EP3262709A1

EP3262709A1 - Radome and associated mobile communications antenna, and method for producing the radome or the mobile communications antenna

Info

Publication number: EP3262709A1
Application number: EP16705543.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Maximilian GÖTTL; Robert Kinker; Philipp Gentner
Original assignee: Kathrein Werke KG
Current assignee: Kathrein SE
Priority date: 2015-02-26
Filing date: 2016-02-22
Publication date: 2018-01-03
Anticipated expiration: 2036-02-22
Also published as: CN107408753A; US10879602B2; US20180040948A1; DE102015002441A1; CN107408753B; WO2016135080A1; EP3262709B1

Abstract

An improved radome and an associated improved method for producing a radome are distinguished, inter alia, by the following features: – the radiation structure consists of a passive radiation structure (157, 157'; FSS), preferably in the form of frequency-selective surfaces (FSS), wherein a) the passive radiation structure (157, FSS) is generated by structured metal faces which are surrounded by metal-free regions or b) the radiation structures (157', FSS) are formed by recesses (158) in a metal film or a metal layer (57), – the passive radiation structures (157) consist of a composite film (41), – the composite film (41) comprises at least one plastic carrier layer (55, 59) and a metal film or metal layer (57) applied thereon, and – the composite film (41) is attached or adhesively bonded to the outer surface or outer skin (19') of the radome (5).

Description

Radome and associated mobile radio antenna and method for the production of the radome or the mobile radio antenna

The invention relates to a radome and to an associated mobile radio antenna with a radome and to a method for producing the radome or the mobile radio antenna.

Mobile radio antennas for base stations usually have a vertically extending conductive reflector, which may also be provided with longitudinal or Verti ^¬ kalrichtung extending and offset from the center to the outside webs, edge boundaries, etc., which are aligned at an angle or perpendicular to the reflector plane. In front of the reflector, a plurality of vertically offset radiators, radiator elements or radiator groups are arranged, which can transmit and / or receive, for example, in a polarization plane or in two mutually perpendicular polarization planes. Often the dual polarized radiators are at an angle of +45 deg. or -45 deg. aligned with the vertical (or horizontal), which is why we speak of X polarization emitters.

The radiators, radiator elements and radiator groups can be arranged side by side in one or more columns. However, such antenna arrays, which comprise several columns next to one another, generally also have a common reflector or a common reflector plate.

As radiating elements every conceivable spotlights come into consideration, for example, simply polarized or you- alpolarisierte radiator dipole antenna or dipole radiators, patch radiators etc. With regard to the various possible to use emitter types by way of example in the following prior publications verwie ^¬ sen, namely DE 197 22 742 AI, DE 196 27 015 AI, US 5,710,569, WO 00/39894 or DE 101 50 150 AI.

Such antenna arrangements are usually housed in ei ^¬ nem radome, which serves to protect the radiator from the weather. The radome itself is permeable to electromagnetic waves and usually consists of a glass fiber reinforced plastic.

In widely used mobile radio antennas, the radome is generally designed in the circumferential direction as a closed overall housing, on the upper and lower end of which corresponding cover caps can be placed. Corresponding cable connections for the HF signals and / or for the control of antenna components (in For example, a downtilt angle) can be connected to the underside ^¬ side of the antenna and / or on the back of the antenna. It is known that mobile radio antennas are usually designed for radiation only in a specific sector, for example, for a sector of 120 deg. , 30 deg. or 180 deg. 30 deg. etc. Therefore, a high back-attenuation is often desired, which should be greater than 20 dB, often even greater than 25 dB or even greater than 30 dB.

In order to achieve a better back-damping, already in a previously known and in a radome accommodated mobile radio antenna (in the circumferentially closed radome, the entire antenna device including the reflector and the radiators based thereon, radiator elements or radiator groups are housed) at a distance behind the An additional metal sheet has been mounted on the back of the radome. As a result, a "double reflector" is formed as it were, whereby the rear damping is improved.

Such a structure has become known for example from DE 102 17 330 B4. In order to improve the antenna return loss (FTBR, ie front-to-back ratio) and the side damping (FTSR, ie front-to-side ratio) and thus an improved suppression of side lobes and to better protect the spotlights, is on the back of a reflector at a distance to a two ^¬ ter reflector and in a further embodiment, again at a distance from the second reflector behind this provided a third reflector. All reflectors side bars, which rise from the respective reflector plane in the beam direction to the front. This results in a shell structure, wherein the outermost Re ^¬ reflector with its side bars the middle reflector and this surrounds the actual, the radiator-bearing reflector not only on the back, but also laterally and shields.

In JP 2005-033404 Al a radome for an antenna is shown, with reflector side bars, which rise from the Radom back in the beam direction. The reflector side bars are provided as plate-shaped strips on the outer skin of the radome. These plates can also be arranged at a certain distance from the rear wall of the radome on the side wall regions of the radome. It is even possible that these strip-shaped plates are attached to the transition region from the side surfaces of the radome to the front region, for which they must be slightly arcuate in cross section, since here the radome usually passes over an arc section from the side wall section to the front section.

In DE Finally 10 2005 005 781 Al and has been proposed in EP 1689022 Al, incorporated in a mobile radio antenna with a radome underweight body ^¬ brought reflector additionally provide a further reflector in the form of a conductive surface structure in the Rear wall of the radome is incorporated and / or located in the rear wall of the radome.

Characterized in that the conductive surface structure according to the DE 10 2005 005 781 Al or EP 1689022 Al is incorporated into the mate rial ^¬ of the radome, the radome to slight ter (compared with that state of the art, in which additional reflector plates are mounted in the distance to the radome se ^¬ ready). In addition, the incorporated in the Radommateri- al reflector should be better protected. In particular, compared with previously known solutions in which, for example, reflector devices would be adhesively bonded to the wheel material, the risk is to be counteracted that these reflectors detach from the wheel material again when heat is applied.

In this case, in the DE 10 2005 005 781 is AI has also been provided schla ^¬ gene, the aforementioned conductive surface structures in the radome material incorporated ^¬ works not only on the back and / or in the side wall portions of the radome, but additionally or alternatively, also in the front side of the radome to provide ,

According to the prior art, the incorporated in the wheel material conductive surface structure, for example, from a conductive fabric structure, in particular a form of a wire mesh structure, a hole structure, a grid structure, a Liniengit- terstruktur or a metal foil consist of at least one side and preferably on both sides with a Paper existing or paper comprehensive layer is laminated.

The object of the present invention is to provide a further improved radome and an associated mobile radio antenna with such a radome and a method of manufacturing the radome or of the mobile radio antenna to sheep ^¬ fen. The object is achieved according to the invention with respect to the radome according to the claim 1, with respect to the mobile radio antenna according to the in claim 17 and with respect to the method according to the features given in claim 18. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

In the context of the invention, therefore, passive radiation structures formed on the surface, that is to say the outer skin of the radome, are realized, in particular in the form of frequency-selective surfaces.

These are preferably periodically ie periodically positioned on the radome angeord ^¬ net, especially in the longitudinal direction of the radome. In this case, this frequenzselek ^¬ tive surfaces (form the magnetic dipoles then) be implemented as the preferred passive radiation ^¬ structures preferably in the form of periodically arranged dipoles or periodically arranged slots. The difference is in the reflected or transmitted wave. Looking only at the transmission, a band stop filter can be realized with the electric dipoles. If you only consider the reflection, then you can use the magnetic dipoles to create a bandpass filter.

For the passive radiation structures, in particular in the form of the so-called frequency-selective surfaces, it is possible to choose a wide variety of designs, ie different structural forms. Preference is given to forms, for example in the form of the so-called Jerusalem cross or a hexagon loop. These passive radiation structures may be suitably applied to the outer skin of the radome. A variant in which the passive radiation structures are formed on or as part of a Verbundfo- lie, so that a Trä ^¬ carrier layer comprises a metal foil or metal layer adjacent to at least preferred.

In the context of the invention can be by optimally attached and an optimal shielding it having ^¬ invention modern composite film lationsunterdrückung achieve improved intermodulation, for example, with respect to a leading to the aerial power cable (power cables). The same applies in principle also with respect to a non-intermodulation cable which runs behind the antenna or with respect to a so-called remote radio head (RRH), which is usually mounted behind the antenna on a mast. Within the scope of the invention, however, it is also possible to generally reduce and prevent the negative influences on the antenna, which are exerted, for example, by a mast carrying the antenna, by a cable leading to the antenna, steel cables mechanically fixed by the antenna. In other words, the intermodulation suppression and thus the passive intermodulation strength (= reduction or suppression of passive intermodulation) can be significantly improved.

In the context of the present invention can be also much simpler with, and above all cost-effective means to realize not only to improve the radiation characteristic of a cellular antenna, for example through the improved antenna return loss or improved Be ^¬ tendämpfung, but it is also a Inter- determine modulation suppression, which are caused in the art, for example, by leading to the antenna power ^¬ cable (power cable). In the same way, by incorporating appropriate radiation or slot structures or the like, for example in the side wall sections of the radome and / or in the front side region of the radome, the radiation pattern can be specifically acted upon.

In contrast to the previously known solutions in which, for example, a second or third reflector (subreflector) was mounted behind the antenna radome, a much smaller structural space is required within the scope of the invention.

Also in the solution according to DE 10 2005 005 781 AI or EP 1 689 022 AI only a small space is required because the conductive surface structure is incorporated in particular in the form of a grid and / or hole structure in the Radomma- material itself. However, it has been found that such a construction is complicated and thus expensive, above all very labor-intensive and time-consuming with regard to the production and, moreover, imperfectly in the individual design.

In the present invention, therefore, only a relatively thin composite film having a Me ^¬ tallfolie or - layer adhered to the outer skin of the radome, preferably full-surface bonded. This process is easy and inexpensive to perform. By sticking such a composite film on the outside of the radome, ie on the outer skin of the Radoms can easily a second, the Schir ^¬ tion improving rear reflector are formed, as well as corresponding second reflector side webs when the metal foil is provided in the side region or in the side region of the radome. It proves to be particularly positive in the context of the invention that the side area also can be adjusted individually, which also applies to the dimensioning. In other words, the corresponding composite film may be adapted entspre ^¬ accordingly provided to the radome in the desired width.

Therefore be serving realized into ^¬ particular passive radiation structures of the additional beam shaping, kön- this example NEN be formed as a single conductive surface structures on a backing layer serving as a plastic film. However, it is also possible that on egg ^¬ ner composite film, a corresponding metal layer or metal foil is provided which has certain recesses, such as Schiitzausnehmungen in the metal foil or metal layer for generating passive radiation structures, wherein at least one intended plastic carrier layer for the metal foil preferably passes through the entire surface , So no recesses in the plastic film material. In other words, a generally at least two or more layers of film with a corresponding metal layer or Me ^¬ tallfolie as fully as possible adhered to the outer skin of the radome, wherein metal surface areas then provided for the preparation of the corresponding beam-forming structures only at certain points or not at certain points are provided, such metal-free Structures are then surrounded by corresponding conductive metal surfaces and thus formed.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, thereby a self-adhesive composite film is used, whether ^¬ also the adhesive layer may be the same be separately applied separately on the outside of the radome and / or on the side to be glued of the metal foil or film combination prior to adhesion.

The material film or layer of material comprehensive composite film can slightest material thicknesses aufwei ^¬ sen, for example, less than 1 mm, possibly even un ^¬ ter 0, 5 mm.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the bonded composite film has a multilayer structure and comprises at least one carrier layer next to the actual metal layer. Preferably, a carrier layer can be provided on each side of the metal layer, so that these composite films comprising at least three layers can then be adhered to the outer skin of the radome by means of a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. The carrier layer is preferably made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It is therefore a thermoplastic produced by polycondensation from the family polyester. However, the carrier film can also consist of polyethylene (PE), for example of PE-LD (LDPE), ie highly branched polymer chains with the formation of a comparatively lower density. It proves to be particularly advantageous that in the production of the radome not only the radome itself can be produced in the sense of an extrusion or casting process, but also that the composite film production and / or attachment in a pultrusion process, ie in a pultrusion process continuously can be applied to the radome.

In summary, it can thus be stated that, within the scope of the invention, best results with regard to improved shielding and / or with regard to the production of radiator structures, in particular passive radiator structures, can be generated with the simplest means. In this case, an extremely space-saving solution is proposed, wherein the existing radome takes over the insulating and position ^¬ function for the metal layer or metal foil to ^¬ comprehensive composite foil. It eliminates all previously required additional parts or there is an additional ^¬ space gain within the antenna, if so far separate additional raumgrei ^¬ fende shielding parts have been used in the prior art. Counter ^¬ set to even incorporated in the radome material conductive surface structures, the inventive solution can be much easier and more effective FGD taping. Mainly characterized in that the film easily arbitrarily far glued or at all desired areas, for example, over the entire length of the radome, and also in the side regions generally applied who the can ^¬, can be compared to conventional solutions, also with respect to the incorporated in the radome material conductive surface structure very especially optimal shielding in the rear and / or side area of the radome, which not only In general, an improved antenna return, an improvement of the side attenuation, a lighter radiation waveform, but above all, an optimal shielding, for example, to a so-called Remote Radio Head (RRH) can realize, as he often nowadays between the back of the radome and example ^{¬ as} an antenna mast is provided separately.

It has also been found to be positive that for ^various applications or antenna designs, the composite film can be cut to any desired size and placed. It is also possible to choose from a selection of different slides, each optimized for the specific application.

The invention is explained below with reference to examples nä ^¬ forth. In detail:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a mobile radio antenna with a radome, which is attached to a mast;

Figure 2 is a schematic perspective Schnittdar ^¬ position by an antenna with a inventions to the invention radome on the outer skin of the rear side and a partial area of the sidewall portions of the radome aufgekleb ^¬ th composite film that holds a metal layer environmentally;

Figure 3: a cross section through an inventive

Radom, as it is part of a cellular antenna; FIG. 4 shows an excerpt cross-sectional view through the composite film adhered to the back of a radome and comprising a metal layer;

Figure 5: a modified to Figure 3 Ausführungsbei ^¬ game;

Figure 6: a further cross-sectional view through a

Radom comparable to the sectional view of Figure 3;

Figure 7a

and 7b: extracts representations on the adhered to the Au ^¬ ßenhaut a radome composite film comprising metal-free portions, thereby leaving electrically conductive structures;

FIG. 8a

and FIG. 8b: corresponding illustrations to FIGS. 7a and 7b, but with the corresponding preferably passive radiation structures formed by cut-outs in the metal foil area, which is made metal-free; FIG. 9a shows a representation of passive radiation structures on the radome using periodically electric dipoles;

FIG. 9b shows a representation of passive radiation structures on the radome using periodically magnetic dipoles;

FIG. 10a to 10c: a first group A of rotationally symmetric passive radiation structures;

Figure IIa

to 11c: a second group B of passive radiation ^¬ structures in loop shape with the boundary of an interior;

FIG. 12a

to 12c: a third group C of passive radiation ^¬ structures with full-surface interior;

FIG. 13 shows a representation of periodically arranged passive radiation structures which start in the sidewall region of the radome and via which

Range of curvature extend into the adjoining edge region of the front;

FIG. 13a: an enlarged detailed representation of a so-called

Jerusalem cross as an example of the ^passive radiation structure;

14 shows a modified from FIG 14 Ausführungsbei ^¬ game using periodically angeord- Neten Hexagon loop structures (hexagon);

FIG. 14a is an enlarged detailed view of the hexagonal passive conductive structure as used in FIG. 15; and FIG. 15a

and 15b: two more simplified illustrations of basic ^¬ additionally possible passive radiation structures.

1 shows a schematic representation of a mobile radio antenna 1 is shown, for example, part of a Ba ^¬ sisstation. The mobile radio antenna 1 is held and adjusted via a mast 2, for example. The mobile radio antenna 1 comprises inside a reflector 3, not yet visible in FIG. 1, in front of which, as a rule, a large number of radiators, for example dipole radiators, patch radiators, etc., are arranged offset to one another in the vertical direction.

In the radiators there may be any suitable radiators, radiator elements or radiator groups, as this principle, for example from the Vorveröf ^¬ fentlichungen DE 197 22 742 Al, DE 196 27 015 Al, US 5, 710, 569, WO 00/39894 or DE 101 50 150 AI are known.

The radiator, radiator elements or radiator groups are housed protected below a radome 5, wherein the radome 5 is usually made as a one-piece body which is closed in the circumferential direction and a rather bulged front side 7, Seitenwandab sections 10 and a tend sooner flat back 9 includes. At the top of an upper cap 11 is placed and fastened and at the bottom of a corresponding lower end cap 13 (Figure 1). However, the lower end cap 13 often also consists of a metal flange on which the electrical connection Conclusions are provided for the antenna located in the antenna or other control devices to adjust, for example, a downtilt angle etc. under ^¬ differently. In FIG. 1, cables 8 are drawn in, which lead to the connections on the underside of the antenna cover. In this respect, reference is made to known solutions.

FIG. 2 also shows a perspective, partially sectional view of the mobile radio antenna, with a radome closed in the circumferential direction, within which a conductive reflector 3 is accommodated. This is usually made of metal or metal ^¬ sheet. The reflector 3 may further comprise two reflector side wall sections or side wall webs 5a (reflector side wall webs) extending in the longitudinal direction and ^therewith usually in the vertical direction with a corresponding orientation of the antenna and positioned perpendicular or at a different angle relative to the reflector plane RE could be.

In the longitudinal direction of the reflector thereby beab ^¬ standet each other the appropriate or desired for the mobile communications antenna elements 15 are arranged, which can radiate in egg ner polarization plane or in two planes of polarization, that is, send and receive. For example, the emitters can transmit and / or receive in a single band or in a dual or multi-band mode. In Figure 2, a single dual-polarized emitter 15 is partially visible in perspective, which consists of a dipole square 15 'and is mounted on the reflector 3 via an associated carrier 17. As can be seen in particular from the cross-sectional illustration according to FIG. 3, the above-mentioned conductive surface structure 39 in the form of a composite foil 41 comprising a metal layer or foil can now be applied over the whole surface or in partial surface areas on the outer side 19 of the radome, ie the outer skin 19 ' , The corresponding composite film 41 is indicated by dashed lines in the cross-sectional ^¬ representation in Figure 3.

As is also indicated in the cross sectional view of FIG 3, the aforementioned composite sheet 41 can be included with the metal layer or metal foil example ^¬ as the entire surface on the back 9 and / or on the side wall portions 10 of the radome 5 at least with respect to a part of the height region of Hl to the overall height or Total thickness H (starting from the back 9 of the radome) may be formed, as is indicated by dashed lines in the Querschnittsdarstel ^¬ ment according to Figure 3. Due to the attachment of the composite film on the outside 19 on the radome here is no delay. Furthermore, the metal structures in the composite film are optimally plat ed ^¬, since the composite film in terms of their color ^¬ handy design may further be configured as desired, is also results in the advantage that the optical An ^¬ pressure of the antenna targeted through a desired design and / or by a preferred cut of the film can be changed. With reference to FIG. 4, a possible structure of the detail X shown in FIG. 3 is shown in an enlarged, fragmentary cross-section, which is fragmentary the composite foil 41 reproduces how it is glued on the Rücksei ^¬ te 51 of the radome 5.

In this case, the profile 5 'of the radome 5 can be seen in the cross-section, for example, as it is formed on the rear side 9 of the radome 5, for example. Glued since ^¬ up is the aforementioned composite film 41, the outboard, that is opposite to the radome 5, a plastic support layer 55, and then following the electrically conductive metal layer 57, and thereon an adhesive layer comprising at ^¬ closing 61, via which the composite film thus formed 41 on the material or the Pro ^¬ fil 5 'of the radome 5 is glued. With reference to the cross-sectional view according to FIG. 5 (which reproduces the detail Y in FIG. 3), it is shown that the structure can also be such that the composite foil 41 is constructed from the outside in the direction of the outer skin 19 or surface 19 'of the radome 5. in that initially an outer plastic carrier layer 55 is provided, to which the side facing the radome 5 follows a metal layer 57 onto which a further plastic carrier layer 59 is provided, which then glues over the mentioned adhesive layer 61 on the outer surface 19 'of the radome 5 is.

The conductive metal layer 57 may, for example, a copper layer, a brass layer, a Alumi ^¬ niumschicht or a tin or zinc layer consist. Preferably, the metal layer or foil 57 is made of a material which does not comprise steel or iron, that is, consists of a stainless material. The plastic carrier layer 55, 57, in particular the au ^¬ ßenliegende plastic support layer 55 may Example ^¬, of polyethylene terephthalate (PET, PETP) are made, so from a prepared by polycondensation of thermoplastic material preferably selected from the Fami ^¬ lie of the polyesters.

The second plastic support layer to the radome material closer, optionally provided can be composed of Polyethylien (PE) examples of play, that is, from egg ^¬ nem prepared by chain polymerization of ethene thermoplastic. In this case, preference is given to using PE types such as, for example, PE-LD (LDPE), although other types of PE are also suitable, for example

PE-LD (LDPE): highly branched polymer chains with low density ("LD" stands for "low density"); PE-HD (HDPE): weakly branched polymer chains ("HD")

stands for "high density");

PE-LLD (LLDPE): linear low-density polyethylene whose polymer molecule has only short branches ("LLD" stands for "linear low density"); high molecular weight polyethylene ( "HMW" stands for high molecular weight "); ultra-high molecular weight HDPE having a mitt ^¬ sized molecular weight (" UHMW "stands for" ultra high molecular weight "). It is thus seen that it is basically in the Ver ^¬ composite film to a two- or three-layer film, but which is provided by home preferably with a further layer, namely, the adhesive layer 61st In that regard, can also be spoken of a self-adhesive composite film 41.

Due to the manufacturing process, an adhesion promoter layer can still be provided between the respectively mentioned plastic carrier layer and the metal layer, which, however, is significantly thinner in relation to the individual plastic carrier layer or metal layer. The entire structure of the composite film 41 thus formed may be such that its thickness is less than 1 mm, in particular less than 0.9 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.5 mm, 0, 4 mm, 0.3 mm or 0.2 mm. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the aforementioned composite ^foil 41 comprising the metal layer 57 is adhesively bonded to the outer skin 19 'of the radome until it extends into the side wall region 10 of the radome 5. The adhesive layer ends here, for example, at a height relative to the reflector plane RE of a reflector 3 mounted inside the radome 5, which comes to rest, for example, the position of the free web edges 3'a of the reflector side webs 3a. However, the composite film may terminate in size yet ^¬ rem or lesser distance from the reflector plane RE, so notwithstanding the amount of the freely ending web edges 3'a of the side webs 3a of the reflector. 3 Thus, it is also possible as shown, for example, from the cross sectional view in FIG 6 that the metal foil or metal layer 57 include ^¬ de composite film 41 even more portions of the sidewall portions 10 of the radome to the outer skin covers or even circumferentially around the entire radome around is glued.

In addition, it should be emphasized that targeted application of the composite foil is possible within the scope of the invention, i. an exact placement and alignment, ie in preselected relative position to the radiator elements in the antenna. In other words, the corresponding structures in the film can be placed exactly where they can optimally interact with the radiators located below the radome.

Further, the radiating elements and / or the composite ^¬ film can be asymmetric and / or arranged on only one side of the radome or generally provided symmetrically on either side of the radome 41 with or without hereinafter more fully ER- örterten radiating structures. The illustrated composite film 41 may preferably be adhered during a pultrusion process (extrusion process) in the corresponding production of the radome with integrated. The advantage of such a Pultru ^¬ sion process that thereby a radome listed glued laminated film 41 can be prepared in virtually an endless process. Also Nachbearbei ^¬ preparation steps or additional further steps are avoided. However, it should be noted that the Folienauf ^¬ brin supply can also take place in a further process step. In this case, the composite film 41 to be adhered would be suitably cut in certain sections and, for example, applied to the radome by means of a rolling mechanism, ie adhesively bonded. Preference is given here in turn to a self-adhesive or self-adhesive composite film 41. However, It is also possible that the outer skin or outer surface 19 'of the radome 5 is first provided with an adhesive layer (on the outer skin 19 at ^¬ play' an adhesive ^¬ layer of the radome is sprayed on) before then the plastic-metal foil 41 is glued. Additionally or alterna- tively, an adhesive or subbing layer on the side of the composite sheet 41, first be applied, with which the composite film 41 to be then adhered to the outer skin 19 'of the Ra ^¬ dome. 5 A further advantage of a thus formed plastic-metal foil composite 41, that the plastic support layer mainly outside ^¬ lying 55 may be configured not only transpa rent ^¬, but also even in color. It would even be possible to apply certain print images. As a result, the exterior design of a radome could additionally be designed, for example, in different colors with the least expenditure, or be provided with any desired patterns, printing contours, etc. It could also be printed advertising. Moreover, the individual mobile radio antennas could be provided according to the appearance of the individual ^¬ nen mobile operators with their logos or typically used origin function triggering colors. It has already been explained, under reference ^¬ exception to Figure 6 that the aforementioned composite film with ^¬ can play as surround the entire Radom in the circumferential direction, that is covered.

In particular, in this last-mentioned case, when the composite film 41 is bonded around the entire radome 5 or is provided, for example, only on the front side 7 and / or on the side wall sections 10, the composite film with the at least one plastic ^{carrier layer} 55 or, for example, the one to ^¬ In addition, at least two plastic carrier layers 55 and 57 do not additionally comprise a metal layer or metal foil 57 which is completely closed, but only metal layer sections or structures 157. These metal layer sections or structures 157 could, for example, be rectangular or rectangular as shown with reference to FIGS. 7a and 7b have cross-shaped metal structures 157, which are surrounded by a metal surface-free region 158. As a result, slot-shaped or cross-slot-shaped radiator structures, in particular passive radiator structures, can be realized, especially on the front side of the radome. But also in the side wall portions 10 preferably slot-shaped radiator structures could be formed, which serve a targeted beam shaping.

In the partial reference to FIG 8a and 8b overall showed variant, the composite film is constructed 41, the metal layer 57 is preferably quasi formed almost vollflä ^¬ chig, but that then recesses are formed 157 'in this vollflä ^¬ speaking metal layer, For example, again slot-shaped or cross ^¬ slot-shaped Ausnehmungsstrukturen 157 ', about which also certain passive radiator structures generated who ^¬ can. Such passive radiator structures are particularly suitable for use in the sidewall region 10 of the radome 5.

Thus, while the metal foil or metal layer 57 of the composite foil 41 is provided above all on the rear side 9 and / or in side wall regions 10 of the radome 5 in order to achieve optimal shielding, the above-mentioned electrically conductive surface structures 157 which are relatively small in area can be obtained be provided on the metal-free zurückbelassenen portions 158 of the composite film, preferably on the top or front side 7 of the radome 5. Slit-like structures preferably also in the form of recesses 157 '(which are formed at least only in the metallic layer from ^¬ that can be formed but also in the entire laminated film, that is, by setting all of the layers of the composite film) may preferably tenwandabschnitten in the sides 10 of the radome can be implemented.

In the following, it will be explained how in the context of the design according to the invention of the modular radio antenna or the design of the radome according to the invention, further or alternatively other structures can be provided which ultimately serve for beam shaping. In this context, 7a to 8b have been shown examples with reference to the already vorausge ^¬ gangenen figures such as the above-mentioned composite sheet can be used 41 to fre ^¬ quenzselektive structures and / or surfaces (FSS) to form, whereby antenna parameters, for example, a base station antenna can be improved. In this case, conductive periodic structures are preferably provided ^¬. On the basis of figures 7a to 8b only individual structures have been shown, which are usually arranged periodically repeating in the longitudinal ^¬ direction of the radome, in particular in the side wall portion 10, adjacent to the lateral edge of the front side 7 or Example ^¬, also additionally or alternatively in the unmittelba - Ren transition region from the side wall portion 10 to the front side 7, ie in each area where the radome usually has a greater curvature.

When realizing, in particular, frequency-selective structures and / or surfaces (FSS), two different ^{configurations} must in principle be distinguished - which has already been explained with reference to FIGS. 7a, 7b in contrast to FIGS. 8a, 8b. It is possible that the construction and the use of

• periodically arranged dipoles, and

• periodically arranged slots (magnetic dipoles). The difference between the two variants consists in the reflected wave and the transmitted wave.

Looking at the transmission, a band stop filter can be created with the electric dipoles and a band pass filter with the magnetic dipoles. For this purpose, reference is made in principle only to the attached FIGS. 9a and 9b, wherein FIG. 9a schematically shows the use of periodic electric dipoles (that is to say conduction). the structures 157) and the figure 9b shows the use of periodic magnetic dipoles (ie of slots 157 '). The optimal size of the structures to be used depends on the one hand on the frequency (operating frequency of the corresponding mobile radio antenna) and the form of the structures used. Below will be explained with ^¬ schiedliche examples of possible structures passive radiation ^¬ reference to the figures 10a to 12c. By selecting the structure, a specific narrowband or broadband radiator ^¬ formation can be achieved.

Reference to the figures 10a to 10c, a first group of frequency selective structures shown in principle, which all have a joint center Z to be in so far ^¬ also referred to as center-linked structures form A.

FIGS. 11a to 11c show a second group of frequency-selective structural form B, which are referred to as loop structures, since they delimit an inner space 45. These so-called. Loop structures ( "Loop Types") are generally smaller than the above structure forms A ( "center connected types") and have the further advantage that they can be mounted as a group ^¬ today. This structure forms B typically have dimensions such that the order ^¬ fang this structure form is preferred in certain relation to the wavelength, preferably to the middle operation ^¬ wavelength of the transmitted frequency band, For example, a multiple of λ / 2 with respect to the Be ^¬ drive wavelength or the average operating wavelength. Reference to the figures 12a to 12c are flat structural shape ^¬ C reproduced, namely the manner of a regular n-Polygonals or for example in a circular or disc-shaped, in which therefore the entire inner surface is completely enclosed.

Furthermore, variants are possible which relate to combinations of the abovementioned structural forms A, B and / or C, with further modifications and designs, which may thus be partially or completely enclosed, which are partially double-walled, etc. Furthermore, it is possible that be arranged the mentioned mixing of the different structural forms also arranged inside each other, or interleaved with each other ^¬ NEN, so that a different respective desired beam shaping can be achieved for different frequency ranges Kgs.

From the illustrated structural forms, it can be seen that many of these mentioned and shown structural forms for the formation of frequency-selective surfaces FSS have a point-symmetrical structure, ie with respect to a central shape passing through the central axis ZI. In this case, the first group A of the fre ^¬ quenzselektiven surface structure is rotationally symmetrical, with a 90 ° or 120 ° repetition period. The hexagonal structures not only have a 120 ° rotational symmetry but a 60 ° rotational symmetry. The circular or disk-shaped structures are point-symmetrical, that is to say they have a rotationally symmetrical design.

The structure of a radome will be explained in RESIZE ^¬ ßeren detail with reference to Figure 13, where used in the representation according to Figure 13 in the transition area from the side wall portion 10 in the adjacent front region 7 of the radome 5 as a frequency-selective surface structure FSS, for example, a so-called. Jerusalem cross is offset with a periodic distance in the longitudinal direction of the radome to each other. It is therefore that representation which corresponds to FIG. 10c and is reproduced in enlarged detail on the basis of FIG. 13a.

It can be seen that in each case the one axis 46 of the Jerusalem Cross in the longitudinal direction of the radome and the axis 47 extending transversely thereto to the axis 47 is exactly transverse and thus perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the radome. At the respective ends of this cross-shaped structure, a short transverse bar 48 is formed in each case.

Based on Figure 14 is a different example ge ^¬ shows, by using a hexagon loop structure as with reference to FIG 11c on the one hand and in an enlarged view shown with reference to FIG 14a (the underlying portion of He- xagon loop structure could be made to the side surface be ^¬ restricts or a piece to be folded to the back side of the radome). This hex shaped structure (Hex) in the longitudinal ^¬ direction also formed at the transition area from the side wall 10 to the adjacent front side 9 via the DA between formed edge-like region of curvature 12 in the longitudinal direction of the radome 5, wherein the at ^¬ order of this honeycomb-shaped hexagon-loop structure so has been made that the individual periodically arranged frequency-selective surface structures FFS not only in the longitudinal direction L of the radome are offset to ^¬ ordered, but each successive with slight lateral offset, as can be seen from Figure 15. In other words, in each case a leading and a trailing hexagon is arranged to a hexagon arranged therebetween so that the leading and the trailing hexagon structure form a 120 ° angle to each other.

The respective structures 157 may be formed as conductive structures formed in the composite foil 41, i. on the at least one plastic carrier layer 55, 59 are formed. These conductive structures are thus located in a surrounding region on the at least one plastic carrier layer 55, 59, which is otherwise formed completely or substantially free of metal film.

It would also be possible for the structure 157 ', as mentioned, not to be embodied as electrically conductive and thus periodically electric dipoles, but as slot-shaped recesses 157' and thus as periodic magnetic dipoles. In this case, the metal layer 57 would also be in the transition region shown from the side wall region to the adjacent front region of the radome be present, in which case the corresponding described structures according to figures 13 or 14 are provided as Schiitzausnehmungen 157 'in this metallically conductive layer.

Further, the aforementioned structures may be relatively densely packed to raised stabili ^¬ hen the filter effect. For example, the aforementioned cross structures can also be positioned in a very approximate position relative to one another without touching each other. In particular, even when using the so-called Jerusalem cross as a structure, the corresponding structures can be arranged by offset so that the above-mentioned ^¬ higher arrangement density is achieved.

The size of the structures including the line width can be varied within wide ranges, especially in adaptation to the frequency range of the mobile radio antenna used.

With respect to the Jerusalem cross, as shown in FIG 14a are values for the individual metal surface portions nachfol ^¬ quietly reproduced, which can for example vary between the following values:

JK1: 10 mm to 100 mm, in particular 20 mm to 80 mm or 30 mm to 60 mm, in particular by 40 mm.

JK2: 10 mm to 100 mm, in particular 20 mm to 80 mm or 30 mm to 60 mm, in particular by 40 mm.

JK3: 0.5 mm to 40 mm, in particular 5 mm to 30 mm, into ^¬ particular 8 mm to 20 mm, particularly 10 mm to 14 mm. In other words, the lower limit with respect to this measure can be set so that the corresponding measure to ^¬ least 0.5 mm and preferably more than 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 7.5 mm, 10 mm , 12.5 mm, 15 mm, 17.5 mm, 20 mm, 22.5 mm, 25 mm, 27.5 mm, 30 mm. Conversely, favorable applications result when the corresponding dimension is less than 40 mm, in particular less than 37.5 mm, 35 mm, 32.5 mm, 30 mm, 27.5 mm, 25 mm, 22.5 mm, 20 mm , 17.5 mm, 15 mm, 12.5 mm, 10 mm.

With regard to the hexagonal loop structure as shown in FIG. 15a, a hexagonal frequency-selective surface structure FSS can be used which has a diameter between two parallel opposite sides with the following values:

HS1: 10 mm to 200 mm, 70 mm to 120 mm, in particular 80 mm to 100 mm. In other words, the measure can preference ^¬, more than 10 mm, in particular more than 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, 50 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm, 65 mm, 70 mm, 75 mm, 80 mm. On the other hand, preferred dimensions should be less than 80 mm, 75 mm, 70 mm, 65 mm, 60 mm, 55 mm, 50 mm, 45 mm, 40 mm, 35 mm, 30 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm.

HS2: 1 mm to 40 mm, in particular 5 mm to 30 mm. In other words, to the corresponding measure for HS2 preferably before ^¬ more than 2 mm, particularly more than 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 7.5 mm, 10 mm, 12.5 mm, 15 mm, 17.5 mm, 20 mm, 22, 5 mm, 25 mm, 27.5 mm, 30 mm. Conversely, it has proved to be favorable if the corresponding dimension is preferably smaller than 35 mm, 32.5 mm, 30 mm, 27.5 mm, 25 mm, 22.5 mm, 20 mm, 17.5 mm, 15 mm, 12.5 mm, 10 mm, 7.5 mm, 5 mm, 2.5 mm.

HS3: 0.5 mm to 20 mm, in particular 0.8 mm to 15 mm or 1 mm to 1.6 mm. In other words, the measure for HS3 should preferably be greater than 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 7.5 mm, 10 mm, 12.5 mm, 15 mm, 17.5 mm. Then it is advantageous if the corresponding dimension is smaller than 17, 5 mm, 15 mm, 12.5 mm, 10 mm, 9 mm, 8 mm, 7 mm, 6 mm, 5 mm, 4 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm.

HS4: the gap distance HS4 to an adjacent hexagon loop structure may preferably vary between 3 mm and 20 mm, in particular 8 mm and 15 mm, preferably 10 mm to 14 mm.

The explained structures are formed as mentioned in the composite film 41, so that the composite film, as already explained with reference to the other embodiments, in a pultrusion process (pultrusion) or separately subsequently, for example, preferably using a rolling mechanism on the surface or outside of the radome are glued targeted in certain selectable areas of the outside of the radome or surrounding the radome over its entire surface.

With reference to figures 15a and 15b a further simplified variant of a passive Strah ^¬ lung structure is only exemplary or reproduced, the reference to FIG 15a, in the form of a simple strip (rectangular strip) and with reference to FIG 15b, in the form of such a rectangular strip at its opposite Ends each a crossbar is provided. Two such, shown with reference to Figure 15b and rotated by 90 ° to each other arranged structures is ultimately the so-called, formed on the basis of Figure 13a Jerusalem cross.

Finally, it should also be pointed out that the mentioned composite foil can comprise and have not only one metal layer or metal foil but a plurality of metal layers, ie a plurality of metal foils, which may optionally be provided with the structures explained, also with different structures. This composite film with at least two or more metal layers or foils Me ^¬ with the optionally thereto provided or different provided structures can for example be arranged offset to one another.

Finally, the attachment of the composite film is also possible on the radome such that, for example, on the back side and / or a part of the side wall regions, the composite film with the at least one metal foil or metal layer is applied more or less over the entire area, and here acts as a subreflector, and that other parts of the composite film formed with the mentioned structures exclusively to influence the stunning ^¬ beam shape accordingly. In other words, mixed forms are possible, which are realized on a radome. For example, a common composite film may be provided, which is formed over the entire surface, especially in the rear region of the radome and in parts of the side region, and / or is provided with corresponding structures in certain side wall regions or on the front side. Any mixed forms are conceivable here. The mentioned invention has been explained on the basis of a composite foil, which preferably always has at least one plastic ^carrier layer. However, it should be noted that it is also quite possible that you always use a pure Me ^¬ tallfolie instead of the aforementioned composite sheet which is on the outer surface, ie the outer skin of the radome applied, in particular glued to ^¬. This metal foil can also be provided with a self-adhesive adhesive layer. In that regard, all explained advantages and embodiments are also understood that instead of one or more ^¬ re plastic carrier plies of composite sheet 41 is always only a metal foil without additional plastic support layers and films used is or is vorgese ^¬ hen.

Instead of the used adhesive layer may also general ^¬ my be used an adhesive layer such that also allows in some other way to apply the composite film or the metal foil on the outer surface of the radome to anchor and to fix it firmly.

Claims

Claims :

1. Radom, with the following characteristics

the radome (5) has a front side (7), two side wall sections (10) and a rear side (9),

with a radiation structure which is provided in the region of the rear wall (9) and / or the one or both side wall sections (10) and / or the front side (7) of the radome (5),

characterized by the following further features - the radiation structure consists of a passive radiation structure (157, 157 ', FSS), preferably in the form of frequency-selective surfaces (FSS), where a) the passive radiation structure (157, FSS) structured metal surfaces are generated, which are surrounded by metal-free areas, or

b) the radiation structures (157 ', FSS) are formed by recesses (158) in a metal foil or metal layer (57),

the passive radiation structures (157) consist of a composite foil (41),

the composite film (41) comprises at least one plastic support layer ^¬ (55, 59) and a coating applied thereon metal foil or layer (57), and

the composite film (41) is applied to the outer surface or the outer skin (19 ') of the radome (5) or glued ^¬.

2. Radome according to claim 1, characterized in that the passive radiation structures (157, 157 ', FSS) are formed in the form of dipoles or in the form of magnetic dipoles.

3. Radom according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the passive radiation structures (157, 175 ', FSS), preferably in the longitudinal direction (L) of the radome (5) periodically repeated on the radome (5) arranged are, in the sidewall region (10) and / or, on the front side (7), preferably in Sei ^¬ tenwandbereich and at least in an adjoining part of the front side (7) of the radome (5).

4. Radome according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the passive radiation structures (157, 157 ', FFS) are rotationally symmetrical or have a 90 °, 120 ° or 180 ° rotational symmetry on ^¬ .

5. Radom according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the passive radiation structures (157, 157 ', FSS) comprise structural forms (A, B, C, D), namely in the manner of a central structural form (A) at converge or the individual portions in a center (Z) of the passive radiation structure (157, 157 ', FSS) in the manner of a loop structure (B) having a perimeter of an inner surface (45) or in the manner of a vollflä ^¬ speaking radiating structure (C) and / or as a mixed structural form (D) formed from the foregoing structural forms (A, B, C).

6. Mobile radio antenna according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the passive radiation ^¬ structure (157, 157 ') is designed cross-shaped, preferably in the manner of a Jerusalem cross, or in the manner of an n-polygonal or regular n-polygonal with bounded inner surface (45), preferably in the form of a hexagon.

7. Radom according to one of claims 1 to 6, character- ized in that the composite film (41) as selbstkle ^¬ bende composite film (41) with an associated adhesive ^¬ layer (61) is formed.

8. Radom according to one of claims 1 to 7, character- ized in that the composite film (41) is constructed and adhered to the outer surface (19 ') of the radome (5), that the plastic carrier layer (55) is arranged externally, on the radome (3) facing the metal foil or layer (57) and thereon the adhesive layer (61) follows.

9. Radom according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the composite film (41) is constructed and adhered to the outer surface (19 ') of the radome (5), that the plastic carrier layer (55) is arranged on the outside, on the facing the radome (3), the metal layer (57) is followed by a further plastic ^carrier layer (59), followed by the adhesive layer (61).

10. Radom according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that between the individual layers, that is, the plastic carrier layer (55, 61) and the Me- tallschicht (57) an adhesive layer is formed.

11. Radom according to one of claims 1 to 10, character- ized in that the outer plastic carrier layer (55) is printed, in particular with printed images in black / white or color printed.

12. Radom according to one of claims 1 to 11, character- ized in that the outer plastic carrier layer (55) consists of polyetheylene terephthalate (PET, PETP) or comprises this material.

13. Radom according to one of claims 1 to 12, character- ized in that the at least one or the second

Plastic carrier layer (55, 57) consists of Polyehtylen (PE) or polyethylene (PE) comprises, preferably in the form of highly branched polymer chains (PE-LD, LDPE).

14. radome according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the metal sheet or layer (57) in the composite film (41) ^¬ is made of a stainless material be, and includes, in particular brass, copper, aluminum, tin or zinc, or it consists.

15. Radom according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the composite film (41) in the entire circumferential direction, the radome (5) is adhesively bonded over the entire surface, or only on the back (9) and / or only on the side wall sections (10) and / or only on the front side (7) of the radome (5) is glued.

16. Radome according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the composite film (41) over the entire ^¬ te length of the radome (5), or preferably at least in a range of more than 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% of the total length of the radome (3) is glued.

Mobile radio antenna with the following features

with a radome (5) having the features according to at least one of claims 1 to 16,

with a reflector (3), in front of which one or more radiators (15) are arranged, and

the reflector (3) with the radiators (15) mounted thereon is accommodated in the radome (5).

18. A method for producing a radome according to any one of claims 1 to 16 or a mobile radio antenna according to claim 17, characterized in that at least on individual areas of the outer surface (19 ') of the radome (5) a composite film (41) is glued, wherein a Composite film (41) is used which comprises at least one outer ^¬ lying plastic carrier layer (55) on which the radome (5) facing side over the entire surface or in at least a partial surface area formed a metal foil or layer (57) is provided which is applied or glued directly or indirectly via an adhesive layer (61) on the outer surface (19 ') of the radome (5).

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that a self-adhesive composite film (41) is used.

20. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that on the outer surface (19 ') of the radome (5) and / or on the adhesive side of the composite film (41) first applied an adhesive layer (61) and then the composite film (41) the outer surface (19 ') of the radome (5) is glued.

21. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the composite film (41) produced in a pultrusion process separately or together with the radome (5) or in a further process, preferably using a roller mechanism on the outer surface (19 ') of the radome (5) is glued.

22. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that a composite film (41) with a plastic carrier layer (55) is used which consists of polyetheylene terephthalate (PET, PETP) or comprises this material.

23. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 22, characterized in that a composite film (41) is used with one or two plastic carrier layers (55, 57), wherein the at least one Kunststoffträ- gerschicht (55, 57) from polyethylene ( PE) comprises or comprises polyethylene (PE), preferably in the form of highly branched polymer chains (PE-LD; LDPE).

24. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 23, characterized in that as a metal foil or

Layer (57) in the composite film (41) stainless Materi ^¬ al is used, in particular brass, copper, Alumi ^¬ nium, tin or zinc.

25. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 24, characterized in that the composite film (41) in the entire circumferential direction of the radome (5) is adhesively bonded over the entire surface, or only on the back (9) and / or only on the side wall portions (10) and / or only on the front side (7) of the radome (5) is glued.