EP2359434B1 - Planar antenna - Google Patents

Planar antenna Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2359434B1
EP2359434B1 EP08875103.7A EP08875103A EP2359434B1 EP 2359434 B1 EP2359434 B1 EP 2359434B1 EP 08875103 A EP08875103 A EP 08875103A EP 2359434 B1 EP2359434 B1 EP 2359434B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
planar antenna
accordance
openings
plate
oval
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Active
Application number
EP08875103.7A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2359434A1 (en
Inventor
Sybille Holzwarth
Oliver Litschke
Bahram Sanadgol
Jochen Beck
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NBB Holding AG
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NBB Holding AG
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Publication of EP2359434A1 publication Critical patent/EP2359434A1/en
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Publication of EP2359434B1 publication Critical patent/EP2359434B1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q21/00—Antenna arrays or systems
    • H01Q21/0006—Particular feeding systems
    • H01Q21/0075—Stripline fed arrays
    • H01Q21/0081—Stripline fed arrays using suspended striplines
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q21/00—Antenna arrays or systems
    • H01Q21/06—Arrays of individually energised antenna units similarly polarised and spaced apart
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q13/00—Waveguide horns or mouths; Slot antennas; Leaky-waveguide antennas; Equivalent structures causing radiation along the transmission path of a guided wave
    • H01Q13/02—Waveguide horns
    • H01Q13/0275—Ridged horns
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q21/00—Antenna arrays or systems
    • H01Q21/06—Arrays of individually energised antenna units similarly polarised and spaced apart
    • H01Q21/061—Two dimensional planar arrays
    • H01Q21/064—Two dimensional planar arrays using horn or slot aerials
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q21/00—Antenna arrays or systems
    • H01Q21/24—Combinations of antenna units polarised in different directions for transmitting or receiving circularly and elliptically polarised waves or waves linearly polarised in any direction

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a planar antenna for selectively receiving two orthogonally linearly polarized electromagnetic waves, comprising a plate structure having an upper, a middle and a lower electrically conductive plate member, wherein the plate elements are arranged one above the other with the interposition of an upper and a lower insulating member, the one carries the upper or a lower conductor track structure, wherein the plate elements form a plurality of juxtaposed receiving cells in the form of openings, in each of which a first Auskoppelsonde and a second Auskoppelsonde protrude, wherein the first Auskoppelsonden all receiving cells via the upper conductor track structure and the second Auskoppelsonden all receive cells via the lower interconnect structure are summarized in amplitude and phase correct electrically.
  • planar antennas are off WO 98/26642 A known. They are used to receive linearly polarized electromagnetic waves which - for example, in a frequency range of about 5 GHz to 20 GHz and more, especially in a frequency range of 10.7 GHz to 12.75 GHz - are transmitted by geostationary satellites.
  • the two orthogonal polarized waves must each be selectively received. Therefore, the received signals should be isolated from each other as well as possible.
  • even relatively weak signals should be able to be received well, ie the planar antenna should have a high antenna gain. In other words, the individual receiving cells should have the highest possible efficiency and the signals of all receiving cells should be optimally combined.
  • the frequency range, in which signals can be well received be as large as possible, ie the planar antenna should have a large bandwidth.
  • Object of the present invention is to develop a planar antenna of the type mentioned in such a way that it has a high antenna gain and a wide bandwidth and a good polarization decoupling.
  • a plurality of openings are used whose shape results from a central penetration of at least two oval-shaped recesses. It has been shown that a particularly high antenna gain can be achieved by openings configured in this way.
  • at least two oval-shaped recesses are used.
  • more than two centrally-penetrating oval-shaped recesses may be provided, for example four oval-shaped recesses.
  • the oval-shaped recesses may for example be designed in the form of ellipses or in the form of rectangles with rounded corners.
  • the recesses may be configured as ovals, each having two perpendicularly intersecting symmetry axes.
  • the openings have a bottom, which is configured flat in the region of a first oval-shaped recess and which has two steps in the region of a second oval-shaped recess penetrating the first oval-shaped recess. It has been shown that by providing the steps in the bottom of the opening, in particular when receiving electromagnetic signals in the range from 10.7 GHz to 12.75 GHz, a particularly good decoupling of the two orthogonally polarized electromagnetic waves can be achieved.
  • the planar bottom in the region of the first oval-shaped recess can form a first short wave (often also referred to as "short") for receiving a first linearly polarized electromagnetic wave, and the stepped bottom region of the second oval-shaped recess can form a second short wave ("short") for a second linearly polarized electromagnetic wave.
  • each receiving cell is provided with an opening which forms two waveguide radiators arranged at an angle to one another, the radiation of the two waveguides having a very good decoupling.
  • the two waveguide radiators are arranged perpendicular to one another in such a way that the main axis of the first oval-shaped recess is aligned orthogonal to the main axis of the second oval-shaped recess.
  • the two levels have different heights. For example, it may be provided that the height of the first stage is greater than the distance, the two Auskoppelsonden to each other, and that the second stage has a height which is smaller than the distance, the two Auskoppelsonden to each other. It has been shown that an additional increase in the antenna gain can be achieved as a result.
  • the openings in the plan view are rotationally symmetrical with respect to a rotation through 90 ° about the surface normal of the plate structure.
  • the opening contours merge into one another by an angle of 90 ° in the case of a rotation about the surface normal. This facilitates the manufacture, in particular of the uppermost plate segment, which defines the opening contours in plan view.
  • the openings preferably have a first main axis and a second main axis oriented perpendicular to the latter, wherein the coupling probes are each aligned perpendicular to a main axis.
  • the major axes are characterized by directions in which the openings have a maximum extent.
  • the major axes correspond to the longitudinal axes of the oval-shaped recesses, which penetrate centrally.
  • a first oval-shaped recess may have the first main axis as a longitudinal axis
  • a second oval-shaped recess may have the second main axis as a longitudinal axis.
  • the first outcoupling probe may be aligned perpendicular to the first main axis and the second outcoupling probe may be aligned perpendicular to the second main axis.
  • the receiving cells of the planar antenna are preferably arranged side by side in a row and column, and the main axes of the openings are preferably inclined to the rows and columns.
  • the angle of inclination may be, for example, in the range of -45 ° to + 45 °.
  • the openings have a contour in the manner of a four-leaf cloverleaf or a cross.
  • the openings are thus formed by two concentrically penetrating oval-shaped recesses whose longitudinal axes are aligned perpendicular to each other.
  • the two oval-shaped recesses are configured identically.
  • the coupling-out probes preferably extend beyond the center of the opening formed by the intersection of two principal axes.
  • the openings widen conically in the direction of the upper side of the uppermost plate element.
  • the upper plate element may have an opening with a bottom side of the plate member facing lower portion extending through parallel to the surface normal of the characterized in that the upper plate member extending wall portions, and having a top side facing wall portion with in the direction of the top of the plate member conically widening wall portions.
  • the middle plate member may also have an opening extending from the top to the bottom of the central plate member.
  • the lower plate member may comprise a plurality of recesses for extending the openings of the receiving cells, each extending from the upper surface of the lower plate member to a bottom wall of the recess.
  • the two stages extend perpendicular to the main axis of the second oval-shaped recess.
  • the first and the second oval-shaped recess have a common penetration region and the two steps are arranged at the edge of the penetration region.
  • a step is positioned on opposite sides of the penetration area.
  • the two stages, which connect laterally to the penetration area are directed upward. But it may also be advantageous if the two are directed laterally to the penetration area subsequent steps down.
  • the stepped bottom of the openings is formed in an advantageous embodiment of the invention of the lower plate member.
  • a further considerable increase in the antenna gain is achieved in a preferred embodiment of the planar antenna according to the invention in that the plate elements have on their sides facing pairwise cooperating groove structures, wherein the arranged on the underside of the upper plate member and the upper side of the central plate member groove structures form a first channel system in which the upper conductor track structure extends at a distance from the channel walls, and wherein the groove structures arranged on the underside of the middle plate element and on the upper side of the lower plate element have a second Form channel system in which runs at a distance from the channel walls, the second interconnect structure.
  • grooves are introduced into the individual plate elements.
  • the plate elements are stacked with the interposition of insulation elements, which carry the upper and the lower conductor track structure.
  • the superimposed groove structures form channel systems in which the conductor track structures run.
  • the interconnect structures are thereby electrically isolated from the plate elements in a structurally simple manner, without the need for additional insulation material.
  • the usual Isolierschaum füren between the electrically conductive plate elements and the interconnect structures can be omitted.
  • the plate structure with the plate elements and the insulating elements arranged therebetween thus obtains a very compact design, wherein the conductor track structures are highly electrically isolated from each other electrically, without a large mass of insulating material must be used.
  • the isolation of the conductor track structures from the plate elements is accomplished by providing the channel systems created by the cooperating groove structures.
  • the elimination of insulating foam layers has the particular advantage that the entire plate structure absorbs relatively little moisture. This in turn improves the antenna gain, the bandwidth and also the polarization decoupling.
  • the channel system in which the conductor track structures are arranged, is advantageously formed in each case by a pair of groove structures arranged in alignment with one another.
  • the upper and / or lower channel system is filled with a gas, for example with air.
  • the gas serves as a dielectric, which can keep reception losses of the planar antenna very low.
  • the upper and / or lower channel system may be evacuated or filled with a dielectric solid, in particular a plastic material.
  • the upper and / or the lower insulating element which carries the upper and the lower conductor track structure, is preferably designed as a flexible plastic film. This gives the plate structure as a whole a very flat configuration, since the flexible plastic film can have a very small thickness. Despite the small thickness can be ensured by the use of a plastic material, a highly effective isolation between the interconnect structures and the individual plate elements.
  • the conductor track structure can be printed, for example, on the plastic film. It can also be provided that a metal-coated film is etched.
  • the flexible plastic film may, for example, have a thickness of less than 0.5 mm, in particular it may have a thickness of less than 0.2 mm.
  • a flexible plastic film having a thickness in the range from about 0.05 mm to about 0.1 mm has proven particularly advantageous.
  • the plastic film is preferably provided with a conductor track structure made of an electrically highly conductive material, for example using copper or gold. It can also be provided that the surface of the conductor track structure is coated with gold or another refining material.
  • the conductor track structure preferably has one Thickness of less than 0.05 mm, in particular a thickness of less than 0.02 mm.
  • the conductor track structures can be arranged on the top side and / or the underside of the insulation elements.
  • a congruent arrangement on the top and the bottom has proven to be particularly advantageous, since thereby electrical losses (damping) can be reduced.
  • the plate structure is self-supporting.
  • This has the advantage that an additional support layer for the plate structure can be omitted.
  • the plate structure comprising the plate elements and the insulating elements arranged therebetween, a sufficient stability.
  • the planar antenna may have a conventional pivoting mechanism, so that the plate structure can be easily adjusted manually or by motor both in terms of the angle that it takes in the elevation direction as well as in terms of their horizontal orientation (azimuth angle). Since an additional support layer can be omitted, the plate structure can be adjusted by means of the pivoting mechanism with relatively small forces. Corresponding drive elements can thus be downsized.
  • At least one plate element may for example be made of a metallized plastic material or an electrically conductive plastic material.
  • a galvanized ABS plastic material has proven to be advantageous.
  • At least one plate element is designed as a metal plate, in particular in the form of an aluminum sheet. This may for example have a thickness of less than 10 mm.
  • the upper and the lower plate element have the same material thickness, whereas the middle plate element has a lower material thickness.
  • the material thickness of the central plate element is half as large as the material thickness of the upper and lower plate member.
  • the upper and lower plate members each have a material thickness of 8 mm, whereas the middle plate member has a material thickness of 4 mm.
  • the two channel systems that are formed by the groove structures are configured identically, wherein the lower channel system is arranged rotated relative to the upper channel system about the surface normal of the plate structure.
  • the use of identical channel systems simplifies the production of the planar antenna.
  • the lower channel system is rotated relative to the upper channel system by an angle of 90 ° about the surface normal of the plate structure.
  • a section of a planar antenna according to the invention is shown schematically, which is generally occupied by the reference numeral 10. It comprises a plate structure 12 having an upper plate element 14, a middle plate element 16 and a lower plate element 18, which in the illustrated embodiment are each made of a metallized plastic material in the form of a galvanized injection-molded part. Between the upper plate member 14 and the middle plate member 16, an upper insulating member 20 is arranged. This is made in the form of a flexible plastic film and carries on its top and congruent on its underside an upper trace structure 22. This is in FIG. 4 shown.
  • a lower insulating member 24 is arranged in the form of a flexible plastic film on its top and congruent on its underside in FIG. 7 illustrated lower conductor track structure 26 carries.
  • the lower wiring pattern 26 is identical to the upper wiring pattern 22, but it is rotated by an angle of 90 ° with respect to the surface normal of the plate structure 12.
  • the conductor track structures 22 and 26 could also be arranged only on one side (upper side or lower side).
  • the congruent arrangement of the conductor track structures on the upper side and the lower side of the insulation elements makes it possible to minimize the electrical losses (attenuation) and thereby increase the antenna gain.
  • the planar antenna 10 has a multiplicity of receiving cells 30, which are arranged next to one another in rows and columns, each of which is formed by an opening 32.
  • the apertures 32 have a first major axis 34 and a second major axis 36 disposed perpendicular to the first major axis 34, each extending in a direction of greatest extent of the apertures 32.
  • the two main axes 34 and 36 are inclined at an angle of 45 ° to the rows and columns of the receiving cells 30.
  • the openings 32 are each formed by two oval-shaped recesses 33, 35, which penetrate centrally.
  • the first oval-shaped recess 33 extends along the first main axis 34 and the second oval-shaped recess 35 extends along the second main axis 36.
  • the two oval-shaped recesses 33, 35 form a common central penetration area 37, which in FIG FIG. 14 hatched for a better overview.
  • the openings 32 thus have a contour in the manner of a four-leaf cloverleaf or a symmetrical cross with two equal-length, mutually perpendicular beams with rounded outer edges.
  • the bottom 39 of the openings 32 is flat in the area of the first oval-shaped recess 33, ie, in the region of the first oval-shaped recess 33, the openings 32 have a uniform depth.
  • the bottom 39 of the openings 32 in the region of the second oval-shaped recesses 35 is provided with two steps 41, 43, which adjoin on opposite sides directly to the central penetration region 37 and which are aligned perpendicular to the second main axis 36.
  • the step 41 has a lower height than the step 43. This is in particular FIG. 12 clearly and will be explained in more detail below.
  • the openings 32 each project a first Auskoppelsonde 38, which is aligned parallel to the first main axis 34, and a second Auskoppelsonde 40, which is aligned parallel to the second main axis 36.
  • the first Auskoppelsonde 38 is arranged at a distance above the second Auskoppelsonde 40, namely in the plane defined by the upper insulating member 20 level between the upper plate member 14 and the middle plate member 16.
  • the second Auskoppelsonde 40 is defined in the plane defined by the lower insulating member 24 between the middle plate member 16 and the lower plate member 18 are arranged.
  • the first Auskoppelsonden 38 of all openings 32 are interconnected via the upper interconnect structure 22, and the second Auskoppelsonden 40 of all openings 32 are connected to each other via the lower interconnect structure 26.
  • the interposition of the upper insulating member 20 and the lower insulating member 24 superposed plate members 14, 16 and 18 in their entirety form the openings 32.
  • the upper plate member 14 a plurality of first openings 42, which the Define outer contour of the openings 32 and a lower breakthrough section 44 with parallel to the surface normal of the plate structure 12 aligned walls 46 and a subsequent towards the top 48 of the upper plate member 14 to the lower opening portion 44 upper opening portion 50 conically in the direction of the top 48 expanding walls 52.
  • the middle plate element 16 In alignment with the lower opening sections 44 of the first openings 42 of the upper plate element 14, the middle plate element 16 has second openings 54 which extend from the upper side 56 of the middle plate element 16 to its lower side 58 with walls 60 aligned parallel to the surface normal of the plate structure 12 ,
  • the lower plate element 18 In alignment with the second openings 54 of the middle plate element 16, the lower plate element 18 recesses 62 on parallel to the surface normal of the plate structure 12 aligned walls 64 and the bottom 39.
  • the bottom 39 in the direction of the first major axis 34, namely in the region of the first oval-shaped recess 33, designed to be planar, whereas in the direction of the second main axis 36, namely in the region of the second oval-shaped recess 35, the smaller step 41 and the larger step 43 has.
  • the insulation elements 20 and 24 are each arranged between two plate elements 14 and 16 or 16 and 18.
  • the plate elements on their sides facing each other in pairs cooperating groove structures, each forming a channel system in which the Conductor tracks 22 and 26 at a distance to the walls of the channel system are arranged.
  • the upper plate element 14 has on its underside 74 a first groove structure 76, which is introduced into the material of the upper plate element 14.
  • the middle plate element 16 has on its upper side 56 a second groove structure 78, which coincides with the first groove structure 76 introduced into the underside of the upper plate element 14.
  • the first groove structure 76 and the second groove structure 78 form an upper channel system 80 with channel walls 82 which receives the upper conductor track structure 22. This is particularly evident from the schematic representation in FIG. 13 seen.
  • the upper trace structure 22 occupies a significant distance from the channel walls 82, and since the upper channel system 80 is filled with air which acts as a dielectric, the upper trace structure 22 is electrically isolated from the upper plate member 14 and the middle plate member 16.
  • the middle plate element 16 On its underside 58, the middle plate element 16 has a third groove structure 84, which is introduced into the material of the middle plate element 16 and coincides with a fourth groove structure 86, which is introduced into the upper side 88 of the lower plate element 18.
  • the middle plate element 16 is placed on the lower plate element 18 with the interposition of the lower insulation element 24.
  • the third groove structure 84 in combination with the fourth groove structure 86 forms a lower channel system 90, which receives the lower conductor track structure 26.
  • the lower conductor track structure 26 is arranged at a distance from the channel walls 91 of the lower channel system 90.
  • the lower channel system 90 is identical to the upper channel system 80, however, it is rotated with respect to the upper channel system 80 by an angle of 90 ° about the surface normal of the plate structure 12.
  • planar antenna 10 is only partially shown in the form of a field of eight in a row and eight in a column arranged openings 32.
  • the planar antenna 10 may be formed significantly larger overall, wherein it comprises a considerably larger number of openings 32, however, all are formed according to the above-explained openings.
  • the entire planar antenna 10 may have eight such arrays of eight rows and eight columns each.
  • the planar antenna 10 according to the invention is characterized by a high antenna gain, a large bandwidth and a very good polarization decoupling.
  • the shape of the openings 32 in the manner of a four-leaf clover contributes to this, as does the bottom 39 for each opening 32, which extends flat in the direction of the first main axis 34 and which comprises a smaller step 41 and a larger step 43 in the direction of the second main axis 36 ,
  • a second outcoupling probe 40 is arranged in each case, which extends with its free end region 92 into the central penetration region 37.
  • the first Auskoppelsonde 38 is disposed at a distance above the second Auskoppelsonde 40, wherein it is aligned perpendicular to this and thus along the first main axis 34 extends.
  • planar antenna 10 The properties of the planar antenna 10 have also been enhanced by the provision of the groove structures 76, 78, 84 and 86 forming the upper channel system 80 and the lower channel system 90 in which the upper trace structure 22 and the lower trace structure 26 are disposed, respectively.
  • planar antenna 10 absorbs only relatively little moisture, which could affect the reception quality of the planar antenna 10.
  • orthogonally polarized electromagnetic waves received in the receive cells 30 may propagate optimally across the air-filled channel systems 80 and 90.

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Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Planarantenne zum selektiven Empfang von zwei orthogonal zueinander linear polarisierten elektromagnetischen Wellen, umfassend eine Plattenstruktur mit einem oberen, einem mittleren und einem unteren elektrisch leitfähigen Plattenelement, wobei die Plattenelemente übereinander angeordnet sind unter Zwischenlage eines oberen und eines unteren Isolationselements, das eine obere bzw. eine untere Leiterbahnstruktur trägt, wobei die Plattenelemente eine Vielzahl von nebeneinander angeordneten Empfangszellen ausbilden in Form von Öffnungen, in die übereinander angeordnet jeweils eine erste Auskoppelsonde und eine zweite Auskoppelsonde hineinragen, wobei die ersten Auskoppelsonden sämtlicher Empfangszellen über die obere Leiterbahnstruktur und die zweiten Auskoppelsonden sämtlicher Empfangszellen über die untere Leiterbahnstruktur amplituden- und phasenrichtig elektrisch zusammengefasst sind.The invention relates to a planar antenna for selectively receiving two orthogonally linearly polarized electromagnetic waves, comprising a plate structure having an upper, a middle and a lower electrically conductive plate member, wherein the plate elements are arranged one above the other with the interposition of an upper and a lower insulating member, the one carries the upper or a lower conductor track structure, wherein the plate elements form a plurality of juxtaposed receiving cells in the form of openings, in each of which a first Auskoppelsonde and a second Auskoppelsonde protrude, wherein the first Auskoppelsonden all receiving cells via the upper conductor track structure and the second Auskoppelsonden all receive cells via the lower interconnect structure are summarized in amplitude and phase correct electrically.

Derartige Planarantennen sind aus WO 98/26642 A bekannt. Sie dienen zum Empfang von linear polarisierten elektromagnetischen Wellen, welche - beispielsweise in einem Frequenzbereich von etwa 5 GHz bis 20 GHz und mehr, insbesondere in einem Frequenzbereich von 10,7 GHz bis 12,75 GHz - von geostationären Satelliten übertragen werden. Die beiden orthogonal zueinander polarisierten Wellen müssen jeweils selektiv empfangen werden können. Deshalb sollten die empfangenen Signale möglichst gut voneinander isoliert sein. Außerdem sollten auch relativ schwache Signale gut empfangen werden können, d. h. die Planarantenne sollte einen hohen Antennengewinn aufweisen. Anders gesagt, die einzelnen Empfangszellen sollten einen möglichst hohen Wirkungsgrad haben und die Signale sämtlicher Empfangszellen sollten möglichst optimal zusammengefasst werden. Darüber hinaus sollte der Frequenzbereich, in dem Signale gut empfangen werden können, möglichst groß sein, d.h. die Planarantenne sollte eine große Bandbreite aufweisen.Such planar antennas are off WO 98/26642 A known. They are used to receive linearly polarized electromagnetic waves which - for example, in a frequency range of about 5 GHz to 20 GHz and more, especially in a frequency range of 10.7 GHz to 12.75 GHz - are transmitted by geostationary satellites. The two orthogonal polarized waves must each be selectively received. Therefore, the received signals should be isolated from each other as well as possible. In addition, even relatively weak signals should be able to be received well, ie the planar antenna should have a high antenna gain. In other words, the individual receiving cells should have the highest possible efficiency and the signals of all receiving cells should be optimally combined. In addition, the frequency range, in which signals can be well received, be as large as possible, ie the planar antenna should have a large bandwidth.

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es, eine Planarantenne der eingangs genannten Art derart weiterzubilden, dass sie einen hohen Antennengewinn und eine große Bandbreite aufweist sowie eine gute Polarisationsentkopplung.Object of the present invention is to develop a planar antenna of the type mentioned in such a way that it has a high antenna gain and a wide bandwidth and a good polarization decoupling.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch eine Planarantenne mit den Merkmalen von Patentanspruch 1 gelöst.This object is achieved by a planar antenna having the features of patent claim 1.

Bei der erfindungsgemäßen Planarantenne kommen eine Vielzahl von Öffnungen zum Einsatz, deren Form sich durch eine zentrische Durchdringung von mindestens zwei ovalförmigen Ausnehmungen ergibt. Es hat sich gezeigt, dass durch derart ausgestaltete Öffnungen ein besonders hoher Antennengewinn erzielbar ist. Hierbei kommen mindestens zwei ovalförmige Ausnehmungen zum Einsatz. Es können jedoch auch mehr als zwei sich zentrisch durchdringende ovalförmige Ausnehmungen vorgesehen sein, beispielsweise vier ovalförmige Ausnehmungen. Die ovalförmigen Ausnehmungen können beispielsweise in Form von Ellipsen ausgestaltet sein oder auch in Form von Rechtecken mit abgerundeten Ecken. Insbesondere können die Ausnehmungen als Ovale ausgestaltet sein, die jeweils zwei sich senkrecht schneidende Symmetrieachsen aufweisen.In the planar antenna according to the invention, a plurality of openings are used whose shape results from a central penetration of at least two oval-shaped recesses. It has been shown that a particularly high antenna gain can be achieved by openings configured in this way. Here, at least two oval-shaped recesses are used. However, more than two centrally-penetrating oval-shaped recesses may be provided, for example four oval-shaped recesses. The oval-shaped recesses may for example be designed in the form of ellipses or in the form of rectangles with rounded corners. In particular, the recesses may be configured as ovals, each having two perpendicularly intersecting symmetry axes.

Mittels derart geformter Öffnungen können nicht nur ein hoher Antennengewinn und eine große Bandbreite erzielt werden, es hat sich gezeigt, dass eine derartige Öffnungskontur auch eine sehr gute Polarisationsentkopplung ermöglicht. Insbesondere über das gesamte Frequenzband von 10,7 GHz bis 12,75 GHz wird eine sehr gute Empfindlichkeit erreicht. Verluste an den Bandgrenzen, wie sie bei üblichen Öffnungskonturen häufig in Form von Resonanzeffekten (Hohlleitermoden) auftreten, können durch die einander zentrisch durchdringenden ovalförmigen Ausnehmungen deutlich verringert werden. Es können Verhältnisse zwischen Nutzbandbreite und Frequenz von mehr als 20 % erreicht werden.By means of such shaped openings not only a high antenna gain and a wide bandwidth can be achieved, it has been shown that such an opening contour also allows a very good polarization decoupling. Especially over the entire frequency band from 10.7 GHz to 12.75 GHz, a very good sensitivity is achieved. Losses at the band boundaries, as in common opening contours often in the form of resonance effects (Waveguide modes) can be significantly reduced by the center-penetrating oval-shaped recesses. Ratios between useful bandwidth and frequency of more than 20% can be achieved.

Gemäß der Erfindung weisen die Öffnungen einen Boden auf, der im Bereich einer ersten ovalförmigen Ausnehmung eben ausgestaltet ist und der im Bereich einer die erste ovalförmige Ausnehmung durchdringenden zweiten ovalförmigen Ausnehmung zwei Stufen aufweist. Es hat sich gezeigt, dass durch die Bereitstellung der Stufen im Boden der Öffnung insbesondere beim Empfang von elektromagnetischen Signalen im Bereich von 10,7 GHz bis 12,75 GHz eine besonders gute Entkopplung der beiden orthogonal zueinander polarisierten elektromagnetischen Wellen erzielbar ist.According to the invention, the openings have a bottom, which is configured flat in the region of a first oval-shaped recess and which has two steps in the region of a second oval-shaped recess penetrating the first oval-shaped recess. It has been shown that by providing the steps in the bottom of the opening, in particular when receiving electromagnetic signals in the range from 10.7 GHz to 12.75 GHz, a particularly good decoupling of the two orthogonally polarized electromagnetic waves can be achieved.

Der ebene Boden im Bereich der ersten ovalförmigen Ausnehmung kann einen ersten Wellenkurzschluss (häufig auch als "short" bezeichnet) für den Empfang einer ersten linear polarisierten elektromagnetischen Welle ausbilden und der gestufte Bodenbereich der zweiten ovalförmigen Ausnehmung kann einen zweiten Wellenkurzschluss ("short") ausbilden für eine zweite linear polarisierte elektromagnetische Welle. Dadurch wird jeder Empfangszelle eine Öffnung bereitgestellt, die zwei im Winkel zueinander angeordnete Hohlleiterstrahler ausbildet, wobei die Strahlung der beiden Hohlleiter eine sehr gute Entkopplung aufweist. Insbesondere kann vorgesehen sein, dass die beiden Hohlleiterstrahler senkrecht zueinander angeordnet sind dergestalt, dass die Hauptachse der ersten ovalförmigen Ausnehmung orthogonal zur Hauptachse der zweiten ovalförmigen Ausnehmung ausgerichtet ist.The planar bottom in the region of the first oval-shaped recess can form a first short wave (often also referred to as "short") for receiving a first linearly polarized electromagnetic wave, and the stepped bottom region of the second oval-shaped recess can form a second short wave ("short") for a second linearly polarized electromagnetic wave. As a result, each receiving cell is provided with an opening which forms two waveguide radiators arranged at an angle to one another, the radiation of the two waveguides having a very good decoupling. In particular, it can be provided that the two waveguide radiators are arranged perpendicular to one another in such a way that the main axis of the first oval-shaped recess is aligned orthogonal to the main axis of the second oval-shaped recess.

Die beiden Stufen weisen unterschiedliche Höhen auf. Es kann beispielsweise vorgesehen sein, dass die Höhe der ersten Stufe größer ist als der Abstand, den die beiden Auskoppelsonden zueinander aufweisen, und dass die zweite Stufe eine Höhe aufweist, die kleiner ist als der Abstand, den die beiden Auskoppelsonden zueinander aufweisen. Es hat sich gezeigt, dass dadurch eine zusätzliche Steigerung des Antennengewinns erzielbar ist.The two levels have different heights. For example, it may be provided that the height of the first stage is greater than the distance, the two Auskoppelsonden to each other, and that the second stage has a height which is smaller than the distance, the two Auskoppelsonden to each other. It has been shown that an additional increase in the antenna gain can be achieved as a result.

Von besonderem Vorteil ist es, wenn die Öffnungen in der Draufsicht bezüglich einer Drehung um 90° um die Flächennormale der Plattenstruktur drehsymmetrisch sind. Die Öffnungskonturen gehen also bei einer Drehung um die Flächennormale um einen Winkel von 90° ineinander über. Dies erleichtert die Fertigung insbesondere des obersten Plattensegments, das die Öffnungskonturen in der Draufsicht definiert.It is particularly advantageous if the openings in the plan view are rotationally symmetrical with respect to a rotation through 90 ° about the surface normal of the plate structure. Thus, the opening contours merge into one another by an angle of 90 ° in the case of a rotation about the surface normal. This facilitates the manufacture, in particular of the uppermost plate segment, which defines the opening contours in plan view.

Bevorzugt weisen die Öffnungen eine erste Hauptachse und eine senkrecht zu dieser ausgerichtete zweite Hauptachse auf, wobei die Auskoppelsonden jeweils senkrecht zu einer Hauptachse ausgerichtet sind. Die Hauptachsen zeichnen sich durch Richtungen aus, in denen die Öffnungen eine maximale Ausdehnung aufweisen. Die Hauptachsen entsprechen den Längsachsen der ovalförmigen Ausnehmungen, die sich zentrisch durchdringen. So kann eine erste ovalförmige Ausnehmung die erste Hauptachse als Längsachse aufweisen, und eine zweite ovalförmige Ausnehmung kann die zweite Hauptachse als Längsachse aufweisen. Die erste Auskoppelsonde kann senkrecht zur ersten Hauptachse ausgerichtet sein und die zweite Auskoppelsonde kann senkrecht zur zweiten Hauptachse ausgerichtet sein.The openings preferably have a first main axis and a second main axis oriented perpendicular to the latter, wherein the coupling probes are each aligned perpendicular to a main axis. The major axes are characterized by directions in which the openings have a maximum extent. The major axes correspond to the longitudinal axes of the oval-shaped recesses, which penetrate centrally. Thus, a first oval-shaped recess may have the first main axis as a longitudinal axis, and a second oval-shaped recess may have the second main axis as a longitudinal axis. The first outcoupling probe may be aligned perpendicular to the first main axis and the second outcoupling probe may be aligned perpendicular to the second main axis.

Die Empfangszellen der Planarantenne sind vorzugsweise zeilen- und spaltenförmig nebeneinander angeordnet, und die Hauptachsen der Öffnungen sind bevorzugt zu den Zeilen und Spalten geneigt. Der Neigungswinkel kann beispielsweise im Bereich von -45° bis + 45° liegen.The receiving cells of the planar antenna are preferably arranged side by side in a row and column, and the main axes of the openings are preferably inclined to the rows and columns. The angle of inclination may be, for example, in the range of -45 ° to + 45 °.

Bei einer besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Planarantenne weisen die Öffnungen eine Kontur nach Art eines vierblättrigen Kleeblatts oder eines Kreuzes auf. Die Öffnungen werden somit durch zwei einander zentrisch durchdringende ovalförmige Ausnehmungen gebildet, deren Längsachsen senkrecht zueinander ausgerichtet sind. Die beiden ovalförmigen Ausnehmungen sind hierbei identisch ausgestaltet.In a particularly preferred embodiment of the planar antenna according to the invention, the openings have a contour in the manner of a four-leaf cloverleaf or a cross. The openings are thus formed by two concentrically penetrating oval-shaped recesses whose longitudinal axes are aligned perpendicular to each other. The two oval-shaped recesses are configured identically.

Ausgehend von einem Rand der Öffnung erstrecken sich die Auskoppelsonden bevorzugt über den Mittelpunkt der Öffnung, der durch den Schnittpunkt zweier Hauptachsen gebildet wird, hinaus.Starting from an edge of the opening, the coupling-out probes preferably extend beyond the center of the opening formed by the intersection of two principal axes.

Um den Antennengewinn zusätzlich zu steigern, ist bei einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsform der Erfindung vorgesehen, dass sich die Öffnungen in Richtung der Oberseite des obersten Plattenelements konisch erweitern.In order to additionally increase the antenna gain, it is provided in an advantageous embodiment of the invention that the openings widen conically in the direction of the upper side of the uppermost plate element.

Hierbei ist es günstig, wenn sich die Öffnungen lediglich im Bereich des oberen Plattenelements konisch erweitern, denn dadurch kann die Fertigung der Plattenelemente vereinfacht werden. Die Bereitstellung einer konischen Erweiterung ist mit einem gewissen Aufwand verbunden. Dieser ist bei der bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung lediglich bei der Herstellung des oberen Plattenelements erforderlich, wohingegen das mittlere und das untere Plattenelement keine konischen Erweiterungen aufweisen und daher auf einfachere Weise gefertigt werden können.It is advantageous if the openings widen conically only in the region of the upper plate element, because thereby the manufacture of the plate elements can be simplified. The provision of a conical extension is associated with a certain effort. This is required in the preferred embodiment of the invention only in the manufacture of the upper plate member, whereas the middle and the lower plate member have no conical extensions and therefore can be manufactured in a simpler manner.

Besonders günstig ist es, wenn sich die Öffnungen nur über einen Teilbereich des oberen Plattenelements konisch erweitern. Zur Ausgestaltung der Öffnungen der einzelnen Empfangszellen kann das obere Plattenelement einen Durchbruch aufweisen mit einem der Unterseite des Plattenelements zugewandten unteren Abschnitt, der sich durch parallel zur Flächennormale des oberen Plattenelements verlaufende Wandabschnitte auszeichnet, und mit einem der Oberseite zugewandten Wandabschnitt mit sich in Richtung der Oberseite des Plattenelements konisch erweiternden Wandbereichen.It is particularly favorable if the openings widen conically only over a partial region of the upper plate element. To design the openings of the individual receiving cells, the upper plate element may have an opening with a bottom side of the plate member facing lower portion extending through parallel to the surface normal of the characterized in that the upper plate member extending wall portions, and having a top side facing wall portion with in the direction of the top of the plate member conically widening wall portions.

Das mittlere Plattenelement kann ebenfalls einen Durchbruch aufweisen, der sich von der Oberseite bis zur Unterseite des mittleren Plattenelements erstreckt.The middle plate member may also have an opening extending from the top to the bottom of the central plate member.

Das untere Plattenelement kann zur Ausgestaltung der Öffnungen der Empfangszellen eine Vielzahl von Vertiefungen umfassen, die sich jeweils von der Oberseite des unteren Plattenelements bis zu einer Bodenwand der Vertiefung erstrecken.The lower plate member may comprise a plurality of recesses for extending the openings of the receiving cells, each extending from the upper surface of the lower plate member to a bottom wall of the recess.

Vorteilhafterweise erstrecken sich die beiden Stufen senkrecht zur Hauptachse der zweiten ovalförmigen Ausnehmung.Advantageously, the two stages extend perpendicular to the main axis of the second oval-shaped recess.

Bevorzugt weisen die erste und die zweite ovalförmige Ausnehmung einen gemeinsamen Durchdringungsbereich auf und die beiden Stufen sind am Rand des Durchdringungsbereichs angeordnet.Preferably, the first and the second oval-shaped recess have a common penetration region and the two steps are arranged at the edge of the penetration region.

Günstig ist es, wenn an einander abgewandten Seiten des Durchdringungsbereichs jeweils eine Stufe positioniert ist.It is advantageous if a step is positioned on opposite sides of the penetration area.

Es kann vorgesehen sein, dass die beiden Stufen, die seitlich an den Durchdringungsbereich anschließen, nach oben gerichtet sind. Es kann aber auch von Vorteil sein, wenn die beiden sich seitlich an den Durchdringungsbereich anschließenden Stufen nach unten gerichtet sind.It can be provided that the two stages, which connect laterally to the penetration area, are directed upward. But it may also be advantageous if the two are directed laterally to the penetration area subsequent steps down.

Günstig ist es, wenn sich eine der beiden Auskoppelsonden oberhalb der höheren der beiden Stufen erstreckt. Diese Auskoppelsonde erstreckt sich somit über einen beträchtlichen Bereich ihrer Längserstreckung in verhältnismäßig geringem Abstand zum Boden der Öffnung, in die sie hineinragt. Mit ihrem freien Endabschnitt kann sich diese Auskoppelsonde bis in den voranstehend erläuterten Durchdringungsbereich erstrecken. In diesem Bereich kann die sich oberhalb der höheren der beiden Stufen erstreckende Auskoppelsonde von der anderen Auskoppelsonde überdeckt sein.It is favorable if one of the two coupling probes extends above the higher of the two stages. This Auskoppelsonde thus extends over a considerable portion of its longitudinal extent at a relatively small distance from the bottom of the opening into which it protrudes. With its free end portion, this Auskoppelsonde can extend into the above-described penetration region. In this area, the outcoupling probe extending above the higher of the two stages can be covered by the other outcoupling probe.

Der gestufte Boden der Öffnungen wird bei einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung vom unteren Plattenelement gebildet.The stepped bottom of the openings is formed in an advantageous embodiment of the invention of the lower plate member.

Eine weitere beträchtliche Steigerung des Antennengewinns wird bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Planarantenne dadurch erzielt, dass die Plattenelemente auf ihren einander zugewandten Seiten paarweise zusammenwirkende Nutstrukturen aufweisen, wobei die auf der Unterseite des oberen Plattenelements und der Oberseite des mittleren Plattenelements angeordneten Nutstrukturen ein erstes Kanalsystem ausbilden, in dem mit Abstand zu den Kanalwänden die obere Leiterbahnstruktur verläuft, und wobei die auf der Unterseite des mittleren Plattenelements und die auf der Oberseite des unteren Plattenelements angeordneten Nutstrukturen ein zweites Kanalsystem auszubilden, in dem mit Abstand zu den Kanalwänden die zweite Leiterbahnstruktur verläuft.A further considerable increase in the antenna gain is achieved in a preferred embodiment of the planar antenna according to the invention in that the plate elements have on their sides facing pairwise cooperating groove structures, wherein the arranged on the underside of the upper plate member and the upper side of the central plate member groove structures form a first channel system in which the upper conductor track structure extends at a distance from the channel walls, and wherein the groove structures arranged on the underside of the middle plate element and on the upper side of the lower plate element have a second Form channel system in which runs at a distance from the channel walls, the second interconnect structure.

Bei einer derartigen Ausgestaltung der erfindungsgemäßen Planarantenne sind in die einzelnen Plattenelemente Nuten eingebracht. Die Plattenelemente sind aufeinander gestapelt unter Zwischenlage von Isolationselementen, die die obere bzw. die untere Leiterbahnstruktur tragen. Die übereinander angeordneten Nutstrukturen bilden Kanalsysteme aus, in denen die Leiterbahnstrukturen verlaufen. Die Leiterbahnstrukturen sind dadurch auf konstruktiv einfache Weise elektrisch von den Plattenelementen isoliert, ohne dass zusätzliches Isoliermaterial zum Einsatz kommen muss. Die sonst üblichen Isolierschaumschichten zwischen den elektrisch leitfähigen Plattenelementen und den Leiterbahnstrukturen können entfallen. Die Plattenstruktur mit den Plattenelementen und den dazwischen angeordneten Isolationselementen erhält dadurch eine sehr kompakte Ausgestaltung, wobei die Leiterbahnstrukturen hoch wirksam elektrisch voneinander isoliert sind, ohne dass eine große Masse an Isoliermaterial zum Einsatz kommen muss. Vielmehr erfolgt die Isolation der Leiterbahnstrukturen von den Plattenelementen durch die Bereitstellung der Kanalsysteme, die von den miteinander zusammenwirkenden Nutstrukturen erzeugt werden. Der Wegfall von Isolierschaumschichten hat vor allem den Vorteil, dass die gesamte Plattenstruktur relativ wenig Feuchtigkeit aufnimmt. Dies wiederum verbessert den Antennengewinn, die Bandbreite und auch die Polarisationsentkopplung.In such an embodiment of the planar antenna according to the invention grooves are introduced into the individual plate elements. The plate elements are stacked with the interposition of insulation elements, which carry the upper and the lower conductor track structure. The superimposed groove structures form channel systems in which the conductor track structures run. The interconnect structures are thereby electrically isolated from the plate elements in a structurally simple manner, without the need for additional insulation material. The usual Isolierschaumschichten between the electrically conductive plate elements and the interconnect structures can be omitted. The plate structure with the plate elements and the insulating elements arranged therebetween thus obtains a very compact design, wherein the conductor track structures are highly electrically isolated from each other electrically, without a large mass of insulating material must be used. Rather, the isolation of the conductor track structures from the plate elements is accomplished by providing the channel systems created by the cooperating groove structures. The elimination of insulating foam layers has the particular advantage that the entire plate structure absorbs relatively little moisture. This in turn improves the antenna gain, the bandwidth and also the polarization decoupling.

Das Kanalsystem, in dem die Leiterbahnstrukturen angeordnet sind, wird günstigerweise jeweils von einem Paar fluchtend zueinander angeordneter Nutstrukturen gebildet.The channel system, in which the conductor track structures are arranged, is advantageously formed in each case by a pair of groove structures arranged in alignment with one another.

Bevorzugt ist das obere und/oder untere Kanalsystem mit einem Gas gefüllt, beispielsweise mit Luft. Das Gas dient als Dielektrikum, das Empfangsverluste der Planarantenne sehr gering halten kann. Alternativ kann das obere und/oder untere Kanalsystem evakuiert sein oder mit einem dielektrischen Feststoff, insbesondere einem Kunststoffmaterial gefüllt sein.Preferably, the upper and / or lower channel system is filled with a gas, for example with air. The gas serves as a dielectric, which can keep reception losses of the planar antenna very low. Alternatively, the upper and / or lower channel system may be evacuated or filled with a dielectric solid, in particular a plastic material.

Das obere und/oder das untere Isolationselement, das die obere bzw. die untere Leiterbahnstruktur trägt, ist bevorzugt als flexible Kunststofffolie ausgestaltet. Dies verleiht der Plattenstruktur insgesamt eine sehr flache Ausgestaltung, da die flexible Kunststofffolie eine sehr geringe Dicke aufweisen kann. Trotz der geringen Dicke kann durch den Einsatz eines Kunststoffmaterials eine hoch wirksame Isolation zwischen den Leiterbahnstrukturen und den einzelnen Plattenelementen sichergestellt werden.The upper and / or the lower insulating element, which carries the upper and the lower conductor track structure, is preferably designed as a flexible plastic film. This gives the plate structure as a whole a very flat configuration, since the flexible plastic film can have a very small thickness. Despite the small thickness can be ensured by the use of a plastic material, a highly effective isolation between the interconnect structures and the individual plate elements.

Auf die Kunststofffolie lässt sich in üblicher Weise eine Leiterbahnstruktur aufbringen. Die Leiterbahnstruktur kann beispielsweise auf die Kunststofffolie aufgedruckt werden. Es kann auch vorgesehen sein, dass eine mit Metall beschichtete Folie geäzt wird.On the plastic film can be applied in the usual way a wiring pattern. The conductor track structure can be printed, for example, on the plastic film. It can also be provided that a metal-coated film is etched.

Die flexible Kunststofffolie kann beispielsweise eine Dicke von weniger als 0,5 mm aufweisen, insbesondere kann sie eine Dicke von weniger als 0,2 mm aufweisen. Als besonders vorteilhaft hat sich eine flexible Kunststofffolie mit einer Dicke im Bereich von etwa 0,05 mm bis ca. 0,1 mm herausgestellt.The flexible plastic film may, for example, have a thickness of less than 0.5 mm, in particular it may have a thickness of less than 0.2 mm. A flexible plastic film having a thickness in the range from about 0.05 mm to about 0.1 mm has proven particularly advantageous.

Die Kunststofffolie ist bevorzugt mit einer Leiterbahnstruktur aus einem elektrisch gut leitfähigen Material versehen, beispielsweise unter Einsatz von Kupfer oder Gold. Es kann auch vorgesehen sein, dass die Oberfläche der Leiterbahnstruktur mit Gold oder einem anderen veredelnden Material beschichtet ist. Bei Einsatz von Kupfer weist die Leiterbahnstruktur bevorzugt eine Dicke von weniger als 0,05 mm auf, insbesondere eine Dicke von weniger als 0,02 mm.The plastic film is preferably provided with a conductor track structure made of an electrically highly conductive material, for example using copper or gold. It can also be provided that the surface of the conductor track structure is coated with gold or another refining material. When using copper, the conductor track structure preferably has one Thickness of less than 0.05 mm, in particular a thickness of less than 0.02 mm.

Die Leiterbahnstrukturen können auf der Oberseite und/oder der Unterseite der Isolationselemente angeordnet sein. Eine deckungsgleiche Anordnung auf der Oberseite und der Unterseite hat sich als besonders vorteilhaft erwiesen, da dadurch elektrische Verluste (Dämpfung) verringert werden können.The conductor track structures can be arranged on the top side and / or the underside of the insulation elements. A congruent arrangement on the top and the bottom has proven to be particularly advantageous, since thereby electrical losses (damping) can be reduced.

Besonders günstig ist es, wenn die Plattenstruktur selbsttragend ist. Dies hat den Vorteil, dass eine zusätzliche Tragschicht für die Plattenstruktur entfallen kann. Vielmehr weist die Plattenstruktur, umfassend die Plattenelemente und die dazwischen angeordneten Isolationselemente, eine ausreichende Stabilität auf. Zur Fixierung der Plattenstruktur kann die Planarantenne einen üblichen Schwenkmechanismus aufweisen, so dass die Plattenstruktur sowohl bezüglich des Winkels, den sie in Elevationsrichtung einnimmt, als auch im Hinblick auf ihre horizontale Ausrichtung (Azimutwinkel) auf einfache Weise manuell oder motorisch verstellt werden kann. Da eine zusätzliche Tragschicht entfallen kann, lässt sich die Plattenstruktur mittels des Schwenkmechanismus mit verhältnismäßig geringen Kräften verstellen. Entsprechende Antriebselemente können somit verkleinert werden.It is particularly favorable if the plate structure is self-supporting. This has the advantage that an additional support layer for the plate structure can be omitted. Rather, the plate structure, comprising the plate elements and the insulating elements arranged therebetween, a sufficient stability. To fix the plate structure, the planar antenna may have a conventional pivoting mechanism, so that the plate structure can be easily adjusted manually or by motor both in terms of the angle that it takes in the elevation direction as well as in terms of their horizontal orientation (azimuth angle). Since an additional support layer can be omitted, the plate structure can be adjusted by means of the pivoting mechanism with relatively small forces. Corresponding drive elements can thus be downsized.

Zumindest ein Plattenelement kann beispielsweise aus einem metallisierten Kunststoffmaterial oder einem elektrisch leitfähigen Kunststoffmaterial hergestellt sein. Insbesondere ein galvanisiertes ABS-Kunststoffmaterial hat sich als vorteilhaft erwiesen.At least one plate element may for example be made of a metallized plastic material or an electrically conductive plastic material. In particular, a galvanized ABS plastic material has proven to be advantageous.

Es kann auch vorgesehen sein, dass zumindest ein Plattenelement als Metallplatte ausgestaltet ist, insbesondere in Form eines Aluminiumbleches. Dieses kann beispielsweise eine Stärke von weniger als 10 mm aufweisen.It can also be provided that at least one plate element is designed as a metal plate, in particular in the form of an aluminum sheet. This may for example have a thickness of less than 10 mm.

Bei einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsform weisen das obere und das untere Plattenelement dieselbe Materialstärke auf, wohingegen das mittlere Plattenelement eine geringere Materialstärke aufweist. Insbesondere kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Materialstärke des mittleren Plattenelementes halb so groß ist wie die Materialstärke des oberen und des unteren Plattenelements. Beispielsweise können die oberen und die unteren Plattenelemente jeweils eine Materialstärke von 8 mm aufweisen, wohingegen das mittlere Plattenelement eine Materialstärke von 4 mm aufweist.In an advantageous embodiment, the upper and the lower plate element have the same material thickness, whereas the middle plate element has a lower material thickness. In particular, it can be provided that the material thickness of the central plate element is half as large as the material thickness of the upper and lower plate member. For example, the upper and lower plate members each have a material thickness of 8 mm, whereas the middle plate member has a material thickness of 4 mm.

Von besonderem Vorteil ist es, wenn die beiden Kanalsysteme, die von den Nutstrukturen gebildet werden, identisch ausgestaltet sind, wobei das untere Kanalsystem relativ zum oberen Kanalsystem um die Flächennormale der Plattenstruktur gedreht angeordnet ist. Der Einsatz identischer Kanalsysteme vereinfacht die Herstellung der Planarantenne.It is particularly advantageous if the two channel systems that are formed by the groove structures are configured identically, wherein the lower channel system is arranged rotated relative to the upper channel system about the surface normal of the plate structure. The use of identical channel systems simplifies the production of the planar antenna.

Es kann vorgesehen sein, dass das untere Kanalsystem relativ zum oberen Kanalsystem um einen Winkel von 90° um die Flächennormale der Plattenstruktur gedreht ist.It can be provided that the lower channel system is rotated relative to the upper channel system by an angle of 90 ° about the surface normal of the plate structure.

Die nachfolgende Beschreibung einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung dient im Zusammenhang mit der Zeichnung der näheren Erläuterung. Es zeigen:

Figur 1:
eine perspektivische, auseinander gezogene Darstellung eines Teilbereiches einer erfindungsgemäßen Planarantenne mit einem oberen, einem mittleren und einem unteren Plattenelement, zwischen denen jeweils ein Isolationselement angeordnet ist;
Figur 2:
eine Draufsicht auf einen Ausschnitt des oberen Plattenelements aus Figur 1;
Figur 3:
eine Unteransicht auf den in Figur 2 dargestellten Ausschnitt des oberen Plattenelements;
Figur 4:
eine Draufsicht auf einen Ausschnitt eines oberen Isolationselementes mit einer oberen Leiterbahnstruktur;
Figur 5:
eine Draufsicht auf einen Ausschnitt des mittleren Plattenelements aus Figur 1;
Figur 6:
eine Unteransicht auf den Ausschnitt des mittleren Plattenelements aus Figur 5;
Figur 7:
eine Draufsicht auf einen Ausschnitt des unteren Isolationselementes mit einer unteren Leiterbahnstruktur;
Figur 8:
eine Draufsicht auf einen Ausschnitt des unteren Plattenelements aus Figur 1;
Figur 9:
eine Unteransicht auf den Ausschnitt des unteren Plattenelements aus Figur 8;
Figur 10:
eine Schnittansicht des oberen Plattenelements entlang der Linie 10-10 in Figur 2;
Figur 11:
eine Schnittansicht des mittleren Plattenelements entlang der Linie 11-11 in Figur 5;
Figur 12:
eine Schnittansicht des unteren Plattenelements entlang der Linie 12-12 in Figur 8;
Figur 13:
eine schematische Schnittansicht der Planarantenne aus Figur 1 in einem Bereich zwischen benachbarten Empfangszellen, und
Figur 14:
eine Draufsicht auf eine der Öffnungen der erfindungsgemäßen Planarantenne.
The following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention serves in conjunction with the drawings for further explanation. Show it:
FIG. 1:
a perspective, exploded view of a portion of a planar antenna according to the invention with an upper, a middle and a lower plate member, between each of which an insulating element is arranged;
FIG. 2:
a plan view of a section of the upper plate member FIG. 1 ;
FIG. 3:
a bottom view on the in FIG. 2 illustrated section of the upper plate member;
FIG. 4:
a plan view of a section of an upper insulating element with an upper conductor track structure;
FIG. 5:
a plan view of a section of the central plate element FIG. 1 ;
FIG. 6:
a bottom view of the cutout of the middle plate element FIG. 5 ;
FIG. 7:
a plan view of a section of the lower insulating element with a lower conductor track structure;
FIG. 8:
a plan view of a section of the lower plate member FIG. 1 ;
FIG. 9:
a bottom view of the neck of the lower plate member FIG. 8 ;
FIG. 10:
a sectional view of the upper plate member along the line 10-10 in FIG. 2 ;
FIG. 11:
a sectional view of the central plate member along the line 11-11 in FIG. 5 ;
FIG. 12:
a sectional view of the lower plate member along the line 12-12 in FIG. 8 ;
FIG. 13:
a schematic sectional view of the planar antenna FIG. 1 in an area between adjacent reception cells, and
FIG. 14:
a plan view of one of the openings of the planar antenna according to the invention.

In der Zeichnung ist schematisch ein Ausschnitt aus einer erfindungsgemäßen Planarantenne dargestellt, die insgesamt mit dem Bezugszeichen 10 belegt ist. Sie umfasst eine Plattenstruktur 12 mit einem oberen Plattenelement 14, einem mittleren Plattenelement 16 und einem unteren Plattenelement 18, die in der dargestellten Ausführungsform jeweils aus einem metallisierten Kunststoffmaterial gefertigt sind in Form eines galvanisierten Spritzgussteils. Zwischen dem oberen Plattenelement 14 und dem mittleren Plattenelement 16 ist ein oberes Isolationselement 20 angeordnet. Dieses ist in Form einer flexiblen Kunststofffolie gefertigt und trägt auf seiner Oberseite und deckungsgleich auch auf seiner Unterseite eine obere Leiterbahnstruktur 22. Diese ist in Figur 4 dargestellt. Zwischen dem mittleren Plattenelement 16 und dem unteren Plattenelement 18 ist ein unteres Isolationselement 24 angeordnet in Form einer flexiblen Kunststofffolie, die auf ihrer Oberseite und deckungsgleich auch auf ihrer Unterseite die in Figur 7 dargestellte untere Leiterbahnstruktur 26 trägt. Wie aus dem Vergleich der Figuren 4 und 7 deutlich wird, ist die untere Leiterbahnstruktur 26 mit der oberen Leiterbahnstruktur 22 identisch, wobei sie allerdings um einen Winkel von 90° bezüglich der Flächennormale der Plattenstruktur 12 gedreht ist.In the drawing, a section of a planar antenna according to the invention is shown schematically, which is generally occupied by the reference numeral 10. It comprises a plate structure 12 having an upper plate element 14, a middle plate element 16 and a lower plate element 18, which in the illustrated embodiment are each made of a metallized plastic material in the form of a galvanized injection-molded part. Between the upper plate member 14 and the middle plate member 16, an upper insulating member 20 is arranged. This is made in the form of a flexible plastic film and carries on its top and congruent on its underside an upper trace structure 22. This is in FIG. 4 shown. Between the middle plate member 16 and the lower plate member 18, a lower insulating member 24 is arranged in the form of a flexible plastic film on its top and congruent on its underside in FIG. 7 illustrated lower conductor track structure 26 carries. As from the comparison of FIGS. 4 and 7 is clear, the lower wiring pattern 26 is identical to the upper wiring pattern 22, but it is rotated by an angle of 90 ° with respect to the surface normal of the plate structure 12.

Anstatt die Leiterbahnstrukturen 22 und 26 jeweils deckungsgleich auf der Oberseite und der Unterseite der Isolationselemente 20 bzw. 24 anzuordnen, könnten sie auch nur auf einer Seite (Oberseite oder Unterseite) angeordnet sein. Die deckungsgleiche Anordnung der Leiterbahnstrukturen auf der Oberseite und der Unterseite der Isolationselemente ermöglicht es aber, die elektrischen Verluste (Dämpfung) zu minimieren und dadurch den Antennengewinn zu steigern.Instead of arranging the conductor track structures 22 and 26 congruently on the upper side and the lower side of the insulation elements 20 and 24, they could also be arranged only on one side (upper side or lower side). However, the congruent arrangement of the conductor track structures on the upper side and the lower side of the insulation elements makes it possible to minimize the electrical losses (attenuation) and thereby increase the antenna gain.

Die Planarantenne 10 weist eine Vielzahl von zeilen- und spaltenförmig nebeneinander angeordneten Empfangszellen 30 auf, die jeweils von einer Öffnung 32 gebildet werden. Wie insbesondere aus Figur 14 deutlich wird, weisen die Öffnungen 32 eine erste Hauptachse 34 und eine senkrecht zur ersten Hauptachse 34 angeordnete zweite Hauptachse 36 auf, die sich jeweils in eine Richtung mit größter Ausdehnung der Öffnungen 32 erstrecken. Die beiden Hauptachsen 34 und 36 sind in einem Winkel von 45° zu den Zeilen und Spalten der Empfangszellen 30 geneigt.The planar antenna 10 has a multiplicity of receiving cells 30, which are arranged next to one another in rows and columns, each of which is formed by an opening 32. As in particular from FIG. 14 As is apparent, the apertures 32 have a first major axis 34 and a second major axis 36 disposed perpendicular to the first major axis 34, each extending in a direction of greatest extent of the apertures 32. The two main axes 34 and 36 are inclined at an angle of 45 ° to the rows and columns of the receiving cells 30.

Die Öffnungen 32 werden jeweils gebildet von zwei ovalförmigen Ausnehmungen 33, 35, die sich zentrisch durchdringen. Die erste ovalförmige Ausnehmung 33 erstreckt sich entlang der ersten Hauptachse 34 und die zweite ovalförmige Ausnehmung 35 erstreckt sich entlang der zweiten Hauptachse 36. Die beiden ovalförmigen Ausnehmungen 33, 35 bilden einen gemeinsamen zentralen Durchdringungsbereich 37, der in Figur 14 zur Erzielung einer besseren Übersicht schraffiert ist.The openings 32 are each formed by two oval-shaped recesses 33, 35, which penetrate centrally. The first oval-shaped recess 33 extends along the first main axis 34 and the second oval-shaped recess 35 extends along the second main axis 36. The two oval-shaped recesses 33, 35 form a common central penetration area 37, which in FIG FIG. 14 hatched for a better overview.

Die Öffnungen 32 weisen somit eine Kontur auf nach Art eines vierblättrigen Kleeblatts oder eines symmetrischen Kreuzes mit zwei gleich langen, senkrecht zueinander ausgerichteten Balken mit abgerundeten Außenkanten.The openings 32 thus have a contour in the manner of a four-leaf cloverleaf or a symmetrical cross with two equal-length, mutually perpendicular beams with rounded outer edges.

Der Boden 39 der Öffnungen 32 ist im Bereich der ersten ovalförmigen Ausnehmung 33 eben ausgestaltet, d. h. im Bereich der ersten ovalförmigen Ausnehmung 33 weisen die Öffnungen 32 eine einheitliche Tiefe auf. Demgegenüber ist der Boden 39 der Öffnungen 32 im Bereich der zweiten ovalförmigen Ausnehmungen 35 mit zwei Stufen 41, 43 versehen, die sich an einander gegenüberliegenden Seiten unmittelbar an den zentralen Durchdringungsbereich 37 anschließen und die senkrecht zur zweiten Hauptachse 36 ausgerichtet sind. Die Stufe 41 weist eine geringere Höhe auf als die Stufe 43. Dies wird insbesondere aus Figur 12 deutlich und wird nachfolgend noch näher erläutert.The bottom 39 of the openings 32 is flat in the area of the first oval-shaped recess 33, ie, in the region of the first oval-shaped recess 33, the openings 32 have a uniform depth. In contrast, the bottom 39 of the openings 32 in the region of the second oval-shaped recesses 35 is provided with two steps 41, 43, which adjoin on opposite sides directly to the central penetration region 37 and which are aligned perpendicular to the second main axis 36. The step 41 has a lower height than the step 43. This is in particular FIG. 12 clearly and will be explained in more detail below.

In die Öffnungen 32 ragen jeweils eine erste Auskoppelsonde 38, die parallel zur ersten Hauptachse 34 ausgerichtet ist, und eine zweite Auskoppelsonde 40, die parallel zur zweiten Hauptachse 36 ausgerichtet ist. Die erste Auskoppelsonde 38 ist im Abstand oberhalb der zweiten Auskoppelsonde 40 angeordnet, nämlich in der durch das obere Isolationselement 20 definierten Ebene zwischen dem oberen Plattenelement 14 und dem mittleren Plattenelement 16. Die zweite Auskoppelsonde 40 ist in der durch das untere Isolationselement 24 definierten Ebene zwischen dem mittleren Plattenelement 16 und dem unteren Plattenelement 18 angeordnet. Wie aus den Figuren 4 und 7 deutlich wird, sind die ersten Auskoppelsonden 38 aller Öffnungen 32 über die obere Leiterbahnstruktur 22 miteinander verbunden, und die zweiten Auskoppelsonden 40 aller Öffnungen 32 sind über die untere Leiterbahnstruktur 26 miteinander verbunden.In the openings 32 each project a first Auskoppelsonde 38, which is aligned parallel to the first main axis 34, and a second Auskoppelsonde 40, which is aligned parallel to the second main axis 36. The first Auskoppelsonde 38 is arranged at a distance above the second Auskoppelsonde 40, namely in the plane defined by the upper insulating member 20 level between the upper plate member 14 and the middle plate member 16. The second Auskoppelsonde 40 is defined in the plane defined by the lower insulating member 24 between the middle plate member 16 and the lower plate member 18 are arranged. Like from the FIGS. 4 and 7 becomes clear, the first Auskoppelsonden 38 of all openings 32 are interconnected via the upper interconnect structure 22, and the second Auskoppelsonden 40 of all openings 32 are connected to each other via the lower interconnect structure 26.

Die unter Zwischenlage des oberen Isolationselementes 20 und des unteren Isolationselementes 24 übereinander angeordneten Plattenelemente 14, 16 und 18 bilden in ihrer Gesamtheit die Öffnungen 32 aus. Hierzu weist das obere Plattenelement 14 eine Vielzahl von ersten Durchbrüchen 42 auf, die die Außenkontur der Öffnungen 32 definieren und einen unteren Durchbruchabschnitt 44 mit parallel zur Flächennormalen der Plattenstruktur 12 ausgerichteten Wänden 46 aufweisen sowie einen sich in Richtung der Oberseite 48 des oberen Plattenelements 14 an den unteren Durchbruchabschnitt 44 anschließenden oberen Durchbruchabschnitt 50 mit sich in Richtung der Oberseite 48 konisch erweiternden Wänden 52.The interposition of the upper insulating member 20 and the lower insulating member 24 superposed plate members 14, 16 and 18 in their entirety form the openings 32. For this purpose, the upper plate member 14 a plurality of first openings 42, which the Define outer contour of the openings 32 and a lower breakthrough section 44 with parallel to the surface normal of the plate structure 12 aligned walls 46 and a subsequent towards the top 48 of the upper plate member 14 to the lower opening portion 44 upper opening portion 50 conically in the direction of the top 48 expanding walls 52.

Fluchtend zu den unteren Durchbruchabschnitten 44 der ersten Durchbrüche 42 des oberen Plattenelements 14 weist das mittlere Plattenelement 16 zweite Durchbrüche 54 auf, die sich von der Oberseite 56 des mittleren Plattenelementes 16 bis zu dessen Unterseite 58 erstrecken mit parallel zur Flächennormale der Plattenstruktur 12 ausgerichteten Wänden 60.In alignment with the lower opening sections 44 of the first openings 42 of the upper plate element 14, the middle plate element 16 has second openings 54 which extend from the upper side 56 of the middle plate element 16 to its lower side 58 with walls 60 aligned parallel to the surface normal of the plate structure 12 ,

Fluchtend zu den zweiten Durchbrüchen 54 des mittleren Plattenelements 16 weist das untere Plattenelement 18 Vertiefungen 62 auf mit parallel zur Flächennormale der Plattenstruktur 12 ausgerichteten Wänden 64 und mit dem Boden 39. Wie bereits erläutert, ist der Boden 39 in Richtung der ersten Hauptachse 34, nämlich im Bereich der ersten ovalförmigen Ausnehmung 33, eben ausgestaltet, wohingegen er in Richtung der zweiten Hauptachse 36, nämlich im Bereich der zweiten ovalförmigen Ausnehmung 35, die kleinere Stufe 41 und die größere Stufe 43 aufweist.In alignment with the second openings 54 of the middle plate element 16, the lower plate element 18 recesses 62 on parallel to the surface normal of the plate structure 12 aligned walls 64 and the bottom 39. As already explained, the bottom 39 in the direction of the first major axis 34, namely in the region of the first oval-shaped recess 33, designed to be planar, whereas in the direction of the second main axis 36, namely in the region of the second oval-shaped recess 35, the smaller step 41 and the larger step 43 has.

Die Isolationselemente 20 und 24 sind jeweils zwischen zwei Plattenelementen 14 und 16 bzw. 16 und 18 angeordnet. Zur Bereitstellung einer elektrischen Isolation zwischen den an den Isolationselementen 20 und 24 angeordneten Leiterbahnstrukturen 22 und 26 und den elektrisch leitfähigen Plattenelementen 14, 16 und 18 weisen die Plattenelemente auf ihren einander zugewandten Seiten paarweise zusammenwirkende Nutstrukturen auf, die jeweils ein Kanalsystem ausbilden, in dem die Leiterbahnstrukturen 22 bzw. 26 im Abstand zu den Wänden des Kanalsystems angeordnet sind. Das obere Plattenelement 14 weist hierzu auf seiner Unterseite 74 eine erste Nutstruktur 76 auf, die in das Material des oberen Plattenelements 14 eingebracht ist. In entsprechender Weise weist das mittlere Plattenelement 16 auf seiner Oberseite 56 eine zweite Nutstruktur 78 auf, die mit der in die Unterseite des oberen Plattenelements 14 eingebrachten ersten Nutstruktur 76 übereinstimmt. Wird das obere Plattenelement 14 unter Zwischenlage des oberen Isolationselementes 20 auf das mittlere Plattenelement 16 aufgelegt, so bilden die erste Nutstruktur 76 und die zweite Nutstruktur 78 ein oberes Kanalsystem 80 mit Kanalwänden 82 aus, das die obere Leiterbahnstruktur 22 aufnimmt. Dies wird insbesondere aus der schematischen Darstellung in Figur 13 ersichtlich. Die obere Leiterbahnstruktur 22 nimmt hierbei einen deutlichen Abstand zu den Kanalwänden 82 ein, und da das obere Kanalsystem 80 mit Luft gefüllt ist, die als Dielektrikum wirkt, ist die obere Leiterbahnstruktur 22 vom oberen Plattenelement 14 und vom mittleren Plattenelement 16 elektrisch isoliert.The insulation elements 20 and 24 are each arranged between two plate elements 14 and 16 or 16 and 18. To provide electrical insulation between the arranged on the insulating elements 20 and 24 interconnect structures 22 and 26 and the electrically conductive plate members 14, 16 and 18, the plate elements on their sides facing each other in pairs cooperating groove structures, each forming a channel system in which the Conductor tracks 22 and 26 at a distance to the walls of the channel system are arranged. For this purpose, the upper plate element 14 has on its underside 74 a first groove structure 76, which is introduced into the material of the upper plate element 14. In a corresponding manner, the middle plate element 16 has on its upper side 56 a second groove structure 78, which coincides with the first groove structure 76 introduced into the underside of the upper plate element 14. When the upper plate element 14 is placed on the middle plate element 16 with the upper insulation element 20 interposed, the first groove structure 76 and the second groove structure 78 form an upper channel system 80 with channel walls 82 which receives the upper conductor track structure 22. This is particularly evident from the schematic representation in FIG FIG. 13 seen. The upper trace structure 22 occupies a significant distance from the channel walls 82, and since the upper channel system 80 is filled with air which acts as a dielectric, the upper trace structure 22 is electrically isolated from the upper plate member 14 and the middle plate member 16.

Auf seiner Unterseite 58 weist das mittlere Plattenelement 16 eine dritte Nutstruktur 84 auf, die in das Material des mittleren Plattenelementes 16 eingebracht ist und mit einer vierten Nutstruktur 86 übereinstimmt, die in die Oberseite 88 des unteren Plattenelements 18 eingebracht ist. Das mittlere Plattenelement 16 wird unter Zwischenlage des unteren Isolationselements 24 auf das untere Plattenelement 18 aufgelegt. Dadurch bildet die dritte Nutstruktur 84 in Kombination mit der vierten Nutstruktur 86 ein unteres Kanalsystem 90 aus, welches die untere Leiterbahnstruktur 26 aufnimmt. Hierbei ist die untere Leiterbahnstruktur 26 im Abstand zu den Kanalwänden 91 des unteren Kanalsystems 90 angeordnet.On its underside 58, the middle plate element 16 has a third groove structure 84, which is introduced into the material of the middle plate element 16 and coincides with a fourth groove structure 86, which is introduced into the upper side 88 of the lower plate element 18. The middle plate element 16 is placed on the lower plate element 18 with the interposition of the lower insulation element 24. As a result, the third groove structure 84 in combination with the fourth groove structure 86 forms a lower channel system 90, which receives the lower conductor track structure 26. In this case, the lower conductor track structure 26 is arranged at a distance from the channel walls 91 of the lower channel system 90.

Das untere Kanalsystem 90 ist mit dem oberen Kanalsystem 80 identisch, allerdings ist es bezüglich des oberen Kanalsystems 80 um einen Winkel von 90° um die Flächennormale der Plattenstruktur 12 gedreht.The lower channel system 90 is identical to the upper channel system 80, however, it is rotated with respect to the upper channel system 80 by an angle of 90 ° about the surface normal of the plate structure 12.

In der Zeichnung ist die Planarantenne 10 nur ausschnittsweise dargestellt in Form eines Feldes von acht in einer Zeile und acht in einer Spalte angeordneten Öffnungen 32. Tatsächlich kann die Planarantenne 10 insgesamt bedeutend größer ausgebildet sein, wobei sie eine beträchtlich größere Anzahl von Öffnungen 32 umfasst, die jedoch alle entsprechend den voranstehend erläuterten Öffnungen ausgebildet sind. Die gesamte Planarantenne 10 kann beispielsweise acht solcher Felder mit jeweils acht Zeilen und acht Spalten aufweisen.In the drawing, the planar antenna 10 is only partially shown in the form of a field of eight in a row and eight in a column arranged openings 32. In fact, the planar antenna 10 may be formed significantly larger overall, wherein it comprises a considerably larger number of openings 32, however, all are formed according to the above-explained openings. For example, the entire planar antenna 10 may have eight such arrays of eight rows and eight columns each.

Die erfindungsgemäße Planarantenne 10 zeichnet sich durch einen hohen Antennengewinn, eine große Bandbreite und eine sehr gute Polarisationsentkopplung aus. Hierzu trägt die Form der Öffnungen 32 in der Art eines vierblättrigen Kleeblatts bei sowie der Boden 39 für jede Öffnung 32, der in Richtung der ersten Hauptachse 34 eben verläuft und der in Richtung der zweiten Hauptachse 36 eine kleinere Stufe 41 und eine größere Stufe 43 umfasst. Oberhalb der größeren Stufe 43 ist jeweils eine zweite Auskoppelsonde 40 angeordnet, die mit ihrem freien Endbereich 92 bis in den zentralen Durchdringungsbereich 37 hineinreicht. Die erste Auskoppelsonde 38 ist im Abstand oberhalb der zweiten Auskoppelsonde 40 angeordnet, wobei sie senkrecht zu dieser ausgerichtet ist und somit entlang der ersten Hauptachse 34 verläuft.The planar antenna 10 according to the invention is characterized by a high antenna gain, a large bandwidth and a very good polarization decoupling. The shape of the openings 32 in the manner of a four-leaf clover contributes to this, as does the bottom 39 for each opening 32, which extends flat in the direction of the first main axis 34 and which comprises a smaller step 41 and a larger step 43 in the direction of the second main axis 36 , Above the larger stage 43, a second outcoupling probe 40 is arranged in each case, which extends with its free end region 92 into the central penetration region 37. The first Auskoppelsonde 38 is disposed at a distance above the second Auskoppelsonde 40, wherein it is aligned perpendicular to this and thus along the first main axis 34 extends.

Die Eigenschaften der Planarantenne 10 wurden darüber hinaus durch die Bereitstellung der Nutstrukturen 76, 78, 84 und 86 gesteigert, die das obere Kanalsystem 80 und das untere Kanalsystem 90 ausbilden, in denen die obere Leiterbahnstruktur 22 bzw. die untere Leiterbahnstruktur 26 angeordnet sind.The properties of the planar antenna 10 have also been enhanced by the provision of the groove structures 76, 78, 84 and 86 forming the upper channel system 80 and the lower channel system 90 in which the upper trace structure 22 and the lower trace structure 26 are disposed, respectively.

Zusätzliches Isolierschaummaterial zwischen den Plattenelementen 14 und 16 bzw. 16 und 18 kann dadurch entfallen. Dies wiederum hat den Vorteil, dass die Planarantenne 10 nur verhältnismäßig wenig Feuchtigkeit aufnimmt, die die Empfangsqualität der Planarantenne 10 beeinträchtigen könnte. Außerdem können sich die orthogonal zueinander polarisierten elektromagnetischen Wellen, die in den Empfangszellen 30 empfangen werden, über die mit Luft gefüllten Kanalsysteme 80 und 90 optimal ausbreiten.Additional insulating foam material between the plate elements 14 and 16 or 16 and 18 can be eliminated thereby. This in turn has the advantage that the planar antenna 10 absorbs only relatively little moisture, which could affect the reception quality of the planar antenna 10. In addition, the orthogonally polarized electromagnetic waves received in the receive cells 30 may propagate optimally across the air-filled channel systems 80 and 90.

Claims (19)

  1. Planar antenna for selectively receiving two electromagnetic waves linearly polarized orthogonally to each other, comprising a plate structure (12) with an upper, a central and a lower electrically conductive plate element (14, 16, 18), the plate elements being arranged one above the other, with the interposition of an upper and a lower insulating element (20, 24) carrying an upper and a lower conductor path structure (22, 26), respectively, the plate elements (14, 16, 18) forming a multiplicity of receiving cells (30) arranged next to one another in the form of openings (32), into each of which a first decoupling probe (38) and a second decoupling probe (40), arranged one above the other, extend, the first decoupling probes (38) of all receiving cells (30) being combined electrically by the upper conductor path structure (22) and the second decoupling probes (40) of all receiving cells (30) by the lower conductor path structure (26) in the correct amplitude and the correct phase, characterized in that the openings (32) are each formed by at least two oval-shaped recesses (33, 35) centrally intersecting each other, and in that the openings (32) have a bottom (39), which is of flat configuration in the region of a first oval-shaped recess (33), and which has two steps (41, 43) in the region of a second oval-shaped recess (35) intersecting the first oval-shaped recess (33), the two steps (41, 43) being of different heights.
  2. Planar antenna in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the openings (32), in a plan view, are rotationally symmetrical with respect to a rotation through 90° about the surface normal of the plate structure (12).
  3. Planar antenna in accordance with claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the openings (32) have a first main axis (34) and a second main axis (36) oriented perpendicularly thereto, the decoupling probes (38, 40) each being oriented perpendicularly to a main axis (34, 36).
  4. Planar antenna in accordance with claim 3, characterized in that the receiving cells (30) are arranged next to one another in lines and columns, and in that the first and second main axes (34, 36) of the openings (32) are inclined to the lines and columns.
  5. Planar antenna in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the openings (32) have a contour similar to a four-leaf clover or a cross.
  6. Planar antenna in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the openings (32) widen conically in the direction of the upper side (48) of the upper plate element (14).
  7. Planar antenna in accordance with claim 6, characterized in that the openings (32) only widen conically in the region of the upper plate element (14).
  8. Planar antenna in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two steps (41, 43) extend perpendicularly to the main axis (36) of the second oval-shaped recess (35).
  9. Planar antenna in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second oval-shaped recesses (33, 35) have a common area of intersection (37), and the two steps (41, 43) are arranged at the edge of the area of intersection (37).
  10. Planar antenna in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the two decoupling probes (40) extends above the higher one of the two steps (41, 43).
  11. Planar antenna in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower plate element (18) forms the bottom (39) of the openings (32).
  12. Planar antenna in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plate elements (14, 16, 18) have on their sides that face each other (74, 56; 58, 88) groove structures (76, 78; 84, 86) that interact in pairs, with the groove structures (76, 78) that are arranged on the underside (74) of the upper plate element (14) and on the upper side (56) of the central plate element (16) forming an upper channel system (80) in which the upper conductor path structure (22) extends at a distance from the channel walls (82), and with the groove structures (84, 86) that are arranged on the underside (58) of the central plate element (16) and on the upper side (88) of the lower plate element (18) forming a lower channel system (90) in which the lower conductor path structure (26) extends at a distance from the channel walls (91).
  13. Planar antenna in accordance with claim 12, characterized in that the upper and/or lower channel system (80, 90) is filled with gas or a dielectric solid or is evacuated.
  14. Planar antenna in accordance with claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the upper and/or lower insulating element (20, 24) is configured as a flexible plastic film.
  15. Planar antenna in accordance with any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that a conductor path structure (22, 26) is arranged on the upper side and/or on the underside of the upper insulating element (20) and on the upper side and/or the underside of the lower insulating element (24).
  16. Planar antenna in accordance with any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the plate structure (12) is self-supporting.
  17. Planar antenna in accordance with any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that at least one plate element (14, 16, 18) is made of a metallized plastic material or an electrically conductive plastic material.
  18. Planar antenna in accordance with any one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that the two channel systems (80, 90) are of identical construction, the lower channel system (90) being arranged in a position rotated about the surface normal of the plate structure (12) relative to the upper channel system (80).
  19. Planar antenna in accordance with claim 18, characterized in that the lower channel system (90) is rotated through an angle of 90° about the surface normal of the plate structure (12) relative to the upper channel system (80).
EP08875103.7A 2008-12-18 2008-12-18 Planar antenna Active EP2359434B1 (en)

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DE102011055457A1 (en) 2011-11-17 2013-05-23 Imst Gmbh Antenna group, particularly satellite communication antenna, has emitter body, one emitting element and another emitting element, where emitting elements are formed as counter bore opposite to envelope of emitter body
DE102013211712A1 (en) * 2013-06-20 2015-01-08 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Antenna module and device with antenna module
CN111901014B (en) * 2020-01-07 2022-05-10 中兴通讯股份有限公司 Electromagnetic unit regulation and control method, device, equipment and storage medium

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AU603103B2 (en) * 1986-06-05 1990-11-08 Sony Corporation Microwave antenna
US4811028A (en) * 1987-01-20 1989-03-07 Avco Corporation Quadridge antenna for space vehicle
WO1995034104A1 (en) * 1994-06-09 1995-12-14 Aktsionernoe Obschestvo Zakrytogo Tipa 'rusant' Planar antenna array and associated microstrip radiating element
DE19712510A1 (en) 1997-03-25 1999-01-07 Pates Tech Patentverwertung Two-layer broadband planar source
US6175333B1 (en) * 1999-06-24 2001-01-16 Nortel Networks Corporation Dual band antenna
US7847749B2 (en) * 2006-05-24 2010-12-07 Wavebender, Inc. Integrated waveguide cavity antenna and reflector RF feed

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AU2008365430B2 (en) 2014-04-17
AU2008365430A1 (en) 2010-06-24
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EP2359434A1 (en) 2011-08-24

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