EP4035224A1

EP4035224A1 - Antenna

Info

Publication number: EP4035224A1
Application number: EP20789466.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Gerald ARTNER
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-09-26
Filing date: 2020-09-25
Publication date: 2022-08-03
Also published as: AT523050A4; AT523050B1; WO2021058712A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an antenna which comprises at least one support element (T) and at least one antenna element (A), comprising at least one emitter (3) and optionally at least one director (4) and/or reflector (5), wherein antenna elements (A) of any kind are secured on the at least one support element (T) at defined positions. The invention is characterized in that the antenna comprises at least one linear support element (T) which is made of at least one tensegrity structure consisting of a cable element (1), a plurality of spring elements (2) for tightly tensioning the cable element (1) in a straight line, and optionally connection elements (V). Each of the plurality of spring elements (2) is selected independently of one another from a bent leaf spring, a leg spring, and a helical spring, each of which tensions a sub-piece of the cable element (1) and are arranged in an alternating manner without contacting one another over substantially the entire length of the cable element (1) in order to tightly tension the cable element (1) substantially in its entirety.

Description

antenna

The present invention relates to a novel antenna comprising a tensegrity structure.

STATE OF THE ART

Tensegrity is a box word from the English terms "tension" and "integrity" and has denoted a stable, three-dimensional construct of rigid bodies (rods, rods, tubes) since the middle of the last century. which do not touch each other, but are only connected to each other by tightly tensioned tension elements (ropes, wires, cables). Originally as sculptures, i. H. Created as art objects, however, such constructions were soon used as aesthetic building elements in architecture.

As a result, tensegrity structures were also used in technology, as the individual elements can be lightweight, require little space in the unstressed state and are easy to store and transport in this form. With a suitable construction, e.g. B. using electric motors and articulated connections within the rods or tubes, so-called "deployable structures" can be realized, the "unfolding" or construction of the tensioned state can be triggered from a distance. The use of tensegrity structures for the aerospace industry was recognized as early as the 1960s, where such structures have since been implemented primarily as components, but also as antennas. For example, US 6,441,801 B1 and US 2002/190918 A1 disclose such "deployable antennas" for use in space travel.

DE 20 2010 013 085 U1 discloses a "self-deploying helix antenna" for satellites which has a "helical support structure" provided with an electrically conductive layer, at the end of which a reflector plate with radial and tangential, hinged antenna rods and a satellite are attached are so- like several "control cords" as in the unfolded state the shape of the antenna be determined pulling elements. Such an antenna is shown in FIG.

This construction does not represent a tensegrity structure, since the control cords are tensioned by the spiral spring when it is "unfolded", but in this state only define the degree of relaxation of the spiral spring and thus the length of the antenna as a whole, but do not become rigid. Connect elements that are not in contact with one another.

Against this background, the aim of the present invention was the construction of a novel and preferably self-expanding or self-erecting antenna based on one or more Tensegrity structures.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The invention achieves this aim by providing an antenna which comprises at least one carrier element and at least one antenna element which comprises at least one radiator and optionally at least one director and / or reflector, with any antenna elements being fastened at defined positions on the at least one carrier element, wherein the antenna according to the invention is characterized in that the antenna comprises at least one linear carrier element, which is constructed from at least one tensegrity structure, which consists of a rope element, a plurality of spring elements for taut tensioning of the rope element in a straight line and optional connecting elements, wherein each of the plurality of spring elements is selected independently from a curved leaf spring, a leg spring and a helical spring, each of which tension a portion of the cable element and which alternately and without contact mitei nander over substantially the entire length of the s rope element are arranged in order to tension the rope element essentially completely taut.

Such an antenna according to the invention is in its simplest embodiment with only one linear support element made of a single rope element as the tension element of the tensegrity structure, very few spring elements as a rigid body of the tensegrity structure. Structure, e.g. B. only two or three curved leaf springs or leg springs, for tensioning the cable element, and only one antenna element attached to it in the form of a radiator extremely inexpensive to manufacture, extremely lightweight, has a negligible space requirement in the relaxed state and is due to the use of the special Types of springs very easy to fix, store and transport in the relaxed state.

For example, several curved leaf springs or torsion springs can be arranged next to one another or one inside the other, compressed together and with a simple wire or tape, e.g. B. made of rubber, manually fixed in this position who the. After this fixation has been removed, the antenna according to the invention is also, in preferred embodiments, self-expanding or self-erecting, ie. H. the springs automatically tension the cable element taut when released, and the antenna element or elements mounted thereon assume their predetermined positions relative to the carrier element.

Due to the linearity of the rope element, as mentioned above, few spring elements, such. B. only two or three of them, in order to stretch the rope element taut over its entire length, the required number of course depends on the length of the rope element, the size of the spring elements and the spring tension of the spring elements. The spring elements used for tensioning a rope element are in preferred embodiments of the invention with regard to the production costs and the structural effort identical in type, shape and size and are regularly distributed over the length of the rope elements. But this is not absolutely necessary, i. H. It is also possible to mount different spring elements at irregular positions of the rope element, as long as the latter is stretched linearly over its entire length. The linearity of the cable element enables, for example, the use of the antenna according to the invention as a directional antenna.

For the purposes herein, a rope element is understood to mean any elongate, slack, flexible, tensile strength component that is used for the transmission of tensile forces. ten is capable, which includes any twisted or braided natural or synthetic fibers or wires consisting of ropes, cords, cords, wire ropes, cables or the like, as well as chains. Depending on the requirements of the present invention, the rope element can consist of electrically conductive or non-conductive material or sometimes also from a mixture of conductive and non-conductive fibers, filaments and / or wires.

According to the present invention, the spring elements are restricted to curved leaf springs, leg springs and coil springs which are able to tighten a rope element in a straight line, with curved leaf springs and leg springs being preferred according to the invention for structural reasons, which will be discussed in more detail later . The springs can also consist of electrically conductive or non-conductive material, depending on the requirements, for. B. made of plastic or metal. In most cases, electrically non-conductive materials, especially lightweight plastic, are preferred in accordance with the present invention.

The names of the antenna elements, such as. B. radiator, director and reflector, have their usual, in the antenna technology common meaning, which example brings with it that a radiator can also serve as a receiver at the same time.

A connecting element is here generally understood to mean a component that has two of the other elements, e.g. B. two antenna elements, two rope elements or a rope element and an antenna element, connects to each other. Connection elements can also be made of electrically conductive or non-conductive material, e.g. B. made of metal or plastic, of which lightweight materia lien are again preferred. The shape of the connecting members is not particularly limited and can be selected according to their purpose, e.g. B. linear, ge angled, cross, circular or star-shaped.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the antenna elements attached to a support element each comprise a radiator, at least one director and optionally also at least one reflector, which are each fastened to the carrier element at defined positions, preferably in such a way that they lie in different planes at defined distances from one another and run parallel to one another, the different planes in which the antenna elements are fastened to the carrier element, preferably stand perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the carrier element. Such embodiments of the invention are suitable, for example, for use as directional antennas, since the effect of the radiator is enhanced in a known manner by the at least one director. In particularly preferred Ausführungsfor men of the antenna according to the invention, a set of antenna elements in addition to the radiator includes a plurality of directors and at least one reflector to the effect of the antenna, for. B. as a directional antenna to optimally amplify.

The length of the sections of the Seilele element tensioned by the individual spring elements depends on the positions at which the spring elements are connected to the rope element. It is preferably given by two elements limiting the spring relaxation, which are seen at defined positions on the rope element, the limiting elements being particularly preferably selected independently of nodes attached to the rope element, clamps or clamps mechanically fastened to the rope element, and combinations thereof are. In the simplest and cheapest variant, simple knots in the rope element serve as limiting elements for the spring elements.

In some preferred embodiments, two clamps or clamps on the rope element are provided as limiting elements for at least one leaf or leg spring serving as a spring element, or also for all springs, the edges of which, facing the spring, run obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the tensioned rope element, by one each to form a frictional connection with the spring end and thus prevent rotation of the section of the cable element tensioned by this spring about the longitudinal axis. Such embodiments of the delimiting elements are particularly useful when the leaf or leg springs used to tension the rope element are relatively relaxed or widened and thus create an acute angle between their ends and the rope Form element, the bevel of the edges of the clamps or clamps particularly preferably corresponds to this acute angle.

In preferred embodiments, at least one of the spring elements (or all of them) is a leaf spring which has at least one guide hole and / or a guide slot at both ends through which the cable element runs. Such Ausfüh approximately forms of spring elements are particularly simple and inexpensive in the Fierstellung.

In the alternative or additional use of leg springs such leg springs are preferably used, which each have a guide eyelet at both ends through which the cable element extends, which is also a fold and inexpensive to manufacture.

With the alternative or additional use of helical springs, the helical springs are preferably firmly connected at their ends with a clamp or clamp serving as a limiting element in such a way that the axis of the at least one helical spring runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tensioned cable element. For this purpose, the ends of the helical springs with the clamps or clamps serving as limiting elements are preferably connected in one piece, particularly preferably welded, in order to form a fixed connection that is stable in position. For example, each end of the helical springs can be fixedly connected to a part of the clamp or clamp that stands away from the cable element by a distance corresponding to the thickness of the helical spring in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis of the tensioned cable element, for which z. B. a pin, a nose, a plate or a concentric ring around the Seilele element can serve.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, some or all of the delimitation elements for the spring element can also be used at the same time to attach the antenna elements, ie preferably at least some of the antenna elements in each case at the positions of the delimitation elements provided on the cable element. elements, particularly preferably on clamps or clamps serving as limiting elements, are attached to the carrier element. This reduces the number of components required and thus the structural complexity for the antenna according to the invention.

As an alternative or in addition to this, however, at least some of the antenna elements can also be connected to the carrier element and / or to a further antenna element via special connection elements, in which case the connection elements - analogously to the embodiments described above - preferably each on one as a delimiting element serving clamp or clamp be fastened and / or each extend in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis of the cable element and thus the carrier element.

In some preferred embodiments of the invention, the connecting elements are selected from the following variants and combinations thereof: a) linear elements, the antenna elements running transversely or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connecting elements or being attached to the ends of the connecting elements as an extension of the longitudinal axis at the ends of the connecting elements ; b) cross-shaped elements made of two or more intersecting bars, which are attached at the point of intersection on the carrier element and whose bars are antenna elements attached transversely or perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the bars or as an extension of the bars at their ends; c) angled elements, which are each attached to the ends of linear antenna elements that a plurality of connecting elements and antenna elements alternately form a polygon, the attachment to the carrier element via one or more connecting elements, one or more antenna elements or both he follows.

In this way, several sets of antenna elements can be provided on one and the same carrier element by means of the connecting elements. Preference is given to a plurality of connecting elements on the carrier element, each with a plurality of antenna elements fastened thereon symmetrically with respect to the cable element in different, parallel planes, wherein in one plane Identical antenna elements are provided in each case and those antenna elements are provided in all different planes which together with the carrier element each result in a complete conventional antenna arrangement. This means that a single support element, ie a single Tensegrity structure, supports several antennas, which is e.g. B. when using the antenna according to the invention as a directional antenna, its effect is multiplied.

If, as in particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, a radiator, at least one director and possibly at least one reflector are provided as mutually parallel antenna elements in the different, parallel planes, which together with the carrier element each have a complete directional antenna unit from the Yagi Uda type result, a carrier element functions as a component of a plurality of directional antenna units of the Yagi-Uda type.

In addition, however, according to the present invention, it is also provided that a plurality of each one rope element and a plurality of spring elements comprise the tensegrity structures together form a carrier element of the directional antenna of the Yagi-Uda type, which, although the complexity and the outlay on equipment, simultaneously but also increases the stability of the antenna. The connection of this multitude of ten segrity structures, which together form a carrier element, can be done by means of antenna elements that are each connected to two rope elements, but is preferably done by connecting two rope elements to each other via connecting elements or a combination of connecting elements and antenna elements are. In this way, the positioning of the antenna elements is not restricted or is at least restricted to a lesser extent.

In some preferred embodiments of the antenna according to the invention there is at least one cable element made of metal and

- At least some of the delimitation elements and / or

- The ends of at least one leaf or leg spring serving as a spring element and / or

- at least some of the antenna elements and / or - At least some of the connecting elements are welded directly to this rope element at defined positions, which increases the stability of the connection between these elements and the rope element.

As an alternative or in addition to this, in some embodiments there is at least one rope element made of fiber material and

- At least some of the delimitation elements and / or

- at least some of the antenna elements and / or

- At least some of the connecting elements are tied to this rope element at defined positions, which simplifies the freeing position and reduces costs.

As already mentioned above, the antenna according to the invention can preferably be compressed to a reduced-volume state by simple pressure on the spring elements in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the at least one carrier element in order to be able to store or transport it more easily in this state. And after the pressure load has ceased, the antenna according to the invention is particularly preferably self-erecting, ie. H. Due to the partial relaxation of the spring elements up to the predefined degree, the at least one cable element is automatically tensioned taut, whereby the antenna elements are arranged in the predefined positions and the antenna is put into an operational state without manual or motor-controlled assembly being required.

Furthermore, in particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, the majority of or all of the elements of the antenna according to the invention can be detached from one another and reassembled, which not only, but especially in complex execution forms, the multiple tensegrity structures and / or multiple antenna arrangements on a tensegrity structure include, the storage and portability of the antenna is further improved. The antenna according to the invention described above can preferably be used as part of a portable electronic device, a vehicle, a stationary radio station or a "Multiple Input Multiple Output" (MIMO) system for wireless communication and is particularly preferably a directional antenna from the Yagi-Uda- Type where the linear shape of the rope element and thus of the carrier element is of particular advantage.

In addition, a large number of antennas according to the invention can of course be arranged to form an antenna array in order to bundle their effect and thereby multiply it.

In a second aspect, the present invention also includes the use of a tensegrity structure, which consists of a rope element, a plurality of spring elements for taut tensioning of the rope element in a straight line, and optional connecting elements, each of the plurality of spring elements independently consisting of a curved one Leaf spring, a leg spring and a helical spring is selected, each tensioning a portion of the cable element and which are arranged alternately and without contact with each other over substantially the entire length of the cable element in order to tension the cable element substantially completely taut, as a linear support element an antenna, wherein the antenna is constructed as described above and is particularly preferably a directional antenna of the Yagi-Uda type.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described in more detail by way of representative, non-limiting examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show:

Fig. 1 shows the helix antenna described in the introduction according to the prior tech and corresponds to FIG. 1 of the cited utility model DE 20 2010 013 085 U1.

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a simple embodiment of a Trä gerelements of the antenna according to the present invention. Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of an inventive particularly preferred antenna of the Yagi-Uda type using the carrier element from FIG. 2. FIG. 4 shows a selection of limiting elements that can be used according to the present invention.

Fig. 5 shows preferred embodiments of the ends of the invention before ferred curved leaf springs (Fig. 5a, 5b) and leg springs (Fig. 5c, 5d).

Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a carrier element of the antenna according to the present invention.

Fig. 7 shows schematically preferred types of connection of a carrier element according to the invention with an antenna or a connection element using the delimitation element from FIG. 4d.

8 and 9 are schematic representations of preferred combinations of cable, connecting and antenna elements in an antenna according to the invention. 10, 11 and 12 are schematic representations of preferred combinations of cable, connecting and antenna elements using a plurality of carrier elements in an antenna according to the invention.

EXAMPLES

As previously mentioned, FIG. 1 shows a prior art antenna which is a self-expanding helical or flelix antenna for satellites. The Flelix antenna essentially comprises a helically wound antenna element provided with an electrically conductive layer, ie a spiral spring, at the end of which a reflector plate with additional, radial and tangential, articulated antenna rods are provided, a satellite being attached to the reflector plate. The helical antenna element is fixedly connected in the radially outer areas with several so-called control cords, which, as tension elements in the unfolded state, determine the shape of the antenna by defining the degree of relaxation of the spiral spring. The reference symbols in FIG. 1 have the following meanings: 1 'antenna arrangement as a whole; 2 'Flelix antenna; 3 'reflector plate; 4 'satellite; 5 'photovoltaic module; 6 'solar cell; 7 'helical support structure; 8 'electrically conductive layer; 9 'area lying radially on the outside; 10 'control cord; 11 'radial antenna rod; 13 'tangential antenna rod; 14 'solid body joint. As was also stated previously, such an antenna is not a tensegrity structure, since the tension elements do not connect any rigid elements that are not in contact with one another. Rather, this antenna is only an example of a directional antenna comprising cable elements.

In Fig. 2, however, a simple example of a carrier element T of the antenna ge according to the present invention is shown schematically, in which a cable element 1 with the exception of a short piece 1 a is stretched taut at one end over essentially the entire length by means of springs 2, which are shown in the present example as curved leaf springs and whose degree of relaxation is set by two limiting elements 6 in each case.

For the sake of simplicity, the relaxation of leaf springs is assumed to be 50% in the overwhelming majority of the embodiments of antennas according to the invention shown schematically here, which is an angle between the rope element 1 and the ends of the spring of 90 ° and thus a claw shape of the Leaf feather corresponds. In the practical embodiment of the invention, however, an acute angle <90 ° will usually be selected, which corresponds to a greater relaxation and thus a wider opening of the spring and reduces the number of spring elements required for tensioning the rope element. In Fig. 2, for example, six semicircular leaf spring elements 2 are shown. With a stronger relaxation, z. B. as indicated in Fig. 4f, with the same length of the rope element 1 and the leaf springs 2 but only three or four spring elements 2 would be vonnö th to tension the rope element 1 taut.

The number of spring elements required in each case depends of course on the type of springs, on the material, especially on the modulus of elasticity of the material used and on the resulting spring constant, as well as on the dimensions of the springs, but also on the weight of all elements that are attached to the Springs to the tensioning rope element, that is: on the carrier element, are attached, and on the spatial orientation of the antenna in operation, ie whether the antenna is to be operated in a horizontal or vertical orientation. With a view to easy handling Lightweight materials are therefore to be preferred for all elements and components of the antenna according to the invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the carrier element from FIG. 2, on which an antenna element A is mounted on some of the delimiting elements 6. The antenna elements are arranged parallel to one another and in the embodiment presented here comprise a radiator 3, two directors 4 and a reflector 5, so that this embodiment forms a complete directional antenna of the Yagi-Uda type.

The antenna elements A do not necessarily need to be attached to the support element T via the limiting elements 6, but could also be attached directly to the cable element 1 or to the spring elements 2. With regard to the linearity, stability and complexity of the antenna, including the total number of components, attachment via the delimiting elements 6 is preferred according to the invention.

How it is attached depends, among other things, on the materials used for the individual elements. For example, in the case of metallic or thermoplastic delimiting elements 6 and antenna elements A, the latter can be connected in one piece to the respective delimiting element, e.g. B. be welded, in the case of nodes in the rope element 1 as Be limiting elements 6, the antenna elements A can also simply be knotted or tied to the Seilele element 1, and when using clamps or clamps, the attachment of the antenna elements A can, for example, by means of screw ben, riveting or gluing. In an analogous manner, connecting elements, which in turn can carry one or more antenna elements, can also be fastened to the delimiting elements.

In Fig. 4 several embodiments of limiter elements 6 which can be used according to the invention are shown, namely in Fig. 4a a simple knot and in Figs. 4b to 4f each a clamp or clamp, the latter being shown in FIGS Embodiments are to be fixed to the rope element by means of screws and nuts 6a on the rope element in order to produce frictional connections. On the embodiments made of metal shown in Figs. 4b and 4c, for example, an antenna element could each be attached by welding, while Fig. 4d shows a crossed double clamp that ment both for attaching the delimiting element to the Seilele and for attaching an antenna element or connecting element can serve, which then extends in a direction normal to the axis of the rope element.

4e and 4f, a special embodiment of a clamp similar to that of Fig. 4c is shown schematically, in which the spring element in the form of a GE curved leaf spring 2 facing end of the clamp is beveled. The degree of inclination from, expressed by the angle a ', corresponds to the angle a formed between the end of the bent leaf spring 2 and the cable element 1. In the embodiment shown here, this angle a is not 90 ° as in the other, simplified embodiments, but the spring 2 is more relaxed or expanded in this case, which is why an acute angle a of around 60 ° between its ends and the rope element is formed, the bevel of the edge of the clamp speaks exactly ent in particularly preferred embodiments of the invention. The frictional engagement generated in this way between the two spring ends and the beveled surfaces of the two limiting elements effectively suppresses rotation of the spring element about the axis of the cable element, which significantly improves the functionality of the antenna according to the invention.

In Fig. 5 different embodiments of leaf and leg springs are shown as spring elements 2. 5a and 5b each show one end of a leaf spring in which a guide slot or hole 7 is provided through which the cable element is guided, embodiments with a guide hole being preferred for reasons of stability. Fig. 5c shows a conventional leg spring in the relaxed state with unmodified ends. To limit the relaxation of such an embodiment of a leg spring 2, its ends can simply be tied to the cable element 1. In Fig. 5d, however, is a preferred embodiment Guide form of a leg spring 2 shown with an eyelet 8 at the end, through which in turn the cable element can be passed.

6 shows an embodiment of a tensegrity structure according to the invention as a carrier element T, in which the cable element 1 is tensioned by means of helical springs 2. The ends of the coil springs are each firmly, preferably in one piece, connected to the clamps or clamps serving as limiting elements 6, particularly preferably welded to form a solid connection and to ensure the tension and linearity of the rope element. For this purpose, each end of the screw is benfedern each with a part 6a of the limiting element 6 fixedly connected in a normal to the longitudinal axis of the tensioned rope element plane by at least the thickness of the coil spring corresponding distance away from the Seilele element, such. B. a pin, a nose, a plate or a con centric ring around the rope element. In Fig. 6, such a nose or plate is identified by reference numeral 6a.

In Fig. 7, two particularly preferred embodiments are shown schematically, in which the crossed double clamp shown in Fig. 4d as a limiting element 6 for a (only indicated here) leaf spring 2 and for connecting the cable element 1 to an antenna element A (Fig. 7a) or A connecting element V is used, which in turn carries an antenna element A at each of its ends (FIG. 7b).

The type of attachment of antenna elements A to connecting elements V is not specifically restricted and can be done, for example, by screwing, gluing, riveting, welding, tying or the like, depending on the materia lien used and the requirements for the connection between the two elements.

The antenna element A or connection element V is fastened to the cable element 1 by means of the crossed double clamp, in turn, preferably in such a way that the respective element extends in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the cable element 1 in order to ensure parallelism of all on different planes Cable element 1 attached antenna elements A and thus to ensure the suitability of the antenna according to the invention as a directional antenna. The same applies mutatis mutandis to the case of fastening antenna elements A to connecting elements V. In Fig. 7b, the two antenna elements A mounted on a linear connecting element V extend at right angles to its longitudinal direction, which is usually preferred according to the invention. Alternatively, the antenna elements A can also run at an oblique angle to the longitudinal direction of the connecting element V, as long as - as is preferred according to the present invention - the antenna elements A provided on different levels of the cable element 1 each run parallel to one another and, moreover, in particular the fastening points te of the antenna elements A are on the respective connecting elements V in the different planes on a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cable element 1. This in turn ensures that the antenna according to the invention functions as a directional antenna, in particular of the Yagi-Uda type.

8 and 9 are also embodiments of two antenna elements A fastened to a linea Ren connecting element V are shown even more simplified schematically, the embodiment from FIG. 8a corresponding to that of FIG. 7b, in which two antenna elements A in the right Brackets are mounted on a connecting element V. In Fig. 8b, however, one end of the two antenna elements A is attached to one end of the connecting element V so that the three elements run in the same longitudinal axis. In FIG. 9, two embodiments are shown, each of which formally comprises two combinations of two antenna elements A attached to a connection element V on a cable element 1. These embodiments can either be crossed by attaching two such combinations directly to each other on the same limiting element 6, for. B. using a corresponding crossed triple clamp, or by using a cross-shaped connecting element V realized who, on each of which four antenna elements A are mounted. For the latter purpose, for. B. four linear connecting elements in a cross shape in one piece with a loading limit element 6, connected, for. B. welded, for example with a clamp similar to that of FIGS. 4e and 4L With a corresponding arrangement of such combinations of connecting element (s) V, antenna elements A and delimiting element 6 on different parallel planes on a rope element 1, the tensegrity structure comprising the rope element can thus be used as a carrier element for several directional antenna units, preferably of the Yagi-Uda type, serve, namely for two antenna units in FIGS. 7b and 8 or four antenna units in FIG. 9.

10 and 11 illustrate embodiments of the present invention in which two tensegrity structures as carrier elements, which are only indicated here by one rope element 1 and one limiting element 6, are connected to one another to form an antenna arrangement according to the present invention, the The connection of the two rope elements 1 in FIG. 10 via a connection element V and in FIG. 11 via two connection elements V which are attached to the two ends of a central antenna element A takes place.

10a and 11a, in addition to the connecting element V connecting the two rope elements 1 to each delimiting element 6, an antenna element A, analogous to the embodiment from FIG. 3 or, preferably, FIG. 7a using a crossed double clamp, in a normal position the longitudinal axis of the rope element 1 ste existing plane attached, while in Figs. 10b and 11b each have a linear, two antenna elements A at its ends supporting connecting element V is mounted on the limiter element 6 in a manner analogous to the embodiment of Fig. 8b. Of course, the two antenna elements per connecting element could also be attached at any desired, preferably right, angle to the longitudinal axis of the connecting element, in analogy to the embodiment from FIG. 8a or preferably FIG. 7b.

If such combinations of connecting element (s) V, antenna elements A and delimiting element 6 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 are provided on parallel planes on a rope element 1, the tension structure comprising the rope element can again be used as a carrier element for several directional antennas Units, preferably of the Yagi-Uda type, are used, namely for four antenna units in FIG. 10 and five antenna units in Fig. 11, each preferably of the Yagi-Uda type. The connection of several such antenna units by separate connec tion elements V increases the stability of the resulting antenna according to the present invention, for. B. against weather influences or vibrations, considerably.

Finally, embodiments of the antenna according to the invention are shown in FIG. 12 in which several antenna elements A are connected to one another to form a closed shape via several interposed connecting elements V within a cable element plane. In addition, in Fig. 12a four antenna elements A each attached to a cable element 1, again analogous to Fig. 3 or 7a, are connected via four angled connecting elements V to form a square shape, while in Figs. 12b and 12c from the alternating connection three antenna elements A and three linear connecting elements V result in a hexagonal shape. The attachment to the three rope elements 1 via respective limiting elements 6 can be done either via the connecting elements V (Fig. 12b) or via the antenna elements A (Fig. 12c). All three embodiments from FIG. 12, when arranged in parallel one above the other, can in turn result in complete directional antenna units, preferably those of the Yagi-Uda type, namely four units in the case of FIG. 12a and three in the case of FIGS. 12b and 12c.

It goes without saying, however, that any other desired shapes and arrangements can also be implemented in accordance with the present invention. For example, triangular or octagonal closed shapes can be constructed in a plane that z. B. analogous to FIG. 12 can be attached to several rope elements or only to a single central rope element. Furthermore, approximately the embodiment shown in Fig. 9a can be given additional stability in that the four antenna elements A there are connected at their ends via right-angled connecting elements V, as shown in Fig. 12a. Further branches are also possible at the ends or in the middle of connecting or antenna elements in any spatial direction, as long as the functionality of the antenna according to the invention, not only but in particular as a directional antenna of the Yagi-Uda type, and its stability are not impaired. The antenna according to the present invention, especially in the form of a directional antenna of the Yagi-Uda type, can be mounted in any way on suitable carriers or in desired locations, for example on portable electronic devices, vehicles, stationary radio stations, etc. not tensioned end 1 a of the rope element 1 take place, for example by using this as a suspension or clamped in a Flalterung, z. B. wound up on a shaft and is pulled taut until it stops at the lowermost limiting element 6. Preferably, however, the attachment is in a spatially fixed manner, for. B. by means of screwing, gluing or welding, take place on a carrier component, in these cases the connection between the carrier element T and the carrier, for example, again via one or more connecting elements V or limiting elements 6 or antenna elements A. For the latter purpose, for example, the first or the last antenna element A of a complete antenna arrangement, z. B. the reflector of a directional antenna of the Yagi-Uda type, at the same time part of the carrier in order to fix the antenna according to the invention on the carrier.

The antenna according to the invention, in particular in the form of a directional antenna of the Yagi-Uda type, can also, as mentioned above, together with further, different or preferably identical, embodiments of an antenna array, e.g. B. a phased array, or a group antenna can be arranged to their effect we, especially the directional effect in the case of a directional antenna, the fixation of the individual antennas can also be done in the ways described above.

Thus, in the light of the disclosure contained herein, numerous modifications and additions to the described and illustrated embodiments of the antenna according to the invention are possible without departing from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. Antenna comprising at least one carrier element (T) and at least one antenna element (A), comprising at least one radiator (3) and optionally at least one director (4) and / or reflector (5), wherein any antenna elements (A ) are attached to defined positions on the at least one carrier element (T), characterized in that the antenna comprises at least one linear carrier element (T), which is made up of at least one tensegrity structure, which consists of a rope element (1), a There is a large number of spring elements (2) for taut tensioning of the rope element (1) in a straight line and optional connecting elements (V), each of the plurality of spring elements (2) being independently selected from a curved leaf spring, a leg spring and a helical spring, which each tension a section of the rope element (1) and which are arranged alternately and without contact with one another over essentially the entire length of the rope element (1) nd, in order to tension the rope element (1) essentially completely taut.

2. Antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that the cable element (1) consists of electrically conductive or non-conductive material and the antenna elements (A) each have a radiator (3), at least one director (4) and optionally at least one reflector (5 ), which are fastened to the carrier element (T) at defined positions in such a way that they lie in different planes at defined distances from one another and run parallel to one another.

3. Antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that the different planes in which the antenna elements (A) are attached to the carrier element (T) are nor times on the longitudinal axis of the carrier element (T).

4. Antenna according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the length of the parts of the rope element (1) tensioned by the spring elements (2) is predetermined by two elements (6) which limit the spring relaxation and which are located at defined positions on the rope element (1) are provided.

5. Antenna according to claim 4, characterized in that the limiting elements (6) are each selected independently from knots attached to the rope element (1), clamps or clamps mechanically attached to the rope element (1), and combinations thereof.

6. Antenna according to claim 5, characterized in that the limiting elements (6) for at least one leaf or leg spring serving as a spring element (2) two clamps or clamps are provided on the rope element (1), the edges of which are inclined towards the spring runs to the longitudinal axis of the tensioned rope element (1) in order to form a frictional connection with the spring end and thus prevent rotation of the section of the rope element (1) tensioned by this spring about the longitudinal axis.

7. Antenna according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that at least one of the spring elements (2) is a leaf spring which has at least one guide hole and / or slot (7) at both ends through which the Rope element (1) runs through it.

8. Antenna according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that at least one of the spring elements (2) is a leg spring which has a guide eyelet (8) at both ends through which the cable element (1) extends.

9. Antenna according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that at least one of the spring elements (2) is a helical spring, the ends of which are each firmly connected to a clamp or clamp serving as a limiting element (6) in such a way that the The axis of the at least one helical spring runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tensioned cable element (1).

10. Antenna according to claim 9, characterized in that the ends of the helical spring are integrally connected, preferably welded, to the clamps or clamps serving as limiting elements (6).

11. Antenna according to one of Claims 4 to 9, characterized in that at least some of the antenna elements (A) are attached to the carrier element (T) at the positions of the delimiting elements (6) provided on the rope element (1).

12. Antenna according to claim 11, characterized in that the antenna elements (A) are each attached to a clamp or clamp serving as a limiting element (6).

13. Antenna according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that at least some of the antenna elements (A) are connected to the carrier element (T) and / or to a further antenna element (A) via connecting elements (V).

14. Antenna according to claim 13, characterized in that the connecting elements (V) are each attached to a clamp or clamp serving as a limiting element (6).

15. Antenna according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the connec tion elements (V) each extend in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis of the cable element (1) and thus of the carrier element (T).

16. Antenna according to claim 15, characterized in that the connecting elements (V): a) are linear elements and the antenna elements (A) running transversely or perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the connecting elements (V) or as an extension of the longitudinal axis at the ends of the connecting elements (V) attached to them; or b) cross-shaped elements made up of two or more intersecting bars, which are fastened at the point of intersection on the carrier element (T) and at the bars of which antenna elements (A) are fastened transversely or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bars or as an extension of the bars at their ends ; or c) are angled elements which are each attached to the ends of linear antenna elements (A) that a plurality of connecting elements (V) and antenna elements (A) alternately form a polygon, the attachment to the carrier element (T) via a or several connecting elements, one or more antenna elements (A) or both.

17. Antenna according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that on the Trä gerelement (T) a plurality of connecting elements (V) each with a plurality of antenna elements (A) attached symmetrically thereon with respect to the cable element (1) in different, parallel planes is attached, in each case identical antenna elements (A) are provided in one plane and those antenna elements (A) are provided in all different union planes, which together with the support element (T) each result in a complete conventional antenna arrangement.

18. Antenna according to claim 17, characterized in that a radiator (3), at least one director (4) and optionally at least one reflector (5) are provided as mutually parallel antenna elements (A) in the different parallel planes, which together with the carrier element (T) each result in a complete directional antenna unit of the Yagi-Uda type, so that a carrier element (T) functions as part of a plurality of directional antenna units of the Yagi-Uda type.

19. Antenna according to claim 18, characterized in that a plurality of tensegrity structures each comprising a cable element (1) and a plurality of spring elements (2) form a carrier element (T) of the directional antenna of the Yagi-Uda type.

20. Antenna according to claim 19, characterized in that, in the case of the plurality of tensegrity structures, two rope elements (1) are connected to one another via connecting elements (V) or via a combination of connecting elements (V) and antenna elements (A).

21. Antenna according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that at least one cable element (1) consists of metal and

- At least some of the limiting elements (6) and / or

- The ends of at least one leaf or leg spring serving as a spring element (2) and / or

- At least some of the antenna elements (A) and / or

- At least some of the connecting elements (V) are welded directly to this cable element (1) at defined positions.

22. Antenna according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that at least one cable element (1) consists of fiber material and

- At least some of the limiting elements (6) and / or

- At least some of the antenna elements (A) and / or

- At least some of the connecting elements (V) are tied to this rope element (1) at defined positions.

23. Antenna according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that it can be compressed to a reduced volume state by means of pressure on the spring elements (2) in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the at least one carrier element (T).

24. Antenna according to claim 23, characterized in that it is self-erecting after the pressure load has ceased.

25. Antenna according to one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the majority of or all of the elements can be detached from one another and reassembled.

26. Antenna according to one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that it is part of a portable electronic device, a vehicle, a stationary one Radio station or a "Multiple Input Multiple Output" (MIMO) system for wireless communication.

27. Antenna according to one of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that it is a directional antenna of the Yagi-Uda type.

28. Antenna array, which consists of an arrangement of a plurality of antennas according to one of claims 1 to 27.

29. Use of a tensegrity structure, which consists of a rope element (1), a multiplicity of spring elements (2) for tensioning the rope element (1) taut in the straight line as well as optional connecting elements (V), each of the multiplicity of spring elements ( 2) is independently selected from a curved leaf spring, a leg spring and a helical spring, each of which tension a section of the rope element (1) and which are arranged alternately and without contact with one another over essentially the entire length of the rope element (1), in order to tension the rope element (1) essentially completely taut, as a linear carrier element (T) of an antenna.

30. Use according to claim 29, characterized in that the antenna is a directional antenna of the Yagi-Uda type.