EP3306742A1 - Mobile radio antenna - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mobile radio antenna having a plurality of first radiators and at least one second radiator, which are arranged on a common reflector plane, wherein the first radiators each have a relation to the reflector plane raised reflector environment, wherein the second radiator disposed between a plurality of first radiators is and is formed by parts of the respective reflector environment of the surrounding first radiator.

Description

The present invention relates to a mobile radio antenna having a plurality of first radiators and at least one second radiator, which are arranged on a common reflector plane. In this case, the first radiator has a reflector environment raised in relation to the reflector plane. In particular, the first radiators may be high-band radiators, and the second radiator may be a low-band radiator.

It is already known to provide multi-band antennas with several low-band and several high-band emitters, which are interleaved with each other. As high-band emitters mostly dipole emitters are used. As low-band radiators, for example, dipole squares, cross dipoles or dipole Ts can be used. This is for example from the US 8199063 B2 and the US 8760356 B2 known. The use of cross dipoles as a low-band radiator is from the EP 2672568 A2 , of the CN 104600439 A and the US 20140139387 A1 known. Furthermore, the use of broadband low-band radiators in the form of a funnel-shaped structure, which surrounds a respective first radiator, is known.

The use of patch structures as low-band emitters is from the article " Differentially driven dual-polarized dual-wideband complementary antenna for 2G / 3G / LTE applications, "Hindawi Publishing Corporation's International Journal of Antennas and Propagation, Volume 2014, Article ID480268 known.

However, a particular challenge is presented by multi-slit multiband antennas, which require a low spatial single-beam distance in the highband for beamforming and / or MIMO applications. The low high-band emitter spacing means that either insufficient volume is available for the low-band emitter and / or that the low-band emitter partially covers the high-band emitters and / or changes their emission characteristics.

Object of the present invention according to a first aspect is therefore to provide a compact multi-band antenna is available, which is particularly suitable for multi-column antennas. According to a second aspect, it is an object of the invention to provide a new radiator construction.

This object is achieved in the first aspect by an antenna according to claim 1, in the second aspect by an antenna according to claim 11. Preferred embodiment of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

In a first aspect, the present invention comprises a mobile radio antenna having a plurality of first radiators and at least one second radiator, which are arranged on a common reflector plane, the first radiators each having a reflector environment raised in relation to the reflector plane. It is provided that the second radiator is arranged between a plurality of first radiators and is formed by parts of the respective reflector environment of the surrounding first radiator. The fact that at least a part of the reflector environment of the first radiator is excited and at the same time used as a second radiator results in a very compact arrangement.

Such a first antenna can be used both individually and as a basic element for a multi-slit antenna.

Preferably, the first radiators are high-band radiators and the second radiator is a low-band radiator. In particular, therefore, the center frequency of the lowest resonance frequency range of the first radiators is higher than the center frequency of the lowest resonance frequency range of the second radiators. In one possible embodiment, the lowermost resonant frequency range of the first radiators may be completely above the lowest resonant frequency range of the second radiator.

In one possible embodiment, the reflector environment of the first radiators, which is raised in relation to the reflector plane, extends at least partially in a plane which extends transversely to a normal to the reflector plane and preferably substantially parallel to the reflector plane. In particular, the parts of the reflector environment forming the second radiator can at least partially extend in a plane which extends transversely to a normal to the reflector plane and preferably substantially parallel to the reflector plane. This allows a new kind of second spotlight. In particular, this allows a second radiator, which can be fed in the manner of a patch antenna.

The regions extending transversely to a normal to the reflector plane and preferably substantially parallel to the reflector plane preferably form the main part of the second radiator with respect to their surface portion and preferably have an area fraction of more than 80%.

However, the reflector environment of the first radiator, which is raised in relation to the reflector plane, and / or the parts of the reflector environment which form the second radiator, can also have regions extending perpendicularly to the reflector plane.

In a side view, the first radiators are preferably arranged higher above the reflector plane than parts of the reflector surroundings forming the second radiator, in particular as the main part of the second emitter forming reflector environment.

In a side view, the first radiators are preferably arranged higher above the reflector plane than the parts of the reflector surroundings forming the second radiator that extend transversely to a normal to the reflector plane and preferably substantially parallel to the reflector plane. In one possible embodiment, however, the regions of the second radiators that run perpendicular to the reflector plane are above the first radiators in height. By contrast, in an alternative embodiment, the regions of the second radiators extending perpendicular to the reflector plane are lower than the first radiators.

In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the parts of the reflector environment forming the second radiator are lower overall than the first radiators.

In plan view, in none of the embodiments just described an overlap between the first radiators and the reflector environment and / or the parts of the reflector environment forming the second radiator is required. Preferably, in plan view, no overlap is provided between the first radiators and the reflector surroundings and / or the parts of the reflector environment which form the second radiator. However, embodiments are also possible in which such an overlap is provided.

By lower arranged second radiator, the radiation of the first radiator is only slightly disturbed.

In one possible embodiment, the reflector environment of the first radiator, which is used at least partly as a second radiator, forms a reflector frame for the first radiator.

In one possible embodiment, the second radiator is arranged between four first radiators arranged in a rectangle, in particular a square. Preferably, the second radiator is arranged centrally within the rectangle formed by the first radiator. This results in a good symmetry of the far field.

The parts of the reflector surroundings of the first radiators which form the second radiator preferably extend out of the rectangle formed by the centers of the four first radiators. As a result, the interleaving of the first and second radiators can be increased.

In one possible embodiment, the second radiator has one and more preferably two axes of symmetry, which preferably extend parallel to the sides of the rectangle.

In particular, the second radiator formed by parts of the respective reflector environment of the first radiator surrounding it may comprise a cross-shaped metal structure which is arranged between four first radiators arranged in a rectangle, in particular a square. Preferably, the cross-shaped metal structure extends at least partially in a plane which extends transversely to a normal to the reflector plane and preferably substantially parallel to the reflector plane.

Preferably, the center of the cross-shaped metal structure in the center of the rectangle, in particular of the square, arranged. Furthermore, the arms of the cross-shaped metal structure can each extend between two first radiators.

Preferably, no further reflector environment and / or metal structure raised above the reflector plane is provided between the respective parts of the reflector surroundings of the first radiators, which form a second radiator, and the respective first radiator.

In one possible embodiment, the reflector environment of each first radiator comprises a first and a second metal structure, which are opposite to each other with respect to the first radiator and separated by a gap, wherein the first and the second metal structure preferably form a reflector frame for the first radiator.

Preferably, the first and the second metal structure extend at least partially in a plane which extends transversely to a normal to the reflector plane and preferably substantially parallel to the reflector plane.

The first or second metal structures provided between four first radiators arranged in a rectangle, in particular a square, preferably form together a metal structure of a second radiator.

In one possible embodiment, the first and second metal structures each have an L-shape. In this case, the first and the second metal structure can preferably be arranged in the form of a rectangle, in particular a square around the first radiator.

Preferably, the legs of four L-shaped first or second metal structures together form a cross-shaped metal structure of a second radiator.

In a possible embodiment, a first polarization plane of the first radiator extends along the gap between the first and second metal structures. As a result, this polarization of the first radiator sees the reflector plate as a reflector environment.

Furthermore, the first radiator may have a second, orthogonal plane of polarization, which preferably extends centrally through the first and the second metal structure. In particular, the second polarization can form an axis of symmetry of the first and the second metal structure.

In one possible embodiment, the first and the second metal structure each have an L-shape and are arranged in the form of a rectangle, in particular a square, around the first radiator, the first polarization plane of the first radiator extending diagonally between the two L-shaped metal structures and the second, orthogonal plane of polarization preferably passes through the apex of the two L-shaped metal structures.

In a preferred embodiment, the reflector environment of the first radiator has a depression in the region of a polarization plane of the respective first radiator. Alternatively or additionally, the reduction can be arranged in the region of the diagonal of a rectangle formed by the centers of the first radiator. As a result, this polarization of the first radiator sees a greater distance from the reflector environment. In this case, this polarization is preferably a second polarization of the first radiator, as described above. Preferably, the reduction runs along the polarization plane and / or diagonal.

Furthermore, the cross-shaped metal structure described above may each have a depression in the region of their diagonals. Alternatively or additionally, the first and the second L-shaped metal structure, which has been described above, each have a depression in the region of their diagonals. In this case, the depression is preferably arranged in a polarization plane of a first radiator and preferably runs along the polarization plane.

The depression preferably forms a region of the reflector environment which extends transversely to the normal on the reflector plane. In particular, the reflector environment in the region of the lowering therefore runs obliquely to the normal to the reflector plane and obliquely to the reflector environment.

Regions of the reflector environment, which extend essentially parallel to the reflector environment, preferably adjoin the depression. Especially In this case, the arms of the cross-shaped metal structure and / or the legs of the L-shaped metal structure extend substantially parallel to the reflector environment.

In a further possible embodiment, the parts of the reflector surroundings of the first radiators forming the second radiator are fed in the region of the diagonal of a rectangle formed by the centers of the first radiators and / or in the region of the diagonal of the cross-shaped metal structure forming the second radiator.

Furthermore, the parts of the reflector environment which form the second radiator can have slots in the region of the diagonal, which preferably extend along the diagonal and / or are bridged by webs.

In particular, the cross-shaped metal structure of the second radiator is fed in the region of its diagonals and / or has slits in the region of its diagonal, which preferably extend along the diagonal and / or are bridged by webs.

In a further possible embodiment, the parts of the reflector surroundings of the first radiators which form the second radiator and, in particular, the cross-shaped metal structure have an opening in their center, wherein optionally an adaptation structure is provided in the region of the opening.

In one possible embodiment, the parts of the reflector surroundings of the first radiators which form the second radiator, and in particular the cross-shaped metal structure and / or the first and the second L-shaped metal structures, consist of one or more sheet-metal parts. In this case, the cross-shaped metal structure may have a one-piece or multi-piece sheet metal stamped and folded base element, which unites four L-shaped metal structures.

In a further possible embodiment, the parts of the reflector surroundings of the first radiators which form the second radiator, and in particular the cross-shaped metal structure and / or the first and the second L-shaped metal structures, comprise regions which run parallel to the reflector plane, these regions preferably being parallel to the sides a formed by the centers of the first radiator rectangle and / or in the region of the legs of the cross-shaped metal structure and / or the first and the second L-shaped metal structure.

Between the legs of the L-shaped metal structures, a bridge region is preferably provided, which connects the legs to one another. This bridge region preferably has a depression, preferably a depression, as described above. In particular, the lowering can be lowered relative to the areas extending parallel to the reflector plane.

In a further possible embodiment, the parts of the reflector surroundings of the first radiators which form the second radiator and in particular the cross-shaped metal structure and / or the first and the second L-shaped metal structures have frame elements extending perpendicular to the reflector plane, which form a vertical reflector frame for the first radiators ,

In one possible embodiment, the first radiators are dipole radiators, in particular dual-polarized dipole radiators, in particular dual-polarized cross-dipoles. Preferably, the dipole elements of the dipole radiators are arranged on a base on a common reflector.

The dipole elements of the dipole radiators preferably have a greater distance from the reflector than the parts of the reflector environment which form the first radiator.

In a further possible embodiment, the second radiator is fed as a patch antenna.

In a further possible embodiment, the second radiator is a dual-polarized radiator, wherein the polarization planes of the second radiator preferably extend along the diagonal of the cross-shaped metal structure and / or of the rectangle formed by the first radiator.

In one possible embodiment, the first radiators have a single radiator spacing of 0.5 λ to 0.7 λ, wherein λ is the wavelength of the center frequency of the lowest resonant frequency range of the first radiator. It is therefore an extremely compact arrangement of first emitters.

In a further possible embodiment, the first radiators have a distance to the reflector plane between 0.15 λ and 0.6 λ, where λ is the wavelength of the center frequency of the lowest resonant frequency range of the first radiator.

In one possible embodiment, the plurality of first radiators each have the same reflector environment and / or the same resonant frequency ranges and / or the same orientation of the polarization planes and / or the same structure.

Furthermore, an antenna according to the present invention may comprise a plurality of second radiators each having the same resonant frequency ranges and / or the same orientation of the polarization planes and / or the same structure.

In one possible embodiment, the antenna has at least two second radiators, which have different resonance frequency ranges and / or a different structure, wherein preferably a first radiator is arranged between the two second radiators and has a reflector environment, which consists of at least two different parts, and in particular comprises two L-shaped metal structures with a different leg length.

The antenna according to the invention is particularly suitable as a basic element for the construction of antenna arrays. In this case, a plurality of first antennas, as described above, are preferably arranged side by side in one or more columns and / or rows.

In one possible embodiment, the antenna according to the invention has a first antenna array formed by a plurality of first radiators with a plurality of columns and rows and a second antenna array formed by a plurality of second radiators with at least one column and / or row second radiator are each formed by parts of the reflector environment of the surrounding first radiator.

In one possible embodiment, the second antennas are arranged in at least two rows and / or columns whose radiators are offset from one another, and / or whose radiators have different resonance frequency ranges and / or a different construction.

In a second aspect, the present invention comprises a mobile radio antenna having a reflector plane and an element arranged above the reflector plane and fed as a patch antenna. It is provided that the fed as a patch antenna element is formed by a cross-shaped metal structure. As a result, a new, different from the usual geometry of patch antennas antenna is provided.

In one possible embodiment, the cross-shaped metal structure has a distance to the reflector plane which changes over its extent.

In particular, the cross-shaped metal structure may each have a depression in the region of their diagonals, wherein the depression preferably extends along the polarization plane.

Furthermore, the cross-shaped metal structure may comprise regions which extend parallel to the reflector plane, these regions preferably extending in the region of the arms of the cross-shaped metal structure.

Furthermore, the cross-shaped metal structure can have regions extending perpendicularly to the reflector plane, which furthermore preferably run along the median plane of the four arms of the cross-shaped metal structure.

In one possible embodiment, the cross-shaped metal structure is fed in the region of its diagonal. The feed may, for example, be asymmetric at one feed point on the diagonal or symmetrically at two feed points on the diagonal opposite to the center of the cross-shaped metal structure, wherein the symmetrical feed may be serial or parallel.

In a further possible embodiment, the cross-shaped metal structure in the region of its diagonal slits, which preferably extend along the diagonal and / or bridged by webs.

In a further possible embodiment, the cross-shaped metal structure may have an opening in its center, wherein optionally an adaptation structure is provided in the region of the opening.

Preferably, the cross-shaped metal structure forms a dual-polarized radiator, wherein the polarization planes of the dual-polarized radiator preferably extend along the diagonal of the cross-shaped metal structure.

The cross-shaped metal structure may consist of one or more sheet metal parts, wherein preferably the cross-shaped metal structure comprises a one-piece or multi-piece stamped and folded sheet metal base element comprising the four arms of the cross-shaped metal structure and preferably has a recess in its center.

The antenna according to the second aspect can also be used independently of the first aspect. Preferably, however, the cross-shaped metal structure of the antenna according to the second aspect forms a second radiator according to the first aspect.

In this case, the cross-shaped metal structure of the antenna according to the second aspect is preferably constructed and / or arranged as described above with regard to the first aspect. Alternatively or additionally, the second radiator of an antenna according to the first aspect may be configured as described for the antenna according to the second aspect.

The antennas according to the invention are preferably mobile radio antennas, as used for mobile radio base stations.

The present invention further comprises a mobile radio base station with at least one mobile radio antenna, as has been described above.

Fig. 1:

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Mobilfunk-Antenne, welche den ersten und den zweiten Aspekt der vorliegenden Erfindung in Kombination zeigt,

Fig. 2:

ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer Mobilfunk-Antenne gemäß dem zweiten Aspekt der vorliegenden Erfindung mit einem als Patch-Antenne gespeisten Element inForm einer kreuzförmigen Metallstruktur,

Fig. 3:

eine Variante der in Fig. 2 gezeigten Mobilfunk-Antenne mit einer Prinzipdarstellung der Speisung der zwei Polarisationen,

Fig. 4:

Diagramme, welche das E-Feld der in Fig. 3 gezeigten Antenne bei unterschiedlichen Phasen für die beiden Ports und bei einer Frequenz von 920 MHz zeigen,

Fig. 5a:

simulierte Fernfeldwerte der in Fig. 3 gezeigten Antenne in einem Horizontaldiagramm für die beiden Polarisationen,

Fig. 5b:

simulierte Fernfeldwerte der in Fig. 3 gezeigten Antenne in einem Vertikaldiagramm für die beiden Polarisationen,

Fig. 6:

eine Variante ohne und zwei Varianten mit einem Mittelelement für das kreuzförmige, als Patchantenne gespeiste Element,

Fig. 7a:

ein Smith-Chart der in Fig. 6 gezeigten drei Varianten für den Frequenzbereich zwischen 880 MHz und 960 MHz,

Fig. 7b:

ein Diagramm der Absolutwerte des Fernfeldes in horizontaler und vertikaler Richtung bei einer Frequenz von 920 MHz für die in Fig. 6 gezeigten drei Varianten,

Fig. 8:

eine Variante ohne und zwei Varianten mit einem im Bereich der Speisung angeordneten Mittelelement,

Fig. 9a:

ein Smith-Chart der in Fig. 8 gezeigten drei Varianten für den Frequenzbereich zwischen 880 MHz und 965 MHz,

Fig. 9b:

ein Diagramm der Absolutwerte des Fernfeldes in horizontaler und vertikaler Richtung bei einer Frequenz von 920 MHz für die in Fig. 8 gezeigten drei Varianten,

Fig. 10:

vier mögliche Speisepunkte sowie eine mögliche Ausgestaltung der Speisung des als Patch-Antenne gespeisten Elements in Form einer kreuzförmigen Metallstruktur,

Fig. 11:

drei Prinzipdarstellungen, welche eine asymmetrische Speisung, eine symmetrische Speisung mit Serienschaltung, und eine symmetrische Speisung mit Parallelschaltung zeigen,

Fig. 12:

drei Varianten für die Speisung,

Fig. 13:

einen ersten Strahler und seine Reflektorumgebung für eine Antenne gemäß dem ersten Aspekt der vorliegenden Erfindung,

Fig. 14:

eine Prinzipdarstellung der Lage der Polarisationsebenen bei dem in Fig. 13 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel,

Fig. 15:

zwei Darstellungen einer Antenne gemäß dem ersten Aspekt der vorliegenden Erfindung, welche vier erste Strahler und deren Reflektorumgebung, welche einen zweiten Strahler bildet, umfasst, wobei jeweils nur die Dipole der ersten Antennen für eine der beiden Polarisationsrichtungen eingezeichnet sind,

Fig. 16:

eine Variante des in Fig. 13 gezeigten ersten Strahlers bzw. der in Fig. 15 gezeigten Antenne,

Fig. 17:

eine weitere Variante einer erfindungsgemäßen Antenne gemäß dem ersten Aspekt, als Grundelement für den Aufbau eines größeren Antennenarrays,

Fig. 18:

zwei Varianten eines ersten Strahlers und seiner Reflektorumgebung gemäß dem ersten Aspekt und einer aus vier solchen Strahlern mit ihrer Refektorumgebung aufgebauten Antenne, wobei die beiden Varianten sich im Hinblick auf die Höhe des Sockels der ersten Antenne bzw. den Abstand der Dipolelemente der ersten Antenne von der Reflektorebene unterscheiden,

Fig. 19:

drei Varianten einer erfindungsgemäßen Antenne gemäß dem ersten und dem zweiten Aspekt, welche sich durch die spezifische Ausgestaltung der Reflektorumgebung unterscheiden,

Fig. 20:

die Reflektorumgebung eines ersten Strahlers einer Antenne gemäß dem ersten Aspekt der vorliegenden Erfindung, bei welchem die Refektorumgebung aus zwei unterschiedlichen Metallstrukturen aufgebaut ist, welche jeweils einen Teil eines zweiten Strahlers mit einem unterschiedlichen Resonanzfrequenzbereich bilden,

Fig. 21:

ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines Antennenarrays aus einer Mehrzahl von erfindungsgemäßen Antennen gemäß dem ersten Aspekt mit drei unterschiedlichen, jeweils aus der Reflektorumgebung der sie umgebenden ersten Strahler aufgebauten zweiten Strahlern für drei unterschiedliche Frequenzbereiche,

Fig. 22:

das in Fig. 21 gezeigte Ausführungsbeispiel, wobei hier auch die ersten Strahler eingezeichnet sind, und

Fig. 23:

das in Fig. 22 dargestellte Ausführungsbeispiel in einer Draufsicht.

Showing:

Fig. 1:

A first embodiment of a mobile radio antenna, which shows the first and the second aspect of the present invention in combination,

Fig. 2:

An embodiment of a mobile radio antenna according to the second aspect of the present invention with a patch antenna fed element in the form of a cross-shaped metal structure,

3:

a variant of in Fig. 2 shown mobile radio antenna with a schematic representation of the supply of the two polarizations,

4:

Charts showing the E field of in Fig. 3 shown antenna at different phases for the two ports and at a frequency of 920 MHz,

Fig. 5a:

simulated far field values of in Fig. 3 shown antenna in a horizontal diagram for the two polarizations,

Fig. 5b:

simulated far field values of in Fig. 3 shown antenna in a vertical diagram for the two polarizations,

Fig. 6:

a variant without and two variants with a central element for the cross-shaped element fed as a patch antenna,

Fig. 7a:

a smith chart of in Fig. 6 three variants for the frequency range between 880 MHz and 960 MHz,

Fig. 7b:

a plot of the absolute values of the far field in horizontal and vertical direction at a frequency of 920 MHz for the in Fig. 6 shown three variants,

Fig. 8:

a variant without and two variants with a central element arranged in the region of the feed,

Fig. 9a:

a smith chart of in Fig. 8 three variants for the frequency range between 880 MHz and 965 MHz,

Fig. 9b:

a plot of the absolute values of the far field in horizontal and vertical direction at a frequency of 920 MHz for the in Fig. 8 shown three variants,

Fig. 10:

four possible feeding points as well as a possible configuration of the feed of the element fed as a patch antenna in the form of a cross-shaped metal structure,

Fig. 11:

three schematic diagrams showing an asymmetrical feed, a balanced feed with series connection, and a symmetrical feed with parallel connection,

Fig. 12:

three variants for the feed,

Fig. 13:

a first radiator and its reflector environment for an antenna according to the first aspect of the present invention,

Fig. 14:

a schematic representation of the position of the polarization planes in the in Fig. 13 illustrated embodiment,

Fig. 15:

two representations of an antenna according to the first aspect of the present invention, which comprises four first radiators and their reflector environment, which forms a second radiator, wherein in each case only the dipoles of the first antennas for one of the two polarization directions are drawn,

Fig. 16:

a variant of in Fig. 13 shown in the first radiator or in Fig. 15 shown antenna,

Fig. 17:

a further variant of an antenna according to the invention according to the first aspect, as a basic element for the construction of a larger antenna array,

Fig. 18:

two variants of a first radiator and its reflector environment according to the first aspect and a constructed of four such radiators with their refectory antenna, the two variants differ with respect to the height of the base of the first antenna or the distance of the dipole elements of the first antenna from the reflector plane,

Fig. 19:

three variants of an antenna according to the invention according to the first and the second aspect, which differ by the specific configuration of the reflector environment,

Fig. 20:

the reflector environment of a first radiator of an antenna according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the refectory environment is made up of two different metal structures each forming part of a second radiator having a different resonant frequency range,

Fig. 21:

An embodiment of an antenna array of a plurality of antennas according to the invention according to the first aspect with three different, each constructed from the reflector environment of the surrounding first emitters second emitters for three different frequency ranges,

Fig. 22:

this in Fig. 21 shown embodiment, in which case also the first radiator are shown, and

Fig. 23:

this in Fig. 22 illustrated embodiment in a plan view.

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a mobile radio antenna according to the invention, in which both the first aspect and the second aspect of the present invention are realized.

According to the first aspect, the antenna comprises four first radiators 1 whose reflector surroundings are at least partly used to form a second radiator 2, which is arranged between the four first antennas 1. The first Emitter 1 are arranged on a common reflector plate 3. The reflector environment of the first radiator, which forms the second radiator 2, is arranged elevated with respect to this reflector plate 3. In particular, the reflector environment, of which at least parts are used as a second radiator, forms a reflector frame for the first radiators.

The first radiators 1 are preferably high-band radiators, and the second radiator 2 is a low-band radiator. In particular, the center frequency of the lowest resonant frequency range of the first radiator is above the center frequency of the lowest resonant frequency range of the second radiator.

This solution achieves an extremely compact arrangement, which is particularly suitable as a basic element for multi-band antennas with several columns and / or rows.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the first emitters 1 are arranged higher above the reflector plate 3 than the second emitter 2 two forming reflector environment, so that the radiation of the first emitters by the reflector environment or the second emitter 2 is not or only is slightly disturbed.

In the exemplary embodiment, 1 dipole radiators are used as the first radiator. In particular, these are dual-polarized dipole radiators.

In the exemplary embodiment, the dipole radiators have a base with which the dipoles are arranged on the reflector plate 3. The socket carries two dipole elements for each dipole. The dipole elements of the dipole radiators extend in a plane parallel to the reflector plate 3, and are held over the base at a certain distance above the reflector plate 3. In the exemplary embodiment, the base furthermore has a balancing which carries the dipole elements forming the dipoles. In particular, the symmetrization comprises support elements for the dipole elements, which extend perpendicular to the reflector plate 3, and which are separated by slots. Each carrier element carries a dipole element.

In the exemplary embodiment, the dipoles are cross-dipoles with two dipoles arranged crosswise relative to one another for the two orthogonal polarizations. The balancing comprises four support elements, each of which carries a dipole element, with dipole elements lying opposite one another forming a dipole over the central axis.

In the context of the present invention, however, other designs for the first emitters are conceivable, in particular also other types of dual-polarized dipoles.

The reflector environment of the first radiator 1 raised relative to the reflector plate 3 consists in each case of two L-shaped structures 33 and 34, whose legs 6 and 7 or 4 and 5 each form one side of a reflector frame surrounding the first radiator 1.

The respectively arranged between the first radiators L-shaped structures of the reflector environment together form the second radiator 2. In particular, the arranged between the four first radiators 1 four L-shaped structures form a cross-shaped structure of the second radiator. In this case, the legs 4 and 5 of the L-shaped structures of two adjacent first radiators each extend parallel to one another. An arm of the cross-shaped metal structure of the second radiator is therefore formed by two parallel legs of two adjacent L-shaped metal structures of the reflector surroundings of the first radiators.

In the Fig. 1 each arranged on the outside L-shaped structures have in this embodiment, only the function of a reflector environment for the first emitters 1, and do not form second emitters. However, in other embodiments, these parts of the reflector environment may also be used as parts of second emitters.

In the exemplary embodiment, the four first radiators are arranged in a rectangle, in particular in a square. In particular, the centers of the four first radiators form a rectangle. The cross-shaped structure forming the second radiator has four arms, which extend in each case centrally and perpendicular to the four sides of this rectangle or square. In the exemplary embodiment, the arms extend out of the rectangle formed by the four centers of the first radiator. This means that the extent of the second radiator parallel to the sides of the rectangle formed by the first radiators is greater than the distance between two first radiators.

The respective L-shaped structures, which together form the cross-shaped structure of the second radiator, are preferably conductively connected to one another. The connection can be carried out galvanically and / or capacitively. In possible exemplary embodiments, the L-shaped structures which together form the cross-shaped structure of the second radiator may be formed in one piece. Alternatively, the cross-shaped structure of the second radiator may consist of several separate sections. These sections may correspond to the L-shaped structures. However, it is also conceivable to divide the cross-shaped structure of the second radiator into a plurality of separate sections, which does not coincide with the L-shaped structures.

The reflector environment of the first radiator and / or the second radiator are preferably formed by one or more metal structures. In particular, such a metal structure may consist of one or more sheet metal parts. A production of a conductive coated plastic or of one or more printed circuit board elements is also conceivable.

The reflector environment of the first radiator or the second radiator are preferably made of one or more sheet metal parts. In particular, the sheet metal parts can be punched out of bleach and bent.

In one possible embodiment, all elements of the cross-shaped metal structure of a second radiator can be formed by a continuous, stamped and bent sheet-metal part. Alternatively, the second radiators may consist of a plurality of sheet metal parts and be coupled capacitively and / or galvanically with each other. A capacitive coupling can be done for example by overlapping two sheet metal parts.

In the exemplary embodiment, the polarization planes of the dual-polarized first radiators are diagonal to the rectangle or square formed by the first radiators.

Here, the reflector frame formed by the respective reflector environment of a first radiator along a first polarization, d. H. along a first diagonal, open. This means that the respective legs of the two reflector environments forming L-shaped metal structures are located across a gap. Furthermore, the L-shaped metal structures have a depression in the region of their vertex, i. the reflector environment of the first radiators is in the range of the second polarization, i. H. along the second diagonal, lowered. The specific configuration of the reflector environment with respect to this aspect will be explained later in more detail.

In the following, the design of the second radiator 2 will first be described in more detail. According to the second aspect of the present invention, this second radiator 2 can also be used independently of the first radiators 1 and independently of its formation by parts of the reflector surroundings of first radiators.

According to the second aspect, the second radiator is formed by a cross-shaped metal structure 2, which extends over a reflector plate 3, and fed as a patch antenna. As will be described in more detail below, for this purpose, the cross-shaped metal structure can be electrically coupled to a first conductor and the reflector plate 3 is electrically coupled to a second conductor of a signal line be. In particular, the signal line is a coaxial line, wherein the inner conductor is electrically coupled to the cross-shaped metal structure, and the outer conductor to the reflector plate 3. Alternatively, an aperture-coupled feed, for example via slots conceivable.

In Fig. 2 now a cross-shaped metal structure 2 is shown, which is arranged on a reflector plate 3 and can be used both according to the first aspect as a second, formed by the reflector environment of first emitters emitter, and according to the second aspect independent of such first emitters and their reflector environment ,

The cross-shaped metal structure has four arms 6 and 7, which extend in a cross shape.

In one possible embodiment of the present invention, all four arms of the cross-shaped metal structure are in electrical contact with each other and form a coherent metal structure. However, in alternative embodiments, the arms could also be formed by separate metal structures that are not in electrical communication with each other.

In the exemplary embodiment, the cross-shaped metal structure has an inner opening 14. Adjacent arms of the cross-shaped metal structure are respectively connected by bridges surrounding the inner opening 14.

The cross-shaped structure continues to have slots 9 in the region of its diagonals or bridges. The slots extend in the embodiment along the diagonal, and extend in the embodiment of both the inner recess 14, as well as from the outside into the arranged between the arms bridges.

In the exemplary embodiment, the slots 9 are bridged by webs 10. In an alternative embodiment, however, the webs 10 could also be dispensed with. The feed preferably takes place in the region of the slots 9 and / or webs 10. This will be described in more detail below.

The arms 6 and 7 of the cross-shaped metal structure in the exemplary embodiment each have a region which extends parallel to the reflector plate 3 at a certain distance above this plate.

The cross-shaped metal structure has in the embodiment in the region of its diagonal depressions 8, which extend along the diagonal. In particular, the arms of the cross-shaped metal structure run parallel to the reflector plate 3, while the bridges connecting the arms have a V-shape. The function of this reduction comes in particular in the context of the first aspect of the present invention to bear, and will be described in more detail below.

In the exemplary embodiment, the opposing arms are each designed mirror-symmetrically with respect to a centrally extending plane of symmetry. In the exemplary embodiment, the cross-shaped metal structure has four planes of symmetry, one each, which runs centrally through and parallel to the arms, and one which runs along the diagonal of the cross.

In Fig. 2 are the planes of symmetry, which run centrally and parallel to the arms 6 and 7, dashed lines. When used according to the first aspect, these also mark the division into the L-shaped structures of the respective reflector environments of the first radiator surrounding the second radiator. However, this division of the cross-shaped metal structure of the second radiator into L-shaped structures does not have to be structural. At the in Fig. 2 illustrated embodiment, the two an arm of the cross-shaped metal structure forming legs of the L-shaped metal structures are integrally formed.

• Die Arme 6 bzw. 7 der kreuzförmigen Metallstruktur weisen jeweils Bereich auf, welcher sich parallel zur Reflektorplatte 3 in einem gewissen Abstand über dieser Platte erstreckt. Im Ausführungsbeispiel beträgt diese Höhe H1 bevorzugt zwischen 0,05 und 0,3 λ, weiter bevorzugt zwischen 0,05 λ und 0,2 λ. Bevorzugt liegt die Höhe H1 bei 0,1 λ.

The following is a possible, in Fig. 2 illustrated dimensioning of the cross-shaped metal structure reproduced. However, other dimensions are also conceivable:

• The arms 6 and 7 of the cross-shaped metal structure each have an area which extends parallel to the reflector plate 3 at a certain distance above this plate. In the exemplary embodiment, this height H1 is preferably between 0.05 and 0.3 λ, more preferably between 0.05 λ and 0.2 λ. Preferably, the height H1 is 0.1 λ.

The width B _{1 of} the arms 6 and 7 is preferably between 0.05 λ and 0.3 λ, more preferably between 0.05 λ and 0.2 λ, and in particular 0.1 λ.

Starting from the center of the structure, the arms preferably have a length L ₁ between 0.15 λ and 0.35 λ, preferably between 0.2 λ and 0.3 λ, in particular 0.25 λ.

In the exemplary embodiment, the cross-shaped metal structure has an inner opening 14. This preferably has a minimum diameter between 0.05 λ and 0.2 λ, and in particular a minimum diameter of 0.1 λ. The length L _{3 of} the arms starting from this inner recess 14 is preferably between 0.1 λ and 0.4 λ, in particular 0.2 λ.

The total length L _{2 of} the cross-shaped metal structure along the arms is preferably between 0.3 λ and 0.7 λ, in particular between 0.4 λ and 0.6 λ, preferably 0.5 λ.

Adjacent arms of the cross-shaped metal structure are each connected by bridges whose width B ₂ in the exemplary embodiment is between 0.05λ and 0.2 λ, and in particular at 0.1 λ.

Λ is the wavelength of the center frequency of the lowest resonant frequency range of the second radiator.

• Fig. 3 zeigt links oben einen durch die kreuzförmige Metallstruktur 2 gebildeten zweiten Strahler. In Fig. 3 ist neben der Reflektorplatte 3, auf welcher die kreuzförmige Metallstruktur 2 angeordnet ist, weiterhin ein Reflektorrahmen 11 für den zweiten Strahler eingezeichnet, welcher jedoch nicht notwendigerweise verwirklicht sein muss.

The cross-shaped metal structure of the second radiator also provides a dual-polarized radiator. This will be explained below on the basis of Fig. 3 and 4 shown in more detail:

• Fig. 3 shows left above a formed by the cross-shaped metal structure 2 second radiator. In Fig. 3 is next to the reflector plate 3, on which the cross-shaped metal structure 2 is arranged, further a reflector frame 11 is shown for the second radiator, which, however, need not necessarily be realized.

The representation in Fig. 3 bottom left shows the feeding of the cross-shaped metal structure in the area of the diagonal. In this case, the cross-shaped metal structure has two ports P1 and P2, through which the two orthogonal polarizations of the radiator are fed.

The illustration on the top right shows the first polarization produced by the feed of port 1, the resulting vector of the E field E _{res of} this first polarization being shown. Fig. 3 bottom right shows the orthogonal, fed by port 2 polarization and the associated E-field vector E _res . The two polarizations of the second radiator extend diagonally to the arms of the cross-shaped metal structure.

In the two representations in Fig. 3 Top right and bottom are pure schematic representations. The diagrams in Fig. 4 on the other hand show corresponding simulation results for the resulting E-field for different phases. In the upper row the diagrams are shown when feeding the first port 1, in the lower row the diagrams when feeding the second port 2.

Fig. 5a shows the corresponding horizontal diagram for the two polarizations. In this case, the far field for the polarization 1 and 2 is plotted once at a frequency of 880 MHz, and once at a frequency of 960 MHz. Shown is the co-polarization and the cross-polarization. Fig. 5b shows the corresponding vertical diagram for the two polarizations, again the co-polarization and the cross-polarization for frequencies of 880 MHz and 960 MHz is plotted. The two diagrams show the good symmetry of the two polarizations.

Fig. 6 shows three variants of a cross-shaped metal structure. These differ with regard to the configuration of the metal structure in the region of the inner opening 14.

The variants 002 and 003 each show a central element 12, which is arranged in the region of the inner opening 14. Both middle elements are arranged at the level of the arms of the metal structure and connect the inner ends of the arms together. The middle element 12 in the version 002 forms a frame for the inner opening 14. The middle element 13 in Version 003, however, is designed cross-shaped, and connects the inner ends of the arms over the inner opening 14 of time. In the version 001, however, no middle element is provided.

In all three versions, a sheet metal structure consisting of one or more punched and bent sheet metal parts is used as the cross-shaped metal structure. The inner opening 14 is therefore formed by a corresponding recess in the sheet metal structure. The middle elements 12 and 13 are conductive elements applied to this sheet metal structure, in particular also sheet metal structures. The central element can be added capacitively and / or galvanically to the sheet-metal structure. In an alternative embodiment, it would be conceivable to integrate the middle element into the structure.

Fig. 7a shows the S-parameter of the three variants Fig. 6 in a smith chart, Fig. 7b the absolute values of the far field in horizontal and vertical directions. As Fig. 7a and 7b clearly show that all three versions have similar S-parameters and far-field characteristics. In this case, depending on the environment used and in particular in an application according to the first aspect, depending on the environment by first emitters one or the other version of advantage. For example, the center element can be used for decoupling the first radiators and / or for shaping the far-field diagram of the first radiators.

Fig. 8 shows three further variants of a cross-shaped metal structure. In version 001, the center of the radiator is released. In the variants 004 and 005, however, a bottom segment 15 is used in the region of the inner opening 14, which connects the bridges arranged between the arms with each other. In this case, the bottom segment 15 is arranged on the lowest level of the depression, and runs in particular crosswise along the diagonal.

In variant 004, the cross-shaped metal structure of the second radiator is arranged in an electrically insulated manner relative to the reflector plate 3 and is therefore not connected to it in a conductive manner. In the variant 005, however, takes place via the ground segment 15, a short circuit to the reflector in the region of the center of the radiator. The short circuit to the reflector can be done for example via a base 16 which connects the reflector plate 3 with the ground segment 15.

Fig. 9a shows the S parameter in a Smith chart and Fig. 9b shows the absolute values of the far field in horizontal and vertical direction, respectively for the three in Fig. 8 shown versions. All versions have similar S-parameters and far-field characteristics.

Depending on the environment and especially when used in accordance with the first aspect, depending on the environment with first emitters, one or the other version may therefore be advantageous. In this case, the ground segment, for example, for decoupling the first radiator and / or for forming the far field diagram of the first radiator can be used.

The feeding of the cross-shaped metal structure takes place as already briefly described above as in a patch antenna. However, the second radiator according to the invention differs from a conventional patch antenna in terms of the shape of the radiator, and in particular with regard to the cross-shaped metal structure with notch and / or depression in the dining area. Furthermore, version 005 also differs significantly from a standard patch antenna due to the short circuit to the reflector.

As already stated above, the feeding of the cross-shaped structure 2 takes place in the region of its diagonals, i. In the area of the bridges connecting the arms 8, in particular, the feed takes place in the region of the slots 9 running along the diagonal or of the webs 10 bridging these slots.

Fig. 10 shows possible embodiments of such a supply. As in Fig. 10 represented four possible feed points 1 to 4. The diagonally opposite feed points 1 and 3 or 2 and 4 respectively correspond to the same polarization of the radiator and therefore can be used alternatively or together to feed this polarization.

The feed in the embodiment takes place via coaxial cable 17. The outer conductor 18 of the coaxial cable 17 is electrically connected to the reflector plate 3 in connection, the inner conductor 19, however, with the feed point of the cross-shaped metal structure. At the in Fig. 10 shown embodiment, the inner conductor 19 of the coaxial cable is galvanically connected to a web 10 in connection. However, the supply can also be done differently, for example by a capacitive coupling and / or by a transition from coaxial cable to printed circuit board, wherein the circuit board is capacitively or galvanically connected to the radiators. Aperture-coupled patches are also conceivable, in particular for the second radiators, with the feed being able to take place asymmetrically or symmetrically, for example by means of two orthogonal slots.

Fig. 11 shows three possible variants of feeding the two polarizations over the four available food items.

Left in Fig. 11 is shown an asymmetrical feed, in which only serve the two feed points 1 and 2 as ports, while the feed points 3 and 4 remain unused. The advantage of this embodiment is a low complexity and a low cost of materials. However, this results in only a moderate field symmetry and lower port decoupling.

The middle illustration in Fig. 11 shows a symmetrical feed, in which the two feed points 2 and 4 or 1 and 3 are connected in series with each other and therefore used together as a port P2 or P1. The advantage of such an embodiment lies in the high field symmetry and good port decoupling. However, the design is relatively narrow-band, since the serial connection causes the feed points 1 and 3 or 2 and 4 have exactly the same phase only at one frequency.

Right in Fig. 11 a symmetrical parallel supply is shown. The ports 1 and 3 or 2 and 4 are connected in parallel and used as port P1 or P2. This avoids the narrowband problems inherent in serial feed, yet achieves good field symmetry and port decoupling. However, this embodiment is also associated with increased complexity and / or an increased cost of materials.

The serial or parallel connection of the feed points preferably takes place via a distribution network. This can be realized for example by coaxial cable with corresponding connectors between the individual sections of the coaxial cables. However, other embodiments of a feed network are conceivable.

Fig. 12 shows now a possible structural design of the supply in three variants. Version 001 once again shows the power supply in Fig. 10 for use comes. Here, the outer conductor 18 is coupled to the reflector plate 3, the inner conductor 19 to the web 10. The coupling is carried out in each case galvanically.

In version 002, however, the coupling between the inner conductor 19 and the metal structure is capacitive. In this embodiment, no webs 10 are provided, but only the slots 9. The capacitive coupling now takes place in the region of the slots 9 via coupling elements 26 which are electrically connected to the ends of the inner conductor 19 in conjunction and only a small distance to the two Slot 9 limiting elements of the cross-shaped metal structure are arranged. The coupling is therefore in the range of lowering. Furthermore, additional lateral slots 27 are provided in the region of the lowering. By such an embodiment, for example, the decoupling between the ports can be influenced.

In version 003, a printed circuit board 28 is used, which is mounted between the radiator and the reflector. FIG. 12 shows only a portion of the cross-shaped metal structure 2, while the remaining parts of the cross-shaped metal structure and the reflector are hidden. The circuit board can be connected, for example via expansion rivets with the reflector. In this case, the outer conductor 18 of the coaxial cable is electrically connected to a metallized region 29 of the printed circuit board, which in turn establishes the electrical connection with the reflector. The inner conductor 19 couples to the cross-shaped structure, for example in the region of the webs 10. In this case, the printed circuit board 28 has a further metallized region 30, which is capacitively or galvanically connected to the cross-shaped metal structure. The coupling of the inner conductor 19 can take place directly with the metal structure, or via the metallization 30. The connection of the outer conductor 18 with the reflector via the circuit board is preferably capacitive.

The printed circuit board has the advantage that a part of the adaptation can take place on the printed circuit board.

A cruciform metal structure as shown by the Fig. 2 to 12 has been described in detail, on the one hand taken in accordance with the second aspect can be used as a radiator, in particular as a low-band radiator.

However, according to the first aspect, the cross-shaped metal structure is preferably formed by parts of the reflector vicinity of first radiators surrounding the second radiator formed by the cross-shaped metal structure. All features of the cross-shaped metal structure which have been described for an antenna according to the second aspect can therefore also be used for the second radiators of an antenna according to the first aspect.

In the following, preferred features of the first aspect of the present invention, which can be used in combination, but also independently of the second aspect, will now be explained in more detail.

The main point of the first aspect of the present invention is that the reflector environment of a first radiator is at least partially excited and used as part of a second radiator. In particular, the first radiator may be a high-band radiator, while the second radiator may be a low-band radiator.

A characteristic feature is the lowering of the reflector environment of the first radiators in one of the two polarization planes of the first radiators, and / or the feeding of the second radiator in the region of these polarization planes.

The reduction increases the metal spacing between the portions of the first radiators forming the first polarization and the reflector environment, thus resulting in a similar radiation between the first polarization and the second polarization of the first radiator.

Preferably, the reflector environment of the first radiator and / or the second radiator is made of sheet metal parts. All elements can be made from one part be punched and bent, or consist of several parts and capacitively and / or galvanically coupled. In particular, a capacitive coupling by overlapping is conceivable.

Fig. 13 now shows an embodiment of a first radiator 1 with its reflector environment, which is used according to the first aspect of the present invention, at least in part as part of the second radiator.

In the exemplary embodiment, the first radiators are dual-polarized dipole radiators composed of a first dipole 31 and a second dipole 32. The first dipole 31 is formed by the two dipole elements 67 and 68, the second dipole 32 orthogonal thereto being formed by the two dipole elements 65 and 66. The dipole elements each extend in a plane parallel to the reflector plate 3 and are held over the base at a certain distance from this reflector plate. The base comprises a balancing with support elements 69, which are separated from one another by slots 70 and each of which carries one of the dipole elements 67 and 68.

In the exemplary embodiment, the dual-polarized dipole has a square base area, the two dipoles or their polarizations running along the diagonal of the square. However, the present invention is also conceivable with differently designed first radiators and in particular with differently designed dual-polarized dipole radiators as first radiators. For example. For example, instead of being square, the dipole head of the first radiators may be round or cross-shaped or may have open ends instead of closed ends.

The reflector environment of the first radiator 1 consists of two L-shaped structures 33 and 34. These are opposite to in Fig. 13 Reflector plate not shown executed sublime, and form a reflector frame for the first dipole.

Each of the two L-shaped structures comprises two legs 4 and 5, which each form one side of the reflector frame. The two polarizations of the first radiator extend along the diagonal of the reflector frame formed by the L-shaped structures 33 and 34. In the exemplary embodiment, the legs 4 and 5 of the two L-shaped structures 33 and 34 each extend parallel to a side edge of the square basic shape of the first radiator 1.

The two L-shaped structures 33 and 34 do not form a closed reflector frame. Rather, a gap 60 remains between the ends of the respective opposite legs of the L-shaped structures. The reflector frame is therefore open along the first diagonal. Along this diagonal extends the first polarization plane of the first radiator, which is generated in the exemplary embodiment by the first dipole 31.

In the region of their vertices, the L-shaped structures 33 and 34 each have a depression 8. The lowering is thus in the region of the second diagonal, along which the second polarization of the first radiator extends, which is generated in the embodiment by the second dipole 32.

This configuration has the consequence that both polarizations of the first radiator 1 see approximately the same metal environment or the same metal distance between the dipole head and the surroundings. The first polarization, which is formed by the first dipole 31, sees the reflector bottom. The second polarization 32 sees through the depression 8 a similar environment.

The L-shaped structures 33 and 34 are not sufficient in the embodiment in the region of their vertices to the apex. Rather, the legs of the L-shaped structures 33 and 34 terminate before the vertex and are connected by bridges 8, which form the sink, which extend at a certain distance from the vertex.

The lowering does not have to have a specific shape. The lowering can be formed for example by a notch. This can also have a round cross-section instead of a funnel-shaped or V-shaped cross section.

The relation between the polarization planes and the metal environment is again in Fig. 14 shown schematically. The first polarization plane 36, which corresponds to the + 45 degree polarization generated by the first dipole 31, sees the reflector plate 30 due to the gap 60 between the L-shaped structures 33 and 34. The second polarization plane 35, which is defined by the second dipole 32 generated -45 degrees corresponds to polarization, sees the lowering 8 in the area of the L-shaped structures.

As the exemplary embodiment shows, the arrangement of the two legs 4 and 5, the gap between the L-shaped structures and the lowering in the region of the vertex are relevant for the configuration of the L-shaped structures.

In the area of the vertex, the two legs 4 and 5 are connected to each other via a bridge 8. The bridge 8 has the lowering. Preferably, the ratio between the width of the bridge or the depression 8 perpendicular to the diagonal and the width of the gap 60 perpendicular to the relevant diagonal between 1 to 3 and 3 to 1, more preferably between 1 to 2 and 2 to 1, more preferably between 1 to 1.5 and 1.5 to 1.

Fig. 15 now shows an antenna according to the first aspect of the present invention, which consists of four first radiators and their reflector environment, as in principle in Fig. 14 are shown is formed. The respectively inner L-shaped structures 34 of the four first radiators together form a cross-shaped metal structure of the second radiator.

In Fig. 15 For the L-shaped metal structures, which form the second radiator, a slightly different geometric design than in Fig. 14 for use.

In particular, the end of the legs of the L-shaped metal structure here is rectangular, while it is in Fig. 14 pointed is designed. Both variants are equivalent.

In Fig. 15 On the left, only the first dipoles 31 for the +45 degree polarization are drawn, on the right only the second dipoles 32 for the -45 degree polarization. As in Fig. 15 clearly recognizable, each two of the four dipoles of the same polarization see the interstices 60, and two of the four dipoles see the subsidence 8 of the surrounding reflector environment.

At the in Fig. 13 and 15 illustrated embodiments, the legs 4 and 5 of the L-shaped structures are each designed as parallel to the reflector plane extending plates, and these connecting bridges 8 as depressions.

At the in Fig. 16 illustrated embodiments, the arms additionally in the vertical direction extending frame members 37.

At the left in Fig. 16 illustrated embodiment, the frame members 37 extend only in the region of the legs, but not in the region of the vertex of the L-shaped structures.

However, the frame elements can, as shown on the right, also run in the region of the vertex. With regard to the second radiator, which is formed by the L-shaped structures arranged between the four first radiators, the frame elements can in this case be connected beyond the recess 14 and, for example, form a continuous cross. The inner part of the frame elements thus corresponds to a middle element already described above.

If the first radiators are not used in a larger array, in which the outer L-shaped structures also serve as second radiators, the respective frame elements 37 can be connected to form a larger frame 38.

Fig. 17 shows a further variant of an antenna according to the invention according to the first aspect, in which the L-shaped structures which form the second radiator, the embodiment in Fig. 16 correspond. In particular, the frame elements 37 do not extend through the center of the second radiator, but only in the region of the legs of the L-shaped structures or the arms of the cross-shaped structure.

Particularly interesting is the present invention for the construction of multi-column antennas, in which an antenna according to the first aspect serves as a basic element. Preferably, the first emitters have within the array antenna a Einzelstrahlerabstand between 0.5 λ and 0.7 λ, which is particularly well suited for the Beamforming- and / or MIMO applications.

Fig. 17 shows a possible basic element of such a group antenna. The basic element has four first radiators 1, which serve as high-band radiators, and a second radiator 2, which serves as a low-band radiator.

The high-band radiators will be operated in the embodiment in a frequency band between 1710 MHz and 2690 MHz, the low-band radiators in a frequency band between 880 MHz and 960 MHz. For this purpose, the respective radiators preferably have resonance frequency ranges which comprise these frequency bands. All emitters are dual-polarized X-pol emitters.

The solution according to the invention has the advantage that the first radiators can be arranged very close to each other. In particular, the first radiators have a distance L ₄ between 0.3 and 1.0 λ, preferably between 0.4 and 0.8 λ, more preferably between 0.5 and 0.7 λ, wherein at λ to the Wavelength of the center frequency of the lowest resonant frequency range of the first radiator is.

In the exemplary embodiment, λ would be, for example, the wavelength at 920 MHz. The length L ₄ of 115 mm corresponds to approximately 0.5 λ.

Furthermore preferably, the same conditions apply not only to the distance of the first radiators within the base element, but also to the distance between adjacent first radiators of adjacent first base elements. In the exemplary embodiment, the side length L _{5 of} the base element is therefore twice the distance L ₄ between two first radiators.

This in Fig. 17 The basic element shown serves as a basic element for a group antenna with a planned repetition in the y-direction, ie for a single-column antenna with respect to the basic elements.

This in Fig. 17 illustrated embodiment of a base element has two frame members 38 and 40, which extend in the y-direction. The inner frame member 38 serves as a reflector frame for the first radiator, and provides for a half-width of 65 degrees for the first radiator. The outer frame member 40, however, serves as a reflector for the second radiator, and here provides for a half-width of 65 degrees.

Possible variations of an antenna according to the first aspect will be described in more detail below.

The bandwidth of the second, serving as a low-band emitter radiator increases with the distance of the arms of the cross-shaped metal structure above the reflector plate. However, this also decreases the symmetry between the first polarization and the second polarization of the first radiators, since this reduces the distance between the cross-shaped metal structure and the corresponding dipole. If therefore a similar radiation pattern is sought for the first emitters for both polarizations, a compromise must be made between the bandwidth of the second emitters and the field symmetry of the first emitters.

As in Fig. 18 shown, the height of the base of the first emitters can be changed for this purpose. Left in Fig. 18 For example, a lower pedestal 41 is shown, and accordingly a first reflector environment 37 with a relatively small distance to the reflector plane and thus low bandwidth. Right in Fig. 18 In contrast, a first radiator with a higher base 42 is shown, so that the height of the reflector environment 37 'and its distance from the reflector plate can be increased in order to increase the bandwidth of the second radiator.

The half-width and the gain of the first radiator depends in particular on the shape of the reflector environment of the first radiator and thus the shape of the second radiator, which are formed by them.

Fig. 19 shows several variants with different shapes of the L-shaped structures of the reflector environment of the first radiator and thus the shape of the second radiator. Left in Fig. 19 are provided vertically extending frame members 37 ", which extend along the legs of the L-shaped structures and the arms of the cross-shaped structure of the second radiator, but omit the region of the diagonal In the embodiment in the upper right in Fig. 19 the frame elements are connected to each other via the inner recess 14 of the second radiator. In the embodiment right below in Fig. 19 an additional frame 38 is provided, which serves as a reflector frame for the second radiator.

The present invention according to the first aspect is particularly well suited for array antennas having a plurality of columns and rows of first radiators. In particular, when at least four columns or rows of first radiators are used, the entire reflector environment of the first radiators arranged inside can be used as second radiators. In this case, it is also possible to use different second emitters within the group antenna, and in particular second emitters with different resonance frequency ranges.

Fig. 20 shows on the right a first radiator 1 with its reflector environment, and left again this reflector environment separately. The reflector environment again consists of two L-shaped structures 43 and 44. The two L-shaped structures have a different leg length, and serve as components of second radiators with a different resonant frequency ranges.

In the exemplary embodiment, the first radiator 1 serves as a high-band radiator for a frequency band between 1695 and 2690 MHz, the first L-shaped metal structure 43 as part of a second radiator, which serves as a low band radiator for a frequency band between 1427 and 1518 MHz, and second L-shaped metal structure 44 as part of a second radiator, which serves as a low-band radiator for a frequency band between 824 and 880 MHz or between 880 and 960 MHz. The respective lowest resonant frequency ranges of the first and second radiators preferably comprise the respectively indicated frequency bands.

Fig. 21 now shows an embodiment of a group antenna, in which the in Fig. 20 shown reflector environments of the first emitters are used. In Fig. 21 the first spotlights are not shown for clarity, in Fig. 22 and 23 on the other hand, the entire group antenna including the first radiator is shown.

The first radiators 1 are arranged in the exemplary embodiment in four columns 49. The lying in the interior of the array antenna parts of the reflector environment of the first emitters form second emitters. In each case, the L-shaped structures of four first radiators arranged in a rectangle form a second radiator. Therefore, the array antenna has three columns of second radiators each disposed between the columns of first radiators.

This is in Fig. 22 and 23 clarified. In this case, four columns 49 of first radiators 1, which are each arranged in rows 48 to four radiators, are provided. Between columns 49 of first radiators columns 50, 51 and 52 are provided with second radiators. The two outer columns 50 and 52 each have second radiator, which are arranged in a row 53 next to each other. On the other hand, the second radiators of the middle column 51 are offset from the second radiators of the outer columns 50 and 52. Here is therefore in each case a number 54 with only a second radiator before.

The second radiators 45 of the gaps 52 are each formed by four L-shaped structures 44, the second radiators 46 of the middle column 51 by four L-shaped structures 43, and the second radiators 47 of the column 50 by four L-shaped structures 44, but with other leg length.

Overall, in the exemplary embodiment, the array antenna has three different second types of emitters which are used for three different frequency ranges, in the exemplary embodiment the emitters 45 for the frequency range between 824 and 880 MHz, the emitters 46 for the frequency range between 1427 and 1518 MHz, and the radiators 47 for the frequency range between 880 and 960 MHz.

Of course, the in Fig. 21 to 23 shown group antenna can also be extended by more columns and / or rows. Furthermore, the array antenna could also be configured with only identical second radiators or with only two different types of second radiators.

In the exemplary embodiment, a group arrangement was chosen with 100mm spacing between the first radiators and 200mm between the second radiators.

Claims (15)

Mobile radio antenna having a plurality of first radiators and at least one second radiator, which are arranged on a common reflector plane, wherein the first radiators each have a relation to the reflector plane raised reflector environment,
characterized,
that the second radiator between a plurality of first radiators is arranged and is formed by parts of the respective reflector around the surrounding first radiator. Mobile radio antenna according to claim 1, wherein the first radiators are high-band radiators and the second radiator is a low-band radiator, and / or wherein the second radiator parts of the reflector environment extend at least partially in one plane, which extends transversely to a normal to the reflector plane and preferably substantially parallel to the reflector plane, and / or wherein in side view the first radiators are arranged higher above the reflector plane than parts of the reflector environment forming the second radiator, in particular higher than the parts of the reflector surroundings forming the second radiator parallel to the reflector plane, and / or wherein the reflector surroundings of the first radiators form a reflector frame for the first radiator forms. Mobile radio antenna according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second radiator is arranged between four arranged in a rectangle, in particular a square, first radiators, wherein preferably the second radiator forming parts of the reflector environment of the first radiator from the through the centers of the four extend first rectangle formed out of the first emitter, and / or preferably wherein the second emitter has one and more preferably two axes of symmetry, which extend parallel to the sides of the rectangle,
and / or wherein the second emitter formed by parts of the respective reflector surroundings of the first emitters surrounding it has a cross-shaped metal structure which is arranged between four first emitters arranged in a rectangle, in particular a square, the center of the cross-shaped metal structure preferably being at the center of the Rectangles, in particular of the square, is arranged and / or preferably wherein the arms of the cross-shaped metal structure each extend between two first radiator,
and / or wherein no further reflector environment and / or metal structure raised above the reflector plane is provided between the respective parts of the reflector surroundings of the first radiators, which form a second radiator, and the respective first radiator. Mobile radio antenna according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reflector environment of each first radiator comprises a first and a second metal structure, which are opposite to each other with respect to the first radiator and separated by a gap, wherein the first and the second metal structure preferably form a reflector frame for the first radiator,
wherein the first or second metal structures provided between four first radiators arranged in a rectangle, in particular a square, preferably together form a metal structure of a second radiator,
and / or wherein preferably the first and the second metal structure each have an L-shape, and are preferably arranged in the form of a rectangle, in particular a square around the first radiator, and / or more preferably the legs of four L-shaped first or second Metal structures together form a cross-shaped metal structure of a second radiator. Mobile radio antenna according to claim 4, wherein a first polarization plane of the first radiator extends along the gap between the first and the second metal structure, wherein the first radiator preferably has a second, orthogonal polarization plane, which preferably extends centrally through the first and the second metal structure and preferably forms an axis of symmetry of the first and the second metal structure,
wherein preferably the first and the second metal structure each have an L-shape and are arranged in the form of a rectangle, in particular a square, around the first radiator, wherein the first polarization plane extends diagonally between the two L-shaped metal structures and the second, orthogonal polarization plane preferably passes through the apex of the two L-shaped metal structures. Mobile radio antenna according to one of the preceding claims and in particular according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the reflector environment of the first radiator in the region of a polarization plane of the respective first radiator and / or in the region of the diagonal of a rectangle formed by the centers of the first radiator has a reduction, the lowering preferably being along the plane of polarization and / or diagonal, and / or wherein the cross-shaped metal structure in the region of its diagonal each having a depression and / or wherein the first and the second L-shaped metal structure in the region of their diagonals each have a depression, wherein the lowering is preferably arranged in a plane of polarization of a first radiator, and preferably along the polarization plane,
and / or wherein the parts of the reflector environment of the first radiators forming the second radiator are fed in the region of the diagonal of a rectangle formed by the centers of the first radiators and / or in the region of the diagonal of the cross-shaped metal structure forming the second radiator and / or in the region of their Has diagonal slots, which preferably extend along the diagonal and / or are bridged by webs,
and / or wherein the cross-shaped metal structure of the second radiator is fed in the region of its diagonal and / or has slits in the region of its diagonal, which preferably extend along the diagonal and / or are bridged by webs,
and / or wherein the parts of the reflector surroundings of the first radiators which form the second radiator and, in particular, the cross-shaped metal structure have an opening in their center, wherein optionally an adaptation structure is provided in the region of the opening. Mobile radio antenna according to one of the preceding claims and in particular according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the second radiator parts of the reflector environment of the first radiator and in particular the cross-shaped metal structure and / or the first and the second L-shaped metal structure of one or more sheet metal parts wherein preferably the cross-shaped metal structure has a one-piece or multi-piece sheet metal stamped and folded base element, which unites four L-shaped metal structures,
and / or wherein the second radiator forming parts of the reflector environment of the first radiator and in particular the cross-shaped metal structure and / or the first and the second L-shaped metal structure comprise regions which extend parallel to the reflector plane, these regions preferably parallel to the sides of a rectangle formed by the centers of the first radiators and / or in the region of the legs of the cross-shaped metal structure and / or or the first and the second L-shaped metal structure,
and / or wherein the second emitter parts of the reflector environment of the first emitters and in particular the cross-shaped metal structure and / or the first and the second L-shaped metal structure perpendicular to the reflector plane extending frame elements which form a vertical reflector frame for the first emitters. Mobile radio antenna according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first radiators are dipole radiators, in particular dual-polarized dipole radiators, in particular dual-polarized cross-dipoles, wherein the dipole elements of the dipole radiators are preferably arranged on a base on a common reflector and more preferably a larger Distance to the reflector as the first radiator forming parts of the reflector environment, and / or wherein the second radiator is fed as a patch antenna and / or a dual-polarized radiator, the polarization planes of the second radiator preferably along the diagonal of the cross-shaped metal structure and / or the rectangle formed by the first radiators. Mobile radio antenna according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first radiator have a Einzelstrahlerabstand of 0.5 λ to 0.7 λ, wherein λ is the wavelength of the center frequency of the lowest resonant frequency range of the first radiator, and / or wherein the first emitters have a distance to the reflector plane between 0.15 λ and 0.6 λ, where λ is the wavelength of the center frequency of the lowest resonant frequency range of the first emitters. Mobile radio antenna according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of first radiators each have the same reflector environment and / or the same resonant frequency ranges and / or the same orientation of the polarization planes and / or the same structure, and / or with a plurality of second radiators which each have the same resonant frequency ranges and / or the same orientation of the polarization planes and / or the same structure,
and / or with at least two second radiators, which have different resonance frequency ranges and / or a different construction, wherein preferably a first radiator is arranged between the two second radiators and has a reflector environment, which consists of at least two different parts, and in particular two L comprises shaped metal structures with a different leg length,
and / or with a first antenna array formed by a plurality of first radiators with a plurality of columns and rows and a second antenna array formed by a plurality of second radiators with at least one column and / or row, wherein the second radiators respectively by parts the reflector environment of the surrounding first emitters are formed,
wherein the second antennas are preferably arranged in at least two rows and / or columns whose radiators are offset from one another, and / or whose radiators have different resonance frequency ranges and / or a different construction. Mobile radio antenna having a reflector plane and an element arranged above the reflector plane and fed as a patch antenna,
characterized,
that the fed as a patch antenna element is formed by a cross-shaped metal structure. Mobile radio antenna according to claim 11, wherein the cross-shaped metal structure has a distance varying over its extension from the reflector plane,
wherein the cross-shaped metal structure preferably has a depression in each case in the region of its diagonals, wherein the depression preferably runs along the plane of polarization,
and / or wherein the cross-shaped metal structure preferably comprises regions which run parallel to the reflector plane, these regions preferably extending in the region of the arms of the cross-shaped metal structure,
and / or wherein the cross-shaped metal structure preferably has areas extending perpendicularly to the reflector plane, which further preferably run along the median plane of the four arms of the cross-shaped metal structure. Mobile radio antenna according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the cross-shaped metal structure is fed in the region of its diagonal, wherein the feed preferably asymmetrically at each a feed point on the diagonal or symmetrically at two feed points on the diagonal, which with respect to the center of the cross-shaped metal structure lie, wherein the symmetrical feeding can be done serially or in parallel, and / or wherein the cross-shaped metal structure has in the region of its diagonal slots, which preferably extend along the diagonal and / or are bridged by webs,
and / or wherein the cross-shaped metal structure has an opening in its center, wherein optionally an adaptation structure is provided in the region of the opening,
and or
wherein the cross-shaped metal structure forms a dual-polarized radiator, wherein the polarization planes of the dual-polarized radiator preferably extend along the diagonal of the cross-shaped metal structure. Mobile radio antenna according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the cross-shaped metal structure consists of one or more sheet metal parts, wherein preferably the cross-shaped metal structure comprises a one-piece or multi-piece sheet-metal stamped and folded base element comprising the four arms of the cross-shaped metal structure, and preferably in its center has a recess. Mobile radio base station with a mobile radio antenna according to one of the preceding claims.

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