EP2404344B1 - Device for assembling an antenna - Google Patents

Device for assembling an antenna Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2404344B1
EP2404344B1 EP10710877.1A EP10710877A EP2404344B1 EP 2404344 B1 EP2404344 B1 EP 2404344B1 EP 10710877 A EP10710877 A EP 10710877A EP 2404344 B1 EP2404344 B1 EP 2404344B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
antenna
radiating element
reflector
fastening means
antenna according
Prior art date
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Application number
EP10710877.1A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2404344A1 (en
Inventor
Olivier Portier
Gérard JACOB
Jean-Pierre Harel
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Alcatel Lucent SAS
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Alcatel Lucent SAS
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Publication of EP2404344A1 publication Critical patent/EP2404344A1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/12—Supports; Mounting means
    • H01Q1/1207—Supports; Mounting means for fastening a rigid aerial element
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/12—Supports; Mounting means
    • H01Q1/20—Resilient mountings
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
    • Y10T29/5313—Means to assemble electrical device

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of telecommunications antennas transmitting radio waves in the microwave range by means of voluminal radiating elements (in three dimensions), and more particularly, but not exclusively to a device for assembling a radio frequency. 'antenna.
  • an antenna comprises steps of mechanical fastening of its components to each other.
  • a mechanical assembly comprising a frame, serving as a central mechanical structure, on which are fixed all the other components, such as radiating elements, power dividers, phase shifters, walls reflective, parasitic elements, etc ... Once all the elements assembled around the frame, the whole is surrounded by a radome.
  • this frame In order to withstand the mechanical forces due to the weight of the components and the constraints imposed by the environment, this frame is made from a material, usually metal, having a sufficient hardness and thickness. This initial constraint limits the subsequent mechanical choices. It requires that the compromises in the design, especially between the factors of electrical and mechanical nature and the cost of manufacture, are mainly guided by the mechanical requirements to ensure stability of performance. For example, an antenna about 2 m long operating in a frequency band around 2 GHz has an aluminum frame having a thickness between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm. Whereas, if only the depth related to the skin effect in the frequency range is taken into account, the required thickness would be only less than 0.1 mm.
  • the panel antennas usually comprise an array of voluminal radiating elements aligned and fixed on a longitudinal mechanical structure.
  • the document DE-10-2007-033 817 discloses an antenna having a mechanical structure and at least one dual polarization volume radiating element having a foot surmounted by a radiating plane.
  • the problem is therefore to find an assembly device for performing the positioning and fixing on the structure of the radiating elements, and possibly other components involved in the construction of a panel antenna, so as to obtain a connection which is mechanically and electrically efficient and cleared of intermodulation products (IMPs).
  • IMPs intermodulation products
  • the object of the invention is therefore to propose in particular a device for assembling the components of a panel-type antenna for fixing the voluminal radiating elements on a component of the mechanical structure of the antenna in a fast, reliable manner, reversible and cheap.
  • the present invention also aims to provide an antenna comprising volumic radiating elements mechanically connected to a reflector whose thickness is less than in the prior art without compromising the mechanical strength of the antenna.
  • Another object of the present invention is to propose a method of fixing a radiating element coupled to a conductive reflector, which is faster and however as reliable as the previous methods.
  • the dielectric part comprises the means necessary for fixing the volume radiating element, such as in particular holes, clips, clips or latching pins.
  • the first fixing means cooperating with the radiating element is a snap-fastening means.
  • the first fixing means comprises at least one relief capable of being inserted into the foot of the volume radiating element.
  • Fixing the mechanical element on the dielectric piece by snapping can be achieved by means of reliefs of several types: annular, protruding, U-type, torsion, etc ...
  • the dielectric part To prevent their transmission to the radiating element, the dielectric part must be able to absorb vibrations and shocks. For this reason, the dielectric piece may further comprise at least one damper.
  • the invention has the advantage that the reflector, serving as a mechanical structure, placed in the center of the antenna along its longitudinal axis no longer directly supports the external mechanical stresses, the radiating element now being connected thereto via the dielectric part.
  • the reflector relieved of these constraints, retains only its function of conductive electric reflector.
  • All the components involved in the construction of a panel antenna in particular the reflector, the radiating elements, the radome, the screens, the parasitic elements, etc., can be connected to the dielectric part which ensures the mechanical rigidity of the assembly:
  • the dielectric part must be sufficiently rigid to withstand the mechanical stresses imposed on it and must simultaneously ensure the flexibility of the connection mechanical between the radiating element and the reflector.
  • This part will advantageously be made of a polymeric material, such as polyoxymethylene (POM), polypropylene (PP) or an acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene (ABS) copolymer, possibly filled with fiberglass.
  • POM polyoxymethylene
  • PP polypropylene
  • ABS acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene copolymer
  • the assembly device according to the invention makes it easier to control the vibrations or external shocks.
  • the use of plastics makes it possible to at least partially absorb the forces exerted by the external mechanical environment and to limit their propagation in the components inside the antenna.
  • the invention also proposes a panel-type antenna comprising at least one voluminal radiating element comprising a foot surmounted by a radiating plane, at least one component of the mechanical structure of the antenna, and an assembly device as described above.
  • the dielectric piece is disposed transversely to the longitudinal axis of the antenna.
  • the electrical connection between the volume radiating element and the plane conducting support, serving in particular as a reflector, placed opposite the radiating plane is of the capacitive type.
  • the component of the mechanical structure of the antenna is the radome.
  • the component of the mechanical structure of the antenna is the reflector.
  • the invention makes it possible to greatly reduce these stresses on the reflector of the antenna to the extent that it is no longer in direct contact with the external environment.
  • the invention also proposes a method of assembling the components of a panel-type antenna comprising at least one voluminal radiating element comprising a foot surmounted by a radiating plane to be fixed on at least one component of the mechanical structure of the antenna. , and an assembly device as described above, in which the dielectric part is arranged transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the antenna.
  • an assembly device comprising a dielectric part 1 for fixing a voluminal (three-dimensional) radiating element 2 capacitively coupled to a plane conductive support, as for example the reflector 3 of an antenna.
  • a radome 4 surrounds and protects the constituent elements of the antenna.
  • the radiating element 2 comprises a radiating plane 5, formed of dipoles, carried by a usually tubular foot 6.
  • the radiating element 2 is supplied by means of accessories 7 such as a current divider, a phase-shifter, etc.
  • the dielectric part 1 comprises in its central zone 8 a means for fixing the element radiating 2 and in its lateral zones 9 fastening means cooperating with longitudinal flanges 10 belonging to a component of the mechanical structure of the antenna, such as for example the reflector 3 or the radome 4.
  • the figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment of an assembly device which comprises a dielectric part 21 comprising dampers 22 to reduce the propagation to the radiating element 2 shocks and vibrations from the external environment of the antenna.
  • Capacitive coupling can be realized in different ways as illustrated in the Figures 3 and 4 .
  • the capacitive coupling 30 of the radiating element 2 with the reflector 3 is obtained thanks to the combination of an air space 31 forming an insulating layer between the foot 6 of the radiating element 2 and the folded edge 32 of the reflector 3 and secondly a dielectric part 33 belonging to the assembly device of the radiating element 2.
  • a solid film of dielectric material may be placed in the space 31.
  • the figure 4 shows another example of capacitive coupling 40 of the radiating element 2 with a plane reflector 41. In this case it is necessary to insert a film 42 of insulating material between the foot 6 of the radiating element 2 and the plane reflector 41 .
  • the figure 5 represents a perspective view of an antenna 50 comprising an assembly device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • the radiating element 51 is composed of a foot 55 carrying a radiating plane 56 comprising two orthogonally associated half-wavelength dipoles 57, 58 to obtain a double cross polarization arrangement.
  • Each dipole 57, 58 is provided respectively with a power supply.
  • the foot 55 consists of four tube portions, two tubular portions 59 are used for the passage of the supply of the dipoles and two tubular portions 60 are free.
  • the dielectric part 53 of the assembly device placed under the reflector 52 comprises at each end a damper 61.
  • the lateral zones 62 of the dielectric part 53 carries fastening means 63 which hook on each side of the reflector 52 on longitudinal flanges 64, belonging to a component 65 of the mechanical structure of the antenna, here the lower part of the radome 54.
  • the foot 55 of the radiating element 51 is retained by the fixing means situated in the central zone 66 of the dielectric part 53.
  • Intermediate zones 67 join the central zone 66 to the lateral zones 62.
  • the dielectric part 70 comprises a central zone 71 comprising a fixing means including at least one relief 72 adapted to be inserted in one of the free tubular portions of the foot of the radiating element to retain it by snapping.
  • the central zone 71 also comprises at least one hole 73 for the passage of the power supply of the dipoles.
  • the dielectric part 70 also has lateral zones 74 advantageously provided with dampers 75 to limit the transmission to the radiator of vibrations or shocks that may come from the external environment.
  • Each lateral zone is provided with a fixing means 76 on a component of the mechanical structure of the antenna.
  • this fastening means 76 has substantially a hook shape intended to catch on longitudinal edges.
  • the dielectric part 70 finally comprises intermediate zones 77 which connect the central zone 71 to the lateral zones 74 respectively.
  • Intermediate zone 77 must provide a flexible connection to give the dielectric part good absorption capacity for vibrations, shocks or deformation that may occur.
  • the dielectric part 70 it is possible to use the dielectric part 70 to assemble several components of the antenna, such as the reflector, the radiating elements, the radome, the screens, the parasitic elements, etc ...
  • the piece dielectric 70 must be sufficiently rigid to withstand the mechanical stresses induced by the antenna components attached thereto, but yet sufficiently flexible to limit the transmission of vibrations and shocks. This absorption capacity makes it possible to increase the life of the components placed inside the antenna that are less stressed.
  • performance with respect to intermodulation products (IMPs) is improved by reducing the transmission of external stresses towards the inside of the antenna.
  • the dielectric piece 70 is molded in one piece in a plastic material.
  • the cup of the figure 9 shows in detail the fixing of a radiating element inside the antenna by means of the assembly device according to a particular embodiment of the invention.
  • the main function of the foot 90 is to separate the radiating plane 93 from the radiating element 91 of the reflector 94, and to allow the connection to the earth of the radiating element 91.
  • Two of these tube portions are used for the passage of coaxial cables supplying the dipoles.
  • the other two tube portions 92 are available for fixing the radiating element 91.
  • relief pins 95 carried by the dielectric piece 96 are force-fitted inside the tube portions 92. These pins 95 are preferably annealed so as to increase the friction to ensure the retention of the radiating element 91.
  • the reflector 94 is disposed above the dielectric part 96 and has openings to allow passage of the tube portions used for the passage of the cables.
  • the dielectric piece 96 simultaneously supports the radiating element 91, the reflector 94, the accessories 97 associated with the supply of the radiating element, and the radome 98.
  • Each lateral zone is provided with a fixing means on a component of the mechanical structure of the antenna, which in this case is the lower part of the radome 98. Thanks to this assembly device, the fixing of the radiating element 91 and the other antenna components 94, 97, 98 is very easy, simple and effective. No tools or external parts are needed to assemble the components together.
  • a thin insulating film 99 such as a thin plastic part or a plastic film for example, can be placed if necessary between the radiating element 91 and the reflector 94.
  • a thin insulating film disposed between the radiating element 91 and the reflector 94 is sufficient to create the conditions of a capacitive coupling, that is to say that the field electromagnetic between the radiating element 91 and the reflector 94 is high enough to couple the electromagnetic power from one to the other.
  • This ability to create a capacitive coupling is achieved with very cheap materials (thin plastic film). It also increases the PIM capacity of the antenna.
  • the connection between the radiating element 91 and the reflector 94 is sensitive to the products intermodulation (PIM), which is one of the possible causes of PIM training. Isolating the radiating element 91 of the reflector 94 is one way to overcome this problem.
  • PIM products intermodulation
  • the thickness of the reflector 94 has been considerably reduced. compared to the prior art, since this part no longer has to support the mass of the antenna components (radiating elements 91, power supply and its accessories 97, screens or traps, parasitic elements, radome 98, etc ... ) and the associated mechanical forces. In the embodiment shown here, the reduction of the thickness of the reflector 94 can easily reach a factor of 5. As a result, the cost of the reflector 94 will be greatly reduced.
  • reducing the thickness of the reflector 94 will now allow to obtain shapes that otherwise would have been mechanically difficult and / or expensive to obtain.
  • a round shape of the radiating part of the reflector 94 that is to say the part of the reflector situated opposite the radiating element 91 acting as a trap, can be directly integrated in the design of the reflector 94 without special constraints.
  • the round shape of the reflector 94 and the absence of sharp angles near areas of strong current makes it possible to stabilize the performance of the antenna inside the frequency band, limiting the reflections and thus reducing the ratio between the level of the electromagnetic wave radiated towards the rear of the antenna and the level of that radiated towards the front of the antenna.
  • the supply network of the radiating elements 91 is maintained by hooks 100 placed on the back of the assembly device. All the components 91, 94, 97, 98 assembled by the assembly device 96 are finally inserted into the radome 98.
  • the device according to the invention has many advantages. Thickness Reduction: Broadens the choice of material for the reflector among low-cost materials such as metallized plastics or very thin metals. This leads to a significant cost reduction. Direct metal-to-metal contacts are avoided to a minimum.
  • the assembly can be dismantled without damage.
  • the dielectric part allows the components (radiating elements, reflector, etc.) connected to it to withstand vibrations and shocks more important mechanical
  • the assembly device eliminates intermodulation products (PIM).

Description

La présente invention se rapporte au domaine des antennes de télécommunications transmettant des ondes radioélectriques dans le domaine des hyperfréquences au moyen d'éléments rayonnants volumiques (en trois dimensions), et plus particulièrement, mais non exclusivement à un dispositif d'assemblage d'une l'antenne.The present invention relates to the field of telecommunications antennas transmitting radio waves in the microwave range by means of voluminal radiating elements (in three dimensions), and more particularly, but not exclusively to a device for assembling a radio frequency. 'antenna.

La réalisation d'une antenne comporte des étapes de fixation mécanique de ses composants les uns aux autres. Aujourd'hui, la plupart des fabricants d'antennes utilisent un assemblage mécanique comportant un châssis, servant de structure mécanique centrale, sur lequel sont fixés tous les autres composants, tels que des éléments rayonnants, des diviseurs de puissance, des déphaseurs, des parois réfléchissantes, des éléments parasites, etc... Une fois tous les éléments assemblés autour du châssis, l'ensemble est entouré d'un radôme.The realization of an antenna comprises steps of mechanical fastening of its components to each other. Today, most antenna manufacturers use a mechanical assembly comprising a frame, serving as a central mechanical structure, on which are fixed all the other components, such as radiating elements, power dividers, phase shifters, walls reflective, parasitic elements, etc ... Once all the elements assembled around the frame, the whole is surrounded by a radome.

Afin de supporter les efforts mécaniques dus au poids des composants et au contraintes imposées par l'environnement, ce châssis est fabriqué à partir d'un matériau, le plus souvent métallique, ayant une dureté et une épaisseur suffisantes. Cette contrainte initiale limite les choix mécaniques ultérieurs. Elle impose que les compromis dans la conception, notamment entre les facteurs de nature électrique et mécanique et le coût de fabrication, soient principalement guidés par les exigences mécaniques en vue d'assurer la stabilité des performances. Par exemple, une antenne d'environ 2 m de long travaillant dans une bande de fréquences autour de 2 GHz comporte un châssis d'aluminium ayant une épaisseur comprise entre 1,5 mm et 2,5 mm. Alors que si l'on ne tient compte strictement que de la profondeur liée à l'effet de peau dans le domaine de fréquence, l'épaisseur requise ne serait que de moins de 0,1 mm.In order to withstand the mechanical forces due to the weight of the components and the constraints imposed by the environment, this frame is made from a material, usually metal, having a sufficient hardness and thickness. This initial constraint limits the subsequent mechanical choices. It requires that the compromises in the design, especially between the factors of electrical and mechanical nature and the cost of manufacture, are mainly guided by the mechanical requirements to ensure stability of performance. For example, an antenna about 2 m long operating in a frequency band around 2 GHz has an aluminum frame having a thickness between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm. Whereas, if only the depth related to the skin effect in the frequency range is taken into account, the required thickness would be only less than 0.1 mm.

La présence de connexions métalliques et leur positionnement entre les composants obligent à choisir des solutions mécaniques de fixation comme le vissage ou la soudure. Autrement, à cause de la dégradation inévitable des contacts électriques, l'antenne pourrait être confrontée à des problèmes de produits d'intermodulation (PIM) qui traduisent une distorsion des signaux transitant par l'antenne, tel que la perte de performances si ces dégradations surviennent aux endroits où les champs électromagnétiques sont intenses. Ces techniques d'assemblage présentent de sérieux inconvénients. Elles induisent des coûts supplémentaires, en particulier à cause d'une part du temps requis pour effectuer l'opération est d'autre part par la nécessité d'un contrôle poussé de la qualité de la liaison réalisée. En outre ces techniques d'assemblage rendent le désassemblage périlléux, voire impossible.The presence of metal connections and their positioning between the components make it necessary to choose mechanical fastening solutions such as screwing or welding. Otherwise, because of the inevitable degradation of the electrical contacts, the antenna could be confronted with problems of intermodulation products (IMPs) which translate a distortion of the signals passing through the antenna, such as the loss of performance if these degradations occur where electromagnetic fields are intense. These assembly techniques are serious disadvantages. They induce additional costs, in particular because of a part of the time required to perform the operation is also the need for extensive control of the quality of the link achieved. In addition, these assembly techniques make disassembly perilous, if not impossible.

Les antennes panneaux comportent habituellement un réseau d'éléments rayonnants volumiques alignés et fixés sur une structure mécanique longitudinale. Par exemple le document DE-10-2007-033 817 décrit une antenne ayant une structure mécanique et au moins un élément rayonnant volumique à double polarisation comportant un pied surmonté d'un plan rayonnant. Le probléme est donc de trouver un dispositif d'assemblage permettant de réaliser le positionnement et la fixation sur la structure des éléments rayonnants, et éventuellement des autres composants entrant dans la construction d'une antenne panneau, de manière à obtenir une liaison qui soit mécaniquement et électriquement efficace et débarrassée des produits d'intermodulation (PIM).The panel antennas usually comprise an array of voluminal radiating elements aligned and fixed on a longitudinal mechanical structure. For example the document DE-10-2007-033 817 discloses an antenna having a mechanical structure and at least one dual polarization volume radiating element having a foot surmounted by a radiating plane. The problem is therefore to find an assembly device for performing the positioning and fixing on the structure of the radiating elements, and possibly other components involved in the construction of a panel antenna, so as to obtain a connection which is mechanically and electrically efficient and cleared of intermodulation products (IMPs).

Le but de l'invention est donc de proposer en particulier un dispositif d'assemblage des composants d'une antenne de type panneau permettant de fixer les éléments rayonnants volumiques sur un composant de la structure mécanique de l'antenne de manière rapide, fiable, réversible et bon marché.The object of the invention is therefore to propose in particular a device for assembling the components of a panel-type antenna for fixing the voluminal radiating elements on a component of the mechanical structure of the antenna in a fast, reliable manner, reversible and cheap.

La solution recherchée doit notamment tenir compte simultanément des exigences suivantes :

  • éviter l'emploi de techniques telles que le vissage et/ou la soudure pour effectuer l'assemblage mécanique des éléments rayonnants et du réflecteur,
  • utiliser un partie non-conductrice comme vecteur mécanique de l'assemblage,
  • réaliser des connexions électriques de type capacitif, c'est-à-dire sans contact direct métal-métal.
In particular, the solution sought must take into account the following requirements:
  • avoid the use of techniques such as screwing and / or welding to perform the mechanical assembly of the radiating elements and the reflector,
  • use a non-conductive part as a mechanical vector of the assembly,
  • make capacitive type electrical connections, that is to say without direct contact metal-metal.

La présente invention a aussi pour but de proposer une antenne comprenant des éléments rayonnants volumiques reliés mécaniquement à un réflecteur dont l'épaisseur est moindre que dans l'art antérieur sans compromettre la tenue mécanique de l'antenne.The present invention also aims to provide an antenna comprising volumic radiating elements mechanically connected to a reflector whose thickness is less than in the prior art without compromising the mechanical strength of the antenna.

La présente invention a encore pour but de proposer un procédé de fixation d'un élément rayonnant couplé à un réflecteur conducteur, qui soit plus rapide et cependant aussi fiable que les procédés antérieurs.Another object of the present invention is to propose a method of fixing a radiating element coupled to a conductive reflector, which is faster and however as reliable as the previous methods.

L'objet de la présente invention est un dispositif d'assemblage des composants d'une antenne de type panneau ayant une structure mécanique et comprenant au moins un élément rayonnant volumique à double polarisation croisée comportant un pied surmonté d'un plan rayonnant, l'antenne étant caractérisée en ce qu'elle comporte un dispositif d'assemblage comprenant ledit pied constitué de quatre portions tubulaires et une pièce diélectrique comportant :

  • une zone centrale comprenant un premier moyen de fixation, incluant au moins un relief apte à s'insérer dans l'une des portions tubulaires libre dudit pied, coopérant avec l'élément rayonnant,
  • des zones latérales comprenant des deuxièmes moyens de fixation coopérant avec des rebords longitudinaux du composant de la structure mécanique de l'antenne, et
  • une zone intermédiaire comprenant un troisième moyen de liaison flexible entre le premier moyen de fixation et les deuxièmes moyens de fixation.
The object of the present invention is a device for assembling the components of a panel-type antenna having a mechanical structure and comprising at least one cross-polarized double-pole volume radiating element comprising a foot surmounted by a radiating plane, the antenna being characterized in that it comprises an assembly device comprising said foot consisting of four tubular portions and a dielectric part comprising:
  • a central zone comprising a first fastening means, including at least one relief capable of being inserted into one of the free tubular portions of said foot, cooperating with the radiating element,
  • lateral zones comprising second fixing means cooperating with longitudinal edges of the component of the mechanical structure of the antenna, and
  • an intermediate zone comprising a third means of flexible connection between the first fixing means and the second fixing means.

La pièce diélectrique comporte les moyens nécessaires à la fixation de l'élément rayonnant volumiques, comme notamment des trous, des pinces, des clips ou des pions d'encliquetage. Avantageusement, le premier moyen de fixation coopérant avec l'élément rayonnant est un moyen de fixation par encliquetage. Ainsi l'assemblage est réalisé rapidement et facilement, et le désassemblage est possible sans détérioration.The dielectric part comprises the means necessary for fixing the volume radiating element, such as in particular holes, clips, clips or latching pins. Advantageously, the first fixing means cooperating with the radiating element is a snap-fastening means. Thus the assembly is made quickly and easily, and disassembly is possible without deterioration.

Selon un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention, le premier moyen de fixation comprend au moins un relief apte à s'insérer dans le pied de l'élément rayonnant volumique. La fixation de l'élément mécanique sur la pièce diélectrique par encliquetage peut être réalisée au moyen de reliefs de plusieurs types: annulaire, saillant, type en U, en torsion, etc...According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first fixing means comprises at least one relief capable of being inserted into the foot of the volume radiating element. Fixing the mechanical element on the dielectric piece by snapping can be achieved by means of reliefs of several types: annular, protruding, U-type, torsion, etc ...

Pour éviter leur transmission à l'élément rayonnant, la pièce diélectrique doit être capable d'absorber les vibrations et les chocs. Pour cette raison, la pièce diélectrique peut comporter en outre au moins un amortisseur.To prevent their transmission to the radiating element, the dielectric part must be able to absorb vibrations and shocks. For this reason, the dielectric piece may further comprise at least one damper.

L'invention a comme avantage que le réflecteur, servant de structure mécanique, placée au centre de l'antenne selon son axe longitudinal ne prend plus en charge directement les contraintes mécaniques extérieures, l'élément rayonnant lui étant maintenant relié par l'intermédiaire de la pièce diélectrique. Le réflecteur, déchargé de ces contraintes, conserve seulement sa fonction de réflecteur électrique conducteur.The invention has the advantage that the reflector, serving as a mechanical structure, placed in the center of the antenna along its longitudinal axis no longer directly supports the external mechanical stresses, the radiating element now being connected thereto via the dielectric part. The reflector, relieved of these constraints, retains only its function of conductive electric reflector.

Tous les composants entrant dans la construction d'une antenne panneau, notamment le réflecteur, les éléments rayonnants, le radôme, les écrans, les éléments parasites, etc..., peuvent être reliés à la pièce diélectrique qui assure la rigidité mécanique de l'assemblage :All the components involved in the construction of a panel antenna, in particular the reflector, the radiating elements, the radome, the screens, the parasitic elements, etc., can be connected to the dielectric part which ensures the mechanical rigidity of the assembly:

La pièce diélectrique doit être suffisamment rigide pour résister aux contraintes mécaniques qui lui sont imposées et doit simultanément assurer la flexibilité de la liaison mécanique entre l'élément rayonnant et le réflecteur. Cette pièce sera avantageusement en matériau polymère, tel que le polyoxyméthylène (POM), le polypropylène (PP) ou un copolymère acrylonitrile/butadiène/styrène (ABS), éventuellement chargé de fibre de verre. De préférence la pièce diélectrique est moulée d'un seul tenant.The dielectric part must be sufficiently rigid to withstand the mechanical stresses imposed on it and must simultaneously ensure the flexibility of the connection mechanical between the radiating element and the reflector. This part will advantageously be made of a polymeric material, such as polyoxymethylene (POM), polypropylene (PP) or an acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene (ABS) copolymer, possibly filled with fiberglass. Preferably the dielectric piece is molded in one piece.

En étudiant sa conception et en sélectionnant la matière de la pièce diélectrique, le dispositif d'assemblage selon l'invention permet de maîtriser plus facilement les vibrations ou les chocs externes. Par exemple, l'utilisation de matières plastiques permet d'absorber au moins partiellement les efforts exercés par l'environnement mécanique extérieur et de limiter leur propagation dans les composants à l'intérieur de l'antenne.By studying its design and selecting the material of the dielectric part, the assembly device according to the invention makes it easier to control the vibrations or external shocks. For example, the use of plastics makes it possible to at least partially absorb the forces exerted by the external mechanical environment and to limit their propagation in the components inside the antenna.

L'invention propose aussi une antenne de type panneau comprenant au moins un élément rayonnant volumique comportant un pied surmonté d'un plan rayonnant, au moins un composant de la structure mécanique de l'antenne, et un dispositif d'assemblage comme décrit précédemment. La pièce diélectrique est disposée transversalement par rapport à l'axe longitudinal de l'antenne. La connexion électrique entre l'élément rayonnant volumique et le support conducteur plan, servant notamment de réflecteur, placé en regard du plan rayonnant est de type capacitif.The invention also proposes a panel-type antenna comprising at least one voluminal radiating element comprising a foot surmounted by a radiating plane, at least one component of the mechanical structure of the antenna, and an assembly device as described above. The dielectric piece is disposed transversely to the longitudinal axis of the antenna. The electrical connection between the volume radiating element and the plane conducting support, serving in particular as a reflector, placed opposite the radiating plane is of the capacitive type.

Selon une première forme d'exécution, le composant de la structure mécanique de l'antenne est le radôme.According to a first embodiment, the component of the mechanical structure of the antenna is the radome.

Selon une deuxième forme d'exécution, le composant de la structure mécanique de l'antenne est le réflecteur.According to a second embodiment, the component of the mechanical structure of the antenna is the reflector.

Réduire les contraintes mécaniques exercées sur les composants à l'intérieur de l'antenne permet d'augmenter la fiabilité globale de l'antenne. Sa durée de vie opérationnelle est également augmentée par la réduction des produits d'intermodulation (PIM). Dans un premier temps, l'invention permet de réduire fortement ces contraintes sur le réflecteur de l'antenne dans la mesure où celui-ci n'est plus en contact direct avec l'environnement extérieur.Reducing the mechanical stresses exerted on the components inside the antenna makes it possible to increase the overall reliability of the antenna. Its operational life is also increased by the reduction of intermodulation products (IMPs). In a first step, the invention makes it possible to greatly reduce these stresses on the reflector of the antenna to the extent that it is no longer in direct contact with the external environment.

L'invention propose encore un procédé d'assemblage des composants d'une antenne de type panneau comprenant au moins un élément rayonnant volumique comportant un pied surmonté d'un plan rayonnant à fixer sur au moins un composant de la structure mécanique de l'antenne, et un dispositif d'assemblage comme décrit précédement, dans laquelle la pièce diélectrique est disposée transversalement par rapport à l'axe longitudinal de l'antenne.The invention also proposes a method of assembling the components of a panel-type antenna comprising at least one voluminal radiating element comprising a foot surmounted by a radiating plane to be fixed on at least one component of the mechanical structure of the antenna. , and an assembly device as described above, in which the dielectric part is arranged transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the antenna.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description qui suit d'un mode de réalisation, donné bien entendu à titre illustratif et non limitatif, et dans le dessin annexé sur lequel

  • la figure 1 représente schématiquement la fixation d'un élément rayonnant volumique au moyen d'un dispositif d'assemblage selon l'invention,
  • la figure 2 représente schématiquement la fixation d'un élément rayonnant volumique au moyen d'une variante de réalisation d'un dispositif d'assemblage selon l'invention,
  • la figure 3 montre un premier mode de couplage capacitif d'un élément rayonnant volumique avec le réflecteur,
  • la figure 4 montre un deuxième mode de couplage capacitif d'un élément rayonnant volumique avec le réflecteur,
  • la figure 5 représente une vue partielle en perspective d'une antenne de type panneau comportant un élément rayonnant volumique fixé au moyen d'un dispositif d'assemblage selon un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention,
  • la figure 6 est une vue en perspective dessus de la pièce diélectrique d'un dispositif d'assemblage selon un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention,
  • la figure 7 est une vue en perspective dessous volumique du dispositif d'assemblage de la figure 6,
  • la figure 8 est une vue de profil volumique du dispositif d'assemblage de la figure 6,
  • la figure 9 est une coupe partielle transversale d'une antenne montrant la façon dont les composants de l'antenne coopèrent avec un dispositif d'assemblage selon le mode de réalisation de la figure 6,
Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the following description of an embodiment, given of course by way of illustration and not limitation, and in the accompanying drawing in which:
  • the figure 1 schematically represents the fixing of a voluminal radiating element by means of an assembly device according to the invention,
  • the figure 2 schematically represents the fixing of a voluminal radiating element by means of an alternative embodiment of an assembly device according to the invention,
  • the figure 3 shows a first mode of capacitive coupling of a volume radiating element with the reflector,
  • the figure 4 shows a second mode of capacitive coupling of a volume radiating element with the reflector,
  • the figure 5 is a partial perspective view of a panel-type antenna having a voluminal radiator fixed by means of an assembly device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention,
  • the figure 6 is a perspective view above the dielectric part of an assembly device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention,
  • the figure 7 is a perspective view below volume of the assembly device of the figure 6 ,
  • the figure 8 is a volume profile view of the assembly device of the figure 6 ,
  • the figure 9 is a partial cross-section of an antenna showing how the antenna components cooperate with an assembly device according to the embodiment of the figure 6 ,

On a représenté schématiquement sur la figure 1, le principe de l'utilisation d'un dispositif d'assemblage selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention comportant une pièce diélectrique 1 pour fixer un élément rayonnant 2 volumique (en trois dimensions) couplé de manière capacitive à un support conducteur plan, comme par exemple le réflecteur 3 d'une antenne. Un radôme 4 entoure et protège les éléments constitutifs de l'antenne. L'élément rayonnant 2 comprend un plan rayonnant 5, formé de dipôles, porté par un pied 6 habituellement tubulaire. L'élément rayonnant 2 est alimenté par l'intermédiaire d'accessoires 7 tels qu'un diviseur de courant, un déphaseur, etc... La pièce diélectrique 1 comporte dans sa zone centrale 8 un moyen de fixation de l'élément rayonnant 2 et dans ses zones latérales 9 des moyens de fixation coopérant avec des rebords longitudinaux 10 appartenant à un composant de la structure mécanique de l'antenne, comme par exemple le réflecteur 3 ou le radôme 4. Diagrammatically shown on the figure 1 the principle of the use of an assembly device according to one embodiment of the invention comprising a dielectric part 1 for fixing a voluminal (three-dimensional) radiating element 2 capacitively coupled to a plane conductive support, as for example the reflector 3 of an antenna. A radome 4 surrounds and protects the constituent elements of the antenna. The radiating element 2 comprises a radiating plane 5, formed of dipoles, carried by a usually tubular foot 6. The radiating element 2 is supplied by means of accessories 7 such as a current divider, a phase-shifter, etc. The dielectric part 1 comprises in its central zone 8 a means for fixing the element radiating 2 and in its lateral zones 9 fastening means cooperating with longitudinal flanges 10 belonging to a component of the mechanical structure of the antenna, such as for example the reflector 3 or the radome 4.

La figure 2 montre une variante de réalisation d'un dispositif d'assemblage qui comporte une pièce diélectrique 21 comportant des amortisseurs 22 permettant de réduire la propagation vers l'élément rayonnant 2 des chocs et des vibrations provenant de l'environnement extérieur de l'antenne.The figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment of an assembly device which comprises a dielectric part 21 comprising dampers 22 to reduce the propagation to the radiating element 2 shocks and vibrations from the external environment of the antenna.

Afin d'éviter autant que possible les produits d'intermodulation (PIM) engendrés par un contact direct métal-métal, les connexions électriques sont réalisées par couplage capacitif. Le couplage capacitif peut être réalisé de différentes manières comme illustré sur les figures 3 et 4.In order to avoid as much as possible intermodulation products (PIM) generated by direct metal-to-metal contact, the electrical connections are made by capacitive coupling. Capacitive coupling can be realized in different ways as illustrated in the Figures 3 and 4 .

Dans l'exemple de la figure 3, le couplage capacitif 30 de l'élément rayonnant 2 avec le réflecteur 3 est obtenu grâce à la combinaison d'une part d'un espace 31 d'air formant couche isolante entre le pied 6 de l'élément rayonnant 2 et le bord replié 32 du réflecteur 3 et d'autre part d'une pièce diélectrique 33 appartenant au dispositif d'assemblage de l'élément rayonnant 2. Alternativement un film solide de matériau diélectrique peut être placé dans l'espace 31. In the example of the figure 3 , the capacitive coupling 30 of the radiating element 2 with the reflector 3 is obtained thanks to the combination of an air space 31 forming an insulating layer between the foot 6 of the radiating element 2 and the folded edge 32 of the reflector 3 and secondly a dielectric part 33 belonging to the assembly device of the radiating element 2. Alternatively a solid film of dielectric material may be placed in the space 31.

La figure 4 montre un autre exemple de couplage capacitif 40 de l'élément rayonnant 2 avec un réflecteur plan 41. Dans ce cas il est nécessaire d'intercaler un film 42 de matériau isolant entre le pied 6 de l'élément rayonnant 2 et le réflecteur plan 41. The figure 4 shows another example of capacitive coupling 40 of the radiating element 2 with a plane reflector 41. In this case it is necessary to insert a film 42 of insulating material between the foot 6 of the radiating element 2 and the plane reflector 41 .

La figure 5 représente une vue en perspective d'une antenne 50 comportant un dispositif d'assemblage selon un mode préféré de réalisation de l'invention. Les éléments rayonnants 51, le réflecteur 52 et la pièce diélectrique 53 du dispositif d'assemblage, disposés sous un radôme 54, sont visibles par transparence.The figure 5 represents a perspective view of an antenna 50 comprising an assembly device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The radiating elements 51, the reflector 52 and the dielectric part 53 of the assembly device, arranged under a radome 54, are visible by transparency.

L'élément rayonnant 51 est composé d'un pied 55 portant un plan rayonnant 56 comprenant deux dipôles 57, 58 d'une demi-longueur d'onde associés orthogonalement pour obtenir un arrangement en double polarisation croisée. Chaque dipôle 57, 58 est pourvu respectivement d'une alimentation. Le pied 55 est constitué de quatre portions de tube, deux portions tubulaires 59 sont utilisées pour le passage de l'alimentation des dipôles et deux portions tubulaires 60 sont libres.The radiating element 51 is composed of a foot 55 carrying a radiating plane 56 comprising two orthogonally associated half-wavelength dipoles 57, 58 to obtain a double cross polarization arrangement. Each dipole 57, 58 is provided respectively with a power supply. The foot 55 consists of four tube portions, two tubular portions 59 are used for the passage of the supply of the dipoles and two tubular portions 60 are free.

On voit que la pièce diélectrique 53 du dispositif d'assemblage placée sous le réflecteur 52 comprend à chaque extrémité un amortisseur 61. Les zones latérales 62 de la pièce diélectrique 53 portent des moyens de fixation 63 qui s'accrochent de chaque côté du réflecteur 52 sur des rebords longitudinaux 64, appartenant à un composant 65 de la structure mécanique de l'antenne, ici la partie inférieure du radôme 54. Le pied 55 de l'élément rayonnant 51 est retenu par le moyen de fixation situé dans la zone centrale 66 de la pièce diélectrique 53. Des zones intermédiaires 67 joignent la zone centrale 66 aux zones latérales 62. It can be seen that the dielectric part 53 of the assembly device placed under the reflector 52 comprises at each end a damper 61. The lateral zones 62 of the dielectric part 53 carries fastening means 63 which hook on each side of the reflector 52 on longitudinal flanges 64, belonging to a component 65 of the mechanical structure of the antenna, here the lower part of the radome 54. The foot 55 of the radiating element 51 is retained by the fixing means situated in the central zone 66 of the dielectric part 53. Intermediate zones 67 join the central zone 66 to the lateral zones 62.

On considérera maintenant les figures 6, 7 et 8 qui montrent plus en détail le mode de réalisation préféré de la pièce diélectrique 70 du dispositif d'assemblage.We will now consider Figures 6, 7 and 8 which show in more detail the preferred embodiment of the dielectric part 70 of the assembly device.

La pièce diélectrique 70 comporte une zone centrale 71 comprenant un moyen de fixation incluant au moins un relief 72 apte à s'insérer dans l'une des portions tubulaires libres du pied de l'élément rayonnant pour le retenir par encliquetage. La zone centrale 71 comporte aussi au moins un trou 73 pour le passage de l'alimentation des dipôles.The dielectric part 70 comprises a central zone 71 comprising a fixing means including at least one relief 72 adapted to be inserted in one of the free tubular portions of the foot of the radiating element to retain it by snapping. The central zone 71 also comprises at least one hole 73 for the passage of the power supply of the dipoles.

La pièce diélectrique 70 comporte aussi des zones latérales 74 avantageusement pourvue d'amortisseurs 75 pour limiter la transmission à l'élément rayonnant des vibrations ou des chocs pouvant provenir de l'environnement extérieur. Chaque zone latérale est munie d'un moyen de fixation 76 sur un composant de la structure mécanique de l'antenne. Dans le cas présent ce moyen de fixation 76 a sensiblement une forme de crochet destinée à s'accrocher sur des rebords longitudinaux.The dielectric part 70 also has lateral zones 74 advantageously provided with dampers 75 to limit the transmission to the radiator of vibrations or shocks that may come from the external environment. Each lateral zone is provided with a fixing means 76 on a component of the mechanical structure of the antenna. In this case, this fastening means 76 has substantially a hook shape intended to catch on longitudinal edges.

La pièce diélectrique 70 comporte enfin des zones intermédiaires 77 qui relient la zone centrale 71 aux zones latérales 74 respectivement. La zone intermédiaire 77 doit assurer une liaison souple pour conférer à la pièce diélectrique une bonne capacité d'absorption des vibrations, chocs ou déformation qui pourraient survenir.The dielectric part 70 finally comprises intermediate zones 77 which connect the central zone 71 to the lateral zones 74 respectively. Intermediate zone 77 must provide a flexible connection to give the dielectric part good absorption capacity for vibrations, shocks or deformation that may occur.

Grâce à ces différentes parties, il est possible d'utiliser la pièce diélectrique 70 pour assembler plusieurs composants de l'antenne, tels que le réflecteur, les éléments rayonnants, le radôme, les écrans, les éléments parasites, etc... La pièce diélectrique 70 doit être suffisamment rigide pour résister aux contraintes mécaniques induites par les composants de l'antenne qui lui sont rattachés, mais cependant suffisamment souple pour limiter la transmission des vibrations et chocs. Cette capacité d'absorption permet d'accroître la durée de vie des composants placés à l'intérieur de l'antenne qui sont moins sollicités. En même temps les performances vis-à-vis des produits d'intermodulation (PIM) sont améliorées grâce à la réduction de la transmission des contraintes extérieures vers l'intérieur de l'antenne. De préférence, la pièce diélectrique 70 est moulée d'une seule pièce dans un matériau plastique.With these different parts, it is possible to use the dielectric part 70 to assemble several components of the antenna, such as the reflector, the radiating elements, the radome, the screens, the parasitic elements, etc ... The piece dielectric 70 must be sufficiently rigid to withstand the mechanical stresses induced by the antenna components attached thereto, but yet sufficiently flexible to limit the transmission of vibrations and shocks. This absorption capacity makes it possible to increase the life of the components placed inside the antenna that are less stressed. At the same time performance with respect to intermodulation products (IMPs) is improved by reducing the transmission of external stresses towards the inside of the antenna. Preferably, the dielectric piece 70 is molded in one piece in a plastic material.

La coupe de la figure 9 montre en détail la fixation d'un élément rayonnant à l'intérieur de l'antenne au moyen du dispositif d'assemblage selon un mode particulier de réalisation de l'invention. On retrouve le pied 90 de l'élément rayonnant 91 composé ici de quatre portions de tube 92. Le pied 90 a comme principales fonction d'écarter le plan rayonnant 93 de l'élément rayonnant 91 du réflecteur 94, et de permettre le raccordement à la terre de l'élément rayonnant 91. Deux de ces portions de tube sont utilisé pour le passage des câbles coaxiaux assurant l'alimentation des dipôles. Les deux autres portions de tube 92 sont disponibles pour la fixation de l'élément rayonnant 91. The cup of the figure 9 shows in detail the fixing of a radiating element inside the antenna by means of the assembly device according to a particular embodiment of the invention. We find the foot 90 of the radiating element 91 composed here of four tube portions 92. The main function of the foot 90 is to separate the radiating plane 93 from the radiating element 91 of the reflector 94, and to allow the connection to the earth of the radiating element 91. Two of these tube portions are used for the passage of coaxial cables supplying the dipoles. The other two tube portions 92 are available for fixing the radiating element 91.

Dans le mode de réalisation ici illustré, des pions en relief 95 portés par la pièce diélectrique 96 sont enfoncés à force à l'intérieur des portions de tube 92. Ces pions 95 sont de préférence annelés de manière à augmenter les frottements afin d'assurer la rétention de l'élément rayonnant 91. Le réflecteur 94 est disposé au-dessus de la pièce diélectrique 96 et comporte des ouvertures pour permettre le passage des portions de tube utilisé pour le passage des câbles. La pièce diélectrique 96 supporte simultanément l'élément rayonnant 91, le réflecteur 94, les accessoires 97 associés à l'alimentation de l'élément rayonnant, et le radôme 98. Chaque zone latérale est munie d'un moyen de fixation sur un composant de la structure mécanique de l'antenne, qui est dans le cas présent la partie inférieure du radôme 98. Grâce à ce dispositif d'assemblage, la fixation de l'élément rayonnant 91 et des autres composants de l'antenne 94, 97, 98 est très facile, simple et efficace. Aucun outils ou partie extérieure ne sont nécessaires pour assembler ensemble les composants.In the embodiment illustrated here, relief pins 95 carried by the dielectric piece 96 are force-fitted inside the tube portions 92. These pins 95 are preferably annealed so as to increase the friction to ensure the retention of the radiating element 91. The reflector 94 is disposed above the dielectric part 96 and has openings to allow passage of the tube portions used for the passage of the cables. The dielectric piece 96 simultaneously supports the radiating element 91, the reflector 94, the accessories 97 associated with the supply of the radiating element, and the radome 98. Each lateral zone is provided with a fixing means on a component of the mechanical structure of the antenna, which in this case is the lower part of the radome 98. Thanks to this assembly device, the fixing of the radiating element 91 and the other antenna components 94, 97, 98 is very easy, simple and effective. No tools or external parts are needed to assemble the components together.

Un film d'isolant mince 99, comme une fine pièce en plastique ou un film en plastique par exemple, peut être placé si nécessaire entre l'élément rayonnant 91 et le réflecteur 94. Vu la surface du pied 90 de l'élément rayonnant 91 vis-à-vis du domaine de fréquence de l'antenne, un mince film isolant disposé entre l'élément rayonnant 91 et le réflecteur 94 suffit à créer les conditions d'un couplage capacitif, c'est-à-dire que le champ électromagnétique entre l'élément rayonnant 91 et le réflecteur 94 est suffisamment élevé pour coupler la puissance électromagnétique de l'un vers l'autre. Cette capacité à créer un couplage capacitif est obtenue avec des matériaux très bon marché (film plastique mince). Elle permet aussi d'augmenter la capacité PIM de l'antenne. Les champs électromagnétiques étant très élevé dans cette région, la liaison entre l'élément rayonnant 91 et le réflecteur 94 est sensible aux produits d'intermodulation (PIM), ce qui est l'une des causes possible de la formation de PIM. Isoler l'élément rayonnant 91 du réflecteur 94 est une façon de remédier à ce problème.A thin insulating film 99, such as a thin plastic part or a plastic film for example, can be placed if necessary between the radiating element 91 and the reflector 94. Given the surface of the foot 90 of the radiating element 91 with respect to the frequency domain of the antenna, a thin insulating film disposed between the radiating element 91 and the reflector 94 is sufficient to create the conditions of a capacitive coupling, that is to say that the field electromagnetic between the radiating element 91 and the reflector 94 is high enough to couple the electromagnetic power from one to the other. This ability to create a capacitive coupling is achieved with very cheap materials (thin plastic film). It also increases the PIM capacity of the antenna. The electromagnetic fields being very high in this region, the connection between the radiating element 91 and the reflector 94 is sensitive to the products intermodulation (PIM), which is one of the possible causes of PIM training. Isolating the radiating element 91 of the reflector 94 is one way to overcome this problem.

Sur la figure 9, on voit en détail la fixation des accessoires 97 associés au réseau d'alimentation des éléments rayonnants 91, le réflecteur 94 et le radôme 98 au moyen du dispositif d'assemblage 96. On observe que l'épaisseur du réflecteur 94 a été considérablement réduite par rapport à l'art antérieur, puisque cette partie n'a plus à soutenir la masse des composants de l'antenne (éléments rayonnants 91, alimentation et ses accessoires 97, écrans ou pièges, éléments parasites, radôme 98, etc...) et les efforts mécanique associés. Dans l'exemple de réalisation présenté ici, la réduction de l'épaisseur du réflecteur 94 peut facilement atteindre un facteur 5. En conséquence, le coût du réflecteur 94 en sera fortement diminué. En outre, la réduction de l'épaisseur du réflecteur 94 va maintenant permettre d'obtenir des formes qui, autrement, auraient été mécaniquement difficile et/ou coûteuses à obtenir. Par exemple, une forme ronde de la partie rayonnante du réflecteur 94, c'est-à-dire la partie du réflecteur située en regard de l'élément rayonnant 91 faisant fonction de piège, peut être directement intégrée dans la conception du réflecteur 94 sans contraintes particulières. La forme ronde du réflecteur 94 et l'absence d'angles vifs à proximité de zones de fort courant, permet de stabiliser les performances de l'antenne à l'intérieur de la bande de fréquence, en limitant les réflexions et réduisant ainsi le rapport entre le niveau de l'onde électromagnétique rayonnée vers l'arrière de l'antenne et le niveau de celle rayonnée vers l'avant de l'antenne. Comme le réflecteur 94 est d'épaisseur beaucoup plus faible, toutes sortes de pliage sont maintenant bien plus faciles à réaliser, et la fonction de piège peut ainsi être directement intégrée au réflecteur 94. Le réseau d'alimentation des éléments rayonnants 91 est maintenu par des crochets 100 placés au dos du dispositif d'assemblage. Tous les composants 91, 94, 97, 98 assemblés par le dispositif d'assemblage 96 sont finalement insérés dans le radome 98. On the figure 9 it is seen in detail the attachment of the accessories 97 associated with the supply network of the radiating elements 91, the reflector 94 and the radome 98 by means of the assembly device 96. It is observed that the thickness of the reflector 94 has been considerably reduced. compared to the prior art, since this part no longer has to support the mass of the antenna components (radiating elements 91, power supply and its accessories 97, screens or traps, parasitic elements, radome 98, etc ... ) and the associated mechanical forces. In the embodiment shown here, the reduction of the thickness of the reflector 94 can easily reach a factor of 5. As a result, the cost of the reflector 94 will be greatly reduced. In addition, reducing the thickness of the reflector 94 will now allow to obtain shapes that otherwise would have been mechanically difficult and / or expensive to obtain. For example, a round shape of the radiating part of the reflector 94, that is to say the part of the reflector situated opposite the radiating element 91 acting as a trap, can be directly integrated in the design of the reflector 94 without special constraints. The round shape of the reflector 94 and the absence of sharp angles near areas of strong current, makes it possible to stabilize the performance of the antenna inside the frequency band, limiting the reflections and thus reducing the ratio between the level of the electromagnetic wave radiated towards the rear of the antenna and the level of that radiated towards the front of the antenna. As the reflector 94 is much thinner, all kinds of folding are now much easier to achieve, and the trap function can thus be directly integrated into the reflector 94. The supply network of the radiating elements 91 is maintained by hooks 100 placed on the back of the assembly device. All the components 91, 94, 97, 98 assembled by the assembly device 96 are finally inserted into the radome 98.

On a compris de la description qui précède que le dispositif selon l'invention présente de nombreux avantages. La réduction de l'épaisseur: permet d'élargir le choix du matériau pour le réflecteur parmi les matériaux à faible coût comme le plastique métallisé ou les métaux de très faible épaisseur. Cela entraine une réduction de coût notable. Les contacts directs métal-métal sont évités au maximum. L'assemblage peut être démonté sans dégâts. La pièce diélectrique permet aux composants (éléments rayonnants, réflecteur, etc...) qui lui sont reliés de supporter des vibrations et chocs mécaniques plus importants. Par conception, le dispositif d'assemblage permet de s'affranchir des produits d'intermodulation (PIM).It is understood from the foregoing description that the device according to the invention has many advantages. Thickness Reduction: Broadens the choice of material for the reflector among low-cost materials such as metallized plastics or very thin metals. This leads to a significant cost reduction. Direct metal-to-metal contacts are avoided to a minimum. The assembly can be dismantled without damage. The dielectric part allows the components (radiating elements, reflector, etc.) connected to it to withstand vibrations and shocks more important mechanical By design, the assembly device eliminates intermodulation products (PIM).

Claims (9)

  1. A panel antenna having a mechanical structure and comprising at least one three-dimensional cross- and dual-polarization radiating element comprising a support topped by a radiating plane, the antenna being characterized in that it comprises an assembly device comprising said support (55) made up of four tubular portions (59, 60) and a dielectric member (70) comprising
    - a central area (71) comprising a first fastening means, including at least one relief (72) capable of fitting into one of the free tubular portions (60) of said support (55), cooperating with the radiating element (51),
    - lateral areas (74) comprising a second fastening means (76) cooperating with the antenna's mechanical structure, and
    - an intermediate area (77) comprising a third means of flexible linking between the first and the second fastening means.
  2. An antenna according to claim 1, wherein the first fastening means cooperating with the radiating element is a snap-in-place fastening means.
  3. An antenna according to one of the claims 1 and 2, wherein the second fastening means cooperating with the antenna's mechanical structure is largely hook-shaped.
  4. An antenna according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the dielectric member further comprises at least one dampener (75).
  5. An antenna according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the dielectric member is made of a polymer material.
  6. An antenna according to claim 5, wherein the dielectric member is molded from a single piece.
  7. An antenna according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the dielectric member is disposed transversally compared to the antenna's longitudinal axis.
  8. An antenna according to one of the claims 1 to 7, wherein the second fastening means cooperate with a radome.
  9. An antenna according to one of the claims 1 to 7, wherein the second fastening means cooperate with a reflector.
EP10710877.1A 2009-03-06 2010-02-19 Device for assembling an antenna Active EP2404344B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0951417A FR2942914A1 (en) 2009-03-06 2009-03-06 DEVICE FOR ASSEMBLING AN ANTENNA
PCT/FR2010/050287 WO2010100361A1 (en) 2009-03-06 2010-02-19 Device for assembling an antenna

Publications (2)

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EP2404344A1 EP2404344A1 (en) 2012-01-11
EP2404344B1 true EP2404344B1 (en) 2013-05-15

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US (1) US9184488B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2404344B1 (en)
JP (1) JP5384674B2 (en)
CN (1) CN102341953B (en)
BR (1) BRPI1013664B1 (en)
FR (1) FR2942914A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2010100361A1 (en)

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CN102832439B (en) * 2012-09-07 2014-10-01 苏州市大富通信技术有限公司 Antenna
CN103682561B (en) * 2013-12-31 2018-08-07 安弗施无线射频系统（上海）有限公司 The fixing device of electric dipole in antenna system
CN106711574B (en) 2015-11-13 2023-09-22 安弗施技术公司 Antenna mounting component, bracket, mounting assembly and mounting method
CN107768792A (en) * 2016-08-17 2018-03-06 安弗施无线射频系统（上海）有限公司 A kind of antennal interface structure
FR3064819B1 (en) * 2017-03-30 2020-06-19 Frec 'n' Sys ANTENNA CONNECTION, IN PARTICULAR FOR SURFACE-GUIDED ELASTIC WAVE TRANSDUCERS
JP2023526582A (en) * 2020-04-22 2023-06-22 テレフオンアクチーボラゲット エルエム エリクソン（パブル） Antenna arrangements for mobile radio systems, stacked antenna systems and mobile radio antennas comprising antenna arrangements and stacked antenna systems

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GB2312791A (en) * 1996-05-02 1997-11-05 Northern Telecom Ltd Antenna array assembly
JP3065949B2 (en) * 1996-09-13 2000-07-17 日本アンテナ株式会社 Multi-frequency antenna
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JP2000307329A (en) 1999-04-19 2000-11-02 Advantest Corp Dipole antenna and its manufacture
US20030107881A1 (en) * 2001-12-11 2003-06-12 Ngk Insulators, Ltd. Setting construction of shield case or planar antenna on circuit board
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DE10316564B4 (en) 2003-04-10 2006-03-09 Kathrein-Werke Kg Antenna with at least one dipole or a dipole-like radiator arrangement
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
BRPI1013664B1 (en) 2021-02-23
US20120127054A1 (en) 2012-05-24
JP2012519990A (en) 2012-08-30
JP5384674B2 (en) 2014-01-08
CN102341953B (en) 2015-06-24
US9184488B2 (en) 2015-11-10
BRPI1013664A2 (en) 2020-08-25
FR2942914A1 (en) 2010-09-10
EP2404344A1 (en) 2012-01-11
CN102341953A (en) 2012-02-01
WO2010100361A1 (en) 2010-09-10

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