Vertical radiation-type RF transmitter

Abstract

Provided is a transmitter more excellent than a conventional transmitter. This transmitter comprises: a housing; a main board disposed inside the housing; a first antenna board which is disposed inside the housing and provided with a first antenna part; and a reflection part which reflects electromagnetic waves output from the first antenna part.

Description

Vertical radiating RF transmitter

[0001] [RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-77719, filed on May 10, 2022, entitled "Vertical Radiation RF Transmitter," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The present invention relates to a vertical radiation RF transmitter.

[0002] Controlling the antenna's directivity is often an issue for wireless power supplies. There are various ways to control this, and depending on the application, there are various antennas available, such as omnidirectional antennas that transmit signals in various directions, and directional antennas that transmit signals most strongly in one direction.

[0003] For example, International Publication No. 2020 / 084841 (Patent Document 1) discloses "an antenna module to be installed in a vehicle, the antenna module comprising an array antenna that forms a beam directed toward the outside of the vehicle from an opening provided in the outer wall of the vehicle, and a housing that holds the array antenna inside the vehicle (see abstract)."

[0004] International Publication No. 2020 / 084841

[0005] The structure of a simple, small transmitter is not considered in Patent Document 1. Therefore, the present invention provides a simple, small transmitter.

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, for example, the configuration described in the claims is adopted. The present application includes a plurality of means for solving the above problem, and one example thereof is a transmitter comprising: a housing; a main board arranged in the housing; a first antenna board arranged in the housing and including a first antenna unit; and a reflector that reflects electromagnetic waves output from the first antenna unit.

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a simple and compact transmitter. Problems, configurations and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments.

[0008] FIG. 1 is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating a transmitter 1 and other components connected to a network 5. FIG. 2 is an example of a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the transmitter 1 and electronic device 2. FIG. 3 is an example of a six-sided view of a first embodiment of the transmitter 1. FIG. 4 is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating components of the transmitter 1. FIG. 5 is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating a housing 400 to which a first antenna board 20 is attached. FIG. 6 is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating a holding unit 600. FIG. 7 is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating a main board 10. FIG. 8 is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating a housing 400 that houses the holding unit 600, the first antenna board 20, and other components. FIG. 9 is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating the spatial positional relationship between the main board 10, the first antenna board 20, and the second antenna board 30 housed in the housing 400 of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a reflecting unit 300. FIG. 11 is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating the reflecting unit 300 on which the main board 10 is superimposed. FIG. 12 is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating a second embodiment of the transmitter 1. FIG. 13 is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating several different embodiments of the transmitter 1. FIG. 14 is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating the radiation direction of electromagnetic waves. FIG. 15 is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating the radiation direction of electromagnetic waves in the transmitter 1 of FIG. 12. FIG. 16 is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating the performance of the transmitter 1 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 17 is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating another configuration example of the transmitter 1. FIG. 18 is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating the performance of the transmitter 1 shown in FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating yet another configuration example of the transmitter 1. FIG. 20 is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating the performance of the transmitter 1 shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 21 is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating another configuration example of the transmitter 1. FIG. 22 is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating the performance of the transmitter 1 shown in FIG. 21. FIG. 23 is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating the radiation direction of electromagnetic waves in the transmitter 1 shown in FIG. 21. FIG. 24 is an example of an explanatory diagram for explaining a comparison when various antennas are used.

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] 1 is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating a transmitter 1 and the like connected to a network 5. The transmitters 1 (1a, 1b, ..., 1n) are transmitters arranged in a space, particularly in a closed space, and are particularly transmitters for wireless power supply.

[0011] The transmitters 1 (1a, 1b, ..., 1n) can be placed in, for example, a factory, an office, etc. The transmitters 1 (1a, 1b, ..., 1n) radiate electromagnetic waves so that the electronic devices 2 can wirelessly receive power from the space in which they are installed. The transmitters 1 (1a, 1b, ..., 1n) are placed so that they can supply power to the electronic devices 2 (2A, 2B) as if there were an outlet in the air.

[0012] The electronic device 2 (2A, 2B) is an electronic device located in a factory, an office, etc., and is particularly an electronic device that can receive power via wireless power supply. The electronic device 2 may be fixed in position within the space in which the transmitter 1 is installed, or may move within the space together with a user or a mobile object, or together with a larger device to which the electronic device 2 is installed.

[0013] The first electronic device 2A includes, for example, sensors 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, etc. The sensors 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d include, for example, a light sensor, a temperature sensor, an audio sensor (for example, a microphone), an optical sensor (for example, a camera, a visible light sensor, an invisible light sensor, etc.), a proximity sensor, a touch sensor, a force sensor, a vibration sensor, a direction sensor, a motion sensor (for example, an accelerometer or a speed sensor), a thermal sensor, a resistance sensor, a magnetic sensor, a millimeter wave sensor, a CO ２ It can be a sensor, etc.

[0014] The second electronic device 2B is, for example, actuators 2e, 2f, 2g, 2h, etc. The actuators 2e, 2f, 2g, and 2h may be, for example, electromagnetic drive devices used to perform operations such as rotation, pivoting, translation, reciprocation, vertical movement, opening and closing, and pressing.

[0015] The electronic devices 2 (2A, 2B) are connected to a management server 3, a management terminal 4, an air conditioner 6, a lighting device 7, etc. via a network 5, for example, so as to be capable of data communication, particularly so as to be capable of mutual data communication.

[0016] In such a configuration, the electronic device 2 (2A, 2B) can receive power wirelessly from the transmitter 1. Furthermore, the electronic device 2 (2A, 2B) transmits detected data to a management server 3, a management terminal 4, or the like, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC) provided therein, and operates an air conditioner 6 or a lighting device 7 based on specific detected data, such as the presence or absence of a person or the body temperature of a person.

[0017] The electronic device 2 may be fixed in position within the space in which the transmitter 1 is installed, but it may also be configured to be movable within the space, for example together with a larger device to which an actuator is attached.

[0018] An example of a larger device equipped with an actuator is an articulated robot, etc. The transmitter 1 may be configured to wirelessly supply power to devices that consume power, such as actuators built into the articulated robot.

[0019] Using a transmitter 1, wireless power is supplied to electronic devices 2 such as various sensors 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d... and actuators 2e, 2f, 2g, 2h... used in fields such as factory automation (FA), the Internet of Things (IoT), and home appliances. The transmitter 1 enables the power wiring for these electronic devices 2 to be wireless, which can significantly reduce problems such as wiring burden, disconnection, and maintenance that can occur when power wiring is wired.

[0020] 2 is an example of a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the transmitter 1 and the electronic device 2. The transmitter 1 is configured to supply power to the electronic device 2. The transmitter 1 is further configured to be able to perform data communication with the electronic device 2.

[0021] The transmitter 1 includes, for example, a main board 10, a first antenna board 20, and a second antenna board 30. The main board 10 includes, for example, a control unit 11, a first transmission unit 12, a second transmission unit 13, a display unit 14, an input unit 15, an output unit 16, and the like.

[0022] The control unit 11 includes, for example, a microcontrol unit 111 that controls the transmission function of the transmitter 1. The first transmission unit 12 includes, for example, a first oscillator 121, a first amplifier 122, and the like.

[0023] The second transmission unit 13 includes, for example, a second oscillator 131 and a second amplifier 132. The control unit 11 uses the first transmission unit 12 to generate electromagnetic waves for wireless power supply, and also uses the second transmission unit 13 to generate electromagnetic waves for data communication.

[0024] The display unit 14 displays information using, for example, LEDs, and in the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the display unit 14 includes four LEDs. The control unit 11 controls the lighting state, blinking state, color, etc. of each LED depending on the functional state and operating state of the transmitter 1.

[0025] By controlling the lighting state, blinking state, color, etc. of the LED, information such as whether there is power or not, information that startup / initialization is in progress, information that normal operation is in progress / RF output is ON, information that there is a power supply error (for example, the power supply is 15V or less), etc. can be output to the user.

[0026] The input unit 15 can be used to input power and data to the transmitter 1. The output unit 16 can be used to output power and data from the transmitter 1. For example, the transmitter 1a may be configured to be connectable in series with another transmitter 1b via a cable or the like.

[0027] In a configuration in which transmitters 1a and 1b are connected in series, it is preferable that the output section of transmitter 1a is connected to the input section of transmitter 1b via a cable or the like, or vice versa. In such a configuration, there is no need to provide individual power supply cables or communication cables for each of transmitters 1a, 1b, ..., 1n, so it is possible to arrange multiple transmitters 1 in a space more inexpensively.

[0028] The first antenna substrate 20 includes, for example, a first antenna unit 21. The first antenna unit 21 radiates electromagnetic waves for wireless power supply to the outside based on a signal received from the first transmitter 12, particularly a signal oscillated at a predetermined frequency.

[0029] The first antenna unit 21 can not only supply energy received via the input unit 15 to the electronic device 2, but also transmit energy to any object such as a robot, a device, or a PC.

[0030] Furthermore, the target of the power transmission may be other electronic devices such as a mobile phone, a PDA (personal digital assistant), a wireless microphone, a wireless USB, a wireless theater, a wireless television, a wireless camera, wireless headphones, a wireless mouse, a wireless keyboard, a wireless router, a wireless printer, etc.

[0031] The second antenna substrate 30 includes, for example, a second antenna unit 31. The second antenna unit 31 may be configured to radiate electromagnetic waves for data communication to the outside based on a signal received from the second transmitter 13, particularly a signal oscillated at a predetermined frequency, and to receive electromagnetic waves for data communication radiated from the electronic device 2.

[0032] The second antenna board 30 is preferably disposed substantially perpendicular to the first antenna board 20 and the main board 10. In such a configuration, a space-saving and compact transmitter 1 can be realized.

[0033] The transmitter 1 further includes a plurality of matching circuits 112 (112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, 112e, and 112f). Based on matching using the individual matching circuits 112 (112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, 112e, and 112f) provided in various locations of the transmitter 1 as shown in Fig. 2, the configuration shown in Fig. 2 can realize a transmitter 1 with a lower profile structure while maintaining high antenna efficiency.

[0034] The electronic device 2 includes, for example, a receiving antenna unit 201, a rectifier circuit 202, a power management unit 203, a battery 204, a transmitting / receiving antenna unit 205, a transceiver 206, a control unit 207, a functional unit or drive unit 208, and the like.

[0035] The receiving antenna unit 201 receives, for example, microwaves for power supply transmitted to the outside from the first antenna unit 21. For example, the receiving antenna unit 201 may function as a power receiving antenna in the 920 MHz band, for example, 918 MHz.

[0036] The rectifier circuit 202 (e.g., part of the PCB or FPC) is configured to rectify the received radio waves and convert them into a rectified voltage. The power management unit 203 (e.g., part of the PCB or FPC) is configured to control the charging voltage based on the rectified voltage.

[0037] The battery 204 may be mounted on, for example, a part of a PCB or an FPC. The battery 204 is configured to be charged by a charging voltage from the power management unit 203.

[0038] The battery 204 can send the received power to the control unit 207, the function unit, or the drive unit 208, etc., via the power management unit 203. This allows the electronic device 2 to function and be driven by wireless power supply from the transmitter 1.

[0039] The control unit 207 is configured to continuously or intermittently monitor the status of the power management unit 203, the status of the functional unit or drive unit 208, and, in a configuration in which the functional unit or drive unit 208 is a sensor, information acquired by the sensor.

[0040] The transceiver 206 transmits the status of the power management unit 203, the status of the functional unit or drive unit 208, information acquired by the functional unit or drive unit 208 such as a sensor, etc. to the external transmitter 1 via the transmit / receive antenna unit 205.

[0041] The transmitting / receiving antenna unit 205 may be configured as, for example, an inverted-F antenna. The transmitting / receiving antenna unit 205 configured as an inverted-F antenna is configured to function as, for example, a data communication antenna in the 2.4 GHz band.

[0042] As mentioned above, power (microwaves) for wireless power supply (for example, 920 MHz) is transmitted in one direction, whereas radio waves for data communication (for example, 2.4 GHz) can be transmitted in both directions.

[0043] In particular, the transmitter 1 preferably accommodates the main board 10, the first antenna board 20, and the second antenna board 30 in its housing 400 (see, for example, FIG. 4 ). The opening of the housing 400 preferably is closed by a reflecting portion.

[0044] In a configuration in which the reflecting portion closes the opening of the housing 400, it is possible to design the overall dimensions of the transmitter 1, particularly the size of the transmitter 1 in the radiation direction (the thickness of the transmitter 1), to be compact, and to increase the directivity of the first antenna portion 21 that radiates electromagnetic waves, particularly electromagnetic waves for power transmission.

[0045] The electronic device 2 further includes a plurality of matching circuits 212 (212 a, 212 b). Based on matching using the individual matching circuits 212 (212 a, 212 b) provided in various locations of the electronic device 2 as shown in Fig. 2, the configuration shown in Fig. 2 can realize a smaller electronic device 2 while maintaining high antenna efficiency.

[0046] Fig. 3 is an example of a six-sided view of a first embodiment of the transmitter 1. Note that Fig. 3 shows an example of specific dimensions of the transmitter 1 in numerical values, and the units are "mm."

[0047] FIG. 3(A) is an example of a view of the transmitter 1 according to the first embodiment as seen from above. FIG. 3(B) is an example of a view of the transmitter 1 according to the first embodiment as seen from the front. FIG. 3(C) is an example of a view of the transmitter 1 according to the first embodiment as seen from below. FIG. 3(D) is an example of a view of the transmitter 1 according to the first embodiment as seen from the back. FIG. 3(E) is an example of a view of the transmitter 1 according to the first embodiment as seen from the right side. FIG. 3(F) is an example of a view of the transmitter 1 according to the first embodiment as seen from the left side.

[0048] The dimensions of each part of the transmitter 1 according to the first embodiment specifically shown in Fig. 3 are merely examples of possible dimensions of the transmitter 1. Therefore, the dimensions of the transmitter 1 according to the first embodiment specifically shown in Fig. 3 do not limit or restrict the possible dimensions of the transmitter 1.

[0049] In particular, the thickness dimension of the transmitter 1 shown in Figure 3 (F), in other words, the vertical dimension or the vertical dimension, of 35.5 mm, may be a smaller value, thereby enabling the manufacture of a transmitter 1 with a lower profile.

[0050] 3, it can be seen that the parts of the transmitter 1 are designed symmetrically. However, the parts of the transmitter 1 may be arranged asymmetrically. Furthermore, the entire transmitter 1 may have an asymmetric shape.

[0051] 3(D) shows the connectors 15, 16 and the mounting structure 322. The connectors 15, 16 are examples of the input unit 15 and the output unit 16. The mounting structure 322 can be used as a connection part with a mounting fixture for mounting the transmitter 1 at an installation position.

[0052] 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating examples of components of the transmitter 1. Fig. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the transmitter 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4B is an exploded view of the transmitter 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0053] 4, it can be seen that a plurality of components of the transmitter 1 are housed in the housing 400. The housing space of the housing 400 that houses the plurality of components of the transmitter 1 is closed by the reflecting part 300, as if it were a lid.

[0054] In such a configuration, the reflecting portion 300 also serves as a lid for the storage space of the housing 400, making it possible to make the transmitter 1 more compact, and in particular to reduce the dimensions in the attitude direction.

[0055] The reflecting section 300 has a higher reflectivity than the housing 400 for the electromagnetic waves radiated by the transmitter 1. The reflecting section 300 reflects the electromagnetic waves radiated from the first antenna section 21 toward the housing 400.

[0056] The electromagnetic waves emitted from the first antenna unit 21 and the electromagnetic waves emitted from the first antenna unit 21 and reflected by the reflecting unit 300 are superimposed and radiated from the first antenna unit 21 in a direction toward the housing 400.

[0057] 4A, the housing 400 houses the first antenna board 20 and the main board 10 in a fixed position. The reflector 300 closes the opening of the housing 400 that houses the first antenna board 20 and the main board 10.

[0058] The housing 400 has a housing surface that is approximately parallel to the first antenna substrate 20 including the first antenna unit 21 and the reflecting unit 300. The distance from the first antenna substrate 20 (first antenna unit 21) to the housing surface is smaller than the distance from the first antenna substrate 20 to the reflecting unit 300 (reflector 300), particularly the distance from the first antenna substrate 20 to the reflecting surface of the reflecting unit 300.

[0059] In the configuration of Figure 4, a small, low-profile structure can be realized in which the distance between the first antenna section 21 (first antenna substrate 20) and the reflecting section 300 is designed to be approximately λ / 13, where λ is the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave (radio wave), while maintaining high antenna efficiency.

[0060] It is particularly preferable that the distance between the first antenna unit 21 and the reflector 300 is approximately 25 mm. The distance between the first antenna unit 21 and the reflector 300 can be set in the range of λ / 16 to λ / 4. Even if the distance between the first antenna unit 21 and the reflector 300 is approximately λ / 16, it is possible to maintain antenna efficiency of 90% or more, and a distance of approximately λ / 16 is optimal for achieving a lower profile structure. However, in consideration of the height of the input unit 15 and output unit 16, which are power / communication connectors, λ / 13 is selected in the configuration of FIG. 4.

[0061] In another configuration, the spacing between the first antenna section 21 and the reflecting section 300 is set to approximately λ / 4, and the phase of the radio waves from the first antenna section 21 and the phase of the radio waves reflected from the reflecting section 300 are made in phase, thereby maximizing the antenna efficiency.

[0062] In the embodiment of Figure 4, the housing 400 accommodates within its storage space a main board 10 having a shielding portion 17 and a heat conduction portion 18, a first antenna board 20 connected to the main board 10 via a cable 22, a second antenna board 30 connected to the main board 10 via a cable 32, a holding portion 600 for holding the first antenna board 20 on the inner surface of the housing 400, and the like.

[0063] At least a portion of the first antenna substrate 20 is in contact with the surface of the housing 400. For example, the first antenna substrate 20 is in contact with the inner surface of the housing 400 via an adhesive portion (adhesive portion) 23. The light guide portion 142 shown in FIG. 4B guides light from the LEDs 141 of the display unit 14 provided on the main substrate 10 toward the outside of the housing 400.

[0064] Light guide unit 142 is in liquid-tight contact with an opening provided in housing 400 via waterproof adhesive unit 143. Reflector 300 liquid-tightly closes an opening on the back side of housing 400, which has an accommodation space, via sealing unit 330.

[0065] The main board 10 is made of a flame-retardant and low-conductivity material, such as 1.2t (1.2mm) FR-4. The shielding section 17 is made of a metal plate, such as galvanized steel (SECC).

[0066] The shielding portion 17 is configured to reduce the generation of spurious signals and unnecessary radiation from a signal generator such as a power amplifier. The heat conducting portion 18 is made of a thermally conductive material such as silicone.

[0067] The first antenna substrate 20 and the second antenna substrate 30 are made of a flame-retardant and low-conductivity material, such as 0.6t (0.6 mm) FR-4. The light-guiding section 142 is made of a transparent synthetic resin, such as acrylic resin (PMMA).

[0068] The reflecting portion 300 is made of an aluminum alloy such as ADC12. The housing 400 is made of a synthetic resin such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). The holding portion 600 is made of a synthetic resin such as polycarbonate (PC) resin or ABS resin.

[0069] By adopting the configuration shown in FIG. 4, the transmitter 1 can radiate electromagnetic waves with higher radiation efficiency than before, for example, into a wireless power supply space, despite having a low profile.

[0070] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating examples of a housing 400 to which the first antenna substrate 20 is attached. Fig. 5A is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of the housing 400 to which the first antenna substrate 20 is attached.

[0071] Fig. 5(B) is an explanatory diagram illustrating an embodiment in which the cable 22 is guided along a path different from that shown in Fig. 5(A). In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5(A), the cable 22 extends along the boss 410 in the orientation direction of the transmitter 1, but in the embodiment shown in Fig. 5(B), the cable 22 extends along the long side of the first antenna substrate 20.

[0072] In the embodiment of Fig. 5A, the housing 400 has ten bosses, but only one of them is labeled with a reference symbol in Fig. 5A. The shape and length of each boss may vary depending on the design.

[0073] For example, the first antenna board 20 is connected to the main board 10 via a first cable 22, the first antenna board 20 has an approximately rectangular shape, and the first cable 22 is guided from the long side of the approximately rectangular shape to the first antenna board 20 and connected to the first antenna section 21.

[0074] In both the embodiments of Figures 5(A) and 5(B), the cable 22 is guided from the long side of the first antenna substrate 20, particularly from near the center of the long side of the first antenna substrate 20, toward near the center of the first antenna substrate 20.

[0075] In such a configuration, the performance of the transmitter 1 can be improved compared to a configuration in which the cable 22 is guided from the short side of the first antenna substrate 20, particularly from near the center of the short side of the first antenna substrate 20, toward near the center of the first antenna substrate 20, along a path as shown by the dashed line in Figure 5 (A).

[0076] 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating an example of the holder 600. Fig. 6A is a diagram illustrating an example of the housing 400 that houses the first antenna substrate 20 and the holder 600.

[0077] 6B is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating the holding part 600 to which the second antenna substrate 30 is attached. The second antenna substrate 30 may be fixed to the holding part 600 by fastening with a screw or the like or by hooking with a latch or the like.

[0078] The holding portion 600 is fixed to the housing 40 by screws or the like. The holding portion 600 fixed to the housing 40 is configured to press the first antenna substrate 20 against the inner surface of the housing 40 via at least one holding protrusion 610 (610a, 610b).

[0079] Such a configuration is advantageous because it makes it easier to maintain a stable attachment state of the first antenna substrate 20 to the housing 40 even if the adhesion between the first antenna substrate 20 and the inner surface of the housing 40 using the adhesive portion (adhesive portion) 23 weakens.

[0080] The holding unit 600 holds the second antenna substrate 30 substantially perpendicular to the first antenna substrate 20. Specifically, the holding unit 600 is configured to be able to hold the second antenna substrate 30 so that the surface normal of the first antenna substrate 20 and the surface normal of the second antenna substrate 30 are substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0081] The cable fixing portion 33 of the second antenna substrate 30, or the cable fixing portion 33 protruding through a through hole provided in the second antenna substrate 30, is configured as a clip that can shape and fix a cable 32, such as a coaxial cable, connected to the second antenna portion 31.

[0082] 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating an example of the main board 10. Fig. 7A is a front view of a front surface 71 of the main board 10. Fig. 7B is a front view of a back surface 72 of the main board 10.

[0083] The surface 71 of the main board 10 is the surface facing the first antenna board 20 inside the transmitter 1. The main board 10 has a shielding portion 17 and the like on the surface 71. As described above, the shielding portion 17 covers a signal generating portion such as a power amplifier, and reduces the leakage of spurious signals and unwanted radiation outside the shielding portion 17.

[0084] 7, the shielding portion 17 is provided on the surface 71, but in another embodiment, a single larger shielding portion may be used. In yet another embodiment, instead of the configuration in which the shielding portion 17 is fixed to the main board 10, a configuration in which a separate shielding portion is sandwiched and fixed between the main board 10 and the holding portion 600 may be used.

[0085] The shielding unit 17 is, for example, a metal cover (metal cover, metal case), and is preferably configured to further reduce the amount of noise and the like generated by a signal generating unit such as a power amplifier (PA) or an RF transmitting unit that leaks outside the shielding unit 17.

[0086] The rear surface 72 of the main board 10 is the surface facing the reflecting unit 300 inside the transmitter 1. The main board 10 has a heat conducting unit 18 on the rear surface 72, and in the embodiment of Fig. 7, the heat conducting unit 18 is configured as a heat sink. Instead of or in addition to a heat sink, a heat conducting sheet or a heat conducting fluid (grease, etc.) may be used as the heat conducting unit 18.

[0087] 8A and 8B are examples of explanatory diagrams illustrating the housing 400 accommodating the holding portion 600, the first antenna substrate 20, etc. Fig. 8A is an explanatory diagram illustrating the housing 400 accommodating the holding portion 600, the first antenna substrate 20, etc., as viewed from the housing opening 420 side. Fig. 8B is an explanatory diagram illustrating the housing 400 of Fig. 8A as viewed from the clearance portion 480 side.

[0088] The housing 400 has a housing opening 420, and the first antenna board 20, the holding part 600, etc. are preferably inserted and accommodated inside the housing through the housing opening 420. In the embodiment of Fig. 8(A) , the main board 10 located near the housing opening 420 has, on its back surface 72, the heat conducting part 18 formed as a heat dissipation sheet, the connector 80, etc.

[0089] The main board 10 is connected to the cables 22, 32 guided from the first antenna board 20 and the second antenna board 30 via a connector 80. The cables 22, 32 may be configured as coaxial cables, for example.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 8B , the housing 400 has a clearance portion 480 , and the nuts of the input portion 15 and the output portion 16 are tightened against the housing 400 within the clearance portion 480 .

[0091] The clearance portion 480 may further be dimensioned to facilitate the attachment of cables, such as M12D cables, connected to the input unit 15 and the output unit 16 and to ensure stable maintenance of the attached state. The clearance portion 480 may have dimensions that can be derived based on the dimensional values ​​shown in FIG. 3, for example.

[0092] 9A and 9B are examples of explanatory diagrams illustrating the spatial positional relationship between the main board 10, the first antenna board 20, and the second antenna board 30 housed in the housing 400 of Fig. 8. Fig. 9A is an example of a perspective view illustrating the spatial positional relationship between the boards 10, 20, and 30. Fig. 9B is an example of a perspective view of the boards 10, 20, and 30 shown in Fig. 9A, viewed from a different angle.

[0093] 9, the main board 10 and the first antenna board 20 are disposed substantially parallel to each other. On the other hand, the second antenna board 30 is disposed substantially perpendicular to the main board 10 and the first antenna board 20.

[0094] As a result, the substrates 10, 20, and 30 are arranged so that the surface normals of the main substrate 10 and the first antenna substrate 20 are approximately perpendicular to the surface normal of the second antenna substrate 30. Note that the spatial positional relationship between the main substrate 10, the first antenna substrate 20, etc. shown in Fig. 9 may be stably held by the holding unit 600 in the transmitter 1.

[0095] The holding unit 600 can preferably maintain the distance between the main board 10 and the first antenna board 20 at, for example, about 15 mm to 30 mm. With such a configuration, it is possible to achieve high radiation efficiency while maintaining a low-profile design of the transmitter 1 used in, for example, the 920 MHz band.

[0096] As already explained, the housing 400 has a housing surface that is substantially parallel to the first antenna substrate 20 including the first antenna section 21 and the reflecting section 300. The housing surface has a substantially rectangular shape.

[0097] The first antenna substrate 20 includes a first antenna element 21a and a second antenna element 21b each having a substantially V-shape as the first antenna section 21. Both ends of the first antenna element 21a and the second antenna element 21b extend toward different vertices of the substantially rectangular shape of the housing surface. In particular, both ends of the first antenna element 21a and the second antenna element 21b extend toward different vertices of the short sides of the substantially rectangular shape of the housing surface.

[0098] For example, two first antenna units 21 (21a, 21b) are provided on the first antenna substrate 20. In the embodiment of Fig. 9, the two first antenna units 21 (21a, 21b) are substantially V-shaped cross dipole antennas.

[0099] The first antenna unit 21 (21a, 21b) has two ends of a substantially V-shape that extend toward both ends of the short side of the first antenna substrate 20. In addition, the first antenna unit 21 (21a, 21b) has a central bent portion of the substantially V-shape that is located near the center of the first antenna substrate 20.

[0100] 9, the first antenna portion 21 (21a, 21b) is connected to the cable 22 near the center of the first antenna substrate 20. The cable 22 is connected to the main substrate 10 at an end thereof different from the end thereof connected to the first antenna portion 21 (21a, 21b).

[0101] The configuration of the first antenna unit 21 provided on the first antenna substrate 20 is not limited to the above-described configuration. In another configuration, the first antenna unit 21 includes a first antenna element 21 a and a second antenna element 21 b, the first antenna element 21 a has a shape portion in common with the second antenna element 21 b, the first antenna element 21 a further has an additional path portion, and the first antenna element 21 a outputs an electromagnetic wave having a phase different from that of the electromagnetic wave output from the second antenna element.

[0102] In yet another configuration, the first antenna substrate 20 includes a third antenna element as the first antenna section 21, and the third antenna element extends along at least a portion of the periphery of the surface of the housing.

[0103] 9A, the first antenna substrate 20 has a generally rectangular shape, and a recess is provided near the center of the lower long side thereof. This recess can provide a space for guiding the light guide unit 142 shown in FIG. 4 and the like to the housing 400.

[0104] 9B, the input section 15 is configured as a male 4-pin connector, and the output section 16 is configured as a female 4-pin connector. The four pins can be used for power supply, a data line (positive side), a data line (negative side), and ground.

[0105] The male 4-pin connector may be, for example, a 4-pin M12D male. The female 4-pin connector may be, for example, a 4-pin M12D female. The input unit 15 and the output unit 16 may both be male, both be female, or may have a configuration where the male and female connectors are interchanged. The input unit 15 and the output unit 16 may also have a different configuration from the above example.

[0106] The input unit 15 may be configured to receive power from a conventional general power grid, or may be configured to receive power from a next-generation power grid (smart grid), a solar power generation grid (photovoltaic power generation grid, solar grid), or a laser light power generation grid.

[0107] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of the configuration of the reflector 300. Fig. 10A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an inner surface 310 of the reflector 300. Fig. 10B is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outer surface 320 of the reflector 300.

[0108] 10(A) is the surface that faces the housing 400 and comes into contact with the housing 400. In the reflector 300 shown in Fig. 10(A), a recess 311, such as a groove or a notch, into which the sealing section 330 can be fitted is formed around the periphery of the reflector inner surface 310.

[0109] The sealing part 330 fitted into the recess is, for example, a packing etc. The sealing part 330 is preferably made of an elastic material, and is preferably configured to maintain a liquid-tight connection between the reflecting part 300 and the housing 400 by its elastic deformation.

[0110] At least a part of the reflecting portion 300 is formed as a heat dissipating portion (heat receiving portion) 340. For example, the reflecting portion inner surface 310 may have the heat dissipating portion (heat receiving portion) 340. The heat dissipating portion 340 may be provided in an area that is thermally connected to the heat conducting portion 18 attached to the main board 10.

[0111] Preferably, it is formed more convex than other areas of the inner surface 310 of the reflecting portion, and the main board 10 is in contact with the heat dissipation portion 340 of the reflecting portion 300 formed as a convex portion, either directly or indirectly via a heat conducting member (such as the heat conducting portion 18).

[0112] The main substrate 10 may be provided with a heat generating portion in a corresponding area on the opposite side of the area in contact with the heat dissipation portion 340 of the reflecting portion 300. The heat generating portion may be, for example, an amplifier or a processing unit.

[0113] The reflecting section 300 can be manufactured inexpensively if it is manufactured from a metal of the same composition by casting or die-casting. However, it may also be manufactured from metals of different compositions in different parts of the reflecting section 300 by, for example, a layering method (3D printing) or the like.

[0114] For example, the heat dissipation section (heat receiving section) 340 of the reflector 300 may be made of a metal with higher thermal conductivity, and the other parts of the reflector 300 may be made of a metal with higher electromagnetic wave reflectivity. In yet another embodiment, the reflector 300 may be made of a combination of multiple different individual metal parts.

[0115] The reflecting section 300 receives heat generated on the main board 10 at the heat dissipation section (heat receiving section) 340 via the heat conduction section 18, and dissipates the heat from the reflecting section outer surface 320 to the outside of the transmitter 1. It is preferable if the heat dissipation section 340 can quickly diffuse the heat received by the heat dissipation section 340 throughout the reflecting section 300, as this improves the heat dissipation performance of the entire transmitter 1.

[0116] In another embodiment, the heat dissipation section (heat receiving section) 340 may be in direct contact with the main board 10 without using a member such as the heat conduction section 18. In yet another embodiment, the reflecting section 300 may have a plurality of heat dissipation sections (heat receiving sections) 340, and in such a configuration, the dimensions and shapes of the heat dissipation sections may be different.

[0117] The reflecting unit outer surface 320 of the reflecting unit 300 shown in Fig. 10(B) is the surface facing away from the housing 400. The reflecting unit 300 shown in Fig. 10(B) is provided with a plurality of fastener insertion holes 323 at various locations on the reflecting unit outer surface 320.

[0118] A fixing device 324 , such as a screw, is inserted into the fixing device insertion hole 323 , and the fixing device 324 is further inserted into a boss 410 provided on the housing 400 to fixedly connect the reflecting portion 300 and the housing 400 .

[0119] The reflecting portion outer surface 320 is provided with a mounting structure 322. The mounting structure 322 can be used as a connection part with a mounting fixture for mounting the transmitter 1 at a mounting position.

[0120] The mounting structure 322 may be configured to allow an additional mounting fixture, such as a DIN rail mounting fixture, to be fixed using screws, etc. The mounting structure 322 may also be configured to allow the transmitter 1 to be mounted in a selected orientation, for example, allowing the transmitter 1 to be mounted either vertically or horizontally.

[0121] In yet another embodiment, the transmitter 1 may be configured so that its orientation or tilt can be adjusted, or it can be rotated or slid via the mounting structure 322, etc. Such a configuration is advantageous because it allows for flexible adjustment of the direction in which the electromagnetic waves emitted from the transmitter 1 travel in space, and therefore the area in space to which wireless power supply by the transmitter 1 is possible.

[0122] 11A and 11B are examples of explanatory diagrams illustrating the reflecting portion 300 on which the main substrate 10 is superimposed. Fig. 11A is a perspective view illustrating the reflecting portion 300 on which the main substrate 10 is superimposed. Fig. 11B is a perspective view of the reflecting portion 300 of Fig. 11A viewed from a different angle.

[0123] The reflecting section 300 has a recess 311 formed in a groove shape. The sealing section 330 is fitted into the recess 311. The main substrate 10 is slightly smaller than the approximate rectangle formed by the recess 311.

[0124] The reflecting section 300 and the main board 10 are arranged substantially parallel to each other. The distance between the reflecting section 300 and the main board 10 is preferably designed to be relatively small, and in particular, in the region of the heat dissipation section 340 of the reflecting section 300, they are preferably close enough to be in direct contact or indirect contact via a sheet-like member, grease, or the like.

[0125] 12A and 12B are examples of explanatory diagrams illustrating a second embodiment of the transmitter 1. Fig. 12A is a perspective view of the transmitter 1 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 12B is a perspective view of the transmitter 1 of Fig. 12A with a housing cover (non-metallic housing) 1210 removed.

[0126] In the following description, a housing cover (hereinafter also referred to as a non-metallic housing) 1210 corresponds to the housing 400 in the transmitter 1 according to the first embodiment. In the following description, a housing lower part (hereinafter also referred to as a metallic housing) 1220 corresponds to the reflecting part 300 in the transmitter 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0127] The explanations regarding the reflecting unit 300, the housing 400, etc. in the transmitter 1 according to the first embodiment are similarly applied to the following embodiments unless technical inconsistencies arise, and therefore explanations of the configurations etc. that have already been explained may be omitted.

[0128] The transmitter 1 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 12 has a transmitter that generates an RF signal (Radio Frequency signal) contained in a housing 1200 and an antenna that radiates the RF signal, similar to the transmitter 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0129] The antenna can be installed on the back (inner surface facing the housing bottom 1220) of the housing cover (non-metallic housing) 1210 of the housing 1200. In addition, it is preferable that the housing bottom (metallic housing) 1220 of the transmitter 1 is made of metal.

[0130] In such a configuration, the lower part of the housing 1220 may be configured to function as a heat sink to dissipate heat generated by the amplifier, and to reflect radio waves to increase radiation gain.

[0131] The core material of the housing 1200, for example, the lid is made of ABS resin, and the antenna is preferably formed of a thin (flexible, etc.) low-loss substrate such as FR4 (Flame Retardant Type 4) or Megtron 6 (registered trademark) or Rogers in order to reduce loss in the substrate.

[0132] The lower housing portion 1220, which serves as a heat sink and a reflector, is preferably made of a metal such as aluminum, since such a configuration makes it possible to reduce the weight of the lower housing portion 1220, make it easier to process, and lower the cost.

[0133] Antennas can be dipole-based cross-dipole antennas, loop-based antennas, rotating polarization antennas, patch antennas, etc., either singly or in combination. Some of these examples are shown in Figures 17 and 19. In particular, antennas should be positioned to maximize the antenna aperture.

[0134] 12 to 23, various antennas can be used. In another example, the antenna may have a shape that extends in a straight line or a zigzag pattern in the longitudinal direction of lower housing (metal housing) 1220, or a shape that extends in a straight line or a zigzag pattern in the lateral direction of lower housing (metal housing) 1220, as long as it fits within lower housing (metal housing) 1220.

[0135] In yet another example, the antenna may extend diagonally in any direction within the lower housing (metal housing) 1220, in a zigzag pattern, in a curved pattern, in a meandering pattern, in a regular pattern, or in an irregular pattern.

[0136] In still other examples, the antenna may be any combination of the various antenna shapes described herein, or any other shape.

[0137] The housing cover (non-metallic housing) 1210 and the housing lower part (metallic housing) 1220 are disposed substantially parallel to each other. The transmitter 1 has a low profile in the radiation direction Dr.

[0138] The transmitter 1 has a main radiation direction Dr of electromagnetic waves (FIGS. 14 and 15) in the normal direction of the parallel surfaces of the housing cover (non-metallic housing) 1210 and the housing bottom (metallic housing) 1220.

[0139] The transmitter 1 configured in this way can function as an antenna whose main radiation is an electric field or a magnetic field, unlike a conventional patch antenna, and is particularly suitable for use in wireless power supply and the like.

[0140] Furthermore, since the transmitter 1 can be used even when installed with the bottom of the housing against a metal surface at the installation position, the performance of the transmitter 1 and antenna is designed to be less susceptible to the effects of the installation position, the physical properties of the installation area, and other characteristics.

[0141] In the transmitter 1, power may be fed to the antenna using UFL or a coaxial cable. The antenna may also be connected directly to the signal generating board. The antenna matching circuit may be installed on the signal generating board side. The transmitter 1 may also have a dielectric between the antenna and the signal generating board.

[0142] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating different configuration examples of the transmitter 1. In the configuration example shown in Fig. 13A, the non-metallic housing 1210 has a substantially cylindrical shape and has a space therein for accommodating a substrate, an antenna, etc. In the configuration example shown in Fig. 13A, the metal housing 1220 has a substantially disk-like shape and is configured to cover the non-metallic housing 1210.

[0143] In the configuration example shown in Fig. 13(B), the non-metallic housing 1210 and the metal housing 1220 are configured to be combined to form a substantially cylindrical shape. The non-metallic housing 1210 and the metal housing 1220 are each hollow, and a common substrate, antenna, etc. are housed inside the hollow space. While Fig. 13(B) illustrates a configuration in which the non-metallic housing 1210 and the metal housing 1220 are each formed like a cylinder divided in half, the ratio of division can be designed as desired.

[0144] In the configuration example shown in Fig. 13(C), the non-metallic housing 1210 has a substantially hexagonal plate shape and is configured to cover the metal housing 1220. In the configuration example shown in Fig. 13(C), the metal housing 1220 has a substantially hexagonal prism plate shape and has a space therein for accommodating a substrate, an antenna, and the like.

[0145] 13D, the non-metallic housing 1210 and the metallic housing 1220 are combined to form a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The substantially rectangular parallelepiped formed by the non-metallic housing 1210 and the metallic housing 1220 has a hollow space therein, and a common substrate, antenna, etc. can be housed in the hollow space.

[0146] Figure 13 (D) shows a configuration in which the metal casing 1220 forms at least two faces of an approximately rectangular parallelepiped by itself, but the number of faces formed by the non-metal casing 1210 or the metal casing 1220 by itself, the proportion of the faces formed by both the non-metal casing 1210 and the metal casing 1220, etc. can be designed as desired.

[0147] Even in the above-described examples of different shapes, the transmitter 1 has an advantage over conventional transmitters in that it can be designed with comparatively greater flexibility in appearance while maintaining a low profile and high antenna directivity.

[0148] The shape of the transmitter 1, particularly the shape of the housing 1200 of the transmitter 1, can be formed in various shapes such as a box shape, a sphere shape, a cylinder shape, a column shape, a polygonal shape, etc. For example, in addition to a rectangular parallelepiped shape, the antenna may be wound around a cylinder or a rectangular pillar, or the shape of the housing of the transmitter may have a circular or triangular cross section.

[0149] As described above, the metal housing 1220 in the configuration examples having different shapes may be configured as the reflecting unit 300 in the first embodiment. Therefore, the metal housing 1220 may have the individual components described for the reflecting unit 300 in the first embodiment, either alone or in combination.

[0150] 14A and 14B are diagrams illustrating examples of the radiation direction of electromagnetic waves. Fig. 14A illustrates a transmitter 1 in which a non-metallic housing 1210 and a metallic housing 1220 are arranged so as to overlap each other when viewed in the radiation direction Dr of electromagnetic waves radiated from an antenna 1400, as in the transmitter 1 according to the first embodiment and Fig. 13A.

[0151] The mark shown as the radiation direction Dr in the top view of Figure 14(A) indicates that the radio waves from the transmitter 1 are radiated perpendicular to the paper surface, toward the front side of the paper surface.

[0152] Similarly, the mark shown as the radiation direction Dr in the side view of Figure 14(B) indicates that the radio waves from the transmitter 1 are radiated perpendicular to the paper surface, toward the front side of the paper surface.

[0153] 14B, non-metallic housing 1210 is located closer to the front of the page in radiation direction Dr than metal housing (housing and antenna reflector) 1220. In other words, metal housing (housing and antenna reflector) 1220 is located upstream of the radiation direction Dr, and non-metallic housing 1210 is located downstream of the radiation direction Dr.

[0154] Figure 14 (B) illustrates a transmitter 1 in which a non-metallic housing 1210 and a metallic housing 1220 are arranged side by side, as seen in the radiation direction Dr of the electromagnetic waves emitted from the antenna 1400, like the transmitter 1 in Figure 13 (B).

[0155] In the configuration example of FIG. 14(A), antenna 1400 is connected to signal generating board 1410 via coaxial cable 1420. Electromagnetic waves emitted from antenna 1400 pass directly through non-metallic housing 1210 and are radiated out of transmitter 1 in radiation direction Dr in the side view. Furthermore, electromagnetic waves radiated from antenna 1400 in the direction of metal housing 1220 are reflected by metal housing 1220, which functions as a reflector, and radiated in radiation direction Dr in the side view. Therefore, in the side view, the electromagnetic waves radiated directly from antenna 1400 in the Dr direction and the electromagnetic waves reflected by metal housing 1220 and radiated in the Dr direction overlap, pass through non-metallic housing 1210, and are radiated. These overlapping electromagnetic waves are radiated in radiation direction Dr, i.e., toward the front of the paper in the top view.

[0156] In the embodiment of FIG. 14B , the antenna 1450 is directly connected to the signal generating board 1460. For example, the antenna 1450 may be formed on the signal generating board 1460. However, a hollow space may be provided between the antenna 1450 and the signal generating board 1460, and they may be connected by a cable as shown in FIG. 14A . The electromagnetic waves emitted from the antenna 1400 pass directly through the non-metallic housing 1210 and are radiated to the outside of the transmitter 1 in the radiation direction Dr in the top view. Furthermore, the electromagnetic waves radiated from the antenna 1400 in the direction of the metal housing 1220 are reflected by the metal housing 1220, which functions as a reflector, and are radiated in the radiation direction Dr in the top view. Therefore, in the top view, the electromagnetic waves radiated directly from the antenna 1400 in the Dr direction and the electromagnetic waves reflected by the metal housing 1220 and radiated in the Dr direction overlap and pass through the non-metallic housing 1210 before being radiated. These overlapping electromagnetic waves are emitted in a radiation direction Dr, that is, in the direction into the paper in the side view.

[0157] The metal housing 1220 in the embodiment of FIG. 14B is formed to be hollow, and the antenna 1450 and at least a part of the signal generating board 1460 are housed in the hollow space.

[0158] Fig. 15 is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating the radiation direction of electromagnetic waves in the transmitter 1 of Fig. 12. Fig. 15(A) is a perspective view showing the transmitter 1 according to the second embodiment shown in Fig. 12 together with its radiation direction Dr. Fig. 15(B) is a perspective view of the transmitter 1 of Fig. 12(A) and Fig. 15(A) with the housing cover (non-metallic housing) 1210 removed.

[0159] In the transmitter 1 of the second embodiment, the radiation direction Dr of the transmitter 1 is perpendicular to the outer surfaces of the non-metallic housing 1210 and the metal housing 1220, which are approximately parallel to each other, and is a direction from the metal housing 1220 to the non-metallic housing 1210.

[0160] Fig. 16 is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating the performance of the transmitter 1 according to the second embodiment shown in Fig. 12. Fig. 16 shows the results of a simulation performed by the applicant on a computer using a mathematical model for the transmitter 1.

[0161] Fig. 16(A) is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating the radiation efficiency of the transmitter 1 according to the second embodiment shown in Fig. 12. Fig. 16(B) is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating the directivity (absolute gain ratio) of the transmitter 1 according to the second embodiment shown in Fig. 12.

[0162] As can be seen from Fig. 16A, the transmitter 1 according to the second embodiment has good radiation efficiency in the 920 MHz band, and in particular, has a radiation efficiency of 97.8% at 918 MHz. Also, as can be seen from Fig. 16B, the transmitter 1 according to the second embodiment has directivity of about 6.1 dBi at 918 MHz.

[0163] Fig. 17 is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating another configuration example of the transmitter 1. Fig. 17(A) is a perspective view of the transmitter 1 according to the other configuration example. Fig. 17(B) is a perspective view of the transmitter 1 of Fig. 17(A) in a state where the housing cover (non-metallic housing) 1210 is removed.

[0164] The appearance of the transmitter 1 shown in Fig. 17 is similar to that of the transmitter 1 according to the configuration examples shown in Fig. 12 and Fig. 15. The transmitter 1 according to this configuration example has a dipole antenna 1250 similar to that of the configuration example shown in Fig. 15, and further has a loop antenna 1700.

[0165] The loop antenna 1700 may be arranged along the outer periphery of the substrate 1240. The transmitter 1 according to this configuration example can perform more efficient transmission by combining the loop antenna 1700 with the dipole antenna 1250 having different radiation characteristics.

[0166] In the transmitter 1 according to this configuration example, it is preferable to feed, for example, 500 mW to each of the dipole antenna 1250 and the loop antenna 1700. In yet another embodiment, the magnitude of the power fed to the dipole antenna 1250 and the loop antenna 1700 may be made different or adjustable.

[0167] Fig. 18 is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating the performance of the transmitter 1 shown in Fig. 17. Fig. 18 shows the results of a simulation performed by the applicant on a computer using a mathematical model for the transmitter 1.

[0168] Fig. 18(A) is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating the radiation efficiency of the transmitter 1 shown in Fig. 17. Fig. 18(B) and Fig. 18(C) are examples of explanatory diagrams illustrating the directivities (absolute gain ratios) of the dipole antenna 1250 and the loop antenna 1700 of the transmitter 1 shown in Fig. 17, respectively.

[0169] From Figure 18(A), it can be seen that the radiation efficiency of the dipole antenna 1250 at 918 MHz is approximately 98% (Efficiency [1] in Figure 18(A)), and the radiation efficiency of the loop antenna 1700 at 918 MHz is approximately 97% (Efficiency [2] in Figure 18(A)).

[0170] 18(A) , it can be seen that the reduction in radiation efficiency due to electromagnetic coupling that can occur in a configuration in which two metal bodies are arranged in a narrow space is effectively prevented. 18(B) and 18(C) , it can be seen that both the dipole antenna 1250 and the loop antenna 1700 have directivity in the direction normal to the substrate 1240, from the metal housing 1220 to the non-metallic housing 1210.

[0171] Fig. 19 is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating yet another configuration example of the transmitter 1. Fig. 19(A) is a perspective view of the transmitter 1 according to this configuration example. Fig. 19(B) is a perspective view of the transmitter 1 of Fig. 19(A) in a state where the housing cover (non-metallic housing) 1210 has been removed.

[0172] The appearance of the transmitter 1 shown in Fig. 19 is similar to that of the transmitter 1 shown in Fig. 12 and Fig. 15. The transmitter 1 has a dipole antenna similar to the dipole antenna 1250 in Fig. 15 and Fig. 17.

[0173] Specifically, the transmitter 1 has a V-dipole antenna consisting of a first antenna section 1910 and a dipole antenna consisting of a second antenna section 1920 and a phase adjustment section 1930 .

[0174] The transmitter 1 has a polarization rotation type cross dipole antenna 1900, which is configured by combining the pair of dipole antennas described above. The transmitter 1 according to this configuration example can radiate rotationally polarized waves as described below using the polarization rotation type cross dipole antenna 1900.

[0175] The structure, particularly the length, of the first antenna unit 1910 and the second antenna unit 1920 is similar to that of the dipole antenna 1250 in the configuration examples of Figures 15 and 17. In particular, it is about 1 / 4 of the wavelength λ used by the transmitter 1.

[0176] In the transmitter 1 shown in Figure 19, a phase adjustment unit 1930 is connected to the second antenna unit 1920, and the first length (element length) formed by them is longer than the length (element length) of the dipole antenna formed by the first antenna unit 1910.

[0177] The phase adjustment unit 1930 is preferably disposed in a region near the center of the substrate 1240. The phase adjustment unit 1930 is further preferably configured such that the phase of the dipole antenna formed by the second antenna unit 1920 and the phase adjustment unit 1930 is shifted relative to the phase of the dipole antenna formed by the first antenna unit 1910.

[0178] In the transmitter 1 shown in Fig. 19, the phase shift caused by the phase adjustment unit 1930 may be, for example, about λ / 4. Based on this phase shift, the transmitter 1 shown in Fig. 19 can radiate a rotationally polarized wave.

[0179] When a transmitter 1 that emits rotationally polarized waves is used for wireless power supply to electronic devices 2, it is advantageous because the out-of-phase polarization enables good wireless power transmission to multiple electronic devices 2 that have different orientations or positions relative to the transmitter 1.

[0180] Fig. 20 is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating the performance of the transmitter 1 shown in Fig. 19. Fig. 20 shows the results of a simulation performed by the applicant on a computer using a mathematical model for the transmitter 1.

[0181] Fig. 20(A) is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating the radiation efficiency of the transmitter 1 according to this configuration example. Fig. 20(B) is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating the directivity (absolute gain ratio) of the transmitter 1 shown in Fig. 19. Fig. 20(C) is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating the rotatability of the transmitter 1 shown in Fig. 19.

[0182] It can be seen from FIG. 20A that the radiation efficiency of the polarization rotating cross dipole antenna 1900 at 918 MHz is approximately 94% (Efficiency [1] in FIG. 20A).

[0183] From FIG. 20B, it can be seen that the polarization rotating cross dipole antenna 1900 has directivity in the normal direction of the substrate 1240, from the metal housing 1220 to the non-metal housing 1210.

[0184] 18C, it can be seen that the axial ratio (AR) of the polarization radiated by the polarization rotation type cross dipole antenna 1900 is low, which means that an electric field is generated on both axes.

[0185] As a result, when used for wireless power supply, for example, the transmitter 1 shown in Figure 19 is configured to easily eliminate the difficulty in receiving power due to differences in the relative orientation between the electronic device 2 that is the receiver.

[0186] 21A and 21B are explanatory diagrams illustrating another example of the configuration of the transmitter 1. Fig. 21A is a cross-sectional view of the transmitter 1 according to this example. Fig. 21B is a perspective view of the transmitter 1 in Fig. 21A with the housing cover (non-metallic housing) 1210 removed.

[0187] 21 has a heat sink 2100 thermally conductively attached to a ground and reflective element 2130 inside a housing 1200. A housing lid (non-metallic housing) 1210 has an opening 2120 for the heat sink.

[0188] The heat sink 2100 is preferably exposed to the outside of the housing 1200 through the heat sink opening 2120, and in particular, is preferably exposed to the outside of the housing 1200 so as to be able to exchange heat with the outside air around the transmitter 1, etc.

[0189] Fig. 22 is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating the performance of the transmitter 1 shown in Fig. 21. Fig. 22(A) is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating the S parameters of the transmitter 1 shown in Fig. 21. Fig. 22(B) is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating the radiation efficiency of the transmitter 1 shown in Fig. 21.

[0190] 22(A) confirms that the transmitter 1 functions normally at 920 MHz. Also, FIG. 22(B) confirms that the transmitter 1 has good radiation efficiency in the 920 MHz band. The radiation efficiency of the transmitter 1 according to this configuration example at 920 MHz is approximately 98%, and the actual efficiency including reflection characteristics is approximately 90%.

[0191] Fig. 23 is an example of an explanatory diagram illustrating the radiation direction of electromagnetic waves in the transmitter 1 shown in Fig. 21. It can be seen from Fig. 23 that the transmitter 1 radiates electromagnetic waves in the radiation direction Dr.

[0192] The electromagnetic waves emitted by the two-element Yagi-Uda antenna 2140 are emitted directly in the radiation direction Dr, pass through the non-metallic housing 1210, and are output to the outside of the transmitter 1. The electromagnetic waves are also reflected by the heat sink 2100 and the ground / reflection element arranged next to the two-element Yagi-Uda antenna 2140, and then pass through the non-metallic housing 1210 and are output to the outside of the transmitter 1.

[0193] 24 is an example of an explanatory diagram for comparing cases where various antennas are used. Transmitters using antennas such as dipole, patch, Yagi-Uda, loop, Vivaldi, and parabolic types each have advantages and disadvantages in terms of size / low profile, radiation efficiency, directivity, mass productivity, cost, ease of installation / operability, and robustness.

[0194] Compared to transmitters using the various antennas described above, the present transmitter 1 has good or very good characteristics in terms of size / low profile, radiation efficiency, directivity, mass productivity, cost, installability / operability, and robustness. The characteristic of the present transmitter 1, which has a low profile structure and good directivity, is particularly excellent when used as a power supply device for wireless power supply, for example.

[0195] The communication band used for power supply is not limited to the 920 MHz band, but may be any UHF band, such as the 868 MHz band used in Europe and the 915 MHz band in the United States. Other frequency bands within the UHF band may also be used. The communication band for data communication is not limited to the 2.4 GHz band, but may be a frequency band in the range of ±10% around 2.4 GHz. For example, the 2.45 GHz band may be used. A communication band around 5.7 GHz may also be used. While a high frequency band is required for high-speed data communication, a lower frequency band than that for data communication can be used for power supply.

[0196] The control device may be, for example, a single-board computer equipped with a processor. The control device may be, for example, a Raspberry Pi. The control device may also be realized by edge computing implemented using Python (registered trademark) on a Raspberry Pi. The control device may also be realized by a microcomputer, an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit), or a PLC (programmable logic controller).

[0197] The control device is not limited to the above examples and may be, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, tablet, mobile phone, or personal digital assistant (PDA), a wearable terminal such as glasses, a wristwatch, or clothing, a stationary computer or a portable laptop computer, a server located in the cloud or on a network, or a combination of multiple such terminals. For example, a combination of one smartphone and one wearable terminal can logically function as a single terminal. Other information processing terminals may also be used.

[0198] A main memory device can be associated with the control device. This main memory device stores various programs, applications, etc. (modules), and the processor executes these programs and applications to realize each functional element of the overall system. Note that each of these modules may be implemented in hardware, such as by integration. Furthermore, each module may be an independent program or application, or may be implemented as a subprogram or function within a single integrated program or application.

[0199] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes various modifications. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those including all of the described configurations. Furthermore, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of each embodiment with other configurations.

[0200] Furthermore, the above-described configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, etc. may be partially or entirely implemented in hardware, for example, by designing them as integrated circuits. The above-described configurations, functions, etc. may also be implemented in software, with a processor interpreting and executing a program that implements each function. Information such as the programs, tables, and files that implement each function can be stored in a memory, a recording device such as a hard disk or SSD (Solid State Drive), or a recording medium such as an IC card, SD card, or DVD.

[0201] Furthermore, the control lines and information lines shown are those considered necessary for the explanation, and do not necessarily show all the control lines and information lines in the product. In reality, it can be assumed that almost all components are interconnected. The above-mentioned embodiments disclose at least the configurations described in the claims.

[0202] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 transmitter, 2 electronic device, 10 main board, 20 first antenna board, 21 (21a, 21b) first antenna section, 2, 300 reflecting section, 400 housing

Claims

1. A housing and A main board disposed within the housing; a first antenna board disposed within the housing and including a first antenna portion; a reflecting portion that reflects an electromagnetic wave output from the first antenna portion; Equipped with the housing accommodates the first antenna board and the main board in a fixed position; A transmitter, wherein the reflecting portion closes an opening of the housing that houses the first antenna board and the main board.

2. the reflecting portion has a higher reflection characteristic with respect to electromagnetic waves than the housing, The reflecting portion reflects the electromagnetic wave radiated from the first antenna portion toward the housing. The transmitter of claim 1 .

3. Electromagnetic waves emitted from the first antenna portion, and An electromagnetic wave emitted from the first antenna portion and reflected by the reflecting portion, and radiating from the first antenna portion toward the housing. The transmitter of claim 2.

4. The main substrate includes a metal material and reflects electromagnetic waves output from the first antenna portion. A transmitter as claimed in claim 1 or 2.

5. the housing has a housing surface that is substantially parallel to the first antenna board including the first antenna portion and the reflecting portion, a distance between the first antenna substrate and a surface of the housing is smaller than a distance between the first antenna substrate and the reflector; 5. The transmitter of claim 4.

6. a distance between the first antenna portion and the reflector portion is in the range of λ / 16 to λ / 4; λ is the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave; 6. The transmitter of claim 5.

7. At least a portion of the first antenna substrate is in contact with the housing surface. The transmitter of claim 6.

8. the housing has a housing surface that is substantially parallel to the first antenna board including the first antenna portion and the reflecting portion, The housing surface has a substantially rectangular shape, the first antenna substrate includes a first antenna element and a second antenna element each having a substantially V-shape as the first antenna portion, Both ends of the first antenna element and the second antenna element are extending toward different vertices of the generally rectangular shape of the housing surface; A transmitter as claimed in claim 1 or 2.

9. Both ends of the first antenna element and the second antenna element are extending toward vertices of different short sides of the substantially rectangular shape of the housing surface; The transmitter of claim 8.

10. The first antenna element has a common shape with the second antenna element, The first antenna element further includes an additional path portion; The first antenna element outputs an electromagnetic wave having a phase different from that of the electromagnetic wave output from the second antenna element.

10. The transmitter of claim 9.

11. the first antenna substrate includes a third antenna element as the first antenna portion, The third antenna element extends along at least a portion of the periphery of the housing surface. The transmitter of claim 10.

12. At least a part of the reflecting portion is formed as a heat dissipating portion. A transmitter as claimed in claim 1 or 2.

13. The heat dissipation portion of the reflecting portion is formed as a convex portion, The main substrate is in contact with the heat dissipation portion of the reflector directly or indirectly via a heat conductive member.

13. The transmitter of claim 12.

14. The main substrate includes a heat generating portion in an area opposite to an area in contact with the heat dissipation portion.

14. The transmitter of claim 13.

15. The heat generating unit is an amplifier.

15. The transmitter of claim 14.

16. a second antenna substrate including a second antenna portion; The second antenna substrate is disposed substantially perpendicular to the first antenna substrate and the main substrate. A transmitter as claimed in claim 1 or 2.

17. the first antenna board is connected to the main board via a first cable, The first antenna substrate has a substantially rectangular shape, The first cable is guided from a long side of the substantially rectangular shape to the first antenna board and connected to the first antenna unit.

17. The transmitter of claim 16.