EP3097604B1 - Antenna, in particular mobile radio antenna - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an antenna, in particular a mobile radio antenna according to the preamble of claim 1.

Mobile radio antennas of today's generation usually comprise a one, two or more columnar antenna array, each with an associated reflector, which is vertically or predominantly vertically aligned. On the front of the reflector, the respective radiator and radiator devices for transmitting and / or receiving the signals are arranged one above the other. These radiator devices can be linearly polarized radiator devices or, for example, dual polarized radiator devices, which are preferably aligned at an angle of + 45 ° with respect to the horizontal or vertical. In that regard, is often spoken of X-polarized radiator devices. The antenna can be designed as a mono-band antenna, as a dual-band antenna or as a multi-band antenna, which thus in can radiate and / or receive multiple frequency bands.

On the back of the respective reflector of the single or multi-column antenna passive components may also be housed, such as filters, adjustment elements such as phase shifter for adjusting the downtilt angle, various cabling, etc.

For the assembly of a so-called envelope reflector is often used, which is also designed in cross-section also at least U-shaped or approximately U-shaped. This envelope reflector has a base plate, which is arranged at a distance below the reflectors in an envelope-reflector support plane, wherein the reflector base plate at its two longitudinal sides in perpendicular to the envelope-reflector support plane or at least transversely oriented side walls or Sidewalls passes. These side flanks often end in the area of the reflector side webs of the single or multi-column reflector arrangement. On these free edges of the side bars of the envelope-reflector support structure then the radiant devices and the single or multi-column reflectors overlapping Radom is placed and glued or screwed on the sides.

Below the mentioned passive component and / or distributor level, which is sometimes also referred to as a passive component and / or distributor space, additional active elements can then be provided on the actual rear side of the envelope-reflector support structure opposite the radiators Be housed components such as amplifier groups, a remote radio head, etc.

An antenna, in particular mobile radio antenna is for example from the EP 2 079 132 A1 known. It describes a reflector having formed on both longitudinal sides longitudinal webs between which offset in the longitudinal direction of the reflector emitter elements are arranged.

The reflectors can be shaped in different ways. The overall arrangement of the radiator with the reflector is disposed within a cylindrical radome.

An antenna arrangement with reflector is also made of DE 20 2009 001 821 U1 to be known as known. Here, a reflector is described, which serves as a cooling device. For this purpose, this reflector is characterized by a plurality of extending in the longitudinal direction of the reflector and from each other by side walls reflector channels, through which air can flow to cool the reflector sheet. On the reflector back a component space 19 is formed, namely by lateral reflector webs, which projects beyond the back in rückwertiger direction opposite to the direction of the radiator. Only here is room for wiring or components provided.

A similar antenna arrangement is also known from the US 2012/0220339 A1 to be known as known. Again, the reflector in an embodiment for cooling the device a plurality of in Running longitudinally of the reflector and separated by side walls cooling channels.

Furthermore, should also on US2009 / 0066602 A1 . WO2010 / 036078 A2 , and US 2010/0134374 A1 which describe a largely similar antenna arrangements as the above-mentioned Vorveröffentlichungen.

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved antenna, in particular a mobile radio antenna, which has improved mechanical and electrical properties.

The object is achieved according to the features specified in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

The antenna according to the invention is preferably a so-called active antenna with active components such as a remote radio head. In other words, it is an antenna or mobile radio antenna, which is constructed highly compact, so has a high packing density. In this case, the antenna is clearly structured and structured by its structure, since it initially comprises an uppermost radiator and reflector plane, a passive component plane located underneath, to which a so-called active component plane is then connected again underneath.

For such a structure is in the context of the invention, a clear and over the prior art proposed simplified and yet improved mounting and support structure, which can accommodate the corresponding loads, including possibly applied to the antenna wind forces.

In addition, within the scope of the invention, an optimal shielding function is also proposed, namely for the passive component and / or distributor level (in which, for example, passive components and extensive cabling can be accommodated) as well as for the active component level which adjoins it connects on the side facing away from the emitters.

Therefore, the invention proposes now that the at least one-column antenna for the radiator comprises a reflector, which is part of a so-called overall reflector and is formed as such in one piece. This is a preferably cohesive structure, in which the conductive total reflector formed in this way is designed as a stamped-bent sheet metal part or, for example, as a continuous cast pressed part.

In this case, the actual, the radiator elements bearing reflector usually passes over lateral, transverse to the reflector plane in the steel direction projecting side bars and then ultimately in the backward side extending Schirmungswände that extends beyond the located on the back of the actual reflector passive component level addition. In other words, all the passive components and the other devices provided in this level or in this room, such as cabling, are on the back of the actual, the radiator elements receiving reflector are provided, further shielded by this sidewall webs.

In the context of the invention, however, it is further provided that these the shielding of the passive component level serving lateral Schirmungswände (which also perform support function) are extended beyond a next holding and mounting plane opposite to the beam direction of the radiator, namely a so-called holding or Assembly level, which serves the fixation and placement of belonging to the active component level active component.

Such an arrangement results in a significantly improved shielding effect with respect to the electromagnetic properties compared to the prior art and a significantly improved supporting structure which makes it possible to mount all the components accordingly and optimally receive and support their weights and applying forces.

Thus, while in the prior art, a cross-sectionally U-shaped envelope reflector is provided, which is arranged at the rear distance behind the actual, the radiator-carrying individual reflectors (wherein in this distance space matching components can be accommodated and on the back of this envelope reflector then the active components are mounted), in contrast, the invention proposes an overall reflector which has a U-shaped cross-section approximately in its cross-section approximately from its coarse structure, but which in the functional direction is oriented and acts inversely with the envelope reflector of the prior art. For in the overall reflector according to the invention, the radiators sit on the base portion of the overall reflector on the outside, ie the side which is formed opposite to the side webs of the overall reflector. Within the at least approximately U-shaped overall reflector are then in a first passive component and / or distribution space, the passive components and the distributing cabling housed (at least for the most part), which then facing away from the emitters Side of this component and / or distribution space connects via an thus formed holding and mounting plane an active component space in which above all the active components can be mounted and housed.

The overall reflector thus formed provides optimum shielding for the components housed therein, since the side bars of the overall reflector thus formed are extended beyond the mentioned holding and mounting plane out in the direction opposite to the radiators, so that not only the in Interior of the entire reflector accommodated passive components and / or the distribution serving wiring are optimally shielded, but also still adjoining the holding and mounting plane components, as in known solutions according to the prior art.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is further provided that the above-explained Total reflector including the actual reflector portion holding the radiator and the associated passive component and / or distribution space can be covered by a radome. Particular preference is given to a variant in which the above-described total reflector with the corresponding components and the mounted radiators can be inserted into a corresponding radome frontally, which is completely closed apart from recesses discussed below in the circumferential direction. This also gives an optimal protective effect. As a result, but also an optimal tension between the radome and the overall reflector is achieved, resulting in a further improved overall support structure, whereby the entire support structure can absorb and support even higher loads, and this with a comparatively thin material design of the actual overall reflector and / or the radome. Ultimately, but also the wind forces that can act, for example, on the radome, optimally recorded and the antenna are supported accordingly.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the radome is slidable onto the overall reflector in the axial direction in such a way that, among other things, the radome is preferably in the region of the holding and mounting plane for the active components and / or at an offset plane, preferably approximately can support at the level of the reflector portion on which the radiators are held and mounted. Preferably, here in the region of this support plane on the inside of the radome material-thickening elevations, Beads etc. may be formed, which also rest on a corresponding bearing surface of the overall reflector and also supported here.

Further advantages of the invention is when the explained antenna and in particular the described mobile radio antenna is used not only for a single-column, but for example for a two- or multi-column antenna array. For in such an embodiment is preferably provided that the two or more mutually parallel single reflectors, each forming an antenna gaps, are also integrally formed, so represent a part of the overall reflector. Also located between the two antenna gaps and usually provided from the reflector plane perpendicular or transversely rising reflector side bar is part of the aforementioned overall reflector, which can be designed and manufactured as punched-bent part or, for example, as a continuous casting part.

• der sogenannte Hüll-Reflektor mit dem Radom-Profil musste aufwändig verklebt und/oder verschraubt werden,
• bei einem mehrspaltigen Antennearray sind zwischen den Einzel-Reflektoren Schlitze zurückgeblieben, die sich nachteilhaft ausgewirkt haben,
• es bestanden Schlitze zwischen den Reflektoren und dem sogenannten Hüll-Reflektor,

• es bestand keine Abschirmung bezüglich der auf der Antennenrückseite vorgesehenen elektrischen Komponenten und Bauteile, und
• es war keine Zugänglichkeit der Antenne von vorne her im Reparaturfall gegeben, da das Radom mit dem Hüll-Reflektor in der Regel fest verklebt war.

In the known prior art embodiments of a comparable antenna have so far had a number of disadvantages, namely:

• the so-called envelope reflector with the Radom profile had to be laboriously glued and / or screwed,
• in a multi-column antenna array, slits have remained between the individual reflectors, which have had an adverse effect,
• there were slots between the reflectors and the so-called envelope reflector,

• there was no shielding with respect to the electrical components and components provided on the back of the antenna, and
• there was no accessibility of the antenna from the front in case of repair, since the radome was glued to the envelope reflector usually tight.

• da die zumindest eine oder die zumindest mehreren jeweils für eine Antennenspalte vorgesehenen Reflektorabschnitte einschließlich in Form eines Gesamt-Reflektors einstückig ausgebildet sind, werden Intermodulationsprodukte vermieden,
• zudem wird eine insgesamt verbesserte Schirmung erzielt, und zwar auf der zur antennenrückwärtigen Seite für die dort vorgesehenen passiven Komponenten und Bauteile in einer ersten Ebene (Raum) und die aktiven Komponenten in einer noch darunter befindlichen zweiten Ebene (Raum),
• die gesamte Tragstruktur ist verbessert und kann bei vergleichbar zum Stand der Technik ausgebildeten Materialstärken deutlich mehr Last aufnehmen und abstützen, was umgekehrt auch heißt, dass bei der Abstützung vergleichbarer Gewichte und Lasten die Gesamt-Reflektor-Struktur dünnwandiger ausgebildet und damit die gesamte Antenne leichter ist,
• insgesamt zeichnet sich die im Rahmen der Erfindung erzielte verbesserte Tragstruktur durch den Verbund des Gesamt-Reflektors, beispielsweise in Form eines Stanz-Biegeteils oder in Form eines Strangguss-Teiles in Verbindung mit dem Radom, beispielsweise in Form eines GFK-Profils aus, welches zumindest Abschnitte aufweist, die in Umfangsrichtung vollständig geschlossen sind,
• es ergibt sich insgesamt ein geschlossenes Profil trotz aktiver Komponenten, die über Kontaktstellen mit dem Reflektor verbunden sind, und
• der Gesamt-Reflektor mit den zugehörigen Antennen und den einzelnen Antennenaufbauten kann problemlos in der Produktion und im Servicefalls axial aus dem Radom herausgeschoben oder umgekehrt hineingeschoben werden.

In contrast, the present invention has clear advantages, for example:

• since the at least one or at least a plurality of reflector sections provided in each case for an antenna column, including in the form of an overall reflector, are formed in one piece, intermodulation products are avoided,
• In addition, an overall improved shielding is achieved, on the antenna rear side for the passive components and components provided there in a first plane (space) and the active components in a second plane (space) below,
• the entire support structure is improved and can take significantly more load and support at comparable formed to the prior art material thicknesses, which conversely also means that in the support of comparable weights and loads, the overall reflector structure formed thinner walls and thus the entire antenna is lighter .
• Overall, the improved supporting structure achieved in the context of the invention is characterized by the composite of the overall reflector, for example in the form of a stamped and bent part or in the form of a continuous casting part in connection with the radome, for example in the form of a GRP profile, which has at least sections which are completely closed in the circumferential direction,
• it results in an overall closed profile despite active components, which are connected via contact points with the reflector, and
• the entire reflector with the associated antennas and the individual antenna assemblies can be easily pushed out of the radome during production and servicing, or pushed in the other direction.

It proves to be particularly favorable if the antenna preferably has a plug connector in the region of the holding and / or mounting plane for the active components, which is offset to this plane in the direction of the emitter, so that the mentioned total reflector at least over its axial length in certain sections circumferentially closed radome can be pushed or pushed out.

As a result of these measures, it is possible to realize short cable connections, especially if the connector strip is formed, for example, in the middle region of the antenna.

• hohe Biegesteifigkeit,
• geringes Gewicht bei insgesamt gewichtsoptimierter Ausgestaltung der Antenne,
• hohes Widerstandsmoment,
• variables Befestigungssystem,
• einfache Fertigung,
• Ermöglichung eines in Umfangsrichtung geschlossenen Radom-Profils, wodurch auch die Dichtsituation vereinfacht wird,
• die Möglichkeit, den Gesamt-Reflektor mit der Antenne in das Radom ein- und auszuschieben bei montierten, aktiven Strahlern,
• verringerte Anzahl von möglichen Intermodulationsquellen,
• Vermeidung von Schlitzen zwischen Einzelstrahlern und/oder einem Einzelstrahler und einem im Stand der Technik vorgesehenen Gesamt-Reflektor,
• verbesserte Schirmung der Antennenrückseite sowie der Befestigungspunkte zwischen den aktiven Komponenten und dem Gesamt-Reflektor, und
• Eröffnung einer sehr flexiblen und schnellen Varianten-Generierung.

In brief, the advantages according to the invention can be described by the following keywords:

• high bending stiffness,
• low weight with a total weight-optimized design of the antenna,
• high moment of resistance,
• variable fastening system,
• simple production,
• Enabling a circumferentially closed radome profile, whereby the density situation is simplified,
• the possibility of inserting and removing the entire reflector with the antenna into the radome with mounted active radiators,
• reduced number of possible intermodulation sources,
• Avoiding slits between individual radiators and / or a single radiator and a total reflector provided in the prior art,
• improved shielding of the back of the antenna as well as the attachment points between the active components and the total reflector, and
• Opening of a very flexible and fast variant generation.

Figur 1:

eine schematische, räumliche Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Mobilfunkantenne;

Figur 2a:

eine perspektivische Darstellung des erfindungsgemäßen Gesamt-Reflektors der Antenne oder Mobilfunkantenne;

Figur 2b:

einen Horizontalschnitt durch eine in Figur 1 gezeigte zweispaltige Mobilfunkantenne unter Weglassung von aktiven Komponenten;

Figur 3:

eine überwiegend rückwärtige räumliche Darstellung eines im Rahmen der Erfindung verwendeten Radoms;

Figur 4:

eine vergrößerte Teildarstellung bezüglich eines Querschnitts durch die anhand von Figur 2b gezeigte Antenne zur Verdeutlichung des Verlaufs des Gesamt-Reflektors und des den Gesamt-Reflektor umgebenden Radoms;

Figur 5a:

eine vergrößerte Detaildarstellung eines Verankerungs- und Montageabschnittes unter Ausbildung einer Montage-Schnittstelle, an der aktive Komponenten montierbar sind;

Figur 5b:

ein zur Figur 5a abgewandeltes Ausführungsbeispiel;

Figur 6:

eine Querschnittsdarstellung ähnlich zu Figur 2b, jedoch bei zusätzlich an- bzw. eingebauten aktiven Komponenten;

Figur 7:

eine Querschnittsdarstellung durch die erfindungsgemäße Antenne, die in Abweichung zu den vorausgegangenen Ausführungsbeispielen nicht zwei, sondern lediglich eine Antennenspalte umfasst; und

Figur 8:

ein zu dem vorausgegangenen Ausführungsbeispiel abweichendes Ausführungsbeispiel mit einer geringfügig abgewandelten Ausbildung eines Verankerungsund Montageansatzes in Höhe der Schnittebene zur Verankerung der aktiven Komponenten.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to drawings. In detail:

FIG. 1:

a schematic, spatial representation of a mobile radio antenna according to the invention;

FIG. 2a:

a perspective view of the inventive total reflector of the antenna or mobile radio antenna;

FIG. 2b:

a horizontal section through an in FIG. 1 shown two-column mobile radio antenna with the omission of active components;

FIG. 3:

a predominantly rearward spatial representation of a radome used in the invention;

FIG. 4:

an enlarged partial view with respect to a cross section through the basis of FIG. 2b shown antenna to illustrate the course of the overall reflector and the surrounding the entire reflector radome;

FIG. 5a

an enlarged detail of an anchoring and mounting portion to form a mounting interface on which active components can be mounted;

FIG. 5b:

one to FIG. 5a modified embodiment;

FIG. 6:

a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2b but with additionally installed or installed active components;

FIG. 7:

a cross-sectional view through the antenna according to the invention, which does not comprise two, but only an antenna column in deviation from the previous embodiments; and

FIG. 8:

a deviating from the previous embodiment embodiment with a slightly modified design of anchoring and Assembly approach at the level of the cutting plane for anchoring the active components.

In FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of an antenna 1, ie in particular a mobile radio antenna 1 shown, for example, as it is attached to a mast 3 or at another suitable location.

The mobile radio antenna comprises a housing or a cover 5 (the structure of which will be discussed in more detail below) with a radome 105 and an upper and lower cover 5a. In particular, in the lower cap 5a, the provided for the operation of the antenna terminals including the coaxial terminals and the control terminals may be formed, without being limited thereto.
Such an antenna or mobile radio antenna 1 is usually set up in the vertical direction or predominantly in the vertical direction.

In FIG. 2a is a spatial representation of a total reflector according to the invention and in FIG. 2b as in FIG. 6 is a horizontal sectional view through the in FIG. 1 reproduced mobile radio antenna 1 shown. In a representation according to FIG. 2b For example, the active components usually provided on the rear side of the overall reflector 16 are not shown yet.

It can be seen from these figures that the illustrated exemplary embodiment is an antenna, ie a mobile radio antenna with two antenna columns 8 acts, which are parallel to each other, that is usually aligned in the vertical direction or predominantly in the vertical direction.

Each antenna column 8 comprises a reflector 10 having a reflector front side 11a and a reflector rear side 11b, in front of which, as a rule, a plurality of radiators or radiator groups 13 are arranged at a distance from one another in a known manner. These may be linear-polarized or dual-polarized emitters, etc., which radiate, for example, in two mutually perpendicular polarization planes, which are preferably oriented at a + 45 ° angle to the vertical or to the horizontal. In this respect, reference is made to known solutions according to which corresponding dipole radiators or, for example, so-called vector radiators or, for example, patch radiators, etc., can be used, which are part of a mono-band, dual-band or multi-band antenna arrangement.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the two reflectors 10, which belong to one antenna column 8, do not form individual reflectors, forming an antenna gap between them, but are part of a common one-piece and, in the embodiment shown, material-integral overall reflector arrangement 15, which is also briefly referred to as a total reflector 16 referred to as. It can also be seen from the illustrations that the reflector 10 provided for an antenna column 8, ie in the embodiment shown, the column or partial reflector provided for an antenna column 8 10 'is provided at its two in each case in the longitudinal direction L, that is usually in the vertical direction V extending sides with a side web 10a, which is oriented for example on the reflector front side 11a perpendicular or at a different angle obliquely to the reflector plane RE. Usually, the lateral webs 10a provided laterally with respect to an antenna gap 8 are aligned slightly diverging relative to one another in the beam direction R relative to the emitters or emitter groups 13 provided therebetween.

The respective adjacent side webs 10a of the two adjacent antenna columns 8 are connected to one another via a connecting web 17, that is to say a so-called connecting bridge 17. In other words, both column or partial reflectors 10 'of the two antenna columns 8 form a common solid, one-piece reflector structure.

The two outer and the most distant side webs 10a also pass on the radiation side of the reflector arrangement into an outwardly diverging connecting web 18, which then merges via a further bend 20 into a first shielding wall 19 extending more or less opposite the emission direction R of the antenna arrangement.

The mentioned connecting webs 18 and the bridge web 17 can be approximately at the same height, ie preferably at the same height or at the same distance to the reflector plane RE (although this is not mandatory) and can be completely or predominantly aligned parallel to the reflector plane RE.

The aforementioned Schirmungswände 19 run slightly divergent in the rearward direction H, which is not necessary in principle.

An anchoring section 21 adjoins the shielding walls 19. That the two outer, extending in the rearward direction H Schirmungswände 19 go into an anchoring portion 21, via a lying in the manner of a lying and with its opening portion respectively outwardly U-shaped mounting portion 22, which ultimately more of two in the illustrated embodiment parallel side bars 22a, which are preferably in the emission or front-side direction R parallel spaced and interconnected via a transverse or perpendicular to the reflector plane RE bottom web 22b.

The side web 22'a remote from the antenna gaps 8 comes to lie in a mounting plane ME in which or in the vicinity of which the active components, which will be explained later, are mounted.

Finally, the abovementioned side web 22'a, which is located farther away from the antenna gaps 8, merges into a second shielding wall 27, which preferably lies in extension of the first shielding wall 19 and is separated therefrom only by the mentioned U-shaped anchoring sections 21 (FIG. wherein also the anchoring portion 21 ultimately serves as a Schirmungswand and can be understood, either as Zwischen-Schirmungswand or shielding wall, which can be added to the first or the second Schirmungswand). This second shielding wall 27 is likewise an integral part of the overall reflector arrangement 15, ie of the overall reflector 16.

By such a construction, a first receiving space 29 is created, which lies on the rear side of the antenna gaps 8, ie on the rear side 11b of the column or partial reflectors 10 'and extends into the region of the anchoring section 21 or the mounting plane ME or can reach. This first receiving space or area 29 forms a so-called first receiving plane 29 ', which is also referred to below partially as a passive component and / or distribution space 29 or passive component and / or distributor level 29', completely by the reflector with its specific configuration is shielded.

This level 29 'or this area or this space 29 can also be referred to in the broadest sense as the first or passive component and / or distribution space, because here in addition to first or passive components 129, (such as filters or, for example, phase shifter for setting a different Down-tilt angle of the spotlights) above all, a variety of cables can be accommodated and laid, which is what the supply of the individual radiators and radiator groups.

As a result of the design of the first shielding walls 19 provided on the outer longitudinal sides of the antenna, the devices and cabling etc. accommodated in this passive component and / or distributor space 29 are optimally shielded.

In FIG. 3 is now shown in a schematic, rather rearward spatial representation of the radome 105, which forms part of the overall housing 5. This consisting of a GRP profile and permeable to electromagnetic radiation radome usually includes a front side 105a, below which the antenna columns are provided with the radiators. This front side 105a, which can generally run relatively flat in the middle region and at least approximately parallel to the reflector planes RE, then merges on the longitudinal sides via an arc section 105b into side sections 105c which run more or less adjacent to the first shielding wall 19 and these cover to the outside.

From the illustrations according to FIG. 2b as well as the partial section according to FIG. 4 It can also be seen that these side portions 105c of the radome 105 are dimensioned so that they extend to the lowest, ie the radiators farthest boundary edge 27a of the second Schirmungswand 27, there have a narrow circumscribed arc portion 105d to on the mutually facing inner sides 27b of the second shielding wall 27 to form an inner wall portion 105e, respectively. These inner wall sections 105e run on the side 22c facing away from the radiators (of the lateral web 22'a lying further away from the radiators) parallel to these side bars 22a, 22'a to form a rear wall 105f toward each other. As a result, the rear side 105f of the radome 105 is formed, so that in principle the entire radome interior 105g is enclosed.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the inner wall section 105e runs parallel to the corresponding outer section 105d of the radome, forming a pocket 109 which extends in the longitudinal direction L of the radome in the exemplary embodiment and opens in the direction of the Radom interior 105g.

As from the predominantly backward representation according to FIG. 3 can also be seen, some recesses are incorporated in the back 105f of the radome.

One of the recesses 31 is designed slot-like and extends in its longitudinal extent transversely to the longitudinal direction L of the antenna, preferably in the central region of the radome.

Behind this recess 31 of the rear wall 105f of the radome 105, a so-called plug interface 33 is formed ( FIG. 2b ), in the form of a connector strip 133 with mounted therein, ie juxtaposed connectors 35, usually coaxial connectors. These sit relative to the rear mounting plane ME (corresponding to the rear side 105f of the radome 105) in the direction of individual reflectors 10 ', ie recessed in the direction of the component receiving space 29, so that the actual connector interface plane KE does not project beyond the plane ME of the back of the back wall 105 of the radome. In other words, the rear mounting plane ME corresponds to the rear side 105f of the radome 105, wherein on the rear side of the antenna gaps 8 the aforementioned first receiving space 29 is created, which extends to the mounting plane ME or can extend and the so-called first or passive component and / or or distributing space 29 forms, which adjoins this assembly level ME of the second and / or active component area 41, which is also discussed below, on the side of the mounting plane ME remote from the radiators, which is additionally shielded by the lateral shielding walls 27, which are made up of according to the representation FIG. 2b result.

In the illustrated cross section ( FIG. 2b ), the aforementioned connector strip 133 to her the edge portions of the antenna facing the ends of an S- or Z-shaped contour 36, with an at least outwardly extending and then aligned transversely thereto, ie parallel to the bottom web 22b of the anchoring portion 21 extending web 37th There, then, the connector strip 133 is firmly anchored, for example by means of screws and nuts.

This overall design also offers the significant advantage that, for example, an explained overall reflector arrangement 15 in the form of the explained overall reflector 16 with spotlights 13 mounted thereon and, for example, in the passive component plane 29 ', ie the receiving space 29, are passive Components and the wiring provided here in assembled state can be inserted axially into the radome 105, ie in the receiving space 105g in the radome 105th

Due to the snug fit of the radome this is torsionally rigid connected to the overall reflector 16, whereby the total load that can accommodate the overall construction, including the weights of the individual components and the appending to an antenna wind load, etc., significantly higher than the individual components for to be taken for granted.

In order to improve this torsional stiffness, the illustrated radome 105 is not only connected at the rear side in the region of its slot and / or groove-shaped pocket 109 with the respective engaging second shielding wall 27 firmly and in particular application stiff, but also in that the inside of the Radoms rests at least at a deviating second location on the overall reflector 16 and is supported. In the embodiment shown (see in particular in the cross-sectional view according to FIG FIG. 2b and in the enlarged detail sectional view according to FIG FIG. 4 ), this support takes place in the region of the overhead arc section 105b, at which the front side 105a of the radome 105 merges into the side sections 105c. There, a longitudinal elevation or a longitudinal bead 107 or the like may be formed internally for reinforcement, which rests, for example, on the outer connecting web 18 of the overall reflector 16. Altenativ or in addition, the training could also be such that, for example, the edge region 20 between the outer connecting webs 18 abuts against the inner wall 108 of the radome at the transition to the first shielding wall 19 of the overall reflector 16 and thereby leads to a second support, whereby the entire radome construction is largely torsionally rigid connected to the skeletal overall reflector 16 therein ,

The width of the slot-shaped or groove-shaped pocket 109 is adapted to the material thickness of the shielding wall engaging therein, ie corresponds to the thickness of this shielding wall or is at least slightly wider.

From the illustration according to FIG. 3 With regard to the rear side 105f of the radome 105, it can also be seen that in the lateral longitudinal area at intervals also further, usually holes, ie round recesses 39 are introduced. These recesses 39 are in the region of the U-shaped anchoring portion 21 of the overall reflector 16. There may now be second or active components such as amplifier modules, remote radio head, etc. in the remote to the radiators 13 second and / or active component level 41 ', so in a so-called second or active component area or space 41 are housed. These second and / or active components 141 are significantly better shielded compared to conventional solutions, since the second shielding wall 27 protrudes in the direction of this second and / or active component region 41, ie in the rearward direction H via the mounting plane ME. In order for these second and / or active components 141, which are to be accommodated in the second and / or active component level or in the second and / or active component space 41, to be fixedly mounted, laterally inserted screw connections 44 are provided for this purpose For example, using screws 45, which in transverse alignment or perpendicular orientation to the mounting plane ME, including the connector interface 33 through corresponding holes 22 d ( FIG. 4 ) engage in the lower web 22'a of the U-shaped anchoring portion 21, wherein respective nuts 46 are held positionally and non-rotatably by plastic holder as a rule. These plastic holders can be inserted from the outer sides in the U-shaped anchoring sections 21 and at corresponding locations congruent to the mentioned recesses 39 (FIG. FIG. 4 ) are positioned, by a corresponding clamping seat, with which the plastic holders are held with the integrated nuts. This is done before the corresponding preassembled total reflector 16 is inserted with the mounted first components 129 in the axial direction of the radome 105. Subsequently, only the corresponding screws 45 have to be screwed through the boring openings 39 into the aforementioned preassembled nuts 46, which are held in the correct position in the plastic holders. As a result, therefore, the second and / or active components can be grown on the rear side 105f of the radome 5.

In order for good galvanic contact between the active components 141 and the overall reflector 16 to be made, as in FIG FIG. 5a in a detailed sectional view it can be seen - in the radome a correspondingly larger-sized recess 39 is introduced, so that the contact or support feet 43 of the active components 141 directly on the metal of the overall reflector 16 in the area of remote from the emitters lying side ridge 22'a under training rest on a galvanic contact. How to deviate in FIG. 5a is shown, the contact side of the support feet 43 may have a greater transverse extent than the corresponding bore 39 in the radome, so that the contact surface of the support feet 43 rests directly on the electrically non-conductive radome. It is also possible that between the contact surface of the support feet 43 and the material of the radome adjacent to the opening 39, a sealing or insulating ring 48 is inserted, which is at least slightly elastic. As a result, sufficient clamping forces are permanently generated and maintained.

In order to keep firmly anchored in this area, the adjacent wall sections of the radome 105 adjacent to the side web 22'a of the U-shaped anchoring portion 21, a further screw 47 is parallel to the support feet 43 introduced with the material of the radome 105 at the corresponding metal side bar 22'a is held. Also, parallel to the first mentioned recesses 39, outwardly offset, generally smaller-diameter, further recesses 40 are provided, through which corresponding screws 47a with corresponding nuts 47b can be tightened in order to achieve the above-described effect.

From the illustration according to FIG. 5a It can be seen that the screw 47 and the respective adjacently arranged support feet 43 with the support feet 43 passing through screws 45 are arranged transversely and in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the antenna adjacent to each other, wherein the screw 47 of the Schirmungswand 27 is positioned closer. Notwithstanding this embodiment, it is also possible that, for example, the support feet 43 and / or the support feet 43 passing through screws 45 and the additional screw 47 in question can be arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the reflector, ie parallel to the adjacent Schirmungswand 27th

Furthermore, reference should be made to a further modification, with reference to FIG. 5b. FIG. 5b shows a variant in which the reflector, the radome and the active components together with a screw, ie in the embodiment shown with the screws 45 in question are connected to each other. For this purpose, the antenna feet 43 a parallel to the screws 45 in the direction radiating element over a small amount projecting support portion 43 ', which passes through a corresponding hole or passage opening 39 in the back 105f of the radome or immersed therein. The axial height parallel to the screw 45 of this support section 43 'corresponds to the material thickness of the radome 105 or the rear wall 105f of the radome 105 or is formed with a smaller thickness, so that the rear wall 105f of the radome 105 is press-fitted firmly between the rear side 22c of the side land 22'a of the anchoring portion 21 and the shoulder portion 43 "(which surrounds the bearing portion 43 'of the antenna feet 43).

The described U-shaped anchoring portion 21 has, as described, two metal side webs 22a, 22'a, wherein each of these two metal side webs 22a, 22'a can serve as a mounting plane ME or as a cutting plane SE, at the end of which the active components directly or anchored indirectly. In this area, the cutting plane SE will ultimately extend, along which the first component space 29 merges into the second component space 41 or is divided into these two component spaces 29, 41.

A corresponding cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2b is in FIG. 6 reproduced, in FIG. 6 in deviation to FIG. 2b nor the additional second and / or active components 141 in the second and / or active component space 41, so the so-called second or active component level 41 'housed and mounted. Since, as mentioned, the second shielding walls 27 still project beyond the corresponding cutting and mounting plane for accommodating these active components in the rearward direction H, to a different definable height, the desired optimum shielding is also achieved for these active components 141. In this case, the supernatant, that is, the height dimension M, with the second shielding wall 27 via the mounting plane ME (which thus also forms a sectional plane SE) in the rear Projecting direction H, be designed and adapted so that the desired shielding effect sufficiently for the second or active components 141 occurs. In other words, this measure M may have a value that is at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or at least 50% of the height or depth T of the second or active components 141 ( FIG. 6 ). Therefore, this dimension M, with which the shielding wall projects beyond the mounting plane ME in the rearward direction H, can be at least 5 mm, preferably at least 7.5 mm, 10 mm, 12.5 mm, 15 mm, 17, 5 mm or at least 20 mm and more.

Based on FIG. 7 is in deviation to the illustration according to FIG. 2b a single-column antenna reproduced.

However, the overall structure is comparable to the previously explained embodiment. In this case, the single-column antenna, the actual reflector 10, on which the radiator or radiator groups 13 are mounted on the side bars 10 a directly into a connecting web 18 on both sides, then the first Schirmungswand 19, the then via a further bend connect corresponding anchoring portion 21 and the second shielding wall 27.

Based on FIG. 8 is shown only in deviation that within the scope of the invention, further modifications with respect to the formation of the overall reflector 16 are possible. In the illustrated variant according to FIG. 8 is shown only schematically that the first Schirmungswand 19 can go directly into the second Schirmungswand 27, that extends over the so-called mounting plane ME away, then to one or, for example, two corresponding bends 51, 53 (ie two 90 ° bends 51 or a continuous 180 ° bend 52) again to be returned to the level of the assembly level ME. At the level of this mounting plane, the anchoring section 21 formed in this way, in the manner of an U-shaped mounting web 22 open in this exemplary embodiment, then merges into a subsequent mounting flange 22d, which lies at the level of the mounting plane ME and runs in this plane. In this case, the outwardly facing web wall 22a of the cross-sectionally U-shaped anchoring portion 21, ie the U-shaped mounting portion 22 part of the second Schirmungswand 27. Deviating from FIG. 8 In this case, the two parallel webs 22a of the cross-sectionally U-shaped anchoring portion may have such a narrow arcuate portion 52 that these two portions lie over each other over the entire surface, that is to say they do not have to form a gap in between. However, to avoid passive intermodulation (PIM), a variant is preferred at this point, in which a minimum distance between the above-mentioned two parts is present, which is ensured for example by interposing a dielectric or other spacer. Also in all these cases, the radome 105 may overlap the overall reflector 16 thus formed, in which case the slot-shaped or groove-shaped pocket 109 in the radome 105 engages the two web walls 22a comprising an anchoring or mounting portion 21, 22.

In this case, the connector strip 133 would be mounted on the expiring mounting flange 22d or one of them protruding angle approach 22e.

The illustrated overall reflector 16 may, in a preferred embodiment, consist of a stamped and folded, i. bent metal part, i. in particular a sheet metal or metal plate and be made. In this case, the reflector may also be provided with a hole pattern to reduce the weight. Such a trained overall reflector 16 can accommodate the necessary weights including wind forces with appropriate dimensioning. This is preferably realized as explained by the fact that the radome 105 and the total reflector 16 are matched and adapted to one another in terms of their dimensions, so that much better loads can be absorbed and supported by the mutual support in the installed state and the reinforcement caused thereby than would be expected from the sum of the individual components per se.

However, in an alternative embodiment, the overall reflector 16 can also be formed from a continuous casting or extrusion, for example from a strand metal press, for example using aluminum.
From the described exemplary embodiments, it is apparent that the radome is completely closed in the circumferential direction in wide areas of its longitudinal extension. The training may be preferably such that the radome 105 to more than 20%, in particular to more than 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%. or more than 90% of its total length is circumferentially closed.

The mentioned mounting plane ME and / or the so-called sectional plane SE may be different from the representations in the drawings with respect to the anchoring sections 21, namely be positioned closer to the actual reflector plane C or further away therefrom. Furthermore, this assembly and / or cutting plane ME or SE does not necessarily have to be designed to extend only in a contour line. The plane may eventually have gradations or be at an angle. These levels represent only an imaginary separation plane between the first component space 29 and the second component space 41. In other words, regardless of the actual attachment of the active components, they may, for example, project at least partially into the so-called first component space 21. Conversely, parts which are accommodated in the first component space 29 can project beyond the so-called assembly or cutting plane into the second component space 41.

Claims (19)

1. Antenna, in particular a mobile communication antenna, having the following features:

   - having a plurality of radiators (13),

   - the radiators (13) are arranged in one or in a plurality of antenna columns (8) on a reflector front side (11a) of at least one reflector (10) of the antenna, which antenna columns extend in parallel with one another,

   - a first component and/or wiring compartment (29) is provided on a reflector rear side (11b) of the reflector (10) opposite the radiators (13) for accommodating passive components and/or wiring (129) leading to the radiators (13),

   - having a housing (5) in the form of a radome (105) for accommodating the at least one reflector (10) and the associated radiators (13) as well as the passive components and/or wiring, wherein the radome (105) comprises a front radome wall (105a) in the direction of radiation (R) of the radiators (13),

   - a complete reflector (16) of the antenna is provided,

   - the complete reflector (16) is formed in one piece or is integrally connected to the at least one or the plurality of reflectors (10) or the complete reflector (16) comprises the at least one or the plurality of reflectors (10),

   - the complete reflector (16) comprises at each of its two outer longitudinal sides extending in the longitudinal direction (L) a first screening wall (19) which screens the first component and/or wiring compartment (29),

   - the first screening walls (19) are each followed directly or indirectly by a second screening wall (27),

   - the two second screening walls (27) extending at the longitudinal sides of the complete reflector (16) project in the rearward direction (H) of the antenna beyond a mounting plane (ME) or a sectional plane (SE), along which the first component and/or wiring compartment (29) is separated from a second component compartment (41) or is divided into the first component and/or wiring compartment (29) and the second component compartment (41), wherein the second component compartment (41) is provided to accommodate active components (141),

   - the radome (105) has a rear wall (105f) which is integrally connected via radome side walls (105c) to the front radome wall (105a),

   - the radome (105) has in cross section from its side wall portions (105c) in the transition region to its rear wall (105f) a slot- and/or groove-shaped pocket (109) in which the associated second screening wall (27) engages in the mounted state, and

   - the complete reflector (16), together with the mounted radiators (13) and its first component and/or wiring compartment (29), can be pushed axially out of or into the radome (105).
2. Antenna according to claim 1, characterised in that the radome (105) is closed in the circumferential direction over more than 20 %, in particular over more than 30 %, 40 %, 50 %, 60 %, 70 %, 80 % or more than 90 % of its total length.
3. Antenna according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that a plug interface (33) is provided in the region of the rear side (11b) of the reflector (10) in such a manner that the plug interfaces (33) lie in the first component and/or wiring compartment (29) and thus in the reflector interior (105g), preferably directly behind an opening (31) provided in the rear wall (105f) of the radome (105).
4. Antenna according to claim 3, characterised in that the plug interface (33) comprises a plurality of plug-in connectors (35) which are preferably held mounted on a plug strip (133), and are preferably mounted on the complete reflector (16) in the region of the anchoring and/or mounting portion (21, 22).
5. Antenna according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the one-part or integral complete reflector (16) consists of a metal plate or sheet metal, namely in the form of a stamped and folded part or stamped and bent part, which is preferably provided with a pattern of holes.
6. Antenna according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the radome side walls (105c) of the radome (105) are of such a size that they extend as far as the lowermost limiting edge (27a) of the second screening wall (27) in each case, that is to say the limiting edge furthest away from the radiators (13), where they have a narrowly defined curved portion (105d) in order to form in each case an inner wall portion (105e) on the inner sides (27b) of the second screening wall (27) facing one another, the inner wall portions (105e) tapering towards one another so as to form the rear wall (105f).
7. Antenna according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that, with regard to each antenna column (10), the associated reflector (10) has at its sides extending in the longitudinal direction (L) a reflector web (10a) which rises with respect to the reflector plane (RE) at least with one component in the direction of radiation (R) and then merges into a connection web (18) which is preferably oriented to extend in parallel with the reflector plane (RE).
8. Antenna according to claim 7, characterised in that two antenna columns (8) arranged next to one another are integrally interconnected via a connection web (17) which connects two adjacent reflector webs (10a) of two adjacent antenna columns (10).
9. Antenna according to either claim 7 or claim 8, characterised in that the outermost reflector webs (10a) situated furthest away from one another are each integrally connected to the associated first screening wall (19) via a connection web (18) which preferably extends in parallel with the reflector plane (RE).
10. Antenna according to any of claims 7 to 9, characterised in that the complete reflector (16) preferably rests on the inner wall (108) of the radome (105) in the region of its connection webs (18) and/or of its transition region to the first screening wall (19).
11. Antenna according to claim 10, characterised in that elevations, in particular bead-shaped or web-shaped elevations (107), which extend in the longitudinal direction (4) or are offset in the longitudinal direction (4) are formed on the inner wall (108) of the radome (105), which elevations are in contact with the complete reflector (16) and are supported thereon, preferably at the transition region of the first screening wall (19) to the associated side web (18) connected thereto or on the side web (18).
12. Antenna according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the complete reflector (16) comprises an anchoring and mounting portion (21, 22), the anchoring and mounting portion (21, 22) being formed for mounting the active components (141) and/or the sectional plane (SE) for mounting the active components (141) being formed by the anchoring and mounting portion (21, 22).
13. Antenna according to claim 12, characterised in that the anchoring portion (21) comprises a U-shaped mounting portion (22) which is U-shaped and is so arranged that its opening region faces the particular longitudinal side of the complete reflector (16), namely with the formation of two side webs (22a) which are offset relative to one another transversely to the reflector plane (RE), the side web (22'a) that is further away from the radiators (13) preferably forming the mounting plane (ME) or sectional plane (SE) for mounting the active components (41).
14. Antenna according to claim 13, characterised in that the anchoring portion (21) is formed in the manner of a U-shaped mounting portion (22) between the first and second screening walls (19, 27).
15. Antenna according to any of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the first screening wall (17) merges in each case into the associated second screening wall (27) connected thereto, the second screening wall (27) having a following wall portion (122) which is turned back and guided back towards the radiators, and which merges into a mounting flange (22d) which extends transversely thereto and preferably in parallel with the reflector plane (RE), and to which the active components (41) are anchored at least indirectly.
16. Antenna according to any of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that the complete reflector (16) consists of an extruded metal part.
17. Antenna according to any of claims 1 to 16, characterised in that the second screening walls (27) project beyond the mounting plane (ME) and/or the sectional plane (SE) by an amount (M) which corresponds to at least 5 %, preferably at least 10 %, 15 %, 20 %, 25 %, 30 %, 35 %, 40 %, 45 %, 50 %, 55 %, 60 %, 65 %, 70 %, 75 %, 80 %, 85 %, 90 %, 95 % or at least 100 % or more of the height or depth of the active components (141).
18. Antenna according to any of claims 1 to 17, characterised in that the second screening walls (27) project beyond the mounting plane (ME) and/or the sectional plane (SE) by an amount (M) which is at least 5 mm, preferably at least 7.5 mm, 10 mm, 12.5 mm, 15 mm, 17.5 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm, 90 mm or more.
19. Antenna according to any of claims 1 to 18, characterised in that the complete reflector (16) and the radome (105) are fixed to one another via screw connections (47) which are screwed in via bores (40) provided in the rear wall (105f) of the radome (105) in anchoring portions (21) of the complete reflector (16) and/or are secured by means of nuts (46).

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