EP2929589B1 - Dual polarized, omnidirectional antenna - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a dual-polarized, omnidirectional antenna according to the preamble of claim 1.

An omnidirectional antenna (omnidirectional), for example, from the WO 2011/120090 A1 known. Such omnidirectional omnidirectional device comprises, for example, three antenna array arrangements which are each arranged at a 120 ° angle offset from each other about a central axis, resulting in a triangular structure in axial plan view. This allows each antenna array to cover approximately an azimuth angular range of 120 °.

Corresponding antennas may include a wide variety of emitters and emitter devices according to the prior art, for example dipoles, so-called vector dipoles, patch emitters, etc. So-called dual-polarized vector emitters are known, for example, from US Pat EP 1 057 224 B1 known.

Each of the three mutually offset antenna arrays comprises, for example, a plurality of dual-polarized radiator devices arranged one above the other at equal intervals. Via a corresponding feed device, the respective dual-polarized radiators are fed. The spotlights can also be fed circularly. As usual, the two polarization planes are not only perpendicular to one another, but are arranged at an angle of + 45 ° or -45 ° with respect to a horizontally or vertically oriented plane.

Furthermore, the individual sector antennas can be configured to be MIMO-capable, ie they are part of a reception system with a plurality of input and output signals.

A vertically polarized antenna, for example, from the DE 600 19 412 T2 known. It includes a vertical, elongated support structure with multiple dipoles arranged at different heights along the support structure and connected to a coaxial power cable. Along the construction mentioned, only one dipole is provided per level. The dipoles are coplanar and arranged exactly colinear, divided into two groups, which are formed successively on said construction. The dipoles in the two groups are oriented in the opposite direction to each other, so that the horizontal polarization components of the two groups are opposite. The arrangement is such that a small distance arises between the two dipole groups, which offers the possibility of Adjust the phase centers of the dipoles of both groups, so as to compensate for a small shift due to the effect of the ground plane on the dipoles.

In addition, vertically polarized omnidirectional radiators are known which radiate or receive only in a polarization that is not MIMO-capable. These vertically polarized omnidirectional sources with, for example, three or four panels are connected together around a mast in a same plane to form an omnidirectional diagram. For better roundness, several layers can be twisted together. The disadvantage here is that good broadcast properties are only possible for a small frequency range (due to the geometric arrangement, this results in phase-dependent cancellations).

A multi-sector antenna is for example also from the DE 697 34 172 T2 known. For radiating a single beam in a desired direction, a plurality of elemental antennas are used, each having a different directivity in a horizontal plane. In this case, each elementary antenna is arranged in a vertical plane, wherein at least one of the elementary antennas is positioned at a different height than that of the other elemental antennas. In this case, the elemental antennas are arranged with respect to a vertical axis of the sector antennas, which is defined such that the elementary antennas are arranged axially symmetrically with respect to the said axis.

A well-known in the prior art omnidirectional antenna is from the US 6,369,774 B1 known. This prior publication describes an antenna in which, for example, one dipole antenna is positioned one above the other in three spaced-apart regions along an X-axis, each of which acts on its own as a front radiator.

To ensure that the individual antennas are decoupled from one another, the three dipole antennas mentioned are positioned away from each other along the X-axis and are also surrounded by a first medium with a higher impedance, this medium being surrounded with a higher impedance by a second medium. which has a lower impedance compared to the first medium.

Other examples include a sector antenna in which three patch emitters are each spaced apart 120 degrees apart along the x-axis.

Furthermore, a single radiator with a vector dipole of the WO 2008/017386 A1 known. This single radiator sits in front of a specifically trained, in plan view square reflector, which is surrounded on all four sides by a reflector web, which protrudes in the beam direction transverse to the reflector plane, in particular perpendicular thereto.

In addition, it can be seen from this prior publication a single-column antenna as known, the corresponding Vector radiator in the individual reflector fields arranged one above the other has, which is like the single reflector also on all four sides surrounding each radiator circumferentially surrounded by a reflector web. The reflector webs serve for beam shaping.

A generic omnidirectional antenna is out of the EP 0 802 579 A2 known. This publication shows an antenna, which is arranged one above the other in the axial direction and offset from one another in each case three, for example, by 120 ° twisted aligned reflector planes. These reflector planes intersect in axial plan view along the central axis in this central axis. In front of the reflector planes corresponding radiators are arranged. These can also be dual-polarized radiators sitting in a section in front of the reflector, which is bounded by a reflector web extending around the radiator.

This prior publication also describes in each case a pair of reflector planes running parallel to one another, wherein each of these pairs of reflector planes are aligned at different azimuth angles and offset in the axial direction along the central axis. This opens up the possibility that corresponding radiators can be arranged on the opposite sides of the two reflectors, which run parallel to one another and at a distance from one another. In this case, the two mutually parallel reflector planes of a reflector pair are seated such that the central axis passes between these reflector planes.

Object of the present invention is to provide an improved dual-polarized while omnidirectional antenna or array antennas, which has over conventional solutions an improved Rundstrahl property with the least possible space.

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

The inventive solution is based on the known structure, in which several, for example, three offset by 120 ° to each radiating sector antenna devices, in particular antenna arrays may be provided, not in the same altitude, but in the vertical direction (ie in their cultivation direction) offset from one another lie. This opens up the possibility that each sector antenna, relative to its central or mounting axis, opposite to its radiation direction (in deviation from the generic state of the art) mounted offset, so that ultimately the phase centers in plan view of the various sector antennas to be congruent come. A phase center is understood as meaning those electronic reference points of an antenna from which the electromagnetic antenna radiation appears to be viewed from the point of reception.

In this case, the reflector plane can usually be referred to at least approximately as a phase center, that is usually the central region of a corresponding reflector arrangement of a sector antenna.

Since this reference point is thus identical for all sector antennas, a blatant improvement of the round-beam characteristics is thereby realized.

Since all sector antennas are thus arranged closer to the central vertical or mounting axis, the overall result is an antenna arrangement which is narrower in diameter, although the overall height is larger vertically. Since the diameter of the overall arrangement is considerably smaller in the context of the invention than in the case of the solution according to the prior art, the optical influence of the overall arrangement within the scope of the invention is thus also lower. Furthermore, the wind load is reduced in the inventive solution.

The invention also proposes that between two adjacent and along the central axis staggered sector antennas between a decoupling device is provided. This decoupling device consists of at least one reflector web, which is aligned transversely to the reflector plane of the associated reflector. Such transverse webs, which are formed on the reflector are, in principle, for example, from the DE 103 16 787 A1 known. However, this is a conventional single-column mobile radio antenna which comprises at least two reflector modules which can be assembled to form an overall reflector, in each case is characterized by lateral longitudinal webs and between the individual radiator arrangements extending transverse webs.

According to the invention, the at least one reflector plane of each sector antenna is arranged such that the vertical central axis is arranged to extend at a distance from the reflector plane.

The reflector walls or the reflector planes lie parallel to the central axis in such a distance that the distance between the reflector plane of a sector antenna and the central axis is smaller than 15% of the column width of an associated antenna column. The central axis runs on the side of the reflector plane on which the radiators are also provided.

The arrangement is such that the central axis passes through the reflector webs.

This results in a small space.

An advantage in the context of the invention is also that the phase center of the overall arrangement for the horizontal diagram is identical to the phase center of a single antenna. As a result, the group factor of the overall arrangement is frequency-independent and the omnidirectional diagram thus extremely broadband (it is therefore also suitable for dual-band antennas). The roundness of the overall arrangement depends only on the half-width of the individual antenna.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a decoupling-optimized structure of the individual radiators or directional antennas is also provided. This may, for example, circumferential or partially circumferential reflector webs, especially reflector webs, which lie transversely to the respective reflector plane and are formed between the individual, vertically stacked sector antennas.

Likewise, it is possible within the scope of the invention not only to realize an omnidirectional monoband antenna, but also, for example, an omnidirectional dual-band antenna or an omnidirectional multiband antenna comprising several bands, which additionally transmit and / or receive dual-polarized or circular-polarized can.

This can preferably be realized using suitable radiators and radiator devices, for example in the form of patch radiators, but also in the form of so-called dipole or vector radiators, as described, for example, in US Pat EP 1 082 728 B1 as well as the EP 1 470 615 B1 are known to be known. In particular, in the last-mentioned prior publication shows that so-called cup-shaped, slightly larger dimensioned dual-polarized radiator and sitting in the center of smaller sized provided for the higher frequency band range dual polarized radiator can be used.

In the context of preferred embodiments and development of the invention, it is also possible to reduce the number of To increase emitters in a space-saving manner, for example, at each point, where a sector antenna is provided, based on the same reflector plane, another in the opposite direction radiating sector antenna is used. Thus, a double sector antenna is provided at each mounting location, radiating in opposite directions.

Likewise, a plurality of monoband, dual band or multi-band radiators or radiator devices can also be arranged in each antenna column, usually arranged one above the other in the vertical direction, as in a conventional antenna. Each of these antenna columns with the plurality of superimposed radiators are then arranged offset in the circumferential direction about the central axis, that is aligned, ie with different azimuth angles. A doubling of the radiator can be effected as explained above, that relative to the respective reflector plane (ie offset by 180 ° lying) oppositely directed radiator devices are provided.

For example, if two antenna columns are used with corresponding radiator devices, the common plane in which the phase centers of a column antenna lie or at least approximately, may be arranged so that it preferably passes through the central axis or in the vicinity of the central axis.

In a departure from this, however, it is also possible in an embodiment of the invention to displace radially outwards in the same height position of a radiator device lying to the vertical central axis still provide one or a double further sector antenna. In other words, in such a, for example, two-column antenna arrangement (such as the sector antenna), the radiator in the one column could be arranged so that their phase centers come to lie exactly or as exactly as possible to the respective central axis of the antenna array, and then that in a for example arranged second antenna column radiating devices in the radial direction, so come to lie in the lateral direction to the central axis, so far as the two columns are not symmetrical to the central axis. This also offers further advantages, even if this further sector antenna is positioned more remote radially to the vertical central axis. As a result, it is possible to realize multi-slot antennas with higher MIMO modes, in which the phase centers are not identical, but nevertheless result in the best possible roundness of the radiation pattern with high broadband.

Figur 1:

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines ersten Beispiels einer omnidirektionalen dualpolarisierten mehrbandfähigen Antenne;

Figur 2:

eine schematische axiale Draufsicht auf das Beispiel gemäß Figur 1;

Figur 3:

eine entsprechende Darstellung zu Figur 2, jedoch bei nicht eingezeichneten Reflektoren;

Figur 4a:

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer abgewandelten Antenne (Sektorantennen-Anordnung) mit zwei entgegengesetzt ausgerichteten Sektorantennen, die bevorzugt einen gemeinsamen, in einer Symmetrieebene liegenden Reflektor umfassen;

Figur 4b:

eine Draufsicht auf das Beispiel gemäß Figur 4a;

Figur 4c:

eine entsprechende Darstellung zu Figur 4b, jedoch ohne eingezeichnete Reflektoren;

Figur 5:

ein zu Figur 1 abgewandeltes Beispiel in perspektivischer Darstellung bezüglich einer Antenne (Rundstrahlers) mit drei Sektorantennen, die lediglich in einem Band strahlen und/oder empfangen;

Figur 6:

eine schematische, axiale Draufsicht auf das Beispiel gemäß Figur 5;

Figur 7:

eine entsprechende Darstellung zu Figur 6, jedoch bei nicht eingezeichneten Reflektoren;

Figur 8:

ein zu den Figuren 5 bis 7 abgewandeltes Beispiel mit zwei in Zentralrichtung versetzt zueinander angeordneten Strahlern pro einspaltiger Sektorantenne;

Figur 9:

eine Draufsicht auf das Beispiel gemäß Figur 8;

Figur 10:

eine entsprechende Darstellung zu Figur 9, jedoch bei nicht eingezeichneten Reflektoren;

Figur 11:

ein zu Figur 8 abgewandeltes Beispiel in perspektivischer Darstellung mit zwei Antennenspalten pro Sektorantenne, in der jeweils zwei in Zentralrichtung übereinander angeordnete Strahler vorgesehen sind;

Figur 12:

eine schematische, axiale Draufsicht auf das Beispiel gemäß Figur 11;

Figur 13:

eine entsprechende Darstellung zu Figur 12, jedoch bei nicht eingezeichneten Reflektoren;

Figur 14:

ein zu Figur 11 abgewandeltes Beispiel, bei der die beiden Antennenspalten gegenüber dem Beispiel nach Figur 11 quer zur Zentralachse seitlich positioniert sind;

Figur 15:

eine schematische, axiale Draufsicht auf das Beispiel gemäß Figur 14;

Figur 16:

eine entsprechende Darstellung zu Figur 15, jedoch bei nicht eingezeichneten Reflektoren;

Figur 17:

ein zu den vorausgegangenen Beispielen abgewandeltes Beispiel eines Rundstrahlers, bei dem in jedem Höhenbereich bezogen auf die Zentralachse jeweils zwei um 180° versetzt zueinander strahlende Strahler vorgesehen sind, die auf einer gemeinsamen Reflektorwand sitzen;

Figur 18:

eine schematische, axiale Draufsicht auf das Beispiel gemäß Figur 14;

Figur 19:

eine entsprechende Darstellung zu Figur 15, jedoch bei nicht eingezeichneten Reflektoren;

Figur 20:

eine axiale Draufsicht auf ein abgewandeltes Beispiel in Abweichung zu dem Beispiel gemäß Figur 6, bei welchem die einzelnen Sektorantennen in Strahlrichtung mit geringem Versatz von der Zentralachse 1 beabstandet angeordnet sind;

Figur 21:

ein erfindungsgemäßes Ausführungsbeispiel in axialer Drausicht, bei dem im Gegensatz zu den Figuren 6 und 20 die einzelnen Sektorantennen mit leichtem seitlichen Radialversatz zur Zentralachse so angeordnet sind, dass die Zentralachse nicht auf der rückwärtigen Seite der Reflektoren, sondern auf der Strahlerseite der Sektorantennen parallel zur Reflektorwand verläuft; und

Figur 22:

eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine entsprechende Antennenanordnung mit drei um 120° versetzt zueinander angeordneten Sektorantennen nach dem Stand der Technik, bei der die Sektorantennen in gleicher Höhenlage angeordnet sind.

Further advantages, details and features of the invention will become apparent from the examples discussed below in connection with an embodiment of the invention. In detail:

FIG. 1:

a perspective view of a first example of an omnidirectional dual-polarized multi-band antenna;

FIG. 2:

a schematic axial plan view of the example according to FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3:

a corresponding representation too FIG. 2 , but with not shown reflectors;

FIG. 4a

a perspective view of a modified antenna (sector antenna arrangement) with two oppositely oriented sector antennas, which preferably comprise a common reflector lying in a plane of symmetry;

FIG. 4b:

a plan view of the example according to FIG. 4a ;

FIG. 4c:

a corresponding representation too FIG. 4b , but without drawn reflectors;

FIG. 5:

one too FIG. 1 modified example in perspective with respect to an antenna (omnidirectional) with three sector antennas that radiate and / or receive only in a band;

FIG. 6:

a schematic, axial plan view of the example according to FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 7:

a corresponding representation too FIG. 6 , but with not shown reflectors;

FIG. 8:

one to the FIGS. 5 to 7 modified example with two mutually offset in the central direction emitters per einspaltiger sector antenna;

FIG. 9:

a plan view of the example according to FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 10:

a corresponding representation too FIG. 9 , but with not shown reflectors;

FIG. 11:

one too FIG. 8 modified example in perspective view with two antenna columns per sector antenna, in each of which two in the central direction superposed radiators are provided;

FIG. 12:

a schematic, axial plan view of the example according to FIG. 11 ;

FIG. 13:

a corresponding representation too FIG. 12 , but with not shown reflectors;

FIG. 14:

one too FIG. 11 modified example, in which the two antenna columns compared to the example FIG. 11 are laterally positioned transversely to the central axis;

FIG. 15:

a schematic, axial plan view of the example according to FIG. 14 ;

FIG. 16:

a corresponding representation too FIG. 15 , but with not shown reflectors;

FIG. 17:

a modified example of the previous examples of an omnidirectional radiator, wherein in each altitude range with respect to the central axis in each case two radiators offset by 180 ° from each other are provided which are seated on a common reflector wall;

FIG. 18:

a schematic, axial plan view of the example according to FIG. 14 ;

FIG. 19:

a corresponding representation too FIG. 15 , but with not shown reflectors;

FIG. 20:

an axial plan view of a modified example in deviation from the example according to FIG. 6 in which the individual sector antennas are arranged at a small offset from the central axis 1 in the beam direction;

FIG. 21:

an inventive embodiment in axial Drausicht, in which, in contrast to the FIGS. 6 and 20 the individual sector antennas are arranged with slight lateral radial offset from the central axis so that the central axis does not run on the rear side of the reflectors but on the radiator side of the sector antennas parallel to the reflector wall; and

FIG. 22:

a schematic plan view of a corresponding antenna arrangement with three offset by 120 ° to each other arranged sector antennas according to the prior art, in which the sector antennas are arranged at the same height.

Below is on the FIGS. 1 to 3 Reference is made to which a first example is shown.

In FIG. 1 a vertical central axis 1 is shown by dashed lines, which is also referred to below as a mounting axis or cultivation line.

In the example shown, three sector antennas 5 are arranged one above the other, each offset in the azimuth direction by 120 ° in the circumferential direction to each other, ie radiate offset by 120 ° to each other.

It can be seen from the drawings that the three sector antennas 5 are not positioned at the same altitude, relative to their vertical central axis 1 (as is common in the prior art), but offset in the direction of the vertical central axis or cultivation line 1 to each other.

For this purpose, each of the sector antennas 5 comprises, for example, a dual-polarized emitter 7, for example for a first, higher frequency band (high band) and a further, dual-polarized emitter 9 for a lower frequency band (low band), this sector antenna 5 being arranged in an antenna column 6.

The vector radiator for the higher frequency band has a structure such as in principle from the EP 1 057 224 B4 or the DE 198 60 121 A1 is known.

This dual-polarized radiator for the higher frequency band (also referred to below as vector dipole) is arranged, for example, within a so-called cup-shaped dipole, which is likewise designed as a dual-polarized radiator and is suitable for transmission and reception in a low frequency band due to its larger dimensioning. Such a radiator is basically, for example, from EP 1 470 615 B1 to be known as known.

The two radiators 7 and 9 sit at a same position when viewed from the front perpendicular to the respectively associated reflector 11, which in the example shown in each case a rear reflector to the reflector 13 wall 13, which is arranged in a reflector plane 13 ', wherein in the example shown circumferentially reflector webs 15 are arranged. These reflector webs 15 are transversely and preferably in the example shown perpendicular to the reflector plane 13 'and are provided as part of the entire reflector 11 as a circumferential boundary. This makes it possible to realize a decoupling-optimized structure, that is to say an antenna structure in which a respective sector antenna 5 is optimally decoupled from an adjacent sector antenna located below or above it.

The aforementioned, decoupled reflector structure therefore comprises at least one reflector web 15 ', which is aligned transversely and preferably perpendicular to the reflector plane 13' of the relevant sector antenna 5 and is arranged between two adjacent sector antennas. It should this, especially the decoupling to a adjacent sector antenna serving crosspiece 15 'of the reflector 11 transversely and in particular perpendicular to the connecting line, that is, the central axis 1, aligned.

In the example shown, an intermediate reflector 17 may be arranged in an intermediate reflector plane 17 'at a parallel distance to the rear reflector wall 13, which is dimensioned smaller than the dual-polarized radiator 9 for the low frequency range, the symmetrization of the corresponding vector radiator 7 a corresponding central opening 17a in this intermediate reflector 17 electrically, without contact penetrates through electrical.

This in FIG. 1 in perspective reproduced example includes the mentioned three sector antennas 5, which are aligned in the vertical or central direction 1 offset by 120 ° to each other. The structure of all antennas is basically the same, but could also be different from each other.

Each sector antenna 5, that is, each corresponding antenna system 5 is constructed in the embodiment shown in the manner of a single-column sector antenna, which in the example shown, only one row and thus only a corresponding radiator arrangement for transmission in a higher and lower frequency band. As will be shown later, two or more sector antennas can also be combined to form a corresponding sector antenna array in the vertical direction in a common antenna column 6. In addition, you can Also, additional antenna systems or sector antennas may be provided, which are positioned in a rather laterally, radially or horizontally extending cultivation direction.

In the example shown, the mentioned vertical central axis 1 is located in each case in the middle of each of the reflector planes 13 'and in the middle of the respective reflector wall 13. This ensures that the phase center of each sector antenna 5, which is approximately centered in the associated reflector plane thirteenth 'or in the reflector wall 13 of each sector antenna 5 is located in an axial plan view of the vertical central axis 1, so that therefore results over the conventional solution significantly improved omnidirectional radiation pattern.

Based on FIG. 4 a double single emitter is shown, that is to say a double sector antenna, which in the example shown can each be operated in two frequency bands. This double sector antenna 5 comprises a central, in this embodiment, a central reflector 15 which extends perpendicular to the plane of the drawing and has a common reflector wall 13 which lies in said common reflector plane 13 '. In other words, the two sector antennas 5 are in this example offset by 180 ° to each other and thus positioned symmetrically to the reflector plane 13 '. The further structure is realized in such a way that each of the two sector antennas, which are rotated by 180 ° relative to one another (as in the preceding example), each have a larger-dimensioned (and eg cup-shaped) dual-polarized one Radiator 9 for the lower frequency band and in its central position comprises another, also dual-polarized vector radiator 7, optionally again with the additional in FIG. 4 not visible and from the actual reflector plane 13 'spaced reflector 17, which is also provided again in a reflector plane 17'.

This structure with a 180 ° offset from each other aligned double sector antenna 5 can now for each of the in FIG. 1 shown three sector antennas can be used, so that can be accommodated in the same high axial structure, but also with the same diameter of the antenna assembly thus formed ultimately six radiators. This not only improves the omnidirectional diagram, but also allows MIMO capability to be realized.

Hereinafter, an example according to the FIGS. 5 to 7 which, in principle, the example FIGS. 1 to 3 corresponds, with the difference that in deviation to the FIGS. 1 to 3 (Describing an omnidirectional omnidirectional antenna using dual-polarized radiators for a dual-band antenna) vector radiators 7 or 9 are now provided which can only transmit or receive in one frequency band. A vector emitter or vector dipole is used, as it is known, for example, from US Pat DE 10 2004 057 774 B4 can be seen for the higher frequency band described there. All shown three, in the vertical direction along the central axis 1 superimposed sector antennas 5 are in a 120 ° angle offset from one another, as is apparent in particular from the view along the central axis according to Figures 6 and 7. In principle, the arrangement can be such that it can be transmitted and / or received by means of such an omnidirectional antenna in each desired frequency band, specifically for both polarizations. Again, other suitable radiating means, such as patch radiators, may be used instead of the dual polarized vector dipole shown.

Based on FIGS. 8 to 10 Now, the example explained above has been extended to the extent that now for each sector antenna 5, although still only one antenna column 6 is provided, but now in each antenna column 6 along the central direction two mutually offset dual polarized emitters 7 or 9 are arranged. The spacing of the radiators is usually determined as a function of the selected frequency band in which the antenna is to radiate and / or receive. This distance is usually a value between λ / 2 and λ, for example by 0.7 to 0.75 λ, where λ can be the center operating frequency for the frequency band in question. Thus, this example is a dual-polarized, omnidirectional round radiator for a monoband, in which each sector antenna comprises at least two dual-polarized radiators arranged one above the other in the direction of attachment, as a rule in the direction of the vertical central axis 1. In other words, the principle can be developed that three, four, etc. corresponding radiators are arranged one above the other along the central axis. Otherwise, every sector antenna is like the others Examples also, offset at a corresponding angle about the central axis 1 around each other, like the FIGS. 9 and 10 demonstrate.

The illustrated example according to the FIGS. 8 to 10 is also shown again for a monoband antenna with a plurality of dual polarized emitters arranged one above the other along the central axis 1. But again, the individual sector antennas may be formed as dual-polarized dual-band or dual-polarized triband or generally dual-polarized multi-band antennas. If the radiators in the individual sector antennas 5 are to radiate, for example, in two (or more) frequency bands, then a different radiator spacing is usually selected between the individual radiators depending on the operating wavelength, as is generally the case, for example EP 1 082 782 B1 (equals to WO 99/062139 A1 ) is known. This would for example be based on the example according to FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 in that, for example, each sector antenna 5 comprises two dual-polarized emitters 9 spaced apart from the central axis 1 for the lower frequency band and, for example, in the same mounting direction, three dual-polarized emitters 7 for the higher frequency band, for example at twice the upper upper frequency band (for example 1800 MHz). Band) in relation to the lower frequency band (for example, 900 MHz band) two dual polarized radiators 9 for the higher frequency band in the central central position of the two dual polarized radiators for the lower frequency band 9 sit (as in FIG. 1 shown), and that the third dual-polarized radiator 7 for the higher Frequency band between the two centers of the two radiators for the low or higher frequency band can be arranged.

Hereinafter, a further modified example according to the FIGS. 11 to 13 which in principle describes three sector antennas 5, which are twisted at 120 ° angles relative to each other and which, as in all other examples, lie offset from one another along the central axis 1. In contrast to the preceding examples, this omnidirectional omnidirectional comprises not only three sector antennas 5 with dual-polarized radiators, which are arranged only in one antenna column 6, but which are each arranged in two antenna columns 6. In this case, at least one or a plurality of monoband, dual band or generally multi-band emitters, which are preferably offset in the central direction 1, can be arranged in each antenna column, as was fundamentally explained with reference to the preceding examples.

The reflector 11 with its reflector wall 13 lies for each of the two antenna columns 6 of each sector antenna 5 in a same reflector plane 13 '. Corresponding reflector ribs 15 are provided for each column arrangement which extend around all the radiators 7, 9 belonging to one antenna column, including the mentioned reflector ribs 15 'oriented transversely to the central axis 1 for achieving a decoupling to the next sector antenna. In deviation, for example, of Figure 8 or from FIG. 11 If necessary, transversely extending reflector webs between the individual radiators 7 or 9 may be provided in the individual antenna columns 6.

In the variant according to the FIG. 11 If an antenna web 15 "extending in the central axial direction 1 is also provided between the two antenna gaps.

The distance between the central longitudinal axes through each of the antenna columns 6 should here again correspond to the usual distance, that is, for example, between λ / 2 and λ with respect to the center operating frequency. Correspondingly suitable values are frequently between 0.65 λ and 0.75 λ, that is, for example, around 0.7 λ (relative to the center operating frequency, if it is a Monband antenna, otherwise for dual-band antennas the value of λ is λ) Center frequency for the lower frequency band as a reference).

In the illustrated example, the two antenna columns 6 are each arranged to a vertical plane of symmetry (perpendicular to the reflector plane 13 'standing), so that the vertical central axis 1, the reflector plane 13' passes through, precisely at the separation and connection point between the two antenna columns. 6 This means that the respective vertical axis of symmetry 1 between the antenna columns 6 runs parallel to the associated reflector plane 13 '. The result is that in the far field, the phase centers of the sector antennas 5 (with the radiators in the two columns 6) seem to be in the central axis 1 or at least approximately there.

Based on the example according to the FIGS. 14 to 16 is an omnidirectional round radiator with two antenna columns 6 and one or more radiators 7, 9 shown in the individual columns 6, wherein the one antenna column 6, as in the examples according to the FIGS. 1 to 10 with respect to the central axis 1 is arranged so that the three vertically oriented planes of symmetry (which are perpendicular to the respective reflector plane 13 ') of the three in the vertical direction one above the other and twisted arranged sector antennas 5 in the central axis 1 intersect. The respective second antenna column 6 is then laterally offset asymmetrically relative to the central axis 1, that is to say arranged radially offset outwards, so that in plan view of FIGS FIGS. 12 and 13 deviating arrangement results. In other words, in this example too, as in the preceding example, it is ensured that at least one additional further radiator 7, 9 arranged in a further antenna column 6 is provided, that is, at least one additional laterally or radially offset radiator 7, 9 is provided , In the example according to the FIGS. 11 to 13 as in the example of the FIGS. 14 to 16 In this case, the individual sector antennas 5 with the shown at least two antenna columns in the transverse direction, that is to say perpendicular to the central axis 1, can be positioned in different positions, that is to say they do not necessarily have to be inserted only in the antenna FIGS. 11 to 13 or 14 to 16 shown position may be arranged. Any other deviating relative positions in a different displacement position perpendicular to the central axis are possible. However, an arrangement is preferred in which, in plan view of a corresponding sector antenna with the at least one or the at least two antenna columns, the central axis 1 always lies in an overlapping position relative to the one, two or more column sector antenna 5.

Equally, however, intermediate positions are also possible in a wide range, in which, for example, the two antenna gaps 6 can be positioned in a horizontal position relative to the central axis 1 in a different position.

In the previously explained examples using multiple radiators per sector antenna, especially when using a two- or multi-column antenna structure (antenna array) can be especially realize a MIMO capability of omnidirectional round radiator and further expand and improve. This improved MIMO capability can be ensured with the best possible roundness of the radiation pattern.

Based on FIG. 4 It has been shown that at each position of the sector antenna, the number of emitters can be doubled, characterized in that with respect to the reflector 11 and the reflector wall 13, as it were mirror images on both sides a corresponding radiator structure is provided. This based on FIG. 4 principle explained in principle can be realized in all examples. This is only an example based on the FIGS. 17 to 19 be shown, which in principle the example of the FIGS. 8 to 10 corresponds, with the peculiarity that the basis of FIG. 4 explained Basic idea is also realized here. This results in a double radiator arrangement, in which in each of the three height ranges quasi a double sector antenna 5 is provided, which offset in the 180 ° direction, that may comprise oppositely oriented and one or more cover or multi-band radiator in one, two or more columns and this always when using dual polarized or circularly polarized radiators.

As mentioned, the antenna structure is basically such that the phase centers of all the column antennas, that is to say at least the column antennas, which are usually mounted consecutively in the vertical direction along the central axis 1, coincide in the central axis 1 or lie at least in the vicinity of the central axis 1. Generally speaking, the individual sector antennas with their reflectors 11 are arranged around a central axis 1 in such a way that in plan view along the central axis 1, the reflectors 11 and thus also the reflector wall 13 at least partially overlap and overlap. In any case, this distance is clear and preferably more than half smaller than the usual distance between the phase centers, that is to say in particular the respective reflector plane 13 ', the reflector walls 13 and the central axis X in conventional omnidirectional antenna arrangements which have a triangular structure in plan view, in which the reflector planes are positioned on the sides of an equilateral triangle.

In the context of the invention, therefore, the reflector walls 13, that is to say the respective reflector plane 13 ', are preferably arranged relative to the central axis 1 such that the radial distance to the central axis 1 of this reflector wall 13 or the reflector plane 13' is smaller than 15%, in particular smaller as 10%, 8%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2% and in particular less than 1% of the column width B of the respective antenna column 6 (see FIGS. 1 . 8th or 11 ).

The illustrated examples have all been described so that the respective reflector plane 13 'of a reflector wall 13 of a reflector 11 of each sector antenna 5 is arranged so that the central axis 1 lies in the reflector plane 13'. But the individual sector antennas with their reflectors 11 and the reflector walls can also be arranged offset in a radial distance from the central axis, in order to still realize the advantages described, if this distance is not too large. Therefore, this distance should preferably be less than 15%, in particular less than 10%, 8%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2% and in particular less than 1% of the column width B of an antenna column 6.

In FIG. 20 Such an arrangement of the individual reflectors is shown, in which the respective reflector plane 13 'has a small radial offset from the central axis 1 in the aforementioned sense. Such an embodiment is considered, inter alia, if, for example, an antenna mast is provided in the free space between the sector antennas arranged in plan view at different elevations should be provided, which is penetrated by the central axis 1.

In the inventive arrangement according to FIG. 21 an offset of the individual sector antennas has been made in a negative direction. There, therefore, the reflector walls 13 are arranged offset with their associated reflector planes 13 'relative to the central axis 1, that the central axis 1 passes through the reflector webs. In other words, in this case, the central axis 1 runs on the side of the reflector plane 13 ', on which the radiators 7 and / or radiators 9 are also provided (in the example according to FIG FIG. 20 the central axis 1 extends on the rear side of the reflector walls 13, ie on the opposite side to the radiators 7/9).

Based on FIG. 22 For example, to complete the axial top view, there is shown a prior art antenna with three sector antennas, in which the three sector antennas 5 are arranged about the central axis at a 120 ° angle, in which case all sector antennas are mounted at a same elevation since the reflector walls have such a large distance to the central axis 1 that the sector antennas thus formed and in particular their reflectors 11 or reflector walls 13 do not overlap or intersect in plan view.

In order to realize the mentioned decoupling-optimized structure of the individual radiator 5 or the directional antennas 5, that is, the one or more sector antennas 5, the mentioned, transversely and in particular perpendicular to the reflector plane 13 'of the reflector wall 13 or the entire reflector 11 extending reflector webs 15 and 15' is provided. These reflector webs 15 and 15 'should preferably have a reflector web height R which is greater than 0.05 λ, where λ is the center frequency in the case of a monoband emitter. In the case of a dual-band or multi-band emitter array, λ is the center frequency of the lowest frequency band. Generally speaking, the height R of the side wall or the side bars 15, 15 'of the reflector 11 with respect to the reflector plane 13' should not be greater than the height H1, ie the height of the radiator 7 with respect to the reflector plane 13 'and thus not be higher than the height H2, that is, the height of the radiator 9 with respect to the reflector plane 13 '(see FIG. 4 ).

In other words, in the example shown, the reflector web height R of the reflector webs 15, 15 'and 15 "is smaller than the height H2 of the dual- or vertical-polarized dipole or vector radiators 9 for the lower frequency band and thus even lower than the height H1 the even higher dual-polar or vertical-polarized dipole or vector radiator 7 for the higher frequency band, as shown in FIGS Figures 2 or 4 can be seen.

In the mentioned examples and the hand of FIG. 21 explained embodiment of the invention has been addressed to the feed system no longer individually. Usually, the corresponding radiators and antennas with respect. The two mutually perpendicular polarization planes and for the one or more Frequency bands fed separately via coaxial lines. It is also possible to use combiners / distributors, by means of which the jointly supplied frequencies can be divided or combined. In this respect, reference is made to known solutions, which also applies to the operation of the sector antennas 5 for implementing a MIMO operation.

It is further noted that the sector antennas associated with the illustrated omnidirectional radiate or receive in a single polarization may be interconnected via a feed network (this does not apply to the sector operation). As far as the sector antennas emitters are provided which transmit and / or receive in two mutually perpendicular polarization planes, all in a common plane of polarization (of, for example, + 45 ° or -45 ° relative to the horizontal) operated emitters can be interconnected via a feed network.

Claims (15)

1. Dual-polarised, omnidirectional antenna comprising at least three separate sector antennae (5) which are positioned mutually offset in the circumferential direction about a central axis (1), having the following features:

   - each sector antenna (5) comprises at least one antenna gap (6) comprising an associated reflector (11), which is arranged at least in part in a reflector plane (13'), at least one dual-polarised radiator (7, 9) being arranged in the antenna gap (6) in front of the reflector (11),

   - comprising a supply means, which is coupled to the sector antenna (5),

   - the sector antennae (5) are additionally arranged mutually offset along the central axis (1) thereof,

   - the sector antennae (5) are arranged in such a way that, in an axial view along the central axis (1), the reflector walls (13), arranged in a respective reflector plane (13'), of the reflectors (11) intersect,

   - a decoupling means is provided between two adjacent sector antennae (5) which are arranged mutually offset along the central axis (1),

   - the decoupling means consists of at least one reflector bar (15, 15') which is orientated transverse to the reflector plane (13') of the associated reflector (11),

   - the reflector walls (13) or the reflector planes (13') are positioned parallel to the central axis,

   - the reflector walls (13) or the reflector planes (13') are positioned parallel to the central axis in such a way that the distance between the reflector plane (13') of a sector antenna (5) and the central axis is less than 15 % of the gap width (B) of the respective antenna gap (6) whereby the gap width (B) is the width of the reflector wall (13), and

   - the central axis (1) extends at the side of the reflector plane (13') at which the radiators (7, 9) are provided in such a way that the central axis (1) passes through the reflector bars (15, 15').
2. Antenna according to claim 1, characterised in that the height of the reflector bar (15, 15', 15") is greater than 0.05 on the basis of the central frequency in a single-band antenna or on the basis of the lower central frequency in a dual-band or multiband antenna, and is less than a height (H1) of the dual-polarised radiator (7) and/or is less than the height (H2) of the dual-polarised radiator (9), in each case with respect to the reflector plane (13') of the associated reflector (11) of a sector antenna (5).
3. Antenna according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that each sector antenna (5) has a circumferentially closed or interrupted reflector bar (15), which encloses the reflector (11) together with the sector antenna (5) positioned inside the reflector bar (15, 15').
4. Antenna according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the reflector walls (13) or the reflector planes (13') are positioned parallel to the central axis in such a way that the distance between the reflector plane (13') of a sector antenna (5) and the central axis is less than 10 %, in particular less than 8 %, 6 %, 5 %, 4 %, 3 %, 2 % and in particular less than 1 %, of the gap width (B) of the respective antenna gap (6).
5. Antenna according to any one of the claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the sector antennae (5) are arranged in such a way that the central axis (1) extends through the phase centres or is at a distance therefrom which is less than 15 %, in particular less than 10 %, 8 %, 6 %, 5 %, 4 %, 3 %, 2 % and in particular less than 1 %, of the gap width (B) of the respective antenna gap (6).
6. Antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that each sector antenna (5) is in the form of a single-band antenna, a dual-band antenna or a multiband antenna.
7. Antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that a second sector antenna (5) which is orientated through 180°, that is to say in the opposite direction, is provided in the region of each sector antenna (5), and preferably comprises a shared reflector (11), in particular a shared reflector wall (13) having a share reflector plane (13').
8. Antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that each sector antenna (5) comprises a plurality of dual-polarised radiators (7, 9), which are positioned in the antenna gap (6) and arranged mutually displaced in the direction of the central axis (1).
9. Antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the sector antennae (5) comprise at least two antenna gaps (6) which are arranged mutually parallel, at least one dual-polarised radiator (7, 9) and preferably a plurality of dual-polarised radiators (7, 9) being arranged in each antenna gap, mutually spaced in the direction of the antenna gap (6).
10. Antenna according to claim 9, characterised in that the dual-polarised radiators (7, 9) are arranged in the same vertical position in the individual antenna gaps (6) of a sector antenna (5).
11. Antenna according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that the spacing of the antenna gaps (6) is between 0.65 A and 0.75 λ, λ being the central operating frequency for the lowest frequency band.
12. Antenna according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterised in that the at least two antenna gaps (6) of each sector antenna (5) are arranged symmetrically about the central axis (1).
13. Antenna according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterised in that the sector antennae (5) is arranged in such a way that in each case an antenna gap (6) is positioned symmetrically about the central axis (1), whilst the associated at least one further antenna gap (6) is positioned radially, laterally or transversely with respect to the central axis (1).
14. Antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that a plurality of dual-polarised radiators (7, 9) which are arranged in one or in different antenna gaps (6) can be operated as MIMO antennae.
15. Antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that the dual-polarised radiators (7, 9) are single-band, dual-band or multiband-capable.

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