Radio communication device and radio communication unit

Abstract

An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present technology includes: a first flat plate part; a second flat plate part; a housing part; a millimeter wave module; and a drive mechanism. The first flat plate part has a flat plate shape. The second flat plate part has a flat plate shape and is orthogonal to the first flat plate part. The housing part has an internal space surrounded by at least the first flat plate part and the second flat plate part. The millimeter wave module is disposed in the internal space, has a radiation surface, which is a plane, and is rotatable. The drive mechanism is disposed in the internal space and rotates the millimeter wave module between a first position where the radiation surface faces a first direction, which is a direction of a normal line of the first flat plate part, and a second position where the radiation surface faces a second direction, which is a direction of a normal line of the second flat plate part.

Description

Wireless communication device and wireless communication unit

[0001] The present technology relates to a wireless communication device and a wireless communication unit applicable to communication using millimeter waves.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic device in which radio waves emitted from an antenna are reflected by a reflector to change the direction of the radio waves, thereby reducing restrictions on directivity and improving the degree of freedom in the mounting position and orientation of the antenna and circuit board.

[0003] JP 2010-278901 A

[0004] As such, there is a demand for technology that makes it possible to optimize the mounting structure of communication devices while maintaining communication quality.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present technology is to provide a wireless communication device and a wireless communication unit that enable optimization of the mounting structure of the communication device while maintaining communication quality.

[0006] To achieve the above object, an information processing device according to one aspect of the present technology includes a first flat plate portion, a second flat plate portion, a housing portion, a millimeter-wave module, and a drive mechanism. The first flat plate portion has a flat plate shape. The second flat plate portion has a flat plate shape and is orthogonal to the first flat plate portion. The housing portion has an internal space surrounded by at least the first flat plate portion and the second flat plate portion. The millimeter-wave module is disposed in the internal space, has a planar radiation surface, and is rotatable. The drive mechanism is disposed in the internal space and rotates the millimeter-wave module between a first position where the radiation surface faces a first direction that is a direction normal to the first flat plate portion, and a second position where the radiation surface faces a second direction that is a direction normal to the second flat plate portion.

[0007] In this wireless communication device, the millimeter-wave module is rotated between a position facing the normal direction of the first flat plate portion and a position facing the normal direction of the second flat plate portion, thereby optimizing the mounting structure of the communication device while maintaining communication quality.

[0008] The housing may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape consisting of an upper surface, a lower surface, and four side surfaces. In this case, the first flat plate portion may be any one of the four side surfaces. The second flat plate portion may be either the upper surface or the lower surface.

[0009] The millimeter-wave module may be disposed in a position adjacent to the exterior of the housing.

[0010] The driving mechanism may include a base, a housing in which the millimeter-wave module is disposed, and a rotation shaft inserted between the base and the housing, in which case the base and the housing may be relatively rotatable about the rotation shaft.

[0011] A first portion of the base near the rotation axis and a second portion of the housing near the rotation axis may be in contact with each other and made of the same material. In this case, heat generated in the millimeter-wave module may be transferred to the housing through a path that includes the second portion, the rotation axis, the first portion, and a portion of the base other than the first portion.

[0012] The second portion of the housing may include a sintered oil-impregnated bearing, in which case the passage may include the sintered oil-impregnated bearing.

[0013] The rotation axis may be disposed parallel to the first flat plate portion and the second flat plate portion.

[0014] The driving mechanism may control a direction of a directional beam formed by the millimeter-wave module by rotating the millimeter-wave module in accordance with a change in the attitude of the millimeter-wave module.

[0015] The driving mechanism may rotate the millimeter-wave module so that the direction of the directional beam is maintained in a predetermined direction.

[0016] The driving mechanism may continuously rotate the millimeter-wave module between the first position and the second position. In this case, the driving mechanism may be capable of stopping the millimeter-wave module at any position between the first position and the second position.

[0017] The driving mechanism may discretely rotate the millimeter-wave module to the first position or the second position. In this case, the driving mechanism may stop the millimeter-wave module at either the first position or the second position.

[0018] The driving mechanism may include a restricting member that restricts rotation of the millimeter wave module so that the rotation range of the millimeter wave module is within a range between the first position and the second position.

[0019] The difference between a first rotation angle at which the millimeter-wave module is in the first position and a second rotation angle at which the millimeter-wave module is in the second position may be 90 degrees.

[0020] The driving mechanism may include a rotary actuator that rotates the millimeter-wave module.

[0021] The driving mechanism may include a rotating member that rotates the millimeter-wave module, a first shape memory alloy connected to the rotating member, and a second shape memory alloy connected to the rotating member. In this case, when the first shape memory alloy is energized, the first shape memory alloy may be heated by the energization and transformed into a memorized shape, thereby pulling the rotating member by the first shape memory alloy, causing the millimeter-wave module to rotate to a first position, and the second shape memory alloy may be elongated. Furthermore, when the second shape memory alloy is energized, the second shape memory alloy may be heated by the energization and transformed into a memorized shape, thereby pulling the rotating member by the second shape memory alloy, causing the millimeter-wave module to rotate to a second position, and the first shape memory alloy may be elongated.

[0022] The wireless communication device may further include a coaxial cable for transmitting and receiving intermediate frequency (IF) signals to and from the millimeter wave module.

[0023] The wireless communication device may further include a flexible substrate having at least one of a microstrip line including a signal line for transmitting and receiving a transmission / reception IF signal to and from the millimeter-wave module, and a strip line including the signal line.

[0024] The wireless communication device may further include a slip ring that supplies power to the millimeter-wave module.

[0025] The wireless communication device may further include a rotary connector that supplies power to the millimeter-wave module.

[0026] According to one aspect of the present technology, there is provided a wireless communication unit disposed in an internal space of a housing having a first flat plate portion, a second flat plate portion that is also flat plate-shaped and perpendicular to the first flat plate portion, and an internal space surrounded by at least the first flat plate portion and the second flat plate portion, the wireless communication unit including a millimeter-wave module and a drive mechanism. The millimeter-wave module has a planar radiation surface and is rotatable. The drive mechanism rotates the millimeter-wave module between a first position where the radiation surface faces a first direction that is a direction normal to the first flat plate portion and a second position where the radiation surface faces a second direction that is a direction normal to the second flat plate portion.

[0027] 1 is a perspective view showing an example configuration of a wireless communication device according to an embodiment of the present technology; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example configuration of a housing; FIG. 3 is a top view of a wireless communication unit; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a wireless communication unit; FIG. 5 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a sintered oil-impregnated bearing; FIG. 6 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a general ball bearing; FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing heat transfer in a ball bearing and a sintered oil-impregnated bearing; FIG. 8 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a sintered oil-impregnated bearing according to an embodiment of the present technology; FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an example configuration of a rotary actuator; FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example configuration of a rotary actuator; FIG. 11 is a side view showing the rotational operation of a rotary actuator; FIG. 12 is a graph showing the relationship between rotation angle and thrust; FIG. 13 is a side view showing an engaging portion of two gears; FIG. 14 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing an example configuration of a stopper; FIG. 15 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing an example configuration of a stopper; FIG. 16 is a system diagram of a wireless communication unit; FIG. 17 is a planar graph showing the intensity of millimeter waves; FIG. 18 is a three-dimensional graph showing the intensity of millimeter waves; FIG. 19 is a three-dimensional graph showing the intensity of millimeter waves; FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing a procedure for beam management by a general terminal device; FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing a procedure for beam management according to the present technology; FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing an application example of the present technology. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a smartphone of a comparative example. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a variation of a wireless communication unit. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a variation of a wireless communication unit. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an SMA actuator. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing changes in the shape of an SMA. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a drive circuit for an SMA actuator. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing the operation of a rotating member and an SMA. FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the operation of an arm. FIG. 8 is a side view showing the operation of a cam. FIG. 9 is a side view and a top view showing an example of a variation of a wireless communication unit. FIG. 10 is a side view and a top view showing an example of a variation of a wireless communication unit. FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing variations of signal supply. FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing variations of signal supply. FIG. 13 is a view showing variations of power supply to a millimeter-wave module. FIG. 14 is a view showing variations of power supply to a millimeter-wave module. FIG. 15 is a view showing variations of power supply to a millimeter-wave module. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a radome. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a unit. FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the rotational operation of the unit.1 is a schematic diagram showing an application example of a radome, a planar graph showing the intensity of millimeter waves, and a schematic diagram showing the state of a millimeter-wave module corresponding to the planar graph.

[0028] Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings. [Wireless Communication Device] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a wireless communication device 1 according to an embodiment of the present technology. The wireless communication device 1 shown in Fig. 1 is capable of performing wireless communication using millimeter waves.

[0029] Millimeter waves are radio waves with wavelengths of 1 to 10 mm and frequencies of 30 to 300 GHz, and are characterized by their high degree of linearity and directionality. In recent years, communication methods using millimeter waves have been considered for fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication systems. The wireless communication device 1 is, for example, a smartphone, which performs wireless communication with other devices by transmitting and receiving millimeter waves. Of course, the specific type of wireless communication device 1 is not limited, and it may also be a tablet or other device used for wireless communication.

[0030] The wireless communication device 1 has a housing 2 and a wireless communication unit 3. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the housing 2. In Fig. 2, the shape of the housing 2 is schematically shown by dashed lines. The housing 2 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is made up of a top surface 4, a bottom surface 5, and four side surfaces 6a to 6d. Each of these is a flat plate-shaped member. Note that in Figs. 1A and 1B, the right side portion of the housing 2 in Fig. 2 (side surface 6d, etc.) is not shown.

[0031] The top surface 4 and the bottom surface 5 are each arranged parallel to the XY plane in the coordinate axes of the figure. The top surface 4 is arranged higher than the bottom surface 5. The side surface 6a is also a plane parallel to the XZ plane. That is, the side surface 6a is perpendicular to each of the top surface 4 and the bottom surface 5. Similarly, the side surface 6b is a plane parallel to the YZ plane, the side surface 6c is a plane parallel to the XZ plane, and the side surface 6d is a plane parallel to the YZ plane, and these are also perpendicular to each of the top surface 4 and the bottom surface 5. The side surface 6a is arranged closer to the viewer (positive side of the Y axis) than the side surface 6c, and the side surface 6b is arranged closer to the upper left of FIG. 2 (positive side of the X axis) than the side surface 6d.

[0032] Furthermore, the housing 2 has an internal space S surrounded by an upper surface 4, a lower surface 5, and side surfaces 6a to 6d. That is, in this embodiment, the internal space S is a space having a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0033] The housing 2 is made of a rigid material such as resin. There are no other limitations on the specific configuration of the housing 2. In this example, the corners of the housing 2 are slightly rounded, but shapes such as this that are not strictly rectangular but can be said to be roughly rectangular are also included in the "rectangular shape" referred to in the present technology.

[0034] [Wireless Communication Unit] The wireless communication unit 3 is a mechanism for performing wireless communication by transmitting and receiving millimeter waves. As shown in Fig. 1 , in this embodiment, the wireless communication unit 3 is disposed in the internal space S of the housing 2. The wireless communication unit 3 has an elongated shape overall, and is disposed near the side surface 6a and slightly toward the side surface 6b in the X direction so that its longitudinal direction extends in the X direction. The specific position inside the housing 2 where the wireless communication unit 3 is disposed is not limited.

[0035] Fig. 3 is a top view of the wireless communication unit 3. Figs. 3A and 3B show the entire wireless communication unit 3 viewed from above. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the wireless communication unit 3. Figs. 4A and 4B show the wireless communication unit 3 viewed generally from the right side in Fig. 1. Fig. 4A is an exploded perspective view showing the individual components constituting the wireless communication unit 3 disassembled.

[0036] The wireless communication unit 3 includes a millimeter wave module 9, a drive mechanism 10, a coaxial cable 11, a flexible substrate 12, and a cable fixing member 13. That is, all of these mechanisms and members are disposed in the internal space S of the housing 2.

[0037] The millimeter-wave module 9 has an overall substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and its upper surface (e.g., the surface located on the positive side of the Z axis in FIG. 3B ) is a flat radiation surface 15. In this example, the radiation surface 15 has a rectangular shape, but the specific shape is not limited, and the surface may be a flat surface of any shape as long as the present technology can be realized. For example, four to five antenna elements are arranged regularly (e.g., in a horizontal row) on the radiation surface 15. The number and specific arrangement of the antenna elements arranged on the radiation surface 15 are not limited. Furthermore, although patch antennas, dipole antennas, etc. are arranged as antenna elements, the specific types thereof are also not limited.

[0038] In addition, the millimeter wave module 9 has mechanisms such as a power amplifier, a low noise amplifier (LNA), a filter, an up / down converter, a phase control unit for beam forming, and a power supply.

[0039] In this embodiment, the millimeter-wave module 9 is configured to be rotatable. Specifically, the position of the millimeter-wave module 9 changes to the position shown in FIG. 3A or the position shown in FIG. 3B by driving a driving mechanism 10, which will be described later. In FIG. 3A , the millimeter-wave module 9 is positioned so that the radiation surface 15 faces the Y direction. That is, the direction of the normal to the radiation surface 15 is the Y direction. On the other hand, in FIG. 3B , the radiation surface 15 faces the Z direction.

[0040] In other words, when viewed from the negative side of the X axis, the state of Fig. 3B can be said to be a state in which the millimeter-wave module 9 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise with respect to the state of Fig. 3A. Hereinafter, the state of the millimeter-wave module 9 in Fig. 3A will be referred to as a rotation angle of 0 degrees, and the state of Fig. 3B will be referred to as a rotation angle of 90 degrees.

[0041] Similarly, Fig. 1A shows a state where the rotation angle is 0 degrees, and Fig. 1B shows a state where the rotation angle is 90 degrees. In Fig. 1A, the radiation surface 15 faces in the Y direction. Here, since the direction of the normal to the side surface 6a shown in Fig. 2 is also the Y direction, it can be said that the radiation surface 15 faces in the direction of the normal to the side surface 6a. Similarly, in Fig. 1B, the radiation surface 15 faces in the Z direction, and since the direction of the normal to the top surface 4 is also the Z direction, it can be said that the radiation surface 15 faces in the direction of the normal to the top surface 4.

[0042] The housing 2 corresponds to an embodiment of a housing portion according to the present technology. The side surface 6a corresponds to an embodiment of a first flat plate portion according to the present technology. The top surface 4 corresponds to an embodiment of a second flat plate portion according to the present technology. The Y direction corresponds to an embodiment of a first direction according to the present technology. The Z direction corresponds to an embodiment of a second direction according to the present technology. A position where the radiation surface 15 faces the Y direction corresponds to an embodiment of a first position according to the present technology. A position where the radiation surface 15 faces the Z direction corresponds to an embodiment of a second position according to the present technology. A rotation angle of 0 degrees corresponds to an embodiment of a first rotation angle according to the present technology. A rotation angle of 90 degrees corresponds to an embodiment of a second rotation angle according to the present technology.

[0043] The driving mechanism 10 is a mechanism that rotates the millimeter wave module 9. The driving mechanism 10 includes a housing 16, a base 17, a rotation shaft 18, a rotation actuator 19, and a stopper 20.

[0044] The housing 16 has a cylindrical shape with an upper surface 21 and a lower surface 22 each having a semicircular shape joined to the lower side of a rectangle, and a rectangular flat plate joined to the upper edge of the lower surface 22 in a manner parallel to the upper edge. Hereinafter, the cylindrical portion of the housing 16 will be referred to as the cylindrical portion 23, and the flat portion as the flat portion 24. Note that in Figures 3 and 4, reference numerals may be omitted for parts that are not visible or difficult to see in the drawings.

[0045] The surface of the housing 16 on the positive side of the Z axis in FIG. 4 (the surface of the columnar portion 23 on the positive side of the Z axis and the surface of the flat plate portion 24 on the positive side of the Z axis) has a rectangular shape, and the millimeter-wave module 9 is disposed on this surface. A cylindrical cavity extending in the X direction is provided from the center of the upper surface 21 to the center of the lower surface 22. A gear 25 is further provided on the upper surface 21. The gear 25 has a ring shape and has teeth on the outside. The gear 25 is disposed on the upper surface 21 so that its opening generally coincides with the opening of the upper surface 21.

[0046] The base 17 is a member made up of a rectangular flat plate portion 26 and a roughly rectangular parallelepiped columnar portion 27. Two openings are provided in the flat plate portion 26, and protrusions or the like of other mechanisms of the wireless communication device 1 are inserted into the openings to position the wireless communication unit 3 inside the housing 2. Alternatively, positioning may be achieved by other methods such as screwing or adhesive bonding.

[0047] The columnar portion 27 has a cavity extending in the X direction, similar to the columnar portion 23 of the housing 16. The cavity of the housing 16 and the cavity of the base 17 are configured to extend continuously in the X direction when the wireless communication unit 3 is assembled.

[0048] The rotating shaft 18 is a rod-shaped member, and its diameter is approximately the same as the cavity of the housing 16 and the cavity of the base 17. As shown in Fig. 4A, the rotating shaft 18 is inserted into and fixed in the cavity of the base 17. The method for fixing the rotating shaft 18 to the base 17 may be any method, such as adhesive bonding.

[0049] Then, by inserting the rotation shaft 18 into the cavity of the housing 16 from the positive side of the X axis, the housing 16 and the millimeter-wave module 9 are rotatably connected to the base 17. In other words, it can be said that the housing 16 and the base 17 are relatively rotatable around the rotation shaft 18. After connection, as shown in FIG. 4B , the end of the rotation shaft 18 reaches just up to the opening of the gear 25. Furthermore, the rotation shaft 18 extends in the X direction. In other words, the rotation shaft 18 is disposed parallel to the side surface 6 a and the top surface 4.

[0050] [Sintered Oil-Impregnated Bearing] Fig. 5 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a sintered oil-impregnated bearing 32. In this embodiment, the rotating shaft 18 is supported by the sintered oil-impregnated bearing 32. Note that Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining the details of the sintered oil-impregnated bearing, and is different from the specific configuration according to the present technology. The configuration of the present technology will be described in detail separately.

[0051] Fig. 5 shows a fixed member 30, a movable member 31, a sintered oil-impregnated bearing 32, and a rotating shaft 33. Fig. 5A shows a perspective view of these members assembled together. Fig. 5B shows only the movable member 31 as a transparent member. Fig. 5C is a cross-sectional view taken along the dashed line in Fig. 5A.

[0052] The movable member 31 is disposed so as to cover two side surfaces of the fixed member 30, and the fixed member 30 and the movable member 31 are provided with cylindrical cavities that communicate in one direction. The two cavities in the movable member 31 have diameters slightly larger than the cavity in the fixed member 30. Note that the shapes of the fixed member 30 and the movable member 31 shown in FIG. 5 are merely examples, and the specific shapes are not limited.

[0053] The sintered oil-impregnated bearing 32 is a cylindrical member, and its outer diameter is approximately the same as the diameter of the two cavities in the movable member 31. In this example, two sintered oil-impregnated bearings 32 are inserted into the two cavities, respectively. The sintered oil-impregnated bearings 32 are formed by powder metallurgy, in which metal powder is placed in a mold, compressed and hardened, and sintered at high temperature. This creates a porous nature in the sintered oil-impregnated bearing 32, which is a characteristic of sintered materials.

[0054] The rotating shaft 33 is a rod-shaped member, and its diameter is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the sintered oil-impregnated bearings 32 and approximately matches the diameter of the cavity in the fixed member 30. The rotating shaft 33 is inserted so as to penetrate through the interiors of the two sintered oil-impregnated bearings 32 and the cavity in the fixed member.

[0055] This allows the movable member 31 to rotate relatively to the fixed member 30 around the rotating shaft 33. When driving, lubricating oil is injected between the rotating shaft 33 and the sintered oil-impregnated bearing 32, and because the sintered oil-impregnated bearing 32 is porous, the lubricating oil soaks into its pores. Therefore, when driving, a pumping action occurs as the rotating shaft 33 rotates, and the lubricating oil inside the sintered oil-impregnated bearing 32 is sucked out. An "oil wedge" created by this lubricating oil lifts the rotating shaft 33 off the sintered oil-impregnated bearing 32, preventing metal-to-metal contact between the sintered oil-impregnated bearing 32 and the rotating shaft 33.

[0056] Furthermore, the lubricating oil expands due to frictional heat and seeps out onto the sliding surface of the sintered oil-impregnated bearing 32, thereby providing lubricating and cooling effects. When the bearing is stationary, the lubricating oil is again absorbed into the pores of the sintered oil-impregnated bearing 32 by capillary force.

[0057] Figure 6 shows a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a typical ball bearing 39. Figure 6 shows the same fixed member 36, movable member 37, and rotating shaft 38 as Figure 5, except that the bearing is a ball bearing 39. A ball bearing is a type of rolling bearing that uses balls to separate the movable parts of the bearing. Ball bearings are also sometimes called ball bearings.

[0058] 7A and 7B are schematic diagrams showing heat transfer in the ball bearing 39 and the sintered oil-impregnated bearing 32. Fig. 7A illustrates heat transfer in the ball bearing 39. Fig. 7B illustrates heat transfer in the sintered oil-impregnated bearing 32. In this example, a mechanism that serves as a heat source, such as the millimeter-wave module 9, is connected to the top of each of the movable members 37 and 31. Heat generated by driving these mechanisms is first conducted to the movable members 37 and 31. In Figs. 7A and 7B, the subsequent heat conduction path is schematically shown by arrows.

[0059] 7A, heat is conducted in the following order: heat source, upper part of movable member 37, ball bearing 39, rotating shaft 38, and fixed member 36. However, the balls of ball bearing 39 are in point contact, and the thermal resistance at this point is high, resulting in poor heat transfer. Therefore, heat accumulates in the upper part of movable member 37 and in the mechanism that serves as the heat source, causing a problem of temperature rise.

[0060] 7B, the sintered oil-impregnated bearing 32 and the rotating shaft 33 are in surface contact, which improves heat transfer and makes it possible to prevent problems such as heat accumulation or temperature rise in the upper part of the movable member 31 or in the heat source. Also, in the case of the sintered oil-impregnated bearing 32, it can be expanded in the axial direction as desired within the allowable range of its volume, so that a wide contact area can be secured to improve heat transfer.

[0061] Figure 8 shows a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a sintered oil-impregnated bearing 42 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment as well, a sintered oil-impregnated bearing 42 is used as the bearing for the rotating shaft 18. Figure 8A shows a perspective view of the wireless communication unit 3, Figure 8B shows a perspective view of the cross section, and Figure 8C shows the cross section as viewed from the positive side of the Y axis. In Figure 8C, the paths of heat conduction are indicated by arrows, as in Figure 7.

[0062] 8B and 8C, sintered oil-impregnated bearings 42 are provided on the portions of the housing 16 that face the cavity. The sintered oil-impregnated bearings 42 are disposed near the upper surface 21 (the surface on the negative side of the X-axis) and the lower surface 22 (the surface on the positive side of the X-axis) of the housing 16, respectively.

[0063] 8C , heat generated by driving the millimeter-wave module 9 is conducted and dissipated in the following order: millimeter-wave module 9, housing 16, sintered oil-impregnated bearing 42, rotating shaft 18, and base 17. The rotating shaft 18 and the sintered oil-impregnated bearing 42 are in surface contact with each other, improving heat transfer and making it possible to suppress temperature rises in the millimeter-wave module 9 and the resulting failures.

[0064] 9 and 10 are perspective views showing an example of the configuration of the rotary actuator 19. 9 and 10 show enlarged views of the rotary actuator 19 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The rotary actuator 19 has a fixed block 45, a back yoke 46 (46a, 46b), a coil 47, a bearing 48, four magnets 49 (49a to 49d), a rotary shaft 50, and a drive gear 51.

[0065] 9B omits the illustration of the fixed block 45 and drive gear 51, and illustrates the back yoke 46b, coil 47, bearing 48, magnets 49a-49d, and rotating shaft 50 so that the portions of the back yoke 46a that are hidden behind the page can be seen. Also, FIGS. 10A-C are views of the rotary actuator 19 as viewed from the positive side of the Z axis in FIG. 10A and 10B also omit the illustration of the fixed block 45 and drive gear 51. FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 10B omits the illustration of the drive gear 51.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 10C, the fixed block 45 has a shape in which a convex portion, which is a smaller rectangular parallelepiped, is connected to the center of the top surface of the fixed block 45. The fixed block 45 is a base member on which the components constituting the rotation actuator 19 are arranged. The fixed block 45 has a through-hole in the center through which the rotation shaft 50 passes. The fixed block 45 is arranged on the most positive side of the X-axis.

[0067] The back yoke 46b is a rectangular flat plate with an opening in the center through which the protrusion of the fixed block 45 passes. The back yoke 46b is disposed in contact with the surface of the fixed block 45 on the negative side of the X axis. The back yoke is a component used to prevent the dispersion of magnetic fields and magnetic flux, and is sometimes called a yoke. The back yoke 46b is made of a material with high magnetic permeability, such as pure iron with few impurities or low-carbon steel. If the back yoke 46b is not disposed near the magnet 49, the magnetic flux will leak to the surroundings (outside the rotary actuator 19). However, by disposing the back yoke 46b, the magnetic flux is concentrated in the back yoke 46b, making it less likely to leak to the surroundings.

[0068] The coil 47 has a ring shape and is disposed in contact with the surface of the back yoke 46b on the negative side of the X axis. The coil 47 is connected to a power supply system and is controlled so that a current flows through the coil 47 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

[0069] The magnet 49 is a magnet having a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The back yoke 46a is a generally rectangular flat plate with an opening in the center through which the bearing 48 passes. The back yoke 46a is arranged parallel to the back yoke 46b, and the magnet 49 is arranged on the lower surface of the back yoke 46a (the lower surface in FIG. 10). The magnet 49a is arranged at the upper right of the back yoke 46b in FIG. 9, with its north pole facing the depth of the page. The magnet 49b is arranged at the lower right of FIG. 9, with its south pole facing the depth. The magnet 49c is arranged at the lower left of FIG. 9, with its north pole facing the depth. The magnet 49d is arranged at the upper left of FIG. 9, with its south pole facing the depth.

[0070] The bearing 48 is a ring-shaped member and is disposed so as to pass through a central opening of the back yoke 46a and a central gap surrounded by four magnets 49. The rotating shaft 50 is a rod-shaped member and is disposed so as to pass through the openings of the fixed block 45 and the bearing 48, respectively, and extend in the X direction.

[0071] The drive gear 51 is a gear having a predetermined number of teeth. The drive gear 51 is disposed in contact with the surface of the back yoke 46a on the negative side of the X axis. When the rotation actuator 19 is assembled, the magnet 49 and the coil 47 face each other with a gap in the X direction, as shown in FIG. 10C . That is, the height of the convex portion of the fixed block 45 and other factors are appropriately designed to achieve this state.

[0072] 10A, the flow of magnetic flux generated by magnet 49 is indicated by arrows. For example, magnetic flux is generated from the north pole of magnet 49c toward the south pole of magnet 49b. Magnetic flux is also generated from the north pole of magnet 49b toward the south pole of magnet 49c. Similarly, magnetic flux is generated between the other magnets 49, directed from the north pole to the south pole. When current is passed through coil 47, a magnetic field is generated around coil 47, and a thrust is exerted on each magnet 49.

[0073] Fig. 11 is a side view showing the rotational operation of the rotary actuator 19. In Fig. 11, the direction of current is indicated by a dashed arrow, the direction of thrust acting on the magnet 49 is indicated by a thick arrow, and the direction of rotation of the magnet 49 is indicated by a solid arrow. Note that the drive gear 51 is not shown.

[0074] 11A, a current flows in a clockwise direction through the coil 47. This causes an upward thrust to act on the magnets 49a and 49c, and a downward thrust to act on the magnets 49b and 49d, and these thrusts cause the four magnets 49, the back yoke 46a, the bearing 48, and the drive gear 51 to rotate together in a counterclockwise direction relative to the coil 47, etc.

[0075] That is, rotation is achieved by the four magnets 49, the back yoke 46a, the bearing 48, and the drive gear 51 acting as a rotor, and the coil 47, the back yoke 46b, and the fixed block 45 acting as a stator. During rotation, the inner surface of the bearing 48 slides against the rotating shaft 50.

[0076] In the example of Fig. 11B, a current flows counterclockwise through the coil 47. This causes a thrust force in the opposite direction to that in Fig. 11A to act on the four magnets 49. In other words, the magnets 49 rotate clockwise.

[0077] A motor with this mechanism is sometimes called a voice coil motor (VCM). Hereinafter, the rotation angle will be described with the clockwise rotation angle of magnet 49 as a positive rotation angle and the counterclockwise rotation angle as a negative rotation angle, based on the state on the left side of Fig. 11A.

[0078] The right side of Fig. 11A shows a state where the rotation angle is -15 degrees. The right side of Fig. 11B shows a state where the rotation angle is 15 degrees. In this embodiment, the magnet 49 rotates only in the range of -15 degrees to 15 degrees. Specifically, the magnetic circuit is designed so that no thrust is generated outside the range of -15 degrees to 15 degrees.

[0079] FIG. 12 is a graph showing the relationship between rotation angle and thrust. In FIG. 12, the vertical axis represents couple (thrust) and the horizontal axis represents rotation angle. The thrust is expressed as a positive value for a force that rotates the magnet 49 clockwise, and a negative value for a force that rotates the magnet 49 counterclockwise. In FIG. 12A, the thrust drops sharply (approaches 0) near a rotation angle of 15 degrees. The thrust also drops sharply near -15 degrees. Similarly, in FIG. 12B, the thrust drops sharply outside the range of -15 degrees to 15 degrees.

[0080] By adjusting the size, shape, and arrangement of the coil 47 and magnet 49, the range in which thrust is generated can be adjusted, and thus the rotation angle can be limited.

[0081] 4A, the rotary actuator 19 is disposed on the front side of the plane of the drawing of the flat plate portion 26 of the base 17. At this time, the gear 25 of the housing 16 and the drive gear 51 of the rotary actuator 19 are engaged with each other.

[0082] Fig. 13 is a side view showing the engagement portion of the two gears. Fig. 13 shows the gear 25 and the drive gear 51 as viewed from the negative side of the X axis. In this embodiment, the gear ratio between the drive gear 51 and the gear 25 is designed to be 1:3. That is, when the drive gear 51 rotates one degree in the negative direction, the gear 25 rotates three degrees in the positive direction. When the rotation angle of the drive gear 51 is 0 degrees (such as the left side of Fig. 11A), the rotation angle of the millimeter-wave module 9 is 45 degrees (for example, when the millimeter-wave module 9 faces diagonally upward and left in Fig. 13).

[0083] When the rotation angle of the drive gear 51 becomes −15 degrees from this state, the millimeter-wave module 9 rotates three times as much, or 45 degrees, clockwise, and reaches a rotation angle of 90 degrees, i.e., faces upward, as shown in Fig. 13A. On the other hand, when the rotation angle of the drive gear 51 becomes 15 degrees, the millimeter-wave module 9 reaches a rotation angle of 0 degrees, i.e., faces leftward in Fig. 13B, as shown in Fig. 13B.

[0084] For example, if the gear ratio is designed to be 1:1, the drive gear 51 needs to be rotated in the range of -45 degrees to 45 degrees in order to rotate the millimeter-wave module 9 in the range of 0 degrees to 90 degrees. In other words, a large amount of space is required around the drive gear 51 for rotation, but depending on the shape of the housing 2 and the arrangement of other mechanisms, such space may not be available. In such cases, the space required for rotation of the drive gear 51 can be reduced by appropriately designing the gear ratio. On the other hand, if there are no restrictions on installation space, the gear ratio may be designed to be 1:1, for example.

[0085] 14 to 16 are perspective views and cross-sectional views showing configuration examples of the stopper 20. The drive mechanism 10 has a stopper 20 that restricts the rotation of the millimeter-wave module 9 so that the rotation range of the millimeter-wave module 9 is a range between a first position where the radiation surface 15 faces the Y direction and a position where the radiation surface 15 faces the Z direction. Note that the stopper 20 may not be shown in the previous figures.

[0086] FIG. 14A shows a state in which the rotation angle of the millimeter-wave module 9 is 90 degrees. FIG. 14B shows a state in which the rotation angle of the millimeter-wave module 9 is 0 degrees. FIG. 15 shows a state in which the rotation angle of the millimeter-wave module 9 is 90 degrees. FIG. 15B shows a perspective view of a cross section of the wireless communication unit 3 taken along the dashed plane in FIG. 15A (where the stopper 20 is located). FIG. 15C shows a similar cross section as viewed from the negative side of the X-axis. FIG. 16 shows a state in which the rotation angle of the millimeter-wave module 9 is 0 degrees. FIGS. 16A to 16C are perspective views and cross sections similar to FIGS. 15A to 15C.

[0087] The stopper 20 is configured as a convex portion that protrudes to the right and toward the front on the right side of the front surface of the columnar portion 27 of the base 17 in Fig. 15C. This portion is also located on the rear surface (bottom surface 22) of the columnar portion 23 of the housing 16, and the columnar portion 23 has a notch in the vicinity of the bottom surface 22 that is slightly smaller in diameter in the 3 o'clock to 6 o'clock direction.

[0088] When the rotation angle of the millimeter-wave module 9 reaches 90 degrees ( FIGS. 14A and 15 ), the stopper 20 abuts against a step at the 3 o'clock position of the columnar body 23, preventing the millimeter-wave module 9 from rotating any further clockwise. When the rotation angle reaches 0 degrees ( FIGS. 14B and 16 ), the stopper 20 abuts against a step at the 6 o'clock position, preventing the millimeter-wave module 9 from rotating any further counterclockwise. In this way, the rotation angle of the millimeter-wave module 9 is limited to the range of 0 to 90 degrees.

[0089] The range of rotation angles at which thrust is generated on the magnet 49 may be adjusted to limit the rotation angle of the millimeter-wave module 9, but in this case, it may not be possible to accurately limit the rotation angle to the range of 0 to 90 degrees. By providing the stopper 20 as in this example, it is possible to limit the rotation angle with even greater precision. Furthermore, without being limited to this example, the rotation angle may be limited by a stopper 20 of another shape or arrangement. The stopper 20 corresponds to an embodiment of a regulating member according to the present technology.

[0090] 3 and 4 , the coaxial cable 11 transmits and receives a transmission / reception IF signal to and from the millimeter-wave module 9. That is, the coaxial cable 11 supplies a transmission signal to the millimeter-wave module 9 and receives a reception signal from the millimeter-wave module 9. In this embodiment, two coaxial cables 11 are arranged.

[0091] The cable fixing member 13 is a member for fixing the coaxial cable 11 to the base 17. The cable fixing member 13 has two grooves for fixing the two coaxial cables 11. The cable fixing member 13 is disposed on the surface on the negative side of the Y axis of the columnar body portion 27 of the base 17, and the coaxial cable 11 is fitted into this position to position the coaxial cable 11. One end of the coaxial cable 11 is connected to the millimeter-wave module 9, and the other end is connected to the main circuitry that processes transmitted and received signals.

[0092] The flexible substrate 12 supplies DC power and control signals to the millimeter-wave module 9. In this example, the flexible substrate 12 is a single layer, is bent into a U shape, and has one end connected to the millimeter-wave module 9. The other end is connected to a main circuit system that generates control signals and supplies power.

[0093] 17 is a system diagram of the wireless communication unit 3. As indicated by the thick arrow on the left, DC power for driving the millimeter-wave module 9 itself is supplied from the terminal main body circuit system 57 to the millimeter-wave module 9. Furthermore, as indicated by the thin arrow to the immediate right, a control signal for controlling the millimeter-wave module 9 itself is supplied. The power and control signal are supplied via the flexible substrate 12.

[0094] Furthermore, as indicated by the thick arrow to the right, a transmission IF signal is supplied from the terminal main circuit system 57 to the millimeter-wave module 9. An IF signal is a signal having an intermediate frequency during frequency conversion in a wireless communication system. In this embodiment, a signal with a frequency of, for example, about 5 GHz is supplied as the transmission IF signal. The terminal main circuit system 57 also acquires a reception IF signal from the millimeter-wave module 9. The supply and acquisition of each IF signal is performed via the coaxial cable 11.

[0095] The transmit IF signal supplied to the millimeter-wave module 9 is subjected to signal strength correction by a buffer circuit 58a. The signal is then combined with a signal generated by a local oscillator 60 by a mixer 59a to generate a composite wave. The composite wave is then subjected to beamforming (phase control), and the signal strength is amplified by a power amplifier 61 before being emitted from multiple transmit antenna elements 62.

[0096] On the other hand, when millimeter waves are received by the multiple receiving antenna elements 63, the signal strength of the millimeter waves is amplified by the low-noise amplifier 64. The millimeter waves are then combined with a signal generated by the local oscillator 60 by the mixer 59b to generate a composite wave. The signal strength of the composite wave is corrected by the buffer circuit 58b and output to the terminal main circuit system 57.

[0097] Furthermore, a rotation drive signal is supplied from the terminal main body circuit system 57 to the drive mechanism 10. The drive mechanism 10 rotates the millimeter wave module 9 based on the acquired rotation drive signal. Furthermore, power for driving the drive mechanism 10 is supplied from the terminal main body circuit system 57. The rotation drive signal and power are supplied via components such as signal lines (not shown), for example.

[0098] [Beamforming] The beamforming technology used in this technology is explained below. Beamforming is a technology that transmits electromagnetic waves in a specific direction or receives them from a specific direction. This allows the antenna element to independently control the direction in which it transmits and receives millimeter waves to some extent.

[0099] However, because there is a limit to the direction in which the electromagnetic field (radio waves) can be deflected by electrical beamforming, there is also a limit to the controllable direction of transmission and reception, making it difficult to transmit and receive with sufficient strength in any direction. Therefore, in this technology, the millimeter-wave module 9 itself, in which the antenna elements are arranged, is rotated to expand the controllable direction of transmission and reception.

[0100] Fig. 18 is a planar graph showing the intensity of millimeter waves. Figs. 19 and 20 are three-dimensional graphs showing the intensity of millimeter waves. Fig. 18A shows, in a planar graph, the intensity of millimeter waves emitted from the millimeter-wave module 9 when one patch antenna is arranged on the millimeter-wave module 9. Figs. 19A and 19B similarly show the intensity in three-dimensional graphs. Note that these show values ​​when millimeter waves are emitted at 28 GHz.

[0101] 18A, the intensity when the rotation angle of the millimeter-wave module 9 is 0 degrees is shown by a solid line, and for example, the intensity in the 0-degree direction (direction from the center toward the +Y side) is approximately 6 dBi (decibels isotropic). Also, for example, the intensity in the 90-degree direction (direction toward the +Z side) is approximately −3 dBi.

[0102] The intensity when the rotation angle of the millimeter-wave module 9 is 90 degrees is shown by the dashed line. For example, the intensity in the 90-degree direction is approximately 6 dBi, which is greater than when the rotation angle is 0 degrees. On the other hand, the intensity in the 0-degree direction is approximately -5 dBi, which is greater than when the rotation angle is 0 degrees.

[0103] In other words, if the rotation angle of the millimeter-wave module 9 is fixed at 0, the maximum intensity in the 90-degree direction that can be achieved by beamforming of the antenna element itself is approximately -3 dBi. However, by rotating the millimeter-wave module 9 using this technology, for example, by setting the rotation angle of the millimeter-wave module 9 to 90 degrees, it is possible to increase the intensity in the 90-degree direction to approximately 6 dBi.

[0104] 18A, it is possible to significantly increase the intensity not only in the 90-degree direction but also in the 120-degree direction (1 o'clock direction) and the 150-degree direction (2 o'clock direction). The intensity in the 60-degree direction (11 o'clock direction) also increases slightly.

[0105] 19 also has a direction in which the intensity is higher in Fig. 19B (rotation angle 90 degrees) than in Fig. 19A (rotation angle 0 degrees), or conversely, a direction in which the intensity is higher in Fig. 19A than in Fig. 19B. In this way, with this technology, it is possible to cover intensity in more directions than when the millimeter-wave module 9 is fixed.

[0106] Fig. 18B similarly shows a planar graph in the case where four patch antennas are arranged on the millimeter-wave module 9. Fig. 20 shows the corresponding three-dimensional graph. The same effect is achieved when multiple patch antennas are arranged in this way.

[0107] [Beam Management] Fig. 21 is a schematic diagram showing the procedure of beam management by a general terminal device 66. A general beam management (BM) procedure will be described using Fig. 21. In particular, the description will focus on the procedure for narrowing the beams used for communication between the base station 67 and the terminal device 66.

[0108] 3GPP (registered trademark) defines beam management operations represented by the P1, P2, and P3 procedures as procedures for narrow beamforming. These P1 to P3 procedures perform beam refinement (BR) between a transmission and reception point (TRP) such as a base station 67 and a terminal device 66.

[0109] The P1 procedure (FIG. 21A) is defined by beam selection and beam reselection. The P1 procedure basically assumes a beam alignment operation during initial access using a wide beam with a relatively wide beam width.

[0110] The terminal device 66 in this example is a four-module device equipped with four antenna modules that perform wireless communication using directional beams directed in different directions. Figure 21A shows a schematic diagram of a directional beam 69 formed by a base station 67. It also shows a schematic diagram of directional beams 70a-70d formed by each antenna module. With this configuration, at least one of the directional beams 70a-70d is selected by beam selection or beam reselection.

[0111] 21A, directional beam 70a is selected by beam selection or beam reselection from directional beam 69 on the base station 67 side. However, if the orientation of terminal device 66 changes and directional beam 70a is no longer directed toward base station 67 side, it is necessary to start the P1 procedure again from the beginning.

[0112] Therefore, control is performed to quickly perform beam selection or beam reselection between another directional beam 70 (any of 70b to 70d) pointing toward the base station 67 after the rotation and the directional beam 69 on the base station 67 side. Specifically, the change in attitude of the terminal device 66, i.e., the direction and amount of rotation, is calculated based on the detection results of acceleration, angular velocity, etc. using a gyro sensor or the like. Then, the antenna module used for wireless communication with the base station 67 is selectively switched depending on the calculation result of the change in attitude. Through such control, beam selection or beam reselection is always maintained for at least one directional beam 70.

[0113] The P2 procedure (FIG. 21B) is defined as Tx beam refinement. In the P2 procedure, beam refinement is performed on the DL (Downlink) Tx beam on the base station 67 side, and it is assumed that an operation is performed to align a narrow beam on the base station 67 side with a narrower beam width on the terminal device 66 side. Note that FIGS. 21B and 21C show an example in which a directional beam 70a is selected in the P1 procedure shown in FIG. 21A.

[0114] In this embodiment, the Tx beam on the TRP side of the base station 67 or the like is adjusted based on reception quality information of the UE (User Equipment) such as the terminal device 66. Figure 21B shows a schematic diagram of a narrow beam 71 formed by the base station 67.

[0115] The P3 procedure (FIG. 21C) is defined as Rx beam refinement. In the P3 procedure, beam refinement is performed on the DLRx beam on the terminal device 66 side, and alignment is assumed between a narrow beam 71 on the base station 67 side and a narrow beam 72 on the terminal device 66 side.

[0116] In this embodiment, the Rx beam on the UE side is adjusted based on the reception quality information of the UE. Fig. 21C shows a schematic diagram of a narrow beam 72 formed by a terminal device 66. Similarly, in the P3 procedure, a gyro sensor or the like is used to establish Rx beam refinement between the narrow beam 72 and the narrow beam 71.

[0117] Fig. 22 is a schematic diagram showing a procedure for beam management according to the present technology. The procedure for beam management in the wireless communication device 1 of the present technology will be described using Fig. 22 . First, in the P1 procedure shown in Fig. 22A , beam selection or beam reselection is performed by rotating the millimeter-wave module 9, unlike the P1 procedure in Fig. 21A . For example, when the rotation angle of the millimeter-wave module 9 is 0 degrees and the orientation of the directional beam changes due to a change in the attitude of the wireless communication device 1, the millimeter-wave module 9 is rotated to a rotation angle of 90 degrees, and beam selection or beam reselection is quickly performed.

[0118] The P2 procedure shown in Figure 22B and the P3 procedure shown in Figure 22C are almost the same as the procedures shown in Figure 21. In the P2 procedure, the Tx beam on the TRP side is adjusted based on the UE's reception quality information. In the P3 procedure, the Rx beam on the UE side is adjusted based on the UE's reception quality information.

[0119] As described above, in this embodiment, the drive mechanism 10 rotates the millimeter-wave module 9 so that the direction of the directional beam is maintained in a predetermined direction. That is, in procedure P1, the rotation of the millimeter-wave module 9 is controlled so that the direction of the directional beam is a direction in which beam selection or beam reselection can be established. The direction of the directional beam of the wireless communication device 1 that can establish beam selection or beam reselection corresponds to one embodiment of the "predetermined direction in which the directional beam is maintained" according to the present technology. Additionally, the "predetermined direction" may be any direction in which communication can be established, and its specific interpretation is not limited.

[0120] To achieve such rotation, the drive mechanism 10 rotates the millimeter wave module 9 in accordance with changes in the attitude of the millimeter wave module 9, thereby controlling the direction of the directional beam formed by the millimeter wave module 9. That is, for example, a gyro sensor or the like detects the change in attitude, and controls the rotation of the millimeter wave module 9. Of course, other methods may also be used.

[0121] As described above, in the wireless communication device 1 according to this embodiment, the millimeter wave module 9 is rotated between a position where it faces the normal direction of the side surface 6 a and a position where it faces the normal direction of the top surface 4. This makes it possible to optimize the mounting structure of the communication device while maintaining communication quality.

[0122] The millimeter waves used in 5G communications tend to travel in a very directional manner, making it difficult to obtain sufficient coverage (direction in which communications are possible) with a single antenna module. One possible method would be to manually move a reflector to control the beam, but this method is not practical for 5G communications, where radio wave conditions change constantly.

[0123] Fig. 23 is a schematic diagram showing an application example of the present technology. Fig. 23 shows a smartphone 75 to which the present technology is applied. Fig. 23A shows the front side of the smartphone 75. Fig. 23B shows the back side of the smartphone 75. Fig. 23C shows the inside of the smartphone 75.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 23C , four antennas 76 (76a to 76d), a millimeter-wave module 9, a circuit board, a battery, and the like are arranged inside a smartphone 75. The four antennas 76 (Ant1 to Ant4) are antennas for the Sub-6 band (FR1, Frequency Range 1). The millimeter-wave module 9 is an antenna module for the mmW band (FR2) of the present technology. The rotation of the millimeter-wave module 9 is controlled by a drive mechanism 10 of the present technology (not shown). For example, the present technology employs such an arrangement. Of course, the specific arrangement of each mechanism is not limited to this.

[0125] Fig. 24 is a schematic diagram showing a smartphone 79 of a comparative example. As shown in Fig. 24B, four antennas, two millimeter wave modules 80 (80a, 80b), a circuit board, a battery, and the like are arranged inside the smartphone 79 of the comparative example (not of the present technology). The four antennas are Sub-6 band antennas similar to the antenna 76 of Fig. 23. The two millimeter wave modules 80 are mmW band antenna modules, but unlike the millimeter wave module 9 of the present technology, they are not rotatable.

[0126] As shown in Fig. 24A, millimeter-wave modules 80a and 80b are arranged so that their longitudinal directions are perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, they are also arranged so that the orientations of their radiation surfaces are perpendicular to each other. In the example of Fig. 24B, the arrangement positions are different from those in Fig. 24, but the longitudinal directions and the orientations of the radiation surfaces are similarly perpendicular to each other.

[0127] As in the example of Figure 24, arranging multiple millimeter-wave modules 80 in different orientations can increase coverage, but this can lead to problems such as increased device size and manufacturing costs. With this technology, the millimeter-wave module 9 is rotatable, so sufficient coverage can be achieved with a single or a small number of millimeter-wave modules 9, enabling device miniaturization and reduced manufacturing costs. This technology may also be applicable to 6G (sixth-generation mobile communication systems) in the future.

[0128] In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 10 has a base 17, a housing 16, and a rotation shaft 18 inserted between the base 17 and the housing 16, and the base 17 and the housing 16 are rotatable relative to each other around the rotation shaft 18. This makes it possible to rotate the millimeter-wave module 9 with high precision.

[0129] In this embodiment, the rotation shaft 18 is disposed parallel to the side surface 6 a and the top surface 4 of the housing 2. This allows the millimeter-wave module 9 to be rotated with high precision between a position facing the side surface 6 a and a position facing the top surface 4.

[0130] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drive mechanism 10 controls the direction of the directional beam formed by the millimeter-wave module 9 by rotating the millimeter-wave module 9 in accordance with a change in the attitude of the millimeter-wave module 9. This allows the direction of the directional beam to be controlled with high precision.

[0131] In this embodiment, the driving mechanism 10 rotates the millimeter-wave module 9 so that the direction of the directional beam is maintained in a predetermined direction, thereby enabling high-quality communication.

[0132] In this embodiment, the difference between the rotation angle at which the millimeter-wave module 9 faces the side surface 6 a and the rotation angle at which it faces the top surface 4 is 90 degrees. Even if it is difficult to rotate the millimeter-wave module 9 by 180 degrees or the like due to layout constraints, such a configuration can be adopted.

[0133] In this embodiment, the driving mechanism 10 also includes a rotary actuator 19 that rotates the millimeter wave module 9. This makes it possible to realize a driving mechanism 10 that has a simple structure and occupies a small volume.

[0134] <Other Embodiments> The present technology is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various other embodiments can be realized. [Variations of Driving Method] Figures 25 and 26 are perspective views showing an example of a variation of the wireless communication unit 3. In this example, the drive mechanism 10 has an SMA actuator 83 instead of the rotation actuator 19. Figures 25A and 26A show a state in which the millimeter-wave module 9 has been rotated by the SMA actuator 83 to a rotation angle of 0 degrees. Figures 25B and 26B show a state in which the millimeter-wave module 9 has been rotated to a rotation angle of 90 degrees.

[0135] 27 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the SMA actuator 83. The SMA actuator 83 has a case 86, a rotating member 87, an arm 88, two SMAs 89 (89h, 89v), and three electrodes 90, 91h, 91v.

[0136] The case 86 has a shape obtained by removing three side surfaces from a rectangular parallelepiped having an internal space. A through-hole 92 is provided in the top surface (the surface on the negative side of the X-axis) for the rotation member 87 (described later) to pass through. Two through-holes 93 (93h, 93v) are provided in the bottom surface (the surface on the positive side of the X-axis) for the SMA 89 to pass through. The through-hole 93h is provided on the negative side of the Z-axis from the center, and the through-hole 93v is provided on the positive side of the Z-axis from the center. A through-hole 94 is provided in the side surface (the surface on the negative side of the Y-axis) for the electrode 90 to pass through. A protrusion 95 is provided on the inside of the side surface (the positive side of the Y-axis) for the rotation member 87 to be disposed therein.

[0137] The rotation member 87 is a T-shaped member and is disposed parallel to the XZ plane as a whole. The lower end of the T-shape of the rotation member 87 passes through a through-hole 92 in the case 86 and is disposed so as to be exposed on the negative side of the X-axis. The center of the T-shape is connected to a protrusion 95 of the case 86 so that the rotation member can rotate on the XZ plane.

[0138] The arm 88 is a generally rod-shaped member and is disposed so as to extend in the Y-axis direction. The arm 88 has a tapered shape with a smaller diameter at the tip (on the positive side of the Y-axis than the center). A through-hole is formed in the center of the rear end, and the arm 88 is disposed so that the lower end of the T-shape of the rotating member 87 passes through this through-hole. In other words, the lower end of the T-shape of the rotating member 87 passes through both the through-hole 92 of the case 86 and the through-hole of the arm 88. The rear end of the arm 88 is connected to the upper surface of the case 86 so that the tip of the arm 88 can rotate in the Z-axis direction.

[0139] SMA89 is a shape memory alloy (SMA). A shape memory alloy is an alloy that has the property of returning to its memorized shape when heated above its transformation point, even if the shape it has been memorized at high temperatures is plastically deformed at low temperatures. Titanium-nickel alloys are typically used.

[0140] 28A is a schematic diagram showing the change in shape of the SMA 89. FIG. 28A is a schematic diagram showing the SMA 89 in an unheated state. In this embodiment, the SMA 89 has a deflection in the center portion. In this example, an SMA 89 having a V-shaped deflection as shown on the left is used, but this is not limited thereto, and the SMA 89 may have a loop-shaped deflection as shown on the right. There are no other specific limitations on the shape of the deflection of the SMA 89.

[0141] Fig. 28B shows a state in which the SMA 89 has been stretched by an external force. When an external force acts on the SMA 89 in the state shown in Fig. 27A (shown by the dashed line), it becomes elongated in the extension direction (shown by the solid line).

[0142] When a current is applied to the SMA 89, the shape returns to the memorized shape due to self-heating, as shown in Fig. 28C. When the current is stopped and the temperature of the SMA 89 drops, the SMA 89 becomes deformable again by an external force, as shown in Fig. 28D (the same state as Fig. 28A).

[0143] 27, the SMA 89 is disposed so as to extend in the X direction. One end of the SMA 89h is connected to the left side of the T-shape of the rotating member 87. In this example, the connection is made by hanging the SMA 89h in an opening provided on the left side of the T-shape, but the specific form of connection is not limited thereto. The other end of the SMA 89h passes through a through-hole 93h in the case 86. Similarly, one end of the SMA 89v is connected to the right side of the T-shape of the rotating member 87, and the other end passes through a through-hole 93v.

[0144] The electrode 90 extends in the Y direction and is disposed so as to pass through a through-hole 94 in the case 86. One end of the electrode 90 is connected to the rotating member 87, and the other end is connected to a current source. That is, it is possible to energize the rotating member 87 via the electrode 90.

[0145] The electrode 91 has an elongated flat plate shape, with one end being a rectangular flat plate. The lower surface (the surface on the positive side of the X axis) of the case 86 is formed with a recess or a through-hole for arranging the electrode 91. The electrodes 91h and 91v are respectively embedded in the recessed portions, with the rectangular end and the other end being exposed.

[0146] A through-hole is formed in the center of the rectangular flat plate, and the SMA 89 is disposed so as to pass through this through-hole. That is, the SMA 89 passes through both the through-hole 93 of the case 86 and the through-hole of the electrode 91. Here, the through-hole of the electrode 91 has approximately the same diameter as the SMA 89, but is relieved, so that the SMA 89 can move in its extension direction while remaining in contact with the electrode 91. The other end of the electrode 91 is connected to a current source. That is, the SMA 89 is always in a state in which it can move freely and yet be electrically conductive.

[0147] Furthermore, dimension restricting members 96 (96h, 96v) are provided at the end of the SMA 89 on the positive side of the X axis. The dimension restricting members 96 have a diameter larger than the diameter of the through-hole of the electrode 91. That is, when the SMA 89 contracts or is pulled by the rotating member 87, the dimension restricting members 96 may come into contact with the electrode 91, preventing the SMA 89 from contracting any further.

[0148] 29 is a schematic diagram of the drive circuit of the SMA actuator 83. The electrodes 91h and 91v are connected to a current source 100 via a selector 99. For example, the operation of the selector 99 is controlled by a control unit in the terminal main body circuitry 57. When the current source 100 and electrode 91h are electrically connected by the selector 99, the SMA 89h is energized. When the current source 100 and electrode 91v are electrically connected, the SMA 89v is energized.

[0149] 30A and 30B are schematic diagrams showing the operation of the rotating member 87 and SMA 89. Fig. 30A shows a state in which SMAs 89h and 89v have slightly expanded from their memorized shapes and are the same length. In this state, the rotating member 87 is parallel to the upper surface of the case 86. Furthermore, the dimension restricting member 96h is separated from the electrode 91h, and the dimension restricting member 96v is separated from the electrode 91v.

[0150] As shown in Figure 30B, when a current is applied to the SMA 89h, the SMA 89h is heated by the current and deforms into its memorized shape. That is, the SMA 89h contracts and shortens from the state shown in Figure 30A. Then, the dimension restricting member 96h abuts against the electrode 91h, and the left portion of the rotating member 87 in Figure 30B is pulled by the SMA 89h. This causes the rotating member 87 to rotate counterclockwise. Furthermore, as the rotating member 87 rotates, the SMA 89v is pulled by the right portion of the rotating member 87. This causes the dimension restricting member 96v to abut against the electrode 91v, and the SMA 89v extends.

[0151] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 30C, when current is applied to the SMA 89v, the SMA 89v is heated by the current and deforms into its memorized shape. This causes the dimension restricting member 96v to contact the electrode 91v, and the right-hand portion of the rotating member 87 is pulled by the SMA 89v. This causes the rotating member 87 to rotate clockwise. Furthermore, as the rotating member 87 rotates, the SMA 89h is pulled by the left-hand portion of the rotating member 87. This causes the dimension restricting member 96h to contact the electrode 91h, and the SMA 89h is elongated.

[0152] Figure 31 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of arm 88. As shown in Figure 31A, when rotating member 87 rotates clockwise (corresponding to the state in Figure 30B), the lower end of the T-shape of rotating member 87 moves to the left in the figure, and therefore the tip of arm 88 moves to the left. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 31B, when rotating member 87 rotates counterclockwise (corresponding to the state in Figure 30A), the tip of arm 88 moves to the right. In this way, rotating member 87 and arm 88 operate as a link mechanism.

[0153] 32 is a side view showing the operation of the cam 103. In this embodiment, a cam 103 is arranged on the upper surface 21 of the housing 16 instead of the gear 25. The cam 103 has a disk shape, and two protrusions 104a and 104b are formed on the outer periphery of one surface. The protrusion 104b is formed at a position 90 degrees different clockwise from the protrusion 104a. The cam 103 is arranged so that the tip of the arm 88 is located between the protrusions 104a and 104b.

[0154] As shown in FIG. 32A , when the tip of the arm 88 rotates downward in the figure (corresponding to the state in FIG. 31A ), the tip of the arm 88 presses the convex portion 104 b downward, causing the cam 103 to rotate counterclockwise. As a result, the rotation angle of the millimeter-wave module 9 becomes 0 degrees. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 32B , when the tip of the arm 88 rotates upward (corresponding to the state in FIG. 31B ), the tip of the arm 88 presses the convex portion 104 a upward, causing the cam 103 to rotate clockwise. As a result, the rotation angle of the millimeter-wave module 9 becomes 90 degrees. Note that the state in FIG. 32A also corresponds to the states in FIGS. 25A and 26A , and the state in FIG. 32B also corresponds to the states in FIGS. 25B and 26B .

[0155] 32A, when the tip of the arm 88 is in contact with the convex portion 104b, a gap (play) is created between the tip of the arm 88 and the convex portion 104a. When the power supply to the SMA 89h is stopped, the SMA 89h becomes free to deform and extends slightly, but the tip of the arm 88 stops within the range of the play, so the rotation angle of the millimeter-wave module 9 does not change from 0 degrees. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 32B, a play is also created between the tip of the arm 88 and the convex portion 104a, so the rotation angle of the millimeter-wave module 9 does not change from 90 degrees.

[0156] By using the SMA actuator 83, it is possible to realize the drive mechanism 10 with a simple structure. Specific configurations such as the shape and material of each member of the SMA actuator 83 are not limited. SMA 89h corresponds to an embodiment of the first shape memory alloy according to the present technology. SMA 89v corresponds to an embodiment of the second shape memory alloy according to the present technology.

[0157] Figures 33 and 34 are a side view and a top view showing an example of a variation of the wireless communication unit 3. In this example, the drive mechanism 10 has a housing 107, a DC motor 108, two rotation shafts 109 (109a and 109b), six gears 110 (110a to 110f), and a drive gear 111. Figures 33A and 33B show a state in which the rotation angle of the millimeter-wave module 9 is 0 degrees. Figure 34A shows a state in which the rotation angle of the millimeter-wave module 9 is 90 degrees. Figure 34B shows a top view of the DC motor 108 and other parts as viewed from the positive side of the Z axis.

[0158] The housing 107 has a shape similar to the case 86 of the SMA actuator 83. Two through-holes are provided on each of the upper and lower surfaces of the housing 107, allowing the rotation shafts 109a and 109b to pass through. The DC motor 108 is a small direct current motor, and is disposed inside the bent flexible substrate 12. The rotation shafts 109a and 109b are rod-shaped members that pass through the through-holes of the housing 107 and are disposed in the internal space of the housing 107 so as to extend in the X direction. The rotation shaft 109b is disposed on the negative side of the Y axis relative to the rotation shaft 109a.

[0159] Gear 110a is a disk-shaped gear with teeth, is fixed to and penetrates the rotating shaft 109a, and is located closest to the DC motor 108 in the internal space of the housing 107. Gears 110b to 110e each have a shape consisting of a small-diameter disk joined to a large-diameter disk, and each disk has teeth. Gear 110b is fixed to and penetrates the rotating shaft 109b, and is arranged so that the teeth of its large disk engage with the teeth of gear 110a. Gear 110c is fixed to and penetrates the rotating shaft 109a, and is arranged so that the teeth of its large disk engage with the teeth of the small disk of gear 110b. Gears 110d to 110f are alternately arranged so that the teeth of their large disk engage with the teeth of the small disk of the gear 110b.

[0160] The drive gear 111 is inserted through the rotary shaft 109a and is located on the side farthest from the DC motor 108. The drive gear 111 is located so that its teeth engage with the teeth of the small disk of the gear 110f. Furthermore, similar to FIG. 3 etc., the drive gear 111 also engages with the gear 25 of the housing 16.

[0161] When the DC motor 108 rotates, the rotation is transmitted in this order to gears 110a to 110f, 111, and 25, causing the millimeter-wave module 9 to rotate at a rotation angle of 0 degrees or 90 degrees. In other words, by changing the rotation direction of the DC motor 108, it is possible to control the rotation angle of the millimeter-wave module 9.

[0162] For example, suppose the gear ratio between the large disk of gear 110a and gear 110b, the small disk of gear 110 and the large disk of gear 110, and the small disk of gear 110 and drive gear 111 is 1:2. In this case, when gear 110a rotates 64 degrees, gear 110b rotates 32 degrees, gear 110c rotates 16 degrees, and so on, with the rotation angles being half and half, and the final drive gear 111 rotates 1 degree. That is, in this example, by arranging six gears 110 and 111 in addition to the first gear 110a, it is possible to obtain high torque.

[0163] This allows stable rotation of the millimeter wave module 9, enabling higher quality communication. Of course, the specific configuration of the gears 110 and 111, such as the number of gears 110 and 111 and the gear ratio, is not limited.

[0164] Furthermore, the specific configuration of the drive mechanism 10 is not limited, and the millimeter wave module 9 may be rotated by any mechanism. Furthermore, a mechanism without a rotation shaft 18 may be adopted as long as it is within the scope of feasibility of the present technology.

[0165] In the example of the rotary actuator 19, the SMA actuator 83, and the DC motor 108, the drive mechanism 10 can discretely rotate the millimeter-wave module 9 through a rotation angle of 0 degrees or 90 degrees, and can stop the millimeter-wave module 9 at either a rotation angle of 0 degrees or 90 degrees. With such a configuration, it is possible to rotate the millimeter-wave module 9 with a simple structure and control.

[0166] On the other hand, the drive mechanism 10 may be capable of continuously rotating the millimeter-wave module 9 between rotation angles of 0 and 90 degrees and stopping the millimeter-wave module 9 at any position between rotation angles of 0 and 90 degrees. For example, by using a stepping motor as the DC motor 108, the rotation of the millimeter-wave module 9 can be continuously controlled and the millimeter-wave module 9 can be stopped at any position. Furthermore, continuous control can also be performed by stopping the supply of power to the rotation actuator 19 midway. To achieve these controls, a mechanism for detecting the attitude of the millimeter-wave module 9 may be provided.

[0167] This makes it possible to further expand the coverage of the wireless communication device 1. For example, if the rotation angle is set to 45 degrees in Fig. 18, the signal strength in the 45-degree direction increases slightly. On the other hand, if binary control of rotation angles of 0 and 90 degrees is sufficient and sufficient coverage can be ensured by beamforming of the millimeter-wave module 9, discrete control may be employed.

[0168] [Variations in Signal Supply] Figures 35 and 36 are schematic diagrams showing variations in signal supply. Figure 35A shows a cross-sectional view of the flexible substrate 114. In this example, a microstrip line is used for the flexible substrate 114. Note that in this example, the coaxial cable 11 shown in Figure 3 is not used.

[0169] The flexible substrate 114 has a ground 115, a power supply 116, and two signal lines 117 (117a, 117b). It also has other non-conductor parts, but these are not shown. The ground 115 (GND) is a circuit that determines the reference potential. The power supply 116 is disposed on the ground 115 and is located in the center of the entire flexible substrate 114. The power supply 116 supplies power to the millimeter-wave module 9 to drive the millimeter-wave module 9 itself.

[0170] The signal lines 117a and 117b supply transmission and reception IF signals to the millimeter wave module 9. The signal lines 117a and 117b are arranged on the left and right sides of the ground 115 with the power supply 116 sandwiched between them.

[0171] Fig. 35B shows a cross-sectional view of the flexible substrate 118. In this example, a stripline is used for the flexible substrate 118. Also in this example, the coaxial cable 11 shown in Fig. 3 is not used.

[0172] The flexible substrate 118 has a ground 119. As in the example of Fig. 35A, it also has a power supply 116 and two signal lines 117, which are arranged in similar positions. In this example, the ground 119 is arranged so as to surround the power supply 116 and the signal lines 117 from all sides. Since high isolation must be ensured between the lines carrying the transmitting and receiving IF signals, the grounds 115 and 119 are provided to prevent electromagnetic waves from leaking upward or downward.

[0173] 36A shows a three-dimensional view of a flexible substrate 118 having a stripline. In this manner, in a stripline, each component is covered with an insulator (non-conductor). By using a microstripline or stripline configuration, it is no longer necessary to provide a separate coaxial cable 11 for supplying a transmit / receive IF signal, which allows for greater freedom in placement and allows for a more compact device.

[0174] 36B shows the coaxial cable 11 and flexible substrate 12 of the example shown in FIG. 3. In this configuration, there is no need to arrange the signal line 117 on the flexible substrate 12, and the flexible substrate 12 can be made into a single layer. This makes the flexible substrate 12 soft, allowing it to be easily bent as shown in FIG. 3. It also makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the flexible substrate 12.

[0175] 37 to 39 are diagrams showing variations in power supply to the millimeter-wave module 9. A copper wire 125 is shown in Fig. 37. In this manner, power may be supplied to the millimeter-wave module 9 via the coated copper wire 125. This makes it possible to realize the wireless communication device 1 with a simple configuration.

[0176] Fig. 38A shows a slip ring 141. The slip ring 141 is a mechanism for transmitting power and signals via annular electric paths and brushes arranged concentrically with respect to a rotating body. Fig. 38A is a cross-sectional view showing the millimeter-wave module 9, fixing portion 128, rotating shaft 129, insulator 130, conductors 131 and 139, alloys 132 and 140, plate member 133, multiple brushes 134, pad 135, and heat transfer plate 136 of the wireless communication unit 3.

[0177] The fixed portion 128 is a member that serves as the base of the slip ring 141, and is made of resin or the like, and has a through hole in which the rotating shaft 129 is rotatably disposed. The rotating shaft 129 is a rod-shaped member made of, for example, a copper-based material. The rotating shaft 129 is disposed so as to extend in the left-right direction in the figure, parallel to the millimeter-wave module 9.

[0178] The insulator 130 is a cylindrical member made of resin or the like, and its inner diameter is approximately the same as the diameter of the rotating shaft 129. The insulator 130 is disposed extending in the left-right direction so as to cover the rotating shaft 129. The insulator 130 is also disposed in the center in the left-right direction of the figure, and extends in the up-down direction as well.

[0179] The conductor 131 is also a cylindrical member made of a copper-based material, and its inner diameter is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the insulator 130. The conductor 131 is disposed extending in the left-right direction so as to cover the insulator 130. The conductor 131 is also electrically connected to the millimeter-wave module 9 via wiring. The alloy 132 is also a cylindrical member made of a copper-based alloy, and its inner diameter is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the conductor 131. The alloy 132 is disposed extending in the left-right direction so as to cover the conductor 131. In other words, the rotating shaft 129 is triple-coated with the insulator 130, the conductor 131, and the alloy 132.

[0180] 38A is a cross-sectional view and therefore cannot be seen, but in reality, the insulator 130, conductor 131, and alloy 132 are present at the back of the page. Furthermore, the conductor 131 and alloy 132 are divided into left and right halves by the insulator 130 extending in the vertical direction, and the left-side and right-side members are not electrically connected.

[0181] The plate member 133 is a member having adhesive properties, insulation properties, and heat conductivity, and is disposed on the alloy 132. Furthermore, the millimeter-wave module 9 is disposed on the plate member 133. That is, the millimeter-wave module 9 is adhered to the alloy 132 via the plate member 133. The heat transfer plate 136 is made of metal and is a member having heat conductivity, and is embedded in the lower part of the fixing portion 128. The pads 135 are a member having insulation properties and heat conductivity, and are embedded in the lower part of the fixing portion 128, above the heat transfer plate 136, divided into left and right parts. The pads 135 are embedded in the fixing portion 128 so that their surfaces are exposed to the outside.

[0182] A plate-shaped conductor 139 is disposed on the exposed surface of pad 135. Like conductor 131, conductor 139 is made of a copper-based material. The conductors 139 are separated into left and right conductors 139, and a voltage (V+, GND) is applied between the left and right conductors 139. Furthermore, plate-shaped alloys 140 are disposed on the left and right conductors 139, respectively. Like alloy 132, alloy 140 is made of a copper-based alloy.

[0183] 38B shows an example of the configuration of brush 134. Brush 134 has block 137 and elastic metal 138. These components are made of thermally conductive conductors. Block 137 is a disk-shaped component with some thickness, and the center is concave. Elastic metal 138 is a thin rectangular plate-shaped component. These components are connected so as to extend in one direction.

[0184] Brushes 134 are bent as shown on the right side of FIG. 38B and are arranged in multiple numbers between an upper alloy 132 and a lower alloy 140 as shown in FIG. 38A. The end of elastic metal 138 is connected to alloy 140. The surface of block 137 slidably contacts alloy 132. The sliding interface is shown by a dashed line in FIG. 38. Because block 137 is pressed against alloy 132 by elastic metal 138, elastic metal 138 does not generally separate from alloy 132 even if alloy 132 moves.

[0185] This mechanism allows the millimeter-wave module 9 to rotate. The millimeter-wave module 9 is connected to the anode (V+) via a path that includes the millimeter-wave module 9, wiring, the left conductor 131 and alloy 132 (conductive on the back side of the page), the left brush 134, the left alloy 140, and the left conductor 139. The millimeter-wave module 9 is also connected to ground (GND) via a path that includes the millimeter-wave module 9, wiring, the right conductor 131 and alloy 132 (conductive on the back side of the page), the right brush 134, the right alloy 140, and the right conductor 139. This supplies power to the millimeter-wave module 9 for driving the millimeter-wave module 9 itself.

[0186] When the millimeter-wave module 9 rotates, vibrations or the like may cause the blocks 137 of the brushes 134 to momentarily separate from the alloy 132. However, because multiple brushes 134 are provided, even if one block 137 separates from the alloy 132, electrical connection is maintained by the other blocks 137. In this way, providing multiple brushes 134 can reduce the risk of momentary power outages.

[0187] 38A , arrows are used to schematically illustrate the paths along which heat generated in the millimeter-wave module 9 is transferred. The heat from the millimeter-wave module 9 is transferred and dissipated through the following paths: millimeter-wave module 9, plate member 133, alloy 132, conductor 131, insulator 130, rotating shaft 129, brush 134, alloy 140, conductor 139, pad 135, and heat transfer plate 136. In this example, multiple brushes 134 are provided, ensuring high heat transfer even in the brushes 134.

[0188] In this way, it is possible to improve the degree of freedom in arranging various mechanisms by using the slip ring 141. Note that these configurations are merely examples, and the specific configuration of the slip ring 141 is not limited.

[0189] 39A shows two rotary connectors 144 (144a, 144b). The wireless communication unit 3 also includes a millimeter-wave module 9, a substrate 145, a connector 146, and two conductors 147 (147a, 147b).

[0190] The substrate 145 has a plate-like shape, and the millimeter-wave module 9 is disposed on one surface thereof. A connector 146 is disposed between one end of the substrate 145 and one end of the millimeter-wave module 9 (the upper left part of the figure). The conductor 147 has an L-shape. One surface of the conductor 147 abuts against the end of the surface of the substrate 145 on which the millimeter-wave module 9 is not disposed. The conductor 147a abuts against the upper left end of the substrate 145, and the conductor 147b abuts against the lower right end of the substrate 145.

[0191] 39B shows the detailed structure of the rotary connector 144. A rotary connector (connector for rotary connection) is a connector intended for supplying power to a continuously rotating body or a moving workpiece. The rotary connector functions to supply power to the workpiece through the rotating member of the connector while coming into contact with the moving workpiece.

[0192] The rotary connector 144 has a liquid metal 148, a sealant 149, and two electrodes 150. The sealant 149 is a generally cylindrical member having an internal space, and its interior is filled with a gallium-based liquid metal 148. Electrodes 150 penetrate the upper and lower surfaces of the sealant 149, with one end of each electrode 150 immersed in the liquid metal 148 and the other end exposed to the outside.

[0193] 39A , rotary connector 144a is arranged so that one electrode 150 penetrates the surface of conductor 147a that does not abut substrate 145. The other electrode 150 is connected to the anode. Similarly, rotary connector 144b has one electrode 150 that penetrates conductor 147b, and the other electrode is connected to ground.

[0194] The millimeter-wave module 9 is connected to the anode via a path extending from the millimeter-wave module 9, the substrate 145, the conductor 147a, and the rotary connector 144a. The millimeter-wave module 9 is also connected to ground via a path extending from the millimeter-wave module 9, the substrate 145, the conductor 147b, and the rotary connector 144b. In this manner, power is supplied to drive the millimeter-wave module 9 itself.

[0195] When power is supplied by wire or the like, the copper wire may be twisted and broken due to the rotation of the millimeter-wave module 9. By supplying power using the rotary connector 144, it is possible to solve this problem.

[0196] [Radome Structure] Figure 40 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the radome 153. The radome 153 has a housing 154, a protective cover 155, and a unit 156. The housing 154 has a cylindrical shape and a bottom surface. The protective cover 155 has a truncated cone shape, an internal space, and a top surface but no bottom surface. The protective cover 155 is disposed on the top of the housing 154 as a lid. Figure 40A shows a state in which the protective cover 155 is placed on the housing 154. Figure 40B shows a state in which the protective cover 155 has been removed. As shown in Figure 40B, a unit 156 is disposed inside the housing 154.

[0197] 41 is a perspective view showing an example configuration of the unit 156. The unit 156 has a fixed base 159, a rotating base 160, an elevation base 161, a millimeter-wave module 9, a rod member 162, an elevation flex 163, an elevation axis gear 164, an elevation axis drive motor 165, a horizontal axis gear 166, a horizontal axis drive motor 167, and a rotating flex 168.

[0198] The fixed base 159 has a disk shape that is the same as the bottom surface of the housing 154. The rotating base 160 is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped member and is disposed in the center of the fixed base 159. In this embodiment, the rotating base 160 and the like can rotate 90 degrees horizontally (within the XY plane in FIG. 41 ) relative to the housing 154 and the protective cover 155 and the like. In FIG. 41 , the central axis of horizontal rotation is indicated by a dashed line. To achieve such rotation, a rotation axis may be inserted into the rotating base 160 as necessary. Note that both FIGS. 41A and 41B show a state in which the horizontal rotation angle is 0 degrees.

[0199] The elevation angle base 161 has substantially the same shape as the columnar body 23 of the housing 16 in Fig. 3, and the millimeter-wave module 9 is disposed on its upper surface as in the example in Fig. 3. The elevation angle base 161 and the millimeter-wave module 9 can be rotated 180 degrees in the elevation angle direction (within the YZ plane in Fig. 41A and the XZ plane in Fig. 41B) relative to the rotation base 160. In Fig. 41, the central axis of rotation in the elevation angle direction is indicated by a dashed line. A rotation shaft may be inserted into the elevation angle base 161, if necessary.

[0200] Rod member 162 has a rod shape and is connected to the side of rotation base 160 to which elevation base 161 is not connected, so as to extend in the same direction as millimeter-wave module 9 and the like. Elevation flex 163 is a flexible board that supplies transmission and reception IF signals to millimeter-wave module 9 and also supplies power to drive millimeter-wave module 9 itself. Elevation flex 163 is wrapped around rod member 162, with one end connected to millimeter-wave module 9 and the other end connected to rod member 162.

[0201] The elevation axis gear 164 and the elevation axis drive motor 165 have the same configuration as the DC motor 108, the gear 110, and the drive gear 111 shown in Fig. 33 etc. Driving the elevation axis drive motor 165 rotates the millimeter-wave module 9 in the elevation direction. Note that in this embodiment, since the millimeter-wave module 9 can rotate 180 degrees in the elevation direction, a stopper may be provided to limit the angle of rotation.

[0202] The horizontal axis gear 166 is made up of multiple gears that transmit the power of the horizontal axis drive motor 167 as horizontal rotation. The horizontal axis drive motor 167 is configured by a DC motor or the like. The horizontal axis gear 166 is also disposed between the fixed base 159 and the rotating base 160, and the rotating base 160 is fixed to the horizontal axis gear 166. When the horizontal axis drive motor 167 is driven, the horizontal axis gear 166 rotates, and the millimeter-wave module 9, the rotating base 160, the elevation base 161, the rod member 162, the elevation flex 163, the elevation axis gear 164, and the elevation axis drive motor 165 rotate horizontally together with the fixed base 159, the horizontal axis gear 166, and the horizontal axis drive motor 167.

[0203] The rotating flex 168 is a flexible substrate that supplies transmitting and receiving IF signals to the millimeter-wave module 9 and also supplies power to drive the millimeter-wave module 9 itself. One end of the rotating flex 168 is connected to the rotating base 160, and the other end is connected to, for example, a convex portion provided on the outer periphery of the fixed base 159. Necessary circuits and the like are configured inside the rotating base 160 and the rod member 162 so that power and the like can be supplied to the millimeter-wave module 9 via the elevation flex 163 and the rotating flex 168.

[0204] 42 and 43 are perspective views showing the rotational operation of the unit 156. FIG. 42 shows a state in which the horizontal rotation angle of the millimeter-wave module 9 and the like is 0 degrees. In this state, when the elevation rotation angle of the millimeter-wave module 9 is 0 degrees, the radiation direction (indicated by the arrow) is on the positive side of the Z axis, as shown in FIG. 42B. When the elevation rotation angle is −90 degrees, the radiation direction is on the positive side of the Y axis, as shown in FIG. 42A. When the elevation rotation angle is 90 degrees, the radiation direction is on the negative side of the Y axis, as shown in FIG. 42C.

[0205] Figure 43 shows a state in which the horizontal rotation angle of the millimeter-wave module 9 and the like is 90 degrees. In this state, when the rotation angle in the elevation angle direction of the millimeter-wave module 9 is 0 degrees, the radiation direction is on the positive side of the Z axis, as shown in Figure 43B. When the rotation angle in the elevation angle direction is -90 degrees, the radiation direction is on the positive side of the X axis, as shown in Figure 43A. When the rotation angle in the elevation angle direction is 90 degrees, the radiation direction is on the negative side of the X axis, as shown in Figure 43C.

[0206] The horizontal rotation may be controlled using two values, 0 degrees and 90 degrees, or may be continuously controlled in the range from 0 degrees to 90 degrees. Similarly, the elevation rotation may be controlled using three values, -90 degrees, 0 degrees, and 90 degrees, or may be continuously controlled in the range from -90 degrees to 90 degrees.

[0207] Fig. 44 is a schematic diagram showing an application example of the radome 153. In the example shown in Fig. 44A to Fig. 44C, the radome 153 is connected to the top of a communication terminal 171. Fig. 44A shows the front side of the communication terminal 171. Fig. 44B shows the back side of the communication terminal 171. Fig. 44C shows the inside of the communication terminal 171.

[0208] The communication terminal 171 is a terminal that performs 5G communication using millimeter waves, and is, for example, a smartphone, but the specific type is not limited thereto. A circuit board and a battery are disposed inside the communication terminal 171, and these supply power to and control the communication terminal 171. The circuit board and the battery may also control and supply power to mechanisms inside the radome 153.

[0209] Such a communication terminal 171 is connected to, for example, factory automation (FA) equipment via a USB cable and is used to operate the equipment and collect information. Alternatively, the communication terminal 171 may be mounted on a robot or drone, or carried by a human, and used in a form that moves around an industrial area.

[0210] When coverage is narrow, it is possible to ensure communication stability by pointing the communication terminal 171 toward a base station for each industrial area (line). Alternatively, it is possible to add or adjust base stations. However, such methods require time and cost. By using the radome 153, it is possible to expand the coverage of the communication terminal 171 at low cost and build an area with a small number of base stations.

[0211] 44D, a radome 153 is connected to the top of the camera 172. When communication using millimeter waves is performed by the camera 172, the radome 153 may be connected as in this example.

[0212] There are no other limitations on the specific configuration of the radome 153. Note that the radome 153 may have a module disposed therein that performs communication using another wavelength band instead of the millimeter-wave module 9.

[0213] Fig. 45 is a plane graph showing the intensity of millimeter waves. Fig. 46 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the millimeter wave module 9 corresponding to the plane graph. Fig. 45 schematically shows a communication terminal 171. It also schematically shows the millimeter wave module 9 arranged above the communication terminal 171. In reality, a radome 153 is arranged above the communication terminal 171, and the millimeter wave module 9 is arranged inside the radome 153, but mechanisms other than the millimeter wave module 9 that the radome 153 has are not shown in the figure.

[0214] The surface of the millimeter-wave module 9 where the squares are arranged is a schematic representation of the radiation surface 15. Figures 46A to 46C all show a state where the rotation angle in the horizontal direction (in the XZ plane) is 0 degrees. Figures 46D and 46E show a state where the rotation angle in the horizontal direction is 90 degrees. Figures 46A and 46D also show a state where the rotation angle in the elevation angle direction is -90 degrees. Figure 46B shows a state where the rotation angle in the elevation angle direction is 0 degrees. Figures 46C and 46E show a state where the rotation angle in the elevation angle direction is 90 degrees.

[0215] In Fig. 46A, the emitting surface 15 faces the negative side of the Z axis. Therefore, the radiation direction is also the negative side of the Z axis. In Fig. 46B, the emitting surface 15 faces the positive side of the Y axis. In Fig. 46C, the emitting surface 15 faces the positive side of the Z axis. In Fig. 46D, the emitting surface 15 faces the positive side of the X axis. In Fig. 46E, the emitting surface 15 faces the negative side of the X axis.

[0216] FIG. 45A shows a planar graph of millimeter-wave intensity in the XZ plane. The dashed line at "0°" indicates the intensity when the horizontal rotation angle is 0° and the elevation rotation angle is -90°. This corresponds to the state in FIG. 46A. The solid line at "180°" indicates the intensity when the horizontal rotation angle is 0° and the elevation rotation angle is 90°. This corresponds to the state in FIG. 46C. The dashed line at "Left" indicates the intensity when the horizontal rotation angle is 90° and the elevation rotation angle is -90°. This corresponds to the state in FIG. 46D. The dashed line at "Right" indicates the intensity when the horizontal rotation angle is 90° and the elevation rotation angle is 90°. This corresponds to the state in FIG. 46E.

[0217] Figure 45B shows the intensity of millimeter waves in the YZ plane as a planar graph. The dashed line at "0°" indicates the intensity when the horizontal rotation angle is 0° and the elevation rotation angle is -90°. In other words, this corresponds to the state in Figure 46A. The dashed line at "90°" indicates the intensity when the horizontal rotation angle is 0° and the elevation rotation angle is 0°. In other words, this corresponds to the state in Figure 46B. The solid line at "180°" indicates the intensity when the horizontal rotation angle is 0° and the elevation rotation angle is 90°. In other words, this corresponds to the state in Figure 46C.

[0218] For example, the millimeter wave intensity in the -Z direction at "0 deg" in Figure 45A is higher than the intensity in any of the other three graphs. In this way, in this embodiment, at each rotation angle, it is possible to compensate for the intensity in a direction that cannot be covered by other rotation angles. Therefore, it is possible to obtain very wide coverage.

[0219] 2, the vertical length of each of the four side surfaces 6a to 6d of the housing 2 is smaller than the length of any of the sides of the top surface 4 and bottom surface 5. That is, the Z-direction length of each of the side surfaces 6a to 6d is smaller than both the length of the sides of the top surface 4 and bottom surface 5 extending in the X direction and the length of the sides of the top surface 4 and bottom surface 5 extending in the Y direction. In this manner, it is possible to place the wireless communication unit 3 inside the flat housing 2. However, the specific shape of the housing 2 is not limited, and it is sufficient if the housing 2 has a first flat plate portion and a second flat plate portion that is also flat and perpendicular to the first flat plate portion.

[0220] 1 and 2 , the first flat plate portion (the member that the radiation surface 15 faces when the rotation angle is 0 degrees) is the side surface 6a, and the second flat plate portion (the member that the radiation surface 15 faces when the rotation angle is 90 degrees) is the top surface 4. This is not a limitation, and for example, the millimeter-wave module 9 may be arranged so as to extend in the Y direction. Alternatively, the millimeter-wave module 9 may be arranged so as to be upside down in the vertical direction compared to FIG. 1 . The specific arrangement of the millimeter-wave module 9 (wireless communication unit 3) is not limited, and the first flat plate portion may be the side surface 6b, 6c, or 6d, and the second flat plate portion may be the bottom surface 5.

[0221] 1 , the millimeter-wave module 9 is disposed in a position near the outside of the housing 2. That is, the millimeter-wave module 9 is disposed in a position close to the side surface 6a, and a position close to the side surface 6a can be said to be a position near the outside of the housing 2. Similarly, positions near the side surfaces 6b to 6d, the top surface 4, and the bottom surface 5 can also be said to be positions near the outside of the housing 2. On the other hand, for example, if the housing 2 has a cubic shape and the millimeter-wave module 9 is disposed at the center (position of the center of gravity) of the cube, it cannot be said that the millimeter-wave module 9 is disposed in a position near the outside of the housing 2.

[0222] In this way, the wireless communication units 3 may be arranged freely to a certain extent. It is also possible to arrange a plurality of wireless communication units 3. For example, two wireless communication units 3 may be arranged so that the orientations of the radiation surfaces 15 are orthogonal when the rotation angle is 0 degrees.

[0223] [Materials, etc.] The columnar portion 27 of the base 17 and the columnar portion 23 of the housing 16 may be made of the same material. For example, these members may be made of aluminum, magnesium, zinc, copper-based sintered metal, etc. Of course, other similar materials may also be used.

[0224] As a result, heat generated in the millimeter-wave module 9 is transferred to the case 2 through a path that includes the columnar portion 23 of the housing 16, the rotation shaft 18, and the columnar portion 27 and flat portion 26 of the base 17, and the heat is transferred well. The columnar portion 27 of the base 17 corresponds to an embodiment of a first portion according to the present technology. The columnar portion 23 of the housing 16 corresponds to an embodiment of a second portion according to the present technology.

[0225] Furthermore, when a sintered oil-impregnated bearing 42 is used, the sintered oil-impregnated bearing 42 may be made of the same type of material. This allows the sintered oil-impregnated bearing 42 to be included in the heat transfer path, further improving heat transfer. In this case, the sintered oil-impregnated bearing 42 is included in the second part according to the present technology.

[0226] 4 and other examples, rotation is achieved by fixing the rotating shaft 18 to the base 17 side and providing the sintered oil-impregnated bearing 42 to the housing 16 side. However, a configuration may also be used in which the rotating shaft 18 is fixed to the housing 16 side and the sintered oil-impregnated bearing 42 is provided to the base 17 side.

[0227] The wireless communication device, wireless communication unit, millimeter-wave module, drive mechanism, coaxial cable, flexible substrate, rotary actuator, sintered oil-impregnated bearing, SMA actuator, slip ring, rotary connector, and the like described with reference to the drawings are merely exemplary embodiments and can be modified as desired without departing from the spirit of the present technology. In other words, any other configurations, algorithms, and the like for implementing the present technology may be adopted.

[0228] In the present disclosure, when the word "approximately" is used, this is used merely to facilitate understanding of the description, and the use or non-use of the word "approximately" does not have any special meaning. That is, in the present disclosure, concepts that define shape, size, positional relationship, state, etc., such as "center," "central," "uniform," "equal," "same," "orthogonal," "parallel," "symmetrical," "extended," "axial direction," "rectangular," "rectangular," "rod-shaped," "flat," "disk-shaped," "ring-shaped," "cuboid-shaped," "cylindrical," "cylindrical," "frustum-shaped," "L-shaped," and "T-shaped," are concepts that include "substantially center," "substantially central," "substantially uniform," "substantially equal," "substantially the same," "substantially orthogonal," "substantially parallel," "substantially symmetrical," "substantially extended," "substantially axial," "substantially rectangular," "substantially rectangular," "substantially rod-shaped," "substantially flat," "substantially disk-shaped," "substantially ring-shaped," "substantially cuboid-shaped," "substantially cylindrical," "substantially cylindrical," "substantially truncated-conical," "substantially L-shaped," "substantially T-shaped," etc. For example, states that fall within a predetermined range (e.g., a range of ±10%) based on standards such as "perfectly centered," "perfectly central," "perfectly uniform," "perfectly equal," "perfectly the same," "perfectly orthogonal," "perfectly parallel," "perfectly symmetrical," "perfectly extended," "perfectly axial," "perfectly rectangular," "perfectly oblong," "perfectly rod-shaped," "perfectly flat," "perfectly disk-shaped," "perfectly ring-shaped," "perfectly rectangular prism-shaped," "perfectly cylindrical," "perfectly cylindrical," "perfectly truncated cone-shaped," "perfectly L-shaped," and "perfectly T-shaped" are also included. Therefore, even if the word "approximately" is not added, a concept expressed by adding "approximately" may be included. Conversely, a state expressed by adding "approximately" does not exclude a perfect state.

[0229] In the present disclosure, expressions using "than", such as "greater than A" and "smaller than A", are expressions that comprehensively include both concepts that include the case where it is equivalent to A and concepts that do not include the case where it is equivalent to A. For example, "greater than A" is not limited to cases that do not include equivalent to A, but also includes "A or greater". Furthermore, "smaller than A" is not limited to "less than A" but also includes "A or less". When implementing the present technology, specific settings and the like can be appropriately adopted from the concepts included in "greater than A" and "smaller than A" so that the effects described above can be achieved.

[0230] It is also possible to combine at least two of the features of the present technology described above. That is, the various features described in each embodiment may be arbitrarily combined without distinguishing between the embodiments. Furthermore, the various effects described above are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting, and other effects may also be achieved.

[0231] The present technology may also be configured as follows: (1) A wireless communication device comprising: a housing having a first flat plate portion having a flat plate shape, a second flat plate portion also having a flat plate shape and orthogonal to the first flat plate portion, and an internal space surrounded by at least the first flat plate portion and the second flat plate portion; a rotatable millimeter-wave module disposed in the internal space, having a planar radiation surface; and a drive mechanism disposed in the internal space and configured to rotate the millimeter-wave module between a first position where the radiation surface faces a first direction that is a direction of a normal to the first flat plate portion and a second position where the radiation surface faces a second direction that is a direction of a normal to the second flat plate portion. (2) The wireless communication device according to (1), wherein the housing has a rectangular parallelepiped shape consisting of a top surface, a bottom surface, and four side surfaces, the first flat plate portion being one of the four side surfaces, and the second flat plate portion being either the top surface or the bottom surface. (3) The wireless communication device according to (1) or (2), wherein the millimeter-wave module is disposed in a position near the exterior of the casing. (4) The wireless communication device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the drive mechanism has a base, a housing in which the millimeter-wave module is disposed, and a rotation shaft inserted between the base and the housing, and the base and the housing are relatively rotatable about the rotation shaft. (5) The wireless communication device according to (4), wherein a first portion of the base near the rotation shaft and a second portion of the housing near the rotation shaft are in contact with each other and made of the same material, and heat generated in the millimeter-wave module is transferred to the casing through a path that includes the second portion, the rotation shaft, the first portion, and a portion of the base other than the first portion. (6) The wireless communication device according to (5), wherein the second portion of the housing includes a sintered oil-impregnated bearing, and the path includes the sintered oil-impregnated bearing. (7) The wireless communication device according to any one of (4) to (6), wherein the rotation axis is arranged parallel to the first flat plate portion and the second flat plate portion.(8) The wireless communication device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the drive mechanism controls the direction of a directional beam formed by the millimeter-wave module by rotating the millimeter-wave module in accordance with a change in attitude of the millimeter-wave module. (9) The wireless communication device according to (8), wherein the drive mechanism rotates the millimeter-wave module so as to maintain the direction of the directional beam in a predetermined direction. (10) The wireless communication device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the drive mechanism continuously rotates the millimeter-wave module between the first position and the second position and is capable of stopping the millimeter-wave module at any position between the first position and the second position. (11) The wireless communication device according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the drive mechanism discretely rotates the millimeter-wave module to the first position or the second position and stops the millimeter-wave module at either the first position or the second position. (12) The wireless communication device according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the drive mechanism has a restricting member that restricts rotation of the millimeter-wave module so that the rotation range of the millimeter-wave module is a range between the first position and the second position. (13) The wireless communication device according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein a difference between a first rotation angle at which the millimeter-wave module is at the first position and a second rotation angle at which the millimeter-wave module is at the second position is 90 degrees. (14) The wireless communication device according to any one of (1) to (13), wherein the drive mechanism has a rotary actuator that rotates the millimeter-wave module.(15) The wireless communication device according to any one of (1) to (13), wherein the drive mechanism includes a rotating member that rotates the millimeter-wave module, a first shape memory alloy connected to the rotating member, and a second shape memory alloy connected to the rotating member, wherein when current is passed through the first shape memory alloy, the first shape memory alloy is heated by the current and deformed into its memorized shape, thereby causing the rotating member to be pulled by the first shape memory alloy, the millimeter-wave module to rotate to a first position, and the second shape memory alloy is elongated, and when current is passed through the second shape memory alloy, the second shape memory alloy is heated by the current and deformed into its memorized shape, thereby causing the rotating member to be pulled by the second shape memory alloy, the millimeter-wave module to rotate to a second position, and the first shape memory alloy is elongated. (16) The wireless communication device according to any one of (1) to (15), further including a coaxial cable that transmits and receives a transmission / reception IF signal to and from the millimeter-wave module. (17) The wireless communication device according to any one of (1) to (15), further comprising: a flexible substrate having at least one of a microstrip line including a signal line for transmitting and receiving a transmit / receive IF signal to and from the millimeter-wave module, or a strip line including the signal line. (18) The wireless communication device according to any one of (1) to (17), comprising: a slip ring for supplying power to the millimeter-wave module. (19) The wireless communication device according to any one of (1) to (17), comprising: a rotary connector for supplying power to the millimeter-wave module.(20) A wireless communication unit disposed in an internal space of a housing having a first flat plate portion, a second flat plate portion also flat and perpendicular to the first flat plate portion, and an internal space surrounded by at least the first flat plate portion and the second flat plate portion, the wireless communication unit comprising: a millimeter-wave module having a planar radiation surface and being rotatable; and a drive mechanism that rotates the millimeter-wave module between a first position where the radiation surface faces a first direction that is the direction of a normal to the first flat plate portion, and a second position where the radiation surface faces a second direction that is the direction of a normal to the second flat plate portion.

[0232] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Wireless communication device 2...Housing 3...Wireless communication unit 4...Top surface 5...Bottom surface 6...Side surface 9...Millimeter wave module 10...Drive mechanism 11...Coaxial cable 12...Flexible substrate 15...Radiation surface 16...Housing 17...Base 18...Rotating shaft 19...Rotary actuator 20...Stopper 32...Sintered oil-impregnated bearing 69, 70...Directional beam 75...Smartphone 83...SMA actuator 87...Rotating member 89...SMA 141...Slip ring 144...Rotary connector

Claims

1. A wireless communication device comprising: a housing having a first flat-plate-shaped portion, a second flat-plate-shaped portion that is also flat and perpendicular to the first flat-plate portion, and an internal space surrounded by at least the first flat-plate portion and the second flat-plate portion; a millimeter-wave module that is disposed in the internal space, has a planar radiation surface, and is rotatable; and a drive mechanism that is disposed in the internal space and rotates the millimeter-wave module between a first position where the radiation surface faces a first direction that is the normal direction of the first flat-plate portion, and a second position where the radiation surface faces a second direction that is the normal direction of the second flat-plate portion.

2. A wireless communication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing has a rectangular parallelepiped shape consisting of an upper surface, a lower surface and four side surfaces, the first flat plate portion being one of the four side surfaces, and the second flat plate portion being either the upper surface or the lower surface.

3. A wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the millimeter wave module is disposed in a position adjacent to the exterior of the housing.

4. A wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism has a base, a housing in which the millimeter wave module is disposed, and a rotation shaft inserted between the base and the housing, and the base and the housing are capable of relatively rotating around the rotation shaft.

5. A wireless communication device as described in claim 4, wherein a first portion of the base adjacent to the rotation axis and a second portion of the housing adjacent to the rotation axis are in contact with each other and made of the same type of material, and heat generated in the millimeter wave module is transferred to the housing via a path that includes the second portion, the rotation axis, the first portion, and portions of the base other than the first portion.

6. A wireless communication device according to claim 5, wherein the second portion of the housing includes a sintered oil-impregnated bearing, and the passage includes the sintered oil-impregnated bearing.

7. A wireless communication device according to claim 4, wherein the rotation axis is arranged parallel to the first flat plate portion and the second flat plate portion.

8. A wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the driving mechanism controls the direction of the directional beam formed by the millimeter wave module by rotating the millimeter wave module in response to a change in the attitude of the millimeter wave module.

9. A wireless communication device according to claim 8, wherein the driving mechanism rotates the millimeter wave module so that the direction of the directional beam is maintained in a predetermined direction.

10. A wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the driving mechanism is capable of continuously rotating the millimeter wave module between the first position and the second position, and of stopping the millimeter wave module at any position between the first position and the second position.

11. A wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the driving mechanism rotates the millimeter wave module discretely to the first position or the second position, and stops the millimeter wave module at either the first position or the second position.

12. A wireless communication device as described in claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism has a regulating member that regulates the rotation of the millimeter wave module so that the rotation range of the millimeter wave module is within a range between the first position and the second position.

13. A wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the difference between a first rotation angle at which the millimeter wave module is in the first position and a second rotation angle at which the millimeter wave module is in the second position is 90 degrees.

14. A wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the driving mechanism includes a rotary actuator for rotating the millimeter wave module.

15. A wireless communication device as described in claim 1, wherein the driving mechanism has a rotating member that rotates the millimeter-wave module, a first shape memory alloy connected to the rotating member, and a second shape memory alloy connected to the rotating member, and when current is passed through the first shape memory alloy, the first shape memory alloy is heated by the current and deforms into its memorized shape, thereby causing the rotating member to be pulled by the first shape memory alloy, the millimeter-wave module to rotate to its first position, and the second shape memory alloy is elongated, and when current is passed through the second shape memory alloy, the second shape memory alloy is heated by the current and deforms into its memorized shape, thereby causing the rotating member to be pulled by the second shape memory alloy, the millimeter-wave module to rotate to its second position, and the first shape memory alloy is elongated.

16. A wireless communication device according to claim 1, further comprising a coaxial cable for transmitting and receiving a transmission / reception IF signal to and from said millimeter wave module.

17. A wireless communication device according to claim 1, further comprising a flexible substrate having at least one of a microstrip line including a signal line for transmitting and receiving a transmission / reception IF signal to and from said millimeter wave module, or a strip line including said signal line.

18. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, further comprising a slip ring for supplying power to the millimeter wave module.

19. A wireless communication device according to claim 1, further comprising a rotary connector for supplying power to said millimeter wave module.

20. A wireless communication unit disposed in an internal space of a housing having a first flat-plate-shaped portion, a second flat-plate-shaped portion that is also flat and perpendicular to the first flat-plate portion, and an internal space surrounded by at least the first flat-plate portion and the second flat-plate portion, the wireless communication unit comprising: a millimeter-wave module having a planar radiation surface and capable of rotating; and a drive mechanism that rotates the millimeter-wave module between a first position where the radiation surface faces a first direction that is the direction of the normal to the first flat-plate portion, and a second position where the radiation surface faces a second direction that is the direction of the normal to the second flat-plate portion.