EP3329545A1

EP3329545A1 - Dual-polarized antenna

Info

Publication number: EP3329545A1
Application number: EP16759682.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Andreas Vollmer; Manfred Stolle
Original assignee: Kathrein Werke KG
Current assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson AB
Priority date: 2015-09-01
Filing date: 2016-08-31
Publication date: 2018-06-06
Anticipated expiration: 2036-08-31
Also published as: CN108352598B; AU2016316454B2; EP3329545B1; KR20180040707A; DE102015011426A1; US11024980B2; US20180337462A1; AU2016316454A1; CN108352598A; WO2017036599A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a dual-polarized antenna having four dipole elements which are each provided on an associated support element, wherein a slot extends in the volume of each dipole element and is prolonged from the dipole element into the associated support element.

Description

Dual polarized antenna

The present invention relates to a dual-polarized antenna having four dipole elements, each of which is disposed on an associated support member. In this case, the dipole elements may be dipole halves, of which two together form a dipole of the antenna. In particular, two dipole elements lying opposite one another at the central axis of the antenna can each form a dipole, the polarization planes of these two dipoles being orthogonal to one another.

Such a dual-polarized antenna is known, for example, from EP 2 050 164 B1. The dipole elements shown there are flat, with each dipole element occupying one quadrant of the antenna.

WO 00/39894 A1 and EP 1 772 929 A1 each disclose generic dual-polarized antennas, in which the dipole elements each consist of two separate sections arranged symmetrically to the plane of polarization of the dipole, which are arranged on a common support element and via to be fed this. Between the outer ends of the leg portions, a short gap is provided in some embodiments. Documents US 6,034,649, EP 6 859 00 B1 and US 2013/0307743 A1 also show dual-polarized antennas with four dipole elements. According to US 2013/0307743 A1, a single dipole element can consist of two sections, which are held on a common support element and fed by it.

From the article Mingjian, Li, et al., Magnetoelectric Dipole Antennas With Dual Polarization and Circular Polarization, IEEE Antennas and Propagation Magazine, Volume 57, Number 1, February 2015, a dual-polarized antenna is also known in which the dipole elements are formed by flat, each one quadrant of the antenna making up metal sheets, which are supported on support elements. The feeding takes place via microstrip lines, which run crossed in the slots between the support elements.

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved dual-polarized antenna. In particular, the broadband of the antenna is to be increased and the volume of the antenna to be better utilized.

In this object, the invention is achieved by a dual-polarized antenna according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The present invention comprises a dual-polarized antenna having four dipole elements, each of which is disposed on an associated support member. In this case, the dipole elements may be dipole halves, of which two together form a dipole of the antenna. According to the invention, in each case a slot extends in the volume of the dipole elements, which slot is extended from the dipole element into the associated support element. The inventors of the present invention have recognized that the slot running according to the invention in the volume of the dipole elements and associated support elements acts as an additional radiator, thereby increasing the broadbandness of the antenna and making better use of the volume. The extension of the slot of the Dipole element in the support element thereby allows a sufficient length of the slot.

The present invention is used in particular in a dual-polarized antenna in which in each case two dipole elements lying opposite one another with respect to a central axis of the antenna form a dipole. The four dipole elements are then four dipole halves, two of which together form a dipole of the antenna. Preferably, the polarization planes of the two dipoles of the antenna are orthogonal.

In one possible embodiment of the invention, the support elements and / or the dipole elements may have a fourfold rotational symmetry with respect to a central axis of the antenna. Alternatively or additionally, the support elements and / or the dipole elements may be arranged axially symmetrically with respect to a central axis of the antenna.

In this case, the antenna is preferably constructed so that the carrier elements extend upwards from a base of the antenna, with the dipole elements extending outward from the upper end of the carrier elements. By the support elements, the dipole elements are arranged at a defined distance above the base of the antenna, wherein the antenna is usually attached to the base to a reflector. Preferably, the support elements in the region of the base are mechanically and / or galvanically connected to one another.

In particular, the support elements may preferably each extend substantially parallel to a central axis of the antenna. The dipole elements preferably extend substantially along a plane which is perpendicular to the central axis of the antenna.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the slot arranged in each case in the volume of a dipole element and of the associated support element forms a slot radiator. According to the present invention, therefore, in the antenna according to the invention be combined dipole radiators and slot radiators, wherein the slot radiators are arranged in the volume of the dipole radiator. This results in a very compact arrangement and effective use of the volume.

Preferably, the polarization planes of the slot radiators are each perpendicular to the polarization plane of the dipole element, in the volume of which they are arranged. Alternatively or additionally, the polarization plane of a slot radiator can run parallel to the plane of polarization of an adjacently arranged dipole element.

As already explained above, the inventive extension of the slot from the dipole element into the carrier element allows a length of the slot which is advantageous for the radiation properties. The inventors of the present invention have recognized that the length of the slot in the dipole element and in the support element has a decisive influence on the radiation properties of the antenna according to the invention.

Preferably, the extended in the support member portion of the slots each measured from the top edge of the antenna has a length of at least 0.1 λ, wherein λ is the wavelength of the center frequency of the lowest resonant frequency range of the antenna. Preferably, the slot in the support element has a length of at least 0.15 λ.

Further preferably, the slot in the support element terminates at a base region of the antenna, and therefore does not pass through the base region. In particular, the lower end of the slot in the support element can be formed by a bottom region, which is adjoined by the base of the antenna.

Furthermore, preferably, the region of the slots extending in the volume of the support elements has a length between 0.1 λ and 0.4 λ measured from the upper edge of the antenna to the end of the slot. It is at λ to the wavelength of the center frequency of the lowest resonance frequency range of the antenna. The length is preferably between 0.15 λ and 0.35 λ.

Furthermore, the region of the slots extending in the volume of the dipole elements preferably has a length of between 0.1 λ and 0.4 λ, measured from an inner edge of the slot up to an outer end or up to the outer edge of the dipole elements. Again, λ is the wavelength of the center frequency of the lowest resonant frequency range of the antenna. The length is preferably between 0.15 λ and 0.35 λ.

Alternatively or additionally, the slots extending in the volume of the support elements and the dipole elements may each have a total length between 0.3 λ and 0.7 λ measured along the radial outer edge of the support element and the upper edge of the dipole element. Again, λ is the wavelength of the center frequency of the lowest resonant frequency range of the antenna. Preferably, the slots each have a total length between 0.4 λ and 0.6 λ.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the four support elements are each separated by slots. Preferably, the slots between the support elements in each case from the end of the slot in a base region of the antenna up to the upper edge of the antenna have a length between 0.1 λ and 0.4 λ, preferably between 0.15 λ and 0.35 λ λ, where λ is the wavelength of the center frequency of the lowest resonance frequency range of the antenna.

Furthermore, it can be provided according to the invention that the slots extending in the volume of the support elements and the slots running between the support elements have a length from their end in the base area of the antenna to the upper edge of the antenna which is maximally 0.15 λ and maximum 0, 1 λ is different. Again, λ is the wavelength of the center frequency of the lowest resonant frequency range of the antenna. Furthermore, the distance between a lower side of the base and the upper side of the antenna can be between 0.3 λ and 0.7 λ, preferably between 0.4 λ and 0.6 λ, where λ is the wavelength of the center frequency of the lowest Resonance frequency range of the antenna is.

In this context, the resonant frequency range of the antenna in the context of the present invention generally refers to a respective resonant frequency range of the antenna which has a return loss of better than 6 dB, preferably better than 10 dB, preferably better than 15 dB. The center frequency is the arithmetic mean of the highest and the lowest frequency in the resonant frequency range.

The resonant frequency range and thus the center frequency are inventively preferably determined with respect to the impedance position in the Smith chart, assuming subsequent elements for optimal impedance matching and / or impedance transformation.

Preferably, the slot running in the volume of a dipole element and of the associated support element respectively begins over a base region of the antenna and extends upwardly therefrom along the support element and further from the inner edge of the dipole element to the outside. In particular, the slot in the dipole element and in the associated support element in each case extends in a plane which runs parallel to a central axis of the antenna, the central axis preferably lying in the plane defined by the slot.

In this case, the slot preferably passes through the dipole element in the height direction. The dipole element is thereby divided into two sections.

In one possible embodiment, the slot may be closed towards the inner edge and / or the outer edge of the dipole element. Preferably, however, the slot to the inner edge and / or outer edge of the dipole element is open. Further preferably, the slot is open at least to the outside of the associated support element. In one possible embodiment, the slot extends through the support element at least over part of its extent in the radial direction. Preferably, the slot is at least in a region adjacent to the dipole element portion of its extension in the support member in the radial direction therethrough. At least one upper region of the support element is thereby divided into two sections.

In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the slot extending in the volume of a dipole element and the associated support element can have a substantially constant width over its extent. In particular, the width of the slot can vary within a range which makes up at least 80% of its length by a maximum of 80% with respect to the maximum width. Preferably, the width in this range varies by a maximum of 50% with respect to the maximum width, more preferably by a maximum of 20% with respect to the maximum width. Further preferably, the width of the slot can vary within a range which makes up at least 95% of its length by a maximum of 80% with respect to the maximum width. Preferably, the width in this range varies by a maximum of 50% with respect to the maximum width, more preferably by a maximum of 20% with respect to the maximum width.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dipole elements form a dipole square whose diagonals are defined by the polarization planes of the dipoles. Preferably, the slots in the volume of the dipole elements each extend along the diagonal of the dipole square.

In particular, the respective dipole elements each occupy one quadrant of the dipole square, and are separated from each other by slots. The dipole elements themselves are then separated along the diagonal into two sections by the slots extending in their volume. The sections of the dipole elements are preferably symmetrical with respect to the diagonal. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dipole square has a side length between 0.3 λ and 0.7 λ, where λ is the wavelength of the center frequency of the lowest resonant frequency range of the antenna. Preferably, the side length is between 0.4 λ and 0.6 λ.

The slots in the volume of the dipole elements and the support elements may be such that the portions of the dipole elements and / or the support elements separated by the slots are arranged radially about a central axis of the antenna. In particular, the sections are arranged radially next to each other.

Further preferably, the slots in the volume of the dipole elements and / or the slots in the volume of the support elements each extend radially with respect to the central axis of the antenna.

Preferably, the slots of opposite dipole elements and / or support elements run in the same plane. Alternatively or additionally, the slots of adjacent dipole elements and / or support elements may extend in mutually orthogonal planes.

Preferably, the slots in the volume of the dipole elements and / or in the volume of the support elements each extend along the polarization planes of the antenna.

A dual-polarized antenna according to the present invention preferably has a feed which extends at least partially into the slots arranged in the volume of the carrier elements.

The feed of the antenna according to the invention may comprise a conductor which extends at least partially in a slot arranged in the volume of a carrier element. Preferably, the feed of the antenna takes place on the feed side in the bottom region of the slot. Unlike antennas from the state In the art, in which the feed was carried out in each case only at the upper end of the support elements or at the inner end of the dipole elements, thereby the slot in the support element is fed and contributes to the radiation behavior of the antenna.

Preferably, the feed has two separate conductors for feeding the two polarizations of the radiator. Preferably, the two conductors are crossed to each other. By the two conductors preferably orthogonal successive polarizations of the radiator can be fed separately.

The conductors preferably feed the dipole in each case, in the volume of which they are arranged. On the other hand, the conductors preferably each feed the slot radiators which are formed by the slots in the volume of the dipole elements extending diagonally for this purpose. The slot radiator formed by a slot in the volume of a dipole element is therefore not fed by the conductor which runs in the slot of the associated support element, but by a conductor which extends in a slot of a support element of an adjacent dipole element.

Preferably, the feed conductor enters the feed side in a bottom portion of the slot and extends upwardly from the bottom portion in the slot.

Alternatively or additionally, the conductor may extend from a first slot in the volume of a first support element to an opposite second support element and preferably the slot arranged in the latter. The conductor may extend from the first half of a dipole across the central axis of the antenna to the opposite second half of the dipole to feed the dipole formed by the two dipole halves.

The conductor may preferably extend upwardly in a first slot and then inwardly via an angled portion, from where the conductor extends into the second slot Slot extends. Preferably, the conductor extends over a further bend in the second slot down.

Preferably, the conductor runs in the second slot either only over a relatively short distance down and then ends. For example, the conductor may extend downwards in the second slot over a length of less than 0.2 λ, and preferably less than 0.1 λ, where λ is the wavelength of the center frequency of the lowest resonance frequency range of the radiator. Alternatively, the conductor can also extend substantially down to the bottom area of the second slot and more preferably dip into a recess in the floor area.

Preferably, the portions of the intersecting conductors for feeding the two polarizations in the region in which they intersect are shaped such that a certain distance is maintained between the two conductors.

Furthermore, the conductor within the first slot is guided substantially up to a plane of the dipole elements upwards, before they are guided over a bend to the opposite slot. In particular, the conductor can be guided in each case in the first slot up to a position which is at most 0.2 λ and preferably at most 0.1 λ away from the top of the antenna formed by the dipole elements, wherein it at λ to is the wavelength of the center frequency of the lowest resonant frequency range of the antenna.

The conductor may be held in the slot by a dielectric support in one possible embodiment.

According to the invention, various possibilities are conceivable, by means of which an adaptation of the properties of the antenna to the antenna environment and in particular an adaptation of the impedance of the antenna can take place. For example, the side walls of the slots in which the conductors extend may have recesses or elevations. Alternatively or additionally, the manager can talk about his Stretching have different diameters. Furthermore, one or more dielectric elements may be arranged in the slot in which the conductor runs. As an alternative or in addition, a matching circuit can be provided in a feed line to the antenna, for example sections with different widths when a microstrip line is inserted.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the feed is via the inner conductor of a coaxial cable and / or a Koaxialspeiseelementes, which extends within a slot in the volume of a support element. The inner conductor is preferably guided by a bottom portion of the slot upwards. Preferably, the inner conductor runs in this case, as has already been described in more detail above with respect to the conductor. The inner conductor can have a substantially circular cross section.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base of the antenna in the bottom region of the slot on a recess for insertion of the coaxial cable or the Koaxialspeiselementes. In particular, at least the inner conductor can be inserted into this recess with a dielectric sheath surrounding the inner conductor.

According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the recess may be a groove open to the side into which the coaxial cable and / or the coaxial feed element can be inserted laterally. In particular, the groove may be shaped such that the coaxial cable and / or the coaxial feed element are laterally clipable, i. is held in the groove by an undercut. In this case, the coaxial cable and / or the coaxial feed element preferably has an outer conductor in the region of the groove, the upper end of which electrically defines the bottom region of the slot.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the recess may comprise an axial bore into which the coaxial cable and / or a coaxial feed element are axially insertable. In this case, the coaxial cable and / or the coaxial feed element in the region of the bore have an outer conductor. However, the outer conductor can also be formed by the axial bore itself, so that coaxial cable and / or the coaxial feed element in the region of the bore need not have an outer conductor.

Preferably, the inner conductor is surrounded in the recess of the base and in particular in the groove or axial bore of an insulation, in particular concentrically surrounded.

In a first variant of the present invention, an outer conductor of the coaxial cable and / or the coaxial feed element can be coupled galvanically or capacitively to the base in the recess. In the case of galvanic coupling, insulation of the coaxial cable is removed or no external insulation is provided in the case of a coaxial feed element in this area, so that the outer conductor comes into contact with the recess. In the case of capacitive coupling, in contrast, the coupling takes place via the insulation of the outer conductor within the recess.

Alternatively, the base can also be coupled outside the recess with an outer conductor or with the ground. For example, the coupling can take place at the bottom of the base.

According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the feeding of the antenna can be effected via a coaxial cable, one end of which has no shield, the remaining inner conductor at least partially extending in a slot in the volume of a supporting element. The inner conductor can be stripped in one possible embodiment in this area. Preferably, the inner conductor is pre-bent in this area, so that a simple mounting of the feed of the antenna is possible.

In particular, the coaxial cable can be laterally inserted into a groove of the base of the antenna which is open towards one side, in particular can be clipped in. In this area, the cable has at least one insulation over which the inner conductor is guided in the groove. Preferably, the outer conductor or the shield is also provided in this area, which is preferably galvanically or capacitively coupled to the groove.

Alternatively, the feeding of the antenna can be effected via a coaxial feed element, one end of which has no shield, the inner conductor remaining in this region at least partially extending in a slot in the volume of a carrier element, and the other end comprising a connector for connecting a coaxial cable. The inner conductor is preferably pre-bent. Further preferably, the coaxial feed element is preferably laterally insertable into a groove of the base of the antenna which is open toward one side and can preferably be clipped in. In this case, the coaxial feed element preferably has at least one insulation in the region in which it is arranged in the groove. Further preferably, it also has an outer conductor there, which is preferably galvanically or capacitively coupled to the groove.

The two last-mentioned embodiments of the present invention have the advantage that at least the inner conductor no longer has to be soldered when connecting the antenna. If there is an immediate coupling of the outer conductor in the groove, this also no longer needs to be soldered. In one possible embodiment, however, at least the outer conductor can be soldered to the antenna, preferably in the region of the base.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the feed of the antenna via a coaxial feed element can take place, one end of which has no shielding, wherein the remaining there inner conductor at least partially extends in a slot in the volume of a support member and the other end is soldered to a circuit board on which the antenna is arranged. The inner conductor may preferably be pre-bent. Furthermore, the coaxial feed element can preferably be inserted into an axial bore of the base. Preferably, the coaxial feed element has only the inner conductor and an insulation surrounding the inner conductor at least in the region of the axial bore, but no outer conductor. Preferably, the base of the antenna is separately coupled to a ground terminal of the board. The coupling takes place in particular on the underside of the base. The coupling can take place, for example, capacitively with a ground plane arranged on the board. Alternatively, the coupling can also be galvanic, for example by one or more solder pins, which are soldered to the ground of the board. The solder pin or pins can also serve as a mechanical safeguard against rotation of the dipole during assembly. Preferably, the solder pin or pins passes through a hole in the board. In addition to mechanical aspects such as stability and torsion protection, the solder pins can also serve electrical aspects such as port isolation and intermodulation.

The dual-polarized antenna according to the invention or the antenna body with the support arms and the dipole elements can be made structurally arbitrary.

In particular, the dipole elements can form separate components in a first embodiment, which are connected to the support elements. Also, the support members may form separate elements with each other, which are connected to each other and / or with a base. In particular, the sections of the dipole elements and / or support elements formed by the slots can also be formed by separate elements.

In a preferred embodiment, however, the antenna body is made in one piece. In particular, the base, the support elements and the dipole elements of the antenna body are made in one piece.

The antenna body of an antenna according to the invention can be produced, for example, by bending sheet metal sections.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, however, the antenna body is made of plastic. In this case, the antenna body can either consist of a conductive plastic, and / or with a conductive Be coated layer. Particularly preferably, the antenna body is produced by an injection molding process. As a result, the complex geometry of the antenna body according to the invention can be produced easily.

Aside from the dual-polarized antenna according to the invention as such, the present invention further comprises an antenna arrangement with at least one and preferably a plurality of dual-polarized antennas according to the invention, as described in greater detail above.

The antenna arrangement may comprise a reflector on which the antenna is arranged with its base. In this case, the reflector preferably has a base plate which extends in a plane which runs perpendicular to the central axis of the antenna. In particular, the plane of the base plate of the reflector extends parallel to a plane in which the dipole elements extend.

According to the invention, the antenna arrangement may comprise a base plate, and / or a reflector frame, which is arranged around the antenna, and / or reflector walls. The reflector frame and / or the reflector walls may have a substantially arbitrary shape and a substantially arbitrary distance from the antenna.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the base plate of the reflector and the plane of the dipole elements, in particular the distance between the top of the reflector baseplate and the top of the antenna, may be between 0.3 λ and 0.7 λ between 0.4 λ and 0.6 λ, where λ is the wavelength of the center frequency of the lowest frequency range of the antenna.

In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the antenna arrangement may comprise a board on which one and / or preferably a plurality of antennas according to the invention are arranged. If coaxial used dining elements, as described above, they can each be soldered to the microstrip lines on the board. Matching circuits may be provided on the board.

The present invention will now be described with reference to an embodiment and drawings. Showing:

1 shows a first embodiment of a dual polarized antenna according to the invention in a perspective view,

2 shows the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 in a plan view and a side view,

3 shows three sectional views through the support elements of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 along a plane which is perpendicular to the main axis of the antenna, in heights of 5 mm, 10 mm and 17 mm.

4 shows a schematic representation of the proportion of the dipole radiators and the slot radiators for the supply via the first and the second port of the antenna, respectively;

5 shows a diagram of the E-field distribution at 3.5 GHz at different phases for a supply of the antenna via the first port or the second port,

6 shows a diagram of the E-field distribution at 5.5 GHz at different phases for the feeding of the antenna via the first port or the second port,

FIG. 7 shows two diagrams of the S parameter as a function of the frequency, wherein the S parameter for an inventive device is shown above Antenna is shown with arranged in the dipole elements and support elements slots, and below the same diagram for a comparative example in which the slots have been blocked in the dipole elements of one of the two dipoles,

8 shows four exemplary embodiments of an antenna according to the invention with slots of different lengths in the support elements,

9 shows Smith charts and diagrams of the S parameter as a function of the frequency for the four exemplary embodiments shown in FIG. 8, FIG.

10 is a perspective view and a plan view of the first embodiment already shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and a perspective view and a plan view of a second embodiment in which the shape of the dipole elements has been modified,

11: on the left a diagram of the S parameter as a function of the frequency and on the right a Smith chart for the two exemplary embodiments shown in FIG. 10, FIG.

FIG. 12 shows the E-field distribution at 3.4 GHz at different phases for the two exemplary embodiments shown in FIG. 10, FIG.

13 shows the E-field distribution at 5.9 GHz for different phases for the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIG. 10, FIG.

14: on the left, the embodiment of an antenna according to the invention already known from FIGS. 1 to 3, wherein the feed and a holder for the feeders are shown separately on the right, 15a: an embodiment of an antenna arrangement according to the invention, in which the antenna according to the invention is arranged on a printed circuit board,

15b: an embodiment of an antenna arrangement according to the invention, in which an antenna according to the invention is arranged on a reflector,

16a shows an alternative embodiment of an antenna according to the invention, in which the slots in the support elements have a non-uniform width,

FIG. 16b shows a further alternative embodiment of an antenna according to the invention, in which the feeders are guided in dielectric blocks in the slots, FIG.

Fig. 17: a third embodiment of an antenna according to the invention in a perspective view obliquely from above and obliquely below, in this embodiment, the feeders are mounted on a side open groove on the base of the antenna, and

FIGS. 18a and 18b show the mounting of the conductors in the third exemplary embodiment of an antenna according to the invention shown in FIG. 17.

In Fig. 1 to 3, a first embodiment of an antenna according to the invention is shown. However, the general structure of the antenna shown in Figs. 1 to 3 is maintained also in the other embodiments.

The antenna has four dipole elements 1 to 4, which are each arranged on an associated support element 11 to 14. In a lower area of the antenna ne are all supporting elements with a base 5 of the antenna in combination. From this common base, the support members 11 to 14 extend separately upwards. At the upper end of the support elements, the dipole elements 1 to 4 are arranged, which extend in a plane which is perpendicular to the central axis of the antenna. The individual support elements and dipole elements are separated from each other by slots 25. The slots 25 are perpendicular to each other and divide the antenna into four quadrants.

According to the invention, a slot 21 to 24 is now provided in the volume of each dipole element 1 to 4, which slot is extended from the respective dipole element into the associated support element 11 to 14.

The slots 21 to 24 pass in the height direction through the dipole elements 1 to 4 and divide them into two sections. The dipole element 1 is thus separated into two sections 1 ¹ and 1 ", for example via the slot 21. The same applies to the other dipole elements 2 to 4, which are accordingly separated into sections 2 ¹ to 4 ¹ and 2" to 4 ".

The extended into the support elements in the region of the slots is open to the outside of the support elements. In the exemplary embodiment, the slot also passes radially through the support elements, at least in a region 80 adjacent to the dipole elements, and therefore separates them into two sections. Thus, the support member 11 is divided by the slot 21 into two sections 11 ¹ and 11 ¹¹ . The same applies to the other support elements 12 to 14, which are separated into sections 12 ¹ to 14 ¹ and 12 "to 14".

However, in the exemplary embodiment, the region 80 in which the slits pass radially through the support elements does not extend completely to the bottom region 6, but ends in a step 81 above the bottom region 6 of the slits. The length of the slot is measured from the bottom portion 6 and, as shown in more detail below, is of crucial importance to the Radiation properties of the antenna. The length of region 80 may be used for fine tuning and / or bandwidth expansion.

As can further be seen in particular in FIGS. 2 and 14, the slots in the region of the support elements become somewhat narrower toward the inside of the support elements before they pass radially through the support elements, and therefore close the inner conductors on the inside of the support elements somewhat more strongly. In the exemplary embodiment, the regions of the slot in which the latter changes from the larger width to the smaller width are rounded off in a circular segment shape toward the inner conductor. Again, however, other embodiments are conceivable. Regardless of the shape of the side walls of the slots in the region of the support elements whose width b1 is measured on the radius on which also runs the conductor.

The slots 21 to 24 each extend diagonally in the support elements or dipole elements and thus along a plane which extends through the central axis of the antenna.

Since the dipole elements and associated support elements are divided into two sections by the slots, the antenna comprises eight dipole element sections, which are each separated from one another and are each arranged on the base 5 via a rag element section. The dipole element sections and the support element sections of a dipole or support element are separated from one another by the slots 21 to 24, the dipole sections or support sections of adjacent dipoles or support elements through the slots 25.

The feeding of the antenna according to the invention via conductors 31 and 32, which extend in the slots 21 to 24 in the volume of the support members 11 to 24.

Seen electrically, the dipole elements 1 and 3 form a first dipole, and the dipole elements 2 and 4 form a second dipole. The first dipole is fed via the conductor 32, the second dipole via the conductor 31. The polarization NEN of the two dipoles thereby extend diagonally to the dipole square formed by the dipole elements. The slits 21 and 23 in the first dipole and the slits 22 and 24 in the second dipole are thus each along the plane of polarization of the associated dipoles.

The slots 21 to 24 in the dipoles and support elements act as slit radiators, so that there is an increase in the bandwidth with optimal use of the available volume.

As shown in more detail in Fig. 4, the slot radiators formed by the slots 22 and 24 in the dipole elements 2 and 4 have the same polarization as the first dipole formed by the dipole elements 1 and 3. Conversely, the slot radiators formed by the slots 21 and 23 in the dipole elements 1 and 3 have the same polarization as the second dipole formed by the dipole elements 2 and 4. The slots in the volume of the second dipole thus have the same polarization as the first dipole and vice versa. Furthermore, the slot radiators formed by the slots in the second dipole are fed by the feed of the first dipole and vice versa.

The antenna according to the invention thus corresponds to a combination of dipoles and slot radiators, wherein the slot radiators belonging to a dipole are each arranged in the volume of the other dipole. This results in a particularly compact arrangement.

In Fig. 5 and 6, the E-field distributions of an antenna according to the invention in the control of port 1 or port 2, that is shown in power supply via the conductor 31 and the conductor 32 at different phases of the signal. 5 shows the E field at 3.5 GHz, FIG. 6 the E field at 5.5 GHz. In each case, the field is shown in a plane parallel to the plane of extension of the dipoles at the level of the dipoles. As can be clearly seen from a comparison of FIGS. 5 and 6, the proportion of the dipoles and the slot radiators changes as a function of the frequency. In the case of the activation at 3.5 GHz shown in FIG. 5, the proportion of di- Polstrahler on the overall performance, in the illustrated in Fig. 6 control 5.5 GHz, however, the proportion of slot radiators.

The considerable importance of the slots in the volume of the dipole elements for the radiation characteristic of the antenna according to the invention is clear from the comparison shown in FIG. 7 with a modified antenna in which the slots in one of the dipoles were blocked.

Above in Fig. 7, the embodiment of the invention, which is also shown in Fig. 1 to 3, together with a diagram of the S parameter as a function of the frequency is shown. The solid line S1, 1 shows the S parameter for port 1, the dashed line S2,2 the S parameter for port 2. The dotted lines S1, 2 and S2,1 show the crosstalk between the two ports. As can be seen clearly in the diagram in FIG. 7 above, the antenna has a wide frequency range of approximately 3.5 to 5.6 GHz for both ports, in which the S parameter is less than -10 dB. The total width of the resonant frequency range for the two ports is essentially identical, the best values, however, shifted from each other. This is due to the slightly different leadership of the conductors 31 and 32 of the respective ports.

Fig. 7 below shows the same S-diagram for an antenna in which the slot in the dipole fed via port 1 has been blocked. As can be seen from the solid line S1, Fig. 1, the blockage of the slot for the radiation characteristic of this dipole has no major effect. By contrast, blocking the slots in the dipole fed via port 1 severely degrades the radiation pattern for the dipole running diagonally to the blocked slots, which is fed via port 2, see dashed line S2,2 in FIG. 7 below. This confirms that the slots in the volume of one dipole are excited by the feed of the other dipole. In addition, the diagram shows that the slots have a significant contribution to the radiation behavior of the antenna according to the invention. The inventor of the present invention has further recognized that the length of the slots has a significant influence on the radiation behavior.

The general dimensions of an antenna according to the invention are initially shown with reference to FIG. 2:

In the plan view, the antenna has a square base area, which is defined by the polarization planes running along the diagonal and the extension of the dipoles along these polarization planes. The four dipoles 1 to 4 each occupy one quadrant of the base area. The base has a side length K. Preferably applies

K = 0.5 λ ± 0.1 λ, where λ is the wavelength of the center frequency of the resonant frequency range of the antenna.

The overall height of the antenna from a bottom 9 of the base to the top 8 of the dipole elements has a length L + X. Preferably applies

L + X = 0.25 λ ± 0.2 λ, where λ is the wavelength of the center frequency of the resonant frequency range of the antenna.

The slots 21 to 24 in the support elements extend in the embodiment of its end in the base region 5, ie from its bottom portion 6, to the top 8 of the antenna over a length L. The height of the base portion to the beginning of the slots, however, has a height X on. The overall height of the antenna from a bottom 9 of the base to the top 8 accordingly has the length L + X. The effective length of the slots is thus composed of the length of each slot in the region of the dipole element and the length L of the slot in the region of the associated support element. The influence of the length L of the slot in the support element is illustrated with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

Preferably, the slits in the dipole elements extended into the support elements have a total length of 0.5 .lambda.. + -. 0.1 .lambda., Where .lambda. Is the wavelength of the center frequency of the resonant frequency range of the antenna. This preferred length of the slots is also the reason for extending the slots into the support members, as the slots in the dipole member are only about 0.25λ in length and therefore the optimum overall length would exceed the length of the slots in the dipole members ,

In Fig. 8, four embodiments are shown with different lengths slots. The embodiments have a base of the dipole square with a side length K - 29 mm, and a total height of the antenna L + X of 23 mm. The wavelength λ of the center frequency of the antenna is about 64 mm.

For the four exemplary embodiments designated as 000, 002, 005 and 010, which are illustrated in FIG. 8, the following dimensioning applies:

The corresponding Smith charts and S-parameter diagrams for the different ports of these four embodiments are shown in FIG. As can be clearly seen, there is a strong dependence on the length L of the slot in the support element. Optimal values result for a length L, which corresponds to a quarter of the wavelength λ of the center frequency, and the other bordering wavelength range. This corresponds to an approximately half distribution of the total length of the slots on the dipole elements and the support elements.

The length of the slot in the support element is therefore preferably:

L = 0.25 λ ± 0.1 λ.

The width b1 of the slots 21 to 24 in the exemplary embodiment is 4.6 mm. The width b2 of the slots 25 between the support elements is 2.5 mm. The width b1 and b2 of the slots is less critical. Preferably, however, the width of the slots, in particular the maximum width, is 0.15 λ or less, preferably 0.1 λ or less.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the dipole elements have a flat, essentially square basic shape, so that the dipole sections formed in each case by the slots 21 to 24 have essentially the shape of a triangle. The inner sides 16 of the dipole sections in this case form the longer side of the triangle and lie opposite each other over the slot extending in the volume of the dipole element. The two shorter legs 17 and 18 of the triangle are the same length and have an angle of 90 ° to each other. The sides 18 of adjacent dipole elements lie opposite each other via the slots 25, the outer sides 17 face outward. In the embodiment, the corners between the shorter legs 17 and 18 are already cut off slightly.

As can be seen with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13, however, the radiation properties are not critically dependent on the exact shape of the individual dipole elements or dipole element sections. In FIG. 10, the embodiment of an antenna according to the invention already shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is shown on the left, which was designated V001. On the right is shown a second embodiment V002, in which the dipole elements have a different shape. The base and the supporting elements of the embodiment V002 are constructed identically to the first embodiment, as well as the inner sides 16 of the dipole elements and the slots forming these inner sides in the volume of the support elements and the dipole elements. However, the Dipolelementabschnitte no longer have a triangular shape, but the shape of a truncated triangle or an equilateral trapezoid. The base side of the trapezoid is formed by the inner sides 16 of the Dipolelementabschnitte, the legs through the sections 27, which face the outside of the antenna, and 28, over which the dipoles opposite each other via the slots 25 dipoles. The upper side of the trapezoid is formed by a parallel to the base side 16 extending side 29.

FIG. 11 now shows an S diagram and a Smith chart for the two exemplary embodiments, in FIGS. 12 and 13 the field distribution at 3.4 GHz or 5.9 GHz. As can be clearly seen, there are only relatively small differences between the radiation properties of the two different embodiments of the antennas according to the invention. The shape of the outsides of the dipole elements is therefore apparently not critical to the radiation properties of the antenna.

The antennas according to the invention continue to have a general shape, which will be described in more detail below. Depending on the exemplary embodiment, only some of the geometric features described below can be realized:

The base 5 extends from a ground plane 9 of the antenna, with which the antenna can be arranged for example on a printed circuit board or a reflector, upwards and is extended by the support members 11 to 14 upwards. The dipole elements 1 to 4 form a dipole plane 8 of the antenna, which runs parallel to the ground plane 9. The base 5 and the support elements 11 to 14 extend between the ground plane 9 and the dipole plane 8. Ren area are the support elements with the base 5 in conjunction. In the upper area they carry the dipole elements 1 to 4.

The individual support elements and dipole elements are separated by slots 25, which divides the antenna into four quadrants. Diagonally to the slots 25 between the support elements extend the slots 21 to 25, which extend in each case in the volume of the dipole elements and the support elements. Along the central axis of the antenna, the crossing region of the slots 25 forms a central recess 10. In the exemplary embodiment, this also passes through the base. Alternatively, however, the base in the region of the central axis could also be closed. The center cutout in the exemplary embodiment is a circular cylinder. Here, however, other forms are conceivable.

The support elements and the dipole elements are arranged radially around the center recess 10. The conductors 31 and 32 of the feed run through the central recess 10 from a first slot of a support element to the opposite support elements and in particular into the slot arranged therein. In the area of the central recess, the conductors 31 and 32 of the supply cross each other.

In the exemplary embodiment, the support elements run essentially parallel to the central axis of the antenna or perpendicular to the ground plane 9 and the dipole plane 8 upwards. From the support elements, the dipole elements extend radially outward.

In the exemplary embodiment, the outer sides of the support elements form a cylinder interrupted by the slots. The plate-shaped dipole elements, which extend outward beyond the cylinder, are arranged on top of this cylinder. However, other basic shapes for the support elements and the dipole elements are also conceivable here.

The body defined by the support elements and the intermediate slots and the central recess preferably has a cross-sectional area, which makes up at most 70% of the total base area of the antenna in the area of the dipole elements (including slots and center cutout), more preferably at most 60%, further preferably at most 50%.

The slots 25 between the individual support elements or dipole elements need not have a specific shape, since they are used only for electrical isolation. Also, the length of these slots in the head, i. in the dipole square between the dipole elements, not of crucial importance, as for example the comparison of the embodiments in Fig. 10 shows. In contrast, the length of the slots 25 in the base for the radiation properties of the dipole radiator (λ / 4 Symmetrieschlitz and / or balun) is significant.

The slots 21 to 24 have a decisive for the radiation characteristics of the antenna according to the invention role, so that in particular their length as discussed further above must be matched to the overall dimensions of the antenna or to the wavelength of the center frequency of the antenna. Preferably, the width b1 of the slots 21 to 24 thereby varies by more than 80% and more preferably 95% of its total extent by less than 50% with respect to the maximum width. In particular, the slot has a comparable width in the area of the dipole elements and in the region of the support elements.

In the exemplary embodiment, the support elements 11 to 14 have a certain thickness in the radial direction, just as the dipole elements have a certain thickness perpendicular to their plane of extension. The ratio between the thickness of the support elements in the radial direction and the thickness of the dipole elements in the height direction is preferably between 1: 5 and 5: 1, preferably between 1: 3 and 3: 1. Preferably, the thickness of the support elements in the radial direction is greater than the thickness of the dipole elements in the height direction.

In the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 3, the dipole elements each have a planar shape. Alternatively, however, the dipole elements could also be rod-shaped along the slots 21 to 24 extend, ie in each case be formed by running parallel to the diagonal bars.

In the exemplary embodiment, the antenna body of the antenna according to the invention is made of plastic, in particular as an injection molded part. The antenna body is provided with a conductive coating. According to the invention, however, other design principles for the antenna are conceivable. For example, the dipole elements and / or the support elements can also be made of sheet metal elements and / or metal rods. The casting of the antenna from a metallic material is conceivable.

In the exemplary embodiment, the antenna body formed by the support elements and the dipole elements has a fourfold symmetry with respect to the central axis as the axis of symmetry. Furthermore, the antenna body is symmetrical with respect to the central axis.

As already briefly mentioned above, the supply of the antenna takes place via the conductors 31 and 32 running in the slots of the support elements. The supply used in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 will now be described in more detail again with reference to FIG.

The feed for the dipole formed from the dipole elements 1 and 3 via a conductor 32, the feed for the second dipole formed by the dipole elements 2 and 4 via a conductor 31. The conductors 31 and 32 each have substantially the shape of an inverted L or U on. The conductors 31 and 32 each extend from the feed side in the slot 23 or 24 from the bottom region thereof in the support element upwards. Approximately at the level of the dipole elements, a bending takes place inwards, so that the conductor runs in each case through the central recess 10 of the antenna into the slot 21 or 22 of the opposite support element. There is another bend, so that the conductor runs in the slot down. As can be seen from FIG. 14, the conductor section, which runs downwards in the opposite slot, is in FIG Embodiment relatively short. Alternatively, however, the conductor could also run completely down through the entire slot.

The two conductors 31 and 32 intersect in the center recess 10 of the antenna in the region of the central axis. In order to achieve a sufficient distance between the conductors, the conductor 31 has a downward bend, so that the conductor 32 can be passed over this bend.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the conductors are held in the slots via the dielectric support 35. The dielectric holder 35 in this case has terminals 38, which are arranged in the slots 21 to 24 and in which the conductors 31 and 32 can be clipped. Furthermore, the holder 35 holding arms 37, via which it is held in the slots 25. The bracket 35 thus ensures the correct placement of the conductors 31 and 32 in the slots.

In order to be able to introduce the conductors on the feed side from below into the slots, the slots in their bottom region 6 each have recesses 33, through which the conductors 31 and 32 are passed. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 14, the recess 33 is an axial bore, i. around a bore extending parallel to the central axis of the antenna, which passes through the base 5 of the antenna. The conductors 31 and 32 have an insulation 34 in the region in which they are passed through the recesses 33.

The conductors 31 and 32 in the exemplary embodiment are thus the inner conductors of a coaxial cable or of a coaxial feed element. The inner conductor has in the embodiment, a constant, circular cross-section. However, it would also be conceivable to use internal conductors for adapting the antenna, which have a cross-section which changes over their extension and / or a cross-section which deviates from the circular shape. In the case of the feed shown in FIG. 14, the line modes are guided coaxially via the inner conductor 32 and the axial bore 33 acting as an outer conductor into the gap in the region of the axial bore 33. As it enters the gap, the line modes become radiation modes, so that the antenna feeds into the bottom of the slots.

Preferably, the slots, in which the inner conductors are guided, thereby substantially the same width as the recess 33 in the bottom region of the slot, so that no excessive impedance jump occurs. In particular, the width b1 of the slots is preferably between half and twice the diameter of the recess 23.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, coaxial feed elements are used which consist only of the inner conductor 31 or 32 and the coaxial insulation 34 in the region of the recess 33. The inner conductors 31 and 32 are extended beyond the lower end of the insulation 34 out and can pass with their lower ends through holes in a board, with which they are soldered. The ground connection of the antenna takes place separately in this exemplary embodiment, for example, via a soldering pin which is arranged on the antenna body, in particular on the base, and which is soldered to the circuit board.

FIG. 15 a shows a corresponding exemplary embodiment of an antenna arrangement in which the antenna is connected to a circuit board 50 via the coaxial feed elements shown in FIG. 14. The antenna lies with its bottom side 9, ie with the base 5, on the upper side of the board 50. The Koaxialspeiseelemente 31 and 32 go with their supply-side ends through holes in the board and are soldered on the underside of the board with micro-rostreifen 51 and 52 respectively. The antenna base preferably further comprises a ground pin, with which it is soldered to a ground surface of the board. The soldering can be done on the top of the board. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductors 31 and 32 terminate in an upper portion of the opposite sides of the feed side.

In an alternative, not shown embodiment, however, the opposite ends of the feed side of the Koaxialspeiseelemente could be passed down to the bottom portion 6 and there through holes 33 through the base. Accordingly, the inner conductors would also have on the opposite side of insulation 34 where they pass through the bore. The inner conductors can be soldered to the side opposite the feed side with a ground terminal of a circuit board.

In a further alternative, not shown embodiment, the opposite ends of the feed side of the Koaxialspeiseelemente could also be galvanically coupled to the dipole elements or the support elements.

FIG. 15b shows an arrangement of an antenna according to the invention on a reflector 50. The reflector 50 in this case has a base plate which is perpendicular to the central axis of the antenna and thus runs parallel to the main plane of the dipole elements. The distance between the plane of the base plate of the reflector 50 and the top of the antenna formed by the dipoles is preferred in the exemplary embodiment:

X + L = 0.25 λ ± 0.2λ, where λ is the wavelength of the center frequency of the antenna. In other embodiments, however, the distance can also be chosen to be larger in order to achieve a different radiation characteristic. For example, the distance could also be at 0.5 λ ± 0.1λ.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 15b, the reflector further comprises a reflector frame 51 which is arranged around the antenna. The reflector frame also has a square base, wherein the sides of the square frame 51 are aligned parallel to the outsides 17 of the dipole square. The reflector frame 51 thus has the same orientation as the dipole square. In other embodiments, the reflector frame can also have a different shape or comprise further reflector elements, for example, wings arranged on the reflector frame.

The arrangements shown in FIGS. 15a and 15b of an antenna according to the invention on a circuit board or on the base plate of a reflector can be used independently of the specific structure of the antenna or power supply according to the invention. In particular, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 can be used here.

In Fig. 15a and 15b, however, two variations of this embodiment are already shown, in which several different ways of adapting the antenna are shown. These will be explained again with reference to FIGS. 16a and 16b.

In the embodiment of an antenna shown in FIG. 16a, which is also used in FIG. 15a, taper elements 60 are arranged in the gap 23, which change the width of the gap. The taper elements are arranged in the region of the feed slot in which the feed conductor 32 runs, i. between two sections of a support element. Due to the changing width of the gap, an adaptation of the antenna can take place.

In Fig. 16b, however, an alternative possibility is shown to guide the feeders 31 and 32 in the slots. In this case, the conductors 31 and 32 extend through dielectric body 61, which are arranged in the volume of the slots of the support elements and fill them in the embodiment. On its underside, the dielectric bodies 61 have hollow cylindrical extensions 62, with which they. can be inserted into the recesses 33 at the bottom of the slots and over which the conductors are isolated from the base. In the embodiment, a coherent dielectric body is used, which fills in all four slots. Here, however, a variety of alternative embodiments are conceivable. The shape of the conductors 31 and 32 may correspond to the shape shown in Fig. 14 and described above.

In Fig. 17 and 18, a third embodiment of the invention antenna is shown. With regard to its general structure, the embodiment corresponds to the exemplary embodiment already shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, so that reference is made in this regard to the above description. In the following, only the differences between the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 and the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 will be discussed in more detail. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 allows a different embodiment of the conductors 31 and 32 compared to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.

For this purpose, the slots 23 and 24 of the support members 13 and 14, in which the conductors 31 and 32 extend on the feed side, in their bottom region outwardly open grooves 63, in which the conductors 31 and 32 can be inserted laterally.

In the third embodiment, the conductors 31 and 32 are formed in a first variant of the pre-bent, freed from the outer conductor ends of coaxial cables 71 and 72, or are designed in a second variant as a pre-bent inner conductor of Koaxialspeiseelementen. In the region of the grooves 63, the conductors 31 and 32 each have outer conductors 73 and 74, respectively, whose upper end electrically forms the bottom of the slots 23 and 24, respectively.

According to the first variant, the conductors 31 and 32 are the ends of the inner conductors of coaxial cables, in which the outer conductor or the shield of the coaxial cable has been removed. In the exemplary embodiment, the dielectric sheath was removed around the inner conductor. In the region of the groove 63, the coaxial cable still has its outer conductor 73 or 74, which is preferably electrically coupled to the antenna body within the groove. In a first embodiment, for this purpose, the outer conductor can be exposed in the region of the groove, and thus directly contact the inner surface of the groove 63. The coupling takes place galvanically in this case. In a second variant, the coaxial cable in the region of the groove 63 further on its outer insulation and is there capacitively connected to the groove. Alternatively, however, the outer conductor may also be otherwise coupled to the antenna body, for example by a solder joint.

According to the second variant, feeder conductors 31 and 32 are the inner conductors of coaxial feed elements which each have a coaxial plug connector for connecting a coaxial cable on the feed side. Otherwise, the coaxial feed elements may have the same structure as described above with respect to the first variant. In particular, in this case too, an outer conductor 73 or 74 of the coaxial feed element can be capacitively or galvanically coupled to the groove.

As shown in Figs. 18a and 18b, the conductors 31 and 32 may be mounted on the antenna body so as to be laterally inserted with the regions 73 and 74 into the grooves 63. As a result, an assembly of the feed is possible at least without soldering the inner conductor 31 and 32. Optionally, as described above, even with the outer conductor to be dispensed with a soldering. However, in an alternative embodiment, the outer conductor may be coupled to the antenna body by a solder connection. Preferably, the inner conductors 31 and 32 are pre-bent and are held in the gaps via the dielectric support 35.

In the third embodiment shown in Figs. 17 and 18, although the groove 63 extends the slots 23 and 24 downward through the socket. In the assembled state of the feed, however, the outer conductors 73 and 74 form the bottom portion 6 of the slot. The length of the slot L is therefore determined in the in FIGS. 17 and 18, starting from the upper edge of the outer conductors 73 and 74 starting upwards.

Regardless of the specific embodiment of the antenna, this can be used in particular in an antenna arrangement. An antenna arrangement according to the invention in this case comprises at least one, but preferably a plurality of antennas according to the invention, which are arranged on one or more reflectors. In this case, a plurality of antennas according to the invention with the same orientation is preferably arranged on a common mounting plate and forms an antenna arrangement according to the invention.

Claims

claims

1. Dual polarized antenna with four dipole elements, each of which is arranged on an associated support element,

characterized,

that in the volume of the dipole elements in each case a slot extends, which is extended from the dipole element into the associated support element.

2. A dual-polarized antenna according to claim 1, wherein in each case two opposite relative to a central axis of the antenna dipole elements form a dipole, wherein the polarization planes of the two dipoles of the antenna are preferably orthogonal,

and / or wherein the support elements and / or dipole elements have a fourfold rotational symmetry with respect to a center axis of the antenna and / or wherein the support elements and / or dipole elements are arranged axially symmetrically with respect to a central axis of the antenna,

and / or wherein the support members extend upwardly from a socket of the antenna and the dipole members extend outwardly from the top of the support members, wherein the support elements preferably each extend substantially parallel to a central axis of the antenna and / or wherein the dipole elements preferably extend substantially in a plane perpendicular to a central axis of the antenna.

3. Dual-polarized antenna according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each arranged in the volume of a dipole element and the associated support member slot forms a slot radiator, wherein the plane of polarization of the slot radiator is preferably perpendicular to the plane of polarization of the dipole element, in whose volume it is arranged and / or parallel to the polarization plane of a neighboring arranged dipole element.

4. Dual-polarized antenna according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the extended in the support member portion of the slots each measured from the top edge of the antenna has a length of at least 0.1 λ, wherein λ is the wavelength of the center frequency of the lowest resonance frequency range of the antenna, preferably a length of at least 0th , 15 λ,

and / or wherein the slot in the support element terminates at a base region of the antenna, the lower end of the slot in the support element preferably being formed by a bottom region, to which the base of the antenna adjoins,

wherein preferably in the volume of the support elements extending portion of the slits each measured from the upper edge of the antenna to the end of the slot has a length between 0.1 λ and 0.4 λ, where λ is the wavelength of the center frequency of the lowest Resonance frequency range of the antenna, preferably a length between 0.15 λ and 0.35 λ,

and / or wherein the region of the slots running in the volume of the dipole elements in each case has a length of between 0.1 λ and 0.4 λ measured from an inner edge of the slot to an outer end or to the outer edge of the dipole elements λ is the wavelength of the center frequency of the lowest resonance frequency range of the antenna, preferably a length between 0.15 λ and 0.35 λ, and / or wherein the slots running in the volume of the support elements and the dipole elements each have a total length between 0.3 λ and 0.7 λ measured along the radial outer edge of the support element and the upper edge of the dipole element, where λ is the wavelength of Center frequency of the lowest resonant frequency range of the antenna, preferably a total length between 0.4 λ and 0.6 λ, and / or wherein the four support elements are separated by slots, wherein extending in the volume of the support elements slots and running between the support members slots from their end in a base region of the antenna starting up to the upper edge of the antenna have a length which differs by a maximum of 0.15 λ and preferably by a maximum of 0.1 λ, wherein it at λ to the wavelength of the center frequency of the lowest resonant frequency range of Antenna acts.

5. Dual-polarized antenna according to one of the preceding claims, wherein extending in the volume of a dipole element and the associated support member slot each starts over a base region of the antenna and extends from there upwards along the support element and further from an inner edge of the dipole element to the outside , and / or wherein the slot passes in the height direction through the dipole element and / or is at least open to the outside of the associated support element,

wherein the slot preferably passes in the radial direction through the support element over at least part of its extent and / or the slot is preferably open to the inner edge and / or outer edge of the dipole element,

and / or wherein the slot extending in the volume of a dipole element and the associated support element has a substantially constant width over its extent, and / or wherein the width of the slot is in a range which is at least 80% and preferably 95% of its length a maximum of 80% with respect to the maximum width varies, preferably by a maximum of 50%, more preferably by a maximum of 20% with respect to the maximum width.

A dual-polarized antenna as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dipole elements form a dipole square whose diagonals are defined by the planes of polarization of the dipoles, the slots in the volume of the dipole elements preferably being along the diagonal of the dipole square.

wherein the dipole square preferably has a side length between 0.3 λ and 0.7 λ, wherein λ is the wavelength of the center frequency of the lowest resonance frequency range of the antenna, preferably a side length between 0.4 λ and 0.6 λ,

and / or wherein the sections of the dipole elements and / or the support elements which are separated by the slots are arranged radially around a center axis of the antenna,

and / or wherein the slots in the volume of the dipole elements and / or the slots in the volume of the support elements each extend radially relative to the central axis of the antenna, wherein the slots of opposite dipole elements and / or support elements preferably extend in the same plane and / or wherein the slots adjacent Dipole elements and / or support elements preferably extend in mutually orthogonal planes,

and / or wherein the slots in the volume of the dipole elements and / or the slots in the volume of the support elements respectively extend along the polarization planes of the antenna.

7. Dual-polarized antenna according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the feed of the antenna comprises a conductor which extends at least partially in a slot arranged in the volume of a support member, wherein the feed is preferably carried out on the feed side in the bottom region of the slot.

A dual polarized antenna according to claim 7, wherein the feed preferably comprises two separate conductors for feeding the two polarizations of the radiator which are crossed with each other,

wherein the conductors each feed to the one dipole, in whose volume they are arranged, and on the other hand, the slot radiators, which through the Slits are formed in the volume of the diagonally extending dipole elements.

A dual polarized antenna according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the feed conductor on the feed side enters into a bottom portion of the slot and extends upwardly from the bottom portion in the slot, and / or the conductor extends from a first slot in the volume of a first support element to an opposite second support element and preferably extends the slot arranged in this,

wherein the conductor preferably extends upwardly in the first slot and then inwardly through an angled portion, from where the conductor extends into the second slot and preferably continues downwardly via a further angling in the second slot,

and / or wherein the conductor is preferably held in the slot by a dielectric support.

A dual polarized antenna as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the sidewalls of the slot in which the conductor extends have recesses or elevations, and / or wherein the conductor has different diameters over its extent and / or in the slot in which the conductor extends, one or more dielectric elements are arranged, and / or wherein a feed line to the antenna has an adapter circuit, in particular sections of different width.

A dual polarized antenna as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the feed is via the inner conductor of a coaxial cable and / or a coaxial feed element extending within a slot in a support member, the inner conductor preferably extending upwardly from a bottom portion of the slot wherein the base of the antenna in the bottom region of the slot preferably has a recess for insertion of the coaxial cable or the Koaxialspeiselementes, wherein the recess preferably comprises an open towards one side groove into which the coaxial cable and / or the Koaxialspeiselement laterally inserted and preferred clipped, or where the recess preferably comprises an axial bore into which the coaxial cable and / or a Koaxialspeiselementes is axially inserted.

12. Dual-polarized antenna according to claim 11, wherein the inner conductor and / or the outer conductor is surrounded in the recess of the base of an insulation, wherein preferably an outer conductor in the recess is galvanically or capacitively coupled to the base, and / or preferred the base is coupled outside the recess with an outer conductor or ground, in particular on its underside.

13. Dual-polarized antenna according to one of claims 7 to 12,

wherein the feeding of the antenna takes place via a coaxial cable, one end of which has no shield, the inner conductor remaining there running at least partially in a slot in the volume of a support element, wherein the inner conductor is preferably pre-bent and / or the coaxial cable preferably in one to one side towards open groove of the base of the antenna is laterally inserted and preferably clipped, wherein the outer conductor is further preferably galvanically or capacitively coupled to the channel,

or

wherein the feeding of the antenna via a coaxial feed element takes place, one end of which has no shield, wherein the remaining there inner conductor at least partially extends in a slot in the volume of a support member, and the other end comprises a connector for connecting a coaxial cable, wherein the inner conductor is preferably pre-bent is and / or the coaxial feed element is preferably laterally inserted and preferably clipped into a groove of the base of the antenna that is open towards one side, wherein the outer conductor is furthermore preferably galvanically or capacitively coupled to the channel,

or

wherein the feeding of the antenna via a coaxial feed element takes place, one end of which has no shield, where there the remaining inner conductor at least partially extends in a slot in the volume of a support element, and soldered the other end to a circuit board is, on which the antenna is arranged, wherein the inner conductor is preferably pre-bent and / or the Koaxialspeiseelement is preferably inserted into an axial bore of the socket, wherein the base of the antenna is preferably separately coupled to a ground terminal of the board, in particular on its underside and / or capacitively with a ground plane arranged on the board and / or galvanically by one or more solder pins of the antenna passing through the board.

14. Dual-polarized antenna according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the antenna body is made in one piece, and / or

wherein the antenna body is made of plastic, wherein the antenna body consists of a conductive plastic and / or coated with a conductive layer, wherein the antenna body is preferably made by an injection molding process.

15. An antenna arrangement having at least one and preferably a plurality of dual-polarized antennas according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base of the antenna is preferably arranged on a reflector, wherein the reflector preferably has a base plate which extends in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the antenna runs, and / or a reflector frame and / or reflector walls.