Polarizable antenna unit

Abstract

A polarizable antenna unit (10) is provided, comprising a first printed circuit board (100) with at least one first electrical conductor (170) and a second printed circuit board (200) with at least one second electrical conductor (270). The second printed circuit board (200) has at least one first printed circuit board section (210, 220), which is partially hinged or pivotable. The first and second printed circuit boards (100, 200) are arranged at a printed circuit board angle to each other. In a first operating mode, the at least one first printed circuit board section (210, 120) of the second printed circuit board (200) has a first operating position with a first printed circuit board angle, in which the antenna unit (10) has a first width (11).In a second operating mode, at least one first printed circuit board section (210, 220) of the second printed circuit board (200) has a second operating position with a second printed circuit board angle, in which the antenna unit (100) has a second width (12). The first printed circuit board angle is larger than the second printed circuit board angle and the second width (12) is smaller than the first width (11) of the antenna unit (10).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a polarizable antenna unit.

[0002] Polarized antennas, such as circularly polarized or double-polarized antennas, are commonly used in radio applications, for example in wireless transmission systems such as wireless microphone systems. Circularly polarized antennas are used to enable more stable and less interference-prone wireless transmission.

[0003] Wireless microphone systems are also known to use a circularly polarized helical antenna. A helical antenna is known from US patent 8,780,009.

[0004] However, a disadvantage of the known antenna is that it does not allow for equivalent antennas for horizontal and vertical polarization. Helix antennas also suffer from reduced durability because they can be deformed during transport.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a polarizable antenna which at least partially overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art described above. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a polarizable antenna which enables robust and stable radio transmission. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a polarized antenna which has improved handling and is easy to transport.

[0006] This problem is solved by a polarizable antenna according to claim 1.

[0007] The polarizable antenna unit comprises a first printed circuit board with a first electrical conductor and a second printed circuit board with a second electrical conductor. The second printed circuit board has at least one first and one second printed circuit board section, which are at least partially tiltable or pivotable. The first and second printed circuit boards are arranged at a printed circuit board angle of, for example, > 45° and, in particular, approximately 90° to each other, in order to allow for two polarizations. In a first operating mode, the at least one printed circuit board section has a first operating position with a first printed circuit board angle, at which the antenna unit has a first width. In a second operating mode, the at least one printed circuit board section has a second operating position with a second printed circuit board angle, at which the antenna unit has a second width.The first circuit board angle is larger than the second circuit board angle, and the first width is larger than the second width. This allows for an antenna unit with foldable or swiveling circuit boards to reduce the antenna's width, for example, for transport.

[0008] As an example, the first operating mode represents normal operation, in which the antenna unit can transmit and / or receive high-frequency signals. The second operating mode represents transport operation, in which the antenna's width can be reduced by folding down a portion of the second circuit board. In the first operating mode, the two antenna circuit boards can be positioned at a 90° angle to each other, for example, to allow for a three-dimensional configuration. For transport (second operating mode), the circuit boards can be folded, making the antenna unit more compact and allowing it to easily fit into a musician's rack for transport. This eliminates the need for any further assembly of the antenna on-site. The antenna unit is unpacked, the circuit boards are folded from the transport position to an operating position, and the antenna unit is ready for use.

[0009] In the first operating mode, the antenna unit is active and transmits or receives via the first and second circuit boards. In the second operating mode, the antenna unit is inactive.

[0010] In the first operating mode, the PCB angle between the first and second circuit boards can be greater than 45°, and in particular approximately 90°, to create a three-dimensional antenna. In the second operating mode (transport), the PCB angle can be as small as possible (e.g., less than 10°) to achieve the most compact transport dimensions.

[0011] According to one example, the second circuit board has at least one first circuit board section. In the second operating mode, the at least one first circuit board section is in the second operating position, so that the second width is less than 50% of the first width.

[0012] According to one aspect, the second circuit board has a central circuit board segment which is connected to the first circuit board. The second circuit board also has the first and second circuit board sections, which are pivotably connected to the central circuit board segment, so that the first and second circuit board sections can each be pivoted into a first and second operating position with different antenna widths.

[0013] According to one aspect, the antenna unit has at least two hinges, each coupled to the first and second circuit board parts to assist in pivoting the first and second circuit board parts.

[0014] According to another aspect, the second circuit board is designed in the form of a rigid-flex circuit board.

[0015] According to another aspect, the first circuit board has a first and a second circuit board section. In the first operating mode and in the first operating position of the second circuit board, the first and second circuit boards intersect at a point of intersection. The first circuit board section extends from the point of intersection in a first direction (e.g., upwards), and the second circuit board section extends from the point of intersection in a second direction (e.g., downwards), which is opposite to the first direction. The first and second circuit board sections of the second circuit board can be pivoted in either direction.

[0016] According to one aspect, the printed circuit board section has a first and second end as well as a height that increases from the first to the second end.

[0017] According to one aspect, the first printed circuit board section has a plurality of ribs and printed circuit board slots.

[0018] The polarizable antenna comprises a first printed circuit board with at least one first electrical conductor and a second printed circuit board with at least one second electrical conductor. The first and second printed circuit boards are arranged at an angle to each other to allow for two polarizations. The second printed circuit board is pivotable relative to the first printed circuit board, so that it is hinged relative to the first printed circuit board. In a first operating mode (normal operating mode), the second printed circuit board is in the unfolded position, i.e., the angle between the first and second printed circuit boards is substantially 90°. In this first operating mode, the second printed circuit board is in a first operating position and is unfolded, being substantially perpendicular to the first printed circuit board. In a second operating mode, the second printed circuit board has at least a partial second operating position.In the second operating position, the second circuit board is folded or pivoted so that the angle between the first and second circuit boards is less than 90°. This second operating position is a transport position. This is particularly advantageous because it allows the antenna's dimensions to be reduced. In the first operating position, the antenna can then be operated in a wireless transmission system.

[0019] The second circuit board can be designed as a flexible circuit board or as a rigid-flex circuit board.

[0020] Optionally, hinges can be attached to the second circuit board to allow the circuit board to swivel even over a longer service life. This can particularly improve the mechanical stability of the folding mechanism.

[0021] For example, the printed circuit board has a first and second end, with a first section above the hinges and a second section below the hinges. The first section of the circuit board has a height that increases from the first to the second end. Therefore, the height of the first section of the first circuit board is greater at the second end than at the first end.

[0022] According to one example, the first section has slots that extend essentially continuously throughout the first section.

[0023] According to one example, the second circuit board section of the first circuit board is essentially continuous.

[0024] Optionally, the second circuit board has a first and second circuit board section, each of which can be connected to the first circuit board via hinges. The first and second circuit board sections can be folded from a substantially vertical position using the hinges, thus significantly reducing the antenna's dimensions.

[0025] The first circuit board section has ribs that protrude from a plane formed by the second circuit board in the first operating position.

[0026] Thus, an antenna unit can be formed with a first vertical antenna (first circuit board) and a horizontal antenna (second circuit board).

[0027] A central circuit board section can be provided in the transition area between the first and second circuit boards. This central circuit board section can be part of the second circuit board or, alternatively, it can be a separate circuit board.

[0028] Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0029] The advantages and embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an antenna unit according to an example, Fig. Figure 2 shows another perspective view of the antenna unit of Fig. 1, Fig. Figure 3A shows a top view of the antenna unit of Fig. 1, Fig. Figure 3B shows an enlarged section of the top view of Fig. 3A, Fig. Figure 4 shows a side view of the antenna unit of Fig. 1, Fig. Figure 5 shows another side view of the antenna unit of Fig. 1, Fig. Figure 6 shows a rear view of the antenna unit of Fig. 1, Fig. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the antenna unit of Fig. 1 in a second operating position, Fig. Figure 8 shows another view of the antenna unit of Fig. 1 in the second operating position (transport position), Fig. Figure 9 shows a schematic view of a phase shifter for the antenna unit of Fig. 1, Fig. Figure 10 shows a top view of another antenna unit, Fig. Figure 11 shows a top view of the antenna unit of Fig. 10, Fig. Figure 12 shows a rear view of the antenna unit of Fig. 10, Fig. Figure 13 shows another perspective view of the antenna unit of Fig. 10, Fig. Figure 14 shows another perspective view of the antenna unit of Fig. 10 in a second operating position, and Fig. Figure 15 showed a rear view of the antenna unit of Fig. 10 in a second operating position.

[0030] In the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9 will be a first antenna unit and in the Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15 to Fig. Section 16 describes a second antenna unit. The first antenna unit can be configured as a circularly polarizable log-periodic antenna (LPDA). The second antenna unit can be configured as a circularly polarized Vivaldi antenna unit.

[0031] Both antenna units consist of a first printed circuit board (PCB) with a first orientation and a second printed circuit board (PCB) with a second orientation. In a first operating mode, the second PCB has a first operating position, and in a second operating mode, the second PCB has a second operating position (transport). The first PCB does not change its operating position. The first PCB has at least one first electrical conductor, and the second PCB has at least one second electrical conductor. In the first operating mode, the second PCB is arranged essentially perpendicular to the first PCB. In the assembled state, the first PCB can be configured vertically, and the second PCB can be configured horizontally in the first operating mode.In the second operating mode, the first printed circuit board (PCB) does not change its orientation, while the second PCB is not oriented perpendicular to the first PCB and is, for example, positioned at an angle of < 45° to the first PCB. In particular, the angle between the first and second PCBs in the second operating mode, i.e., in the second operating position of the second PCB, can be < 20°, and in particular < 10°.

[0032] In the first operating mode (first operating position), the antenna unit has a first width (i.e., a width or extent of the second circuit board), and in the second operating mode (second operating position), the antenna unit has a second width (i.e., a width or extent of the second circuit board). The second width is smaller than the first width.

[0033] The first circuit board can be designed as a rigid circuit board. The first and / or second circuit board can be electrically connected to an antenna connector.

[0034] The first operating mode can be a normal operating mode in which the antenna is used as a transmitter and / or receiver in a wireless transmission system. The second operating mode can be a transport mode in which the second circuit boards are folded in such a way that the width of the antenna unit is significantly reduced, while the height of the antenna unit remains essentially the same. In the second operating position (second circuit board folded in), the antenna unit can be used for transport.

[0035] The first antenna unit is a log-periodic dipole antenna (LPDA), also known simply as a logper. This is considered a broadband antenna and consists of a number of dipole antennas whose length and spacing decrease towards the direction of radiation and which are linearly polarized. By connecting the two antenna circuit boards via a 90° hybrid coupler, the antenna unit can be circularly polarized. The second antenna unit is called a Vivaldi antenna. Like the logper antenna, it is also broadband and linearly polarized. By connecting the two antenna circuit boards via a 90° hybrid coupler, the antenna unit can be circularly polarized.

[0036] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an antenna unit according to an example. The antenna unit 10 has a first and second antenna end 13, 14 and a first and second circuit board 100, 200, which has a first and a second electrical conductor 170, 270. The second circuit board 200 is designed to pivot or fold relative to the first circuit board 100 via hinges 300. The first circuit board 100 has a first and second end 110, 120, as well as a first circuit board section 130 and a second circuit board section 140. The first circuit board section 130 has a first and second end 131, 132 and a height 133, which increases from the first to the second end 110, 120. The first printed circuit board section 130 can have a plurality of ribs 134 and slots 135 between them. The first printed circuit board section 130 can also be designed without ribs or slots.

[0037] The second circuit board section 140 has a first and second end 141, 142, and a varying height 143. The second circuit board section 140 has a mounting 144 for a mechanical mounting unit 160, by means of which the antenna unit 10 can be attached. An electrical antenna connection 150 can be provided in the region of the second end 142 of the second circuit board section 140. The electrical antenna connection 150 is electrically connected to the electrical lines 170 in the first circuit board 100. A further electrical antenna connection 151 is provided for the second circuit board, which is electrically connected to the electrical lines 270 in the second circuit board 200. This allows the two circuit boards 100, 200 to be controlled via separate connections. The circuit boards can thus also be used as separate antennas.Furthermore, only one of the two antennas or both in combination can be used.

[0038] The second circuit board 200 has a first and second circuit board part 210, 220, each of which is designed to be tilted or folded via hinges 300. The first circuit board part 210 and the second circuit board part 220 are electrically connected to each other and have the second electrical conductor.

[0039] The first printed circuit board part 210 and the second printed circuit board part 220 have at least a section of a flexible or rigid-flex printed circuit board. In particular, in the area of ​​the hinges 300, the second printed circuit board 200 is designed as a flexible printed circuit board so that the first and second printed circuit board parts 210, 220 can be folded from a first operating position (essentially perpendicular to the first printed circuit board) into a second operating position in which the angle between the first and second printed circuit boards is < 20°.

[0040] The second circuit board 200 can have a central circuit board segment 500, to which the first and second circuit board parts 210, 220 can be coupled via hinges 300.

[0041] In a first operating mode, the second circuit board 200 is in a first operating position, so that the antenna unit 10 can be operated in a wireless audio transmission system.

[0042] In a second operating mode, the first and second circuit board parts 210, 220 are in a second operating position, so that the antenna unit 10 can be easily transported due to its smaller dimensions.

[0043] The second circuit board 200 has a first and second end 201, 202. The first circuit board part 210 has a first and second end 211, 212. The second circuit board part 220 has a first and second end 221, 222. Furthermore, the first circuit board part 210 has a width 213 and the second circuit board part has a width 223. The widths 213, 223 of the first and second circuit board parts increase from the first end 211, 221 to the second end 212, 222.

[0044] A circuit board mounting 400 can be provided for fastening the first and second circuit boards 100, 200, which has a first and second circuit board mounting element 410, 420. The first and second circuit board mounting elements 410, 420 each have vertical mounting slots 411, 421 and horizontal mounting slots 412, 422, which serve to accommodate the first or second circuit board 100, 200.

[0045] Fig. Figure 2 shows another perspective view of the antenna of Fig. 1. While in Fig. 1. The view from the first end of the antenna unit is shown in Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view from the second end of the antenna unit. The antenna unit is in the first operating mode, and the second circuit board components 210 and 220 are in the first operating position. A phase shifter 600 is also shown.

[0046] Fig. Figure 3A shows a top view of the antenna unit of Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 3B shows an enlarged section of the top view of Fig. 3A. In particular, the first and second circuit boards 100, 200 and the hinges 300 are shown. Here, the first hinge sections 310 are connected to a central circuit board section 500, and the second hinge sections 320 are each connected to a first or second circuit board section 210, 220. In Fig. Figure 3A shows six hinges (300). The number of hinges should be at least two.

[0047] The central printed circuit board section 500 can be configured as a separate printed circuit board or as part of the second printed circuit board. The central printed circuit board section 500 has a first and second end 501, 502, and optionally a plurality of holes 503, each for receiving the ribs 134 of the first printed circuit board 100. The hinges 300 each have a first and second hinge section 310, 320. The first hinge sections 310 are each connected to the central printed circuit board section 500, and the second hinge sections 320 are connected to the first or second printed circuit board part 210, 220. Flexible printed circuit board sections 230 are provided between the central printed circuit board section 500 and the first or second printed circuit board part 210, 220 to allow the first and second printed circuit board part 210, 220 to pivot.

[0048] Optionally, only the first or second circuit board section 210, 220 can be designed to pivot, while the other circuit board section is not designed to pivot, but is fixed.

[0049] The second printed circuit board 200 can be configured as a rigid-flex printed circuit board with three rigid sections, namely the first printed circuit board section 210, the second printed circuit board section 220, and the central printed circuit board section 500, wherein a flexible printed circuit board section 230 can be provided between the first and second printed circuit board sections 210, 220 and the central printed circuit board section 500. Alternatively, the printed circuit board 200 can have a separate central printed circuit board section 500 as well as first and second printed circuit board sections 210, 220, which are configured separately from the central printed circuit board section 500. The first and second printed circuit board sections 210, 220 can be configured as a rigid-flex printed circuit board, with the flexible portion configured as a flexible printed circuit board section 230. The flexible circuit board section 230 can then, for example, be electrically coupled to the central circuit board section 500 via connectors.

[0050] The second circuit board 200 can therefore be designed as a single circuit board or as a multi-part circuit board.

[0051] The first printed circuit board 100 is preferably designed as a continuous printed circuit board with a first and second section 130, 140. Alternatively, the first printed circuit board 100 can also be designed as a multi-part board.

[0052] When assembling the first and second circuit boards 100, 200, the ribs 134 of the first circuit board 100 can be inserted into the holes or openings 503. Using the circuit board fastener 400 with the first and second circuit board fasteners 410, 420, the first and second circuit boards 100, 200 can be fastened together or to each other.

[0053] Fig. Figure 4 shows a side view of the antenna unit of Fig. 1.

[0054] Fig. Figure 5 shows a side view of the antenna unit of Fig. 1.

[0055] Fig. Figure 6 shows a top view of an antenna unit of Fig. 1. In Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. Figure 6 shows the antenna unit in the first operating mode, with the circuit board parts 210, 220 shown in the first operating position (essentially perpendicular to the first circuit board).

[0056] Fig. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the antenna unit of Fig. 1 in a second operating mode.

[0057] Fig. Figure 8 shows a top view of an antenna unit from Fig. 1 in a second operating mode.

[0058] The in the Fig. 7 and Fig. The operating mode shown in Figure 8 (transport mode) features the second circuit board sections 210, 220 in a second operating position, i.e., the angle between the first circuit board and the first and second circuit board sections is < 10° in order to obtain the flattest possible antenna unit for transport. In particular, the first and second circuit board sections are in a folded position so that the width of the antenna unit can be reduced to allow transport of the antenna unit, for example, in a suitcase.

[0059] Fig. Figure 9 shows a schematic representation of a phase shifter 600 with one input 610 and two phase shifter outputs 620 and 630. An RF input signal is present at input 610. An RF output signal A1 at 0° is present at the first phase shifter output 620, and an RF output signal A2 at 90° is present at the second phase shifter output 630. The first output signal A1 is connected, for example, to the first circuit board 100 via the first antenna connection 150, and the second output signal A1 at the second phase shifter output 630 is connected, for example, to the second circuit board 200 via the second antenna connection 151. This configuration enables circular polarization of the antenna unit via the first and second circuit boards 100 and 200. Thus, a signal that is phase-shifted by 90° can be applied to the first circuit board, and the signal that is not phase-shifted (0°) is applied to the second circuit board.This is made possible by the fact that the first and second circuit boards each have their own antenna connection.

[0060] In the Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15 to Fig. Figure 16 shows an alternative antenna unit.

[0061] Fig. Figure 10 shows a top view of another antenna unit and Fig. Figure 11 shows a top view of the antenna unit of Fig. 10. The antenna unit 10 comprises a first and second circuit board 100, 200. The first circuit board 100 can be designed as a rigid circuit board with a first layer. The second circuit board 200 comprises a first and second circuit board section 210, 220, each of which is connected to a central section via hinges 300, so that they are pivotable.

[0062] The antenna unit 10 has a first and second end 13, 14. The first circuit board 100 has a first and second end 110, 120. The first circuit board part 210 has a first and second end 211, 212. The second circuit board part 220 has a first and second end 221, 222. In the example of Fig. 10 is the first circuit board 100, which is fully designed and does not have, as in Fig. Figure 1 shows ribs and slots.

[0063] The second circuit board 200 can have a central circuit board segment 500 and a first and second circuit board part 210, 220. A flexible circuit board section 230 can be provided between the central circuit board segment 500 and the first and second circuit board parts 210, 220 to allow the first and second circuit board parts 210, 220 to pivot.

[0064] Fig. Figure 12 shows another view of the antenna of Fig. 10. Fig. Figure 13 shows another perspective view of the antenna unit of Fig. 10.

[0065] In the Fig. 10, Fig. 11 to Fig. Figure 12 shows the antenna unit in a first operating mode, with the second circuit board sections arranged in a first operating position. In the first operating position, the first and second circuit board sections are arranged essentially perpendicular to the first circuit board.

[0066] In the Fig. 14 and Fig. Figure 15 shows the antenna unit in a second operating mode, with the second circuit board parts 210, 220 being in a second operating position.

[0067] The first and second antenna units can be operated, for example, at a frequency between 470 MHz and 1.8 GHz. Alternatively, the first and second antennas can also be operated at a Bluetooth communication frequency of approximately 2.5 GHz.

[0068] The first antenna unit of Fig. For example, part 1 can have a length of 334 mm and a width of 293.4 mm. Specifically, the length of the antenna unit can be between 300 and 400 mm and the width can be between 200 and 400 mm.

[0069] The second antenna unit can have a length of between 250 and 350 mm, in particular 310 mm. The width of the antenna unit (in the first operating mode) can, for example, be between 200 and 300 mm, in particular 262 mm.

[0070] The antenna unit described above can be used as a dual antenna for polarization diversity, for example as a microphone receiver, or with a 600 phase shifter as a circularly polarized antenna. The antenna inputs can have an RF connector.

[0071] The antenna unit can be designed as a broadband log-periodic antenna or a Vivaldi antenna.

[0072] The antenna unit can be used both as a diversity antenna for two orthogonal polarizations for one antenna position and as a circularly polarized antenna with an added 90-degree phase shifter.

[0073] The foldable design of the second circuit board allows for easy transport of the antenna unit, for example in a musician's rack.

[0074] The antenna comprises at least two printed circuit boards (PCBs), one of which is a rigid PCB. The first rigid PCB can accommodate antenna elements of the vertical broadband antenna. The second PCB can be designed as a rigid-flex PCB, which can accommodate the antenna elements of the horizontal antenna structure. Additionally, a third PCB can be provided, which features an optional broadband 90° phase shifter for horizontal or vertical polarization, thus enabling the use of a dual-polarized antenna as a circular antenna.

[0075] The phase shifter can be placed on the first or second circuit board. The antenna unit can be used as a log-periodic antenna or as a Vivaldi antenna.

[0076] The antenna structures on the first and second circuit boards can include both a feed line and antenna elements.

[0077] The first circuit board can optionally be provided with slots or recesses so that the horizontal and vertical antennas can be plugged into each other. The vertical antenna can be made from a rigid circuit board, while the horizontal antenna (second circuit board) can be made from a combination of rigid and flexible circuit board sections.

[0078] The antenna structures of the rigid and flexible segments can be connected via vias. The flexible area of ​​the circuit board should also allow frequent folding of the second circuit board without damage. For this purpose, additional hinges can be used to mechanically connect the rigid circuit board sections (made of non-conductive material) (plastic). Optionally, the hinges can have a mechanical stop to limit the folding angle. The hinges can also have locking tabs that allow the circuit boards to be fixed in a 90° or 180° position.

[0079] The antenna unit according to the Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15 to Fig. The 16 can feature Vivaldi structures for the horizontal and vertical antennas (first and second circuit boards). Specifically, a horizontal slot is provided in both circuit boards for interlocking. Optionally, a 90° phase shift can be provided on an additional circuit board or on the first and second circuit boards.

[0080] A central section of the second circuit board (horizontal circuit board) has a power supply line. This central section is connected to the first circuit board at a 90° angle. The first and second circuit board sections 210 and 220 are connected to the central section via flexible circuit boards and hinges. Furthermore, a mounting adapter for standard microphone clips or mounting clamps is provided on the first circuit board.

[0081] The antenna unit according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. Figure 9 can represent a circularly polarized antenna, which transmits or receives electromagnetic waves in circular polarization. In circular polarization, the electric and magnetic field vectors of the wave rotate in a spiral motion around the direction of propagation. A circularly polarized wave is advantageous because it is less susceptible to signal loss due to reflections or multipath interference. Furthermore, it enables improved communication even if the transmitter and receiver are not precisely aligned, which is particularly beneficial for moving transmitters or receivers.

[0082] The second antenna unit can be designed as a Vivaldi antenna. A Vivaldi antenna is a broadband antenna with very high bandwidth and directivity. The Vivaldi antenna has a narrow, scoop- or funnel-shaped element that widens outwards along a logarithmically periodic pattern. This shape allows the antenna unit to receive or transmit signals over a wide frequency range. Reference symbol list 10 antenna units 11 first antenna width 12 second antenna width 13 first antenna end 14 second antenna end 100 first circuit board 103 PCB height 105 first electrical line 110 first end 120 second end 130 first circuit board section 131 first end 132 second end 133 Height 134 ribs 135 slots 140 second circuit board section 141 first end 142 second end 143 Height 144 Fastening 150 first antenna connection 151 second antenna connection 160 fastening unit 170 first electrical line 200 second circuit board 201 first end 202 second end 203 first printed circuit board width 204 second circuit board width 205 second electrical line 210 first circuit board part 211 first end 212 second end 213 width 220 second circuit board part 221 first end 222 second end 223 width 230 flex sections 270 second electrical line 300 hinges 310 first hinge section 320 second hinge section 400 PCB mounting 410 first printed circuit board mounting element 411 first vertical mounting slot 412 first horizontal mounting slot 420 second circuit board mounting element 421 second vertical mounting slot 422 second horizontal mounting slot 500 Central printed circuit board segment 501 first end 502 second end 503 holes 600 phase shifters 610 Entrance 620 first exit 630 second exit A1 first phase shifter output signal A2 first phase shifter output signal QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 8,780,009

[0003]

Claims

Polarizable antenna unit (10), comprising a first printed circuit board (100) with at least one first electrical conductor (170), and a second printed circuit board (200) with at least one second electrical conductor (270), wherein the second printed circuit board (200) has at least one first printed circuit board part (210, 220) which is partially hinged or pivotable, wherein the first and second printed circuit boards (100, 200) are arranged at a printed circuit board angle to each other, wherein in a first operating mode the at least one first printed circuit board part (210, 220) of the second printed circuit board (200) has a first operating position with a first printed circuit board angle, in which the antenna unit (10) has a first width (11), wherein in a second operating mode the at least one first printed circuit board part (210, 220) of the second printed circuit board (200) has a second operating position with a second printed circuit board angle,in which the antenna unit (100) has a second width (12), wherein the first circuit board angle is larger than the second circuit board angle and the second width (12) is smaller than the first width (11) of the antenna unit (10). Polarizable antenna unit (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first operating mode is a normal operating mode in which the antenna unit transmits and / or receives high-frequency signals, and wherein the second operating mode is a transport operating mode, wherein the first circuit board angle is > 45° and in particular 90°, and wherein the second circuit board angle is <20° and in particular >10°. Polarizable antenna unit (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second printed circuit board (200) has a first and a second printed circuit board part (210, 220), wherein in the second operating mode the first and the second printed circuit board part (210, 220) are each in the second operating position, such that the second width (12) is <50% of the first width (11) of the antenna unit (10). Polarizable antenna unit (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second circuit board (200) has a central circuit board segment (500) which is connected to the first circuit board (100) and wherein the first and second circuit board parts (210, 220) are pivotably connected to the central circuit board segment (500) so that the first and second circuit board parts (210, 220) can each be pivoted into the first and second operating positions. Polarizable antenna unit (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising at least two hinges (300) which are each coupled to the first printed circuit board part (210) and the second printed circuit board part (220) to assist pivoting of the first and second printed circuit board part (210, 220). Polarizable antenna unit (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second circuit board (200) is designed as a flexible circuit board or as a rigid-flex circuit board. Polarizable antenna unit (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first printed circuit board (100) has a first and second printed circuit board section (130, 140), wherein in the first operating mode and in the first operating position of the second printed circuit board (200) the first and second printed circuit boards (100, 200) intersect at an intersection point (101), wherein the first printed circuit board section (130) extends from the intersection point in a first direction and the second printed circuit board section (140) extends from the intersection point in a second direction, wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction, wherein the first and second printed circuit board parts (210, 220) of the second printed circuit board (200) are pivotable in the first or second direction. Polarizable antenna unit (10) according to claim 7, wherein the first printed circuit board section (130) has a first end and a second end (131, 132) and a height (133) which increases from the first end (131) to the second end (132). Polarizable antenna unit (10) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the first printed circuit board section (130) has a plurality of ribs (134) and printed circuit board slots (135). Polarizable antenna unit (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first printed circuit board (100) has a first antenna connection (150) and the second printed circuit board (200) has a second antenna connection (151), so that different RF signals can be supplied to the first and second printed circuit boards (100, 200). Polarizable antenna unit (10) according to claim 10, further comprising a phase shifter (600) with an RF input (610) for an RF input signal and a first and second phase shifter output (620, 630), wherein the phase shifter (600) outputs an RF output signal at 0° at one of the two phase shifter outputs (620, 630) and an RF output signal at 90° at the other phase shifter output (630, 620), wherein the first phase shifter output (620) is coupled to the first or second antenna connection (150, 151), and the second phase shifter output (630) is coupled to the second or first antenna connection (151, 150) to obtain a circularly polarized antenna unit (100).

Images