Dielectric waveguide and mobile communication system

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a dielectric waveguide that is capable of improving transmission characteristics for an electromagnetic wave, especially a high frequency electromagnetic wave such as a millimeter wave in a fifth-generation mobile communication system (5G) and a next generation mobile communication system (Beyond 5G) succeeding the fifth-generation mobile communication system. [Solution] Provided is a dielectric waveguide for transmitting electromagnetic waves. A cross section of the dielectric waveguide in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the dielectric waveguide is a rectangular cross section. The length of a long side of the rectangular cross section is at least 2.2 times the length of a short side of the rectangular cross section.

Description

Dielectric waveguide and mobile communication system

[0001] The present invention relates to a dielectric waveguide and a mobile communication system.

[0002] Conventionally, dielectric waveguides for transmitting (propagating) electromagnetic waves, particularly high-frequency electromagnetic waves such as millimeter waves, have been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-175168

[0004] However, in the technology proposed in Patent Document 1, in the fifth-generation mobile communication system (5G) and the next-generation mobile communication system (Beyond 5G) that succeeds the fifth-generation mobile communication system, electromagnetic waves, particularly high-frequency electromagnetic waves such as millimeter waves, there is a risk that the transmission characteristics of the dielectric waveguide cannot be improved.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and in the fifth-generation mobile communication system (5G) and the next-generation mobile communication system (Beyond 5G) that succeeds the fifth-generation mobile communication system, electromagnetic waves, particularly high-frequency electromagnetic waves such as millimeter waves, the main object is to provide a dielectric waveguide and a mobile communication system that can improve the transmission characteristics.

[0006] As a result of intensive research to solve the above object, the present inventors have developed a dielectric waveguide and a mobile communication system that can improve the transmission characteristics of electromagnetic waves, particularly high-frequency electromagnetic waves such as millimeter waves, in the fifth-generation mobile communication system (5G) and the next-generation mobile communication system (Beyond 5G) that succeeds the fifth-generation mobile communication system, and have completed the present invention.

[0007] That is, in the present invention, as a first aspect, it is a dielectric waveguide that transmits electromagnetic waves, the cross-section of the dielectric waveguide in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the dielectric waveguide is a rectangular cross-section, and the length of the long side of the rectangular cross-section is 2.2 times or more the length of the short side of the rectangular cross-section, a dielectric waveguide is provided.

[0008] In the dielectric waveguide according to the first aspect of the present invention, the shape of the dielectric waveguide in the longitudinal direction may be a spiral shape.

[0009] The first dielectric waveguide on the side according to the present invention may be branched into at least two in the longitudinal direction of the dielectric waveguide.

[0010] Furthermore, as a second aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a mobile communication system comprising at least a dielectric waveguide and a base station, wherein the dielectric waveguide transmits electromagnetic waves from the base station, the dielectric waveguide transmits electromagnetic waves to the base station, the cross-section of the dielectric waveguide in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the dielectric waveguide is a rectangular cross-section, and the length of the long side of the rectangular cross-section is 2.2 times or more the length of the short side of the rectangular cross-section.

[0011] In the second aspect of the mobile communication system according to the present invention, the dielectric waveguide may have a spiral shape in the longitudinal direction.

[0012] In the mobile communication system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the dielectric waveguide may be branched into at least two in the longitudinal direction of the dielectric waveguide.

[0013] In the mobile communication system according to the second aspect of the present invention, of the two dielectric waveguides that are branched, at least one dielectric waveguide may transmit electromagnetic waves from the base station, and at least the other dielectric waveguide may transmit electromagnetic waves to the base station.

[0014] A second aspect of the mobile communication system according to the present invention may include an amplifier for at least one dielectric waveguide provided at at least one location in the longitudinal direction of at least one dielectric waveguide, and an amplifier for at least the other dielectric waveguide provided at at least one location in the longitudinal direction of at least the other dielectric waveguide, wherein in the second aspect of the mobile communication system according to the present invention, the amplifier for at least one dielectric waveguide may amplify electromagnetic waves from the base station, and the amplifier for at least the other dielectric waveguide may amplify electromagnetic waves to the base station.

[0015] Furthermore, as a third aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a mobile communication system comprising at least a first dielectric waveguide, a second dielectric waveguide, and a base station, wherein the first dielectric waveguide transmits electromagnetic waves from the base station, the second dielectric waveguide transmits electromagnetic waves to the base station, the first cross section of the first dielectric waveguide in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first dielectric waveguide is a first rectangular cross section, the length of the long side of the first rectangular cross section is 2.2 times or more the length of the short side of the first rectangular cross section, the second cross section of the second dielectric waveguide in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second dielectric waveguide is a second rectangular cross section, the length of the long side of the second rectangular cross section is 2.2 times or more the length of the short side of the second rectangular cross section.

[0016] In the third aspect of the mobile communication system according to the present invention, the longitudinal shape of the first dielectric waveguide may be spiral, and the longitudinal shape of the second dielectric waveguide may be spiral.

[0017] In the mobile communication system according to the third aspect of the present invention, the first dielectric waveguide may be branched into at least two in the longitudinal direction of the first dielectric waveguide, and the second dielectric waveguide may be branched into at least two in the longitudinal direction of the second dielectric waveguide.

[0018]

[12] A third aspect of the mobile communication system according to the present invention may include a first amplifier provided at least one location in the longitudinal direction of the first dielectric waveguide and a second amplifier provided at least one location in the longitudinal direction of the second dielectric waveguide, wherein the first amplifier may amplify electromagnetic waves from the base station and the second amplifier may amplify electromagnetic waves to the base station.

[0019] According to the present invention, even in fifth-generation mobile communication systems (5G) and next-generation mobile communication systems (Beyond 5G) that succeed fifth-generation mobile communication systems, improvements in transmission characteristics for electromagnetic waves, particularly high-frequency electromagnetic waves such as millimeter waves, can be achieved. The effects described herein are not necessarily limited, and any of the effects described herein may also be present.

[0020] Figure 1 shows an example configuration of a dielectric waveguide according to a first embodiment to which the present invention is applied. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a dielectric waveguide according to a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied. Figure 3 shows an example configuration of a dielectric waveguide according to a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied. Figure 4 shows an example configuration of a mobile communication system according to a third embodiment to which the present invention is applied. Figure 5 shows an example configuration of a mobile communication system according to a fourth embodiment to which the present invention is applied. Figure 6 shows an example configuration of a mobile communication system according to a fifth embodiment to which the present invention is applied. Figure 7 shows an example configuration of a support system for supporting a dielectric waveguide according to a first embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

[0021] The following describes preferred embodiments for carrying out the present invention. The embodiments described below are examples of typical embodiments of the present invention and should not be interpreted as narrowing the scope of the present invention.

[0022] Unless otherwise specified, in drawings, "up" means the upper direction or upper side in the drawing, "down" means the lower direction or lower side in the drawing, "left" means the left direction or left side in the drawing, and "right" means the right direction or right side in the drawing. In addition, identical or equivalent elements or components are denoted by the same reference numeral in the drawings, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0023] The explanation will proceed in the following order: 1. Overview of the present invention 2. First embodiment (Example 1 of a dielectric waveguide) 3. Second embodiment (Example 2 of a dielectric waveguide) 4. Third embodiment (Example 1 of a mobile communication system) 5. Fourth embodiment (Example 2 of a mobile communication system) 6. Fifth embodiment (Example 3 of a mobile communication system)

[0024] <1. Overview of the Invention> First, an overview of the present invention will be explained.

[0025] The dielectric waveguide according to the present invention transmits (propagates) electromagnetic waves, particularly high-frequency electromagnetic waves such as millimeter waves (20 GHz to 300 GHz), and the cross-section of the dielectric waveguide in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the dielectric waveguide is a rectangular cross-section, and the length of the long side of the rectangular cross-section is 2.2 times or more the length of the short side of the rectangular cross-section.

[0026] A mobile communication system according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises at least a dielectric waveguide and a base station, wherein the dielectric waveguide transmits electromagnetic waves from the base station and transmits electromagnetic waves to the base station, the cross-section of the dielectric waveguide in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the dielectric waveguide is a rectangular cross-section, and the length of the long side of the rectangular cross-section is 2.2 times or more the length of the short side of the rectangular cross-section.

[0027] A mobile communication system according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises at least a first dielectric waveguide, a second dielectric waveguide, and a base station, wherein the first dielectric waveguide transmits electromagnetic waves from the base station, and the second dielectric waveguide transmits electromagnetic waves to the base station, the first cross section of the first dielectric waveguide in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first dielectric waveguide is a first rectangular cross section, the length of the long side of the first rectangular cross section is 2.2 times or more the length of the short side of the first rectangular cross section, and the second cross section of the second dielectric waveguide in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second dielectric waveguide is a second rectangular cross section, the length of the long side of the second rectangular cross section is 2.2 times or more the length of the short side of the second rectangular cross section.

[0028] According to the dielectric waveguide and the mobile communication systems of the first and second aspects of the present invention, it is possible to improve the transmission characteristics of electromagnetic waves, particularly high-frequency electromagnetic waves such as millimeter waves, even in fifth-generation mobile communication systems (5G) and next-generation mobile communication systems (Beyond 5G) that succeed fifth-generation mobile communication systems.

[0029] Furthermore, high-frequency electromagnetic waves such as millimeter waves can make area design difficult due to their high linearity and short propagation distance. However, with the dielectric waveguide and the mobile communication systems of the first and second aspects according to the present invention, appropriate area design can be achieved.

[0030] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below in a specific and detailed manner.

[0031] <2. First Embodiment (Example 1 of Dielectric Waveguide)> The dielectric waveguide of the first embodiment (Example 1 of Dielectric Waveguide) according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 1. Furthermore, the support system for supporting the dielectric waveguide of the first embodiment (Example 1 of Dielectric Waveguide) according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 7.

[0032] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a dielectric waveguide according to a first embodiment to which the present invention is applied, and specifically, it is a diagram showing the configuration of the dielectric waveguide 1.

[0033] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a support system for supporting a dielectric waveguide according to a first embodiment to which the present invention is applied, and more specifically, it is a diagram showing the configuration of a support system 7000 for supporting a dielectric waveguide 1.

[0034] The dielectric waveguide 1 will be explained using Figure 1.

[0035] The dielectric waveguide 1 transmits electromagnetic waves, and the cross-section of the dielectric waveguide 1 in a direction approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction P1 (and the short direction Q1) of the dielectric waveguide 1 is a rectangular cross-section 13. The length a of the long side 11 of the rectangular cross-section 13 is 2.2 times or more the length b of the short side 12 of the rectangular cross-section 13. In the dielectric waveguide 1, electromagnetic waves propagate as an electric field in a direction approximately parallel to the short side 12 and as a magnetic field in a direction approximately parallel to the long side 11. In other words, the rectangular cross-section 13 of the dielectric waveguide 1 described here is where electromagnetic waves are mainly transmitted and is called the core. The electric field is approximately parallel to the short side 12 of the rectangular cross-section 13, but when the dielectric waveguide 1 is twisted, the electric field tilts towards the long side 11. In order to prevent this tilting, it is necessary to make the length a of the long side 11 of the rectangular cross-section 13 2.2 times or more the length b of the short side 12 of the rectangular cross-section 13.

[0036] Although not shown in Figure 1, the shape of the dielectric waveguide 1 in the longitudinal direction P1 may be spiral. By making the dielectric waveguide 1 spiral, the efficiency of electromagnetic wave transmission (leakage, radiation) and electromagnetic wave reception (incidence) can be improved. In other words, there are at least three reasons why a dielectric waveguide 1 having a spiral shape is preferable. The first reason is that a dielectric waveguide 1 having a spiral shape has the effect of transmitting electromagnetic waves over long distances because it has low transmission loss. The second reason is that it has the effect of making it easier to transmit electromagnetic waves (or "leakage" or "radiation") and easier to receive (or "incidence") electromagnetic waves. The third reason is that making the dielectric waveguide 1 spiral makes it easier to transmit (or "leakage" or "radiation") and easier to receive (or "incidence") electromagnetic waves along the outer circumference of the dielectric waveguide 1. For these three effects to be further achieved, it is preferable that convex and / or concave portions are formed in the spiral-shaped dielectric waveguide 1.

[0037] In a dielectric waveguide 1, a notch (not shown in Figure 1, may be called a scratch) may be made in the surface 15 (top surface in the dielectric waveguide 1) which is formed by the long sides of two opposing rectangular cross-sections (the first long side in the short direction Q of the rectangular cross-section 13 that is opposite to the long side 11 in the short direction Q of the rectangular cross-section 13, and the second long side in the short direction Q that is opposite to the first long side), and two opposing sides in the longitudinal direction P1 that connect to each of the long sides of the two opposing rectangular cross-sections (side 14 in the longitudinal direction P1 and the side in the longitudinal direction P1 that is opposite to side 14). The notch may also be made in the surface opposite to surface 15 (bottom surface in the dielectric waveguide 1). By making a notch, electromagnetic waves (e.g., radio waves) are more easily radiated from the dielectric waveguide 1, or electromagnetic waves (e.g., radio waves) are more easily received.

[0038] In a dielectric waveguide 1, dielectric pieces may be arranged on a surface 15 (the upper surface in the dielectric waveguide 1) which is formed by the long sides of two opposing rectangular cross-sections (the first long side in the short direction Q of the rectangular cross-section 13 that is opposite to the long side 11 in the short direction Q of the rectangular cross-section 13, and the second long side in the short direction Q that is opposite to the first long side), and two opposing sides in the longitudinal direction P1 that connect to each of the long sides of the two opposing rectangular cross-sections (side 14 in the longitudinal direction P1 and the side in the longitudinal direction P1 that is opposite to side 14) (not shown in Figure 1). The dielectric pieces may also be arranged on a surface opposite to surface 15 (the lower surface in the dielectric waveguide 1). Depending on the arrangement of the dielectric pieces, electromagnetic waves (e.g., radio waves) may be more easily radiated from the dielectric waveguide 1, or electromagnetic waves (e.g., radio waves) may be more easily received.

[0039] The dielectric waveguide 1 may be bent along its longitudinal direction (not shown in Figure 1). Bending it makes it easier for electromagnetic waves (e.g., radio waves) to be emitted from the dielectric waveguide 1, or easier for electromagnetic waves (e.g., radio waves) to be received.

[0040] In the dielectric waveguide 1, the surface of the dielectric waveguide 1 may be wrapped with a tape (not shown in Figure 1) having a relative permittivity of 2 or less and a thickness of 0.5 mm or less (not shown in Figure 1). This tape is for reinforcing the dielectric waveguide 1, and examples include a tape containing plastic raw materials including fluorine atoms. By wrapping the dielectric waveguide 1 with tape, the mechanical strength of the dielectric waveguide 1 is improved.

[0041] The support system 7000 that supports the dielectric waveguide 1 will be explained using Figure 7.

[0042] The support system 7000 includes holding parts 701 and 702 for holding the dielectric waveguide 1, a support member (arm) 711 for supporting the holding part 701, a fixing part 721 connected to the support member 711, a support member (arm) 712 for supporting the holding part 702, and a fixing part 722 connected to the support member 712.

[0043] The holding portion 701 is provided with an opening 701-1 for inserting the dielectric waveguide 1 and holding the dielectric waveguide 1. The holding portion 702 is provided with an opening 702-1 for inserting the dielectric waveguide 1 and holding the dielectric waveguide 1. Each of the fixing portions 721 and 722 is fixed to a wall in a building, underground, etc., for example, so that the dielectric waveguide 1 can be fixed at a predetermined location in a building, underground, etc.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 7, while the dielectric waveguide 1 is fixed at a predetermined location in a building, underground, etc., for example, the dielectric waveguide 1 transmits the electromagnetic wave D71, and the electromagnetic wave E71 is transmitted from the dielectric waveguide 1 (it may be said that "leaks" or "radiates"). The electromagnetic wave F71 is received by the dielectric waveguide 1 (it may be said that "is incident").

[0045] If the holding portions 701 and 702 in contact with the dielectric waveguide 1 are materials that absorb electromagnetic waves or affect electromagnetic waves, the propagation loss of the dielectric waveguide 1 may increase, and problems may occur in transmission (leakage or radiation) and reception (incidence).

[0046] Therefore, a foamed plastic, preferably foamed polyethylene, is used for the materials of the holding portions 701 and 702. When foamed polyethylene is used, an increase in the propagation loss of the dielectric waveguide 1 does not occur. The relative permittivity of foamed polyethylene is 1.5 or less, and the dielectric loss is 0.01 or less.

[0047] As described above, the content described for the first embodiment (Example 1 of dielectric waveguide) according to the present invention can be applied to the second to fifth embodiments according to the present invention described later as long as there is no particular technical contradiction.

[0048] <3. Second Embodiment (Example 2 of Dielectric Waveguide)> The dielectric waveguide of the second embodiment (Example 2 of dielectric waveguide) according to the present invention will be described using FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0049] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a dielectric waveguide according to a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied. Specifically, it illustrates that the dielectric waveguide 300 shown in Figure 3 is manufactured using dielectric waveguides 2, 3, and 4.

[0050] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a dielectric waveguide configuration 2 of a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied, and specifically, it is a diagram showing the configuration of the dielectric waveguide 300.

[0051] First, we will explain the dielectric waveguide 300 using Figure 3.

[0052] The dielectric waveguide 300 is divided into two in the longitudinal direction P32 of the dielectric waveguide 300. More specifically, the dielectric waveguide 300 is composed of a dielectric waveguide 2, a branched dielectric waveguide 3, and a branched dielectric waveguide 4. In the dielectric waveguide 300, one end of the dielectric waveguide 2 in the longitudinal direction P32 is connected to one end of the dielectric waveguide 3 in the longitudinal direction P33, and one end of the dielectric waveguide 2 in the longitudinal direction P32 is connected to one end of the dielectric waveguide 4 in the longitudinal direction P34, thereby forming the branched dielectric waveguide 3 and the branched dielectric waveguide 4. The electromagnetic wave D31 transmitted in the dielectric waveguide 2 is divided into two: the electromagnetic wave D32 transmitted in the dielectric waveguide 3 and the electromagnetic wave D33 transmitted in the dielectric waveguide 4.

[0053] Next, the manufacturing method of the dielectric waveguide 300 will be explained using Figure 2.

[0054] As shown in Figure 2, at one end of the longitudinal direction P22 of the dielectric waveguide 2, a first inclined surface 23-1 is formed, which is inclined at a predetermined angle (90 degrees - θ1) to a vertical plane (not shown in Figure 2) that is substantially perpendicular to a plane S (a plane extending from the front to the back of the paper in Figure 2) that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction P22 of the dielectric waveguide 2, and a first inclined surface 23-2 is formed, which is inclined at a predetermined angle (90 degrees - θ2) to a vertical plane (not shown in Figure 2) that is substantially perpendicular to a plane S (a plane extending from the front to the back of the paper in Figure 2) that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction P22 of the dielectric waveguide 2.

[0055] At one end of the dielectric waveguide 3 in the longitudinal direction P23, a rectangular cross-section 33 is formed that is substantially perpendicular to the dielectric waveguide with respect to the longitudinal direction P23 of the dielectric waveguide 3, and at one end of the dielectric waveguide 4 in the longitudinal direction P24, a rectangular cross-section 43 is formed that is substantially perpendicular to the dielectric waveguide with respect to the longitudinal direction P24 of the dielectric waveguide 4.

[0056] The first inclined surface 23-1 of the dielectric waveguide 2 is connected to the rectangular cross-section 33 of the dielectric waveguide 3, and the first inclined surface 23-2 of the dielectric waveguide 2 is connected to the rectangular cross-section 43 of the dielectric waveguide 3, forming a dielectric waveguide 300 that branches into two in the longitudinal direction P32 (Figure 3).

[0057] The contents described above regarding the second embodiment of the present invention (Example 2 of a dielectric waveguide) can be applied to the first embodiment of the present invention described above and the third to sixth embodiments of the present invention described later, unless there are any particular technical inconsistencies.

[0058] <4. Third Embodiment (Example 1 of Mobile Communication System)> The mobile communication system according to the third embodiment (Example 1 of Mobile Communication System) of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 4.

[0059] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example configuration of a mobile communication system according to a third embodiment to which the present invention is applied, and specifically, it shows the configuration of the mobile communication system 400. Note that in Figure 4, the base stations that the mobile communication system 400 comprises are omitted from the illustration.

[0060] The mobile communication system 400 will be described using Figure 4.

[0061] The mobile communication system 400 includes a dielectric waveguide 5, a branched dielectric waveguide 6, a branched dielectric waveguide 7, a dielectric waveguide 8, an amplifier 51 provided at a predetermined location in the longitudinal direction P46 of the branched dielectric waveguide 6, an amplifier 52 provided at a predetermined location in the longitudinal direction P47 of the branched dielectric waveguide 7, and a base station (not shown). The mobile communication system 400 may further include a holding part (for example, holding part 701 and / or 702) that holds at least one of the dielectric waveguides 5 to 8. The holding part has a region in contact with the dielectric waveguide, and the dielectric constant of the region of the holding part in contact with the dielectric waveguide may be smaller than the dielectric constant of the dielectric waveguide.

[0062] In the mobile communication system 400, one end of dielectric waveguide 5 in the longitudinal direction P45 is connected to one end of dielectric waveguide 6 in the longitudinal direction P46, one end of dielectric waveguide 5 in the longitudinal direction P45 is connected to one end of dielectric waveguide 7 in the longitudinal direction P47, one end of dielectric waveguide 8 in the longitudinal direction P48 is connected to the other end of dielectric waveguide 6 in the longitudinal direction P46, and one end of dielectric waveguide 8 in the longitudinal direction P48 is connected to the other end of dielectric waveguide 7 in the longitudinal direction P47, thereby forming a branched dielectric waveguide 6 and a branched dielectric waveguide 7.

[0063] Electromagnetic waves D41 transmitted from the base station in dielectric waveguide 2 are transmitted in the branched dielectric waveguide 6 (electromagnetic waves D42), and subsequently transmitted in dielectric waveguide 4 (electromagnetic waves D43). The electromagnetic waves D42 transmitted from the base station are amplified by amplifier 51. At the branching points between dielectric waveguide 5 and dielectric waveguides 6 and 7, and / or between dielectric waveguide 8 and dielectric waveguides 6 and 7, branching devices (directional couplers) (not shown) capable of controlling the direction of electromagnetic wave flow (transmission of electromagnetic waves) (for example, the direction of electromagnetic wave flow (transmission of electromagnetic waves)) may be used to actively regulate the flow (transmission of electromagnetic waves).

[0064] The electromagnetic wave D44 transmitted to the base station in dielectric waveguide 8 is transmitted in the branched dielectric waveguide 7 (electromagnetic wave D45), and then transmitted in dielectric waveguide 4 (electromagnetic wave D46).

[0065] The above description of the third embodiment of the present invention (Example 1 of a mobile communication system) can be applied to the first and second embodiments of the present invention described above and the fourth and fifth embodiments of the present invention described later, unless there are any particular technical inconsistencies. The electromagnetic wave D45 transmitted to the base station is amplified by the amplifier 52.

[0066] <5. Fourth Embodiment (Example 2 of Mobile Communication System)> The mobile communication system according to the fourth embodiment (Example 2 of Mobile Communication System) of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 5.

[0067] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example configuration of a mobile communication system according to a fourth embodiment to which the present invention is applied, and specifically, it is a diagram showing the configuration of the mobile communication system 500.

[0068] The mobile communication system 500 will be explained using Figure 5.

[0069] The mobile communication system 500 includes a dielectric waveguide 51, a dielectric waveguide 52 and a dielectric conductor waveguide 53 branched from the dielectric waveguide 51, a dielectric waveguide 54, a dielectric waveguide 55 and a dielectric conductor waveguide 56 branched from the dielectric waveguide 54, a dielectric waveguide 57, a dielectric waveguide 58 and a dielectric conductor waveguide 59 branched from the dielectric waveguide 57, a dielectric waveguide 599, a dielectric waveguide 599-1 and a dielectric conductor waveguide 599-2 branched from the dielectric waveguide 599, and a base station 501. The mobile communication system 500 may further include a holding part (for example, a holding part 701 and / or 702) for holding at least one of the dielectric waveguides 51 to 59, 599 and 599-1 to 599-2. The holding portion has a region in contact with the dielectric waveguide, and the dielectric constant of the region of the holding portion in contact with the dielectric waveguide may be smaller than the dielectric constant of the dielectric waveguide.

[0070] One longitudinal end of dielectric waveguide 51 and one longitudinal end of dielectric waveguide 52 are connected via repeater 511, and one longitudinal end of dielectric waveguide 51 and one longitudinal end of dielectric waveguide 53 are connected via repeater 511. As shown in Figure 5, electromagnetic waves E51 and E52 are transmitted from dielectric waveguide 51 (they may also be called "leaking" or "radiating"; the same applies hereinafter), electromagnetic waves E51-1 and E52-1 are received by dielectric waveguide 51, electromagnetic waves E53 and E54 are transmitted from dielectric waveguide 52, and electromagnetic waves E55 and E56 are transmitted from dielectric waveguide 53.

[0071] One longitudinal end of dielectric waveguide 54 and one longitudinal end of dielectric waveguide 55 are connected via repeater 512, and one longitudinal end of dielectric waveguide 54 and one longitudinal end of dielectric waveguide 56 are connected via repeater 512. As shown in Figure 5, electromagnetic waves E57 and E58 are transmitted from dielectric waveguide 54, electromagnetic waves E57-1 and E58-1 are received by dielectric waveguide 54, electromagnetic wave E59 is received by dielectric waveguide 55, and electromagnetic wave E591 is transmitted from dielectric waveguide 56.

[0072] One longitudinal end of dielectric waveguide 57 and one longitudinal end of dielectric waveguide 58 are connected via repeater 513, and one longitudinal end of dielectric waveguide 57 and one longitudinal end of dielectric waveguide 59 are connected via repeater 513. As shown in Figure 5, electromagnetic waves E592 and E593 are transmitted from dielectric waveguide 57, electromagnetic waves E592-1 and E593-1 are received by dielectric waveguide 57, electromagnetic waves E594 and E595 are received by dielectric waveguide 58, and electromagnetic waves E596 and E597 are transmitted from dielectric waveguide 59.

[0073] One longitudinal end of dielectric waveguide 591 and one longitudinal end of dielectric waveguide 592 are connected via repeater 514, and one longitudinal end of dielectric waveguide 591 and one longitudinal end of dielectric waveguide 593 are connected via repeater 514. As shown in Figure 5, electromagnetic waves E598 and E599 are transmitted from dielectric waveguide 591 and electromagnetic waves E598-1 and E599-3 are received by dielectric waveguide 591, electromagnetic wave E599-1 is transmitted from dielectric waveguide 592 and electromagnetic wave E599-2 is received by dielectric waveguide 593.

[0074] Dielectric waveguide 51 transmits electromagnetic waves from base station 501 and transmits electromagnetic waves to base station 501 (reference numeral 51Y). Dielectric waveguide 52, which is branched from dielectric waveguide 51, transmits electromagnetic waves from base station 501 (reference numeral 52Y), and dielectric waveguide 53, which is branched from dielectric waveguide 51, transmits electromagnetic waves to base station 501 (reference numeral 53Y).

[0075] Dielectric waveguide 54 transmits electromagnetic waves from base station 501 and transmits electromagnetic waves to base station 501 (reference numeral 54Y). Dielectric waveguide 55, which is branched from dielectric waveguide 54, transmits electromagnetic waves to base station 501 (reference numeral 55Y), and dielectric waveguide 56, which is branched from dielectric waveguide 54, transmits electromagnetic waves from base station 501 (reference numeral 56Y).

[0076] Dielectric waveguide 57 transmits electromagnetic waves from base station 501 and transmits electromagnetic waves to base station 501 (reference numeral 57Y). Dielectric waveguide 58, which branches off from dielectric waveguide 57, transmits electromagnetic waves to base station 501 (reference numeral 58Y), and dielectric waveguide 59, which branches off from dielectric waveguide 57, transmits electromagnetic waves to base station 501 (reference numeral 59Y).

[0077] Dielectric waveguide 57 transmits electromagnetic waves from base station 501 and transmits electromagnetic waves to base station 501. Dielectric waveguide 58, which branches off from dielectric waveguide 57, transmits electromagnetic waves from base station 501, and dielectric waveguide 59, which branches off from dielectric waveguide 57, transmits electromagnetic waves to base station 501.

[0078] Dielectric waveguide 591 transmits electromagnetic waves from base station 501 and transmits electromagnetic waves to base station 501 (reference numeral 591Y). Dielectric waveguide 592, which branches off from dielectric waveguide 591, transmits electromagnetic waves from base station 501 (reference numeral 592Y), and dielectric waveguide 593, which branches off from dielectric waveguide 591, transmits electromagnetic waves to base station 501 (reference numeral 593Y).

[0079] According to the mobile communication system 500, for example, within a radius of 100m centered on the base station 501, the effects of excellent transmission characteristics (excellent communication characteristics) for electromagnetic waves, particularly millimeter waves (e.g., 26GHz, 28GHz, 40GHz, 100GHz, 300GHz, etc.), are achieved. Furthermore, the mobile communication system 500 enables appropriate area design.

[0080] The contents described above regarding the fourth embodiment of the present invention (Example 2 of a mobile communication system) can be applied to the first to third embodiments of the present invention described above and the fifth embodiment of the present invention described later, unless there are any particular technical inconsistencies.

[0081] <6. Fifth Embodiment (Example 3 of Mobile Communication System)> The fifth embodiment (Example 3 of Mobile Communication System) of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 6.

[0082] Figure 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example 3 of a mobile communication system according to a fifth embodiment to which the present invention is applied, and specifically, it is a diagram showing the configuration of the mobile communication system 600.

[0083] The mobile communication system 600 will be explained using Figure 6.

[0084] The mobile communication system 600 includes a dielectric waveguide 61, a dielectric waveguide 62 and a dielectric conductor waveguide 63 branched from the dielectric waveguide 61, a dielectric waveguide 64, a dielectric waveguide 65 and a dielectric conductor waveguide 66 branched from the dielectric waveguide 64, a dielectric waveguide 67, a dielectric waveguide 68 and a dielectric conductor waveguide 69 branched from the dielectric waveguide 67, a dielectric waveguide 691, a dielectric waveguide 692 and a dielectric conductor waveguide 693 branched from the dielectric waveguide 691, and a base station 601. The mobile communication system 600 may further include a holding part (for example, a holding part 701 and / or 702) that holds at least one of the dielectric waveguides 61 to 69 and 691 to 693. The holding portion has a region in contact with the dielectric waveguide, and the dielectric constant of the region of the holding portion in contact with the dielectric waveguide may be smaller than the dielectric constant of the dielectric waveguide.

[0085] One longitudinal end of dielectric waveguide 61 and one longitudinal end of dielectric waveguide 62 are connected via repeater 611, and one longitudinal end of dielectric waveguide 61 and one longitudinal end of dielectric waveguide 63 are connected via repeater 611. Repeater 611 may include an amplifier, which amplifies the electromagnetic waves from base station 601. As shown in Figure 6, electromagnetic waves E653 and E654 are transmitted from dielectric waveguide 61, electromagnetic wave E652 is transmitted from dielectric waveguide 62, and electromagnetic wave E651 is transmitted from dielectric waveguide 63.

[0086] One longitudinal end of dielectric waveguide 64 and one longitudinal end of dielectric waveguide 65 are connected via repeater 612, and one longitudinal end of dielectric waveguide 64 and one longitudinal end of dielectric waveguide 66 are connected via repeater 612. Repeater 612 may include an amplifier, which amplifies the electromagnetic waves to base station 601. As shown in Figure 6, electromagnetic waves E61 and E62 are received by dielectric waveguide 64, electromagnetic waves E63, E64, E65 and E66 are received by dielectric waveguide 65, and electromagnetic waves E67, E68, E69 and E691 are received by dielectric waveguide 66.

[0087] One longitudinal end of dielectric waveguide 67 and one longitudinal end of dielectric waveguide 68 are connected via repeater 613, and one longitudinal end of dielectric waveguide 67 and one longitudinal end of dielectric waveguide 69 are connected via repeater 613. Repeater 613 may include an amplifier, which amplifies electromagnetic waves from base station 601. As shown in Figure 6, electromagnetic waves E692 and E693 are transmitted from dielectric waveguide 68, and electromagnetic waves E694 and E695 are transmitted from dielectric waveguide 69.

[0088] One longitudinal end of dielectric waveguide 691 and one longitudinal end of dielectric waveguide 692 are connected via repeater 614, and one longitudinal end of dielectric waveguide 691 and one longitudinal end of dielectric waveguide 693 are connected via repeater 614. Repeater 613 may include an amplifier, which amplifies the electromagnetic waves to base station 601. As shown in Figure 6, electromagnetic waves E696 and E697 are received by dielectric waveguide 692.

[0089] Dielectric waveguide 61 transmits electromagnetic waves from base station 601 (reference numeral 61Y). Dielectric waveguide 62, which branches off from dielectric waveguide 61, transmits electromagnetic waves from base station 601 (reference numeral 62Y), and dielectric waveguide 63, which branches off from dielectric waveguide 61, transmits electromagnetic waves from base station 601 (reference numeral 63Y).

[0090] Dielectric waveguide 64 transmits electromagnetic waves to base station 601 (reference numeral 64Y). Dielectric waveguide 65, which branches off from dielectric waveguide 64, transmits electromagnetic waves to base station 601 (reference numeral 65Y), and dielectric waveguide 66, which branches off from dielectric waveguide 64, transmits electromagnetic waves to base station 601 (reference numeral 66Y).

[0091] Dielectric waveguide 67 transmits electromagnetic waves from base station 601 (reference numeral 67Y). Dielectric waveguide 68, which branches off from dielectric waveguide 67, transmits electromagnetic waves from base station 601 (reference numeral 68Y), and dielectric waveguide 69, which branches off from dielectric waveguide 67, transmits electromagnetic waves from base station 601 (reference numeral 69Y).

[0092] Dielectric waveguide 691 transmits electromagnetic waves to base station 601 (reference numeral 691Y). Dielectric waveguide 692, which branches off from dielectric waveguide 691, transmits electromagnetic waves to base station 601 (reference numeral 692Y), and dielectric waveguide 693, which branches off from dielectric waveguide 691, transmits electromagnetic waves to base station 601 (reference numeral 693Y).

[0093] The mobile communication system 600 provides excellent transmission characteristics (excellent communication characteristics) for electromagnetic waves, particularly millimeter waves (e.g., 26 GHz, 28 GHz, 40 GHz, 100 GHz, 300 GHz, etc.). Furthermore, the mobile communication system 600 enables appropriate area design.

[0094] The contents described above regarding the fifth embodiment of the present invention (Example 3 of a mobile communication system) can be applied to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention described above, unless there are any particular technical inconsistencies.

[0095] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0096] The present invention can take the following configuration: [1] A dielectric waveguide for transmitting electromagnetic waves, wherein the cross section of the dielectric waveguide in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the dielectric waveguide is a rectangular cross section, and the length of the long side of the rectangular cross section is 2.2 times or more the length of the short side of the rectangular cross section.

[0097] [2] The dielectric waveguide according to [1], wherein the longitudinal shape of the dielectric waveguide is spiral.

[0098] [3] The dielectric waveguide according to [1] or [2], wherein the dielectric waveguide is branched into at least two in the longitudinal direction.

[0099] [4] A mobile communication system comprising at least a dielectric waveguide and a base station, wherein the dielectric waveguide transmits electromagnetic waves from the base station and transmits electromagnetic waves to the base station, the dielectric waveguide has a rectangular cross-section in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the dielectric waveguide, and the length of the long side of the rectangular cross-section is 2.2 times or more the length of the short side of the rectangular cross-section.

[0100] [5] The mobile communication system according to [4], wherein the dielectric waveguide has a spiral shape in the longitudinal direction.

[0101] [6] The mobile communication system according to [4] or [5], wherein the dielectric waveguide is branched into at least two in the longitudinal direction of the dielectric waveguide.

[0102] [7] The mobile communication system according to [6], wherein of the dielectric waveguides that are branched into at least two, at least one dielectric waveguide transmits electromagnetic waves from the base station, and at least the other dielectric waveguide transmits electromagnetic waves to the base station.

[0103] [8] The mobile communication system according to [7], comprising: an amplifier for at least one dielectric waveguide provided at at least one location in the longitudinal direction of at least one dielectric waveguide; and an amplifier for at least the other dielectric waveguide provided at at least one location in the longitudinal direction of at least the other dielectric waveguide, wherein the amplifier for at least one dielectric waveguide amplifies electromagnetic waves from the base station, and the amplifier for at least the other dielectric waveguide amplifies electromagnetic waves to the base station.

[0104] [9] A mobile communication system comprising at least a first dielectric waveguide, a second dielectric waveguide, and a base station, wherein the first dielectric waveguide transmits electromagnetic waves from the base station, the second dielectric waveguide transmits electromagnetic waves to the base station, the first cross section of the first dielectric waveguide in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first dielectric waveguide is a first rectangular cross section, the length of the long side of the first rectangular cross section is 2.2 times or more the length of the short side of the first rectangular cross section, the second cross section of the second dielectric waveguide in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second dielectric waveguide is a second rectangular cross section, the length of the long side of the second rectangular cross section is 2.2 times or more the length of the short side of the second rectangular cross section.

[0105]

[10] The mobile communication system according to [9], wherein the longitudinal shape of the first dielectric waveguide is spiral, and the longitudinal shape of the second dielectric waveguide is spiral.

[0106]

[11] The mobile communication system according to [9] or

[10] , wherein the first dielectric waveguide is branched into at least two in the longitudinal direction of the first dielectric waveguide, and the second dielectric waveguide is branched into at least two in the longitudinal direction of the second dielectric waveguide.

[0107]

[12] A mobile communication system according to any one of [9] to

[11] , comprising: a first amplifier provided at least one location in the longitudinal direction of the first dielectric waveguide; and a second amplifier provided at least one location in the longitudinal direction of the second dielectric waveguide, wherein the first amplifier amplifies electromagnetic waves from the base station and the second amplifier amplifies electromagnetic waves to the base station.

[0108] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 300, 591, 592, 593, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 691, 692, 693... Dielectric waveguide, 11... Long side of the rectangular cross-section of the dielectric waveguide, 12... Short side of the rectangular cross-section of the dielectric waveguide, 13, 33, 43... Rectangular cross-section of the dielectric waveguide, 14... Longitudinal side of the dielectric waveguide, 15... Surface of the dielectric waveguide, 23-1... First inclined cross-section, 23-2... Second inclined cross-section, 51, 52... Amplifier, 400, 500, 600... Mobile communication system, 501, 601... Base station, 511, 512, 513, 514, 611, 612, 613, 614... Repeaters, 701, 702... Holding parts, 711, 712... Support members (arms), 721, 722... Fixing parts, 7000... Support system, D31, D32, D33, D41, D42, D43, D44, D45, D46, D71 E51, E51-1, E52, E52-1, E53, E54, E55, E56, E57, E57-1, E58, E58-1, E5 9, E61, E62, E63, E64, E65, E66, E67, E68, E69, E71, E591, E592, E592-1 , E593, E593-1, E594, E595, E596, E597, E598, E598-1, E599, E599-1, E599-2, E599-3, E691, E692, E693, E694, E695, E696, E697, F71... Electromagnetic waves, S... plane approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the dielectric waveguide, P1, P22, P23, P24, P32, P33, P34, P45, P46, P47, P48... longitudinal direction of the dielectric waveguide, Q1... short direction of the dielectric waveguide, 51Y, 52Y, 53Y, 54Y, 55Y, 56Y, 57Y, 58Y, 59Y, 591Y, 592Y, 593Y, 61Y, 62Y, 63Y, 64Y, 65Y, 66Y, 67Y, 68Y, 69Y, 692Y, 693Y... electromagnetic wave transmission direction.

Claims

1. A dielectric waveguide for transmitting electromagnetic waves, wherein the cross-section of the dielectric waveguide in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the dielectric waveguide is a rectangular cross-section, and the length of the longer side of the rectangular cross-section is 2.2 times or more the length of the shorter side of the rectangular cross-section.

2. The dielectric waveguide according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal shape of the dielectric waveguide is spiral.

3. The dielectric waveguide according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the dielectric waveguide is branched into at least two in the longitudinal direction.

4. The dielectric waveguide according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a notch is made in the surface formed by the long sides of two opposing rectangular cross-sections and two opposing longitudinal sides that connect to each of the long sides of the two rectangular cross-sections.

5. The dielectric waveguide according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the dielectric piece is arranged on a plane formed by the long sides of two opposing rectangular cross-sections and two opposing longitudinal sides that connect to each of the long sides of the two rectangular cross-sections.

6. The dielectric waveguide according to claim 1 or 2, which is bent along the longitudinal direction.

7. The dielectric waveguide according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the surface of the dielectric waveguide is wrapped with a tape having a relative permittivity of 2 or less and a thickness of 0.5 mm or less.

8. A mobile communication system comprising at least a dielectric waveguide and a base station, wherein the dielectric waveguide transmits electromagnetic waves from the base station and transmits electromagnetic waves to the base station, the dielectric waveguide has a rectangular cross-section in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the dielectric waveguide, and the length of the long side of the rectangular cross-section is 2.2 times or more the length of the short side of the rectangular cross-section.

9. The mobile communication system according to claim 8, wherein the dielectric waveguide has a spiral shape in the longitudinal direction.

10. The mobile communication system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the dielectric waveguide is branched into at least two in the longitudinal direction of the dielectric waveguide.

11. The mobile communication system according to claim 10, wherein of the dielectric waveguides that are branched into at least two, at least one dielectric waveguide transmits electromagnetic waves from the base station, and at least the other dielectric waveguide transmits electromagnetic waves to the base station.

12. The mobile communication system according to claim 11, comprising: an amplifier for at least one dielectric waveguide provided at at least one location in the longitudinal direction of at least one dielectric waveguide; and an amplifier for at least the other dielectric waveguide provided at at least one location in the longitudinal direction of at least the other dielectric waveguide, wherein the amplifier for at least one dielectric waveguide amplifies electromagnetic waves from the base station, and the amplifier for at least the other dielectric waveguide amplifies electromagnetic waves to the base station.

13. The mobile communication system according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising a holding portion for holding the dielectric waveguide, wherein the holding portion has a region in contact with the dielectric waveguide, and the dielectric constant of the region of the holding portion in contact with the dielectric waveguide is smaller than the dielectric constant of the dielectric waveguide.

14. The mobile communication system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the dielectric waveguide has notches in the plane formed by the long sides of two opposing rectangular cross-sections and the two opposing longitudinal sides of the dielectric waveguides that connect to each of the long sides of the two rectangular cross-sections.

15. The mobile communication system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein in the dielectric waveguide, dielectric pieces are arranged on a plane formed by the long sides of two opposing rectangular cross-sections and the two longitudinal sides of the two opposing dielectric waveguides that connect to each of the long sides of the two rectangular cross-sections.

16. The mobile communication system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the dielectric waveguide is bent along the longitudinal direction.

17. The mobile communication system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the surface of the dielectric waveguide is wrapped with a tape having a relative permittivity of 2 or less and a thickness of 0.5 mm or less.

18. A mobile communication system comprising at least a first dielectric waveguide, a second dielectric waveguide, and a base station, wherein the first dielectric waveguide transmits electromagnetic waves from the base station, the second dielectric waveguide transmits electromagnetic waves to the base station, the first cross section of the first dielectric waveguide in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first dielectric waveguide is a first rectangular cross section, the length of the long side of the first rectangular cross section is 2.2 times or more the length of the short side of the first rectangular cross section, and the second cross section of the second dielectric waveguide in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second dielectric waveguide is a second rectangular cross section, the length of the long side of the second rectangular cross section is 2.2 times or more the length of the short side of the second rectangular cross section.

19. The mobile communication system according to claim 18, wherein the longitudinal shape of the first dielectric waveguide is spiral, and the longitudinal shape of the second dielectric waveguide is spiral.

20. The mobile communication system according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the first dielectric waveguide is branched into at least two in the longitudinal direction of the first dielectric waveguide, and the second dielectric waveguide is branched into at least two in the longitudinal direction of the second dielectric waveguide.

21. A mobile communication system according to claim 18 or 19, comprising: a first amplifier provided at least one location in the longitudinal direction of the first dielectric waveguide; and a second amplifier provided at least one location in the longitudinal direction of the second dielectric waveguide, wherein the first amplifier amplifies electromagnetic waves from the base station, and the second amplifier amplifies electromagnetic waves to the base station.

22. A mobile communication system according to claim 18 or 19, further comprising a first holding portion for holding the first dielectric waveguide and a second holding portion for holding the second dielectric waveguide, wherein the first holding portion has a first region in contact with the first dielectric waveguide, the dielectric constant of the first region in contact with the first dielectric waveguide of the first holding portion is smaller than the dielectric constant of the first dielectric waveguide, and the second holding portion has a second region in contact with the second dielectric waveguide, the dielectric constant of the second region in contact with the second dielectric waveguide of the second holding portion is smaller than the dielectric constant of the second dielectric waveguide.

23. The mobile communication system according to claim 18 or 19, wherein in the first dielectric waveguide, a notch is made in a first surface formed by the long sides of two opposing first rectangular cross-sections and two longitudinal sides of two opposing first dielectric waveguides connected to each of the long sides of the two first rectangular cross-sections, and in the second dielectric waveguide, a notch is made in a second surface formed by the long sides of two opposing second rectangular cross-sections and two longitudinal sides of two opposing second dielectric waveguides connected to each of the long sides of the two second rectangular cross-sections.

24. The mobile communication system according to claim 18 or 19, wherein in the first dielectric waveguide, dielectric pieces are arranged on a first surface formed by the long sides of two opposing first rectangular cross-sections and two longitudinal sides of two opposing first dielectric waveguides connected to each of the long sides of the two first rectangular cross-sections, and in the second dielectric waveguide, dielectric pieces are arranged on a second surface formed by the long sides of two opposing second rectangular cross-sections and two longitudinal sides of two opposing second dielectric waveguides connected to each of the long sides of the two second rectangular cross-sections.

25. The mobile communication system according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the first dielectric waveguide is bent along the longitudinal direction of the first dielectric waveguide, and the second dielectric waveguide is bent along the longitudinal direction of the second dielectric waveguide.

26. The mobile communication system according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the surface of the first dielectric waveguide is wrapped with a first tape having a relative permittivity of 2 or less and a thickness of 0.5 mm or less, and the surface of the second dielectric waveguide is wrapped with a second tape having a relative permittivity of 2 or less and a thickness of 0.5 mm or less.

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