in the first region.

9. A method for manufacturing an electromagnetic flux control member according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The process includes forming a plurality of annular portions on the second region side using a molding die, The molding die has a plurality of cylindrical molding pieces arranged concentrically, Each of the aforementioned multiple molding pieces includes a transfer surface that, when viewed from above, is an annular shape for molding some of the annular portions on the second region side, A method for manufacturing an electromagnetic flux control member.

10. The method for manufacturing an electromagnetic flux control member according to claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of molding dies includes a transfer surface that is annular in shape when viewed from above, for molding one of the plurality of annular portions on the second region side.

Images