JP2018050239A - Power converter and antenna device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power converter capable of suppressing power loss and an antenna device.SOLUTION: A power converter 100 includes: a waveguide 11 through which electromagnetic waves are transmitted; a matching element 19; a shield plate 25; at least one first support portion 27 (27L, 27R); and a transmission pattern 29. The matching element 19 transmits and receives electromagnetic waves transmitted through the waveguide 11. The shield plate 25 is disposed to face the matching element 19. The first support portion 27 supports the shield plate 25 so as to have a gap between the shield plate and the matching element 19. The transmission pattern 29 is disposed in the vicinity of the shield plate 25 and transmits and receives electromagnetic waves to and from the matching element 19.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a power converter and an antenna device.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a power converter that can convert transmission power between a waveguide and a power supply terminal. In the power converter of Patent Document 1, a dielectric substrate is disposed on a waveguide. A ground substrate having a through hole and a matching element located in the through hole are disposed on the lower surface of the dielectric substrate. On the other hand, on the upper surface of the dielectric substrate, a shield plate having a notch of a predetermined width is disposed at a position facing the matching element, and a power supply terminal extending from one end located in the notch is disposed.

  The waveguide is provided with a through hole through which electromagnetic waves propagate, and the through hole and the through hole of the ground substrate are opposed to each other. Therefore, on the through hole of the waveguide, a matching element, a dielectric substrate, and a shield plate into which a feeding terminal is inserted are arranged in this order. When the electromagnetic wave propagated in the through hole of the waveguide is supplied to the matching element, the matching element is electromagnetically coupled to the feeding terminals facing each other across the dielectric substrate. Thereby, power conversion is performed between the waveguide and the power supply terminal.

JP 2011-239258 A

  However, in the power converter of Patent Document 1, since the matching element and the power supply terminal are opposed to each other via the dielectric substrate, power loss occurs due to the presence of the dielectric in power conversion. That is, in the power converter of Patent Document 1, electromagnetic waves pass through the dielectric between the matching element and the power supply terminal. At this time, the electric field strength of the electromagnetic waves is lost by the dielectric, resulting in power Loss occurs. Therefore, a power converter capable of suppressing power loss has been demanded.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a power converter and an antenna device that can suppress power loss.

  A power converter according to an aspect of the present invention includes a transmission unit that transmits electromagnetic waves, a matching element, a shield plate, at least one first support unit, and a transmission pattern. The matching element transmits and receives electromagnetic waves transmitted in the transmission unit. The shield plate is disposed to face the matching element. A 1st support part supports the said shield board so that it may have a clearance gap between the said matching elements. The transmission pattern is disposed in the vicinity of the shield plate and transmits and receives electromagnetic waves to and from the matching element.

  In the power converter, since the matching element and the shield plate are supported with a gap, air having a relative dielectric constant of about 1.0 is interposed between the matching element and the shield plate. Air has a relative dielectric constant smaller than that in the case where a dielectric material is interposed between the matching element and the shield plate. Thereby, the power loss in transmission / reception of electromagnetic waves between the matching element and the transmission pattern in the vicinity of the shield plate can be suppressed. Therefore, power loss can be suppressed and an efficient power converter can be obtained.

  Further, since it is not necessary to dispose a dielectric material between the matching element and the shield plate, the power converter can be reduced in size, weight, and cost.

  The power converter may further include a first support substrate and at least one second support part. The first support substrate has a through hole that accommodates the matching element in a plan view. The second support portion connects the matching element and the inner edge of the through hole of the first support substrate.

  In the power converter, in a plan view, the matching element is disposed in the through hole of the first support substrate by the second support portion, and is disposed to face the shield plate. Therefore, the matching element can be disposed corresponding to the shield plate by interposing air between the matching element and the shield plate without arranging, for example, a dielectric substrate. Therefore, power loss in transmission / reception of electromagnetic waves between the matching element and the transmission pattern in the vicinity of the shield plate can be suppressed.

  In the power converter, the transmission unit may be a waveguide having a through hole that is a transmission path of the electromagnetic wave. The first support substrate is placed on the end of the waveguide so that the opening at the end of the through hole of the waveguide faces the through hole of the first support substrate. be able to.

  The opening of the through hole of the waveguide and the through hole of the first support substrate are opposed to each other, and the matching element is located in the through hole of the first support substrate. Since the matching element is positioned corresponding to the opening of the waveguide, the electromagnetic wave propagating through the through hole of the waveguide can be received, or the electromagnetic wave can be transmitted from the matching element to the through hole of the waveguide.

  In the power converter, the at least one first support portion is disposed so as to surround the periphery of the matching element.

  The first support portion surrounds the matching element. Therefore, unnecessary radiation of electromagnetic waves from the matching element can be prevented and power loss can be suppressed.

  In the power converter, the at least one first support part may include a second support substrate positioned on the opposite side of the matching element with respect to the shield plate. The second support substrate supports the shield plate so as to form a gap with the matching element.

  The second support substrate supports the shield plate and forms a gap between the shield plate and the matching element. For example, when the second support substrate and the shield plate are brought into contact with each other to support the shield plate, the shield plate can be stably supported.

  In the power converter, the at least one first support portion corresponds to a straight line that passes in the vicinity of the center of the matching element and extends in a direction orthogonal to the resonance direction of the electromagnetic wave in the matching element in plan view. Can be provided.

  The vicinity of the center of the resonance direction of the electromagnetic wave in the matching element corresponds to the position of the node of the standing wave, and the electric field strength of the electromagnetic wave is smaller than other areas other than the vicinity of the center. Since the shield plate is disposed to face the matching element, it is affected by the electromagnetic wave of the matching element. Therefore, in the shield plate, the electric field strength of the portion facing the vicinity of the center of the matching element in the resonance direction is smaller than that of other regions. In the above configuration, the first support portion is connected to the shield plate while being positioned so as to correspond to a straight line passing through the vicinity of the center of the matching element and orthogonal to the resonance direction of the electromagnetic wave in the matching element in plan view. Therefore, the influence on the electromagnetic waves in the shield plate, which is generated by providing the first support portion on the shield plate, can be suppressed, and the power loss can be suppressed. Moreover, since the shield plate is also opposed to the matching element, the influence on the electromagnetic wave in the matching element can be suppressed, and power loss can be suppressed.

  The “near the center” may be a region having a low electric field strength in the matching element, and includes not only the central part of the matching element but also the central part and its vicinity. Further, “orthogonal” includes substantially orthogonal, and includes, for example, a case where a resonance direction and a straight line intersect at an angle of about 80 ° to about 100 °. Moreover, the 1st support part should just be located so that a connection part with a shield board may respond | correspond to the said straight line, and the 1st support part does not necessarily need to be located corresponding to a straight line.

  In the power converter, the second support portion is provided on a straight line that passes in the vicinity of the center of the matching element in a plan view and extends in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the resonance direction of the electromagnetic wave in the matching element. Can do.

  An electromagnetic wave having a matching element as a reflection wall is in a resonance state, and a standing wave is generated. At this time, the node of the standing wave is located at the center of the matching element in the resonance direction. A straight line passing through the vicinity of the center of the matching element and orthogonal to the resonance direction extends corresponding to the position of the node of the standing wave. Therefore, the electric field strength of the electromagnetic wave is smaller on the straight line passing through the vicinity of the center than in other regions other than the vicinity of the center. Therefore, by connecting the second support part and the matching element on this straight line, the influence on the electromagnetic wave in the matching element, which is caused by providing the second support part in the matching element, can be suppressed, and the power loss can be suppressed.

  An antenna device according to an aspect of the present invention includes an antenna element that transmits and receives electromagnetic waves, and the power converter that performs power conversion of electromagnetic waves between the antenna elements.

  The antenna device may further include a high frequency circuit connected to the power converter.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the power converter and antenna apparatus which can suppress power loss can be provided.

The perspective view of the power converter which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The exploded perspective view of FIG. The top view of a waveguide. The top view of the ground substrate containing a matching element. The top view of a shield unit and a transmission pattern. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line α in FIG. 2. Sectional drawing in the straight line (gamma) of FIG. The analysis figure which shows electric field strength distribution at the time of planarly viewing a matching element unit. The analysis figure which shows electric field strength distribution at the time of planarly viewing a shield board and a transmission pattern. The partial exploded perspective view of the antenna device containing the power converter concerning a 1st embodiment. The partial exploded perspective view of another antenna device containing the power converter concerning a 1st embodiment. The top view which shows the arrangement | positioning relationship with respect to the shield board of a left 1st support part and a right 1st support part. The top view which shows the arrangement | positioning relationship with respect to the shield board of a left 1st support part and a right 1st support part. The perspective view of the shield board which concerns on a modification. The disassembled perspective view which shows a flat power converter. The disassembled perspective view which shows another example of the 2nd support part which supports a matching element. The disassembled perspective view which shows another example which shows a flat power converter. The perspective view of the power converter which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The exploded perspective view of FIG. The top view of a waveguide. The top view of the ground substrate containing a matching element. The top view of a shield unit and a transmission pattern. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line α in FIG. 19. Sectional drawing in the straight line (gamma) of FIG. The analysis figure which shows the electric field strength at the time of planarly viewing a shield board. The disassembled perspective view of the power converter which concerns on the modification of 2nd Embodiment. The disassembled perspective view which shows a flat power converter. The disassembled perspective view which shows another example of the 2nd support part which supports a matching element. The disassembled perspective view which shows another example which shows a flat power converter. The perspective view of the power converter which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. The exploded perspective view of FIG. The top view of a waveguide. The top view of the ground substrate containing a matching element. The top view of a shield unit and a transmission pattern. FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along line α in FIG. 31. FIG. 32 is a sectional view taken along line γ in FIG. 31. The disassembled perspective view which shows a flat power converter. The disassembled perspective view which shows another example of the 2nd support part which supports a matching element. The disassembled perspective view which shows another example which shows a flat power converter. The top view which shows the arrangement | positioning relationship with respect to the matching element of a left 2nd support part and a right 2nd support part. The top view which shows the arrangement | positioning relationship with respect to the matching element of a left 2nd support part and a right 2nd support part.

Hereinafter, a planar antenna and an antenna apparatus including the planar antenna according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
<1. First Embodiment>
Below, the power converter of 1st Embodiment is demonstrated first, and the antenna apparatus which has this power converter is demonstrated after that. This power converter is a device that converts power between an antenna that transmits and receives electromagnetic waves and a high-frequency circuit that transmits and receives high frequencies such as millimeter waves and microwaves.

(1) Configuration of Power Converter FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a power converter according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the waveguide. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a ground substrate including a matching element. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the shield unit and the transmission pattern. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line α in FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line γ in FIG.

  In the following, description will be given in the direction shown in FIG. 1, that is, up, down, front, back, right, left. However, although the present invention is not limited by this orientation, the “front-rear direction” of the present embodiment corresponds to the resonance direction of the present invention, and the “left-right direction” is the direction orthogonal to the resonance direction of the present invention. Equivalent to.

  Further, in the following description, the term “in-tube wavelength of a certain part” means the wavelength of an electromagnetic wave in a certain part that is affected by any configuration adjacent to the certain part. For example, as will be described later, the in-tube wavelength of the electromagnetic wave in the matching element refers to any configuration around the matching element, such as a ground substrate on which the matching element is provided, a shield plate facing the matching element, and air around the matching element. It shall mean the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave in the matching element that is affected.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the power converter 100 includes a waveguide (transmission unit) 11 through which electromagnetic waves are transmitted, and a matching element unit 17 including a matching element 19 that transmits and receives electromagnetic waves passing through the waveguide 11. The shield unit 24 is arranged with a gap between the matching element 19 and suppresses unnecessary radiation of electromagnetic waves, and the transmission pattern 29 is provided near the shield unit 24 and transmits electromagnetic waves. Below, the structure of each part of the waveguide 11, the matching element unit 17, the shield unit 24, and the transmission pattern 29 is demonstrated.

(1-1) Waveguide 11
The waveguide 11 is a housing formed from a conductive material. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 6, 7, and the like, a rectangular parallelepiped through-hole 15 that penetrates in the vertical direction is formed in the center of the waveguide 11. The through hole 15 has an upper opening 13 at the upper end and a lower opening 16 at the lower end, and has a substantially constant size from the upper opening 13 to the lower opening 16. The lower opening 16 is opposed to a coupling element serving as an electromagnetic wave transmission / reception terminal, and the upper opening 13 is opposed to a matching element 19 of the matching element unit 17. Therefore, the electromagnetic wave supplied from the coupling element enters the through hole 15 of the waveguide 11 through the lower opening 16, propagates as the reflection wall on the inner wall surface of the through hole 15, and matches the matching element through the upper opening 13. It is supplied to the matching element 19 of the unit 17. On the contrary, the electromagnetic wave from the matching element 19 propagates through the through hole 15 of the waveguide 11 through the upper opening 13 and is supplied to the coupling element through the lower opening 16.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the upper opening 13 of the through hole 15 has a rectangular shape having a pair of short sides extending in the front-rear direction and a pair of long sides extending in the left-right direction. The length L1 of the pair of long sides is larger than ½λa. Here, λa is the in-tube wavelength of the electromagnetic wave propagating through the through hole 15. The cutoff wavelength of the electromagnetic wave in the through hole 15 is 2 × L1. That is, when the cutoff wavelength and the long side length L1 satisfy this relationship, the electromagnetic wave is attenuated. Therefore, the in-tube wavelength λa in the through hole 15 needs to be smaller than 2 × L1. According to said structure, since the length L1 of the long side of the upper opening 13 is larger than 1/2 (lambda) a, attenuation of electromagnetic waves can be suppressed. The length L1 can be, for example, 2.8 mm to 3.6 mm.

  Further, the length L2 of the short side of the upper opening 13 is smaller than the length L1 of the long side or is the length L1 × 1/2. The length L2 can be set to, for example, 1.4 mm to 1.8 mm. By defining the length L2 in this way, the front-rear direction in which the short side extends can be set as the resonance direction of the electromagnetic wave. On the other hand, when the length L2 is not defined as described above, the resonance direction changes from the front-rear direction in which the short side of the upper opening 13 extends, and the electromagnetic wave is brought into a resonance state in the through hole 15 of the waveguide 11. It cannot be maintained and power loss increases.

(1-2) Matching element unit 17
The matching element unit 17 includes a plate-like ground substrate 18, a matching element 19 that transmits and receives electromagnetic waves between the waveguide 11, and a second support portion 21 that supports the matching element 19 with respect to the ground substrate 18. Including. A rectangular through hole 23 penetrating in the vertical direction is formed at the center of the ground substrate 18. The matching element 19 is smaller than the through hole 23 and is supported and disposed in the through hole 23 by the second support portion 21. Below, each part of the matching element unit 17 is demonstrated.

(A) Ground substrate 18
The ground substrate (first support substrate) 18 is a grounded plate-like substrate and is disposed in contact with the upper surface of the waveguide 11. The through hole 23 formed in the ground substrate 18 is aligned corresponding to the upper opening 13 of the waveguide 11 described above. In addition, since the matching element 19 is disposed in the through hole 23, electromagnetic waves are transmitted and received between the waveguide 11 and the matching element 19 through the upper opening 13. Further, since the periphery of the matching element 19 is surrounded by the ground substrate 18, the spread of unnecessary radiation of electromagnetic waves from the matching element 19 is suppressed by the ground substrate 18.

  For example, the ground substrate 18 has a substantially uniform thickness W1 as shown in FIG. The thickness W1 is not particularly limited, but the ground substrate 18 can be formed in a thin plate shape as it is smaller. Therefore, the power converter 100 can be reduced in thickness. The thickness W1 can be set to 0.100 mm to 0.300 mm, for example. The through hole 23 of the ground substrate 18 and the upper opening 13 of the waveguide 11 have the same shape and size. That is, the through-hole 23 has a pair of left side 23L and right side 23R having a length L2 and extending in the front-rear direction, and a pair of front side 23F and rear side 23B having a length L1 and extending in the left-right direction. It is rectangular.

(B) Matching element 19
The matching element 19 is an element that transmits an electromagnetic wave to the through hole 15 of the waveguide 11 or receives an electromagnetic wave from the through hole 15. The matching element 19 has a rectangular shape, and has a pair of left first side 19L and right first side 19R opposed in the left-right direction, and a pair of front second side 19F and rear second side 19B opposed in the front-rear direction. . At this time, the left first side 19L and the left side 23L are connected by a left second support portion 21L of the second support portion 21 described later. Further, the right first side 19R and the right side 23R are connected by a right second support portion 21R of the second support portion 21 described later. The matching element 19 is arranged such that the sides 19L, 19R, 19F, and 19B are separated from the sides 23L, 23R, 23F, and 23B of the through hole 23, respectively. Therefore, the matching element 19 is supported in the through hole 23 of the ground substrate 18 only through the second support portion 21.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the matching element 19 and the through hole 23 are arranged with a central point β that is the center of the matching element 19 and the through hole 23 in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction as the same center. Here, the straight line α passes through the center point β and extends in the front-rear direction. The straight line γ extends in the left-right direction through the center point β. Each of the matching element 19 and the through hole 23 is symmetric with respect to the straight line α and symmetric with respect to the straight line γ.

  In the matching element 19, the length L3 of the distance between the front second side 19F and the rear second side 19B is ½λg where λg is the in-tube wavelength of the electromagnetic wave in the matching element 19. In other words, the length L3 in the front-rear direction of each of the left first side 19L and the right first side 19R is ½λg. The length L3 can be set to 1.2 mm to 1.4 mm, for example. Thus, when the length L3 is 1 / 2λg, the electromagnetic wave in the matching element 19 is in a resonance state with the front-rear direction as the resonance direction, and a standing wave is generated. That is, in the matching element 19, the electromagnetic wave becomes a standing wave that repeats reflection in the front-rear direction. At this time, the node of the standing wave is located at the center of the matching element 19 in the resonance direction, that is, at the intermediate portion between the front second side 19F and the rear second side 19B. On the other hand, the antinodes of standing waves are located on each of the pair of front second side 19F and rear second side 19B. As described above, the matching element 19 resonates at a certain resonance frequency to form a standing wave, thereby minimizing the power loss.

  In the matching element 19, the length L4 between the left first side 19L and the right first side 19R is the length in the left-right direction of each of the front second side 19F and the rear second side 19B. The length L4 is not particularly limited as long as it is shorter than the length L1 in the left-right direction of the through hole 23 described above. For example, the matching element 19 has a square shape, the length L4 is approximately the same as the length L3, and can be shorter than the length L1. The length L4 can be set to, for example, 1.2 mm to 2.8 mm. The thickness of the matching element 19 (FIGS. 6 and 7) is not particularly limited, but is substantially the same as the thickness W1 of the ground substrate 18. Thereby, the power converter 100 can be reduced in thickness.

(C) Second support portion 21
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, etc., the second support portion 21 includes a left second support portion 21 </ b> L and a right second support portion 21 </ b> R, and supports the matching element 19 on the ground substrate 18. It is a rod-shaped member extending in the left-right direction. Since the left second support portion 21L and the right second support portion 21R are symmetrical with respect to the straight line α, only the right second support portion 21R will be described below.

  The right second support portion 21R connects the front-rear direction center of the right side 23R of the through-hole 23 and the front-rear direction center of the right first side 19R of the matching element 19. Therefore, the right second support portion 21R is disposed along a straight line γ extending in the left-right direction through the center point β of the matching element 19.

  The reason why the right second support portion 21R is arranged on the straight line γ and connected to the matching element 19 as described above will be described below. FIG. 8 is an analysis diagram showing the electric field strength distribution when the matching element unit 17 is viewed in plan. In the analysis of FIG. 8, for example, a condition of power 1 W and frequency 76 GHz is applied to the matching element unit 17. Referring to the electric field strength distribution of the matching element 19, the electric field strength is highest in the regions I and II including the front second side 19F and the rear second side 19B of the matching element 19. In the central portion in the left-right direction of the front second side 19F, a region where the electric field strength is large protrudes rearward from the front second side 19F in a portion overlapping the transmission pattern 29. On the other hand, the region III including the straight line γ has the smallest electric field strength. That is, the region III including the straight line γ has a smaller electric field strength than the regions I and II of the matching element 19. This is because the antinode of the standing wave of the electromagnetic wave in the matching element 19 is located on the front second side 19F and the rear second side 19B, and the node of the standing wave is located near the center of the matching element 19 including the straight line γ. Because. Thus, in the region where the node of the standing wave is located, the potential becomes zero and a short circuit occurs. Then, by connecting the right second support portion 21R and the matching element 19 on the straight line γ, the influence on the electromagnetic wave in the matching element 19 caused by providing the right second support portion 21R in the matching element 19 is suppressed. In addition, power loss can be suppressed.

  The length L5 in the left-right direction of the right second support portion 21R (FIG. 4) is only required to connect the matching element 19 and the ground substrate 18. The length L4 in the left-right direction of the matching element 19 and the length in the left-right direction of the through hole 23 are sufficient. It is determined in consideration of the length L1 and the like. The length L5 can be set to 0.1 mm to 1.2 mm, for example. Further, the length L7 in the front-rear direction of the right second support portion 21R is not particularly limited as long as it is smaller than the length L3 of the left first side 19L and the right first side 19R of the matching element 19. However, it is preferable that the length L7 is smaller because the influence of the right second support portion 21R on the electromagnetic wave of the matching element 19 can be reduced. The length L7 can be set to 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm, for example. Furthermore, the thickness of the right second support portion 21R in the vertical direction is substantially the same as the thickness W1 (FIG. 7) of the ground substrate 18 and the matching element 19. The front second side 19F of the matching element 19 and the front side 23F of the through hole 23 and the rear second side 19B and the rear side 23B have the same length L6 (FIG. 4) and are separated from each other. Yes. The length L6 can be set to 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, for example.

  The left second support portion 21L and the right second support portion 21R are bilaterally symmetric about the straight line α and have the same length L5. In this case, non-uniformity of the resonance state of the electromagnetic wave in the matching element 19 can be suppressed as compared with the case where the support portions 21L and 21R are arranged asymmetrically. That is, if the left second support portion 21L and the right second support portion 21R that are opposed to each other are arranged symmetrically, the influence of these on the electromagnetic wave in the matching element 19 becomes symmetrical. Thereby, the resonance state of the electromagnetic wave in the matching element 19 can be maintained symmetrically with respect to the straight line α. Therefore, power loss due to non-uniform resonance can be suppressed.

(D) Material and processing method of matching element unit 17 The above-described ground substrate 18, matching element 19 and second support portion 21 are formed of, for example, a conductor, such as gold, silver, copper, copper alloy, aluminum, etc. A suitable material is selected from the metals. The ground substrate 18, the matching element 19, and the second support portion 21 are integrally formed by, for example, punching. In addition, the ground substrate 18, the matching element 19, and the second support portion 21 are formed by integrally forming a conductor on the substrate in a thin film shape by plating, photoresist lithography, or the like, and then peeling the formed conductor from the substrate. May be obtained.

  Further, the ground substrate 18, the matching element 19, and the second support portion 21 may be made of different materials. For example, the second support portion 21 may be formed of an insulating material instead of a conductor. When the second support portion 21 is formed of an insulating material, the electromagnetic wave in the matching element 19 is prevented from being affected by the second support portion 21 due to the difference in conductivity between the matching element 19 and the second support portion 21. it can.

(1-3) Shield unit 24
The shield unit 24 includes a shield plate 25 and a first support portion 27 that supports the shield plate 25 on the ground substrate 18. Each part will be described below.
(A) Shield plate 25
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5, etc., the shield plate 25 is a rectangular plate-like substrate, and is supported by the first support portion 27, so that it is between the matching element 19. It has a gap and is arranged so as to cover the upper part. A rectangular cutout 25a is formed at the front end of the shield plate 25. The rectangular cutout 25a is recessed in the rear. A rear end 29a of the transmission pattern 29 is inserted in the notch 25a in a non-contact state. Such a shield plate 25 prevents electromagnetic waves leaking from the matching element 19 and the transmission pattern 29 and the like from spreading into the air, for example. Therefore, the transmission / reception efficiency of electromagnetic waves between the matching element 19 and the transmission pattern 29 can be increased, and power loss can be suppressed.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the shield plate 25 has a left shield side 25L and a right shield side 25R that face in the left-right direction, and a front shield side 25F and a rear shield side 25B that face in the front-rear direction. The length L11 of the front shield side 25F and the rear shield side 25B extending in the left-right direction of the shield plate 25 and the length L12 of the left shield side 25L and the right shield side 25R extending in the front-rear direction of the shield plate 25 are the matching elements 19. And if it is the magnitude | size which covers the through-hole 23, it will not specifically limit. For example, the length L11 can be set to 3.5 mm to 4.5 mm, and the length L12 can be set to 2.4 mm to 3.1 mm. Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the thickness of the shield plate 25 in the vertical direction is W2. The thickness W2 can be set to, for example, 0.012 mm to 0.300 mm.

(B) First support portion 27
As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the first support portion 27 is formed in an L shape, and supports the shield plate 25 with respect to the ground substrate 18. A gap is formed between the two. The first support portion 27 includes a left first support portion 27L and a right first support portion 27R that are symmetrical about the straight line α. Accordingly, only the right first support portion 27R will be described below.

  The right first support portion 27R is formed in an L shape having a right first horizontal portion 27HR and a right first vertical portion 27VR. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the right first horizontal portion 27HR is a rectangular parallelepiped rod-like member extending in the left-right direction, connected to the center of the right shield side 25R of the shield plate 25, and extends along the straight line γ. ing. The right first vertical portion 27VR is connected to the right end portion of the right first horizontal portion 27HR. The right first vertical portion 27VR extends in the vertical direction, and the lower end thereof is connected to the ground substrate 18. For example, the lower end of the right first vertical portion 27VR can be inserted into an opening provided in the ground substrate 18 and fixed. However, the fixing method of the 1st support part 27 is not limited to this.

  Here, the reason why the right first support portion 27R (the right first horizontal portion 27HR and the right first vertical portion 27VR) is arranged along the straight line γ will be described below. FIG. 9 is an analysis diagram showing the electric field strength distribution when the shield plate and the transmission pattern are viewed in plan. The application conditions at the time of analysis are the same as in FIG. Referring to FIG. 9, the electric field strength is highest in the regions IV, V, VI, and VII including the four corners of the shield plate 25 and the region VIII including the transmission pattern 29. On the other hand, regions IX and X including the straight line γ have the smallest electric field strength. That is, the regions IX and X have lower electric field strength than the regions IV, V, VI, VII, and VIII. Here, the vicinity of the center of the resonance direction of the matching element 19, that is, the region including the straight line γ corresponds to the position of the node of the standing wave, and the electric field strength of the electromagnetic wave is smaller than other regions other than the vicinity of the center. . Since the shield plate 25 is disposed to face the matching element 19, the shield plate 25 is affected by the electromagnetic wave of the matching element 19. Therefore, the electric field strengths of the regions IX and X in the vicinity of the center of the shield plate 25 facing the vicinity of the center of the 19 resonance direction of the matching element are compared with the electric field strengths of other regions IV, V, VI, and VII other than the vicinity of the center. Small.

  The first right support portion 27R includes the straight line γ and is connected to the shield plate 25 corresponding to the regions IX and X where the electric field strength is smaller than the other regions as described above. Therefore, the influence on the electromagnetic wave in the shield plate 25 caused by providing the right first support portion 27R on the shield plate 25 can be suppressed, and the power loss can be suppressed. Further, since the shield plate 25 is also opposed to the matching element 19, the influence on the electromagnetic wave in the matching element 19 can be suppressed and power loss can be suppressed.

  The length L14 (FIG. 5) in the front-rear direction of the right first horizontal portion 27HR is not particularly limited. However, the smaller the length L14, the smaller the influence of the right first horizontal portion 27HR on the electromagnetic wave in the shield plate 25, which is preferable. For example, the length L14 is preferably sufficiently smaller than the length L12 in the front-rear direction of the right shield side 25R. Further, the length L14 may be substantially the same as the length L7 in the front-rear direction of the right second support portion 21R, and may be, for example, 0.100 mm to 0.400 mm.

  The thickness of the right first horizontal portion 27HR in the vertical direction can be substantially the same as the thickness of W2 in the vertical direction of the shield plate 25 (FIG. 7), but may be different from the thickness W2.

  Although the length L10 (FIGS. 5 and 7) in the left-right direction of the right first horizontal portion 27HR is not particularly limited, a length that can support the shield plate 25 with respect to the ground substrate 18 is preferable. For example, the total length of L10 and the length L11 of the shield plate 25 in the left-right direction is longer than the length L1 of the through hole 23 of the ground substrate 18 in the left-right direction. The length L10 is preferably such that the influence of the right first horizontal portion 27HR on the electromagnetic wave in the shield plate 25 can be reduced, for example. The length L10 can be set to, for example, 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm.

  The vertical length L9 (FIGS. 6 and 7) of the right first vertical portion 27VR forms a gap between the shield plate 25 and the ground substrate 18, and consequently between the shield plate 25 and the matching element 19. It is the length which can form a clearance gap. The length L9 is preferably a length that can confine electromagnetic waves between the shield plate 25 and the matching element 19. Specifically, the length L9 can be set to 0.080 mm to 0.250 mm, for example. On the other hand, the length L13 (FIG. 7) in the left-right direction of the right first vertical portion 27VR is determined based on, for example, the strength that can support the shield plate 25 and the right first horizontal portion 27HR. Specifically, the length L13 can be set to 0.020 mm to 0.200 mm, for example. Further, the length of the right first vertical portion 27VR in the front-rear direction is not particularly limited, but is approximately the same as the length L14 of the right first horizontal portion 27HR in the front-rear direction (FIG. 5).

  Similar to the second support portion 21 described above, the left first support portion 27L and the right first support portion 27R are symmetric with respect to the straight line α. In this case, the non-uniformity of the electromagnetic wave in the shield plate 25 can be suppressed as compared with the case where the support portions 27L and 27R are arranged asymmetrically. As a result, the non-uniformity of the resonance state of the electromagnetic wave in the matching element 19 facing the shield plate 25 can be suppressed, and the power loss can be suppressed.

(C) Material and processing method of shield unit 24 The material and processing method of shield unit 24 are the same as the material and processing method of matching element unit 17 described above, for example, gold, silver, copper, copper alloy, aluminum, etc. An appropriate material is selected from these metals and formed by stamping or the like. The shield plate 25 and the first support portion 27 may be formed integrally or may be formed separately and combined.

(1-4) Transmission pattern 29
As shown in FIG. 5, the transmission pattern 29 is formed in a belt shape extending in the front-rear direction from the rear end portion 29 a inserted into the notch 25 a of the shield plate 25 toward the front. As shown in FIG. 4, the rear end portion 29 a overlaps the end portion of the matching element 19. That is, the rear end portion 29a of the transmission pattern 29 and the matching element 19 overlap each other in front of the center portion in the front-rear direction of the matching element 19. The transmission pattern 29 is connected to and supported by a planar antenna 200 described later, and is disposed substantially flush with the shield plate 25.

  In the transmission pattern 29, electromagnetic waves are transmitted in the extending front-rear direction. The resonance direction of the electromagnetic wave in the matching element 19 is the front-rear direction, and the electromagnetic wave is smoothly transmitted along the front-rear direction between the matching element 19 and the transmission pattern 29, so that power loss can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the resonance direction of the electromagnetic wave in the waveguide 11 is also the front-rear direction, the electromagnetic wave can be transmitted and received between the waveguide 11, the matching element 19 and the transmission pattern 29 while suppressing power loss.

(2) Configuration of Antenna Device Next, the antenna device 1000 including the power converter 100 will be described. FIG. 10 is a partially exploded perspective view of the antenna device including the power converter 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a partially exploded perspective view of another antenna device including the power converter 100 according to the first embodiment.

  10 and 11 includes a power converter 100 according to the first embodiment, a planar antenna 200 that receives and transmits electromagnetic waves, and a high-frequency circuit 300 that transmits and receives high frequencies such as millimeter waves and microwaves. ,including. Antenna device 1000 further includes a coupling element 160 that transmits / receives electromagnetic waves to / from power converter 100, and a conductor pattern 165 connected between coupling element 160 and high-frequency circuit 300.

  The high-frequency circuit 300 is, for example, an MMIC (monolithic microwave integrated circuit), and transmits and receives high-frequency waves such as millimeter waves and microwaves as described above. The high-frequency circuit 300 is connected to one first end 165a of the conductor pattern 165, transmits electromagnetic waves to the coupling element 160 connected to the other second end 165b, or transmits electromagnetic waves from the coupling element 160. Receive. The coupling element 160 is disposed to face the lower opening 16 of the through hole 15 of the waveguide 11, and transmits / receives electromagnetic waves to / from the waveguide 11. The planar antenna 200 radiates an electromagnetic wave transmitted from the high frequency circuit 300 and subjected to power conversion in the power converter 100. On the other hand, when the planar antenna 200 receives an electromagnetic wave, the planar antenna 200 transmits the received electromagnetic wave to the high-frequency circuit 300 via the power converter 100.

  Hereinafter, configurations 1 and 2 will be described as examples of the planar antenna 200 connected to the power converter 100. Configurations 1 and 2 are examples of planar antennas, and both can be used, but other planar antennas may be used.

(2-1) Configuration 1
First, Configuration 1 of the planar antenna 200 will be described with reference to FIG. The planar antenna 200 having the configuration 1 shown in FIG. 10 includes four first to fourth antenna conductors 213 (213a to 213d) that transmit and receive electromagnetic waves, a ground conductor 216 that is grounded, and each antenna conductor 213 that is connected to the ground conductor 216. 1st-4th support part 215 (215a-215d) supported with respect to. The four first to fourth antenna conductors 213a to 213d are arranged in a straight line and are connected to each other by the second to fourth connection conductors 211b to 211d. The first antenna conductor 213 a disposed at the end is connected to the transmission pattern 29 via the first connection conductor 211 a, and this transmission pattern 29 is connected to the power converter 100.

  Each antenna conductor 213 and the ground conductor 216 are formed of a flat conductor, and are opposed to each other with a gap in the vertical direction by the first to fourth support portions 215. Therefore, the electromagnetic wave propagates while reflecting in the space between the antenna conductor 213 and the ground conductor 216. Since the relative permittivity of air is about 1.0 and is smaller than that of the dielectric material, power loss when electromagnetic waves propagate through the gap can be suppressed. Further, here, the transmission pattern 29 is connected to the first connection conductor 211a and supported by the first to fourth support portions 215 (215a to 215d) with respect to the ground conductor 216. However, the transmission pattern 29 itself may be provided with a support portion that supports the ground conductor 216.

(2-2) Configuration 2
Next, Configuration 2 of the planar antenna 200 will be described with reference to FIG. The planar antenna 200 having the configuration 2 illustrated in FIG. 11 does not include the first to fourth support portions 215 of the planar antenna 200 having the configuration 1, and instead the dielectric 214 between the antenna conductor 213 and the ground conductor 216. Is intervening. That is, the planar antenna 200 includes four first to fourth antenna conductors 213 (213a to 213d) that transmit and receive electromagnetic waves, a ground conductor 216 that is grounded, and a dielectric 214 sandwiched between these conductors. including. Since other configurations are the same as those of the planar antenna 200 of the configuration 1, the description thereof is omitted.

(3) Features (3-1)
In the first embodiment, since the matching element 19 and the shield plate 25 are supported so as to have a gap, the relative dielectric constant between the matching element 19 and the shield plate 25 is about 1.0. Air is present. Air has a relative dielectric constant smaller than that in the case where a dielectric material is interposed between the matching element 19 and the shield plate 25. Thereby, the power loss in transmission / reception of electromagnetic waves between the matching element 19 and the transmission pattern 29 in the vicinity of the shield plate 25 can be suppressed. Therefore, power loss can be suppressed and an efficient power converter 100 can be obtained. Further, since it is not necessary to dispose a dielectric material between the matching element 19 and the shield plate 25, the power converter 100 can be reduced in size, weight, and cost.

(3-2)
In the first embodiment, the first support portion 27 is connected to the shield plate 25 while being positioned so as to correspond to the straight line γ passing through the center point β of the matching element 19 in plan view. As described above, the straight line γ corresponds to the vicinity of the center of the matching element 19, and the node of the standing wave is located. Therefore, in the shield plate 25, the electric field strength of the portion facing the central vicinity of the resonance direction of the electromagnetic wave of the matching element 19 is smaller than that in other regions. Therefore, by providing the first support portion 27 on the shield plate 25 corresponding to the straight line γ, the influence on the electromagnetic wave in the shield plate 25 can be suppressed, and the power loss can be suppressed. Further, since the shield plate 25 is also opposed to the matching element 19, the influence on the electromagnetic wave in the matching element 19 can be suppressed and power loss can be suppressed.

(3-3)
In the first embodiment, the first support portion 27 is positioned corresponding to a straight line γ that passes through the center point β of the matching element 19 and extends in the left-right direction. Here, the electromagnetic wave in the matching element 19 is in a resonance state, and a node of a standing wave is located at the center of the matching element 19 in the resonance direction. The straight line γ extends corresponding to the position of the node of the standing wave. Therefore, on the straight line γ passing through the vicinity of the center of the matching element 19, the electric field strength of the electromagnetic wave is smaller than in other regions other than the vicinity of the center. However, in the left first side 19L and the right first side 19R of the matching element 19, the electric field strength of the electromagnetic wave tends to be larger than that in the central part of the matching element 19. This is considered to be because, on the left first side 19L and the right first side 19R, the effective permittivity of the matching element 19 changes due to the matching element 19 coming into contact with air, and the electromagnetic wave tends to concentrate due to this change. It is done.

  Therefore, in the above embodiment, first, the first horizontal portion 27H (27HL, 27HR) of the first support portion 27 is planar from the vicinity of the center of the shield side of the shield plate 25 toward the end away from the shield plate 25. Extending along. That is, in the first support portion 27, the first horizontal portion 27H first extends along the plane of the shield plate 25 so as to be away from the shield side of the shield plate 25 where the electric field strength of the electromagnetic wave is large. Thereby, in the 1st horizontal part 27H, it can suppress that electromagnetic waves with a big electric field strength concentrate. The first vertical portion 27V (27VL, 27VR) of the first support portion 27 extends toward the ground substrate 18 from the end of the first horizontal portion 27H. Thereby, the influence on the electromagnetic wave in the shield plate 25 caused by providing the first support portion 27 is suppressed, and the influence on the electromagnetic wave in the matching element 19 is further suppressed, and the power loss can be suppressed.

(4) Modified Example Hereinafter, a modified example of the power converter 100 of the first embodiment will be described. Note that modifications similar to those in the following second and third embodiments will be described later as common modifications.

(4-1)
In the first embodiment, the first support portion 27 corresponds to the straight line γ, but does not necessarily correspond to the straight line γ. For example, the first support portion 27 may be positioned corresponding to the position of the node of the standing wave formed by the electromagnetic wave, that is, near the center of the matching element 19. The “near the center” only needs to be a region having a low electric field strength in the matching element 19 and includes not only the center point β of the matching element 19 but also the center point β and its vicinity. For example, it can be said that it is the vicinity of λg / 4 from the front second side 19F and the rear second side 19B facing each other of the matching element 19, that is, the central portion between the front second side 19F and the rear second side 19B. By providing the first support portion 27 at this position, power loss can be suppressed. Note that the vicinity of λg / 4 from the set of the front second side 19F and the back second side 19B is, for example, about the set of the front second side 19F and the back second side 19B from λg / 4 as a center. It can be said that the range is λg / 8.

  Furthermore, if the first support portion 27 is positioned corresponding to a straight line extending in the left-right direction through the node of the standing wave of the electromagnetic wave in the matching element 19, the first support portion 27 is not necessarily positioned corresponding to the vicinity of the center of the matching element 19. There is no need.

(4-2)
In the first embodiment, the left first support portion 27L and the right first support portion 27R are substantially bilaterally symmetric about the straight line α. However, at least the connection portion between the left first support portion 27L and the shield plate 25 and the connection portion between the right first support portion 27R and the shield plate 25 may be symmetrical. Such an example will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a plan view showing an arrangement relationship of the left first support portion and the right first support portion with respect to the shield plate.

  In FIG. 12, the connection portion between the left first horizontal portion 27HL and the shield plate 25 and the connection portion between the right first support portion 27R and the shield plate 25 are substantially bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the straight line α. However, the left first support portion 27L and the right first support portion 27R are arranged in reverse symmetry. Even in this case, since the connecting portions of the support portions 27L and 27R and the shield plate 25 are bilaterally symmetric, the electromagnetic waves in the shield plate 25 are prevented from becoming non-uniform. As a result, power loss due to non-uniformity of the resonance state of the electromagnetic wave in the matching element 19 facing the shield plate 25 can be suppressed.

  For example, the left first support portion 27L and the right first support portion 27R may be disposed asymmetrically with respect to the straight line α as shown in FIG. 13, for example. FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the arrangement relationship of the left first support part and the right first support part with respect to the shield plate. In FIG. 13, the connecting portions between the support portions 27L and 27R and the shield plate 25 are bilaterally symmetric, but the support portions 27L and 27R are arranged asymmetrically with respect to the straight line α. Also in this case, since the connection part of each support part 27L and 27R and the shield board 25 is left-right symmetric, it is suppressed that the electromagnetic waves in the shield board 25 become non-uniform | heterogenous, and can suppress a power loss. Furthermore, the lengths of the left first support portion 27L and the right first support portion 27R are not necessarily the same. However, when these lengths are the same on the left and right, the state of the electromagnetic wave on the shield plate 25 is preferably substantially uniform.

(4-3)
In the said 1st Embodiment, the 1st support part 27 is formed in the L-shape. However, the first support portion 27 may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a shield plate according to a modification. As shown in FIG. 14, at the position corresponding to the straight line γ, the right first support portion 27R extends from the right shield side 25R of the shield plate 25 to the ground substrate 18, and the left first support portion 27L extends from the left shield side 25L to the ground substrate. 18 extends. In addition, the first support portion 27 may be at a position corresponding to the straight line γ and may extend from the lower portion of the shield plate 25 toward the ground substrate 18.

(4-4)
In the first embodiment, the high-frequency circuit 300 is connected to the waveguide 11 via the conductor pattern 165. However, the present invention can be applied to a configuration that does not use the waveguide 11. FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view showing a flat power converter. The power converter 105 shown in FIG. 15 is configured by stacking a first substrate unit 101 (transmission unit), a second substrate unit 107, and a shield unit 24 in order from the bottom in order from the bottom. The transmission pattern 29 is disposed adjacent to the shield unit 24. Since the shield unit 24 and the transmission pattern 29 are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  The first substrate unit 101 includes a rectangular first substrate 110. On the upper surface of the first substrate 110, a rectangular coupling element 111, a first transmission pattern 112, and a first upper surface ground 113 having a ground potential are provided. Is arranged. The first transmission pattern 112 extends in the front-rear direction, and a high-frequency circuit 300 (not shown) can be connected to the first end 112a on the rear side. The first transmission pattern 112 is connected to the coupling element 111 at the second end 112b on the front side. The first upper surface ground 113 is not disposed in a portion corresponding to the first transmission pattern 112 and the coupling element 111 in a plan view, but is disposed so as to surround them. On the other hand, on the first lower surface 110b of the first substrate 110, a first lower surface ground 114 having a ground potential is disposed almost entirely.

  The second substrate unit 107 includes a matching element unit 17 and a fixing member 130 disposed below the matching element unit 17. The fixing member 130 is not provided in a region corresponding to the through hole 23 of the matching element unit 17. The fixing member 130 fixes the second substrate unit 107 and the first substrate unit 101 to each other so that the matching element 19 and the coupling element 111 face each other. At this time, air is interposed between the matching element 19 and the coupling element 111 in order to fix the second substrate unit 107 and the first substrate unit 101 via the fixing member 130. Therefore, power loss between matching element 19 and coupling element 111 can be suppressed. Since the matching element unit 17 is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  In the power converter 105 described above, electromagnetic waves are input from the high-frequency circuit 300 to the first end 112a of the first transmission pattern 112. The input electromagnetic wave is transmitted to the second end 112b of the first transmission pattern 112 and is supplied to the coupling element 111 continuous thereto. Next, the coupling element 111 and the matching element 19 are electromagnetically coupled to each other via air, and power conversion is performed between the coupling element 111 and the matching element 19. The electromagnetic wave that has passed through the matching element 19 is transmitted from the transmission pattern 29 toward the planar antenna 200 (not shown), and the electromagnetic wave is radiated from the planar antenna 200. On the other hand, when the planar antenna 200 receives electromagnetic waves, the electromagnetic waves are transmitted to the high frequency circuit 300 through the power converter 100 in the reverse order as described above.

(4-5)
In the first embodiment, the matching element 19 is connected to the ground substrate 18 via the second support portion 21. However, the matching element 19 may be supported with respect to the waveguide 11 by the second support portion 21 without using the ground substrate 18. FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view showing another example of the second support portion that supports the matching element. In the power converter 105a of FIG. 16, the matching element 19 includes an L-shaped left second support portion 21L connected to the center of the left first side 19L in the front-rear direction and a front-rear direction of the right first side 19R. It is supported on the upper surface of the waveguide 11 by an L-shaped right second support portion 21R connected to the center portion. The shape of the second support portion 21 is not particularly limited as long as the matching element 19 can be supported on the waveguide 11. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the left second support portion 21L has a left horizontal portion 21HL and a left vertical portion 21VL, and the right second support portion 21R has a right horizontal portion 21HR and a right vertical portion 21VR. In this case, the vertical length of the first support portion 27 is adjusted so that there is a gap between the matching element 19 and the shield plate 25.

  Further, in the power converter 105 shown in FIG. 15 described above, the matching element 19 and the second support portion 21 shown in FIG. 16 may be applied. FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view showing another example of a flat power converter. In the power converter 105 b of FIG. 17, the matching element 19 is supported by the second support portion 21 with respect to the first upper surface ground 113 of the first substrate unit 101.

(4-6)
In the first embodiment, the left first horizontal portion 27HL and the right first horizontal portion 27HR extend linearly along the left-right direction corresponding to the straight line γ. However, the left first horizontal portion 27HL and the right first horizontal portion 27HR may be curved or bent.

(4-7)
The left first support portion 27L and the right first support portion 27R are only required to be located on the straight line γ at least at the connection portion with the shield plate 25, and the left first support portion 27L and the right first support portion 27R are not necessarily straight. There is no need to lie on γ.

(4-8)
In the said 1st Embodiment, the 1st support part 27 (27L, 27R) is a rectangular parallelepiped rod-shaped member. However, the shape of the first support portion 27 is not limited as long as it can support the shield plate 25, and may be, for example, a cylindrical rod-shaped member. However, when it is formed integrally with the ground substrate 18 by punching or the like, the first support portion 27 is preferably a rectangular parallelepiped rod-like member for ease of processing.

<2. Second Embodiment>
Next, a power converter according to a second embodiment of the present invention and an antenna device including the power converter will be described with reference to the drawings. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the first support portion of the shield unit, and the other configurations are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment. The description is omitted. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a power converter according to the second embodiment. FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. FIG. 20 is a plan view of the waveguide. FIG. 21 is a plan view of a ground substrate including a matching element. FIG. 22 is a plan view of the shield unit and the transmission pattern. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line α in FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line γ in FIG.

(1) Configuration of the First Support Part 31 The first support part 31 of the shield unit 24a of the second embodiment is made of a columnar member arranged at the lower part of the shield plate 25. The first support portion 31 supports the shield plate 25 from below, and forms a gap between the shield plate 25 and the ground substrate 18, and thus between the shield plate 25 and the matching element 19.

  The 1st support part 31 is a cylinder which has a space inside and extends in the up-down direction. The first support portion 31 is disposed between the ground substrate 18 and the shield plate 25. In addition, as shown in FIG. 21 and the like, the plurality of first support portions 31 surround the through hole 23 of the ground substrate 18 in the plan view, and inside the outer edge of the shield plate 25 in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. Are arranged side by side. The plurality of first support portions 31 are arranged substantially symmetrically about the straight line α. In addition, the 1st support part 31 is not arrange | positioned in the position corresponding to the transmission pattern 29 and the notch 25a.

  The diameter R1 (FIGS. 20 and 24) of the first support portion 31 is not particularly limited, but the diameter R1 is determined by the plurality of first support portions 31 between the through hole 23 and the shield side that is the outer edge of the shield plate 25. The size can be arranged. For example, the diameter R1 can be 0.05 mm to 0.50 mm. The length of the first support portion 31 in the vertical direction is not particularly limited as long as a gap can be formed between the matching element 19 supported by the ground substrate 18 and the shield plate 25. The length of the 1st support part 31 can be the same as the length L9 of the 1st support part 27 of 1st Embodiment, for example. Moreover, the space | interval L15 (FIG. 20) between the wall surfaces of the adjacent 1st support part 31 is 1/4 (lambda) b, for example. Here, λb is the in-tube wavelength of the electromagnetic wave in the first support portion 31. For example, the distance L15 can be set to 0.4 mm to 0.9 mm.

  The electric field strength distribution in the case where the plurality of first support portions 31 are arranged as described above will be described. FIG. 25 is an analysis diagram showing the electric field strength when the shield plate is viewed from above. The application conditions at the time of analysis are the same as in FIG. 8, and the electric field strength distribution in the matching element unit 17 is as shown in FIG. 8 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, in the matching element 19, the electric field strength is high on the front second side 19F on the front side and the rear second side 19B on the rear side. Further, the electric field strength is high also in the transmission pattern 29. In the shield plate 25 covering the matching element 19, as shown in FIG. 25, the electric field strength is high in the regions XI, XII, XIII, and XIV corresponding to the portions of the matching element 19 and the transmission pattern 29 in FIG. . On the other hand, in the region surrounded by the first support portion 31 which is the other region, the electric field strength is considerably smaller than the region. Therefore, it can be seen that the first support portion 31 can suppress unnecessary radiation of electromagnetic waves from the matching element 19 and the like while forming a gap between the shield plate 25 and the matching element 19.

(2) Features (2-1)
Similarly to the first embodiment, by interposing air between the matching element 19 and the shield plate 25, it is possible to suppress power loss and obtain an efficient power converter as compared with the case where a dielectric is interposed. Can do.

(2-2)
The first support portion 31 surrounds the through-hole 23 having the matching element 19 therein, thereby reflecting unnecessary radiation of electromagnetic waves from the matching element 19 and the like. Thereby, it can suppress that electromagnetic waves spread to the shield board 25, the air, etc., and can suppress a power loss. Further, since the space L15 (FIG. 20) between the wall surfaces of the first support portion 31 is 1 / 4λb, the electromagnetic waves from the matching element 19 and the like are confined in the interior surrounded by the first support portion 31 and the spread of unnecessary radiation is increased. Can be suppressed.

(2-3)
Since the plurality of first support parts 31 are arranged symmetrically about the straight line α, it is possible to suppress unnecessary radiation from the matching element 19 and the like equally on the left and right. Therefore, the non-uniformity of the resonance state of the electromagnetic wave in the matching element 19 due to the non-uniform suppression of unnecessary radiation can be suppressed. Thereby, power loss due to non-uniform resonance can be suppressed.

(3) Modified Examples Hereinafter, modified examples of the power converter 180 of the second embodiment will be described. A modification similar to that of the first and third embodiments will be described later as a common modification.
(3-1)
In the second embodiment, the shield plate 25 is supported with respect to the ground substrate 18 by the cylindrical first support portion 31, and a gap is formed between the matching element 19 and the shield plate 25. However, the first support portion shown in FIG. 26 may be used as the support portion of the shield plate 25. FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of a power converter according to a modification of the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 26, in the power converter 183 according to the modification, the first support portion 33 is a partition wall that surrounds the through hole 23 of the ground substrate 18 and has an opening corresponding to the transmission pattern 29. The first support portion 33 that is such a partition wall is formed with a gap between the shield plate 25 and the matching element 19 and the matching element similarly to the first support portion 31 of the second embodiment described above. Suppresses unnecessary radiation of electromagnetic waves from 19 etc.

(3-2)
The said 2nd Embodiment can also be set as the structure which does not use the waveguide 11 similarly to FIG. 15 which concerns on the modification of the said 1st Embodiment. FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view showing a planar power converter. In the power converter 185 of FIG. 27, a plurality of first support portions 31 that are cylinders are arranged along the through holes 23 of the ground substrate 18 as in the second embodiment. Since the shield plate 25 is supported by the first support portion 31, the shield plate 25 and the matching element 19 face each other with a gap. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG. Moreover, the 1st support part 31 can be substituted by the 1st support part 33 which is a partition of FIG.

(3-3)
In the second embodiment, as in FIG. 16 according to the modification of the first embodiment, the matching element 19 is supported by the second support portion 21 with respect to the waveguide 11 without the ground substrate 18 interposed therebetween. May be. FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view showing another example of the second support portion that supports the matching element. In the power converter 185 a of FIG. 28, the second support portion 21 is provided on the upper surface of the waveguide 11. Furthermore, a plurality of first support portions 31 that are cylinders are arranged along the through holes 15 of the waveguide 11. The vertical length of the plurality of first support portions 31 is longer than the vertical length of the second support portion 21. Thereby, when the shield plate 25 is supported on the upper surface of the waveguide 11 by the first support portion 31, a gap can be formed between the shield plate 25 and the matching element 19. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG. Moreover, the 1st support part 31 can be substituted by the 1st support part 33 which is a partition of FIG.

Further, in the power converter 185 shown in FIG. 27 described above, the matching element 19 and the second support portion 21 shown in FIG. 28 may be applied. FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view showing another example of a flat power converter. In the power converter 185 b of FIG. 29, the matching element 19 is supported by the second support portion 21 with respect to the first upper surface ground 113 of the first substrate unit 101.
(3-4)
In the said 2nd Embodiment, although the 1st support part 31 is a cylinder, it should just support the shield board 25 with respect to the ground board | substrate 18, and can suppress the unnecessary radiation | emission of electromagnetic waves, The shape is not limited. For example, the first support portion 31 may be formed in a quadrangular prism shape or a polygonal column shape having a cavity inside. Moreover, the 1st support part 31 does not need to have a cavity inside. Further, the diameter and number of the first support portions 31 are not particularly limited as long as unnecessary radiation of electromagnetic waves from the matching elements 19 and the like can be suppressed.

<3. Third Embodiment>
Next, a power converter and an antenna apparatus including the power converter according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the first support portion of the shield unit, and the other configurations are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment. The description is omitted. FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a power converter according to the third embodiment. FIG. 31 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. FIG. 32 is a plan view of the waveguide. FIG. 33 is a plan view of a ground substrate including a matching element. FIG. 34 is a plan view of the shield unit and the transmission pattern. FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view taken along line α in FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line γ in FIG.

(1) Configuration of First Support Portion 41 The first support portion 41 (second support substrate) of the shield unit 24b of the third embodiment is made of a dielectric substrate provided on the top of the shield plate 25. The first support portion 41 supports the shield plate 25 by its lower surface, and forms a gap between the shield plate 25 and the ground substrate 18, and thus between the shield plate 25 and the matching element 19.

  Although the thickness of the dielectric substrate which comprises the 1st support part 41 is not specifically limited, It has thickness W3 (FIG. 35, FIG. 36). The first support portion 41 is supported by the support base unit 50 in the left-right direction. Specifically, the first support part 41 is sandwiched in the vertical direction at the right end by a pair of right clamping members 53Ra and 53Rb. The right clamping members 53Ra and 53Rb are supported at a predetermined height by the right support base 51R. Since the left end of the 1st support part 41 is clamped and supported similarly to the right end, description is abbreviate | omitted. The shield plate 25 is affixed to the lower surface of the central portion of the first support portion 41 supported in this way. The transmission pattern 29 may also be affixed to the first support portion 41 in the same manner as the shield plate 25. At this time, the shield plate 25 has a gap of, for example, a length L9, with the matching element 19 supported by the ground substrate 18, as shown in FIGS.

(2) Features Similar to the first embodiment, by interposing air between the matching element 19 and the shield plate 25, power loss can be suppressed and efficient power conversion can be achieved compared to the case where a dielectric is interposed. A vessel 100 can be obtained. Further, the shield plate 25 can be stably supported by the first support portion 41 which is a dielectric substrate.

(3) Modified Example A modified example of the power converter 190 of the third embodiment will be described below. A modification similar to the first and second embodiments will be described later as a common modification.
(3-1)
Similarly to FIG. 15 according to the modified example of the first embodiment, the third embodiment can be configured not to use the waveguide 11. FIG. 37 is an exploded perspective view showing a flat power converter. In the power converter 195 of FIG. 37, the shield plate 25 is supported by the first support portion 41 and the support base unit 50 so as to have a gap between the matching element 19 as in the third embodiment. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG.

(3-2)
In the third embodiment, as in FIG. 16 according to the modification of the first embodiment, the matching element 19 is supported by the second support portion 21 with respect to the waveguide 11 without the ground substrate 18 interposed therebetween. May be. FIG. 38 is an exploded perspective view showing another example of the second support portion that supports the matching element. In the power converter 195 a of FIG. 38, the second support portion 21 is provided on the upper surface of the waveguide 11. Further, similarly to the third embodiment, the shield plate 25 is supported by the first support portion 41 and the support base unit 50 so as to have a gap with the matching element 19. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG.

  Further, in the power converter 195 shown in FIG. 37 described above, the matching element 19 and the second support portion 21 shown in FIG. 38 may be applied. FIG. 39 is an exploded perspective view showing another example of a flat power converter. In the power converter 195 b of FIG. 39, the matching element 19 is supported with respect to the first upper surface ground 113 of the first substrate unit 101 by the second support portion 21.

(3-2)
In the third embodiment, the first support portion 41 is a dielectric substrate. However, the member is not limited to the dielectric substrate as long as the member can support the shield plate 25. For example, the first support part 41 may be a ground substrate having a ground potential.

<4. Modification>
The first to third embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications as described below are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. . The gist of the following modifications can be combined as appropriate. In addition, although the modified example peculiar to each embodiment was described in each embodiment, here, a modified example common to the first to third embodiments will be described.

<4-1>
In the first to third embodiments, the left second support portion 21L and the right second support portion 21R are symmetrical with respect to the straight line α. However, at least the connection portion between the left second support portion 21L and the matching element 19 and the connection portion between the right second support portion 21R and the matching element 19 need only be symmetrical. Such an example will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 40 is a plan view showing an arrangement relationship of the left second support portion and the right second support portion with respect to the matching elements. In FIG. 40, the connection portion between the left second support portion 21L and the matching element 19 and the connection portion between the right second support portion 21R and the matching element 19 are symmetrical with respect to the straight line α. However, the left second support portion 21L and the right second support portion 21R are arranged in reverse symmetry. At least the left second support portion 21L, the right second support portion 21R and the matching element 19 are symmetrically connected to each other, so that power loss due to non-uniform resonance state of electromagnetic waves in the matching element 19 can be suppressed. If the resonance state of the electromagnetic wave in the matching element 19 is not uneven, the left second support portion 21L, the right second support portion 21R, and the connection portion of the matching element 19 need to be perfectly symmetrical. Absent.

Further, for example, the left second support portion 21L and the right second support portion 21R may be disposed asymmetrically around the straight line α as shown in FIG. 41, for example. FIG. 41 is a plan view showing an arrangement relationship of the left second support portion and the right second support portion with respect to the matching elements. As in FIG. 40, the connection portion between the left second support portion 21L and the matching element 19 and the connection portion between the right second support portion 21R and the matching element 19 are symmetrical with respect to the straight line α. However, unlike FIG. 40, the left second support portion 21L and the right second support portion 21R are disposed asymmetrically.
<4-2>
In the first to third embodiments, the matching element 19 and the through hole 23 of the ground substrate 18 have the center point β at the same position. However, if the left second support portion 21L extends from the vicinity of the center of the left first side 19L of the matching element 19 and the right second support portion 21R extends from the vicinity of the center of the right first side 19R of the matching element 19 In addition, the center of the matching element 19 and the center of the through hole 23 may be off. For example, the left second support portion 21L may be connected to a position shifted from the vicinity of the center of the left side 23L of the through hole 23. Similarly, the right second support portion 21R may be connected to a position shifted from the vicinity of the center of the right side 23R of the through hole 23. Even in this case, the second support part 21 is provided by connecting the left second support part 21L and the right second support part 21R of the matching element 19 in the vicinity of the center where the electric field strength is weak. This can suppress the influence on the electromagnetic wave in the matching element 19 and suppress power loss.

<4-3>
In the first to third embodiments, the left second support portion 21L and the right second support portion 21R extend linearly along the left-right direction on the straight line γ. However, the left second support portion 21L and the right second support portion 21R may be curved or bent.

<4-4>
The left second support portion 21L and the right second support portion 21R are only required to have at least the connection portion with the matching element 19 on the straight line γ, and the left second support portion 21L and the right second support portion 21R are not necessarily straight. There is no need to lie on γ.

<4-5>
In the said 1st-3rd embodiment, although the 2nd support part 21 is located on the straight line (gamma), it does not necessarily need to be located on the straight line (gamma). For example, the second support portion 21 may be positioned corresponding to the vicinity of the center of the matching element 19 where the node of the standing wave formed by the electromagnetic wave is positioned. The “near the center” only needs to be a region having a low electric field strength in the matching element 19 and includes not only the center point β of the matching element 19 but also the center point β and its vicinity. For example, it can be said that it is the vicinity of λg / 4 from the front second side 19F and the rear second side 19B facing each other of the matching element 19, that is, the central portion between the front second side 19F and the rear second side 19B. The vicinity of λg / 4 can be referred to as a range of ± λg / 8 centered on λg / 4 from a pair of front second side 19F and rear second side 19B, for example.

  Furthermore, if the second support portion 21 is located on a straight line extending in the left-right direction through the node of the standing wave of the electromagnetic wave in the matching element 19, the second support portion 21 is not necessarily located corresponding to the vicinity of the center of the matching element 19. Absent.

<4-6>
In the first to third embodiments, the matching element 19 is formed flush with the ground substrate 18. However, the vertical position of the matching element 19 is not limited to this, and the matching element 19 may be supported by the second support portion 21 so as to be positioned above or below the ground substrate 18.

<4-7>
In the first to third embodiments, the length L3 of the matching element 19 in the front-rear direction is λg / 2. However, it is sufficient that the electromagnetic wave is in a resonance state in the front-rear direction of the matching element 19, and the length L3 is not limited to λg / 2. For example, the length L3 of the matching element 19 in the front-rear direction may be (λg / 2) × p (p is an integer of 2 or more). However, in order to achieve miniaturization of the power converter 100 and maintain the electromagnetic wave in a stable resonance state, the length L3 of the matching element 19 in the front-rear direction is preferably λg / 2.

<4-8>
In the said 1st-3rd embodiment, the 2nd support part 21 (21L, 21R) is a rectangular parallelepiped rod-shaped member. However, the shape of the second support portion 21 is not limited as long as it is a member that supports the matching element 19. For example, the second support portion 21 may be a cylindrical rod-shaped member. However, when it is formed integrally with the ground substrate 18 by punching or the like, the second support portion 21 is preferably a rectangular parallelepiped rod-like member for ease of processing.

<4-9>
In the first to third embodiments, the transmission pattern 29 is arranged in the notch 25 a in the shield plate 25. However, it suffices that the unnecessary radiation of the electromagnetic wave from the matching element 19 can be suppressed by the shield plate 25, and the transmission pattern 29 does not need to be arranged in the notch 25a. For example, the transmission pattern 29 may be disposed above the matching element 19, and the shield plate 25 may be disposed above the transmission pattern 29.

<4-10>
In the first to third embodiments, the matching element 19 has a square shape, but may have a rectangular shape other than the square shape, such as a rectangular shape and a trapezoidal shape. The matching element 19 preferably has a pair of sides facing each other in the resonance direction that are parallel to each other. In addition, the matching element 19 may have a shape including a polygon and an arc rather than a quadrangle as long as a pair of sides facing each other in the resonance direction are parallel to each other.

<4-11>
In the first to third embodiments, the ground substrate 18 is illustrated as a support substrate that supports the matching element 19. However, the support substrate does not need to be grounded, and may be a conductor having a predetermined potential, for example. However, it is preferable to use a grounded ground substrate 18 because the electric field of electromagnetic waves can be stabilized.

<4-12>
In the first to third embodiments, the number of transmission patterns 29 is one, but the number of transmission patterns 29 may be plural. In addition, the 1st support part 27 is arrange | positioned so that the area | region in which the transmission pattern 29 is provided may be remove | excluded.

11: Waveguide 13: Upper opening 15: Through hole 16: Lower opening 17: Matching element unit 18: Ground substrate 19: Matching element 21: Second support part 21L: Left second support part 21R: Right second support part 23: Through holes 24, 24a, 24b: Shield unit 25: Shield plate 25a: Notch 27: First support portion 27HL: Left first horizontal portion 27HR: Right first horizontal portion 29: Transmission patterns 31, 33, 41: 1st support part 50: Support stand unit 100: Power converter 105, 105a, 105b: Power converter 111, 160: Coupling element 165: Conductive pattern 180, 183, 185: Power converter 190, 195: Power converter 200 : Planar antenna 300: High-frequency circuit 1000: Antenna device

Claims (9)

A transmission unit for transmitting electromagnetic waves;
A matching element for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves transmitted in the transmission unit;
A shield plate disposed to face the matching element;
At least one first support portion for supporting the shield plate with a gap between the shield plate and the matching element;
A transmission pattern that is disposed in the vicinity of the shield plate and transmits and receives electromagnetic waves to and from the matching element;
A power converter. In plan view, a first support substrate having a through-hole for accommodating the matching element;
The power converter according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one second support portion that connects the matching element and an inner edge of the through hole of the first support substrate. The transmission unit is a waveguide having a through hole that is a transmission path of the electromagnetic wave,
The first support substrate is placed on an end portion of the waveguide so that an opening at an end portion of the through hole of the waveguide faces a through hole of the first support substrate. Item 3. The power converter according to Item 2.   4. The power converter according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first support portion is disposed so as to surround a periphery of the matching element. 5. The at least one first support part includes a second support substrate positioned on the opposite side of the matching element with respect to the shield plate,
4. The power converter according to claim 1, wherein the second support substrate supports the shield plate so as to form a gap with the matching element. 5.   The at least one first support portion is provided so as to correspond to a straight line that passes in the vicinity of the center of the matching element in a plan view and extends in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the resonance direction of the electromagnetic wave in the matching element. Item 4. The power converter according to any one of Items 1 to 3.   3. The electric power according to claim 2, wherein the second support portion is provided on a straight line that passes in the vicinity of the center of the matching element in a plan view and extends in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to a resonance direction of an electromagnetic wave in the matching element. converter. An antenna element for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves;
The power converter according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein power conversion of electromagnetic waves is performed with the antenna element.
An antenna device comprising:   The antenna device according to claim 8, further comprising a high-frequency circuit connected to the power converter.