Antenna equipment

Abstract

To provide a technique that facilitates the adjustment of the directivity of an antenna element placed within a housing.SOLUTION: An antenna device has a linear first antenna element fixed in a housing, a first powerless element, and a support mechanism that supports the first powerless element so that it is positioned opposite to the first antenna element, and the support mechanism has a movable portion that rotates the first powerless element around a first reference axis along a longitudinal direction of the first antenna element.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an antenna device Place .

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the miniaturization of electronic devices, antennas for wireless communication mounted on electronic devices may be mounted on a substrate (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An antenna mounted on a substrate is usually disposed inside a housing. When adjusting the directivity of such an antenna disposed inside the housing, it is difficult to adjust the directivity of the antenna by an operation from outside the housing. Also, although it is possible to adjust the directivity of the antenna by changing the orientation of the housing, the change in the orientation of the housing may be inhibited because the housing is fixed to surrounding members or other devices are arranged around it.

[0005] As described above, it may be difficult to adjust the directivity of an antenna disposed inside a housing, and a measure that can facilitate the adjustment of the directivity is desired.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The antenna device according to this embodiment includes a linear first antenna element fixed within a housing, a first passive element, and a support mechanism that supports the first passive element so as to be positioned opposite to the first antenna element, wherein the support mechanism includes a movable part that rotates the first passive element around a first reference axis along the longitudinal direction of the first antenna element. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it becomes easier to adjust the directivity of the antenna elements placed inside the housing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a wireless communication device equipped with an antenna. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a magnified view of the first antenna section. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the first antenna section. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the circuit board showing the portion where the first antenna element is installed. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a magnified plan view of the circuit board showing the portion where the first antenna element is installed. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the positional relationship between the circuit board and the first passive element. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view showing an enlarged view of the first antenna section according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the support mechanism according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a circuit board having a first antenna section and a second antenna section according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view showing an enlarged view of the first antenna section according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a wireless communication device when the entire first antenna section is housed inside the enclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the dimensions of each part of the model of the first antenna unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the radiation pattern of the horizontally polarized wave component of a comparative example in the Y-Z plane. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the radiation pattern of the horizontally polarized wave component of an embodiment in the Y-Z plane. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the radiation pattern of the horizontally polarized wave component of an embodiment in the Y-Z plane. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the radiation pattern of the horizontally polarized wave component of an embodiment in the Y-Z plane. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the radiation pattern of the horizontally polarized wave component of an embodiment in the Y-Z plane.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] First, the content of the embodiment will be listed and described. [Summary of Embodiment]

[0010] (1) An antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a linear first antenna element fixed in a housing, a first non-powered element, and a support mechanism that supports the first non-powered element so as to be disposed opposite to the first antenna element. The support mechanism includes a movable part that rotates the first non-powered element around a first reference axis along the longitudinal direction of the first antenna element.

[0011] According to the above configuration, since the movable part can rotate the first non-powered element around the first reference axis, the combined pattern of the radiation pattern of the first antenna element and the radiation pattern of the first non-powered element can be changed, and the directivity determined by this combined pattern can be adjusted. If an operation unit for operating this movable part is provided outside the housing, even if the first antenna element is disposed in the housing, it becomes easy to adjust the directivity of the antenna device.

[0012] (2) Therefore, in the antenna device of (1) above, when the support mechanism is provided outside the housing and further includes an operation unit that is rotatable around a rotation axis, and the movable unit rotates the first non-powered element in response to the rotation of the operation unit, the antenna device may be further configured to include a display unit that indicates the rotation position of the first non-powered element. In this case, even if the first antenna element is arranged inside the housing, it is easy to adjust the directivity of the antenna device by the operation unit. Also, the position of the first non-powered element can be grasped from outside the housing, and the current directivity setting can be grasped.

[0013] (3) Also, in the antenna device of (1) or (2) above, when the first non-powered element is linear and parallel to the first antenna element, the support mechanism may support the first non-powered element so as to be parallel to the first antenna element. In this case, the radiation pattern can be changed uniformly along the longitudinal direction of the first antenna element.

[0014] (4) Further, in the antenna of (3) above, when the dimension in the longitudinal direction of the first non-powered element is longer than the dimension in the longitudinal direction of the first antenna element, the first antenna element may be located within the range of the longitudinal direction of the first non-powered element. In this case, it is possible to suppress the radiation pattern from becoming non-uniform in the longitudinal direction or the efficiency of re-radiation by the first non-powered element from decreasing.

[0015] (5) In the antenna device of any one of (1) to (4) above, the movable unit may include a strip-shaped member on which the first non-powered element is mounted, and a pair of guides provided adjacent to both ends of the first antenna element, and the strip-shaped member is folded and bent around the first reference axis by winding the strip-shaped member. In this case, the first passive element can be rotated by moving the strip-shaped member along a pair of guides. Furthermore, the first passive element is mounted on the strip-shaped member. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily provide the first passive element in various shapes.

[0016] (6) In addition, in any one of the antenna devices described in (1) to (4) above, if the movable part comprises a rod-shaped member on which the first passive element is mounted, and a pair of arm portions provided adjacent to both ends of the first antenna element and supporting both ends of the rod-shaped member, the arm portions may be configured to support the rod-shaped member so as to be rotatable around the first reference axis. In this case, the rod-shaped member can be used to rotate the first passive element.

[0017] (7) In any one of the antenna devices described in (1) to (6) above, the device further comprises a linear second antenna element fixed within the housing and a second wireless power supply element, wherein the second antenna element is positioned next to the first antenna such that a second reference axis along the longitudinal direction of the second antenna element coincides with the first reference axis, and the support mechanism supports the second wireless power supply element so as to be positioned opposite to the second antenna element, the movable part may be configured to rotate the second wireless power supply element around the first reference axis. In this case, both the first and second passive elements can be rotated by a single support mechanism.

[0018] (8) Another embodiment of the directivity adjustment method is a directivity adjustment method for an antenna device comprising a linear first antenna element and a first parasitic element positioned opposite to the first antenna element. This directivity adjustment method includes the steps of installing the antenna device and rotating the first parasitic element around a first reference axis along the longitudinal direction of the first antenna element. With the above configuration, the directivity of the antenna device can be easily adjusted.

[0019] [Details of the embodiment] Preferred embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, at least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any way. [Regarding the first embodiment] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a wireless communication device equipped with an antenna. This wireless communication device 100 has, for example, the function of a router capable of wireless LAN communication. The wireless communication device 100 comprises an antenna device 1 according to the first embodiment, a circuit board 2, and a housing 102. The housing 102 houses the circuit board 2 inside. Note that in Figure 1, a portion of the housing 102 is omitted. The circuit board 2 is fixed inside the housing 102. In this embodiment, the case in which the wireless communication device 100 has one circuit board 2 is illustrated, but the wireless communication device 100 may also have multiple circuit boards 2 arranged in multiple stages.

[0020] Circuit board 2 is equipped with various devices for realizing the functions of the wireless communication device 100. These devices include, for example, a communication module for wireless LAN communication and a processing unit for processing transmitted and received signals. Furthermore, the antenna device 1 is also mounted on the circuit board 2. If the wireless communication device 100 has multiple circuit boards 2, the antenna device 1 is mounted on one of the multiple circuit boards 2. Antenna device 1 is an antenna used for wireless LAN communication. Antenna device 1 has a first antenna section 11 and a second antenna section 12.

[0021] In the following explanation, the three mutually orthogonal directions in each figure will be referred to as the X, Y, and Z directions. Also, as shown in Figure 1, one direction of the X direction will be the X1 direction, and the opposite direction of the X1 direction will be the X2 direction. One direction of the Y direction will be the Y1 direction, and the opposite direction of the Y1 direction will be the Y2 direction. One direction of the Z direction will be the Z1 direction, and the opposite direction of the Z1 direction will be the Z2 direction.

[0022] In this embodiment, the XY plane is a horizontal plane. Also, the Z1 direction is upward and the Z2 direction is downward. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the circuit board 2 is positioned such that its first surface 2a is parallel to the XZ plane. The first surface 2a is the surface of the pair of board surfaces of the circuit board 2 that faces in the Y1 direction. The first antenna section 11 is provided along the edge 2g on the Z1 side of the circuit board 2. The second antenna section 12 is provided along the edge 2h on the X2 side of the circuit board 2.

[0023] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an enlarged view of the first antenna section 11. Here, only the first antenna section 11 will be described, but the second antenna section 12 has the same configuration as the first antenna section 11, except that its orientation is different. The first antenna section 11 comprises a first antenna element 14, a first passive element 16, and a support mechanism 18. The first antenna element 14 is mounted on the circuit board 2. The first passive element 16 is supported by the support mechanism 18. As shown in Figure 2, the edge portion 2g of the circuit board 2 has an edge body 2g1 and a protruding portion 2g2. The protruding portion 2g2 protrudes rectangularly in the Z1 direction relative to the edge body 2g1. The first antenna element 14 and the support mechanism 18 are provided on the protruding portion 2g2.

[0024] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the first antenna section 11. Figure 3 shows a cross-section along the YZ plane that passes approximately through the center of the first antenna section 11 in the X direction. The support mechanism 18 supports the first passive element 16 so as to be positioned opposite the first antenna element 14. The support mechanism 18 comprises a movable part 20, a pair of support columns 22, a pair of operating parts 24, and a cover 26. Furthermore, the movable part 20 includes a strip-shaped member 28 and a pair of guide rollers 30.

[0025] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the pair of support columns 22 are fixed to the edge 2g of the circuit board 2. The pair of support columns 22 are fixed to both ends of the protrusion 2g2 in the X direction. Therefore, the pair of support columns 22 are provided adjacent to both ends of the first antenna element 14 in the longitudinal direction. Each of the pair of support columns 22 is a rectangular plate-shaped member extending in the Z direction. The support columns 22 are formed from resin or the like. The support column 22 has a slit 22a. The slit 22a is cut out from the end of the support column 22 on the Z2 side toward the Z1 direction. The edge portion 2g1 of the circuit board 2 is inserted into the slit 22a. As a result, the support column 22 is fixed adjacent to both sides of the protrusion 2g2 in the X direction.

[0026] Furthermore, a frame plate 32 is interposed between the edge portion 2g and the pair of support columns 22. The frame plate 32 is rectangular in shape and has an opening 32a. The protruding portion 2g2 of the circuit board 2 and the pair of support columns 22 are inserted into the opening 32a. When the protruding portion 2g2 of the circuit board 2 and the pair of support columns 22 are inserted into the opening 32a, the frame plate 32 comes into contact with the edge body 2g1. The frame plate 32 is made of resin or metal. When the frame plate 32 is made of resin, a broader directivity can be obtained compared to when the frame plate 32 is made of metal. Conversely, when the frame plate 32 is made of metal, it can function as a reflector that strengthens the directivity in the Z1 direction.

[0027] Furthermore, each of the pair of support columns 22 has a pair of stepped portions 22b that abut against the frame plate 32. The pair of stepped portions 22b are provided so as to protrude from a pair of edge surfaces 22d. The pair of edge surfaces 22d are edge surfaces that connect to the Z2 direction end of the support column 22 and are oriented in the Y1 and Y2 directions. The frame plate 32 is sandwiched between the edge body 2g1 and the stepped portion 22b. This fixes the frame plate 32 to the circuit board 2. The stepped portion 22b also contacts the frame plate 32, thereby determining the position of the pair of support columns 22 in the Z direction. A pair of support columns 22 rotatably support a pair of guide rollers 30.

[0028] A pair of guide rollers 30 are provided on the inner surfaces of a pair of support columns 22. The inner surfaces of a pair of support columns 22 are the surfaces of the pair of support columns 22 that face each other. Each pair of guide rollers 30 has a roller body 30a, a shaft portion 30b, and a plurality of teeth 30c. The guide rollers 30 are formed from resin or the like. The roller body 30a is a disc-shaped member. The roller body 30a has a central axis parallel to the X direction. A strip-shaped member 28 is wrapped around the outer circumferential surface of the roller body 30a. The shaft portion 30b is a cylindrical member that runs along the central axis of the roller body 30a. The shaft portion 30b protrudes from the roller body 30a in the X direction. The shaft portion 30b is inserted into the wide portion 22a1 of the slit 22a of the support column 22.

[0029] The wide portion 22a1 is a part that rotatably supports the shaft portion 30b. The wide portion 22a1 is provided at the Z1 direction end of the slit 22a. The wide portion 22a1 is a part in which the width dimension of the slit 22a is partially widened. The shaft portion 30b is rotatably inserted into the wide portion 22a1. As a result, the guide roller 30 is rotatably supported by the support column 22. The pair of guide rollers 30 rotate around the rotation axis C1 (Figure 3). The rotation axis C1 is located on the first surface 2a of the circuit board 2. The rotation axis C1 also coincides with the first reference axis B1 of the first antenna element 14 (described in detail later).

[0030] A pair of guide rollers 30, supported by a pair of support columns 22, are provided adjacent to the X-direction side surface 2g3 of the protruding portion 2g2. The pair of guide rollers 30 are provided adjacent to both sides of the first antenna element 14 in the X direction.

[0031] The multiple teeth 30c are rectangular projections that protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the roller body 30a. Multiple teeth 30c engage with multiple rectangular holes 28a provided on the edges of the strip-shaped member 28 in the X direction.

[0032] The strip-shaped member 28 is made of a flexible substrate. The flexible substrate is a flexible substrate made of a resin film such as polyimide. As described above, the strip-shaped member 28 is wrapped around a pair of guide rollers 30. The strip-shaped member 28 is folded and bent by the pair of guide rollers 30. When viewed from the X direction, the strip-shaped member 28 is bent into a U shape. Both ends 28b and 28c of the strip-shaped member 28 in the Z direction are located on the circuit board 2 side. The strip-shaped member 28 is bent by a pair of guide rollers 30, giving it an R-shaped surface 28d facing the Z1 direction. The strip-shaped member 28 is positioned with its R-shaped surface 28d facing outwards from the housing 102. As described above, multiple rectangular holes 28a are provided at the edges on both sides in the X direction of the strip-shaped member 28. The multiple rectangular holes 28a are arranged along the edges. Multiple rectangular holes 28a engage with multiple teeth 30c of the guide roller 30. Therefore, when the pair of guide rollers 30 rotate, the strip-shaped member 28 moves in accordance with the rotation of the pair of guide rollers 30.

[0033] Each of the pair of support columns 22 has a stepped portion 22c along its outer edge. The stepped portion 22c contacts the edges of the strip-shaped member 28 on both sides in the X direction. The stepped portion 22c is formed to be U-shaped when viewed from the X direction, in accordance with the bending shape of the strip-shaped member 28. In this way, the stepped portion 22c guides the moving strip-shaped member 28.

[0034] The first passive element 16 is mounted on the strip-shaped member 28. By being positioned around the first antenna element 14, the first passive element 16 has the function of receiving and re-radiating radio waves emitted by the first antenna element 14. As a result, the radiation pattern of the first antenna element 14 and the radiation pattern of the first passive element 16 are combined, making the radiation pattern of the first antenna section 11 a radiation pattern with a certain degree of directivity. In other words, the directivity of the first antenna section 11 is determined by the combined pattern of the radiation pattern of the first antenna element 14 and the radiation pattern of the first passive element 16.

[0035] The first passive element 16 is linear in shape and parallel to the X direction. The first passive element 16 is mounted on a strip-shaped member 28, which is a flexible substrate, by printing a pattern on it or by wiring copper foil.

[0036] The cover 26 is a long member extending in the X direction. The cover 26 is a member with a U-shaped cross-section formed from resin or the like. The cover 26 is fitted between a pair of support columns 22 and covers the portion of the strip-shaped member 28 that is located on the Z1 side of the frame plate 32. In this way, the cover 26 protects the strip-shaped member 28 from the external environment. The cover 26 also has the function of guiding the moving strip-shaped member 28.

[0037] The pair of operating parts 24 are disc-shaped members. The pair of operating parts 24 are provided on the outer surface of the pair of support columns 22. The outer surface of the pair of support columns 22 is the surface opposite to the inner surface of the pair of support columns 22. The pair of operating parts 24 are integrally mounted on the shaft portion 30b of the pair of guide rollers 30. The pair of operating parts 24 are rotatable around the shaft portion 30b as a pivot axis. Therefore, when the pair of operating parts 24 rotate, the pair of guide rollers 30 rotate. As a result, the strip-shaped member 28 moves in accordance with the rotation of the pair of guide rollers 30. At this time, the strip-shaped member 28 is guided by the stepped portion 22c of the pair of support columns 22 and the cover 26. Therefore, the strip-shaped member 28 moves while maintaining its U-shaped bend.

[0038] As the strip-shaped member 28 moves, the first unpowered element 16 rotates at least along the R surface 28d. The pair of operating units 24 have a display unit 24a that indicates the rotational position of the first passive element 16. The display unit 24a is an arrow or the like, provided on the side of the pair of operating units 24. The tip of the arrow indicates the rotational position of the first passive element 16.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, the strip-shaped member 28 is arranged to surround the first antenna element 14, which is provided on the protruding portion 2g2. The first passive element 16 is mounted on the strip-shaped member 28. Therefore, the support mechanism 18 supports the first passive element 16 with respect to the first antenna element 14. Furthermore, the movable part 20, including the strip-shaped member 28, rotates the first passive element 16 around the first antenna element 14 in accordance with the rotation of the pair of operating parts 24.

[0040] As mentioned above, the circuit board 2 (protruding portion 2g2) is fixed inside the housing 102. Therefore, the first antenna portion 11 is provided on the circuit board 2 with the R-shaped tip surface on the Z1 direction side of the cover 26 and the Z1 direction tip surfaces of the pair of operating portions 24 exposed to the outside of the housing 102.

[0041] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the circuit board 2 showing the portion where the first antenna element 14 is provided. Figure 5 is a plan view of the circuit board 2, showing an enlarged view of the portion where the first antenna element 14 is provided. Figures 4 and 5 partially show only the area around the first antenna element 14 of the first antenna section 11 of the circuit board 2.

[0042] Circuit board 2 is a dielectric substrate on which the first antenna element 14 and other components are mounted. Circuit board 2 is a rigid substrate. Examples of materials for circuit board 2 include polyimide resin, epoxy resin, PPE resin, and fluororesin.

[0043] In the circuit board 2, a first grounding conductor section 40, a second grounding conductor section 42, a power supply conductor section 44, and a short-circuit conductor section 46 are provided near the first antenna element 14. The first grounding conductor section 40 is a conductor pattern mounted on the first surface 2a. The second grounding conductor section 42 is a conductor pattern mounted on the second surface 2b. The second surface 2b is the surface of the circuit board 2 opposite to the first surface 2a.

[0044] The first surface 2a has a first region 2a1 and a second region 2a2. The first region 2a1 is the region on which the first grounding conductor portion 40 is mounted. The second region 2a2 is the region of the first surface 2a other than the first region 2a1. Furthermore, the second surface 2b has a third region 2b1 and a fourth region 2b2. The third region 2b1 is the region where the second grounding conductor 42 is mounted. The fourth region 2b2 is the region of the second surface 2b other than the third region 2b1.

[0045] The first antenna element 14, the short-circuit conductor portion 46, and the feed conductor portion 44 are conductor patterns mounted in the second region 2a2 on the first surface 2a. As shown in Figure 5, the first grounding conductor portion 40 has a slit 40b. The slit 40b extends in the Z2 direction from the edge portion 40a of the first grounding conductor portion 40. The edge portion 40a is aligned with the X direction. The slit 40b is located in the center of the edge portion 40a in the X direction. The portion of the slit 40b on the first surface 2a does not have a first grounding conductor portion 40. Therefore, the portion of the slit 40b on the first surface 2a is the second region 2a2. In this embodiment, the example given is that the slit 40b is provided at the center of the edge portion 40a in the X direction, but the invention is not limited to this, and the slit 40b may be provided offset from the center in the X direction.

[0046] Multiple vias 48 are provided on both sides of the slit 40b in the X direction. The multiple vias 48 are columnar members made of a conductor such as copper that penetrate the circuit board 2. The first end of each of the multiple vias 48 is connected to the second ground conductor portion 42. The second end of each of the multiple vias 48, opposite to the first end, is connected to the first ground conductor portion 40. In this way, the multiple vias 48 connect the second ground conductor portion 42 and the first ground conductor portion 40. The multiple vias 48 are arranged in a line along the slit 40b. In this embodiment, the connection between via 48 and the first ground conductor portion 40 means that via 48 and the first ground conductor portion 40 are electrically connected. Electrical connection between via 48 and the first ground conductor portion 40 includes not only direct contact between via 48 and the first ground conductor portion 40 or conductivity via other conductors, but also high-frequency connection through capacitive coupling between via 48 and the first ground conductor portion 40. The same applies to "connection" between conductors in the following description.

[0047] The feed conductor 44 passes through the slit 40b and is connected to the first antenna element 14. The feed conductor 44 extends along the Z direction. The power supply conductor section 44 includes a first power supply line 44a and a second power supply line 44b. The first power supply line 44a is the portion of the power supply conductor section 44 that is located within the slit 40b. A small gap is provided between both edges of the first power supply line 44a in the X direction and the end edge of the first grounding conductor section 40 in the slit 40b. The first power supply line 44a, together with the first grounding conductor sections 40 located on both sides of the first power supply line 44a, constitutes a coplanar line. The first power supply line 44a has a power supply point 44a1. The power supply point 44a1 is located at the Z2 direction end of the first power supply line 44a. A communication module M for wireless LAN communication, which is a signal source, is connected to the power supply point 44a1. The communication module M has the function of generating radio frequency signals and supplying them to the antenna device 1, and processing radio frequency signals received by the antenna device 1.

[0048] The second power supply line 44b is the portion of the power supply conductor section 44 other than the first power supply line 44a, and is the portion from the edge 40a to the first antenna element 14. The end 44b1 of the second power supply line 44b is connected to the first antenna element 14. As a result, the feed conductor section 44, including the feed point 44a1, is connected to the first antenna element 14. Therefore, the signal supplied to the feed point 44a1 is supplied to the first antenna element 14.

[0049] As described above, the first antenna element 14 and the short-circuit conductor portion 46 are conductor patterns mounted in the second region 2a2. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first antenna element 14 is linear. The first antenna element 14 extends along the X direction. In the second region 2a2, the first antenna element 14 is positioned opposite the edge portion 40a with a predetermined distance between them. In this specification, "linear" refers to a long, narrow shape, and includes shapes that have a certain width and are long and narrow, such as the first antenna element 14.

[0050] One end 14a of the first antenna element 14 is an open end. On the other hand, a short-circuit conductor 46 is connected to the other end 14b of the first antenna element 14. The short-circuit conductor 46 extends along the Z2 direction from the Z2 direction edge of the first antenna element 14. The short-circuit conductor 46 connects the other end 14b of the first antenna element 14 to the first ground conductor 40. Furthermore, the power supply conductor section 44 is connected between one longitudinal end 14a and the other end 14b of the first antenna element 14. Thus, the first antenna element 14 has one open end 14a, and the feed conductor 44 is connected between the one end 14a and the other end 14b of the first antenna element 14. In other words, the first antenna element 14 constitutes an inverted F-type antenna element and functions as an inverted F-type antenna.

[0051] In Figures 4 and 5, the first unpowered element 16 is supported by the support mechanism 18, as described above, so as to be positioned opposite the antenna element 14. Note that the support mechanism 18 is omitted in Figures 4 and 5. The longitudinal (X-direction) center of the first unpowered element 16 coincides with the X-direction center of the power supply conductor portion 44. The longitudinal dimension (X direction) of the first passive element 16 is approximately twice the longitudinal dimension (X direction) of the first antenna element 14. Furthermore, the first antenna element 14 is located within the longitudinal range of the first passive element 16.

[0052] If the first antenna element 14 and the first passive element 16 have even a portion that overlaps with each other in the longitudinal direction (X direction), re-radiation occurs in the first passive element 16, and a radiation pattern with a certain directivity is obtained. However, if there is a portion of the first antenna element 14 in the longitudinal direction that does not overlap with the first passive element 16, the radiation pattern in the longitudinal direction (X direction) becomes uneven, or the efficiency of re-radiation by the first passive element 16 decreases.

[0053] In this embodiment, since the first antenna element 14 is located within the longitudinal range of the first passive element 16, the first passive element 16 can receive radio waves radiated from the first antenna element 14 over the entire longitudinal range of the first antenna element 14, thereby suppressing uneven radiation patterns in the longitudinal direction and a decrease in the efficiency of re-radiation by the first passive element 16.

[0054] The first passive element 16, which is a linear conductor element, is arranged around the first reference axis B1 at a predetermined interval R. The first reference axis B1 is the axis along the first antenna element 14. The first reference axis B1 is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the first antenna element 14 and is parallel to the X direction. Furthermore, the first reference axis B1 aligns with the first surface 2a of the circuit board 2. Additionally, the first reference axis B1 passes through the center of the width of the first antenna element 14 in the Z direction. In other words, the first reference axis B1 is the central axis aligned with the longitudinal direction of the first antenna element 14. As described above, the first reference axis B1 coincides with the rotation axis C1, which is the rotation center of the pair of guide rollers 30. Therefore, the first unpowered element 16 is rotatable around the first reference axis B1.

[0055] Figure 6 shows the positional relationship between the circuit board 2 and the first passive element 16. Figure 6 shows the circuit board 2 and the first passive element 16 as viewed along the X2 direction. In Figure 6, the first unpowered element 16 is located on the Z1 side of the first reference axis B1.

[0056] Here, when the user of the wireless communication device 100 operates the control unit 24 and rotates the control unit 24, the pair of guide rollers 30 rotate and the strip-shaped member 28 moves. As a result, the first unpowered element 16 rotates along circle K1 around the first reference axis B1. Circle K1 is a circle centered on the first reference axis B1. The radius of circle K1 is the interval R. The first unpowered element 16 rotates on the circle K1 within a range of at least 180 degrees from position p1 to position p2. Position p1 is on the Y1 direction side of the first reference axis B1. Position p2 is on the Y2 direction side of the first reference axis B1. Therefore, at least within the range from position p1 to position p2, the first unpowered element 16 rotates around the first reference axis B1 at a constant interval R.

[0057] On the Z2 side of position p1, the first passive element 16 moves along the straight line K2. On the Z2 side of position p2, the first passive element 16 moves along the straight line K3. The first unpowered element 16 is mounted on a strip-shaped member 28, and the strip-shaped member 28 is bent into a U-shape.

[0058] With the antenna device 1 configured as described above, the movable part 20 of the support mechanism 18 allows the first passive element 16 to be rotated around the first reference axis B1. This changes the combined pattern of the radiation pattern of the first antenna element 14 and the radiation pattern of the first passive element 16, and adjusts the directivity of the first antenna section 11 determined by this combined pattern. Therefore, by operating this movable part 20, it becomes easy to adjust the directivity even if the first antenna element 14 is located inside the housing 102.

[0059] In this embodiment, the support mechanism 18 further includes a pair of operating parts 24 provided on the outside of the housing 102, and the movable part 20 (strip-shaped member 28) operates to rotate the first passive element 16 in accordance with the rotation of the pair of operating parts 24. Therefore, even if the first antenna element 14 is located inside the housing 102, the control unit 24 makes it easy to adjust the directivity of the first antenna unit 11.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the operation unit 24 has a display unit 24a that indicates the rotational position of the first passive element 16, the position of the first passive element 16 can be determined from outside the housing 102, and the current directivity setting can be determined.

[0061] Furthermore, the first passive element 16 is linear in shape parallel to the first antenna element 14, and the support mechanism 18 is configured to support the first passive element 16 so as to be parallel to the first antenna element 14. Therefore, the radiation pattern can be uniformly changed along the longitudinal direction of the first antenna element 14.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the movable part 20 includes a strip-shaped member 28 on which the first passive element 16 is mounted, and a pair of guide rollers 30 provided adjacent to both ends of the first antenna element 14. Therefore, by rotating the pair of guide rollers 30, the strip-shaped member 28 can be moved, and the first passive element 16 can be rotated. Also, the first passive element 16 is mounted on the strip-shaped member 28. Thus, it becomes possible to easily provide the first passive element 16 in various shapes. Furthermore, since the strip-shaped member 28 in this embodiment is a flexible substrate, the first passive element 16 can be easily mounted on the strip-shaped member 28.

[0063] In this embodiment, the antenna device 1 is fixed inside the housing 102. Therefore, the antenna device 1 is installed in the housing 102 together with the circuit board 2, and the directivity of the antenna device 1 may then be adjusted by rotating the first passive element 16. Furthermore, the antenna device 1 of this embodiment is installed together with the wireless communication equipment 100 equipped with the antenna device 1 inside a housing such as an information distribution board, and the directivity of the antenna device 1 may be adjusted by rotating the first passive element 16 thereafter.

[0064] In this embodiment, an example was given in which the pair of guide rollers 30 around which the strip-shaped member 28 is wound are rotatable. However, the guide around which the strip-shaped member 28 is wound does not need to be rotatable; for example, a guide that slides against the strip-shaped member 28 and bends and holds it in a U-shape is also acceptable. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first antenna portion 11 is provided along the edge 2g of the circuit board 2 and the second antenna portion 12 is provided along the edge 2h of the circuit board 2, but the first antenna portion 11 and the second antenna portion 12 may be provided on the same edge. Also, a third antenna portion having the same configuration as the first antenna portion 11 may be provided on the edge 2g, the edge 2h, or on an edge other than the edges 2g and 2h.

[0065] [Regarding the second embodiment] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view showing an enlarged view of the first antenna section 11 according to the second embodiment. The support mechanism 18 of the first antenna section 11 in this embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that it has a rod-shaped member 50 on which the first antenna element 14 is mounted.

[0066] The support mechanism 18 of this embodiment includes a movable part 20, an operating part 24, and a cover 26. The movable part 20 of this embodiment is rotatably mounted inside the cover 26.

[0067] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the support mechanism 18 according to the second embodiment. Figure 8 shows a cross-section along the YZ plane that passes approximately through the center of the support mechanism 18 in the X direction. Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the movable part 20 comprises the rod-shaped member 50 described above and a pair of arm portions 52. The movable part 20 is a component formed of resin or the like, and the rod-shaped member 50 and the pair of arm portions 52 are integrally formed.

[0068] The rod-shaped member 50 is a member that extends along the X direction. The rod-shaped member 50 has an R-shaped portion 50a and a flat portion 50b. Therefore, the cross-sectional shape of the rod-shaped member 50 along the YX plane is a shape enclosed by an arc corresponding to the R-shaped portion 50a and a chord corresponding to the flat portion 50b.

[0069] The first passive element 16 is mounted on the R-shaped surface 50a. The first passive element 16 is linear in shape and parallel to the X direction. The first passive element 16 in this embodiment is made of, for example, copper foil. The first passive element 16 is mounted by bonding it to the R-surface portion 50a. Alternatively, the first passive element 16 may be a thin copper film provided on the R-surface portion 50a instead of copper foil. In this case, the first passive element 16 is formed on the R-surface portion 50a by vapor deposition or the like. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first passive power element 16 is provided on the R-shaped surface 50a, but the first passive power element 16 may also be provided on the flat surface 50b.

[0070] A pair of arm portions 52 are provided at both ends of the rod-shaped member 50 in the X direction. Each pair of arms 52 has a main body portion 52a and a shaft portion 52b. The main body portion 52a is a disc-shaped member. The main body portion 52a has a central axis parallel to the X direction. A rod-shaped member 50 is connected to the edge of the inner surface 52a1 of the main body portion 52a. In this way, the rod-shaped member 50 connects a pair of arm portions 52 to each other. The outer circumferential surface of the main body portion 52a and the R-shaped surface portion 50a of the rod-shaped member 50 have the same radius. Therefore, the outer circumferential surface of the main body portion 52a and the R-shaped surface portion 50a are flush.

[0071] The shaft portion 52b is a cylindrical member that runs along the central axis of the main body portion 52a. The shaft portion 52b protrudes from the main body portion 52a in the X direction. The shaft portion 52b is inserted into the bearing hole 26b1 of the cover 26.

[0072] The cover 26 comprises a cover body 26a and a pair of side plates 26b. The cover body 26a is a U-shaped cross-section member made of resin or the like. The cover body 26a covers the Y1, Y2, and Z1 sides of the protruding portion 2g2 of the circuit board 2. The pair of side plates 26b are provided to close both ends of the cover body 26a in the X direction. Each of the pair of side plates 26b has the bearing hole 26b1 described above. As described above, the shaft portion 52b is inserted into the bearing hole 26b1. This causes the pair of arm portions 52 to rotate around the rotation axis C2. The rotation axis C2 is the axis determined by the pair of bearing holes 26b1 of the pair of side plates 26b. The rotation axis C2 coincides with the first reference axis B1 of the first antenna element 14 (Figures 4 and 5). As the pair of arms 52 rotate, the rod-shaped member 50 can rotate around the rotation axis C2 (first reference axis B1). The cover 26 is fixed to the frame plate 32 by being inserted into the opening 32a of the frame plate 32. In this embodiment, the frame plate 32 is fixed to the housing 102.

[0073] The operating unit 24 is provided on the outer surface of the side plate 26b on the X1 direction side of the pair of side plates 26b. The operating unit 24 is integrally rotatable with the shaft portion 52b of the arm portion 52 on the X1 direction side. Therefore, when the operating unit 24 rotates, the movable unit 20, which includes the pair of arms 52 and the rod-shaped member 50, also rotates. As a result, the first unpowered element 16 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the operating unit 24. When a user of the wireless communication device 100 operates the control unit 24 and rotates the control unit 24, the movable part 20 rotates. As a result, the first unpowered element 16 rotates around the first reference axis B1.

[0074] In this embodiment, the movable part 20 comprises a rod-shaped member 50 and a pair of arm portions 52 provided adjacent to both ends of the first antenna element 14 and supporting both ends of the rod-shaped member 50. The arm portions 52 support the rod-shaped member 50 so that it can rotate around the first reference axis B1, so that the rod-shaped member 50 can rotate the first passive element 16.

[0075] [Regarding the third embodiment] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a circuit board 2 having a first antenna section 11 and a second antenna section 12 according to the third embodiment. The first antenna section 11 of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that, in addition to the first antenna element 14, it includes a second antenna element 60, a third antenna element 62, and a fourth antenna element 64. Furthermore, the first antenna section 11 of this embodiment also differs from the first embodiment in that, in addition to the first passive element 16, it includes a second passive element 66, a third passive element 68, and a fourth passive element 70.

[0076] The second antenna section 12 has the same configuration as the first antenna section 11, and comprises four antenna elements (first antenna element 114, second antenna element 160, third antenna element 162, and fourth antenna element 164), four passive elements (first passive element 116, second passive element 166, third passive element 168, and fourth passive element 170), and a support mechanism 118. The support mechanism 118 comprises a movable part 120, a pair of support columns 122, a pair of operating parts 124, and a cover 126. The movable part 120 also comprises a strip-shaped member 128.

[0077] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view showing an enlarged view of the first antenna section 11 according to the third embodiment. As described above, the first antenna section 11 and the second antenna section 12 have similar configurations, so only the first antenna section 11 will be described here.

[0078] The second antenna element 60, the third antenna element 62, and the fourth antenna element 64 have the same configuration as the first antenna element 14. That is, the second antenna element 60, the third antenna element 62, and the fourth antenna element 64 are each mounted on the protruding portion 2g2 of the circuit board 2, forming an inverted F-type antenna element.

[0079] Furthermore, the second reference axis B2 of the second antenna element 60, the third reference axis B3 of the third antenna element 62, and the fourth reference axis B4 of the fourth antenna element 64 coincide with the first reference axis B1 of the first antenna element 14. In other words, the second antenna element 60, the third antenna element 62, and the fourth antenna element 64 are arranged in order next to the first antenna element 14 such that their reference axes B2, B3, and B4 coincide with the first reference axis B1.

[0080] The support mechanism 18 supports the second passive element 66 so as to be positioned opposite the second antenna element 60. Furthermore, the support mechanism 18 supports the third passive element 68 so as to be positioned opposite the third antenna element 62. Furthermore, the support mechanism 18 supports the fourth passive element 70 so as to be positioned opposite the fourth antenna element 64.

[0081] The second passive element 66, the third passive element 68, and the fourth passive element 70 are mounted on the strip-shaped member 28 together with the first passive element 16. The first passive element 16, the second passive element 66, the third passive element 68, and the fourth passive element 70 are arranged in a line at predetermined intervals in the direction of X2.

[0082] The movable part 20 of this embodiment rotates the second passive element 66, the third passive element 68, and the fourth passive element 70, which are provided on the strip-shaped member 28, around the first reference axis B1. Thus, in this embodiment, a single support mechanism 18 can rotate multiple passive elements 16, 66, 68, and 70.

[0083] As shown in this embodiment, the antenna device 1, which has a large number of antenna elements, is used for wireless communication using multi-user MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output). The communication module of antenna device 1 can perform wireless communication using multi-user MIMO by selectively using each antenna element.

[0084] In this embodiment, the example shows the passive elements 16, 66, 68, and 70 arranged in a line along the X direction. However, the passive elements 16, 66, 68, and 70 may be arranged at positions offset from each other with respect to the rotational direction. In this case, diversity (misalignment) in directivity can be introduced, improving the characteristics in multi-user MIMO.

[0085] Furthermore, in the antenna sections 11 and 12 of this embodiment shown in Figures 9 and 10, the antenna elements are arranged at equal intervals. Therefore, the combinations of antenna elements and parasitic elements are also arranged at equal intervals. However, the spacing between adjacent pairs of combinations does not need to be constant and may be uneven. Also, the shapes of the antenna elements and parasitic elements do not all need to be identical and may be uneven.

[0086] Furthermore, instead of arranging the antenna elements and parasitic elements along two sides as in this embodiment, they may be arranged along one to three or more sides. In this embodiment, the first antenna section 11 is provided along the edge 2g of the circuit board 2, and the second antenna section 12 is provided along the edge 2h of the circuit board 2, but the first antenna section 11 and the second antenna section 12 may be provided along the same edge. Also, a third antenna section having the same configuration as the first antenna section 11 may be provided along the edge 2g, the edge 2h, or any other edge other than the edges 2g and 2h.

[0087] Furthermore, it is not necessary to provide a parasitic element for all of the antenna elements; a parasitic element may be provided for some of the antenna elements. In other words, in this embodiment, we have illustrated the case where a parasitic element 16, 66, 68, 70, 116, 166, 168, 170 is provided for all of the antenna elements 14, 60, 62, 64, 114, 160, 162, and 164, but for example, a parasitic element may be provided for at least one of the antenna elements 14, 60, 62, 64, 114, 160, 162, and 164.

[0088] Furthermore, when performing wireless communication using multi-user MIMO in wireless LAN communication, it is preferable to have diversity (mismatch) in the arrangement of the multiple antennas. By providing diversity (mismatch) in the arrangement of the multiple antennas, the characteristics of multi-user MIMO can be improved.

[0089] Furthermore, the number of antenna elements in the first antenna section 11 and the second antenna section 12 is not limited to four. The number of antenna elements in the first antenna section 11 and the second antenna section 12 may be fewer than four, or five or more. Also, the number of antenna elements in the first antenna section 11 and the number of antenna elements in the second antenna section 12 do not have to be the same. The maximum number of antenna elements is determined by the wireless LAN communication standard.

[0090] 〔others〕 In the embodiments described above, the first antenna section 11 is provided on the circuit board 2 with the R-shaped tip surface of the cover 26 on the Z1 direction side and the tip surface of the operating section 24 on the Z1 direction side exposed to the outside of the housing 102. However, the entire first antenna section 11 may be housed inside the housing 102.

[0091] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the wireless communication device 100 when the entire first antenna section 11 is housed inside the housing 102. The wireless communication device 100 shown in Figure 11 includes, in addition to the circuit board 2, an antenna board 72 on which the first antenna element 14 is mounted. Therefore, the first antenna section 11 and the circuit board 2 are separate components. In this embodiment, the antenna board 72 is arranged parallel to the XY plane. By separating the first antenna section 11 and the circuit board 2 in this way, the orientation of the first antenna element 14 is no longer limited to the circuit board 2, and the degree of freedom in setting the orientation of the first antenna element 14 is increased.

[0092] The circuit board 2 and the antenna board 72 are connected to each other by a coaxial cable 74. The transmission and reception of radio frequency signals between the circuit board 2 and the antenna board 72 takes place via the coaxial cable 74.

[0093] Furthermore, in Figure 11, the first antenna unit 11 is housed within the housing 102. On the other hand, the operating unit 24 is located outside the housing 102. The shaft portion 30b of the guide roller 30 and the operating portion 24 are connected by an extension shaft 76. Therefore, even if the entire first antenna unit 11 is housed inside the housing 102, the operation unit 24 can be operated, and the directivity of the first antenna unit 11 can be adjusted from outside the housing 102.

[0094] Furthermore, although the above embodiments illustrate the case where the antenna element constitutes an inverted F-type antenna element, the antenna element may also constitute an inverted L-type antenna element, or it may be any other antenna element mounted on the substrate. Furthermore, although the above embodiments illustrate the case in which an antenna element is mounted on the circuit board 2, the first antenna unit 11 may have, for example, a rod-shaped antenna element connected by a cable to a communication module on the circuit board 2, instead of an antenna element on the circuit board 2.

[0095] Furthermore, while the above embodiments illustrate a case where the movable part 20 is rotated in response to operation by the operating unit 24, an actuator may be provided inside the housing 102, and the movable part 20 may be rotated by the actuator. This actuator may be operable from outside the housing 102, or it may be controlled by a communication module.

[0096] Furthermore, while the above embodiments illustrate the case where the first passive element 16 is linear and parallel to the X direction, the invention is not limited to this. The first passive element 16 may be linear and inclined with respect to the X direction, or it may include a curve. Furthermore, although the above embodiments illustrate the case where one parasitic element is provided for one antenna element, multiple parasitic elements may be provided for one antenna element.

[0097] Furthermore, although the above embodiments illustrate the case in which a display unit 24a is provided on the operation unit 24, The display unit 24a does not need to be provided on the operation unit 24. For example, a mechanism that indicates the position of the first passive element 16 can be provided and this can serve as the display unit 24a. Alternatively, a viewing window for visually inspecting the inside of the first antenna unit 11 from the outside can also be used as the display unit.

[0098] [Regarding verification tests] Next, we will describe the verification tests conducted on the effects of antenna device 1. As part of the test method, a model of the first antenna section 11 according to the first embodiment was constructed, and the directional characteristics of the first antenna section 11 were determined by computer simulation using this model. The frequency of the high-frequency signal targeted by the first antenna section 11 was set to 2.45 GHz. Furthermore, the first passive element 16 in the model was made into a rod shape with a circular cross-section. In the verification tests, the following examples and comparative examples were used as test subjects, and the radiation patterns of the vertical and horizontal polarization components were determined.

[0099] Furthermore, in the embodiment, the change in the radiation pattern when the first passive element 16 was rotated was confirmed. As shown in Figure 6, the angular position of the first passive power element 16 is 0 degrees when it is located on the Z1 side of the first reference axis B1, the angular position of the first passive power element 16 is 90 degrees when it is located on the Y1 side of the first reference axis B1, and the angular position of the first passive power element 16 is -90 degrees when it is located on the Y2 side of the first reference axis B1. At this time, when the angular position of the first passive element 16 was 90 degrees, 60 degrees, 30 degrees, 0 degrees, -30 degrees, -60 degrees, and -90 degrees, the radiation patterns of the vertical polarization component and the horizontal polarization component were determined for each case.

[0100] • Examples The first antenna section 11 shown in the first embodiment was used as a model for construction. Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the dimensions of each part of the model of the first antenna section 11. In Figure 12, the dimensions of the circuit board 2 and the first antenna element 14, etc., were set as follows. Dimension S1 in the Z direction of circuit board 2: 50 mm Dimension S2 in the X direction of circuit board 2: 100 mm Dimension S3 in the Z direction of the second region 2a2: 9 mm Dimension W1 in the X direction of the second power supply line 44b: 1 mm Dimension W2 in the X direction of the first power supply line 44a: 0.95 mm Dimension W3 in the Z direction of the first power supply line 44a: 10 mm Distance W4 between the first power supply line 44a and the first grounding conductor section 40: 0.185 mm The distance in the X direction between the X-direction center of the first power supply line 44a and the X-direction center of the short-circuit conductor section 46 is W5: 9 mm. Via 48 spacing in the Z direction W6: 1 mm Via 48 diameter: 0.3mm Dimension V1 in the X direction of the first passive element 16: 57 mm Diameter of the first passive element 16: 0.5 mm Dimension V2 in the X direction of the first antenna element 14: 27 mm Dimension V3 in the Z direction of the first antenna element 14: 3 mm The Z-direction dimension V4 between the edge of the first antenna element 14 in the Z1 direction and the edge portion 40a is 8 mm. Dimension V5 of the short-circuit conductor section 46 in the X direction: 4 mm The predetermined distance R: 5 mm between the first antenna element 14 and the first passive element 16.

[0101] The center of the first unpowered element 16 in the X direction coincides with the center position of the power supply conductor portion 44 in the X direction. Furthermore, the thickness of circuit board 2 was set to 1.462 mm, the relative permittivity of circuit board 2 to 4.355, and the dielectric loss tangent to 0.0157. The conductor patterns mounted on the circuit board 2, such as the first antenna element 14, the first ground conductor section 40, and the second ground conductor section 42, were made of copper foil with a thickness of 0.036 mm.

[0102] • Comparative Example A comparative example model was constructed by removing the first passive element 16 from the antenna device 1 shown in the first embodiment.

[0103] • About polarization components In the embodiment, the first passive element 16 was rotated, and the radiation patterns were determined when the angular position of the first passive element 16 was 90 degrees, 60 degrees, 30 degrees, 0 degrees, -30 degrees, -60 degrees, and -90 degrees. For the radiation patterns, we determined the radiation patterns of the vertical and horizontal polarization components for the XY plane, the YZ plane, and the XZ plane, respectively. As a result, no change in the radiation pattern due to the rotation of the first passive element 16 was observed in radiation patterns other than the horizontal polarization component in the YZ plane. Therefore, the following explanation will show and compare the radiation patterns of the horizontal polarization components in the YZ plane.

[0104] Figure 13 shows an example of the radiation pattern of the horizontal polarization component of a comparative example in the YZ plane. In Figure 13, the center is the first reference axis B1, "0" indicates the Z1 direction, and "90" indicates the Y1 direction. As shown in Figure 13, in the comparative example, no extreme decrease in gain was observed across the entire range.

[0105] Figure 14 shows an example of the radiation pattern of the horizontal polarization component in the embodiment in the YZ plane. In Figure 14, the radiation pattern shown on the left is the radiation pattern when the angular position of the first passive element 16 is 90 degrees. The radiation pattern shown on the right is the radiation pattern when the angular position of the first passive element 16 is 60 degrees. Furthermore, in Figure 14, the rectangular shape in the center of the chart schematically represents the circuit board 2, and the dots surrounding the shape schematically represent the first passive element 16. The same applies to Figures 15, 16, and 17.

[0106] Figure 15 shows an example of the radiation pattern of the horizontal polarization component in the embodiment in the YZ plane. In Figure 15, the radiation pattern shown on the left is the radiation pattern when the angular position of the first passive element 16 is 30 degrees. The radiation pattern shown on the right is the radiation pattern when the angular position of the first passive element 16 is 0 degrees. Figure 16 shows an example of the radiation pattern of the horizontal polarization component of the embodiment in the YZ plane. In Figure 16, the radiation pattern shown on the left is the radiation pattern when the angular position of the first passive element 16 is -30 degrees. The radiation pattern shown on the right is the radiation pattern when the angular position of the first passive element 16 is -60 degrees. Figure 17 shows an example of the radiation pattern of the horizontal polarization component in the embodiment in the YZ plane. The radiation pattern shown in Figure 17 is the radiation pattern when the angular position of the first passive element 16 is -90 degrees.

[0107] Figures 14, 15, 16, and 17 show that the placement of the first passive element 16 results in the appearance of high-gain and low-gain regions in the radiation pattern, creating a radiation pattern with a certain degree of directivity. Furthermore, it can be seen that the directivity changes depending on the angular position of the first unpowered element 16.

[0108] From the above results, it can be confirmed that the directivity of the first antenna section 11 can be adjusted by rotating the first passive element 16.

[0109] [Conclusion] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not in the sense described above, and is intended to include the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims, and all modifications within that scope. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 1. Antenna equipment 2 Circuit boards 2a 1st page 2a1 1st area 2a2 2nd area 2b 2nd side 2b1 Third area 2b2 4th area 2g edge 2g1 Edge body 2g2 protrusion 2g3 side 2h edge 11. First Antenna Section 12. Second Antenna Section 14. First antenna element 14a One end in the longitudinal direction 14a one end 14b Other end 16. First unpowered element 18 Support mechanism 20 Moving parts 22 Posts 22a Slit 22a1 Wide section 22b Step part 22c Stepped section 24 Control section 24a Display section 26 Cover 26a Cover body 26b Side plate 26b1 Bearing hole 28 Strip-shaped member 28a square hole 28b End 28c end 28d R side 30 Guide Rollers 30a Roller body 30b Shaft 30c Teeth 32 Frame board 32a aperture 40 First grounding conductor section 40a Edge 40b Slit 42 Second grounding conductor section 44 Power supply conductor section 44a First power supply line 44a1 Power supply point 44b Second power supply line 44b1 End 46 Short-circuit conductor section 48 Beer 50 Rod-shaped member 50a R side part 50b Flat part 52 Arm 52a Main body 52a1 Inner surface 52b Shaft 60 Second antenna related 62 Third Antenna Element 64. Fourth antenna element 66 Second unpowered element 68 Third unpowered element 70 Fourth unpowered element 72 Antenna board 74 Coaxial Cable 76 Extension shaft 100 Wireless communication devices 102 cabinets 114 First Antenna Element 116 First unpowered element 118 Support mechanism 120 Moving parts 122 Post 124 Operation section 126 Cover 128 Strip-shaped member 160 Second antenna element 162 Third Antenna Element 164 Fourth antenna element 166 Second unpowered element 168 Third unpowered element 170 Fourth unpowered element B1 1st reference axis B2 2nd reference axis B3 3rd reference axis B4 4th reference axis C1 Rotation axis C2 Rotation axis M Communication Module

Claims

1. A linear first antenna element fixed inside the housing, First unpowered element, The system comprises a support mechanism that supports the first unpowered element so as to be positioned opposite to the first antenna element, The support mechanism includes a movable part that rotates the first passive element around a first reference axis that is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the first antenna element. The aforementioned movable part is A strip-shaped member on which the first powerless element is mounted, The first antenna element is provided adjacent to both ends of the first antenna element, and includes a pair of guides that, when the strip-shaped member is wrapped around them, cause the strip-shaped member to bend back around a first reference axis. Antenna device.

2. The support mechanism further comprises an operating part provided outside the housing and rotatable around a pivot axis, The movable part rotates the first unpowered element in accordance with the rotation of the operating part. Furthermore, it includes a display unit that indicates the rotational position of the first unpowered element. The antenna device according to claim 1.

3. The first unpowered element is linear and parallel to the first antenna element. The support mechanism supports the first passive element so as to be parallel to the first antenna element. The antenna device according to claim 1.

4. The longitudinal dimension of the first unpowered element is longer than the longitudinal dimension of the first antenna element. The first antenna element is located within the longitudinal range of the first unpowered element. The antenna device according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned movable part is A rod-shaped member on which the first powerless element is mounted, The first antenna element comprises a pair of arms provided adjacent to both ends of the rod-shaped member, which support both ends of the rod-shaped member. The arm portion supports the rod-shaped member so that it can rotate around the first reference axis. The antenna device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A linear second antenna element fixed inside the aforementioned housing, It further comprises a second powerless element, The second antenna element is positioned next to the first antenna element such that the second reference axis along the longitudinal direction of the second antenna element coincides with the first reference axis. The support mechanism supports the second passive element so as to be positioned opposite to the second antenna element. The movable part rotates the second passive element around the first reference axis. The antenna device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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