Title of Invention	MOBILE RADIO ANTENNA HAVING A REFLECTOR
Abstract	The present invention relates to Mobile radio antenna having a reflector which has two longitudinal webs (5) which are provided on its longitudinal face regions, comprising : the reflector (1) comprises at least two reflector modules (3) which are assembled, antenna element arrangements (2) being arranged on each of the at least two reflector modules (3), the respective reflector (1) or the respective reflector module (3) is being electrically conductive, or is at least provided with a conductive surface, characterized by the following features : the reflector module (3) is integrally connected to the two longitudinal webs (5) and to at least one lateral web (7) at the end, and is formed from a casting, a thermoformed or deep-drawn part, a stamped part or a milled part, and a holding and / or attachment device (27) is provided on the at least one end of transverse web (7) for attachment to a second reflector module (3), and can be used to fix the at least two reflector modules (3) firmly to one another.

Title of Invention

MOBILE RADIO ANTENNA HAVING A REFLECTOR

Abstract

The present invention relates to Mobile radio antenna having a reflector which has two longitudinal webs (5) which are provided on its longitudinal face regions, comprising : the reflector (1) comprises at least two reflector modules (3) which are assembled, antenna element arrangements (2) being arranged on each of the at least two reflector modules (3), the respective reflector (1) or the respective reflector module (3) is being electrically conductive, or is at least provided with a conductive surface, characterized by the following features : the reflector module (3) is integrally connected to the two longitudinal webs (5) and to at least one lateral web (7) at the end, and is formed from a casting, a thermoformed or deep-drawn part, a stamped part or a milled part, and a holding and / or attachment device (27) is provided on the at least one end of transverse web (7) for attachment to a second reflector module (3), and can be used to fix the at least two reflector modules (3) firmly to one another.

Full Text	MOBILE RADIO ANTENNA HAVING A REFLECTOR The invention relates to a mobile radio antenna having an associated reflector. Mobile radio antennas for mobile radio base stations are normally- constructed such that two or more antenna element arrangements, which are located one above the other, are provided in the vertical direction in front of a reflector plane. These antenna element arrangements are formed, for example, from dipoles or patch antenna elements. These may be antenna element arrangements which can transmit, and can transmit and receive at the same time, only in one polarization or, for example, in two mutually perpendicular polarizations. The entire antenna arrangement may in this case be designed for transmission in one band or in two or more frequency- bands by using, for example, two or more antenna elements and antenna element groups which are suitable for the various frequency bands. Depending on the requirements, mobile radio antennas are required which have different length variants. The length variants in this case depend, inter alia, on the number of individual antenna elements or antenna element groups to be provided, in which case identical or similar antenna element arrangements are generally arranged repeatedly one above the other. An antenna such as this or an antenna array such as this in this case has a common reflector for all the antenna element arrangements. This common reflector is normally formed by a reflector plate which may be stamped, curved and bent depending on the requirement, in order, for example, to make it possible to form a reflector edge area, which projects forwards from the reflector plane, on the two opposite side vertical edges. Furthermore, if required, additional sheet-metal parts may be soldered on the reflector. The use of profiles is also known, for example extruded profiles made of aluminum etc., which are likewise fitted on or in front of the reflector plane. Antenna arrangements having reflectors whose longitudinal faces have longitudinal webs which project forwards from the reflector plane have been disclosed, for example, in WO 99/62138 Al, US 5,710,569 A or EP 0 916 169 Bl. However, costly, complex, three-dimensional functional surfaces for the antenna element arrangements are advantageous, or even necessary, for certain applications. Until now, a large number of connecting points and contact points have been required on the reflector in order to produce such surrounding conditions for the antenna element arrangement. Some of the parts and components which are used are in this case also still in some cases made of different materials. However, this results in a number of disadvantages. Firstly, the large number of different parts and the major assembly effort associated with them are disadvantageous.overall these result in comparatively high production costs. However, another disadvantage is the large number of contact points. However, a large number of contact points can contribute to undesirable intermodulation products. Adequate functional reliability can in this case be achieved only by taking the greatest possible care during assembly. On the other hand, the antennas that are produced in this way always have a restricted function and load capability since, particularly in the case of unsuitable material combinations or even if there are only a small number of bad contact points, it may not be possible to comply with the requirements relating to the undesirable intermodulation products. If a test run of the checked polar diagram of an antenna reveals problems, then in this case it is also not immediately possible to state which contact points may have contributed to the deterioration in the intermodulation characteristics. The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved capability to produce antennas with high quality characteristics, by means of which it is furthermore intended to be possible to produce antennas of different physical sizes with comparatively little complexity and to a high quality standard. According to the invention, the object is achieved by the features of the reflector for a mobile radio antenna, as described hereinafter. Advantageous refinements of the invention are specified in the following detailed description of the invention. The invention proposes a solution for constructing different length variants of antennas with the same or a similar function with comparatively little complexity. In this case, the reflector devices may also be used for antennas of different construction which may, for example, hold different antenna elements or antenna element assemblies. Finally, even complex, three-dimensional surrounds with functional surfaces in the transverse and/or longitudinal direction or in other directions of the reflector can be produced using simple means. Functional surfaces such as these may, however, also be produced, for example, aligned at an angle to the major axis, that is to say generally at an angle to the vertical axis in which the reflector extends. At the same time, the antenna or reflector configuration according to the invention makes it possible to considerably reduce the number of contact points. In turn, this makes it possible to reduce the large number of different parts and the assembly effort, with a high degree of functional integration as well. The invention now provides for a reflector to be constructed from at least two separate reflector modules, which may be mounted jointly, for example in the vertical direction in an extension of their vertical axis. In order to produce an overall arrangement which is mechanically robust from at least two or more reflector modules which can be fitted to one another in the vertical direction, and which overall arrangement furthermore also has the desired characteristic values from the electrical point of view for the antenna element arrangement which is provided on each reflector module, at least the basic version of each reflector module is formed integrally, specifically preferably using a casting, deep-drawing, thermoforming, stamping or milling method. The expression master gauge method is also used in this connection in some cases. The reflector module may thus, for example, be formed from an aluminium cast part or generally from a metal casting or else from a plastic injection-molded part, which is then provided with a metalized surface on one surface, or at least on both opposite surfaces. The invention can also be produced using a tixo casting method or else, for example, by milling, in this case, the reflector module preferably has a circumferential rim, at least on its two longitudinal faces and on at least one narrower transverse face, but preferably on both of its longitudinal faces and on both of its end faces. Thus, not only are lateral boundary webs or boundary surfaces which project transversely with respect to the reflector plane provided on the two opposite vertical faces but, in addition, one or in each case one boundary web or a boundary surface is provided on at least one of the end faces, and preferably on both opposite end faces. Each reflector module in this case also has at least one fixed integrated central transverse web, which comprises at least one upper and one lower field for antenna element arrangements which can be used there. At least two antenna element surrounds are thus defined for each reflector module and these antenna element surrounds are produced by an end-face boundary wall, two sections of the vertical side longitudinal boundaries and the at least one web wall which runs transversely with respect to the side boundary walls. Fundamentally, a reflector module formed in this way is then also suitable for being joined to at least one further reflector module, for example of the same physical type, at the end face to form an entire reflector arrangement with a greater vertical extent. One preferred embodiment provides for a final reflector to be formed from at least two reflector modules which are joined together with the same orientation. In an alternative refinement of the invention, it is also possible to join the end faces of two reflector modules together, with the two reflector modules being aligned with their basic shapes at 180° to one another. This assembly has been found to be particularly advantageous when the two opposite end face surfaces have different shapes, that is to say when only one end face surface is suitable for actually joining it to a next reflector module. Finally, however, reflector modules may also be joined together with different shapes but with a comparable basic structure, as described above. As is known, the forces which act on a reflector and the operating loads which are produced by the actions of these forces, for example resulting from vibration, wind and storms, should not be underestimated. Loads such as these naturally occur particularly strongly at the junction point in a reflector arrangement according to the invention when using at least two modules whose end faces are joined together. In this case, however, moving and undefined contacts should also not be used in order to avoid undesirable intermodulation problems. One particularly preferred embodiment of the invention therefore provides for the corresponding end walls, i.e. the end-face transverse webs, to be appropriately matched for joining together at least two reflector modules and, for this purpose, for them preferably to have attachment points which are offset with respect to one another in two planes. This makes it possible firstly to transmit and to absorb comparatively large moments, while at the same time providing functionally reliable electrical contact points. In this case, an electrically conductive contact can be made between the two reflector modules in the area of their end walls that are joined together, or else they can also be connected to one another without any electrically conductive connection, for example by inserting an insulating intermediate layer, for example a plastic layer or some other dielectric, between them. In some circumstances, a damper material can also preferably be used for the intermediate joint for an insulating layer such as this, which means that the two reflector module halves may even oscillate to a certain extent with respect to one another, to a restricted extent, even in a severe storm. This thus serves to improve the mechanical reliability. The offset plane of the attachment points, that has been mentioned, also serves to ensure that shape discrepancies are not additive at the connecting interface or, if necessary, can be compensated for with comparatively few problems, that is to say in other words in such a way that production tolerances can be compensated for. If, for optimization of the polar diagram of an antenna, it is necessary to attach additional metallic elements at specific points in the reflector, then, in one development of the invention, these additional elements may be used, for example, in the form of electrically conductive strips, webs etc., by means of separate holding devices, preferably electrically nonconductive holding devices which are preferably formed from plastic or from some other dielectric, which can be fitted to the existing intermediate webs or side boundary wall sections, and between which the metallic elements which have to be inserted in addition can then be hooked in. This capacitive anchoring then once again furthermore avoids undesirable intermodulation products. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the invention provides for a reflector module which has been produced using a casting, deep-drawing, thermoforming or stamping method, or for example alternatively using a milling method, preferably to have further integrated parts, or parts of further components, which are required in particular in conjunction with an antenna, on the rear face of the reflector module, opposite the antenna element modules. This allows functional integration to be achieved in the reflector, associated with further significant advantages. The following functional elements may, for example, be integrated in the reflector module without any problems: It is thus possible also to integrally form outer conductor contours for carrying radio-frequency signals, for example a grooved cable, coaxial cable, stripline etc., on the front face or else in particular also on the rear face of the reflector. In the same way, contours may be integrally formed for electromagnetic screening of assemblies. Housing parts for RF components such as filters, diplexers, distributors and phase shifters may also be integrally formed, such that all that need be done after incorporation of the additional functional parts in these assemblies is to fit a cover as well. Particularly if metalized plastic parts are used as the basis for the reflector, complete cable structures can also be integrated by suitable measures such as hot stamping, two-component injection molding methods, laser processing, etching methods or the like ("three-dimensional printed circuit board"). Finally, however, interfaces for holding components for attachment or mounting as well as interfaces for accessories, for example in the form of attachment flanges, heat flanges etc., can also be provided. The invention will be explained in more detail in the following text with reference in which, in detail: Figure 1: shows a schematic plan view of a reflector comprising two reflector modules which are arranged vertically one above the other; Figure 2: shows a perspective illustration of two reflector modules, which are arranged in the vertical direction with respect to one another, before being joined together; Figure 3a: shows an enlarged perspective detailed illustration to show how two reflector modules are configured and joined together at their end-face boundary sections which point towards one another; Figure 3b: shows an illustration corresponding to Figure 3a, but after the two reflector modules have been joined together by their end faces; Figure 4: shows an illustration corresponding to Figure 3, but seen from the rear face; Figure 5: shows a perspective illustration of a detail of the reflector module with additional, preferably dielectric, holding and attachment elements for holding further beam forming parts in the form of strips, rods etc.; Figure 6: shows a perspective rearward view of a reflector module with integrally formed functional points; Figure 7: shows a cross-sectional illustration through the reflector in the area of the functional part which is shown in Figure 6 and is provided on the rear face of the reflector; and Figure 8: shows a further perspective detail of a rearward view of a reflector module with a differently shaped functional part. Figure 1 shows a schematic plan view of a reflector 1 which, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, is formed from two reflector modules 3 whose end faces are joined together and in each of which four antenna element arrangements 2 are arranged one above the other in the vertical direction. The illustrated antenna element modules are, from the electrical point of view, modules in the form of cruciform antenna elements which radiate, that is to say can transmit and receive, two mutually perpendicular polarizations. These are preferably antenna elements arranged in an X-shape, in which the polarization planes are aligned at angles of plus 45° to minus 45° with respect to the horizontal and vertical. This specifically illustrated and indicated type of antenna element is known for example, from the prior application WO 00/39894. To this extent, reference is made to this prior application, which is included in the content of the present application. However, instead of this, any other desired antenna element arrangements, for example in the form of dipole squares, cruciform antenna elements, single-polarized dipole antenna elements or other antenna elements or antenna element devices, including patch antenna elements, may also be used. The reflector as described in more detail above and in the following text is intended in particular for a mobile radio antenna, that is to say in particular for a corresponding antenna in a base station (base station antenna). As can also be seen in particular from the perspective illustration in Figure 2, each reflector module has in each case two longitudinal webs 5 provided on the longitudinal face regions and two end-face transverse face webs 7 (which are also referred to below for short as transverse webs 7), which are formed in a manner of a reflector boundary wall or boundary web, boundary flange etc., and project transversely with respect to the plane of the reflector 1, preferably at right angles to the plane of the reflector plate. The height above the plane 1' of the reflector 1 may in this case be modified, and differ within wide ranges, depending on the desired characteristic polar diagram properties of an antenna constructed in this way. The reflector modules 3 are, for example, using a metal die-casting method, using an injection-molding method for example in the form of a plastic injection-molding method, in which the plastic is then coated on at least one face, preferably all the way round, at least with a conductive metalized surface. However, in principle, it would also be possible to use reflector parts which may have been produced using a deep-drawing or thermoforming method, a stamping method, using a so- called tixo casting method, or else, for example, by means of a milling method. In places, the following text also speaks of a master gauge method, although this term does not cover all the production methods mentioned above. In the described exemplary embodiment, each of the reflector modules also has four transverse webs 9 which are arranged spaced apart from one another at the vertical interval of the illustrated reflector, and which are likewise also produced using a master gauge method as mentioned above. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, five antenna element surrounds are produced in this way for each reflector module 3 and are each formed by a section of the two outer side boundary walls and by two central or transverse webs 9, which are spaced apart from one another, or by a transverse web 9 and one of the two end-face boundary walls 7. A series of holes are incorporated by means of apertures 13 in the plane 1' of the reflector 1 in each such antenna element surround 11, on which the desired single-polarized or, for example, dual-polarized antenna element modules can then be firmly anchored and fitted to the reflector 1. The antenna element modules themselves, in particular dipole antenna element structures or patch antenna element structures, may have widely different shapes. In this context, reference is made to already known antenna elements and antenna element types which are common knowledge to those skilled in the art. Merely by way of example, reference is in this context made to the antenna element structures which are known from the prior publications DE 198 23 749 Al or WO 00/39894, which are all suitable for the present situation. In the same way, the reflector module may also be used for antennas and antenna arrays which transmit and receive not only in one frequency band but in two or more frequency bands by, for example, fitting antenna element arrangements which are suitable for different frequency bands in the individual antenna element surrounds. To this extent, reference is once again made to already known fundamental solutions. Thus, in other words, the antenna elements which can be formed in the antenna element surrounds comprise, for example, dipole antenna elements, that is to say single dipole antenna elements which operate in only one polarization or in two polarizations, for example comprising cruciform dipole antenna elements or dipole antenna elements in the form of a dipole square, so-called vector dipoles which transmit and receive cruciform beams, such as those which are known from WO 00/39894, or antenna element arrangements which can transmit and receive in one polarization or two mutually perpendicular polarizations, for example also using two or three frequency bands, or more, rather than just one. This also applies to the use of patch antenna elements. To this extent, the arrangement of the reflector modules is not restricted to specific antenna element types. In the described exemplary embodiment, the reflector 1 is assembled in two identical antenna element modules 3, to be precise with them being joined together at their end-face or transverse face boundaries 7 that are provided for this purpose. This is because a threaded hole attachment 15, which projects in the fitting direction and whose axial axis is aligned transversely with respect to the plane of the reflector plate, is provided there, offset from the central longitudinal plane, (that is to say from a central longitudinal plane which runs in the center of the reflector 1, in its longitudinal direction, and is at right angles to the reflector plane) towards the outer edge, and preferably extending over part of the height transversely with respect to the reflector plane 1' . A threaded hole attachment 17 which projects inwards is then formed on the other side to the abovementioned vertical central longitudinal plane, in such a way that, with antenna element modules 3 which are aligned offset through 180° with respect to one another, as illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, the end face side boundary surfaces 7 of these two antenna element modules 3 can now be moved towards one another so that the respective threaded hole attachment 15 which projects on each end face of the respective antenna element module 3 engages in a corresponding recess or hole 17' on the other end face of the adjacent antenna element module 3, which is adjacent in the axial direction to the threaded hole attachment 17 which projects inwards. In this case, the threaded hole 15' which is incorporated in the attachment 15 which projects on each end face comes to rest, in a plane view, directly in an axial extension underneath the hole 17' in the attachment 17, which projects inwards, on the respective second reflector module 3, so that a screw 18 can be screwed into the threaded holes 15' or holes 17' , which are each arranged in pairs one above the other. In this case, the hole 17' preferably has an at least slightly larger internal diameter, compared with the internal cross section of the threaded hole 15', so that the relevant screw can be passed freely through the hole 17' without becoming jammed. Finally, instead of a threaded hole 15', it is possible to provide just an unthreaded hole, specifically when an appropriate self-tapping screw is screwed into this hole 15'. The corresponding attachments 15 and 17 are thus provided at different heights on each transverse web 7, which is also sometimes referred to below as transverse boundary wall 7, on each of the two reflector modules 3, so that they can be joined together in a relative position rotated through 180°, as shown in Figures 3a and 3b. The overall dimensions and shapes in this case are such that the two end-face transverse webs 7 of the two reflector modules 3 make a fixed contact with one another in this position, and only in this position. Since, furthermore, the threaded hole attachments 15 and 17 are offset outwards from the vertical central longitudinal plane and are each formed at a different height on each reflector module 3 (with respect to the plane 1' of the reflector 1), this results in optimum two-point support, which can absorb high forces, including wind and vibration forces. If necessary, before the two end-face transverse webs 7 of the two reflector modules are joined together, an intermediate material, which is used as a damper, can also be inserted like a sandwich between the two end faces 7, which rest against one another, of two adjacent reflector modules 3 which are fitted to one another. This also makes it possible to allow the two reflector modules to oscillate with respect to one another to a minor extent, which may have advantages, particularly when the antenna is subject to very strong forces in severe storms, and to vibration. As can also be seen from Figures 3a, 3b and 4, it is also possible to use additional connecting lugs 21, which connect the two reflector modules 3, from each of which a screw 23 can be screwed in one reflector module 3, and the second screw 24 can be screwed in from the bottom face of the respective other reflector module 3. The one or more connecting lugs in this case overhang the separating surface which separates the two reflector modules 3. The following text refers to Figure 5, which shows a detail of two radiation surrounds 11 of a reflector module. In this case, nonconductive holding or attachment devices 27 are fitted to each of the existing transverse webs 9, which are formed in the course of the master gauge process, and these holding or attachment devices 27 are provided with recesses in the form of slots, in order in this case to make it possible, for example, to use a further electrically conductive functional parts which are used for beam forming and/or for decoupling and which, to be precise, can be used capacitively. This is because the holding and attachment devices 27 are electrically nonconductive, and are preferably made of plastic or from some other suitable dielectric. The capacitive attachment of the said functional parts 29 likewise further suppresses undesirable intermodulation products. Furthermore, the supplementary attachment and incorporation which may be required in the radiation surrounds 11 by means of the said holding and attachment device 27 is comparatively simple and is feasible in a very highly variable manner. Alternatively or additionally, it is likewise possible (although this is not illustrated in any more detail in the drawing) for the holding and attachment devices 27 that have been mentioned not to be provided, or to be provided not only on the transverse webs 9, but, for example, also on the transverse face boundaries 7 and/or on the longitudinal face boundaries 5, that is to say such that they can be anchored there, for example by fitting them in place, snapping them on, etc. Furthermore - as can also be seen from the drawings, for example Figure 5 - further anchoring sections 28, which are provided with holes 31 that are aligned transversely with respect to the plane 1' of the reflector, are provided on the transverse struts 9 that are provided in the factory, to which anchoring sections 28 it is possible to fit, for example, additional components which are used for beam forming and/or for decoupling, for example functional parts in the form of pins or rods etc. which extend at right angles to the plane 1' of the reflector. The holes 31 thus extend at right angles to the plane 1' of the reflector, with the holding and attachment devices 28 being in the form of reinforcing sections in the transverse struts 9 or else, if . required and as shown in the illustration in Figures 3a and 3b on the transverse face boundaries 7. The following text refers to Figures 6 and 7. Figures 6 and 7 will be used, by way of example only, to describe how further functional parts 29 can be integrated on the reflector in the course of the production method, which has been mentioned, for the reflector modules, preferably on their lower face (but if necessary also on the upper face to which the antenna elements are fitted). Figures 6 and 7 show outer conductor sections of a connecting and feed structure on the lower face for two antenna elements which are located vertically adjacent. The outer conductor contour which projects downwards from the plane 1' of the reflector 1 and is in the form of a circumferential housing web 3 5 is in this case used as an outer conductor. Inner conductors 43, for example, can then be anchored therein via holding devices 37, which can be inserted between these housing webs 35, are preferably nonconductive and are made of plastic. Coaxial cables 41 for example, can then be connected via feed points 39 that are likewise provided, by, for example, making electrically conductive contact between the outer conductor of the coaxial cable and the circumferential housing web 35, which carries out the outer conductor function while, on the other hand and electrically isolated from this the inner conductor of the coaxial cable is electrically conductively connected at some suitable point to the inner conductor 43 which is provided in the interior of the distributor formed in this way. The inner conductor is then passed so far in this connecting structure and is passed via one of the holes that are provided in the reflector plate to the other reflector plane, in order to produce an electrically conductive connection there for the antenna elements that are provided there. However, other functional parts may likewise also be provided in the reflector according to the invention, that is to say not only outer conductor structures and outer conductor contours for cables for radio-frequency signals, for example in the form of grooved cables, coaxial cables or striplines, but, for example, also contours for electromagnetic screens, housing parts for RF components such as filters, diplexers, distributors, phase shifters or, for example, also in the form of interfaces for holders, attachments, accessories etc. The exemplary embodiments which have been explained have been used to describe how two identical antenna element modules can be joined firmly together by in each case one end wall-face transverse web 7. The opposite end faces are in this case of different designs, so that they can be joined together according to the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 4 on only one end web 7. For this purpose, the identically shaped reflector modules 3 are aligned rotated through 180° relative to one another in order to join them together. However, differently shaped antenna element modules can also be joined together in the vertical direction if they are each designed appropriately on at least one end wall, in order to make it possible to fix them firmly to one another there via a suitable holding and attachment device 27. Finally, however, more than two reflector modules, for example three or four etc., can also be joined together in the vertical direction or else in the horizontal direction at the sides to form an entire antenna array. If two or more reflector modules are joined together vertically, all that is then necessary is for at least the reflector modules which are arranged in the central area to be configured both on their upper and on their lower end wall regions 7 such that they can be joined to a next reflector module which is located adjacent. The special feature of the functional parts which are to be mentioned is thus that a part of an additional functional part, for example the outer boundary which is used as an outer conductor is part of the reflector arrangement for a connecting device or for a phase shifter right from the start, so that these components just need to have further functional components or other components added to them to achieve a complete assembly. The following text also refers to Figure 8, which illustrates a further example for a different functional part. An outer boundary, that is to say a circumferential housing web 35 is shown here, connected to the reflector material and on the same level. The reflector itself in this case forms the bottom, while the housing web 35 forms the outer boundary. This functional part 29 may be used, for example, as a phase shifter arrangement which is provided on the rear face of the reflector. The phase shifters may in this case be constructed in the manner which is known in principle from the prior publication WO 01/13459 Al. To this extent, reference is made to this prior publication, whose contents are included in the present application. Thus, one or more concentrically arranged stripline sections, which are in the form of partial circles, can be accommodated in the corresponding configuration shown in Figure 8 and interact with a pointer-like adjustment element, via which the path length to the two connected antenna elements or antenna element groups, and hence the phase angle for the antenna element, can be adjusted and set in order, for example, to make it possible to set a different down tilt angle. Any other desired different types of functional parts with other functions and tasks may be formed at least partially, in precisely the same way in the factory, on the reflector, preferably on its rear face. Once the further elements that are to be installed (but which are not shown in the drawings) for the functional part have been installed appropriately, the installation space which is formed by the reflector base and the circumferential housing web 35 can be closed by attaching and fitting a cover arrangement which, depending on the application, is electrically conductive, preferably formed from a metal part, or can otherwise also be formed from a plastic or dielectric part or the like. WE CLAIM: 1. Mobile radio antenna having a reflector which has two longitudinal webs (5) which are provided on its longitudinal face regions, comprising : the reflector (1) comprises at least two reflector modules (3) which are assembled, antenna element arrangements (2) being arranged on each of the at least two reflector modules (3), the respective reflector (1) or the respective reflector module (3) is being electrically conductive, or is at least provided with a conductive surface, characterized by the following features : the reflector module (3) is integrally connected to the two longitudinal webs (5) and to at least one lateral web (7) at the end, and is formed from a casting, a thermoformed or deep-drawn part, a stamped part or a milled part, and a holding and / or attachment device (27) is provided on the at least one end of transverse web (7) for attachment to a second reflector module (3), and can be used to fix the at least two reflector modules (3) firmly to one another. 2. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the reflector module (3) comprises a die- cast part, in particular a metal cast part, preferably an aluminum cast part and / or a metal part produced using the tixo casting method. 3. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the reflector module (3) comprises a die- cast or injection-molded part, preferably a plastic injection-molded part with a metalized surface. 4. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the reflector (1) has at least two identical reflector modules (3). 5. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the reflector (1) has at least two different reflector modules (3). 6. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one reflector module (3) can be joined to an adjacent reflector module (3), or are fixed to one another there, on its first end- face transverse web (7) or on its opposite second end-face transverse web (7). 7. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least two reflector modules (3) of a reflector (1) are designed on their end transverse webs (7) such that they can be fixed to one another or are mounted on one another in only one fitting direction. 8. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least two reflector modules (3) are conductively electrically connected to one another, preferably on their two end-face transverse webs (7) on which they are mounted on one another. 9. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least two reflector modules (3) of a reflector (1) are fixed to one another such that the two end-face transverse webs (7) which are adjacent to one another of two reflector modules (3) which are arranged such that they are adjacent are electrically conductively connected to one another. 10. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in Claim 9, wherein an insulating intermediate layer or device, preferably a plastic layer and / or a dielectric, is inserted between the two end-face transverse webs (7) on which two adjacent reflector modules (3) are fixed to one another. 11. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 10, wherein at least two reflector modules (3) of a reflector (1) have a damping material or a damping layer between their two end-face transverse webs (7). 12. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the at least two reflector modules (3) of a reflector (1) have attachment points and / or attachments (15) in the area of their end- face transverse webs (7) in order to produce mutual fixing and stabilization, which are provided or formed on different planes parallel to the reflector plane. 13. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 12, wherein an attachment (15) which is offset outwards towards a longitudinal web (5) from a central longitudinal plane which runs through the reflector module (3) in the center and is at right angles to the reflector plane projects in the fitting direction on at least one end-face transverse web (7), and in that an attachment (17) which points inwards is provided more closely on the other side of the central longitudinal plane, and hence of the opposite longitudinal webs (5), with the attachment (15) which projects outwards and the attachment (17) which extends inwards being arranged at two different height levels, such that, when two reflector modules (3) are joined together, the respectively formed attachments (15, 17) are rotated through 180° with respect to one another and can be connected to one another via attachment means, which run transversely with respect to the plane (1') of the reflector (1), preferably in the form of screws (23). 14. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 13, wherein nonconductive and / or dielectric holding attachment devices (27) can be anchored, preferably fitted, or can be snapped etc., to the transverse struts (9), and functional parts (29) which are used for beam forming and / or for decoupling can be inserted on these holding attachment devices (27), without making electrical contact with the reflector. 15. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in Claim 14, wherein the functional parts (29) are formed from metalized strips or metal strips, metalized pins or metal pins. 16. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 15, wherein at least one holding and / or attachment device (28) which is preferably in the form of a reinforcing section is provided in at least one transverse strut (9) and / or at least one transverse web (7) and / or longitudinal web (5), and a hole which preferably runs transversely with respect to the plane (1') of the reflector module (3) is formed by further functional parts in this holding and/or attachment device (28). 17. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one additional integrated functional part (29) is provided on the reflector module (3), preferably in the form of outer conductor contours and / or housing contours for cables for RF signals, grooved cables, coaxial cables or striplines, or contours for electromagnetic screens or housing parts for RF components such as filters, diplexers, distributors, phase shifters and the like. 18. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the at least one further functional part (29) which is provided is arranged on that face of the reflector module (3) which faces to the rear with respect to the antenna elements. 19. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the at least one functional part (29) is provided on the front face of the reflector module (3), facing the antenna elements. 20. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 19, wherein the reflector module (3) is produced together with two transverse webs (7), whose end faces are opposite, and / or with at least one further transverse web (9), which runs transversely with respect to the longitudinal webs (5), using a casting process, a deep-drawing, thermoforming or stamping process, or a milling process. The present invention relates to Mobile radio antenna having a reflector which has two longitudinal webs (5) which are provided on its longitudinal face regions, comprising : the reflector (1) comprises at least two reflector modules (3) which are assembled, antenna element arrangements (2) being arranged on each of the at least two reflector modules (3), the respective reflector (1) or the respective reflector module (3) is being electrically conductive, or is at least provided with a conductive surface, characterized by the following features : the reflector module (3) is integrally connected to the two longitudinal webs (5) and to at least one lateral web (7) at the end, and is formed from a casting, a thermoformed or deep-drawn part, a stamped part or a milled part, and a holding and / or attachment device (27) is provided on the at least one end of transverse web (7) for attachment to a second reflector module (3), and can be used to fix the at least two reflector modules (3) firmly to one another.

Full Text

MOBILE RADIO ANTENNA HAVING A REFLECTOR
The invention relates to a mobile radio antenna having an associated
reflector.
Mobile radio antennas for mobile radio base stations are normally-
constructed such that two or more antenna element arrangements, which
are located one above the other, are provided in the vertical
direction in front of a reflector plane. These antenna element
arrangements are formed, for example, from dipoles or patch antenna
elements. These may be antenna element arrangements which can
transmit, and can transmit and receive at the same time, only in one
polarization or, for example, in two mutually perpendicular
polarizations. The entire antenna arrangement may in this case be
designed for transmission in one band or in two or more frequency-
bands by using, for example, two or more antenna elements and antenna
element groups which are suitable for the various frequency bands.
Depending on the requirements, mobile radio antennas are required
which have different length variants. The length variants in this
case depend, inter alia, on the number of individual antenna elements
or antenna element groups to be provided, in which case identical or
similar antenna element arrangements are generally arranged
repeatedly one above the other.
An antenna such as this or an antenna array such as this in this case
has a common reflector for all the antenna element arrangements. This
common reflector is normally formed by a reflector plate which may be

stamped, curved and bent depending on the requirement,
in order, for example, to make it possible to form a
reflector edge area, which projects forwards from the
reflector plane, on the two opposite side vertical
edges. Furthermore, if required, additional sheet-metal
parts may be soldered on the reflector. The use of
profiles is also known, for example extruded profiles
made of aluminum etc., which are likewise fitted on or
in front of the reflector plane. Antenna arrangements
having reflectors whose longitudinal faces have
longitudinal webs which project forwards from the
reflector plane have been disclosed, for example, in
WO 99/62138 Al, US 5,710,569 A or EP 0 916 169 Bl.
However, costly, complex, three-dimensional functional
surfaces for the antenna element arrangements are
advantageous, or even necessary, for certain
applications. Until now, a large number of connecting
points and contact points have been required on the
reflector in order to produce such surrounding
conditions for the antenna element arrangement. Some of
the parts and components which are used are in this
case also still in some cases made of different
materials. However, this results in a number of
disadvantages. Firstly, the large number of different
parts and the major assembly effort associated with
them are disadvantageous.overall these result in
comparatively high production costs. However, another
disadvantage is the large number of contact points.
However, a large number of contact points can
contribute to undesirable intermodulation products.
Adequate functional reliability can in this case be
achieved only by taking the greatest possible care
during assembly. On the other hand, the antennas that
are produced in this way always have a restricted
function and load capability since, particularly in the
case of unsuitable material combinations or even if
there are only a small number of bad contact points, it

may not be possible to comply with the requirements relating to the
undesirable intermodulation products. If a test run of the checked
polar diagram of an antenna reveals problems, then in this case it is
also not immediately possible to state which contact points may have
contributed to the deterioration in the intermodulation
characteristics.
The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an
improved capability to produce antennas with high quality
characteristics, by means of which it is furthermore intended to be
possible to produce antennas of different physical sizes with
comparatively little complexity and to a high quality standard.
According to the invention, the object is achieved by the features of
the reflector for a mobile radio antenna, as described hereinafter.
Advantageous refinements of the invention are specified in the
following detailed description of the invention.
The invention proposes a solution for constructing different length
variants of antennas with the same or a similar function with
comparatively little complexity. In this case, the reflector devices
may also be used for antennas of different construction which may,
for example, hold different antenna elements or antenna element
assemblies. Finally, even complex, three-dimensional surrounds with
functional surfaces in the transverse and/or longitudinal direction
or in other directions of the reflector can be produced using simple
means. Functional surfaces such as these may, however, also be
produced, for example, aligned at an angle to the major axis, that is
to say generally at an angle to the vertical axis in which the
reflector extends.
At the same time, the antenna or reflector
configuration according to the invention makes it

possible to considerably reduce the number of contact
points. In turn, this makes it possible to reduce the
large number of different parts and the assembly
effort, with a high degree of functional integration as
well.
The invention now provides for a reflector to be
constructed from at least two separate reflector
modules, which may be mounted jointly, for example in
the vertical direction in an extension of their
vertical axis. In order to produce an overall
arrangement which is mechanically robust from at least
two or more reflector modules which can be fitted to
one another in the vertical direction, and which
overall arrangement furthermore also has the desired
characteristic values from the electrical point of view
for the antenna element arrangement which is provided
on each reflector module, at least the basic version of
each reflector module is formed integrally,
specifically preferably using a casting, deep-drawing,
thermoforming, stamping or milling method. The
expression master gauge method is also used in this
connection in some cases. The reflector module may
thus, for example, be formed from an aluminium cast
part or generally from a metal casting or else from a
plastic injection-molded part, which is then provided
with a metalized surface on one surface, or at least on
both opposite surfaces. The invention can also be
produced using a tixo casting method or else, for
example, by milling, in this case, the reflector module
preferably has a circumferential rim, at least on its
two longitudinal faces and on at least one narrower
transverse face, but preferably on both of its
longitudinal faces and on both of its end faces. Thus,
not only are lateral boundary webs or boundary surfaces
which project transversely with respect to the
reflector plane provided on the two opposite vertical
faces but, in addition, one or in each case one

boundary web or a boundary surface is provided on at
least one of the end faces, and preferably on both
opposite end faces. Each reflector module in this case
also has at least one fixed integrated central
transverse web, which comprises at least one upper and
one lower field for antenna element arrangements which
can be used there. At least two antenna element
surrounds are thus defined for each reflector module
and these antenna element surrounds are produced by an
end-face boundary wall, two sections of the vertical
side longitudinal boundaries and the at least one web
wall which runs transversely with respect to the side
boundary walls.
Fundamentally, a reflector module formed in this way is
then also suitable for being joined to at least one
further reflector module, for example of the same
physical type, at the end face to form an entire
reflector arrangement with a greater vertical extent.
One preferred embodiment provides for a final reflector
to be formed from at least two reflector modules which
are joined together with the same orientation. In an
alternative refinement of the invention, it is also
possible to join the end faces of two reflector modules
together, with the two reflector modules being aligned
with their basic shapes at 180° to one another. This
assembly has been found to be particularly advantageous
when the two opposite end face surfaces have different
shapes, that is to say when only one end face surface
is suitable for actually joining it to a next reflector
module.
Finally, however, reflector modules may also be joined
together with different shapes but with a comparable
basic structure, as described above.

As is known, the forces which act on a reflector and
the operating loads which are produced by the actions
of these forces, for example resulting from vibration,
wind and storms, should not be underestimated. Loads
such as these naturally occur particularly strongly at
the junction point in a reflector arrangement according
to the invention when using at least two modules whose
end faces are joined together. In this case, however,
moving and undefined contacts should also not be used
in order to avoid undesirable intermodulation problems.
One particularly preferred embodiment of the invention
therefore provides for the corresponding end walls,
i.e. the end-face transverse webs, to be appropriately
matched for joining together at least two reflector
modules and, for this purpose, for them preferably to
have attachment points which are offset with respect to
one another in two planes. This makes it possible
firstly to transmit and to absorb comparatively large
moments, while at the same time providing functionally
reliable electrical contact points. In this case, an
electrically conductive contact can be made between the
two reflector modules in the area of their end walls
that are joined together, or else they can also be
connected to one another without any electrically
conductive connection, for example by inserting an
insulating intermediate layer, for example a plastic
layer or some other dielectric, between them. In some
circumstances, a damper material can also preferably be
used for the intermediate joint for an insulating layer
such as this, which means that the two reflector module
halves may even oscillate to a certain extent with
respect to one another, to a restricted extent, even in
a severe storm. This thus serves to improve the
mechanical reliability.
The offset plane of the attachment points, that has
been mentioned, also serves to ensure that shape

discrepancies are not additive at the connecting
interface or, if necessary, can be compensated for with
comparatively few problems, that is to say in other
words in such a way that production tolerances can be
compensated for. If, for optimization of the polar
diagram of an antenna, it is necessary to attach
additional metallic elements at specific points in the
reflector, then, in one development of the invention,
these additional elements may be used, for example, in
the form of electrically conductive strips, webs etc.,
by means of separate holding devices, preferably
electrically nonconductive holding devices which are
preferably formed from plastic or from some other
dielectric, which can be fitted to the existing
intermediate webs or side boundary wall sections, and
between which the metallic elements which have to be
inserted in addition can then be hooked in. This
capacitive anchoring then once again furthermore avoids
undesirable intermodulation products.
In one particularly preferred embodiment, the invention
provides for a reflector module which has been produced
using a casting, deep-drawing, thermoforming or
stamping method, or for example alternatively using a
milling method, preferably to have further integrated
parts, or parts of further components, which are
required in particular in conjunction with an antenna,
on the rear face of the reflector module, opposite the
antenna element modules. This allows functional
integration to be achieved in the reflector, associated
with further significant advantages. The following
functional elements may, for example, be integrated in
the reflector module without any problems:
It is thus possible also to integrally form outer
conductor contours for carrying radio-frequency
signals, for example a grooved cable, coaxial cable,

stripline etc., on the front face or else in particular
also on the rear face of the reflector.
In the same way, contours may be integrally formed
for electromagnetic screening of assemblies.
Housing parts for RF components such as filters,
diplexers, distributors and phase shifters may also be
integrally formed, such that all that need be done
after incorporation of the additional functional parts
in these assemblies is to fit a cover as well.
Particularly if metalized plastic parts are used
as the basis for the reflector, complete cable
structures can also be integrated by suitable measures
such as hot stamping, two-component injection molding
methods, laser processing, etching methods or the like
("three-dimensional printed circuit board").
Finally, however, interfaces for holding
components for attachment or mounting as well as
interfaces for accessories, for example in the form of
attachment flanges, heat flanges etc., can also be
provided.
The invention will be explained in more detail in the
following text with reference in which, in
detail:
Figure 1: shows a schematic plan view of a
reflector comprising two reflector
modules which are arranged vertically
one above the other;
Figure 2: shows a perspective illustration of two
reflector modules, which are arranged in
the vertical direction with respect to
one another, before being joined
together;
Figure 3a: shows an enlarged perspective detailed
illustration to show how two reflector

modules are configured and joined
together at their end-face boundary
sections which point towards one
another;
Figure 3b: shows an illustration corresponding to
Figure 3a, but after the two reflector
modules have been joined together by
their end faces;
Figure 4: shows an illustration corresponding to
Figure 3, but seen from the rear face;
Figure 5: shows a perspective illustration of a
detail of the reflector module with
additional, preferably dielectric,
holding and attachment elements for
holding further beam forming parts in
the form of strips, rods etc.;
Figure 6: shows a perspective rearward view of a
reflector module with integrally formed
functional points;
Figure 7: shows a cross-sectional illustration
through the reflector in the area of the
functional part which is shown in
Figure 6 and is provided on the rear
face of the reflector; and
Figure 8: shows a further perspective detail of a
rearward view of a reflector module with
a differently shaped functional part.
Figure 1 shows a schematic plan view of a reflector 1
which, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, is
formed from two reflector modules 3 whose end faces are
joined together and in each of which four antenna

element arrangements 2 are arranged one above the other
in the vertical direction. The illustrated antenna
element modules are, from the electrical point of view,
modules in the form of cruciform antenna elements which
radiate, that is to say can transmit and receive, two
mutually perpendicular polarizations. These are
preferably antenna elements arranged in an X-shape, in
which the polarization planes are aligned at angles of
plus 45° to minus 45° with respect to the horizontal
and vertical. This specifically illustrated and
indicated type of antenna element is known for example,
from the prior application WO 00/39894. To this extent,
reference is made to this prior application, which is
included in the content of the present application.
However, instead of this, any other desired antenna
element arrangements, for example in the form of dipole
squares, cruciform antenna elements, single-polarized
dipole antenna elements or other antenna elements or
antenna element devices, including patch antenna
elements, may also be used.
The reflector as described in more detail above and in
the following text is intended in particular for a
mobile radio antenna, that is to say in particular for
a corresponding antenna in a base station (base station
antenna).
As can also be seen in particular from the perspective
illustration in Figure 2, each reflector module has in
each case two longitudinal webs 5 provided on the
longitudinal face regions and two end-face transverse
face webs 7 (which are also referred to below for short
as transverse webs 7), which are formed in a manner of
a reflector boundary wall or boundary web, boundary
flange etc., and project transversely with respect to
the plane of the reflector 1, preferably at right
angles to the plane of the reflector plate. The height
above the plane 1' of the reflector 1 may in this case

be modified, and differ within wide ranges, depending
on the desired characteristic polar diagram properties
of an antenna constructed in this way.
The reflector modules 3 are, for example, using a metal
die-casting method, using an injection-molding method
for example in the form of a plastic injection-molding
method, in which the plastic is then coated on at least
one face, preferably all the way round, at least with a
conductive metalized surface. However, in principle, it
would also be possible to use reflector parts which may
have been produced using a deep-drawing or
thermoforming method, a stamping method, using a so-
called tixo casting method, or else, for example, by
means of a milling method. In places, the following
text also speaks of a master gauge method, although
this term does not cover all the production methods
mentioned above.
In the described exemplary embodiment, each of the
reflector modules also has four transverse webs 9 which
are arranged spaced apart from one another at the
vertical interval of the illustrated reflector, and
which are likewise also produced using a master gauge
method as mentioned above. In the illustrated exemplary
embodiment, five antenna element surrounds are produced
in this way for each reflector module 3 and are each
formed by a section of the two outer side boundary
walls and by two central or transverse webs 9, which
are spaced apart from one another, or by a transverse
web 9 and one of the two end-face boundary walls 7.
A series of holes are incorporated by means of
apertures 13 in the plane 1' of the reflector 1 in each
such antenna element surround 11, on which the desired
single-polarized or, for example, dual-polarized
antenna element modules can then be firmly anchored and
fitted to the reflector 1. The antenna element modules

themselves, in particular dipole antenna element
structures or patch antenna element structures, may
have widely different shapes. In this context,
reference is made to already known antenna elements and
antenna element types which are common knowledge to
those skilled in the art. Merely by way of example,
reference is in this context made to the antenna
element structures which are known from the prior
publications DE 198 23 749 Al or WO 00/39894, which are
all suitable for the present situation. In the same
way, the reflector module may also be used for antennas
and antenna arrays which transmit and receive not only
in one frequency band but in two or more frequency
bands by, for example, fitting antenna element
arrangements which are suitable for different frequency
bands in the individual antenna element surrounds. To
this extent, reference is once again made to already
known fundamental solutions. Thus, in other words, the
antenna elements which can be formed in the antenna
element surrounds comprise, for example, dipole antenna
elements, that is to say single dipole antenna elements
which operate in only one polarization or in two
polarizations, for example comprising cruciform dipole
antenna elements or dipole antenna elements in the form
of a dipole square, so-called vector dipoles which
transmit and receive cruciform beams, such as those
which are known from WO 00/39894, or antenna element
arrangements which can transmit and receive in one
polarization or two mutually perpendicular
polarizations, for example also using two or three
frequency bands, or more, rather than just one. This
also applies to the use of patch antenna elements. To
this extent, the arrangement of the reflector modules
is not restricted to specific antenna element types.
In the described exemplary embodiment, the reflector 1
is assembled in two identical antenna element modules
3, to be precise with them being joined together at

their end-face or transverse face boundaries 7 that are
provided for this purpose. This is because a threaded
hole attachment 15, which projects in the fitting
direction and whose axial axis is aligned transversely
with respect to the plane of the reflector plate, is
provided there, offset from the central longitudinal
plane, (that is to say from a central longitudinal
plane which runs in the center of the reflector 1, in
its longitudinal direction, and is at right angles to
the reflector plane) towards the outer edge, and
preferably extending over part of the height
transversely with respect to the reflector plane 1' . A
threaded hole attachment 17 which projects inwards is
then formed on the other side to the abovementioned
vertical central longitudinal plane, in such a way
that, with antenna element modules 3 which are aligned
offset through 180° with respect to one another, as
illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, the end face side
boundary surfaces 7 of these two antenna element
modules 3 can now be moved towards one another so that
the respective threaded hole attachment 15 which
projects on each end face of the respective antenna
element module 3 engages in a corresponding recess or
hole 17' on the other end face of the adjacent antenna
element module 3, which is adjacent in the axial
direction to the threaded hole attachment 17 which
projects inwards. In this case, the threaded hole 15'
which is incorporated in the attachment 15 which
projects on each end face comes to rest, in a plane
view, directly in an axial extension underneath the
hole 17' in the attachment 17, which projects inwards,
on the respective second reflector module 3, so that a
screw 18 can be screwed into the threaded holes 15' or
holes 17' , which are each arranged in pairs one above
the other. In this case, the hole 17' preferably has an
at least slightly larger internal diameter, compared
with the internal cross section of the threaded hole
15', so that the relevant screw can be passed freely

through the hole 17' without becoming jammed. Finally,
instead of a threaded hole 15', it is possible to
provide just an unthreaded hole, specifically when an
appropriate self-tapping screw is screwed into this
hole 15'. The corresponding attachments 15 and 17 are
thus provided at different heights on each transverse
web 7, which is also sometimes referred to below as
transverse boundary wall 7, on each of the two
reflector modules 3, so that they can be joined
together in a relative position rotated through 180°,
as shown in Figures 3a and 3b. The overall dimensions
and shapes in this case are such that the two end-face
transverse webs 7 of the two reflector modules 3 make a
fixed contact with one another in this position, and
only in this position.
Since, furthermore, the threaded hole attachments 15
and 17 are offset outwards from the vertical central
longitudinal plane and are each formed at a different
height on each reflector module 3 (with respect to the
plane 1' of the reflector 1), this results in optimum
two-point support, which can absorb high forces,
including wind and vibration forces.
If necessary, before the two end-face transverse webs 7
of the two reflector modules are joined together, an
intermediate material, which is used as a damper, can
also be inserted like a sandwich between the two end
faces 7, which rest against one another, of two
adjacent reflector modules 3 which are fitted to one
another. This also makes it possible to allow the two
reflector modules to oscillate with respect to one
another to a minor extent, which may have advantages,
particularly when the antenna is subject to very strong
forces in severe storms, and to vibration.
As can also be seen from Figures 3a, 3b and 4, it is
also possible to use additional connecting lugs 21,

which connect the two reflector modules 3, from each of
which a screw 23 can be screwed in one reflector module
3, and the second screw 24 can be screwed in from the
bottom face of the respective other reflector module 3.
The one or more connecting lugs in this case overhang
the separating surface which separates the two
reflector modules 3.
The following text refers to Figure 5, which shows a
detail of two radiation surrounds 11 of a reflector
module.
In this case, nonconductive holding or attachment
devices 27 are fitted to each of the existing
transverse webs 9, which are formed in the course of
the master gauge process, and these holding or
attachment devices 27 are provided with recesses in the
form of slots, in order in this case to make it
possible, for example, to use a further electrically
conductive functional parts which are used for beam
forming and/or for decoupling and which, to be precise,
can be used capacitively. This is because the holding
and attachment devices 27 are electrically
nonconductive, and are preferably made of plastic or
from some other suitable dielectric. The capacitive
attachment of the said functional parts 29 likewise
further suppresses undesirable intermodulation
products. Furthermore, the supplementary attachment and
incorporation which may be required in the radiation
surrounds 11 by means of the said holding and
attachment device 27 is comparatively simple and is
feasible in a very highly variable manner.
Alternatively or additionally, it is likewise possible
(although this is not illustrated in any more detail in
the drawing) for the holding and attachment devices 27
that have been mentioned not to be provided, or to be
provided not only on the transverse webs 9, but, for

example, also on the transverse face boundaries 7
and/or on the longitudinal face boundaries 5, that is
to say such that they can be anchored there, for
example by fitting them in place, snapping them on,
etc.
Furthermore - as can also be seen from the drawings,
for example Figure 5 - further anchoring sections 28,
which are provided with holes 31 that are aligned
transversely with respect to the plane 1' of the
reflector, are provided on the transverse struts 9 that
are provided in the factory, to which anchoring
sections 28 it is possible to fit, for example,
additional components which are used for beam forming
and/or for decoupling, for example functional parts in
the form of pins or rods etc. which extend at right
angles to the plane 1' of the reflector. The holes 31
thus extend at right angles to the plane 1' of the
reflector, with the holding and attachment devices 28
being in the form of reinforcing sections in the
transverse struts 9 or else, if . required and as shown
in the illustration in Figures 3a and 3b on the
transverse face boundaries 7.
The following text refers to Figures 6 and 7.
Figures 6 and 7 will be used, by way of example only,
to describe how further functional parts 29 can be
integrated on the reflector in the course of the
production method, which has been mentioned, for the
reflector modules, preferably on their lower face (but
if necessary also on the upper face to which the
antenna elements are fitted).
Figures 6 and 7 show outer conductor sections of a
connecting and feed structure on the lower face for two
antenna elements which are located vertically adjacent.
The outer conductor contour which projects downwards

from the plane 1' of the reflector 1 and is in the form
of a circumferential housing web 3 5 is in this case
used as an outer conductor. Inner conductors 43, for
example, can then be anchored therein via holding
devices 37, which can be inserted between these housing
webs 35, are preferably nonconductive and are made of
plastic. Coaxial cables 41 for example, can then be
connected via feed points 39 that are likewise
provided, by, for example, making electrically
conductive contact between the outer conductor of the
coaxial cable and the circumferential housing web 35,
which carries out the outer conductor function while,
on the other hand and electrically isolated from this
the inner conductor of the coaxial cable is
electrically conductively connected at some suitable
point to the inner conductor 43 which is provided in
the interior of the distributor formed in this way. The
inner conductor is then passed so far in this
connecting structure and is passed via one of the holes
that are provided in the reflector plate to the other
reflector plane, in order to produce an electrically
conductive connection there for the antenna elements
that are provided there.
However, other functional parts may likewise also be
provided in the reflector according to the invention,
that is to say not only outer conductor structures and
outer conductor contours for cables for radio-frequency
signals, for example in the form of grooved cables,
coaxial cables or striplines, but, for example, also
contours for electromagnetic screens, housing parts for
RF components such as filters, diplexers, distributors,
phase shifters or, for example, also in the form of
interfaces for holders, attachments, accessories etc.
The exemplary embodiments which have been explained
have been used to describe how two identical antenna
element modules can be joined firmly together by in

each case one end wall-face transverse web 7. The
opposite end faces are in this case of different
designs, so that they can be joined together according
to the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 4 on
only one end web 7. For this purpose, the identically
shaped reflector modules 3 are aligned rotated through
180° relative to one another in order to join them
together. However, differently shaped antenna element
modules can also be joined together in the vertical
direction if they are each designed appropriately on at
least one end wall, in order to make it possible to fix
them firmly to one another there via a suitable holding
and attachment device 27. Finally, however, more than
two reflector modules, for example three or four etc.,
can also be joined together in the vertical direction
or else in the horizontal direction at the sides to
form an entire antenna array. If two or more reflector
modules are joined together vertically, all that is
then necessary is for at least the reflector modules
which are arranged in the central area to be configured
both on their upper and on their lower end wall regions
7 such that they can be joined to a next reflector
module which is located adjacent.
The special feature of the functional parts which are
to be mentioned is thus that a part of an additional
functional part, for example the outer boundary which
is used as an outer conductor is part of the reflector
arrangement for a connecting device or for a phase
shifter right from the start, so that these components
just need to have further functional components or
other components added to them to achieve a complete
assembly.
The following text also refers to Figure 8, which
illustrates a further example for a different
functional part. An outer boundary, that is to say a
circumferential housing web 35 is shown here, connected

to the reflector material and on the same level. The
reflector itself in this case forms the bottom, while
the housing web 35 forms the outer boundary. This
functional part 29 may be used, for example, as a phase
shifter arrangement which is provided on the rear face
of the reflector. The phase shifters may in this case
be constructed in the manner which is known in
principle from the prior publication WO 01/13459 Al. To
this extent, reference is made to this prior
publication, whose contents are included in the present
application. Thus, one or more concentrically arranged
stripline sections, which are in the form of partial
circles, can be accommodated in the corresponding
configuration shown in Figure 8 and interact with a
pointer-like adjustment element, via which the path
length to the two connected antenna elements or antenna
element groups, and hence the phase angle for the
antenna element, can be adjusted and set in order, for
example, to make it possible to set a different down
tilt angle. Any other desired different types of
functional parts with other functions and tasks may be
formed at least partially, in precisely the same way in
the factory, on the reflector, preferably on its rear
face. Once the further elements that are to be
installed (but which are not shown in the drawings) for
the functional part have been installed appropriately,
the installation space which is formed by the reflector
base and the circumferential housing web 35 can be
closed by attaching and fitting a cover arrangement
which, depending on the application, is electrically
conductive, preferably formed from a metal part, or can
otherwise also be formed from a plastic or dielectric
part or the like.

WE CLAIM:
1. Mobile radio antenna having a reflector which has two longitudinal webs (5) which are
provided on its longitudinal face regions, comprising :
the reflector (1) comprises at least two reflector modules (3) which are assembled,
antenna element arrangements (2) being arranged on each of the at least two reflector modules
(3),
the respective reflector (1) or the respective reflector module (3) is being electrically
conductive, or is at least provided with a conductive surface,
characterized by the following features :
the reflector module (3) is integrally connected to the two longitudinal webs (5) and to at least
one lateral web (7) at the end, and is formed from a casting, a thermoformed or deep-drawn
part, a stamped part or a milled part, and
a holding and / or attachment device (27) is provided on the at least one end of transverse web
(7) for attachment to a second reflector module (3), and can be used to fix the at least two
reflector modules (3) firmly to one another.
2. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the reflector module (3) comprises a die-
cast part, in particular a metal cast part, preferably an aluminum cast part and / or a metal part produced
using the tixo casting method.
3. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the reflector module (3) comprises a die-
cast or injection-molded part, preferably a plastic injection-molded part with a metalized surface.
4. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the reflector (1) has at least
two identical reflector modules (3).
5. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the reflector (1) has at least
two different reflector modules (3).

6. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one reflector module
(3) can be joined to an adjacent reflector module (3), or are fixed to one another there, on its first end-
face transverse web (7) or on its opposite second end-face transverse web (7).
7. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least two reflector
modules (3) of a reflector (1) are designed on their end transverse webs (7) such that they can be fixed
to one another or are mounted on one another in only one fitting direction.
8. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least two reflector
modules (3) are conductively electrically connected to one another, preferably on their two end-face
transverse webs (7) on which they are mounted on one another.
9. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least two reflector
modules (3) of a reflector (1) are fixed to one another such that the two end-face transverse webs (7)
which are adjacent to one another of two reflector modules (3) which are arranged such that they are
adjacent are electrically conductively connected to one another.
10. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in Claim 9, wherein an insulating intermediate layer or device,
preferably a plastic layer and / or a dielectric, is inserted between the two end-face transverse webs (7)
on which two adjacent reflector modules (3) are fixed to one another.
11. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 10, wherein at least two reflector
modules (3) of a reflector (1) have a damping material or a damping layer between their two end-face
transverse webs (7).
12. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the at least two reflector
modules (3) of a reflector (1) have attachment points and / or attachments (15) in the area of their end-
face transverse webs (7) in order to produce mutual fixing and stabilization, which are provided or
formed on different planes parallel to the reflector plane.

13. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 12, wherein an attachment (15) which is
offset outwards towards a longitudinal web (5) from a central longitudinal plane which runs through the
reflector module (3) in the center and is at right angles to the reflector plane projects in the fitting
direction on at least one end-face transverse web (7), and in that an attachment (17) which points
inwards is provided more closely on the other side of the central longitudinal plane, and hence of the
opposite longitudinal webs (5), with the attachment (15) which projects outwards and the attachment
(17) which extends inwards being arranged at two different height levels, such that, when two reflector
modules (3) are joined together, the respectively formed attachments (15, 17) are rotated through 180°
with respect to one another and can be connected to one another via attachment means, which run
transversely with respect to the plane (1') of the reflector (1), preferably in the form of screws (23).
14. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 13, wherein nonconductive and / or
dielectric holding attachment devices (27) can be anchored, preferably fitted, or can be snapped etc., to
the transverse struts (9), and functional parts (29) which are used for beam forming and / or for
decoupling can be inserted on these holding attachment devices (27), without making electrical contact
with the reflector.
15. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in Claim 14, wherein the functional parts (29) are formed from
metalized strips or metal strips, metalized pins or metal pins.
16. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 15, wherein at least one holding and / or
attachment device (28) which is preferably in the form of a reinforcing section is provided in at least
one transverse strut (9) and / or at least one transverse web (7) and / or longitudinal web (5), and a hole
which preferably runs transversely with respect to the plane (1') of the reflector module (3) is formed
by further functional parts in this holding and/or attachment device (28).
17. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one additional
integrated functional part (29) is provided on the reflector module (3), preferably in the form of outer

conductor contours and / or housing contours for cables for RF signals, grooved cables, coaxial cables
or striplines, or contours for electromagnetic screens or housing parts for RF components such as
filters, diplexers, distributors, phase shifters and the like.
18. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the at least one further functional part
(29) which is provided is arranged on that face of the reflector module (3) which faces to the rear with
respect to the antenna elements.
19. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the at least one functional part (29) is
provided on the front face of the reflector module (3), facing the antenna elements.
20. Mobile radio antenna as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 19, wherein the reflector module (3)
is produced together with two transverse webs (7), whose end faces are opposite, and / or with at least
one further transverse web (9), which runs transversely with respect to the longitudinal webs (5), using
a casting process, a deep-drawing, thermoforming or stamping process, or a milling process.

The present invention relates to Mobile radio antenna having a reflector which
has two longitudinal webs (5) which are provided on its longitudinal face regions,
comprising : the reflector (1) comprises at least two reflector modules (3) which are
assembled, antenna element arrangements (2) being arranged on each of the at least two
reflector modules (3), the respective reflector (1) or the respective reflector module (3)
is being electrically conductive, or is at least provided with a conductive surface,
characterized by the following features : the reflector module (3) is integrally connected
to the two longitudinal webs (5) and to at least one lateral web (7) at the end, and is
formed from a casting, a thermoformed or deep-drawn part, a stamped part or a milled
part, and a holding and / or attachment device (27) is provided on the at least one end of
transverse web (7) for attachment to a second reflector module (3), and can be used to
fix the at least two reflector modules (3) firmly to one another.

Documents:

1837-KOLNP-2005-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

1837-KOLNP-2005-FORM 27-1.1.pdf

1837-KOLNP-2005-FORM 27.pdf

1837-KOLNP-2005-FORM-27.pdf

1837-kolnp-2005-granted-abstract.pdf

1837-kolnp-2005-granted-assignment.pdf

1837-kolnp-2005-granted-claims.pdf

1837-kolnp-2005-granted-correspondence.pdf

1837-kolnp-2005-granted-description (complete).pdf

1837-kolnp-2005-granted-drawings.pdf

1837-kolnp-2005-granted-examination report.pdf

1837-kolnp-2005-granted-form 1.pdf

1837-kolnp-2005-granted-form 18.pdf

1837-kolnp-2005-granted-form 3.pdf

1837-kolnp-2005-granted-form 5.pdf

1837-kolnp-2005-granted-gpa.pdf

1837-kolnp-2005-granted-reply to examination report.pdf

1837-kolnp-2005-granted-specification.pdf

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Patent Number

227756

Indian Patent Application Number

1837/KOLNP/2005

PG Journal Number

04/2009

Publication Date

23-Jan-2009

Grant Date

20-Jan-2009

Date of Filing

15-Sep-2005

Name of Patentee

KATHREIN-WERKE KG

Applicant Address

ANTON-KATHREIN-STRASSE 1-3, 83022 ROSENHEIM

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	GOTTL, MAXIMILIAN	ADOLF-VEIT-WEG 4, 83112 FRASDORF
2	BERGER, STEFAN	INNSTRASSE 2, 83101 ROHRDORF

PCT International Classification Number

H01Q 1/24

PCT International Application Number

PCT/EP2004/002557

PCT International Filing date

2004-03-11

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	103 16 787.0	2003-04-11	Germany