EP3262709B1 - Radome and associated mobile communications antenna, and method for producing the radome or the mobile communications antenna - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a mobile radio antenna and to a method for producing a mobile radio antenna.

Cellular antennas for base stations usually have a vertically extending conductive reflector, which may also be provided with extending in the longitudinal or vertical direction 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. opposite the vertical (or horizontal) aligned, which is why talk 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 have several columns next to one another, generally also have a common reflector or a common reflector plate.

Suitable emitter elements are all conceivable emitters, for example single-polarized or dual-polarized emitters, dipole emitters or dipole-like emitters, patch emitters, etc. With regard to the various types of emitters used, reference is made, by way of example only, to the following prior publications, namely DE 197 22 742 A1 . DE 196 27 015 A1 . US 5,710,569 . WO 00/39894 or DE 101 50 150 A1 ,

Such antenna arrangements are usually housed in a 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 whose top and bottom end corresponding cover caps can be placed. Corresponding cable connections for the RF signals and / or for controlling antenna components (for example, a downtilt angle) may be at the bottom the antenna and / or also be connected to 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. Often, therefore, a high return loss is 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 re-damping, the entire antenna device including the reflector and the emitter based thereon, radiator elements or radiator groups are housed in the radom enclosed in the circumferential direction at a distance behind the back of the already in a previously known and housed in a radome Radoms an additional sheet metal has been mounted. As a result, a "double reflector" is formed as it were, whereby the rear damping is improved.

Such a structure is for example from the DE 102 17 330 B4 known. To improve the antenna return loss (FTBR, ie front-to-back ratio) and the side attenuation (FTSR, ie front-to-side ratio) and thus to achieve improved suppression of side lobes and to better protect the spotlights, is on the back of a reflector at a distance to a second reflector and in a further embodiment, again at a distance from the second reflector behind this provided a third reflector. All reflectors have side bars extending from the respective reflector plane raise forward in beam direction. This results in a shell structure, wherein the outermost 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 the JP 2005-033404 A1 a radome for an antenna is shown, with reflector side bars rising from the radome 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 area, for which they must be slightly curved in cross-section, since here the radome usually passes over an arc section from the side wall portion to the front portion.

For example, a multi-bandpass radome is also from the US 2014/0118218 A1 known. It describes that the radome can be provided with a conductive grid structure which serves to generate a frequency-selective behavior. These structures are used in aircraft according to the above-mentioned prior publication.

Finally, in the DE 10 2005 005 781 A1 or in the EP 1 689 022 A1 has been proposed, housed in a mobile radio antenna with integrated in a radome Reflector additionally provide another reflector in the form of a conductive surface structure, which is incorporated in the rear wall of the radome 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 A1 or the EP 1 689 022 A1 is incorporated into the material of the radome, the radome should be easier (compared with that of the prior art, in which reflector panels are mounted separately in the distance to the radome separately). In addition, the incorporated in the radome material reflector should be better protected. In particular, compared to previously known solutions in which, for example, reflector devices would be adhered to the wheel material, the danger is to be counteracted that these reflectors solve the heat material again from the wheel material.

It is in the DE 10 2005 005 781 A1 It has also been proposed to provide the mentioned conductive surface structures in the wheel material not only on the back side and / or in the side wall sections of the radome but additionally or alternatively also in the front side of the radome.

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 line grid structure or a metal foil consisting at least on 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 an improved mobile radio antenna with an improved radome and a method for producing an improved mobile radio antenna.

The object is achieved according to the invention in terms of the mobile radio antenna according to the claim 1 and with respect to the method according to the features specified in claim 11. 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 arranged periodically on the radome, ie periodically positioned, especially in the longitudinal direction of the radome. In this case, these frequency-selective surfaces can be realized as preferred passive radiation structures, preferably in the form of periodically arranged dipoles or periodically arranged slots (which then form magnetic dipoles). 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 only the reflection is considered, then a bandpass filter can be generated with the magnetic dipoles.

For the passive radiation structures, in particular in the form of the so-called frequency-selective surfaces, a great variety of shape designs, i. Select 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 is preferred in which the passive radiation structures are formed on or in the context of a composite foil, which therefore comprises, in addition to at least one carrier layer, a metal foil or metal layer.

A radome for protecting an antenna with conductive structures is also made of US 2013/0009846 A1 known. However, this prior publication deals only with a radome, as it is formed in particular in the leading nose of an airplane body. In other words, it is a very specific, aircraft-oriented solution, which gives the expert no suggestion to provide in a conventional mobile radio antenna, the structures described in the invention.

In the context of the invention, an improved intermodulation suppression can be achieved by the composite film according to the invention which has to be optimally applied and has optimal shielding, for example also with respect to a power cable leading to the antenna (power cables). The same applies in principle with respect to a non-intermodulation cable that runs behind the antenna or with respect to a so-called Remote Radio Heads (RRH), which is usually mounted behind a mast on the antenna. 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, not only an improvement of the radiation property of a mobile radio antenna, for example by the improved antenna return attenuation or improved side attenuation, can be realized with significantly simpler and, above all, more cost-effective means, but also an intermodulation suppression can be established, which in the prior art is achieved, for example, by Antenna leading power cable (power cable) caused.

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 (sub-reflector) was mounted behind the antenna radome, a much smaller installation space is required within the scope of the invention.

Also in the solution according to the DE 10 2005 005 781 A1 or the EP 1 689 022 A1 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 wheel material itself. However, it has been found that such a construction is complicated and thus expensive, especially very labor-intensive and time-consuming in terms of production and also inflexible in the individual design.

In the context of the present invention, therefore, only a comparatively thin composite foil with a metal foil or layer is glued to the outer skin of the radome, preferably glued over its entire surface. This process is easy and inexpensive to perform. By adhering such a composite foil to the outside of the radome, i. On the outer skin of the radome, a second, the shield improving rear reflector can be formed in a simple manner, 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 foil in the desired width can be provided correspondingly adapted to the radome.

Thus, if additional radiation-shaping structures, in particular passive radiation structures, are realized, they can be used, for example, as individual conductive surface structures on a plastic film serving as a carrier layer be educated. But it is also possible that on a composite film, a corresponding metal layer or metal foil is provided which has certain recesses for generating passive radiation structures, such as slot recesses in the metal foil or metal layer, 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 metal foil is adhered as fully as possible on the outer skin of the radome, metal surface areas are then provided for the preparation of the corresponding beam-forming structures only at certain locations or not provided at certain points , Such metal-free structures then so surrounded by corresponding conductive metal surfaces and are formed thereby.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a self-adhesive composite film is used, although the adhesive layer can also be applied separately on the outside of the radome and / or on the side to be bonded of the metal foil or the film composite before sticking.

The composite film comprising the material film or material layer can have the lowest material thicknesses, for example less than 1 mm, possibly even less than 0.5 mm.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the bonded composite film is multilayered constructed and includes at least one carrier layer adjacent 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 continuous on the Radom can be applied.

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 assumes the insulating and position function for the metal foil or metal foil comprehensive composite foil. All are eliminated previously required additional parts or there is an additional gain in space within the antenna, if previously separate additional expansive Schirmungsteile have been used in the prior art. In contrast to the conductive surface structures incorporated in the wheel material itself, the solution according to the invention can be implemented much more simply and effectively. Above all, the fact that the film can easily be glued or generally applied to all desired areas, for example over the entire length of the radome and in the side areas, can be compared to conventional solutions, even with respect to the incorporated in the radome material conductive surface structure much more problem-free Above all, achieve optimal shielding in the rear and / or side of the radome, which is not only generally improved antenna attenuation, improve the side attenuation, a lighter radiation waveform, but above all an optimal shielding, for example, a so-called Remote Radio Head (RRH ), as it is often provided separately today between the back of the radome and, for example, an antenna mast.

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

Figur 1:

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung einer Mobilfunkantenne mit einem Radom, die an einem Mast befestigt ist;

Figur 2:

eine schematische perspektivische Schnittdarstellung durch eine Antenne mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Radom mit einer auf der Außenhaut der rückwärtigen Seite und einem Teilbereich der Seitenwandabschnitte des Radoms aufgeklebten Verbundfolie, die eine Metallschicht umfasst;

Figur 3:

einen Querschnitt durch ein erfindungsgemäßes Radom, wie es Teil einer Mobilfunkantenne ist;

Figur 4:

eine auszugsweise Querschnittsdarstellung durch die auf der Rückseite eines Radoms aufgeklebte und eine Metallschicht umfassende Verbundfolie;

Figur 5:

ein zu Figur 3 abgewandeltes Ausführungsbeispiel;

Figur 6:

eine weitere Querschnittsdarstellung durch ein Radom vergleichbar zu der Schnittdarstellung gemäß Figur 3;

Figur 7a und 7b:

auszugsweise Darstellungen auf die auf die Außenhaut eines Radoms aufgeklebte Verbundfolie, die metallfreie Abschnitte umfasst, wodurch elektrisch leitfähige Strukturen zurückbleiben;

Figur 8a und 8b:

entsprechende Darstellungen zu Figur 7a und 7b, wobei jedoch die entsprechenden vorzugsweise passiven Strahlungsstrukturen durch Ausschnitte in dem Metallfolienbereich gebildet sind, der metallfrei gestaltet ist;

Figur 9a:

eine Darstellung von passiven Strahlungsstrukturen auf dem Radom unter Verwendung von periodisch elektrischen Dipolen;

Figur 9b:

eine Darstellung von passiven Strahlungsstrukturen auf dem Radom unter Verwendung von periodisch magnetischen Dipolen;

Figur 10a bis 10c:

eine erste Gruppe A von rotationssymmetrischen passiven Strahlungsstrukturen;

Figur 11a bis 11c:

eine zweite Gruppe B von passiven Strahlungsstrukturen in Schlaufenform unter Umgrenzung eines Innenraums;

Figur 12a bis 12c:

eine dritte Gruppe C von passiven Strahlungsstrukturen mit vollflächigem Innenraum;

Figur 13:

eine Darstellung von periodisch angeordneten passiven Strahlungsstrukturen, die im Seitenwandbereich des Radoms beginnen und über den Krümmungsbereich bis in den daran angrenzenden Randbereich der Frontseite reichen;

Figur 13a:

eine vergrößerte Detaildarstellung eines sog. Jerusalem-Kreuzes als ein Beispiel für die passive Strahlungsstruktur;

Figur 14:

ein zu Figur 14 abgewandeltes Ausführungsbeispiel unter Verwendung von periodisch angeordneten Hexagon-Schleifenstrukturen (Sechseck);

Figur

14a:eine vergrößerte Detaildarstellung der sechseckförmigen passiven Leitungsstruktur, wie sie in Figur 15 verwendet wird; und

Figur 15a und 15b:

zwei weitere vereinfache Abbildungen von grundsätzlich möglichen passiven Strahlungsstrukturen.

The invention will be explained in more detail by way of examples. In detail:

FIG. 1:

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

FIG. 2:

a schematic perspective sectional view through an antenna with a radome according to the invention with a glued on the outer skin of the rear side and a portion of the side wall portions of the radome composite foil comprising a metal layer;

FIG. 3:

a cross section through a radome according to the invention, as it is part of a mobile radio antenna;

FIG. 4:

an excerpts cross-sectional view through the glued on the back of a radome and a metal layer comprising composite foil;

FIG. 5:

one too FIG. 3 modified embodiment;

FIG. 6:

a further cross-sectional view through a radome comparable to the sectional view according to FIG. 3 ;

FIGS. 7a and 7b:

extracts on the bonded to the outer skin of a radome composite foil comprising metal-free sections, leaving behind electrically conductive structures;

FIGS. 8a and 8b:

corresponding representations too FIGS. 7a and 7b However, wherein the corresponding preferably passive radiation structures are formed by cut-outs in the metal foil area, which is designed metal-free;

FIG. 9a:

a representation of passive radiation structures on the radome using periodically electric dipoles;

FIG. 9b:

a representation of passive radiation structures on the radome using periodic magnetic dipoles;

FIGS. 10a to 10c:

a first group A of rotationally symmetric passive radiation structures;

FIGS. 11a to 11c:

a second group B of passive radiation structures in loop shape with the boundary of an interior space;

FIGS. 12a to 12c:

a third group C of passive radiation structures with full-surface interior;

FIG. 13:

a representation of periodically arranged passive radiation structures that begin in the sidewall region of the radome and extend over the curvature region into the adjoining edge region of the front side;

FIG. 13a:

an enlarged detail of a so-called Jerusalem Cross as an example of the passive radiation structure;

FIG. 14:

one too FIG. 14 modified embodiment using periodically arranged hexagonal loop structures (hexagon);

figure

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

FIGS. 15a and 15b:

two more simplified images of basically possible passive radiation structures.

In FIG. 1 is shown in a schematic representation of a mobile radio antenna 1, which belongs for example to a base station. The mobile radio antenna 1 is held and adjusted via a mast 2, for example. The mobile radio antenna 1 comprises a inside in FIG. 1 not yet visible reflector 3, in front of which usually a plurality of radiators, for example, dipole radiators, patch radiators, etc. are arranged in the vertical direction in offset from one another.

The radiators may be any suitable radiator, radiator elements or radiator groups, as these basically, for example, from the Vorveröffentlichungen DE 197 22 742 A1 . DE 196 27 015 A1 . US 5,710,569 . WO 00/39894 or DE 101 50 150 A1 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 bulbous curved front 7, side wall portions 10 and a generally rather flat back 9 includes. At the top, an upper cap 11 is placed and fastened and at the bottom a corresponding lower end cap 13 (FIG. FIG. 1 ). However, the lower end cap 13 often also consists of a metal flange, on which the electrical connections for the radiators located in the antenna or other control devices are provided, in order, for example, to adjust a downtilt angle, etc. differently. In FIG. 1 cables 8 are drawn, which lead to the connections at the bottom of the antenna cover. In this respect, reference is made to known solutions.

In FIG. 2 Furthermore, a perspective excerpted sectional view of the mobile radio antenna is to be seen, with a circumferentially closed radome, within which a conductive reflector 3 is housed. This usually consists of metal or sheet metal. The reflector 3 can also comprise two reflector side wall sections or side wall webs 3 a (reflector side wall webs) which extend in the vertical direction and thus usually with a corresponding orientation of the antenna in the vertical direction and can be set up perpendicular or at a different angle with respect to the reflector plane RE ,

In the longitudinal direction of the reflector are spaced apart from each other for the mobile radio range suitable or desired radiator 15 which can radiate in a plane of polarization or in two polarization planes, i. send and receive. The radiators may e.g. transmit and / or receive in a single band or in a dual or multi-band mode.

In FIG. 2 is partially in perspective a single dual polarized emitter 15 can be seen, which consists of a dipole square 15 'and is mounted on the reflector 3 via an associated carrier 17.

As in particular from the cross-sectional view according to FIG. 3 can be seen, on the outside 19 of the radome, ie the outer skin 19 'now the entire surface or in partial surface areas mentioned conductive surface structure 39 are applied in the form of a composite film 41 comprising a metal layer or foil. The corresponding composite foil 41 is in the cross-sectional view in FIG. 3 indicated by dashed lines.

As in the cross-sectional view according to FIG. 3 is also indicated, the mentioned composite foil 41 with the encompassed metal layer or metal foil, for example, over the entire surface on the back 9 and / or on the side wall portions 10 of Radoms 5 at least in a Teilhöhenbereich H1 based on the total height or total thickness H (starting from the back 9 of Radoms), as shown in the cross-sectional view according to FIG. 3 is indicated by dashed lines. Due to the attachment of the composite film on the outside 19 on the radome here is no delay. In addition, will be optimally placed the metal structures in the composite foil. Furthermore, since the composite film can be configured arbitrarily with respect to its color design, there is also the advantage that the optical impression of the antenna can be selectively changed by a desired design and / or by a preferred cutting of the film.

Based on FIG. 4 is a possible construction of the in FIG. 3 shown excerpt X in an enlarged fragmentary cross-section, which partially shows the composite film 41, as it is glued on the back 51 of the radome 5.

The profile 5 'of the radome 5 can be seen, for example, in the cross-sectional view, for example as described e.g. is formed on the rear side 9 of the radome 5. Adhesive thereon is the aforementioned composite foil 41, which lies outside, ie opposite the radome 5, a plastic carrier layer 55, then following the electrically conductive metal layer 57 and subsequently an adhesive layer 61, over which the composite foil 41 thus formed on the material or the profile 5 '. Radoms 5 is glued.

Based on the cross-sectional view according to FIG. 5 (which the section Y in FIG. 3 enlarged) is shown that the structure can also be such that coming from the outside in the direction of the outer skin 19 or surface 19 'of the radome 5, the composite film 41 is constructed so that initially an outer plastic carrier layer 55 is provided to which the Radom 5 facing side follows a metal layer 57, on the in turn following another plastic carrier layer 59 is provided, which is then glued on the aforementioned adhesive layer 61 on the outer surface 19 'of the radome 5.

The conductive metal layer 57 may be made of, for example, a copper layer, a brass layer, an aluminum layer, or a tin or zinc layer. 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 outer plastic carrier layer 55, may for example consist of polyethylene terephthalate (PET, PETP), that is to say of a thermoplastic produced by polycondensation, preferably from the polyester family.

PE-LD (LDPE):

stark verzweigte Polymerketten mit geringer Dichte ("LD" steht für "low density");

PE-HD (HDPE):

schwach verzweigte Polymerketten ("HD" steht für "high density");

PE-LLD(LLDPE):

lineares Polyethylen niederer Dichte, dessen Polymermolekül nur kurze Verzweigungen aufweist ("LLD" steht für "linear low density") ;

PE-HMW:

hochmolekulares Polyethylen ("HMW" steht für high molecular weight");

PE-UHMW:

ultrahochmolekulares HDPE mit einer mittleren Molmasse ("UHMW" steht für "ultra high molecular weight").

The second plastic carrier layer, which may be closer to the wheel material and optionally provided, may be made, for example, of polyethylene (PE), that is to say of a thermoplastic polymer produced by chain polymerization of ethene. In this case, preference is given to using PE types such as, for example, PE-LD (LDPE), although other PE types 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");

PE-HMW:

high molecular weight polyethylene ("HMW" stands for high molecular weight);

PE-UHMW:

ultra high molecular weight HDPE with an average molecular weight ("UHMW" stands for "ultra high molecular weight").

It can therefore be seen that the composite film is basically a two-layer or three-layer film, but which is preferably provided by the home with a further layer, namely the adhesive layer 61. 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 embodiment shown according to FIG. 2 is the mentioned, comprising the metal layer 57 composite film 41 extending into the side wall portion 10 of the radome 5 glued on the outer skin 19 'of the radome. 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 foil can end at an even greater or lesser distance from the reflector plane RE, that is to say deviating from the height of the freely ending web edges 3'a of the side webs 3a of the reflector 3.

It is also possible, for example, as shown by the cross-sectional view in accordance with FIG. 6 is shown that the metal foil or metal layer 57 comprehensive composite film 41 covers even larger areas of the side wall portions 10 of the radome on the outer skin or is even glued circumferentially around the entire radome around.

In addition, it should be emphasized that in the context of the invention, a targeted application of the composite film is possible, 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 foil can be placed exactly where they can interact optimally with the radiators located below the radome.

Furthermore, the radiator elements and / or the composite foil 41 can be arranged asymmetrically and / or only on one side of the radome, with or without subsequently discussed radiation structures, or, as a rule, be provided symmetrically on both sides of the radome.

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 pultrusion process is that, as a result, a radome with bonded composite foil 41 can be produced quasi in an endless process. Post-processing steps or additional further work steps are also avoided.

However, it should be noted that the film application can also take place in a further process step. In this case, the laminated film 41 to be adhered would be appropriately cut in certain portions and applied to the radome by, for example, a rolling mechanism, i. glued. It is also possible, in turn, for the outer skin or outer surface 19 'of the radome 5 to be provided with an adhesive layer (for example, an adhesive layer is sprayed onto the outer skin 19' of the radome), before then the plastic-metal foil 41 is adhered. Additionally or alternatively, an adhesive or adhesive layer can also be applied first on the side of the composite film 41 with which the composite film 41 is then to be adhered to the outer skin 19 'of the radome 5.

Another advantage of a plastic-metal foil composite 41 formed in this way is that the plastic support layer 55, which is especially external, can not only be transparent, but also colored. 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. In addition, the individual mobile radio antennas could also be provided according to the appearance of the individual mobile operators with their logos or typically used originating function triggering colors.

It has already been explained, with reference to FIG. 6 in that the mentioned composite foil can, for example, surround the entire radome in the circumferential direction, ie covers it.

In particular, in this latter case, when the composite film 41 is bonded around the entire radome 5 around or is provided for example only on the front side 7 and / or on the side wall portions 10, the composite film with the at least one plastic carrier layer 55 or for example the at least two Plastic carrier layers 55 and 57 additionally do not comprise a metal layer or metal foil 57 that is completely closed, but only metal-layer sections or structures 157. These metal-layer sections or structures 157 could, as described with reference to FIGS FIGS. 7a and 7b reproduced, for example, rectangular or 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 sidewall sections 10 could preferably slot-shaped radiator structures are formed, which serve a targeted beam shaping.

In the partial by means of FIGS. 8a and 8b the composite film 41 is constructed so that the metal layer 57 is preferably formed almost completely over the entire surface, but then in this full-surface metal layer recesses 157 'are formed, for example, again slot-shaped or cross-slot-shaped recess structures 157', over which also certain passive radiator structures can be generated , 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-shaped structures, preferably also in the form of recesses 157 '(which are at least only formed in the metallic layer but which can also be formed in the entire composite film, ie, pass through all layers of the composite film), can preferably be converted into the side wall sections 10 of the radome.

The following is intended to explain how, within the scope of the inventive design of the modular radio antenna or the design of the radome according to the invention, further or alternatively other structures may be provided which ultimately serve for beam shaping.

In this context, already with reference to the previous FIGS. 7a to 8b Examples have been shown of how the mentioned composite foil 41 can be used to form frequency selective structures and / or surfaces (FSS), whereby antenna parameters of, for example, a base station antenna can be improved. In this case, conductive periodic structures are preferably provided. Based on FIGS. 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, for example, additionally or alternatively in the immediate transition region from the side wall portion 10 to the front 7, ie in any area where the radome usually has a greater curvature.

• periodisch angeordneten Dipolen, und
• periodisch angeordneten Schlitzen (magnetische Dipole) .

In the realization of particular frequency-selective structures and / or surfaces (FSS) are - what already with reference to the FIGS. 7a, 7b in contrast to Figure 8a, 8b explained in principle - to distinguish two different configurations. 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. This is only in principle to the attached FIGS. 9a and 9b referenced, the FIG. 9a schematically the use of periodic electric dipoles (ie conductive structures 157) and the FIG. 9b shows the use of periodic magnetic dipoles (ie 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.

The following are based on the FIGS. 10a to 12c different examples of possible passive radiation structures explained. By selecting the structure, a specific narrowband or broadband radiator shaping can be achieved.

Based on FIGS. 10a to 10c In principle, a first group of frequency-selective structures is shown, all of which have a common center Z, insofar as they are also referred to as a center-connected structural form A.

Based on FIGS. 11a to 11c For example, a second group of frequency-selective structure form B, referred to as loop structures, is shown as having an interior space 45 boundaries. These so-called "loop types" are generally smaller than the above-mentioned "A-type"("center-connectedtypes") and have the further advantage that they can be mounted as a group to each other. These structural shapes B are typically dimensioned such that the circumference of this structural shape is preferably in a certain relation to the wavelength, preferably the average operating wavelength of the frequency band to be transmitted, for example a multiple of A / 2 with respect to the operating wavelength or the average operating wavelength.

Based on FIGS. 12a to 12c planar structural forms C are reproduced, namely in the manner of a regular n-polygonal or, for example, in the form of a circle or disk, in which the entire inner surface is therefore closed over the entire surface.

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 therefore be partially or completely enclosed, which are partially double-walled, etc. Furthermore, it is possible that the mentioned mixed forms of different structural shapes can also be arranged one inside the other or interleaved, so that for different frequency ranges a desired desired different beam shaping can be achieved.

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 Z1. In this case, the first group A of the frequency-selective 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 designed as a whole rotationally symmetrical.

Based on FIG. 13 the construction of a radome will be explained in greater detail, wherein in the illustration according to FIG. 13 in the transition region from the side wall region 10 into the adjacent front region 7 of the radome 5, a so-called Jerusalem cross is used as the frequency-selective surface structure FSS, which is offset from one another with a periodic spacing in the longitudinal direction of the radome. It is therefore that representation that the FIG. 10c corresponds and based on FIG. 13a is reproduced enlarged in individual representations.

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 FIG. 14 a different example is shown, using a hexagonal loop structure, as shown by FIG. 11c on the one hand and in an enlarged view on the basis of Figure 14a (the lower portion of the hexagonal loop structure may be limited to the side surface or may be folded over to the back of the radome).

This hexagonal structure (hexagon) is also formed in the longitudinal direction again at the transition region from the side wall 10 to the adjacent front side 9 over the edge-like curvature region 12 formed therebetween in the longitudinal direction of the radome 5, wherein the arrangement of this hexagonal hexagonal loop structure has been made such that the individual periodically arranged frequency-selective surface structures FFS are arranged not only offset in the longitudinal direction L of the radome, but in each case successively with a slight lateral offset, as from FIG. 15 can be seen. In other words, in each case a leading and a trailing hexagon to a hexagon arranged therebetween are arranged so that the leading and the trailing hexagon structure form a 120 ° angle to each other.

The corresponding structures 157 can be embodied as conductive structures which are formed in the composite foil 41, ie on the at least one plastic carrier layer 55, 59. 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 that the structure 157 ', as mentioned, is not designed 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 present in the transition region shown from the side wall region to the adjacent front region of the radome, in which case the corresponding structures described in FIG FIGS. 13 or 14 are provided as slot recesses 157 '.

Furthermore, the structures mentioned can also be packed relatively tightly in order to increase the filtering effect. Thus, 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 respective structures can be arranged by offset so as to achieve the above-mentioned higher arrangement density.

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.

• JK1: 10 mm bis 100 mm, insbesondere 20 mm bis 80 mm oder 30 mm bis 60 mm, insbesondere um 40 mm.
• JK2: 10 mm bis 100 mm, insbesondere 20 mm bis 80 mm oder 30 mm bis 60 mm, insbesondere um 40 mm.
• JK3: 0,5 mm bis 40 mm, insbesondere 5 mm bis 30 mm, insbesondere 8 mm bis 20 mm, insbesondere 10 mm bis 14 mm. Mit anderen Worten kann die Untergrenze bezüglich dieses Maßes so gelegt werden, dass das entsprechende Maß zumindest 0,5 mm und vorzugsweise mehr als 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 beträgt. Umgekehrt ergeben sich günstige Anwendungen, wenn das entsprechende Maß kleiner als 40 mm ist, insbesondere kleiner als 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.

Regarding the Jerusalem Cross according to Figure 14a values for the individual metal surface sections are reproduced below, which may vary, for example, 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, in particular 8 mm to 20 mm, in particular 10 mm to 14 mm. In other words, the lower limit with respect to this measure may be set so that the corresponding dimension is at 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.

• HS1: 10 mm bis 200 mm, 70 mm bis 120 mm, insbesondere 80 mm bis 100 mm. Mit andern Worten kann das Maß vorzugsweise mehr als 10 mm, insbesondere mehr als 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 betragen. Andererseits sollen bevorzugte Maße kleiner sein als 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 bis 40 mm, insbesondere 5 mm bis 30 mm. Mit anderen Worten soll das entsprechende Maß für HS2 vorzugsweise mehr als 2 mm, insbesondere mehr als 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 betragen. Umgekehrt hat es sich als günstig erwiesen, wenn das entsprechende Maß vorzugsweise kleiner ist als 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 bis 20 mm, insbesondere 0,8 mm bis 15 mm oder 1 mm bis 1,6 mm. Mit anderen Worten soll das Maß für HS3 bevorzugt größer als 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 7,5 mm, 10 mm, 12,5 mm, 15 mm, 17,5 mm sein. Dann ist es vorteilhaft, wenn das entsprechende Maß kleiner ist als 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: der Lückenabstand HS4 zu einer benachbarten Hexagon-Schleifenstruktur kann vorzugsweise zwischen 3 mm und 20 mm, insbesondere 8 mm und 15 mm, vorzugsweise 10 mm bis 14 mm variieren.

Regarding the hexagonal loop structure as shown FIG. 15a For example, a hexagonal frequency selective surface structure FSS may 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 dimension may preferably be 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, the corresponding dimension for HS2 should preferably be more than 2 mm, in particular 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 Pultrusionsprozess (Strangziehprozess) 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.

Based on FIGS. 15a and 15b is merely exemplified yet another simplified variant of a passive radiation structure reproduced based on FIG. 15a in the form of a simple strip (rectangular strip) and based on FIG. 15b in the form of such a rectangular strip, at whose opposite ends in each case a transverse bar is provided. From two such, based on FIG. 15b shown and rotated by 90 ° to each other arranged structures is ultimately the so-called., Based on FIG. 13a Jerusalem Cross shown made.

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 foil with the at least two or more metal layers or foils with the structures optionally provided thereon or also provided differently may, for example, be arranged offset relative 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 whole surface, and here acts as a subreflector, and that others Parts of the composite film are formed with the mentioned structures in order to influence the 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 with reference to a composite film which preferably always has at least one plastic carrier layer. However, it should also be mentioned that it is quite possible to always use, instead of the above-mentioned composite foil, a pure metal foil which is placed on the outer surface, i. the outer skin of the radome applied, in particular glued. This metal foil can also be provided with a self-adhesive adhesive layer. In that regard, all the advantages and exemplary embodiments explained are also to be understood in such a way that instead of the composite film 41 comprising one or more plastic carrier layers, only one metal film without additional plastic carrier layers and films is or will always be used.

Instead of the adhesive layer used, an adhesive layer can generally be used in such a way that allows in any other way to apply the composite film or the metal foil on the outer surface of the radome to anchor and firmly fixed on it.

Claims (15)

1. Mobile communications antenna having the following features

   - having a reflector (3) in which one or more radiators (15) are arranged,

   - the reflector (3) with the radiators (15) arranged thereon is accommodated in a radome (5), and

   - the radome (5) comprises a front side (7), two side wall portions (10) and a rear side (9), and

   - having a radiating structure which is provided in the region of the rear wall (9) and/or one or both of the two side wall portions (10) and/or the front side (7) of the radome (5),

   characterised by the following further features

   - the radiating structure consists of a passive radiating structure (157, 157'; FSS), wherein

   a) the passive radiating structure (157, FSS) is formed by structured metal surfaces which are surrounded by metal-free regions, or

   b) the passive radiating structure (157', FSS) is formed by cut-outs (158) in a metal film or metal layer (57),

   - the passive radiating structure (157, 157') consists of a composite film (41),

   - the composite film (41) comprises at least one plastics carrier layer (55, 59) and a metal film or layer (57) attached thereto, and

   - the composite film (41) is attached or glued onto the outer surface or outer skin (19') of the radome (5).
2. Mobile communications antenna according to claim 1, characterised in that the passive radiating structures (157, 157'; FSS)

   a) are constructed in the form of dipoles or in the form of magnetic dipoles, and/or

   b) are arranged periodically repeating on the radome (5), preferably in the longitudinal direction (L) of the radome (5), specifically in the side wall region (10) and/or on the front side (7), preferably in the side wall region and at least in a part of the front side (7) of the radome (5) adjacent thereto, and/or

   c) are formed rotationally symmetrical or have a 90°, 120° or 180° rotational symmetry, and/or

   d) comprise structural forms (A, B, C, D), namely in the manner of a central structural form (A), wherein individual portions run together in a centre (Z) of the passive radiating structure (157, 157', FSS), or in the manner of a loop structure (B) with an enclosing of an inner surface (45), or in the manner of a full-surface radiating structure (C) and/or as a mixed structural form (D) which are formed from the preceding structural forms (A, B, C), and/or

   e) is configured cruciform, preferably in the manner of a Jerusalem cross or in the manner of an n-polygon or a regular n-polygon with a surrounded inner surface (45), preferably in the form of a hexagon.
3. Mobile communications antenna according to any claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the composite film (41)

   a) is configured as a self-adhesive composite film (41) with an associated adhesive layer (61), and/or

   b) is constructed and glued onto the outer surface (19') of the radome (5) such that the plastics carrier layer (55) is arranged externally, after which the metal film or layer (57) lying facing the radome (5) and thereafter, the adhesive layer (61) follows, and/or

   c) is constructed and glued onto the outer surface (19') of the radome (5) such that the plastics carrier layer (55) is arranged externally, after which the metal layer (57) lying facing the radome (5) and a further plastics carrier layer (59) and thereafter the adhesive layer (61) follows.
4. Mobile communications antenna according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that between the individual layers, i.e. the plastics carrier layer (55, 61) and the metal layer (57), a bonding agent layer is formed.
5. Mobile communications antenna according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the externally arranged plastics carrier layer (55) is printed, in particular, with printed images in black and white or colour.
6. Mobile communications antenna according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised

   a) in that the externally arranged plastics carrier layer (55) consists of polyethylene terephthalate (PET, PETP) or comprises this material, and/or

   b) in that the at least one or the second plastics carrier layer (55, 57) consists of polyethylene (PE) or comprises polyethylene (PE), preferably in the form of strongly branched polymer chains (PE-LD; LDPE).
7. Mobile communications antenna according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the metal film or layer (57) in the composite film (41) consists of or comprises a rust-free material and in particular brass, copper, aluminium, tin or zinc.
8. Mobile communications antenna according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the composite film (41) is glued in the entire peripheral direction of the radome (5) covering it full-surface, or only on the rear side (9) and/or only on the side wall portions (10) and/or only on the front side (7) of the radome (5).
9. Mobile communications antenna according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the composite film (41) is glued over the entire length of the radome (5) or preferably at least in a region of more than 50 %, 60 %, 70 %, 80 % or 90 % of the total length of the radome (5).
10. Mobile communications antenna according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the passive radiating structures (157, 157') consist of frequency-selective surfaces (FSS).
11. Method for producing a mobile communications antenna according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that a composite film (41) is glued onto at least individual regions of the outer surface (19') of the radome (5), wherein a composite film (41) is used

    a) which comprises at least one externally arranged plastics carrier layer (55), wherein on the side of the plastics carrier layer (55) lying facing the radome (5), configured full-surface or in at least a partial surface region, a metal film or layer (57) is provided which is applied or glued directly or indirectly via an adhesive layer (61) onto the outer surface (19') of the radome (5), or

    b) which comprises at least one externally arranged plastics carrier layer (55), wherein on the side lying facing the radome (5), configured full-surface or in at least a partial surface region, a metal film or layer (57) is provided and a further plastics carrier layer (59) is subsequently provided on the side lying facing the radome (5), which further plastics carrier layer is applied or glued directly or indirectly via an adhesive layer (61) onto the outer surface (19') of the radome (5).
12. Method according to claim 11, characterised

    a) in that a self-adhesive composite film (41) is used, or

    b) in that firstly an adhesive layer (61) is applied on the outer surface (19') of the radome (5) and/or on the side of the composite film (41) to be glued on, and then the composite film (41) is glued onto the outer surface (19') of the radome (5).
13. Method according to any of claims 11 to 12, characterised in that the composite film (41) is produced in a pultrusion process separately or combined with the radome (5) or, in a further process, preferably using a roller mechanism, is glued onto the outer surface (19') of the radome (5).
14. Method according to any of claims 12 to 13, characterised

    a) in that a composite film (41) with a plastics carrier layer (55) is used, which consists of polyethylene terephthalate (PET, PETP) or comprises this material, and/or

    b) in that a composite film (41) with one or with two plastics carrier layers (55, 57) is used, wherein the at least one plastics carrier layer (55, 57) consists of polyethylene (PE) or comprises polyethylene (PE), preferably in the form of strongly branched polymer chains (PE-LD; LDPE), and/or

    c) in that, as the metal film or layer (57) in the composite film (41), rust-free material, in particular brass, copper, aluminium, tin or zinc is used.
15. Method according to any of claims 11 to 14, characterised in that the composite film (41) is glued in the entire peripheral direction of the radome (5) covering it full-surface, or only on the rear side (9) and/or only on the side wall portions (10) and/or only on the front side (7) of the radome (5).

Images