EP3671957B1 - Leaky wave antenna - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a leaky wave antenna and a method for producing a leaky wave antenna.

A leaky antenna is an antenna that emits power in small amounts per unit length either continuously or discretely from a leaky line or structure to free space. Leaky antennas and methods suitable for the manufacture of such leaky antennas are out GB 1247546A , U.S. 2012/229364 A1 , US4728962A , JP S63 260302 A , U.S. 2018/053981 A1 , U.S. 2010/194500 A1 known.

In the case of very long antennas, for example antennas for road tunnels, leaky wave antennas in the form of coaxial lines are often used, which have several corresponding openings along the line in the outer sheath, each of which has the same shape as a result of the production process and are used as slot antennas. However, such coaxial leaky-wave antennas usually have the disadvantage that the respective emission of electromagnetic power of the individual antennas along the line is not the same due to the manufacturing process, but rather decreases over the length.

It is the object of the invention to provide a leaky-wave antenna and a manufacturing method for such a leaky-wave antenna which allows uniform emission of electromagnetic power over the length of the leaky-wave antenna, in particular for long line lengths of the leaky-wave antenna.

The object is achieved by a leaky wave antenna according to claim 1.

The invention thus builds on an embedded stripline.

In a symmetrical stripline, the conductor strip is covered by a dielectric of the same thickness at the top and bottom and runs parallel to two conductive layers (ground) that are applied to the dielectrics. The distance to both ground planes can also be different (offset stripline).

In connection with the invention, layers and plies are parts of a composite material which is intended to form the leaky wave antenna in the finished state. The term layer or sheet should not be construed as limiting as to the nature of the material or the manufacturing process.

For example, the layers and plies may be of a flexible material such as plastic, cellular foam, metal foils, or a woven fibrous material. Depending on the application, materials based on fiberglass or Teflon can also be used, for example.

However, the layers preferably use a flexible material such as foam, a material with a low relative permittivity, such as less than two or three, or a combination of a flexible material and a low relative permittivity.

The layers and plies can, for example, be piecewise made of a solid material, such as FR4 or Teflon circuit board carrier with one-sided, two-sided or multi-layer metallization for circuit layers, individual boards being fed piecewise to the method according to the invention and then connected one after the other and to one another.

The layers and plies can, for example, be made of a material which is printed, sprayed or applied by a chemical or physical process to foils or plates. In this case, openings or structures, for example for coupling means, can also be provided in the layers and/or layers.

Due to the increasing coupling factor of the respective antenna element along the line, it is possible to design the coupling in such a way that the emission of the electromagnetic power remains constant over the length or over successive antenna elements and uniform radio coverage is achieved along the leaky wave antenna.

It is advantageous if the multiplicity of antenna elements of the leaky wave antenna comprises at least ten, preferably at least thirty and particularly preferably at least fifty antenna elements, since the effect according to the invention can be perceived particularly advantageously with increasing line length compared to the prior art. In addition, the necessary transmission power can be reduced accordingly, since also the last located antenna element of the leaky wave antenna, starting from the feed point, can be sufficiently supplied with power. Furthermore, the reception of electromagnetic power from the antenna element of the leaky wave antenna located last can also be improved.

In summary, the leaky wave antenna according to the invention allows a uniform emission and reception of electromagnetic power over the entire length of the leaky wave antenna. This makes the leaky wave antenna particularly suitable for use when mounting on elongated objects with many antenna elements, in particular train cars, aircraft fuselages or buildings.

It is also favorable if the length of the at least one line of the leaky wave antenna is at least five meters, preferably at least ten meters and particularly preferably at least 20 meters and is therefore greater than a single typical panel in the production of printed circuit boards. A panel usually includes several printed circuit boards during their manufacture and can be limited to the dimensions of the production systems used.

In electrical connection technology, a panel is referred to as a panel in production, which consists of individual circuit boards and has not yet been separated. A maximum panel size or circuit board size can vary depending on the circuit board manufacturer and technical equipment. Based on the standard panel cut of 610 mm * 530 mm, which is often processed, many manufacturers result in maximum dimensions of approx. 570 mm * 490 mm.

The base materials for printed circuit boards can shrink or stretch undesirably (dimensional stability) during a printed circuit board manufacturing process, which reduces the size of a printed circuit board. Furthermore, in the case of very large printed circuit boards or large panels, the positioning of structures or components on the printed circuit boards cannot always be carried out with the necessary accuracy, or an undesirable offset from layer to layer of the printed circuit board can arise as the size increases. Bending of a large blank during transport in transport devices can lead to unfavorable mechanical stresses, for example at soldering points.

In a development of the invention, it is provided that at least two lines are included, which are preferably provided for feeding in or decoupling electrical signals, each with different frequencies.

As a result, two independent leaky wave antennas, which are provided for different applications, different frequency ranges or different polarizations, are encompassed by a common component. As a result, assembly can be simplified and made more cost-effective. By using appropriate antennas, both the respective radiation characteristics and the polarization of the emitted signal can be selected according to the respective application.

The invention further provides that the insulating layer has a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer, which are preferably each formed by a foam material. As a result, a particularly cost-effective design is achieved, which is also mechanically flexible and therefore simplifies assembly.

In this case, it is favorable if the at least one line is arranged between the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer is. As a result, a particularly inexpensive and compact design is achieved.

In a development of the invention, it is provided that the respective coupling means is formed by the distance between the at least one line and the respective antenna element, the distance being determined in a plane transverse to the at least one line. As a result, the coupling between the line and the respective antenna element can be defined in a particularly simple manner.

In a development of the invention, it is provided that the respective coupling means is formed by a coupling structure in the form of a directional coupler. This allows the coupling between the line and the respective antenna element to be defined in a particularly simple manner, with an even broader selection of antenna types being supported, for example circularly polarized antennas or antennas with specific radiation characteristics.

It is favorable here if the respective coupling means is formed or arranged between the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer. As a result, the coupling means can be integrated into the antenna in a cost-effective and simple manner, and a compact design can be achieved overall. In this case, the coupling means does not have to have a dedicated structural element, but can be formed by an arrangement of line and antenna element.

The invention also provides for an adapter element to be inserted between the lower layer and the upper layer. As a result, an electrical and/or mechanical connection can be created, by means of which the leaky-wave antenna can be attached to other components, or a signal can be coupled in or out For example, can be done with a corresponding high-frequency connector.

In a development of the invention, use of a leaky wave antenna according to the invention is provided as part of a communication device in an airplane, a train or a building.

The invention also relates to a method for producing a leaky wave antenna according to the invention according to claim 7.

This provides a method for the simple and cost-effective production of a leaky-wave antenna, which allows uniform emission and reception of electromagnetic power over the entire length of the leaky-wave antenna, which is particularly suitable for long line lengths of the leaky-wave antenna.

The sequence of steps a to i given is exemplary and other sequences of steps a to i are possible provided they lead to the same composite material.

Additional layers can be provided between the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer, for example for additional circuit components or also additional mechanical support layers. Provision can thus be made for a line or a coupling structure to be arranged on an electrically non-conductive carrier layer and thus fed to the method. Provision can also be made for a line or a coupling structure to form a composite, which is connected in advance by means of mechanical carrier layers and is thus supplied to the method.

Provision is made for the respective values for the respective coupling factors to be determined and specified numerically, and for example to be stored in a memory in a lookup table for coupling factors. The coupling factors stored in the memory can then be accessed for the production and taken into account when introducing a respective opening.

The coupling factors are determined taking into account the material properties and the dimensions of the composite material and the antenna elements, as well as the desired electromagnetic properties of the leaky wave antenna.

The invention also provides for the layers to be aligned with one another when the material stack is formed in such a way that they form the leaky wave antenna, and the material stack is moved continuously in one production direction, with the opening before the material stack is formed, starting from the respective feed point is introduced at a fixed distance from the at least one line, which determines the coupling factor, in a plane transverse to the production direction by means of a cutting device. This allows a leaky wave antenna with theoretically any length of line to be made possible.

In a development of the invention, it is provided that the cutting device introduces the opening by punching, laser cutting or a combination thereof. This allows the opening for a respective antenna element to be introduced in a simple and cost-effective manner, with the respective position of the opening being flexibly adjustable, in particular in a plane transverse to the production direction, and the respective coupling factor thus being set easily.

In a development of the invention, it is provided that the connection takes place by lamination, gluing, pressing or a combination thereof. This allows a simple and reliable mechanical connection of the material stack during continuous movement in the production direction in the manufacturing process.

In a development of the invention, it is provided that the respective coupling means for the respective antenna element is formed by the distance between the respective antenna element and the at least one line, in a plane transverse to the at least one line, which determines the coupling factor. The result of this is that the coupling factor can be set in a simple manner without further structural measures being necessary.

In a development of the invention, it is provided that the lower layer has/have a first transverse overhang and/or the upper layer has/have a second transverse overhang in a plane transverse to the at least one line, which transverse overhangs relative to the line layer and/or or the first insulating layer and/or the second insulating layer, and the first and/or second transverse projection is connected to the other of the lower layer and/or the upper layer in a method step subsequent to step i becomes. As a result, electromagnetic shielding can be created at the edge of the composite material of the leaky wave line, which reduces undesired emission of signals that are coupled into the at least one line.

The invention also provides that the lower layer has/have a first longitudinal overhang and the upper layer has/have a second longitudinal overhang in a plane along the at least one line, which longitudinal overhangs relative to the line layer and/or the first Insulating layer and/or the second insulating layer protrude, and an adapter element is introduced between the respective longitudinal projections in a method step following step i. The adapter element can be used to create an electrical or mechanical coupling of the composite material of the leaky-wave antenna at a fastening point or an electrical contact element.

In a further development of the invention, it is provided that at least one via, which connects the lower layer to the upper layer (, is introduced in a method step following step i. This enables the electromagnetic coupling of signals on two or more lines in the material composite of the Leaky-wave antenna can be reduced, or undesired emission of signals from an open edge of the composite material of the leaky-wave line, which are coupled into the at least one line, can be reduced.

In a development of the invention, it is provided that the respective coupling means for the respective antenna element is formed by a coupling structure which determines the coupling factor between the at least one line and the respective antenna element, with an electrically conductive material is provided as a coupling layer of the composite material and structured accordingly for the respective antenna element, and is arranged between the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer aligned with one another, and all arranged layers aligned with one another form the material stack before step i is carried out. The result of this is that by adding a further structural means in the form of the coupling structure, for example a directional coupler or a phase shifter, further degrees of freedom are made possible for setting the coupling factor. For example, a coupling for a circularly polarized antenna can be implemented.

In a development of the invention, it is provided that the coupling layer corresponds to the line layer, which means that the coupling structure and the line can be produced in the same layer and the method is simplified.

It is favorable if the first and the second insulating layer, the line layer and the lower and upper layer are each a material in strip form, which layers are fed to the process in rolled form, unrolled there and made available in the corresponding process steps.

The features mentioned can be combined with one another, as a result of which further advantages of the invention can be achieved.

Fig. 1

schematisch einen Querschnitt eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Leckwellenantenne,

Fig. 2

schematisch eine Aufsicht des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels gemäß Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

schematisch eine Aufsicht eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Leckwellenantenne,

Fig. 4

eine schematische Darstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels einer Produktionsanlage zur Durchführung des erfindungsgemäßen Herstellungsverfahrens,

Fig. 5

eine schematische Darstellung eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels einer Produktionsanlage zur Durchführung des erfindungsgemäßen Herstellungsverfahrens,

Fig. 6-8

Darstellungen für verschiedene zeitliche Abfolgen der erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrensschritte,

Fig. 9

schematisch ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Leckwellenantenne in einem Schnitt quer zur Leitungserstreckung,

Fig. 10-12

schematisch Ausführungsbeispiele mit verschiedenen Quer-Überständen,

Fig. 13

schematisch ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Leckwellenantenne in einem Schnitt längs zur Leitungserstreckung,

Fig. 14, 15

schematisch Ausführungsbeispiele mit verschiedenen Längs-Überständen und Quer-Randbereichen,

Fig. 16

eine schematische Darstellung eines Kommunikationssystems mit der Leckwellenantenne gemäß Fig. 1.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the enclosed drawings. In the drawings shows:

1

schematically a cross section of a first embodiment of a leaky wave antenna according to the invention,

2

schematically shows a top view of the first exemplary embodiment according to FIG 1 ,

3

schematically a top view of a second embodiment of a leaky wave antenna according to the invention,

4

a schematic representation of a first exemplary embodiment of a production plant for carrying out the manufacturing method according to the invention,

figure 5

a schematic representation of a second exemplary embodiment of a production plant for carrying out the manufacturing method according to the invention,

Figures 6-8

Representations for different chronological sequences of the method steps according to the invention,

9

schematically another embodiment of a leaky wave antenna according to the invention in a section transverse to the line extension,

Figures 10-12

schematic examples with different transverse overhangs,

13

schematically another embodiment of a leaky wave antenna according to the invention in a section along the line extension,

14, 15

schematic examples with different longitudinal overhangs and transverse edge areas,

16

a schematic representation of a communication system with the leaky wave antenna according to FIG 1 .

1 shows a first embodiment of a leaky wave antenna 100 according to the invention schematically in a cross-sectional view.

The leaky wave antenna 100 has two lines 110, 111 which are embedded in an insulating layer 120 and form a symmetrical stripline.

The lines 110, 111 lie in one plane and form a common line layer 115.

The insulating layer 120 has a first insulating layer 121 and a second insulating layer 122, which are preferably each formed by a foam material.

The insulating layer 120 is arranged between an electrically conductive lower layer 130 and an electrically conductive upper layer 140 .

It can be seen that the lines 110, 111 are arranged between the first insulating layer 121 and the second insulating layer 122.

A large number of antenna elements in the form of openings 150, 155 along the lines 110, 111 are introduced in the upper layer 140. FIG.

The lower layer 130 and the upper layer 140, the first insulating layer 121 and the second insulating layer 122 together with the line layer 115 form a material stack or a material composite 303.

The material stack means a loose stack of layers and plies, which are first connected mechanically, for example by gluing. The material composite 303 means the already mechanically connected material stack.

A transverse core area 400 can be seen in the figure, which contains a section of the material stack (or the material composite 303) with the lines 110, 111.

The leaky wave antenna 100 also has longitudinal edge regions 401, 402, which form the edge or end of the material stack or the material composite 303 and run along or parallel to the lines 110, 111.

The longitudinal edge regions 401, 402 can, for example, as shown in the figure, form a joint termination of the plies and layers of the material stack along the lines 110, 111.

In 2 the leaky wave antenna 100 is shown schematically in plan view.

In this example, the two lines 110, 111 are for feeding in electrical signals, each with different frequencies, and can be generated, for example, by a communication device for use in an airplane, a train or a building.

The lines 110, 111 each have a feed point 101, 102 and run parallel.

Running two or more lines in parallel is advantageous for a very long leaky-wave antenna, since theoretically any length of line of the leaky-wave antenna can be produced.

The openings 150-153, 155-159 each have a slot length 103, 105 and a slot width 104, 106, the geometry of the openings being determined by the center frequency of the respective antenna elements 150-153, 155-158. In this example, the openings 150-153, 155-159 are of the same size, but the openings 150-153, 155-159 are spaced at different distances from the respective line 110, 111.

A coupling means is provided between the lines 110, 111 and a respective antenna element 150-153, 155-158 from the plurality of antenna elements, which coupler defines a respective coupling factor.

The respective coupling factor describes the electromagnetic coupling between the line 110, 111 and the respective antenna element 150-153, 155-158.

In this exemplary embodiment, the respective coupling means is formed by a transverse spacing 160-163, 165-168 between the lines 110, 111 and the respective antenna element 150-153, 155-158. The transverse distance 160-163, 165-168 is determined in a plane across the lines 110, 111 and can be measured, for example, in the plane from the center point of the line 110, 111 to an edge of the antenna element 150-153, 155-158. Other definitions are also permissible provided they are applied to all lateral distances 160-163, 165-168.

Starting from the respective feed point 101, 102, the coupling factor of the respective antenna element 150-153, 155-158 increases along the respective line 110, 111, ie with increasing longitudinal spacing 170-173, 175-178.

The leaky wave antenna 100 has a static radiation characteristic. Basically, however, is also a beam deflection possible by considering appropriate mechanisms, such as in the WO2001043228A1 executed.

It is favorable if the multiplicity of antenna elements of the leaky wave antenna 100 comprises at least ten, preferably at least 30 and particularly preferably at least fifty antenna elements 150-153, 155-158. As a result, the leaky wave antenna 100 is particularly suitable for use when mounting on elongated objects, in particular train cars, aircraft fuselages or corresponding buildings.

It is favorable if the length of the lines 101, 102 of the leaky wave antenna 100 is at least five meters, preferably at least ten meters and particularly preferably at least 20 meters.

A longitudinal core region 500 of the can be seen in the figure, which contains a section of the material stack or of the material composite 303 with the lines 110, 111.

The leaky wave antenna 100 also has transverse edge regions 501, 502, which form the edge or end of the material stack or the material composite 303 and run transversely to the lines 110, 111.

The transverse edge regions 501, 502 can, for example, as shown in the figure, form a joint termination of the plies and layers of the material stack transverse to the lines 110, 111. In this specific arrangement, no division into areas occurs, but the longitudinal core area 500 and the transverse edge areas 501, 502 form a common area.

The feed points 101, 102 of the lines 110, 111 are located in the transverse edge area 501 in this example.

Alternatively, however, it can also be provided that the feed points 101, 102 of the lines 110, 111 are located in the longitudinal core region 500.

In 3 a second exemplary embodiment of a leaky wave antenna 200 is shown schematically in a plan view. In this example, the respective coupling means is formed by a coupling structure in the form of a directional coupler.

The lines 210, 211 each have a feed point 201, 202 and run parallel.

The openings 250-253, 255-258 each include two partial openings in the form of slot antennas, which are arranged rotated at an angle of 90° to one another and, by means of a correspondingly designed coupling, generate a circularly polarized electromagnetic field of the leaky wave antenna 200 . The coupling is set up to feed the respective two partial openings from the respective line 210, 211 at a phase angle differing by 90°, with the amplitude coupling along the respective line 210, 211 also decreasing according to the invention.

In this example, the openings 250-253, 255-258 are the same size and shape and are spaced different distances from the respective conduit 210, 211.

A coupling means is provided between the lines 110, 111 and a respective antenna element 150-153, 155-158 from the plurality of antenna elements, which coupler defines a respective coupling factor.

The respective coupling factor describes the electromagnetic coupling between the line 110, 111 and the respective antenna element 150-153, 155-158.

In this exemplary embodiment, the respective coupling means is formed by a transverse spacing 160-163, 165-168 between the lines 110, 111 and the respective antenna element 150-153, 155-158. The transverse distance 160-163, 165-168 is determined in a plane across the lines 110, 111 and can be measured, for example, in the plane from the center point of the line 110, 111 to an edge of the antenna element 150-153, 155-158. Other definitions for determining the transverse distance are also possible.

Starting from the respective feed point 101, 102, the coupling factor of the respective antenna element 150-153, 155-158 increases along the respective line 110, 111, ie with increasing longitudinal spacing 170-173, 175-178.

The respective coupling means is formed by the transverse distance 160-163, 165-168 and is therefore not a dedicated structural means and is consequently formed between the first insulating layer 221 and the second insulating layer 222.

4 1 shows a first example of a production plant 1 for carrying out a method 300 for producing the leaky wave antenna 100 1 and 2 .

The leaky wave antenna 100 has a large number of antenna elements, two lines 110, 111, each with a feed point 101, 102, and the composite material 303.

• Eine untere Schicht 130 aus Kupfer auf einer ersten Rolle 330,
• Eine erste Isolierlage 121 aus Schaumstoff-Material auf einer zweiten Rolle 321,
• Eine Leitungslage 115 aus einem Kupfer-/ KunststoffVerbund auf einer dritten Rolle 310, wobei die Leitungslage 115 die Leitungen 110, 111 umfasst, welche auf einer Kunststoff-Folie als Trägerschicht aufgebracht sind,
• Eine zweite Isolierlage 122 aus Schaumstoff-Material auf einer vierten Rolle 322,
• Eine obere Schicht 140 aus Kupfer auf einer fünften Rolle 340.

The production plant 1 has various material feeds for providing materials in the form of rolled layers or plies:

• A lower layer 130 of copper on a first roll 330,
• A first insulating layer 121 made of foam material on a second roll 321,
• A line layer 115 made of a copper/plastic composite on a third roll 310, the line layer 115 comprising the lines 110, 111, which are applied to a plastic film as a carrier layer,
• A second insulating layer 122 of foam material on a fourth roll 322,
• A top layer 140 of copper on a fifth roll 340.

The first and second insulating layer 121, 122 can each also be formed from a different material which, for example, only functions as a spacer, ie has a relative permittivity of almost one.

The bottom and top layers 130, 130 may also be formed of other electrically conductive material, such as aluminum, silver-plated copper, a conductive plastic composite, embossed or corrugated foil, mesh, or fabric.

The production plant 1 has a base 302 over which the lower layer 130 is guided via deflection rollers 350, 351. The deflection rollers 350, 351 also serve to tension the lower layer 130 and thus ensure or support the subsequent alignment of the individual layers or plies with one another.

The lower layer 130 is continuously moved over the base 302 in a production direction 301 and the method steps according to the invention are carried out.

The first insulating layer 121 is fed via a deflection roller 352 to a laminating device 360 with a pretensioning roller guide 371, with a transfer roller 372 producing a laminating connection between the lower layer 130 and the first insulating layer 121 by pressing and heating.

In this context, lamination refers on the one hand to a cohesive, thermal joining process without auxiliary materials, which means the joining of a thin, often foil-like layer to a carrier material using an adhesive.

On the other hand, lamination also refers to the joining of at least two film layers of thermoplastics by reaching the glass transition temperature and corresponding pressure.

Of course, other methods of joining the plies and layers are also possible.

It is also possible that there is no surface connection between the plies and layers, but only on partial surfaces or at certain points.

The roller guide 371 is used to adjust or to produce a mutually aligned arrangement of layers from the lower layer 130 and the first insulating layer 121, as a result of which a material stack is formed.

The layers of the material stack are connected by means of the lamination by the transfer roller 372, as a result of which a first part of the material composite 303 is produced. The transfer roller 372 applies heat and pressure to the joining process.

In this example, an adhesive material is already applied to the first insulating layer 121, which is intended for the connection between the lower layer 130 and the first insulating layer 121 and permanent adhesion of the lower layer 130 and the first insulating layer 121 is achieved by the joining method.

The line layer 115 is fed via a deflection roller 353 to a laminating device 361 with a pretensioning roller guide 373, with a transfer roller 374 producing a laminating connection between the first insulating layer 121 and the line layer 115 by pressing and heating.

The adjustment or the production of a mutually aligned arrangement of layers takes place by means of the roller guide 373, as a result of which the material stack produced up to now is expanded by the line layer 115.

The lamination takes place analogously to the laminating device 360, as a result of which the composite material 303 produced up to now is expanded by the line layer 115.

The line layer 115 has the lines 110, 111. In this example, the lines are applied to a plastic film as a carrier layer, to which an adhesive material for lamination with the first insulating layer 121 is additionally applied.

Alternatively, the lines 110, 111 could also be supplied to the process directly, ie without a carrier layer, for example in the form of copper strips.

The lines 110, 111 each have a predefined line width. Together with the layer thicknesses of the first and second insulating layers 121, 122 and their dielectric material properties is the respective characteristic impedance of the lines 110, 111 defined.

The second insulating layer 122 is fed via a deflection roller 354 to a laminating device 362 with a pretensioning roller guide 375, with a transfer roller 376 producing a laminating connection between the line layer 115 and the second insulating layer 122 by pressing and heating.

The adjustment or the production of a mutually aligned arrangement of layers takes place by means of the roller guide 375, as a result of which the material stack produced up to now is expanded by the second insulating layer 122.

An adhesive material for the subsequent lamination with the line layer 115 has already been applied to the second insulating layer 122 . The lamination takes place analogously to the laminating device 360, as a result of which the composite material 303 produced up to now is expanded by the second insulating layer 122.

The upper layer 140 is fed via a deflection roller 355 to a cutting device 380 in the form of a punching device with roller guides.

The cutting device 380 has tensioning roller guides 381, 382 which tension the material of the top layer 140 on a cutting pad 383.

Furthermore, the cutting device 380 comprises a punch 384 which, by means of a punching stroke 385, makes an opening 150-153, 155-158 in the upper layer 140 normal to the surface of the tensioned upper layer 140. The shape of the stamp 384 corresponds to the desired shape of the respective antenna element 150-153, 155-158. The punching base 383 is matched to the punch 384.

The stamp 384 can also be movably controlled transversely to the production direction 301 . This allows positioning of the stamp 384 transversely to the respective line 110, 111 depending on the distance from the respective feed point 101, 102 at a distance 160-163, 165-168, whereby the coupling of the respective antenna element 150-153, 155 -158 to the respective line 110, 111 is adjustable. The respective coupling is formed by the respective distance 160-163, 165-168 between the respective antenna element 150-153, 155-158 and the respective line 110, 111 in a plane transverse to the respective line 110, 111.

During the die-cutting process, the movement of the material to be die-cut can be stopped briefly, since the deflection rollers 355 and 356 are designed in such a way that they compensate for the short-term stopping of the material without slowing down or stopping the continuous lamination process.

Alternatively, the punch 384 and the punching pad 383 of the cutting device 380 can be moved along with the tensioned top layer 140 during the punching process. Then, after the punching process, the punch 384 and the punching pad 383 are returned to the original position.

After punching, the now punched upper layer 140 is fed via a deflection roller 356 to a laminating device 363 with a pretensioning roller guide 377, with a transfer roller 378 creating a laminating connection between the second insulating layer 122 and the upper layer 140 is produced.

The adjustment or the production of a mutually aligned arrangement of layers takes place by means of the roller guide 377, as a result of which the material stack produced up to now is expanded by the upper layer 140.

An adhesive material is already applied to the top layer 140 for subsequent lamination with the second insulating layer 122 . The lamination takes place analogously to the laminating device 360, as a result of which the composite material 303 produced up to now is expanded by the upper layer 140 and completed.

Due to the continuous movement of the lower layer 130 , the composite material that is produced successively is also continuously moved in the production direction 301 . The result of this is that the individual steps of the production method for each antenna element are repeated for all antenna elements 150-153, 155-158 from the large number of antenna elements.

The composite material 303 of the leaky wave antenna 100 is defined in section AA, which is shown as a sectional image in 1 is recognizable.

figure 5 shows a second example of a production plant 2 for carrying out a method 400 for manufacturing the leaky wave antenna 200.

The production plant 2 corresponds to a large extent to the production plant 1. The above statements regarding the production plant 1 of FIG 4 equally.

In contrast to the production plant 1 of the 4 is the respective coupling means by an additional coupling structure 3 educated. In this respect, the above statements also apply to the leaky wave antenna 200 of FIG 3 .

In addition, the openings 250-253, 255-258 each have two partial openings and a different shape or orientation compared to the openings 150-153, 155-158. Therefore, the punch 386 is accordingly designed for punching two partial openings. The punching pad 387 is matched to the punch 386.

The respective coupling structure is formed in the form of a two-part directional coupler, which in this example is printed onto the line layer 115 by means of a printing process as electrically conductive printing ink. After the ink has dried, the layer can be further processed in the further lamination process.

The printing method is carried out by a printing device 390, which has, for example, a printing matrix, a screen printing arrangement or a digitally controllable print head of an inkjet printer. The printing device 390, or those parts that generate the printed image, can be movably controlled transversely to the production direction 302 in order to achieve an adjustment of the position of the coupling structure with respect to the lines 201, 202.

In method 400, the coupling layer, which includes the coupling structures, corresponds to line layer 215.

Alternatively, the respective coupling structure can also be applied, for example, by simple gluing using local adhesive elements.

Furthermore, the respective coupling structure can, for example, already be produced and provided in advance on a carrier layer of the line layer 215 .

The composite material 304 of the leaky wave antenna 200 is defined in section BB.

In Figures 6 to 8 Examples of the sequence of steps of a method according to the invention are shown.

Steps h and i can be spread over several of steps a to g, as in FIGS 4 and 5 shown. In other words, it is not necessary to first form a complete material stack, which has all the layers, and only then establish a connection between the individual layers. Provision can also be made, for example, for individual layers to be successively erected and connected to one another.

In 6 shows the order of the method steps according to the independent claim.

In 7 In this case, steps a and b are applied sequentially. Step c occurs independently of the other steps. Steps d to g take place independently of the other steps, but chronologically in the sequence defg, where f denotes the repetition of step e. The layers produced are aligned with one another in step h as a material stack and are structurally connected to one another in step i.

In 8 it is shown that steps a, b, c and g can be performed independently of one another. The same applies to the sequence of steps d to f. The layers produced are again aligned with one another in step h as a material stack and structurally connected to one another in step i.

Further sequences of the method steps are possible, which result in further specific advantages in the sequence in production, for example in the material feed. Furthermore, material composites produced in advance can be fed into the production process. In addition, other layers, which have, for example, other circuit elements, or serve as carrier layers, are used, and increase the material stack.

It can be seen that only steps d and e (or step f, in which step e is repeated), and steps h and i are sequential.

The features in the examples shown can be used individually or combined with one another.

9 shows a sectional view of the leaky wave antenna 100 with alternative designs for longitudinal edge areas, which the longitudinal edge areas 401, 402 of 1 should replace.

In this example, the lower layer 130 and the upper layer 140 each extend beyond the first insulating layer 121 and the second insulating layer 122 and form optional transverse projections 413, 414, 415, 416 of the respective layer 130, 140, with other applications, only a transverse overhang can be provided.

The transverse projections 413, 414, 415, 416 can be used to achieve lateral electromagnetic sealing of the leaky wave antenna 100. As a result, undesired electromagnetic radiation from open longitudinal edge regions 401, 402 during operation of the leaky wave antenna 100 can be reduced if necessary. The transverse projections 413, 414, 415, 416 are used to electrically connect the bottom layer 130 and the top layer 140 together.

The lower layer 130 thus has a first transverse projection 414, 416, 424, 444 and the upper layer 140 has a second transverse projection 413, 415, 423, 433, 443, each in a plane transverse to the lines 110, 111. The transverse projections 413, 414, 415, 416, 423, 424, 433, 443, 444 protrude from the line layer 115 and the first insulating layer 121 and the second insulating layer 121.

The first and the second transverse projection 413, 414, 415, 416, 423, 424, 433, 443, 444 are connected to the other of the lower layer 130 and/or the upper layer 140 in a method step following step i.

Establishing a connection between the lower layer 130 and the upper layer 140 can be done in different ways, as shown in FIGS Figures 10 to 12 shown. There are advantageous embodiments for the transverse projections 413, 414, 415, 416 in the longitudinal edge regions 411, 412 provided which the longitudinal edge regions 401, 402 of 1 should be replaced accordingly.

In 10 a longitudinal edge region 421 of leaky wave antenna 100 can be seen in a sectional view, with the transverse projections 423, 424 each having a length that is shorter than the height of the material stack made up of the first insulating layer 121, the second insulating layer 122 and the embedded line layer 115 Thus, the transverse projections 423, 424 can be folded in and attached to the lateral terminations of the first and second insulating layer 121, 122 and connected to one another, for example by gluing using an electrically conductive adhesive.

Folding in the transverse projections 423, 424 can take place by appropriately guiding the lower and upper layers 130, 140, if necessary with the support of pressure rollers.

In 11 a longitudinal edge area 431 of the leaky wave antenna 100 can be seen in a sectional view, where the transverse overhang 433 has a length that is longer than the height of the material stack of the first insulating layer 121, the second insulating layer 122 and the conductor layer 115. A second transverse overhang has a length of zero, i.e. the second transverse overhang does not stand out. Therefore, in this example, the second lateral overhang of zero length is replaced by the lateral overhang 433. As an alternative, it can also be provided that the second transverse overhang protrudes slightly or is recessed in order to allow higher tolerances in production. The transverse projection 433 can thus be folded in and attached to the lateral ends of the first and second insulating layers 121, 122 and to the lower layer 130 and connected to one another, for example by gluing using an electrically conductive adhesive.

In 12 A longitudinal edge region 441 of leaky-wave antenna 100 can be seen in a sectional view, the transverse projections 443, 444 each having a length such that the lower layer 130 and the upper layer 140 can be connected directly to one another, for example by gluing using an electrically conductive adhesive.

In 13 the transverse core area 500 can be seen in a sectional view of the leaky wave antenna 100 . The statements of the 2 . Alternative designs for the lateral edge areas 511, 512 are shown which are the lateral edge areas 501, 502 of the 2 should replace.

The space formed between optional longitudinal projections 513, 514 can be used to accommodate an adapter element 550, 560, 570 for the leaky wave antenna 100. In other words, an adapter element 550, 560, 570 between the lower layer 130 and the upper layer 140 may be inserted.

In other applications, only one longitudinal overhang can be provided on one side of the leaky wave antenna, for example on the side on which the feed points 101, 102 are located.

However, it can also be provided that an adapter element is accommodated, for example, in the transverse edge area 512 .

The adapter element 550, 560, 570 can be provided, for example, for mechanical or electrical tasks.

A mechanical adapter element 550, 560, 570 can be provided, for example, to provide a mechanically stable layer by means of which the leaky wave antenna 100 can be attached to an operating location, for example when using the leaky wave antenna 100 in a communication system in a train, building or airplane . Fastening can be done using mechanical fasteners such as screws and mounting holes.

An electrical adapter element 550, 560, 570 can be provided, for example, to establish a mechanical and electrical connection from the leaky wave antenna 100 to an electrical connection element, such as a coaxial plug, which is attached to the adapter element 550, 560, 570. For this purpose, the adapter element 550, 560, 570 can be made, for example, from a circuit board material such as FR4 and corresponding conductor tracks on one or more layers for a respective planar coaxial stripline transition for the lines 110, 111, as well as optional electronic assemblies or high-frequency electronic assemblies such as transmitters , receivers, terminators or power measurement devices exhibit. Of course, another line type preferred for the respective application can also be provided for connecting the leaky wave antenna.

A combination of electrical and mechanical connecting elements can also be provided by means of the adapter element 550, 560, 570. In addition, additional reinforcement elements can be applied to the surfaces of the lower and upper layers 130, 140, for example by gluing, which connect the transverse edge area 501, 502, 511, 512 to the transverse core area 500.

The adapter element 550, 560 can easily be pushed into the composite material 303 in a respective insertion direction 561, 562, for example, and glued in the material stack. For this purpose, the adapter element 550, 560 should have the same thickness as specified by the volume between the longitudinal projections 513, 514. An adhesive layer can be provided between the longitudinal projections 513, 514 and the adapter element 550, for example by means of adhesive, in order to produce a mechanical connection.

The lower layer 130 has a first longitudinal overhang 514 and the upper layer 140 has a second longitudinal overhang 513, each in a plane along the at least one line 110, 111.

The longitudinal projections 513, 514 protrude from the line layer 115 and/or the first insulating layer 121 and/or the second insulating layer 121.

The adapter element 550, 560 is introduced between the respective projections in a method step following step i, as in 14 in a longitudinal section of the leaky wave antenna 100 along the production direction 301 or parallel to the lines 110, 111 shown. Furthermore, in the 13 a via 600 can be seen, which can be used to reduce an undesired emission of electromagnetic signals, which are fed into the lines 110, 111, from longitudinal edge regions 401, 402.

The via 600, which connects the lower layer 130, 230 to the upper layer 140, 240, can be introduced in a method step following step i. Multiple vias along the line are usually required to create electromagnetic shielding.

In 15 a further example of a transverse edge area 521 of the leaky wave antenna 100 is shown with a further example of an adapter element 570 in a section along the production direction 301. The adapter element 570 has the same thickness as the lower insulating layer 121 and is arranged adjacent to it.

A longitudinal overhang 524 of the lower layer 130 and/or a longitudinal overhang 523 of the upper layer 140 can each be connected to the adapter element 570 . If the adapter element 570 is designed as a printed circuit board, the longitudinal projections 523, 524 can be electrically connected to corresponding electrically conductive surfaces on the adapter element 570, for example by gluing with an electrically conductive adhesive.

Parts of the line layer 115, in particular the ends of the lines 110, 111 with the feed points 101, 102 have a corresponding longitudinal overhang 525, which protrudes beyond the lower insulating layer 121, and a corresponding Longitudinal shelter 527 from the upper insulating layer 122, behind which the line layer 115 remains.

The upper insulating layer 122 consequently has a longitudinal projection 526 compared to the lower insulating layer 121, which also projects beyond the longitudinal projection 525 of the line layer 115. This ensures electrical insulation between the longitudinal overhang 525 of the line layer 115 and the upper electrically conductive layer 140 .

The adapter element 570 can be introduced between the longitudinal overhang 525 of the line layer 115 and the longitudinal overhang 524 of the lower layer 130 and subsequently the material stack can be electrically conductively connected to the adapter element 570 .

The upper layer 140 is provided with a longitudinal projection 523 which projects beyond the projection of the upper insulating layer 526 and has a length which corresponds at least to the height of the upper insulating layer 122. The overhang 523 can be connected to the adapter element 570 to establish a mechanical and/or electrical connection, for example by gluing with an electrically conductive adhesive.

The adapter element 570 in the form of a single-sided, double-sided or multi-layer printed circuit board allows electrical signals to be led out from the core 400 of the leaky-wave antenna 100 to a connection, for example in the form of a plug and/or to electronic assemblies.

In 16 a dual-band mobile radio communication system 107 with a leaky wave antenna 100 is shown schematically. This ensures even radio coverage within of a wagon, which leads to improved transmission and reception performance for mobile devices in the wagon.

The features mentioned can be combined with one another, as a result of which further advantages of the invention can be achieved.

Reference list:

1, 2

production plant

100, 200

leaky antenna

101, 102, 201, 202

feed point

103, 105

slot length

104, 106

slot width

107

communication device

110, 111, 210, 211

Line

115, 215

line position

120, 220

insulating layer

121, 221

First layer of insulation

122, 222

Second layer of insulation

130, 230

Lower class

140, 240

Upper layer

150-153, 155-158, 250-253, 255-258

Antenna element, slot antenna

160-163, 165-168, 260-263, 265-268

Transverse distance, lateral distance

170-173, 175-178, 270-273, 275-278

Longitudinal distance from the feed point

280-283, 285-288

coupling structure

300, 400

production method

301

production direction

302, 383, 387

document

303, 304

composite material

310, 330, 340

Copper Tape Roll

321, 322

foam roller

350-356

idler pulley

360-363

Laminating device with preload roller guide

372, 374, 376, 378

transfer roll

371, 373, 375, 377, 381, 382

idler pulley

380

Cutting device, punching device with roller guide

384, 386

Rubber stamp

385

punch stroke

390

printing device

400, 500

core area

401, 402, 411, 412 421, 431, 441

Longitudinal edge area

501, 502, 511, 512, 521

transverse edge area

413, 414, 415, 416, 423, 424, 433, 443, 444

transverse overhang of the layer

513, 514, 523, 524

Longitudinal overhang of the layer

525

Longitudinal overhang of the cable layer

526

Longitudinal overhang of the upper insulating layer

527

Longitudinal shelter of the upper insulation layer

550, 560, 570

adapter, adapter element

551, 561

insertion direction

Claims (14)

1. Leaky-wave antenna (100), wherein at least one line (110, 111, 210, 211), each having a feed-in point (101, 102, 201, 202), is embedded in an insulating layer (120, 220), and the insulating layer (120, 220) is arranged between an electrically conducting lower layer (130, 230) and an electrically conducting upper layer (140, 240),

   wherein a multiplicity of antenna elements in the form of openings along the at least one line (110, 111, 210, 211) have been introduced in the upper layer (140, 240),

   and provided in each case between the at least one line (110, 111, 210, 211) and a respective antenna element (150-153, 155-158, 250-253, 255-258) from the multiplicity of antenna elements is a coupling means, which defines a respective coupling factor which describes the electromagnetic coupling between the at least one line (110, 111, 210, 211) and the respective antenna element (150-153, 155-158, 250-253, 255-258),

   and, proceeding from the respective feed-in point (101, 102, 201, 202), the coupling factor of the respective antenna element (150-153, 155-158, 250-253, 255-258) increases along the at least one line (110, 111, 210, 211), and the insulating layer (120, 220) has a first insulating ply (121, 221) and a second insulating ply (122, 222), which are preferably formed in each case by a foam material,

   wherein the lower layer (130, 230) has a first longitudinal overhang (513) and the upper layer (140, 240) has a second longitudinal overhang (514) in a plane longitudinally in relation to the at least one line (110, 111, 210, 211), which longitudinal overhangs (513, 514) project with respect to the conducting ply (115, 215) and/or the first insulating ply (121, 221) and/or the second insulating ply (121, 221), and also an adapter element (550, 560, 570) is inserted between the respective longitudinal overhangs (513, 514).
2. Leaky-wave antenna (100, 200) according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one line (110, 111, 210, 211) is arranged between the first insulating ply (121, 221) and the second insulating ply (122, 222).
3. Leaky-wave antenna (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the respective coupling means is formed by a transverse distance (160-163, 165-168) between the at least one line (110, 111, 210, 211) and the respective antenna element (150-153, 155-158, 250-253, 255-258), wherein the transverse distance (160-163, 165-168) is determined in a plane transversely in relation to the at least one line (110, 111, 210, 211).
4. Leaky-wave antenna (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the respective coupling means is formed by a coupling structure in the form of a directional coupler.
5. Leaky-wave antenna (100, 200) according to either of Claims 3 and 4, wherein the respective coupling means is formed or arranged between the first insulating ply (121, 221) and the second insulating ply (122, 222).
6. Communication device (103, 203) for use in an aircraft, a train or a building, comprising a leaky-wave antenna (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims.
7. Method (300, 400) for producing a leaky-wave antenna (100, 200) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the leaky-wave antenna (100, 200) has a multiplicity of antenna elements, at least one line (110, 111, 210, 211), each having a feed-in point (101, 102, 201, 202), and also a material composite (303, 304), and the following steps are performed:

   a. providing an electrically conducting material as the lower layer (130, 230) of the material composite (303, 304),

   b. providing a dielectric material as the first insulating ply (121, 221) of the material composite (303, 304) and connecting it to the lower layer (130, 230),

   c. providing an electrically conducting material as the conducting ply (115, 215) of the material composite (303, 304) that has the at least one line (110, 111, 210, 211),

   d. providing an electrically conducting material as the upper layer (140, 240) of the material composite (303, 304),

   e. introducing a respective antenna element (150-153, 155-158, 250-253, 255-258) from the multiplicity of antenna elements in the form of an opening into the upper layer (140, 240), wherein the opening is positioned within the material composite (330, 340) along the at least one line (110, 111, 210, 211),

   wherein provided in each case between the at least one line (110, 111, 210, 211) and the respective antenna element (150-153, 155-158, 250-253, 255-258) is a coupling means, which defines a respective coupling factor which describes the electromagnetic coupling between the at least one line (110, 111, 210, 211) and the respective antenna element (150-153, 155-158, 250-253, 255-258),

   and, proceeding from the feed-in point (101, 102, 201, 202), the coupling factor of the respective antenna element (150-153, 155-158, 250-253, 255-258) increases along the at least one line (110, 111, 210, 211),

   f. repeating step e for all the antenna elements (150-153, 155-158, 250-253, 255-258) from the multiplicity of antenna elements,

   g. providing a dielectric material as the second insulating ply (122, 222) of the material composite (303, 304) and connecting it to the upper layer (140, 240),

   h. arranging the conducting ply (115, 215) between the first insulating ply (121, 221) and the second insulating ply (122, 222) and forming a material stack with plies aligned in relation to one another,

   i. connecting the plies of the material stack and forming the material composite (303, 304),

   wherein, during the forming of the material stack, the plies are aligned with one another so as to form the leaky-wave antenna (100, 200), and the material stack is moved continuously in the direction of production (301),

   wherein, before the forming of the material stack, proceeding from the respective feed-in point (101, 102, 201, 202), the opening is introduced by means of a cutting device (380) at a fixed transverse distance (160-163, 165-168) from the at least one line (110, 111, 210, 211), which determines the coupling factor, in a plane transversely in relation to the direction of production (301),

   wherein the lower layer (130, 230) has a first longitudinal overhang (513) and the upper layer (140, 240) has a second longitudinal overhang (514) in a plane longitudinally in relation to the at least one line (110, 111, 210, 211),

   which longitudinal overhangs (513, 514) project with respect to the conducting ply (115, 215) and/or the first insulating ply (121, 221) and/or the second insulating ply (121, 221), and an adapter element (550, 560, 570) is introduced between the respective longitudinal overhangs in a method step following step i.
8. Method (300, 400) according to the preceding claim, wherein the cutting device (380) introduces the opening by punching, laser cutting or a combination thereof.
9. Method (300, 400) according to either of Claims 7 and 8, wherein the connecting takes place by laminating, adhesive bonding, pressing or a combination thereof.
10. Method (300, 400) according to one of Claims 7 to 9, wherein the respective coupling means for the respective antenna element (150-153, 155-158, 250-253, 255-258) is formed by the distance (260-262) between the respective antenna element (150-153, 155-158, 250-253, 255-258) and the at least one line (110, 111, 210, 211) in a plane transversely in relation to the at least one line (110, 111, 210, 211), whereby the coupling factor is determined.
11. Method (300, 400) according to one of Claims 7 to 10, wherein the lower layer (130, 230) has a first transverse overhang (413, 415, 423, 433, 443) and/or the upper layer (140, 240) has a second transverse overhang (414, 416, 424, 434, 444) in a plane transversely in relation to the at least one line (110, 111, 210, 211), which transverse overhangs (413, 414, 415, 416, 423, 424, 433, 443, 444) project with respect to the conducting ply (115, 215) and/or the first insulating ply (121, 221) and/or the second insulating ply (121, 221), and the first and/or second transverse overhang (413, 414, 415, 416, 423, 424, 433, 443, 444) is connected to the other respectively of the lower layer (130, 230) and/or the upper layer (140, 240) in a method step following step i.
12. Method (300, 400) according to one of Claims 7 to 11, wherein at least one plated-through-hole (600), which connects the lower layer (130, 230) to the upper layer (140, 240), is introduced in a method step following step i.
13. Method (400) according to one of Claims 7 to 12, wherein the respective coupling means for the respective antenna element (150-153, 155-158, 250-253, 255-258) is formed by a coupling structure, which determines the coupling factor between the at least one line (110, 111, 210, 211) and the respective antenna element (150-153, 155-158, 250-253, 255-258),
    wherein an electrically conducting material is provided as the coupling ply of the material composite (303, 304) and is structured appropriately for the respective antenna element (150-153, 155-158, 250-253, 255-258), and is arranged between the first insulating ply (121, 221) and the second insulating ply (122, 222) such that they are aligned in relation to one another, and all of the plies arranged such that they are aligned in relation to one another form the material stack before step i is performed.
14. Method (300, 400) according to the preceding claim, wherein the coupling ply corresponds to the conducting ply (115, 215) .

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