EP3120412B1 - Device for transmitting and/or receiving electromagnetic waves - Google Patents

Description

State of the art

The present invention relates to a device for transmitting and / or receiving electromagnetic waves with an antenna unit, which can be moved between a stowed in a support member stowed position and an extended from the support member use position.

Such devices are well known and are commonly used on submarines with retractable antenna masts to keep the antenna unit in a retracted stowed position in the antenna mast during dive travel, and extend the antenna unit to the use position of the antenna mast only when surfacing or at sea depth.

Furthermore, in the known submarine antenna systems, different antennas are usually used for different transmission and reception requirements in order to be able to provide optimal transmission and reception conditions at all times. For shortwave radio (HF radio, high frequency) submarines almost exclusively use vertical rod antennas (monopole antennas). Due to their slim design, these antennas are so-called narrow-band antennas, ie the antenna has to be retuned by antenna matching devices even with the smallest frequency changes. Thus, narrow band antennas for electronic countermeasures (ECCM: Electric Counter Counter Measures) against jammers are unsuitable, since the countermeasures against jammers are usually based on fast frequency changes (frequency hopping) and tune antennas usually too slow. Antennas with a correspondingly thick design are broadband antennas, which do not have to be continuously tuned over wide frequency ranges and are therefore suitable for ECCM operation. Furthermore, vertical rod antennas are mainly suitable for ground wave propagation and thus for local traffic due to their flat radiation characteristics. Dipole antennas are suitable for long-distance operation (also referred to as DX operation) due to their steeper radiation characteristic, since long-distance operation is based on the reflection of radio waves at the ionosphere, while the radio waves from rod antenna primarily as surface and bumps through the troposphere spread along the earth's surface. In the presence of both antenna systems - rod antenna and dipole antenna - it is possible to provide the connected radios with the most powerful antenna, which contributes to the reduction of interference effects (antenna diversity).

From the DE 103 08 366 B3 For example, a snorkel device with a communication device is known.

From the DE 102 39 874 B3 For example, an antenna with at least three emitters is known.

From the US 5,764,195 A For example, an antenna with four radiating elements is known.

From the US 2008/278407 A1 is an antenna known for maritime communication.

A disadvantage of the use of multiple retractable and extendable antennas in moving antenna masts in submarines is that thick and heavy mast systems for receiving the individual antenna elements and the associated input and Ausfahrmechanismen are necessary. In addition, large antenna mast systems lead to an increased betrayal risk for the submarine due to optical or radar-based detection.

Disclosure of the invention

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device for transmitting and / or receiving electromagnetic waves which, on the one hand, satisfies the different transmission and reception requirements (DX and local operation, ECCM operation, antenna diversity operation). On the other hand, allows a more compact design of the support element (reduction of betrayal) allows.

This object is achieved with a device for transmitting and / or receiving electromagnetic waves, in particular for a submarine, wherein the device comprises an antenna unit with a first antenna element and a second antenna element, wherein the antenna unit between a retracted into a support member stowage position and a in the use position, the antenna unit is selectively operable in a first operating mode and in a second operating mode and wherein the first antenna element and the second antenna element in the first operating mode to a dipole antenna and in the second operating mode to a monopole Antenna are interconnected.

The device according to the invention has the advantage over the prior art that the antenna unit can be operated in two different operating modes, the first operating mode and the second operating mode, without requiring different antennas for each operating mode. The total number of antenna elements required is thus reduced, whereby the optionally acting as an antenna mast support member for the antenna unit can be kept compact, resulting in a reduction of betrayal danger of the submarine (less water resistance, less turbulence, lower optical detectability, lower Radarrückstrahlfläche). In the first mode of operation comparatively good transmission and reception services for long-distance operation (also referred to as DX operation, DX stands for "Distance") in shortwave radio (RF radio, high frequency) achieved by the first and the second antenna element to a common dipole antenna are interconnected, since the dipole antenna emits primarily space waves that are reflected at the ionosphere and thus can travel long distances. At the same time, the second operating mode makes it possible to connect the first and the second antenna element to a common monopole antenna, which corresponds in particular to a short, thick rod antenna with a corresponding broadband characteristic. On the one hand, this antenna shape has good transmission and reception powers in the vicinity of the shortwave band (RF radio, high frequency), since the radio waves of rod antennas propagate primarily as surface waves and bumps through the troposphere along the earth's surface, and on the other hand is additionally due to the broadband suitable for Frequency Hopping operation. Advantageously, in particular by the presence of two different antenna systems (dipole antenna and rod antenna) on an antenna mast by a downstream radio system with respect to the instantaneous receive / transmit power, the optimal antenna system can be selected, resulting in an antenna diversity (antenna diversity operation).

Advantageous embodiments and modifications of the invention are the dependent claims, as well as the description with reference to the drawings.

According to a preferred embodiment it is provided that the device has a switching device which is configured for switching the antenna unit between the first and the second operating mode, wherein in the first operating mode, the first and the second antenna element by means of the switching means electrically isolated from each other and each with a signal conductor are connected and wherein in the second operating mode, the first and the second antenna element by means of the switching means are electrically conductively connected to each other and to a signal conductor. The switching device allows Advantageously, a fast switching between the first and the second operating mode, so that depending on the current communication request, the optimal antenna configuration in radio frequency radio is selectable. The switching device is preferably realized via vacuum relays, which are arranged in particular in a pressure vessel in the upper region (also referred to as the free end) of the carrier element.

According to a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the first antenna element and the second antenna element are each formed parabolic, wherein the first antenna element and the second antenna element preferably made of an elastic material, for example, in each case a flexible rod made of glass fiber reinforced plastic with internal metal and preferably copper strand , are made. Advantageously, the first and the second antenna element each have a curved shape due to their parabolic shape. It is conceivable, for example, that the first and the second antenna element each substantially comprise the shape of the circumference of a circle segment of a quarter circle. In this way, a space-compact dipole antenna, in particular in partial areas approximately V-shaped realize.

According to a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the first antenna element has a first free end region and a first guided end region and wherein the second antenna element has a second free end region and a second guided end region, wherein the first free end region and the second free end region in the Jam position are arranged substantially parallel to each other in the carrier element and are aligned in the use position substantially at an angle or preferably anti-parallel to each other and arranged outside of the carrier element. The first guided end region and the second guided end region are preferably arranged substantially at an angle to one another in the use position and are optionally arranged substantially parallel to one another within the carrier element in the stowed position. Advantageously, the first and the second antenna element can thus extend through a comparatively small output opening in the free end or upper region of the carrier element, the first free end region of the first antenna element and the second free end region of the second antenna element moving apart in a fan-like manner during extension and the dipole antenna for the first operating state is thus "spanned". In addition, the first free end region and the second free end region, in the position of use, preferably have anti-parallel in opposite directions, so that the second operating mode can be achieved by the two antenna elements in the same spatial arrangement. For both operating modes, therefore, good transmission and reception performance can be achieved.

According to a further preferred embodiment, provision is made for an at least partially curved first guide tube, in which the first antenna is displaceably mounted, and an at least partially curved second guide tube, in which the second antenna is displaceably mounted, to be arranged inside the carrier element. Advantageously, the antennas are automatically pivoted when entering the guide tubes or when extending from the guide tubes. Preferably, the first and second guide tubes each comprise a rectilinear lower course and a curved upper course.

According to a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the device has at least one guide element coupled to the antenna unit, which is movable for extending the antenna unit out of the carrier element and for retracting the antenna unit into the carrier element in a guideway within the carrier element. Advantageously, the guide member can be retracted together with the antenna unit, for example, when the submarine goes on dive trip and no communication in the high-frequency band is needed. The device preferably has a drive mechanism and in particular a cable pull mechanism which is designed to move the at least one guide element in the guide track, wherein the guide track in the region of an outlet opening provided on the carrier element for the antenna unit is a curve segment for tilting the antenna unit or the first and second Antenna element comprises. A connection point between the drive mechanism and the at least one guide element allows tilting of the antenna unit at the intended outlet opening caused by the curve segment. Advantageously, the guide element tilts in the direction of travel to the rear, when the guide element reaches the upper stop of the guideway and thus also the outlet opening at the free end of the support element. This results in that the first and the second antenna element in the use position are advantageously inclined slightly backwards. In the region of the outlet opening, contacts are preferably arranged which respectively contact the first and second antenna elements and connect them to the switching device. The switching device then connects the respective antenna element with the separate signal conductors (first operating mode) or with the signal conductor and the ground (second operating mode), depending on the operating mode set. The device preferably has a first guide element, which is coupled to the first antenna element, and a second guide element, which is coupled to the second antenna element, which in each case is movable in a separate guide track within the carrier element and can be driven by means of the common drive mechanism. The respective coupling between the antenna element and the guide element further allows the tilting of the antenna element in the position of use at the outlet opening.

According to a further preferred embodiment it is provided that the carrier element between a retracted into a structure of the Uboots non-use position and an extended from the structure position of use is movable. The carrier element preferably comprises an antenna mast for the submarine. The cross section of the antenna mast is preferably streamlined and particularly preferably teardrop-shaped. It is conceivable that the antenna mast in the direction of travel of the submarine on its front side is round and has at its rear a long trailing edge, which reduces the water resistance and visible on the surface of the water turbulence.

Another object of the present invention is a method for operating a, in particular inventive device for transmitting and / or receiving electromagnetic waves, wherein an antenna unit having a first and second antenna element between a retracted into a support member stowed position and extended from the carrier element use position is operated, wherein in the use position, the antenna unit is selectively operated in a first operating mode or in a second operating mode and wherein the first and second antenna element in the first operating mode to a dipole antenna and in the second operating mode are interconnected to form a monopole antenna. The method according to the invention makes it possible to operate the antenna unit in two different operating modes without the need for separate antenna elements for each operating mode. This results in that additional antenna elements can be saved and thus a comparatively simple, inexpensive and space-compact device for transmitting and / or receiving electromagnetic waves can be provided.

According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that in the first operating mode, the first and the second antenna are electrically isolated from each other and each connected to a signal conductor and wherein in the second operating mode, the first and the second antenna element are electrically conductively connected to each other and to a signal conductor. Advantageously, a dipole antenna is thus realized in the first operating mode, which comparatively good transmission and reception services for long-distance operation (also referred to as DX operation, DX stands for "Distance") in shortwave radio (RF radio, high frequency) reached in that the first and the second antenna element are interconnected to form a common dipole antenna, since the dipole antenna emits primarily space waves, which are reflected at the ionosphere and thus can travel long distances. In the second operating mode, however, a common monopole antenna is realized, ie a short, thick rod antenna, which comparatively good transmission and reception services for the short-range radio (RF radio, high frequency) provides, since the radio waves of rod antennas primarily as surfaces - and bumps propagate through the troposphere along the earth's surface. The switching process is preferably realized by means of vacuum relays.

According to a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that, when transferring the antenna unit from the stowage position to the use position, a first free end region of the first antenna element and a second free end region of the second antenna element are arranged essentially at an angle or preferably antiparallel to one another. In an advantageous manner, a fan-shaped dipole antenna is thus realized, with which, in particular for the first operating mode, comparatively good transmitting and receiving powers can be achieved. Furthermore, the first free end region and the second free end region in the position of use also show almost antiparallel in opposite directions, so that in the second operating mode, the rod-shaped monopole antenna can also be approximated well by the two antenna elements, so that also in the second operating mode good transmission and reception performance can be achieved.

According to a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that when the antenna unit is transferred from the stowage position to the use position, the first antenna element is moved through an at least partially curved first guide tube and the second antenna element through an at least partially curved second guide tube.

According to a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the carrier element is moved between a retracted into a structure of the Uboots non-use position and an extended from the structure position of use.

Further details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the drawings, as well as from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments of the invention, which do not limit the essential inventive idea.

Brief description of the drawings

FIGS. 1a and 1b

show schematic sectional views of an apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention once in a stowed position and once in a use position.

FIGS. 2a to 2c

show schematic detail views of the device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3a and 3b

show schematic cross-sectional views of the device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4a and 4b

12 show schematic schematic diagrams of an antenna unit of the device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, connected once in a first operating mode and once in a second operating mode.

FIGS. 5a to 5c

show schematic views of a device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments of the invention

In the various figures, the same parts are always provided with the same reference numerals and are therefore usually named or mentioned only once in each case.

In FIGS. 1a and 1b 12 are schematic sectional views of an apparatus 1 for transmitting and / or receiving electromagnetic waves according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The device 1 comprises a carrier element 2, which acts as an antenna mast for an antenna unit 13. The carrier element 2 is integrated in a structure 3 of a submarine and can be placed between the in FIG. 1 shown retracted non-use position in which the carrier element 2 is fully retracted into the structure 3, and one in FIG. 2 shown extended use position, in which the support member 2 protrudes perpendicularly from the structure of the submarine, are moved. In the rear region of the support element 2, a lifting cylinder 29 is arranged, by means of which the carrier element 2 is moved between the non-use position and the use position.

Within the support member 2, a partially curved first guide tube 4 and a partially curved second guide tube 5 are arranged (see FIG. 4a ). The first and second guide tubes 4, 5 extend in their upper region in each case curved and preferably in its lower region in a straight line. In the first guide tube 4, a first antenna element 6 and in the second guide tube 5, a second antenna element 7 is arranged. The first and the second antenna element 6, 7 form the antenna unit 13 and are each between the in FIG. 1a shown jam position 34, in which the first and second antenna element 6, 7 within the first and second guide tube 4, 5 and thus also completely within the support member 2 are arranged, and the in FIG. 1b shown use position 35, in which the first antenna element 6 from the first guide tube 4 and the second antenna element 7 are completely extended from the second guide tube 5 and thus protrude from an outlet opening 11 at the free end 12 of the support member 2 from the support member 2, movable.

In order to move the two antenna elements 6, 7, both antenna elements 6, 7 are each connected to a guide element 8 designed as a guide carriage (see FIG FIGS. 3a and 3b ), which is guided in each case in a guideway 9 within the support member 2 slidably. The guide track 9 extends substantially in the axial direction of the carrier element 2. The guide elements 8 are coupled to a drive mechanism in the form of a cable pull mechanism 10, with which each guide element 8 along the corresponding guide track 9 is movable to the associated antenna element 6, 7 between the Jam position 34 and the use position 35 to proceed. When the guide member 8 is moved toward the exit port 11, the first antenna element 6 is extended out of the first guide tube 4 and the second antenna element 7 is extended out of the second guide tube 5. Similarly, when driving back the guide element 8, the first antenna element 6 is pushed back into the first guide tube 4 and the second antenna element 7 back into the second guide tube 5. In the upper region of the guideway 9, the guideway 9 has a curved segment 36, which is inclined backwards, counter to the direction of travel 14 of the submersible. When the guide element 8 reaches this curve segment 36, the guide element 8 tips backwards, so that the first and the second antenna element 6, 7 in the use position 35 are inclined backwards counter to the direction of travel 14. The first and the second antenna element 6, 7 are preferably made of a flexible or elastic material.

The antenna unit 13 can be operated in two different operating modes, a first operating mode 15 and a second operating mode 16. In the first operating mode 15, the first and second antenna element 6, 7 by means of a switching device 17th connected to a dipole antenna 18 (see FIG. 5a ). For this purpose, the switching device 17 connects the first antenna element 6 to a first signal conductor 19 and the second antenna element 7 to a second signal conductor 20. The dipole antenna 18 has comparatively good transmitting and receiving powers for long-distance operation (also referred to as DX mode; for "Distance") in shortwave radio (RF radio, high frequency), since the dipole antenna 18 emits primarily space waves that are reflected at the ionosphere and thus can travel long distances. In the second operating mode 16, the first and second antenna elements 6, 7 are connected by means of the switching device 17 to form a common monopole antenna 21. For this purpose, the first and second antenna elements 6, 7 are electrically conductively connected to each other and to a common signal conductor 22. The first and second antenna element 6, 7 act as a short, thick rod antenna. The monopole antenna 21 provides comparatively good transmission and reception powers for the short-range radio frequency (RF radio, high frequency), since their radio waves propagate primarily as surface waves and bumps through the troposphere along the earth's surface. In the use position 35 of the antenna unit 13, the switching device 17 allows rapid switching between the first and the second operating mode 15, 16. It is conceivable that the switching device 17 for this purpose comprises a vacuum relay, which is arranged in a pressure vessel 23 in the carrier element 2.

The first antenna element 6 has a first free end region 24, which protrudes freely in the use position 35, and a first guided end region 25, to which the first antenna element 6 is connected to the corresponding guide element 8. Analogously, the second antenna element 7 has a second free end region 26, which also protrudes freely in the use position 35, and a second guided end region 27, to which the second antenna element 7 is connected to the associated guide element 8. The first antenna element 6 and the second antenna element 7 are each parabolic, ie each antenna element 6, 7 has substantially the shape of the circumference of a circle segment. The first and second antenna element 6, 7 are each aligned with each other so that in the use position 35, the first free end portion 24 and the second free end portion 26 show almost anti-parallel in opposite directions, which are aligned substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel 14 of the submarine. Alternatively, the first and second free end regions 24, 26 may also be arranged only at an angle to one another. The first guided end portion 25 and the second guided end portion 27 are in the use position 35 in the region of the outlet opening 11 on the carrier element 2 and are therefore aligned at an angle to each other, since the guide tubes 4, 5 are curved in this area. The first and the second antenna element 6, 7 therefore essentially form a V-shaped arrangement which is inclined backwards in the use position 35 and is inclined backwards in the direction of travel 14.

When transferring the antenna unit 13 from the use position 35 to the stowage position 34, the antenna elements 6, 7 are transferred into the respective guide elements 4, 5 curved within the carrier element 2 in accordance with the antenna elements 6, 7, so that in the stowed position 34 the first free end area now exists 24 and the second free end portion 26 adjacent to the exit opening 11 and are arranged at an angle to each other (since the guide tubes 4, 5 are curved in this area), while the first guided end portion 25 and the second guided end portion 27 in the stowage position 34 spaced from each other are and preferably parallel (since the guide tubes 4, 5 in this area in each case run in a straight line) are arranged. The above-described alignment of the first and second antenna 6, 7 in the storage and use position 35 is effected solely by the extension and retraction into the fixed and curved guide tubes 4, 5 by means of the guide elements eighth

In FIGS. 2a to 2c FIG. 2 shows schematic detail views of the device 1 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1 the area of the free end 12 of the carrier element 2 is illustrated enlarged. In this view, a guide element 8 can be seen, which is guided in a guideway 9. The guideway 9 extends in the axial direction within the support member 2 and has at its illustrated upper end of the curve segment 36, which leads to tilting of the support member 2 in its uppermost end position. The guide element 8 comprises a guide carriage, which is provided with two rollers, which slide along the wall of the guide track 9 along. The carriage is coupled at one end via a coupling bracket with a cable of the cable mechanism 10. At the other end, the respective antenna element 6, 7 is coupled to the guide carriage. The cable is deflected several times within the support member 2 via pulleys. By means of the cable pull, the guide carriage can be moved along the guide track within the carrier element 2 in order to move the antenna elements 6, 7 between the stowage position 34 and the use position 35. In the region of the illustrated free end 12 of the carrier element 2, the pressure vessel 23 is further shown, in which the switching device 17 is arranged in particular in the form of the vacuum relay. For contacting the antenna elements 6, 7 9 contacts 30 are arranged in the upper region of the guide rail, via which an electrically conductive contact between the switching device 17 and each of the first and second antenna element 6, 7 is produced when the antenna unit 13 in the use position 35th located. The interconnection of the antenna unit 13 in the first or second operating mode 15, 16 takes place - as described above - by means of and within the switching device 17.

In FIG. 2b is a cross-sectional view of the running in the guideway 9 guide member 8 illustrated. A contact 30 for producing the electrically conductive connection between one of the two antenna elements 6, 7 and the switching device 17 is in Figure 2c shown. It can be seen that a contact finger 31 connected to the antenna element 6, 7 and the guide element 8 is inserted into a contact receptacle 32 connected to the switching device 17 when the carrier element 8 reaches its upper end position within the guide track 9. In the use position 35, the contact between the antennas 6, 7 and the switching device 17 is produced in this way.

In FIGS. 3a and 3b FIG. 12 shows schematic cross-sectional views of the device 1 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3a is the cross section of the support member 2 in the region of the opening 37 in the structure 3 of the submarine (see FIG. 1b ). Inside the carrier element 2, the two guide tracks 9 for the corresponding guide elements 8 of the first and second antenna element 6, 7 are arranged. The two guideways 9 are arranged at an angle to each other. In the present example, the two antenna elements 6, 7 in the position of use therefore also in a bird's eye view, that is arranged with respect to a horizontal plane, V-shaped. In the front part of the support member 2, a clamping device 28 is arranged, which serves to lock the cable. In FIG. 3b is a cross section of the support member 2 in the region of the free end 12 is illustrated, wherein within the support member 2, the first guide tube 4 for the first antenna element 6 and the second guide tube 5 for the second antenna element 7 can be seen. In the rear region of the carrier element 2, the pressure vessel 23 is arranged.

In FIGS. 4a and 4b 2, schematic schematic diagrams of the antenna unit 13 of the device 1 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention are shown interconnected once in the first operating mode 15 and once in a second operating mode 16. The different interconnection is illustrated for the sake of clarity only by way of example and purely schematically with reference to a coaxial antenna cable. In the first operating mode 15, shown in FIG FIG. 5a , the first antenna element 6 is connected to the acting as a signal conductor 19 inner conductor of the coaxial cable and the second antenna element 7 with the jacket-shaped outer conductor of the coaxial cable, in which case the outer conductor is used as a further signal conductor 20. The first and second antenna elements 6, 7 are thus interconnected to the dipole antenna 18. The second operating mode 16 is in figure 5b wherein the first and the second antenna element 6, 7 are electrically conductively connected to one another and to the inner conductor of the coaxial cable functioning as signal conductor 22. The outer conductor of the coaxial cable is used here in the usual way only to the shield 33 is therefore grounded.

It is in FIGS. 4a and 4b Furthermore, it can be seen that the first and second antenna elements 6, 7 are parabolic in shape and, in the use position 35, are fan-shaped and arranged in a V-shape. The first free end portion 24 and the second free end portion 26 are anti-parallel in opposite directions while the first guided end portion 25 and the second guided end portion 28 are adjacent and nearly parallel to each other.

In FIGS. 5a to 5c Fig. 2 shows schematic views of a device 1 according to an alternative further embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5a is a schematic rear view of the device 1 along the direction of travel 14 of the submarine, in FIG. 5b a plan view of the device 1 and in FIG. 5c a side view of the device 1 shown. The further embodiment is substantially similar to that of FIG FIGS. 1a to 4b illustrated and described previous embodiment, wherein, in contrast to the further embodiment, only the first and second guide tube 4, 5 intersect along the direction of travel 14. In FIG. 5a It can be seen that both guide tubes 4, 5 extend in a curved manner in their upper area in a plane perpendicular to the direction of travel 14 and extend parallel to one another in their lower area (cf. FIG. 5a ). In order to achieve a space-compact arrangement as possible, the two guide tubes 4, 5 intersect. In a plane parallel to the direction of travel 14, both guide tubes 4, 5 are likewise curved (cf. FIG. 5c ). At the upper end of the guide tubes 4, 5, the two antenna elements 6, 7 are shown, which are enclosed by insulators.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

contraption

2

support element

3

construction

4

First guide tube

5

Second guide tube

6

First antenna element

7

Second antenna element

8th

guide element

9

guideway

10

wire draw mechanism

11

outlet opening

12

Free end

13

antenna unit

14

direction of travel

15

First operating mode

16

Second operating mode

17

switching device

18

Dipole antenna

19

First signal conductor

20

Second signal conductor

21

Monopole antenna

22

Common signal conductor

23

pressure vessel

24

First free end area

25

First led end area

26

Second free end area

27

Second led end area

28

clamping device

29

lifting cylinder

30

blade contact

31

contact fingers

32

contact

33

shielding

34

stowage position

35

use position

36

curve segment

37

opening

Claims (15)

1. Apparatus (1) for transmitting and/or receiving electromagnetic waves, in particular for a submarine, the apparatus (1) comprising an antenna unit (13) having a first antenna element (6) and a second antenna element (7), the antenna unit (13) being movable between a stowage position (34) retracted into a carrier element (2) and a use position (35) extended from the carrier element (2), characterized in that the apparatus (1) comprises a switching device (17), the antenna unit (13) being able to be optionally operated in a first operating mode (15) and in a second operating mode (16) in the use position (35), the first and second antenna elements (6, 7) being connected to one another by means of the switching device (17) to form a dipole antenna (18) in the first operating mode (15) and being connected to one another to form a monopole antenna (21) in the second operating mode (16).
2. Apparatus (1) according to Claim 1, the switching device (17) being configured to change over the antenna unit (13) between the first operating mode (15) and the second operating mode (16), the first and second antenna elements (6, 7) being electrically insulated from one another by means of the switching device (17) and each being connected to a signal conductor (19, 20) in the first operating mode (15), and the first and second antenna elements (6, 7) being connected to one another in an electrically conductive manner by means of the switching device (17) and being connected to a signal conductor (22) in the second operating mode (16).
3. Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, the first and second antenna elements (6, 7) each being in the form of a parabola, the first and second antenna elements (6, 7) preferably being produced from an elastic material.
4. Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, the first antenna element (6) comprising a first free end region (24) and a first guided end region (25), and the second antenna element (7) comprising a second free end region (26) and a second guided end region (27), the first free end region (24) and the second free end region (26) being arranged substantially parallel to one another in the carrier element (2) in the stowage position (34) and/or being oriented substantially at an angle or anti-parallel to one another in the use position (35).
5. Apparatus (1) according to Claim 4, the first guided end region (25) and the second guided end region (27) being arranged substantially at an angle to one another in the use position (35) and/or being arranged substantially parallel to one another inside the carrier element (2) in the stowage position (34).
6. Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, an at least partially curved first guide tube (4), in which the first antenna element (6) is displaceably mounted, and an at least partially curved second guide tube (5), in which the second antenna element (7) is displaceably mounted, being arranged inside the carrier element (2), the first and/or second guide tube (4, 5) each comprising a straight lower profile and a curved upper profile.
7. Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, the apparatus (1) comprising at least one guide element (8) which is coupled to the antenna unit (13) and is movable in a guide track (9) inside the carrier element (2) for the purpose of extending the antenna unit (13) from the carrier element (2) and retracting the antenna unit (13) into the carrier element (2).
8. Apparatus (1) according to Claim 7, the apparatus (1) comprising a drive mechanism and, in particular, a cable pull mechanism (10) which is designed to move the at least one guide element (8) in the guide track (9), the guide track (8) comprising a curved segment (36) for tilting the antenna unit (13) in the region of an exit opening (11) provided for the antenna unit (13) on the carrier element (2).
9. Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, the carrier element (2) being movable between a non-use position retracted into a structure (3) of the submarine and a use position extended from the structure (3).
10. Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, the switching device (17) comprising vacuum relays for changing over the antenna unit (13) between the first and second operating modes (15, 16).
11. Method for operating an apparatus (1) for transmitting and/or receiving electromagnetic waves, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, an antenna unit (13) having a first and a second antenna element (6, 7) being moved between a stowage position (34) retracted into a carrier element (2) and a use position (35) extended from the carrier element (2), characterized in that the antenna unit (13) is operated either in a first operating mode (15) or in a second operating mode (16) in the use position (35), the first and second antenna elements (6, 7) being connected to one another to form a dipole antenna (18) in the first operating mode (15) and being connected to one another to form a monopole antenna (21) in the second operating mode (16).
12. Method according to Claim 11, the first and second antenna elements (6, 7) being electrically insulated from one another and each being connected to a signal conductor (19, 20) in the first operating mode (15), and the first and second antenna elements (6, 7) being connected to one another in an electrically conductive manner and being connected to a signal conductor (22) in the second operating mode (16).
13. Method according to either of Claims 11 and 12, a first free end region (24) of the first antenna element (6) and a second free end region (26) of the second antenna element (7) being arranged substantially at an angle or anti-parallel to one another when transferring the antenna unit (13) from the stowage position (34) into the use position (35).
14. Method according to one of Claims 11 to 13, the first antenna element (6) being moved by a curved first guide tube (4) and the second antenna element (7) being moved by a curved second guide tube (5) when transferring the antenna unit (13) from the stowage position (34) into the use position (35).
15. Method according to one of Claims 11 to 14, the carrier element (2) being moved between a non-use position retracted into a structure (3) of the submarine and a use position extended from the structure (3).

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