ANTENNA MODULE

Abstract: The invention relates to an antenna module for mobile telephony. The antenna module comprises a plurality of antenna units arranged so as to be shifted relative to each other in a longitudinal direction of the antenna module. With such antenna, a phased-array antenna can be formed. The antenna module is provided with an extruded section, in this example made of aluminum, comprising a tubular base body whose longitudinal direction extends in the longitudinal direction of the antenna module. The antenna units are mounted on the outer side of the extruded section.

Description: Title: Antenna module The invention relates to an antenna module for mobile telephony comprising a plurality of antenna units arranged so as to be shifted relative to each other in a longitudinal direction of the antenna module. Such antenna module is known per se. In the known module, complex constructions are used, utilizing different parts to give the antenna module a supporting structure having a sufficient required stiffness, respectively to provide the antenna module with the required reflectors, to provide space in which cabling and the antenna units of the antenna module can be included, and to provide fastening points on which radomes and other closing caps of the antenna module can be mounted. The object of the invention is to provide an antenna module which is on the one hand simple of design and which on the other hand can provide the above-mentioned functions. Accordingly, the antenna module according to the invention is characterized in that the antenna module is provided with an extruded section comprising a tubular base body whose longitudinal direction extends in the longitudinal direction of the antenna module, the antenna units being mounted on an outer side of the extruded section. The extruded section, constructed from, for instance, aluminum, has the advantage that it can perform each of the above-mentioned functions. A further advantage of the extruded section is that it can be manufactured in an economically highly advantageous manner. In particular, it applies that a portion of an outer side of the base body comprises an at least substantially flat surface functioning as a reflector which, in use, reflects radio signals from and/or to the antenna units. Further, it preferably applies that the antenna module further comprises a radome which, together with the extruded section, constitutes a housing in which the antenna units are accommodated. The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In these drawings: Fig. 1 shows a possible embodiment of an antenna device according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a cross section of an antenna device according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3 shows a part of an antenna device according to Fig. 1; and Fig. 4 shows a second embodiment of an antenna device according to the invention. In Fig. 1, reference numeral 1 designates an antenna device for mobile telephony. The antenna device comprises an antenna mast 2 and an elongated antenna module 4 whose longitudinal direction extends at least substantially in an axial direction of the antenna mast 2. Because the antenna module 4 is of curved design (see Fig. 1) and in view of a setting possibility of the elevation of the antenna, with setting possibility is to be described in more detail hereinbelow, the longitudinal direction of the antenna module will generally not be entirely parallel to the axial axis of the antenna mast. Both directions are indicated in the Figure by arrows 6 and 8 respectively. The antenna module 4 is connected to the antenna mast 2 for rotation through a limited angle about a horizontal axis of rotation 10. The antenna device 1 further comprises an adjusting mechanism 12 for setting an angle α enclosed by the axial axis of the antenna mast in the longitudinal direction of the antenna module (see also the angle α enclosed by arrows 6 and 8). As is clearly visible in Fig. 1, the adjusting mechanism 12 is located adjacent a bottom side 14 of the antenna module 4. The axis of rotation 10 is located above the adjusting mechanism 12. Through operation of the adjusting mechanism 12, the angle α can be varied. Generally, the angle α will be set so that the gain of the antenna indicated by the arrow 16 in Fig. 1 is directed slightly obliquely downwards. In the example as shown in Fig. 1, the arrow 16 extends at least substantially parallel to the horizon, so that the angle α will generally have to be increased by setting. Because the adjusting mechanism 12 is located adjacent the bottom side 14 of the antenna module 4, it can be operated by a person without generally requiring the use of a ladder. It will be understood that by means of an adjusting mechanism, a distance d between a bottom side 14 of the antenna module and the antenna mast 2 can be varied for setting said enclosed angle α. In this example, the adjusting mechanism 12 comprises a scissor-shaped bracket, a first end 16 of which is connected to the antenna mast and a second end 18 of which is connected to the antenna module 4. As is clearly visible in Fig. 2, the antenna module 4 comprises an extruded section 20, hatched in Fig. 2. In this example, the section 20 is manufactured from aluminum. The extruded section 20 comprises- a tubular base body 22 whose longitudinal direction extends in the longitudinal direction of the antenna module. Further, the antenna module comprises a number of antenna units 24. A cross section of a single antenna module 24 is shown in Fig. 3. The antenna units 24 are mounted on an outer side of the extruded section. The extruded section 20 is connected to the antenna mast 2 for rotation about the horizontal axis of rotation 10. To this end, the antenna mast comprises two brackets 26 to which the antenna module is rotatably connected. Said adjusting mechanism 12 is connected to the extruded section as well. Hence, in this example, it applies that the free end 18 of the bracket 16 is connected to the extruded section. In this example, a plurality of antenna units are connected to the extruded section 20 so as to be shifted relative to each other in the longitudinal direction 6 of the antenna module. A portion 27 of an outer side of a base body has an at least substantially flat surface functioning as a reflector which, in use, reflects radio signals from or to the antenna units 24. This involves the presence of an interspace 29 between the antenna units 24 and said outer side 27 of the base body 22 which outer side functions as reflector. The extruded section 20 further comprises two support arms 28, each extending from the surface 27, functioning as reflector, in a direction away from the surface. The antenna units 24 are included between these support arms and connected to these support arms, while each of the antenna units 24 is connected to the support arms 28 for rotation about a horizontal axis of rotation 30. Hence, for each of the antenna units 24, the rotation about the axis of rotation 30 associated with the relevant antenna unit 24 can be set. Generally, the antenna units 24 will be set in combination to form a phased-array antenna. The extruded section 20 has as an advantage that it performs several functions. The extruded section 20 provides the antenna module with the required stiffness. Further, the extruded section provides the rotatable suspension about the axis of rotation 10. In addition, the extruded section provides said reflector surface 27. Also, the adjusting mechanism 16 can engage the extruded section 20. Finally, the extruded section carries the various antenna units 24. The antenna module further comprises a radome 32 which, together with the extruded section 20, forms a housing which encloses a space 34, in which the antenna units 24 are accommodated. The radome is connected to the support arms adjacent free ends 36 of the support arms 28. The antenna module further comprises a cap 38 of a U-shaped cross section. The extruded section 20 is located between the cap 38 and the radome 32. By the cap 38 and the extruded section 20, a space 40 is enclosed, in which wiring 42 for the antenna modules 24 can be included. This wiring is also shown in Fig. 1. As appears from Fig. 1, the cap 38 does not extend throughout the length of the antenna module. The invention is in no way limited to the embodiments outlined in the foregoing. Thus, the antenna device may also comprise two or more elongated antenna modules. Such situation is shown in Fig. 4. Each of the two antenna modules 4, 4' shown in Fig. 4 are connected to the antenna mast 2 for rotation about a horizontal axis of rotation 10 and 10' respectively. Such variants are also understood to fall within the framework of the invention.

Claims: Claims 1. An antenna module for mobile telephony, comprising a plurality of antenna units arranged relative to each other so as to be shifted in a longitudinal direction of the antenna module, characterized in that the antenna module is provided with an extruded section comprising a tubular base body whose longitudinal direction extends in the longitudinal direction of the antenna module, the antenna units being mounted on an outer side of the extruded section. 2. An antenna module according to claim 1, characterized in that a portion of an outer side of the base body comprises an at least substantially flat surface functioning as a reflector which, in use, reflects radio signals from and/or to the antenna units. 3. An antenna module according to claim 2, characterized in that an interspace is present between the antenna units on the one hand and said outer side of the base body, functioning as reflector, on the other. 4. An antenna module according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the extruded section further comprises two support arms extending in a direction away from the surface functioning as reflector, the antenna units being included between said support arms and connected to said support arms. 5. An antenna module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the antenna module further comprises a radome which, together with the extruded section, forms a housing in which the antenna units are accommodated. 6. An antenna module according to claim 5, characterized in that the radome is connected to the support arms adjacent free ends of the support arms. 7. An antenna module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the antenna module further comprises a cap having a U-shaped cross section, the extruded section being located between the cap and the radome, and the cap and the extruded section enclosing a space in which wiring of the antenna units is included. 8. An antenna module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the antenna module is designed as a phased-array antenna.

Inventors: KOUTERS LUCAS JOHANNES CORNELI, VAN DER MAST HENDRICUS LEONARD, WITTE JOHANNES HENDRICUS, KOUTERS, LUCAS, JOHANNES, CORNELIS, VAN DER MAST, HENDRICUS, LEONARDS, MARIA, WITTE, JOHANNES, HENDRICUS
Applicants: KOUTERS LUCAS JOHANNES CORNELI, LIBERTEL NETWERK BV, MAST HENDRICUS LEONARDS MARIA, WITTE JOHANNES HENDRICUS, KOUTERS, LUCAS, JOHANNES, CORNELIS, LIBERTEL NETWERK B.V., VAN DER MAST, HENDRICUS, LEONARDS, MARIA, WITTE, JOHANNES, HENDRICUS
Application year: 2000
Main classification: H01Q1
IPC codes: H01Q1, H01Q21