WO2017028955A1

WO2017028955A1 - Antenna device for receiving and/or transmitting radio signals

Info

Publication number: WO2017028955A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/001404
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andreas Seifert; Raphael MZYK
Original assignee: Diehl Metering Gmbh; Diehl Metering Systems Gmbh
Priority date: 2015-08-20
Filing date: 2016-08-17
Publication date: 2017-02-23
Also published as: DE102015010917A1

Abstract

Antenna device for receiving and/or transmitting radio signals, comprising an antenna and a retainer supporting the latter, wherein the ready-made, helically wound antenna (2) is screwed into a retaining structure (7) that is formed on the outside of the retainer (3) and the geometry of which corresponds to the helical geometry of the turns (4) of the antenna (2).

Description

Antenna device for receiving and / or transmitting radio signals

The invention relates to an antenna device for receiving and / or transmitting radio signals, comprising an antenna and a holder supporting it.

Antenna devices are used wherever data or information is to be received or transmitted by radio. An application example is the wireless communication of measuring devices such as water, gas or energy meters, or mobile phones, etc. The antenna device is arranged on or in the respective device and connected to a corresponding receiving and / or transmitting electronics to receive the radio signals or to transmit ,

It is known to helically wind the antenna, that is, that the antenna has a helical shape, wherein the windings are seen from each other mostly in the longitudinal direction of the antenna. Such a helical or helical antenna is either not supported, it is then an air coil, or fixed by means of a holder, wherein the holder has detachable lateral supports, which are clipped into the inner turns. By means of such a holder, it is indeed possible to fix the antenna mechanically stable and dimensionally accurate. However, it is very expensive to fix the side supports to the antenna by clipping the turns. The invention is therefore based on the problem to provide an antenna device, which is improved in contrast.

To solve this problem is provided according to the invention in an antenna device of the type mentioned that the prefabricated helically wound antenna is screwed into a trained on the outside of the holder support structure whose geometry corresponds to the helical geometry of the turns of the antenna.

The antenna device according to the invention has a one-piece holder, which screwed into the prefabricated helically wound antenna or to which the antenna ne is screwed on. On the outside of the holder, a corresponding, preferably groove-shaped holding structure is formed with a helical geometry in which the windings of the antenna are fixed. Since, as is further provided according to the invention, the geometry of the holding structure corresponds to the helical geometry of the turns, it is thus possible to screw the helically prefabricated antenna onto the holder, during which screwing the turns are directed and fixed in a forced position, that is They follow the geometry of the support structure. The winding structure remains unchanged, so that the antenna geometry does not change despite being fixed to the holder.

The antenna device is extremely simple in design, as it ultimately consists only of the pre-wound antenna and the holder, which are fixed in a simple manner by screwing together. The cumbersome Einclipsen the side supports on the windings and the fixation of the supports on the holder on which the antenna is plugged, is no longer present in the antenna device according to the invention. The holder of the antenna device according to the invention can be produced with high precision, so that the antenna, when fixed on the holder, has an exact geometry defined by the holder-side holding structure. This can be built in a reproducible manner similar antenna devices.

The holder preferably has a star-shaped geometry with at least three arms projecting from a center outwards, wherein the holding structure is depicted at the free ends of the arms. With such a star-shaped geometry, the holder is relatively easily conceived, since it has only the center and the arms projecting therefrom. Preferably, three arms are provided, but depending on the size of the antenna, four or more arms may be provided.

The holding structure is preferably in the form of grooves which lie on a common helical line executed. In these grooves, the turns are guided safely during the screwing process and, if the antenna is completely screwed on, also securely fixed.

Alternatively, it is also possible to use a holder which is executed in the manner of a framework and has edge struts on which the holding structure is formed. While the holder of the embodiment described above is virtually a solid component, the holder provided according to this embodiment of the invention is more or less an open, frame-like component. form, but z. B. also has a star-shaped geometry. Also, this holder has a corresponding holding structure, which in turn is designed in the form of a corresponding, helically encircling holding groove. However, this is located here on the edge struts, which run parallel to the holder longitudinal axis, that is, on their outer sides or edge regions, the holding structure is formed, in which the antenna is screwed.

The edge struts themselves are preferred. Connected to each other via star-shaped connecting sections, that is, this holder also has a quasi-star-shaped geometry in a plan view. Each connecting portion thus has a center, from which a corresponding arm runs to the respective edge strut. As an alternative to such a star-shaped geometry of the connecting sections, the edge struts can, of course, also be coupled via corresponding connecting sections extending from edge to edge strut such that a triangular geometry results for three edge struts, a quadrangular geometry is preferred for four edge struts provided star-shaped connection sections. In particular, three edge struts and consequently several, preferably at least three, each three-bar connecting sections are provided for forming the holder. Alternatively to the star-shaped geometry, it is also conceivable that the holder has a cylindrical outer shape, wherein the holding structure is formed as a circumferential helical groove. Here, therefore, the antenna is screwed onto the cylindrical holder, which has a corresponding helical retaining groove for this purpose. To reduce the holder weight, it is preferred if the holder is designed as a hollow cylinder.

Another geometric alternative holder provides to form the holder with a triangular, square or polygonal basic shape with rounded or bevelled edges on which the holding structure is formed. Again, the support structure is preferably in the form of grooves, which lie on a common helical line executed. Here too, the turns are received only locally in the grooves and are exposed on the flat surfaces of the support structure, so that they are only selectively fixed, comparable to the star-shaped geometry. To reduce weight, the holder can also be made hollow here. The groove or the grooves themselves preferably have a triangular or trapezoidal or roundish cross-section. They are dimensioned so that the turns are safe and are recorded in it without play. This is ensured by the triangular, trapezoidal or round geometry, a slippage of the turns within the grooves is excluded in this case. In a further development of the invention may be provided on the holder fastening elements for attachment to a third object such as on a circuit board of a measuring device or a mobile phone or the like. That is, over the holder also a simple attachment of the antenna device is possible. These fasteners can be designed as a clamp, clips or plug-and-catch elements. All of these types of attachment allow for easy fixation of the holder with screwed antenna on a third object.

Preferably, the fastening elements are arranged on protruding in the longitudinal direction of the holder mounting feet. This makes it possible to arrange the antenna at a defined distance from the third object, for example the circuit board.

The holder itself is as described preferably a one-piece component made of plastic. This means that the fastening elements, if provided, are also formed on the actual antenna body in a manner which, if provided, bears the fastening feet carrying them. Preferably, the holder is made of plastic, which allows its simple production in the context of an injection molding process. Any suitable plastic which is sufficiently stable on the one hand and any possible dielectric losses which may result from the contact surface of the antenna to the holder can be used as far as possible. In particular, the embodiments, in which the antenna is only selectively fixed to the holder, take this aim into account.

In addition to the antenna device, the invention further relates to a method for producing such an antenna device. This method is characterized in that the helically wound antenna is screwed onto the holder in its holding structure. In the context of production, therefore, the helically pre-wound, ie prefabricated antenna is screwed for fixing on the holder in its helical holding structure, about which the secure fixation of the antenna is achieved in the geometry defined on the support structure. According to a first alternative, a holder may be used, which has a star-shaped geometry with at least three arms projecting from a center outwards, wherein the holding structure is formed at the free ends of the arms, wherein preferably the holding structure in the form of grooves which on a common helical line lie is executed.

Alternatively, a holder may be used, which has a cylindrical outer shape, wherein the holding structure of the preferably hollow cylindrical holder is designed as a circumferential helical groove.

Finally, as a further alternative, a, preferably hollow, holder may be used, which has a triangular, square or polygonal basic shape with rounded or beveled edges on which the support structure is formed, wherein preferably the support structure in the form of grooves on a common helical line is executed.

The holder used may have a groove or grooves with a triangular or trapezoidal or round cross section. It is expedient if a holder is used on the fastening elements, in particular clamping, clips or plug-locking elements, are provided for attachment to a third object, wherein preferably the fastening elements are arranged on protruding in the longitudinal direction of the holder mounting feet. Furthermore, it is expedient if the holder has a holding element for a parallel to the holder longitudinal axis of the holder extending antenna section which is to be attached to a third object. The antenna is of course on the board, so the third object on which it is placed to contact accordingly. For this purpose, the antenna has a corresponding antenna section, a kind of stem, which is to be soldered on the board side. In order to enable an automatic setting of the finished antenna on the board, it is expedient to fix this antenna section according to the holder side, to which the holding element described serves. The antenna section is fixed to this holding element, so that it stands in a defined position or defined relative to the holder and, in the context of equipping, can also be arranged in a positionally correct manner on the third object. The holding element itself is preferably detachably arranged on the holder and fastened thereto in particular via a latching connection. This means that the retaining element is only later, so if the antenna is screwed onto the holder, attached to the holder and is pushed, for example, on a mounting foot or in the case of a scaffold-like executed holder on a Rändstrebe. The holding element may, for example, have a longitudinal bore, through which the antenna section is passed when pushed on, or a laterally open, U-shaped clamping receptacle or the like. Preferably, the retaining element is fixed via a latching connection on the holder respectively the mounting foot or the edge strut, that is, it is pushed into a defined detent position.

Finally, the holder used should be a one-piece component, in particular made of plastic, which makes its manufacture simpler and less expensive. The characteristics and advantages described for the antenna device apply equally to the method, and vice versa.

Further advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the embodiment described below and with reference to the drawings. Showing:

1 is an exploded view of an antenna device according to the invention of a first embodiment,

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the antenna device of FIG. 1. FIG

3 is a perspective view of a holder of a second embodiment,

4 shows a plan view of an antenna device with the holder according to FIG. 3, FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a holder of a third embodiment,

6 is a plan view of the antenna device comprising a holder of FIG.

5,

7 is a perspective view of an antenna device in a fourth embodiment, and FIG 8 shows a sectional view through the antenna device from FIG. 7.

Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of an antenna device 1 according to the invention, comprising an antenna 2 and a holder 3, which serves to fix the antenna 2, so that it is brought into an exact, defined geometry and permanently supported in this.

The antenna 2, usually made of a suitable wire, is helically or helically wound, that is, it consists of a helical sequence of individual turns 4, which screw up to the end of the antenna. It is already prefabricated, so pre-wound in the helical geometry, before being connected to the holder 3. The one-piece, made of plastic holder 3 is executed in this embodiment with a star-shaped geometry. From the center 5 are in this embodiment, three arms 6 radially from the side down. The holder 3 has a holding structure 7, which is formed here at the free ends of the arms 6 in the form of grooves 8. These grooves 8 of the three arms 6 complement each other geometrically, that is, they lie on a helical line. The overall geometry of this helical line defines the final geometry of the antenna 2 when fixed to the holder 3. For this purpose, it is necessary to introduce the antenna 2 respectively the windings 4 in the grooves 8. This happens because the antenna 2 is screwed with their turns 4 on the holder 3. In this case, the antennas or the leading first turn engages in the corresponding grooves 8. Upon further screwing follow the turns of the helical line, which is defined by the grooves 8, so that the antenna 2 is screwed in the end position, see Fig. 2, wholly on the holder 3. The individual turns 4 are fixed locally in the corresponding grooves 8 on the arms 6. The grooves 8 have a triangular, trapezoidal or rounded cross-sectional geometry, so that it is ensured that the individual turns 4 are received safely and without play on the groove base.

The holder 3 has at the lower end of each arm 6 a mounting foot 9, at whose lower end in each case a clamping, clips or plug-locking element 10 is provided. With this fastener, the holder 3 together with screwed antenna 2 on a third object, such as a board, are fixed. He is this einzuclipsen only with the clamping, clips or plug-locking elements 10 in corresponding receptacles on the board. The antenna 2 can hereafter be connected with its contact end readily with the associated transmitting and / or receiving electronics.

Fig. 3 shows a partial perspective view of a holder 3 of a second embodiment. This is executed here in cross section square, but it can also be performed triangular. The edges 11 of the holder 3 are executed rounded or bevelled and each carry the support structure 7, again in the form of individual grooves 8, which also here to complement a helical line respectively define such. The holder 3 is hollow, thus has a central recess or through hole 12.

For installation, the antenna 2, which is not shown here in detail, but nevertheless wound helically, screwed onto the here also one piece and made of plastic holder 3. The result is a supervisory geometry as shown in Fig. 4. Again, the turns 4 of the antenna 2 are local and free of play in the triangular, trapezoidal or rounded grooves 8. Although not shown in detail, the holder 3 of Fig. 3, 4 also with mounting feet 9 together with clamping, clip or plug-in detent Be provided elements 10.

Fig. 5 shows a third example of a holder 3, which is designed here as a cylindrical member. On its cylindrical outer side 21, the holding structure 7 is formed, but in the form of a single, helically encircling and triangular in cross-section, trapezoidal or round groove 8 which extends from the lower to the upper end of the holder 3. The holder has a central bore 12, so it is hollow cylindrical.

The helix or helically wound antenna 2 is in turn screwed onto the holder 3, which is also integral and made of plastic, in turn, as shown in FIG. Also in this embodiment, the individual turns 4 are fixed with high precision and without play in the holder-side holding structure 7.

Also in this embodiment, the hollow cylindrical holder 3 may be provided with mounting feet 9 and at their ends corresponding clamping, clips or plug-locking elements. FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment of an antenna device 1 according to the invention in the form of a schematic representation. It also includes an antenna 2 and a holder 3, which serves to fix the antenna 2, so that it is brought into an exact, defined geometry and permanently supported in just this.

The holder 3, in turn, preferably a one-piece plastic component, is executed here like a scaffold. It consists of three edge struts 13, which are connected to each other in the example shown via four connecting portions 14, each of which is star-shaped. Each connecting section 14 has three connecting arms 16 which originate from a center 15 and run to the respective edge struts 13. The connecting portions 14 are seen to be axially spaced apart, so that the overall result is an open, framework-like structure or a framework-like structure. The holding structure 7 - see in particular the sectional view of FIG. 8 - is designed in the form of grooves 8 on the outer sides of the edge struts 13, wherein also here the grooves 8 of the three edge struts 13 complement each other geometrically, that is, they lie on a helical line which defines the final geometry of the antenna 2 when fixed to the holder 3.

8, in which it can be seen that the holder 1 ultimately does not consist of a solid material, as the holder according to FIG. 1, but has an open, planar structure.

Fig. 7 further shows a holding element 17 which is arranged on a mounting foot 9 and is pushed onto this. As shown in FIG. 8, this holding element 17 is fixed via a latching connection 18 on the mounting foot 9 in the final assembly position. The holder 1 is supported here via the mounting foot 9 on the board, it has no clamping, clips or plug element 10 in comparison to the other mounting feet 9.

The holding element 17 serves to fix an antenna section 19, which - in particular Fig. 8 - runs parallel to the holder longitudinal axis, in its position. This antenna section is to be soldered to a board to which the antenna device 1 is to be fixed. About the holding member 17, it is held in a defined position. The holding element 17 has a longitudinal opening 20 through which the antenna section 19 engages when pushed onto the mounting foot 9. Like the holder 3, the holding element 17 is preferably made of plastic.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 antenna device

2 antenna

3 holders

4 turn

5 center

6 arm

7 holding structure

8 groove

9 mounting foot

10 clamping, clips, or plug-locking element

1 1 edge

12 through hole

13 edge strut

14 connecting section

15 center

16 connecting arm

17 retaining element

18 locking connection

19 antenna section

20 longitudinal opening

21 outside

Claims

claims

1. Antenna device for receiving and / or transmitting radio signals, comprising an antenna and a holder supporting it, characterized in that the prefabricated helically wound antenna (2) is formed in a holding structure (7) formed on the outside of the holder (3) ) whose geometry corresponds to the helical geometry of the turns (4) of the antenna (2) is screwed. 2. Antenna device according to claim 1, characterized in that the holder (3) has a star-shaped geometry with at least three from a center (5) outwardly projecting arms (6), wherein the support structure (7) at the free ends of the arms ( 6) is formed. 3. Antenna device according to claim 2, characterized in that the holding structure (7) in the form of grooves (8) which lie on a common helical line is executed.

4. Antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the holder (3) is executed like a frame and has edge struts (13) on which the holding structure (7) is formed.

5. Antenna structure according to claim 4, characterized in that the edge struts (13) via star-shaped connecting portions (14) are interconnected.

6. Antenna structure according to claim 5, characterized in that the holder (3) has three edge struts (13) and at least three each three-armed connecting portions (14).

7. Antenna device according to claim 1, characterized in that the holder (3) has a cylindrical outer shape, and that the holding structure (7) is designed as a circumferential helical groove (8). 8. Antenna device according to claim 7, characterized in that the holder (3) is hollow cylindrical. Antenna device according to claim 1, characterized in that the holder (3) has a triangular, quadrangular or polygonal basic shape with rounded or beveled edges (1 1), on which the holding structure (7) is formed.

Antenna device according to claim 9, characterized in that the support structure (7) in the form of grooves (8) which lie on a common helical line is executed.

Antenna device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the holder (3) is hollow.

Antenna device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the groove (8) or the grooves (8) have a triangular or trapezoidal or round cross-section.

Antenna device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that fastening elements (10) for fastening to a third object are provided on the holder (3).

Antenna device according to claim 13, characterized in that the fastening elements (10) are designed as clamping, clips or plug-locking elements.

Antenna device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the fastening elements (10) are arranged on fastening feet (9) projecting in the longitudinal direction of the holder (3).

Antenna device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holder (3) has a holding element (17) for a parallel to the holder longitudinal axis of the holder (3) extending antenna portion (19) to be attached to a third object.

17. Antenna device according to claim 16, characterized in that the holding element (17) releasably arranged on the holder (3) and in particular via a latching connection (18) is attached thereto. 18. Antenna device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holder (3) is a one-piece component.

19. Antenna device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holder (3) is made of plastic.

20. A method for producing an antenna device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the prefabricated helically wound antenna (2) is screwed onto the holder (3) in its support structure (7).

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that a holder (3) is used which has a star-shaped geometry with at least three of a center (5) outwardly projecting arms (6), wherein the support structure (7) to the free Ends of the arms (6) is formed, wherein preferably the support structure (7) in the form of grooves (8) which lie on a common helical line is executed.

A method according to claim 20, characterized in that a holder (3) is used, which is executed like a frame and has edge struts (13) on which the holding structure (7) is formed, wherein preferably the edge struts (13) via star-shaped connecting portions (1 ) are connected to each other and preferably a holder comprising three edge struts (13) and at least three each three-armed connecting portions (14) is used.

A method according to claim 20, characterized in that a holder (3) is used which has a cylindrical outer shape, wherein the holding structure (7) of the, preferably hollow cylindrical, holder (3) is designed as a circumferential helical groove (8). 24. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that a, preferably hollow, holder (3) is used, which has a triangular, quadrangular or polygonal ge basic shape with rounded or bevelled edges (1 1) on which the holding structure (7) is formed, wherein preferably the holding structure (7) in the form of grooves (8) lying on a common helical line is executed.

Method according to one of claims 20 to 24, characterized in that a holder (3) is used, the groove (8) or the grooves (8) have a triangular or trapezoidal or round cross-section.

Method according to one of claims 20 to 25, characterized in that a holder (3) is used, are provided on the fastening elements (10), in particular clamping, clips or plug-locking elements, for attachment to a third object.

A method according to claim 26, characterized in that a holder (3) is used, wherein the fastening elements (10) are arranged on in the longitudinal direction of the holder (3) projecting mounting feet (9).

Method according to one of claims 20 to 27, characterized in that a holder with a, preferably releasably arranged on the holder and in particular via a latching connection attached thereto holding element for a parallel to the holder longitudinal axis of the holder extending antenna portion which is to be attached to a third object used becomes. 29. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 28, characterized in that the holder (3) used is a one-piece component, in particular made of plastic.