EP2168203B1 - Antenna device comprising a length difference compensating unit - Google Patents

Abstract

An improved antenna device is has an external length compensation device, permitting a differing length expansion of the housing/radome relative to at least one of the at least two external mounting devices for fixing the antenna device. At least one of the two mounting devices has an external length compensation device, which covers at least one mounting device and a guide device by means of which the housing/radome may be adjusted relative to the mounting device in one direction of the antenna housing/radome. At least for one path length and the external length compensation device with the guide device is designed such that even with fastened screws, play remains between a section of the housing/radome and a section of the mounting device in order to permit an unhindered compensation movement between the mounting device and the housing/radome.

Description

The invention relates to an antenna device, in particular an antenna antenna-shaped antenna device with a plurality of mutually offset at least in a cultivation direction rays, according to the preamble of claim 1.

Antenna devices, in particular for stationary mobile phone stations, are well known.

As a rule, they comprise an antenna device, which is usually designed in the form of an antenna array, and for this purpose comprises a plurality of emitters, for example arranged offset from one another in the vertical direction, which are arranged in front of a reflector surface. The entire reflector does not necessarily have to be arranged vertically, but can be oriented at a certain angle to the vertical. The entire assembly is then housed in a housing referred to as radome, which for electromagnetic radiation as "transparent" or "quasi transparent "appears.

Such antenna devices are usually - as for example from the EP 1 601 046 A1 is known - anchored and mounted by means of at least two, in the longitudinal direction of the antenna device offset mounting plates or mounting lugs on poles, walls, etc. The assembly approaches in question are usually firmly connected to the housing / radome or also have a solid continuous connection with the inner support structure of the antenna device, for example in the form of the reflector. This is often also possible without problems in such antennas, since the temperature-related length expansions with respect to the plastic material used for the radome and the metal parts are in a similar size arrangement, so here are no fundamental problems.

Furthermore, for example, from the DE 10 2005 018 052 A1 to derive a method and a production of an antenna cap for submarines, so a very specific application.

Such mobile stations mentioned initially allow mobile subscribers not only to handle the mobile telephone conversations, but also allow users to surf on the move, for example by means of GPRS, UMTS via WLAN hotspots and the like.

In addition, the so-called WiMAX technology is becoming increasingly important (worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access). Under this technique, two main applications can be integrated. In a main application case, it is a stationary radio alternative the landline DSL, so a quasi wireless (wireless) DSL. In another main application, this technique can be described as a wide-area LAN, a type of WLAN (Wireless Metropolitan Access).

The main advantage, especially in the latter case is that the catchment area, ie the coverage area or generally the so-called hotspot of such a wireless base station is much larger and also significantly more distant mobile users on this base station, for example, can surf the Internet. Such a hotspot can certainly supply a range of a few kilometers in diameter and enable network access in this area, via which ultimately communication via voice is also possible. Services and structure of the network are similar to a UMTS network.

Although this technique is not fixed or limited to particular frequency ranges, it can generally be said that it is an application area above a frequency of 2 GHz, for example in the 2 GHz range, but also in the 3.5 GHz range or even in the so-called 5.8 GHz range, etc.

In accordance with the higher frequencies for the preferred field of application, in particular the so-called wireless technology, with regard to these higher transmission frequencies, the dimensions and in particular the radiators and the distances between the radiators are significantly smaller than in the conventional mobile radio ranges, for example in the 900 MHz range, in the 1800 to 1900 MHz range or, for example, in the UMTS range of about 2.3 GHz. Furthermore, it has now been shown that with increasingly higher operating frequencies, the materials commonly used for the antenna housing, the so-called radome, quite well lead to a significant weakening of the electromagnetic radiation, ie to an undesirable attenuation when passing through such a radome. The radiation is not only dampened, but also scattered. Furthermore, unwanted effects on the diagram itself are possible.

Therefore, other materials and materials are preferred for the higher frequency ranges in question now preferred, for example, no longer glass fiber reinforced plastics, as in the usual radio ranges, but thermoplastics.

Object of the present invention is to provide an antenna for these applications in particular, which can be used easily even when using a variety of materials for the radome, for example using thermoplastics.

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

Thermoplastics have the serious disadvantage that they have significantly higher, temperature-related expansion coefficients, which differ significantly from the coefficients of expansion, in particular of the metals.

Is in such a (for example, a thermoplastic) existing antenna housing / radome usually a metal existing support structure, especially accommodated almost over the entire length or height (or width) of the antenna housing / radome extending reflector, this means that at the large temperature fluctuations to be considered quite relevant different Extensions to the antenna housing / radome in relation to the metallic support members or the reflector are observed. For temperature variations of -40 ° to 80 ° to be considered, this may mean, for a length of an antenna housing / radome of, for example, 70 cm, that the radome changes by 8 mm in length compared to the metallic supporting parts. The assembly itself usually takes place at room temperature. That is, the radome shortens or lengthens by 4 mm, resulting in the example given, the maximum change in length of 8 mm. Thus, such strong temperature differences and linear expansion ultimately lead to the destruction or at least impairment of the housing / radome, which may mean above all that the radome is leaking and moisture can penetrate into the interior, which must be avoided safely.

Against this background, the invention provides an improved constructive possibility, which takes into account these different temperature-induced expansions.

According to the invention, at least one anchoring point with a length compensation device can be anchored in an antenna (which can be anchored, for example, to an antenna mast or on a wall, etc.) to at least two (or more than two) offset points or areas is provided. The length compensation device according to the invention is constructed so that it allows a temperature-induced length extension of the housing / radome relative to the associated mounting approach, while also ensuring that during assembly by tightening mounting screws, etc., the desired compensation movement can not be accidentally disabled or suppressed ,

The invention has a number of other advantages.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, it is also provided that the compensation device is formed only outside the housing and only with respect to an additionally provided on the housing, the Radom interior closed chamber, so that on this a compensation movement permitting measures no moisture in the actual, the reflector and the radiator receiving interior of the antenna housing / radome can penetrate. In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is further provided that for the length compensation device on the housing side, a metal rail is used as a holding or supporting device, which is preferably also connected to the at least further mounting approach (which usually does not have to be provided with a length compensation device). It can be ensured at this point on the mounting rail that in the region of the length compensation device on the second mounting approach the corresponding guide means in both a lower and in a maximum upper temperature range can not abut the boundaries of a, a length compensation movement, usually slot-shaped recess.

Finally, it proves to be convenient to accommodate these mentioned holding or mounting rail in a, separated from the actual radiator device and the reflector receiving interior of the antenna housing / radome, chamber-like device.

The above-mentioned length compensation device is hereinafter also sometimes referred to as external length compensation device or outer length compensation device, as within the scope of the invention in a preferred embodiment also an internal length compensation device is provided in the interior of the housing / radome, to ensure that at temperature-related strongly differing lengths -Ausgleichsbewegungen between Radom and the im.Gehäuse / Radom accommodated, usually made of metal support means, in particular in the form of the reflector, these different linear expansion can not lead to damage to the antenna.

In the case of the preferably provided inner length compensation device, at least one internal mounting device for fastening the support device / reflector to the housing / radome is divided into two or two parts, so that the part attached to the support device / reflector on the one hand and to the radome or one at the end of the radome End cap to the other supported part of the fastening device against the force of the spring device can perform a compensating movement with temperature fluctuations.

Figur 1 :

eine schematische dreidimensionale Dar- stellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Antennen- einrichtung bei teilweise im Schnitt ent- ferntem Oberteil des Antennengehäuses/Ra- doms;

Figur 2 :

eine zu Figur 1 ähnliche perspektivische Darstellung der Antenneneinrichtung bei teilweise im Schnitt entfernten Teilen des Gehäuses/Radoms einschließlich der stirn- seitig gegenüberliegenden End- oder Ab- deckkappen zur Verdeutlichung der Monta- geeinrichtung;

Figur 3 :

eine schematische Vertikal-Längsschnitt- darstellung durch die Antenneneinrichtung (ohne Darstellung der Antenneneinrichtung und ohne Darstellung der Strahler und des Reflektors und der stirnseitig gegenüber- liegenden Abdeckkappen) zur Verdeutlichung der Befestigungseinrichtung unter Ein- schluss einer Längenausgleichseinrichtung;

Figur 3a :

ein abgewandeltes Ausführungsbeispiel zu Figur 3;

Figur 4 :

eine teilweise Draufsicht auf die Anten- neneinrichtung bei entferntem Oberteil des Gehäuses/Radoms;

Figur 5 :

eine schematische auszugsweise Quer- schnittdarstellung eines abgewandelten Ausführungsbeispiels mit einer Montagebe- festigungseinrichtung mit Längenausgleich;

Figur 6 :

eine schematische Draufsicht auf ein abge- wandeltes Ausführungsbeispiel einer inne- ren Montageeinrichtung in Form einer ver- formbaren Federeinrichtung in einem ersten Belastungszustand; und

Figur 7 :

eine entsprechende Darstellung zu Figur 5 in einem anderen Belastungszustand bei un- terschiedlicher temperaturbedingter Län- genausdehnung des Gehäuses/Radoms gegen- über der inneren Trag- und/oder Radomein- richtung.

The invention will be explained below with reference to drawings for several embodiments. This show in the individual:

FIG. 1:

a schematic three-dimensional representation of an antenna device according to the invention with partially removed in section upper part of the antenna housing / radome;

FIG. 2:

one too FIG. 1 similar perspective view of the antenna device with partially cut away parts of the housing / radome including the front end opposite end or cover caps to illustrate the mounting device GE;

FIG. 3:

a schematic vertical longitudinal section through the antenna device (without representation of the antenna device and without representation of the radiator and the reflector and the front side opposite caps) to illustrate the fastening device including a length compensation device;

FIG. 3a:

a modified embodiment to FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 4:

a partial plan view of the antenna neneinrichtung with removed top of the housing / radome;

FIG. 5:

a schematic extracts cross-sectional view of a modified Embodiment with a mounting fastening device with length compensation;

FIG. 6:

a schematic plan view of a modified embodiment of an internal mounting device in the form of a deformable spring device in a first load state; and

FIG. 7:

a corresponding representation too FIG. 5 in another load condition with different temperature-induced length expansion of the housing / radome with respect to the inner support and / or Radomein- direction.

In FIG. 1 is shown in a schematic three-dimensional representation of a first embodiment of an antenna device, as it comes in particular for frequency ranges above 2 GHz, for example, for the so-called wireless WiMAX technology in question.

For this purpose, the antenna device comprises a housing 1, which is also sometimes referred to below as a radome.

The housing has an upper side 1a (FIG. FIG. 2 ), which is usually at least slightly transversely to the longitudinal extent of the housing slightly convex or convex, so it is at least slightly bulged to the outside. At two overhead and (pointing in the beam direction) outer boundary edges 3, the upper side 1a of the housing / radome merges arcuately into side wall sections 1b, which also have a slightly bulging outward shape towards the outside are.

In front view, the cross-sectional shape of the housing / radome is designed rather trapezoidal in the embodiment shown, such that the radom topside 1a lying in the beam direction has an at least slightly greater width than the distance between the opposite side wall sections 1b in the region of the underside of the housing / radome ,

As shown in the partially rendered representation according to FIG. 2 can be seen, the housing / radome 1 has a rear wall or a bottom 1d, which is flat in the embodiment shown. The above construction is only exemplary. The corresponding housing / radome can in principle have any desired cross-sectional shapes or other shapes, that is, for example, a straight upper side, even a concavely curved upper side, upper sides or side walls with groove-like depressions etc. Restrictions do not exist in this respect.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, two parallel chambers 1e are provided adjacent to the two longitudinal side wall sections 1b on the rear side or underside of the bottom 1d opposite to the top side 1a, which basically are closed except for the apertures for the fastening device which are discussed below the chambers 1e is delimited by a chamber wall 1f extending at a distance from the bottom 1d, which part is also called a supporting wall 1g.

How basically up FIG. 1 is also visible, is in the interior 7 of the housing / radome 1, ie between the rear lying rear wall or bottom wall 1d, the side wall portions 1b and the top 1a, the actual antenna device with a reflector 9, which is positioned on the bottom wall 1d or at a small distance parallel to the bottom or rear wall 1d and at a distance from the opposite end faces of the Housing / Radoms ends.

In the longitudinal direction of the reflector 9, a plurality of radiators or radiating means 11 are arranged at a distance from each other in the embodiment shown. In the exemplary embodiment shown, these are dual-polarized radiating devices 11 which, when the antenna is mounted vertically, transmit and / or receive in two polarizations which are perpendicular to one another and oriented at the 45 ° angle relative to the vertical or horizontal. With respect to the structure and operation of the antenna in question, for example, the Vorveröffentlichung WO 00/039894 A1 referenced, although other types of antennas can be used here, for example, simply polarized radiator, dipole squares, cross dipoles, patch radiators, etc. Restrictions are not given in this respect.

For the sake of completeness, it will be mentioned that in the exemplary embodiment shown, the reflector 9 side boundaries 9a and end-side transverse boundaries 9b and transverse boundaries 9c extending between two longitudinal side boundaries are seated on the reflector plane or at a small distance therefrom, which can be provided between two radiators 11.

Below is on the mounting device for attachment Such an antenna, for example, on a mast or on a housing, etc., received.

For this purpose, the antenna has mutually offset on its rear side (that is, rather assigned to the opposite end or front side region of the housing / radome) in each case a mounting device 15, i. a first mounting device 15 'and a second mounting device 15 ", which in plan view a U-shaped bracket - that is approximated in plan view U-shaped plate - is approximated and connected to the antenna mounting leg 15a and one, the two mounting legs transverse to each other Attachment portion 15b, which is provided with openings 16, for example, by means of screws to secure a corresponding antenna to a wall, housing wall or using a stirrup with encompassing an antenna mast by passing screws through the holes 16 and with the counter bracket, such as nuts, Alternatively, so-called tension bands may also be used, which is quite typical, in order to fix and position them at a suitable location.

Out Figures 2 and 3 It can be seen that, for example, the right-hand mounting device 15, 15 'is fixedly connected to the housing / radome by means of two screws 21, wherein a bore 25 is made congruent to a respective bore 23 in the respective mounting leg 15a of the mounting device 15 in the rearward chamber wall sections 1f , In the illustrated embodiment is located in the interior of the chamber 1e a holding or supporting device 27, which serves as a counter-pressing member (counter plate) and also with another congruent to the bore 23 and 25 extending bore 29 is provided. Through these three holes 23, 25 and 29 can then in the Figures 2 and 3 shown screw 21 with external screw head 21a with its associated threaded portion are inserted so that it can be screwed into a nut located inside the chamber 1e 33.

Serving as a counter-plate holding and mounting rail 27 is also U-shaped in cross section (transverse to the longitudinal direction), thus has leg portions and a connecting flat central portion, so that the support and support rail 27 in cross section in approximately the cross-sectional shape (with slightly smaller dimension) corresponds to the chambers 1e, there is accordingly introduced and resting on the wall sections of the chamber 1e.

The screw 21 can be tightened as necessary or fully. In this case, in the chamber 1e internal holding and carrying device 27 with the outer mounting leg 15a under sandwiching receiving a portion of the chamber wall 1f performing supporting wall 1g - which is part of the housing / radome 1 of the antenna - screwed and thereby clamped that a safe and secure anchoring of the mounting device 15, 15 'on the housing / Radom 1 is guaranteed.

Moreover, since the mentioned bores 23, 25, 29 are adapted only to the size of the threaded shank of the screw 31, no relative displacement between mounting leg 15a and housing / radome or chamber 1e or the holding and carrying device 27 can also be performed here.

From the embodiment shown, it can be seen that that the holding and supporting means 27 is not only plate-shaped, but extends almost over the entire length of the housing / radome within the chamber 1e, ie to the opposite end of the chamber to which the opposite second mounting means 15 is mounted.

This second mounting device 15, 15 "is provided with a length compensation device 35.

In this case, in each mounting leg 15a two offset in the longitudinal direction of the mounting leg 15a bores 23 are provided through which a respective screw 37 can be passed for attachment.

In this case, in the same longitudinal distance from the bores 23 inside bores 29 on the holding and carrying device 27, hereinafter also referred to briefly as holding and supporting rail 27, introduced to pass also here the additional threaded shank of the screws 37 and an associated, within the Chamber 1e located nut 33 to be screwed tight.

In this embodiment, the threaded shaft 37 'surrounded by a spacer sleeve 39 as Eindreh-limiting device 239, which is limited with increasing tightening of the screw 37, the minimum distance with which the mounting leg 15a with the located within the chamber holding and supporting rail 27 pressed together can be. As can also be seen from the sectional view, in the region of the rearward chamber wall 1f not only one bore adapted to the diameter of the threaded shaft 37 'but two is provided staggered slots 37 "provided (which could also be connected to a common slot 37").

If the screws 37 are tightened in this case, it is ensured by the spacer or the spacer sleeve 39, that the clear distance between the inside of the housing 15 "a of the mounting leg 15a and the rear side facing side 47 'of the holding and carrying device 27th is greater than the thickness of the support wall 1g, that is greater than the thickness of the chamber wall 1f, so that at least one in FIG. 3 indicated slight distance 41 between the inside 15 "a of the mounting leg 15a and the outside of the chamber wall 1f remains.

In other words, even with the maximum tightening of the screws 37, a free relative displacement of the mounting device 15, 15 "relative to the housing / radome can not be overridden.

Since at a temperature change the mentioned longitudinal displacement is provided at least in one of the two mounting devices relative to the housing / Radom 1 only in the region of the outer chamber 1e, through the continuous bottom or rear wall 1d of the interior 7 of the housing / radome 1 completely outwards sealed.

On the opposite ends are then ultimately in FIG. 1 partially shown in section end caps 43 placed, whereby the interior 7 of the housing / radome 1 is completely sealed.

By the common holding and carrying device 27 in the form a holding and carrying rail 27, whereby the two mounting means 15, that is, the first and second mounting means 15 'and 15 "are set in their longitudinal spacing, it can be ensured that in a medium temperature range, the mentioned screws 37 at least at one, with a Length compensation device 35 provided mounting means 15 "come to rest in a central region of the preferably slot-shaped recess 37", so that a completely trouble-free installation is possible, which ensures in practice that in all relevant temperature ranges the desired length expansion of the housing / radome over the mounting lugs or mounting devices 15 is effective.

Notwithstanding the embodiment shown, the aforementioned longitudinal channels or chambers 1e can also be arranged so that they do not protrude beyond the bottom or rear wall 1d down, but as separate chambers in the area between the bottom or rear wall 1d and the top 1a are housed in the interior 7 of the radome.

Also in this case there is the advantage that the interior 7 is hermetically sealed against moisture and external influences.

Based on FIG. 3a is a variation too FIG. 3 shown.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 3a An intermediate plate 101f is provided, which is fastened by means of screws 247 'using nuts 233 to a wall portion 1f of the channels 1e. Pass through the screws 247 ' in this case corresponding holes in the wall portion 1f and in the support rail or the support rail portion 27, 27 ', and are secured by nuts 233 which rest on the back of the support rail 27, 27'.

This intermediate plate 101f now serves as an anchoring base for mounting the length compensation device 35 using screws 37, the slots 37 "are screwed through into a threaded hole 101g with its shaft 37 '.

In this case, no spacer sleeve or spacer 39 is used, but a Eindreh-limiting device 239, which is formed by the length of the threaded shaft 37 '. For in the illustrated embodiment, the length of the threaded bore including the thickness of the associated mounting leg 15a at this point is smaller than the length of the screw thread 37 '. In other words, even with maximum screwing of the screws 37 into the threaded bore (as far as possible), it is ensured that the underside of the screw head of the screws 37 does not rest on the outside of the mounting leg 15a, but an at least minimal clearance gap or clearance 41 is formed here is, whereby the free displaceability of the mounting device 15, 15 "is ensured with respect to the intermediate plate 101f and thus with respect to the housing / Radom 1. Alternatively or additionally, it would also be possible to use a shortened spacer sleeve 39, ie indirectly on the intermediate plate 101f rests against the radome and a further screwing the screws while maintaining a minimum distance 41 maintains and ensures.

Instead of the aforementioned spacer sleeve 39, a so-called shoulder screw 37 can be used, which is provided with a projection 39 with a larger transverse diameter, which is larger than the diameter of the underlying screw thread. This wider approach 39 virtually fulfills the function of the spacer sleeve 39.

Thus, in order to avoid a fixed distortion while eliminating free adjustability, either the use of spacers or the use of fixed rotation limiting means is generally suitable in any embodiment which ensures that a free play 41 is realized to allow for adjustment.

Based on FIG. 5 is shown only schematically that the fastening device can not be formed on a channel 1e or on a corresponding channel wall 1f, but for example on projections, for example, web or wall-shaped projections 1f '. Such a web or wall-shaped projection 1f 'could, for example, protrude perpendicularly from the lower housing or radome wall 1d and terminate freely.

In this case, therefore, web-shaped and preferably parallel to the bottom 1d extending anchoring walls 1f 'serve to attach thereto on one side, for example, the support and support rail 27 on an opposite side of the mounting device 15 with its mounting portion 15b, again using the explained nuts. At one attachment point, for example, the mounting device could again be mounted firmly different and to a offset mounting device 15, preferably in the region of the opposite end of the antenna device using the Langlochausnehmung 37 ", here using the mentioned spacers or spacers 39 ensures that a temperature-related length expansion safely and easily relative to the mounting device 15, 15" is possible. Further modifications are possible. For the sake of completeness, it is noted that in FIG. 5 the corresponding attachment by means of a mounting leg 15a and a second in FIG. 5 not shown, lying on the right further Stegoder housing / Radomwand 1f ', as the support is always realized in pairs. The second mounting device without length compensation is constructed accordingly, as explained with reference to the other embodiment, without spacer sleeve 39 and without the resulting clearance 41, so that there is a fixed mounting on the web wall 1f 'is ensured.

Hereinafter, the further embodiment of the antenna device with respect to the FIG. 4 received.

The explained antenna device also has an inner length compensation device 135. This is necessary so that the existing example of a thermoplastic housing / Radom 1 due to temperature can perform a different length extension than housed in the inner housing / Radom 1 antenna support and / or reflector device , which is usually made of metal or of a dielectric, which is provided with a metallic (conductive) surface. As a result, it can be ensured that temperature-related different linear expansions of the housing / radome and of the antenna support structure located inside and in particular of the reflector lead to any damage to the entire assembly, in particular not cause the case is leaking.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, at least two inner mounting devices 115 are provided offset to one another in the longitudinal direction of the housing / radome 1, namely a first mounting device 115 ', which is provided without length compensation device, and a second mounting device 115 ", which comprises a length compensation device Inside the housing / Radoms 1, the antenna support means, which is hereinafter also partly referred to as antenna support and / or reflector means held.

In FIGS. 1 and 4 lying on the left, the first inner mounting device 115, 115 'is shown in plan view. In the embodiment shown, it comprises a substantially triangular (for example plastic) existing mounting body 114 ', which terminates in two extending in the longitudinal direction of the antenna and transversely offset therefrom mounting leg 115a, which screwed over externally threaded screws 118 to the longitudinal webs 9a of the reflector are attached. Instead of the mounting body 114 'shown in the drawings, a rigid sheet metal bracket or a similar device could be used. Likewise, the end cap could be configured integrally with a corresponding mounting body, so that in other words the end cap is provided directly with a projecting into the Radominnere approach, which serves to support and / or attachment to the reflector or other provided inside the room support means. Instead of the mentioned screw fastening for connecting the mounting body 114 'with the end cap can also serve any other suitable fastening device, such as a Clip, a plugged pin, rivets, Tox compounds in sheet metal parts, etc. Restrictions are not given here.

Opposite the reflector 9, the mounting body 114 ', which is triangular in plan view, extends into an elongated mounting projection 119' which is located centrally in the exemplary embodiment shown and which comes to rest adjacent to an end-side end cap 43.

From the outside, a screw (similar to screw 145 on the opposite end cap 43) into the fixture 115, i.e., bore (similar to the bore 143 on the opposite end cap 43), may be inserted through a corresponding bore (not shown in the figures). are screwed into a formed in the mounting projection 114 'internal thread, whereby this inner mounting means 115, 115' fixed to the associated end cap 43 and thus connected to this end of the housing / radome 1 and is supported thereon.

The opposing second inner mounting device 115 "includes the mentioned inner length compensation device 135.

The second mounting body 114, 114 "is basically constructed similarly and fastened with its two outer mounting legs 115a to the adjacent longitudinal webs 9a of the reflector 9 by means of the screws 118 seated there.

However, the middle extension approach 119 "here is designed piston-shaped and guided in a longitudinal extension 121 in the mounting body 114" longitudinally displaceable. In the embodiment shown sits in the region of the piston-shaped Extension member 119 a coil spring 123. In other words, the piston-shaped extension portion 119 "passes through the coil spring 123. The coil spring 123 is supported at its opposite ends in each case at a Abstützrand, namely at a support edge 119a, which is located on the extension lug 119 remote from the end cap 43rd is formed, as well as on one of the end cap 43 closer and part of the mounting body 114 "forming supporting edge 114a, whereby the inner diameter of the longitudinal bore 121 is reduced. In the embodiment shown, the coil spring 123 is under pretension.

The extension lug 119 "is also threaded back into a threaded socket in the extension lug 119" using a screw 145 inserted through a bore 143 in the associated end cap 43, thereby securely attaching the extension lug 119 "to the associated end cap 43.

In the case of a temperature-related length expansion, this can lead to the housing / radome being subjected to a greater length expansion with respect to the reflector 9 in the event of an increase in temperature. In this case, the associated end cap 43 would continue to move away from the frontal boundary of the associated reflector, with others In other words, the coil spring 123 would continue to be compressed, since the slidably or rail-like extension extension 119 "in the longitudinal extension 121 in view of FIG. 4 is moved to the right. At a temperature decrease, a reverse effect would occur.

In principle, such an inner mounting device with a length compensation device could also be used at the opposite end. However, it is sufficient to provide at least one end face such a device to keep the inner antenna support device or generally the reflector device and the radiator sitting thereon securely mounted.

Instead of the aforementioned coil spring 123 but also completely different power spring memory 123 'can be used (leaf springs, disc springs, etc.). Likewise, a coil spring could be used, which is not under a bias, but under a pre-strain, when the anchoring and support is reversed.

According to the described construction, the inner length compensation device 135 is at least two parts formed with the aforementioned power spring memory 123 ', wherein a part with the antenna support and / or reflector means on the one hand and the other part indirectly with the housing / radome, in the illustrated embodiment on the held on the housing / radom patch end cap 43 and is connected thereto. Both parts, namely the mounting body 114 "and the therein or on it, in particular longitudinally displaceable extension lug 119" are designed according to a slide or other guide device so that they allow a longitudinal compensation movement and still hold the inner support members, in particular the reflector. The additionally provided spring device is used primarily for generating mutually facing contact forces, which are introduced on opposite end caps 43 to the housing / radome seal to the outside.

The following is based on FIGS. 6 and 7 explains that but also a one-piece or substantially one-piece inner mounting device 115 "with a length compensation device 135 is possible.

This can namely - as with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 is shown in a schematic plan view - bow springs 124 as an inner mounting means 115 "or mounting body 114" are used, which are elastically deformable as a whole, as is apparent from a comparison according to FIGS. 6 and 7 can be seen. In FIGS. 6 and 7 shows the position and the deformation of the bow springs 124, which may result in different length expansion values of the housing / radome 1 relative to the inside of the antenna support and / or reflector device 9. In the FIGS. 6 and 7 So the clamps are shown in a compressed or stretched state.

The described structure using a force accumulator 123 ', which generates a contact force in the direction of the associated housing / radome 1 on the associated end cap 43, also causes by this construction on the two opposite end caps 43 by the mentioned power spring memory 123' contact forces are initiated with which the two end caps 43 are held firmly and pressed tightly against the opposite end portions of the channel or quiver-shaped housing / radome. For this purpose, the caps 43 preferably have an insertable circumferential web wall 43 'which engages behind the housing / radome, preferably between the associated shoulder section of the end cap and the front wall boundary 47 of the housing / Radoms also a circumferential seal can be introduced.

The invention thus describes an antenna device, in which the inner structure is held and anchored at least indirectly indirectly within the radome 1 with an inner length compensation device 135 on the housing / radome 1, wherein in addition an outer length expansion device 35 is provided, which allows easy mounting of the antenna device, ie of the housing / radome e.g. on a wall, a mast, etc. allowed. The housing / radome can thereby carry out a different length expansion, especially due to temperature, without the housing / radome being damaged or destroyed and parts of the antennas or the radome located inside would be exposed to environmental influences, in particular moisture could penetrate into the interior of the housing / radome which is highly undesirable.

Both the outer mounting devices 15 as well as the inner mounting means 115, for example, can be easily provided at three offset points (or more). In this case, it could be thought of, for example, equip the remotely located mounting device both inside and outside with the described inner and outer length compensation device 35, 135 and provide only between an outer and an inner mounting means 15, 115, which is formed without length compensation device. Preferably, the arrangement is such that at a beginning or end of a mounting device is used without length compensation device and the following, mutually offset mounting means are then provided with a corresponding length compensation device, with increasing distance from the mounting device without length compensation device, the mounting device used must allow an increasingly larger length compensation.

In the drawings, therefore, an embodiment is shown in which at least two chambers are provided, which is engaged by the fastening device. If required, however, even more chambers can be provided, which are preferably parallel to one another, on which the mounting device additionally attaches.

As the material for the housing / radome all suitable materials come into consideration. In particular, the use of coextrudates or electrically neutral fibers is conceivable. Even materials made of electrically neutral fibers using wood fibers are conceivable. Thermoplastics which have the higher coefficients of thermal expansion compared to metals are particularly suitable as materials.

Claims (15)

1. Antenna device having the following features:

   - a housing/radome (1),

   - an antenna supporting and/or reflector device (9) provided inside the housing/radome (1), via which preferably a plurality of radiator devices (11) is held at least indirectly,

   - at least two mutually offset mounting devices (15; 15', 15") for mounting and
   attaching the housing/radome (1),
   characterised by the following further features:

   - at least one of the two mounting devices (15, 15") is provided with an external length compensation device (35), which allows a differing expansion in length of the housing/radome (1) with respect to at least one of the at least two mounting devices (15) for attaching the antenna device,

   - for this, the at least one mounting device (15, 15") comprises a guide device by which the housing/radome (1) can be relatively adjusted with respect to the mounting device (15, 15") in a direction of the antenna housing/radome (1) at least for a path length,

   - the external length compensation device (35) with the guide device comprises a supporting wall (1f, 1g, 101f, 1f') which is connected to the housing/radome (1) or forms a part of the housing/radome (1), the supporting wall being accommodated in sandwich fashion between a portion of the mounting device (15, 15") and a holding and supporting device (27),

   - the supporting wall (1f, 1g, 101f, 1f'), the holding and supporting device (27) and the mounting device (15, 15") are screwed together by at least one screw (37), and

   - a spacer device or a screwing-in restriction device (39, 239) is provided for the at least one screw (37) to produce a clearance or spacing (41) between the supporting wall (1f, 1g, 101f, 1f') and the mounting device (15', 15"), in such a way that when the at least one screw (37) is tightened there remains a clearance or spacing (41) which allows an unhindered compensation movement between the mounting device (15', 15") and the housing/radome (1).
2. Antenna device according to claim 1, characterised in that the spacer device (39) is configured in such a way that the minimum distance between the mounting device (15) and the holding and supporting device (27) in the region of the screw (37) corresponds to a value which is greater than the thickness of the associated supporting wall (1f, 1g, 101f, 1f), to which the external length compensation device (35) is attached.
3. Antenna device according to claim 1, characterised in that the at least one screw (37) can be screwed into the supporting wall (1f, 1g, 101f, 1f'), and cooperates with a screwing-in restriction device (239), preferably

   a) in the form of a screw shank (37'), which is longer than the associated depth of the tapped hole (101g) and/or

   b) in the form of a spacing device (39) and/or

   c) in the form of a shoulder cap, which is provided with a shoulder (39),
   such that when the screw (37) is fully tightened in the tapped hole (101g), a minimum distance remains between the mounting device (15, 15") and the supporting wall (1f, 1g, 101f, 1f) in the region of the locking screw (37).
4. Antenna device according to either claim 2 or claim 3, characterised in that the external length compensation device (35) is attached to the supporting wall (1g) which is configured as the chamber wall (1f) of an additionally provided chamber (1e) which is separated from the interior (7) of the housing/radome (1) in which the reflector (9) and/or the radiator device (11) are accommodated, at least two chambers (1e) preferably being provided.
5. Antenna device according to either claim 2 or claim 3, characterised in that the supporting wall (1g), which is rigidly connected to the housing/radome (1), of the external length compensation device (35) is attached in the form of a freely protruding projection, shoulder or web (1f, 1f).
6. Antenna device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that provided in the housing/radome (1), in particular in a portion of the chamber wall (1f) separate from the interior (7) of the housing/radome (1) or in a projection, shoulder or web (1f) connected to the housing/radome (1) is at least one slotted recess (37"), in the region of which at least one attachment screw (37) is provided which passes through a hole (23) in the mounting device (15) and a slotted recess (37") in a portion of the chamber wall (1f) or in the projection, shoulder or web (1f'), as well as through a further hole (29), congruent with the hole (23) in the mounting device (15), in the holding and supporting device (27) and is braced with a rearwards threaded device (33), the screw shank (37') projecting through a spacing sleeve (39), the axial length of which is greater than the thickness of the associated portion of the chamber wall (1f).
7. Antenna device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the holding and supporting device (27) comprises a holding and supporting rail (27') which, in an offset position, is screwed together with at least one further second mounting device (15, 15') which is offset with respect to the first mounting device (15, 15"), by at least one screw connection device.
8. Antenna device according to claim 7, characterised in that at least the second mounting device (15, 15') is fitted without an external length compensation device (35).
9. Antenna device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that at least one further mounting device (15, 15') is provided with a further external length compensation device (35).
10. Antenna device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that at least n mounting devices (15, 15', 15") which are offset with respect to one another in one direction, preferably in the longitudinal direction of the antenna device are provided, n being a natural integer greater than two, and in that of the n external mounting devices (15, 15"), at least n-1 external mounting devices (15, 15") are each provided with an external compensation device (35) and preferably the at least one mounting device (15, 15') provided without an external compensation device (35) is positioned at the start or at the end of the housing/radome (1).
11. Antenna device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the holding and supporting device (27), preferably in the form of a holding and supporting rail (27') is accommodated in each case in a separate additional chamber (1e) which is divided by a closed housing/radome wall (1d) to form the interior (7) of the housing/radome (1), in which the antenna supporting and/or reflector device is accommodated.
12. Antenna device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the housing/radome (1) consists of an extruded material or of electrically neutral fibres or of a thermoplastic polymer, in particular of an unreinforced thermoplastic polymer or of a thermoplastic polymer reinforced with electrically neutral fibres.
13. Antenna device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the housing/radome (1) expands by more than a factor of three compared to the antenna supporting and/or reflector device (9) provided in the interior of the housing/radome (1), in particular a metal antenna supporting and/or reflector device (9).
14. Antenna device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterised by the following further features:

    - an internal length compensation device (135) is provided which allows a differing expansion in length of the housing/radome (1) in relation to the antenna supporting and/or reflector device (9) positioned in the interior (7) of the housing/radome (1),

    - the antenna supporting and/or reflector device (9) is anchored to the housing/radome (1), at least indirectly at at least two mutually offset points, preferably at points offset in the longitudinal direction of the antenna device, by a respective internal mounting device (115; 115', 115"),

    - at least one of the at least two internal mounting devices (115; 115") is provided with the internal length compensation device (135),

    - the internal length compensation device (135) is at least divided in two or arranged in two parts, one part (114") being rigidly connected to the antenna supporting and/or reflector device (9) and/or being supported thereon and the other part (119") being rigidly connected at least indirectly to the housing/radome (1) and/or being supported thereon, and

    - the at least two parts (114", 119") can be displaced, changed in position or deformed relative to one another, in particular can be changed in position relative to one another with respect to their two supporting points while they are jointly deformed.
15. Antenna device according to claim 14, characterised in that a spring energy store (123') is provided between the at least two relatively displaceable parts (114", 119") of the internal length compensation device (135).

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