Broadband antenna arrangement

Abstract

The present invention relates to a broadband antenna arrangement (1) for a rail vehicle, comprising a base plate (10) with an opening (12) into which a coaxial connector element can be arranged, a monopole radiator element (20) comprising at least one radiator section (21) with a base point (22) near the base plate (10) and a termination surface (26) extending parallel to the base surface, wherein the radiator element (20) has diverging walls (23a, 23b, 23c, 23d) in the at least one radiator section (21) and retaining means (40) for connecting the radiator element (20) to the base plate (10).The radiator element (20) is in the form of a pyramid with the end surface (26) as a rectangular base with a length (27) that is a multiple of a width (28) of the end surface (26) and the retaining means (40) are designed as structural sections (31a, 31b), wherein a first structural section (31a) is attached to a first end (30a) and a second structural section (31b) to an opposite second end (30b) of the radiator element (20) and at least one of the first and second structural sections (31a, 31b) can be supported on the base plate by means of a support (32a, 32b), forming an antenna structure (200).

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a broadband antenna arrangement suitable for rail vehicles. State of the art

[0002] Antennas are essential components of any wireless communication system, ensuring uninterrupted reception and efficient, interference-free communication. Each application utilizes different frequency bands, and universal use requires a broadband antenna array with reduced complexity and simultaneously increased performance. For applications in rail vehicles and / or transport vehicles, additional requirements for mechanical robustness must be considered, particularly with regard to vibrations and shocks, as well as highly variable environmental influences and stringent legal safety requirements. Besides rail vehicles, other vehicles such as cars or ships, or other means of transport like subways or trams, can also be equipped with an antenna array to ensure wireless communication across a wide range of frequency bands.

[0003] Common omnidirectional antenna configurations used in transportation comprise an omnidirectional radiator which, due to its achievable bandwidth, covers all currently used frequency ranges, supports international radio standards, and is interference-resistant. Such antenna configurations create the prerequisites for future-proof communication and navigation systems that reliably receive satellite signals for precise positioning and interference-free navigation, even under challenging conditions.

[0004] For example, EP 3 276 745 A1 discloses a broadband omnidirectional antenna for railway vehicles, comprising a base plate and a monopole radiator with conical sections extending perpendicularly from the base plate and forming a receiving space by means of diverging walls. The radiator is an omnidirectional antenna whose shape has an outer contour that fits snugly into a shell- or trough-shaped receiving device. The radiator is connected to the base plate by means of a holding device, which supports the radiator on one side by means of a connecting component. It is stated that the antenna can be operated in a frequency range from 697 MHz to 6000 MHz. To extend the lower frequency range, a taller radiator would be required, which, however, is not possible or only possible to a limited extent depending on the installation location.

[0005] From WO 2007 / 048258 A1, an antenna arrangement is known comprising a broadband monopole antenna with a rotationally symmetrical radiator having base bodies arranged coaxially one behind the other and an electrically conductive base plate. The radiator has an electrically conductive base body that tapers towards the base plate and has a feed point for the RF line at its lower end. At its upper end, it has another electrically conductive base body that can be electrically connected to the base plate at one point by means of a connecting element. Due to its shape, the radiating element achieves omnidirectional radiation with a high bandwidth. However, even here, the lower frequency limit cannot be shifted to lower values ​​by a taller antenna, or only within narrow limits, because a restricted permissible antenna height must be observed.

[0006] From US10819027 B1, a MIMO broadband antenna is known with at least one first antenna element having a first shape and a second antenna element having a different second shape, which can be arranged on a base plate. The antenna elements comprise a section that tapers towards the base plate.

[0007] US20090167622 A1 describes a broadband antenna with an antenna element that, together with the base plate, forms part or all of the planar cross-sectional structure of a waveguide. Element sections can extend from both sides of the antenna element in opposite directions, comprising a horizontal and a vertical section.

[0008] From WO2016008607 A1 an antenna arrangement is known, wherein a first and a second cup-shaped antenna radiator element is arranged on a base plate, wherein a GPS module can be arranged in the opening of the antenna radiator element.

[0009] From JP200018643 A a connection structure for an electrical ribbon cable is known. Summary of the invention

[0010] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a compact and robust antenna arrangement with a broadband monopole antenna which covers a broad frequency range with a low-profile antenna arrangement, exceeding that of known antenna arrangements. This frequency range can cover frequencies of ≤ 700 MHz, in particular ≤ 690 MHz, and high frequencies ≥ 6000 MHz, in particular up to 6500 MHz. Furthermore, the antenna arrangement is suitable for use in the transport sector, especially for rail vehicles, while meeting all safety requirements. The aim is to create a comparatively low-profile, very broadband-capable antenna arrangement, in order to keep the aerodynamic drag of the rail vehicle low and to comply with a prescribed airfoil profile.

[0011] The problem is solved by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous further developments of the invention are described by the dependent claims.

[0012] Starting from an antenna known per se, a broadband antenna arrangement for a rail vehicle is proposed, comprising a base plate with an opening into which a coaxial connector element can be arranged, a monopole radiator element comprising at least one radiator section with a base point near the base plate and a termination surface extending parallel to the base plate in a plane transverse to a longitudinal axis, wherein the radiator element has diverging walls in the at least one radiator section and retaining means for connecting the radiator element to the base plate.

[0013] The antenna arrangement is characterized in that the radiator element is in the form of a pyramid with the end surface as a rectangular base with a length that is a multiple of the width of the end surface and the retaining means are designed as structural sections, wherein a first structural section is attached to a first end and a second structural section to an opposite second end of the radiator element and at least one of the first and second structural sections comprises a support for bracing against the base plate and several interconnectable structural elements, forming an antenna structure.

[0014] The shape of the emitter element comprises diverging walls extending from the lower section of the emitter to the upper rectangular end surface. These diverging walls can be inclined differently to the longitudinal axis of the emitter element in different sections. The walls themselves may have an internal curvature.

[0015] The shape of the emitter element can also be described as a truncated cone, resulting in a flat or slender cone with an approximately rectangular cross-sectional area that increases in size from the bottom base. Alternatively, the emitter element can be described as an inverted pyramid with a rectangular base.

[0016] The radiator element can be designed, at least partially, as a hollow body comprising a cavity which has cross-sectional areas transverse to the longitudinal axis that widen along the longitudinal axis towards the end face. In particular, the cross-sectional areas of the cavity can be oval or rectangular, widening from the lower radiator section towards the upper end of the radiator element. Such a radiator element with such a cavity has no or only a negligible effect on the broadband capability of the antenna arrangement, but advantageously reduces its mass.

[0017] The emitter element, which is designed in at least one area in the form of a flat pyramid standing on its point or a slender funnel, terminates in or extends from a base area or base point, which is designed to be mounted or connected to the base plate. The emitter element redesigned according to the invention, which is a modification of a known conical shape into a slender or flat pyramidal shape, surprisingly has no or only a minor negative impact on the broadband capability of the emitter element compared to known conical, conical, and / or cylindrical rotationally symmetrical emitters. This shape proves to be particularly suitable for use on a rail vehicle.

[0018] The flat or slender shape of the radiator element is designed such that its upper end, i.e., distal to the base plate, forms a rectangular, flat termination surface extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. This termination surface has a width and length in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis, which can be selected such that the entire antenna assembly meets the requirements for broadband performance while simultaneously reducing mass. The width of the termination surface at the upper end of the radiator element can correspond, at least partially, to the width of the adjoining structural sections.

[0019] To create an even lower-profile antenna, the entire antenna structure is stretched lengthwise, i.e., in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, or the dimensions of the antenna structure parallel to the base plate are adjustable. In a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the radiator element, the antenna structure thus has a longitudinally elongated shape, including the structural sections extending from it to the end face of the radiator element. These are also referred to as short circuits, which ensure the grounding of all metal parts of the antenna structure by means of appropriately designed first and / or second supports. The short circuits, or the connections to the base plate provided in this way, are so robustly constructed that they meet the prescribed high-current test for the use of the antenna arrangement in railway applications. It is also conceivable, however, that only one support and the corresponding structural elements provide a short circuit.If an additional support is provided to achieve stabilization, it can be made of a material that does not cause a short circuit.

[0020] Preferably, the dimensions of the antenna structure of the antenna array are selected such that, taking into account a return loss of -10 dB or even lower, a frequency range of at least approximately 690 MHz to 6500 MHz is covered. In particular, in an XYZ coordinate system, the maximum height of the antenna array in the Z-direction is in the range of 30 mm to 50 mm, a maximum width in the Y-direction in the range of approximately 80 mm to 120 mm, and a length in the X-direction in the range of 120 mm to 160 mm. These dimensions meet the requirements for use in railway applications. However, other dimensions are also conceivable, whereby the shape of individual sections of the antenna structure can be adapted. In particular, in the case of an antenna array that is not used in railway applications and, for example, does not have to meet high-current requirements, its height can vary in other ranges.

[0021] According to the invention, the antenna structure comprises, in addition to the radiator element, several structural elements which can be connected to each other to form the first structural section and / or the second structural section including a support.

[0022] In one embodiment of the antenna arrangement, the first and second structural sections, or, in the case of a multi-part design, individual structural elements, are at least partially cuboid in shape. Preferably, the structural sections and / or structural elements have a width transverse to the longitudinal axis of the radiator element that corresponds to the width of the radiator element's end face. The height and cross-sectional area, i.e., the dimensions and / or shape in the longitudinal direction of one or more structural sections or structural elements, are selectable, in particular such that the broadband capability of the antenna structure or antenna arrangement is maximized while simultaneously taking into account the mass of the antenna arrangement and the safety requirements.With adjustable dimensions and shapes of the structural sections and / or structural elements, possibilities are available to counteract negative effects with regard to the broadband capability of the antenna arrangement.

[0023] Some sections of the structural elements can be L-shaped, which can create additional capacity while maintaining a low overall height for the antenna array. By carefully coordinating the structural elements and their arrangement within the antenna structure, the broadband capability of the antenna array can be expanded while maintaining a low overall height.

[0024] In one embodiment of the antenna arrangement, the antenna structure, viewed from above, can form a shape in which the radiator element is located in a central section. For example, the antenna structure can approximate a Z-shape. The structural sections or elements connectable to the radiator element complement the Z-shape, which is preferably symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the radiator element. Viewed from above, the antenna structure can form a meandering structure with one or more corners, starting from a centrally located radiator element.

[0025] The structural sections or elements adjoining the radiator element, together with corresponding supports, form short circuits or provide an electrically conductive and / or supporting connection to the base plate. The antenna structure, preferably with two attachment points to the base plate, achieves a robust mechanical anchoring of the radiator element to the base plate, resulting in improved stability against shocks and vibrations.

[0026] In a preferred Z-shape of the antenna structure of an embodiment of the antenna arrangement, the first structural section can be connected to the radiator element in the region of one of the ends or end regions of the termination surface in a plane extension. The first structural section can be shaped such that one or more corners are formed, with an angle of ≤ 90° between the central section and the first structural section. The first structural section can further be shaped and arranged such that it extends largely parallel to the central section and includes, in one end section, a first support extending towards the base plate for bracing against the base plate. Alternatively, the structure can be formed in multiple parts from corresponding structural elements, wherein the structural elements can be shaped and connected to one another such that, in one embodiment, the Z-shaped antenna structure is approximately formed.For example, a central load of the Z-shape can be formed by the emitter element, and branches extending from it can be formed by the first structural section or element and a second structural section, or, in a multi-part design, by several appropriately shaped structural elements. In a multi-part embodiment, the individual structural elements can be connected to each other by means of a welded joint, provided that the required high-current test and the required dimensional accuracy are met.

[0027] In another embodiment of the antenna arrangement, the antenna structure is designed such that it has a vertical offset, meaning that structural sections or elements lie at least partially in parallel planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. For this purpose, at least one intermediate piece can be integrated into the antenna structure to bridge the vertical offset. This is achieved, for example, by shortening the length of one of the first and second supports.

[0028] In one embodiment of the antenna arrangement, a mounting surface is formed on one of the structural sections or elements. A further antenna element, for example a GPS (Global Positioning System) antenna and / or a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) antenna, can be arranged and held on this horizontal mounting surface. The additional antenna element allows the application range of the antenna arrangement to be extended.

[0029] The additional antenna element(s) can be held on the designated mounting surface, for example, by means of adhesive. Alternatively, a retaining or mounting bracket can be provided on a radome that at least partially encloses the antenna assembly, by means of which the antenna element is held in position.

[0030] Preferably, for electrical contacting of the additional antenna element, a connecting cable can be routed along the antenna structure and the support to the base plate and there to a connection element.

[0031] Preferably, the contact surface is positioned on the corresponding structural section or element such that it abuts the intermediate piece that bridges the height difference. The shape of the intermediate piece can provide a mounting surface for the next antenna element. Alternatively, the additional antenna elements can be arranged on the base plate, for example.

[0032] In one embodiment, the antenna arrangement can further comprise tuning elements that can be arranged on the base plate in relation to the antenna structure. The tuning elements can be designed as lumped elements or as structural components. The tuning elements can be made, at least partially, of an electrically conductive material and / or an insulating material. Depending on the embodiment, one or more tuning elements can be mechanically connected to the base plate.

[0033] In one embodiment of the antenna arrangement according to the invention, at least one of the components – radiator element, structural sections and / or structural elements – can be made of metal, preferably aluminum. If the antenna arrangement is not used for rail transport, i.e., if it does not have to pass a high-current test, the radiator element could also be made of plastic, for example, manufactured using a 3D printing process and coated with a metal.

[0034] The base plate, to which the radiating element and mounting means can be attached, can itself be connected to the rail vehicle or a provided mounting platform or the like by means of fasteners. The shape and design of the base plate are at least partially fixed to ensure interchangeability and use on different vehicles or in different positions. In an advantageous embodiment, the base plate can have at least a partial recess or recess on one surface, designed to accommodate the antenna structure. Such a base plate has a lower weight due to the recess.

[0035] The base plate can be made of steel, stainless steel or aluminum, for example.

[0036] A feed-in unit located at the base of the radiating element, close to the base plate, provides serial or capacitive line coupling to the radiating element. In particular, the line coupling can be achieved using a coaxial connector element that can be mounted on the base plate. For example, a supply conductor in the form of a coaxial cable can be connected to the connector element, the outer conductor of which is electrically connected to the base plate. The connector element is preferably accommodated in an opening in the base plate and held there, for example, by means of a threaded connection. The connector element can be brought into contact with the radiating element so that an inner conductor of the supply cable is in electrical contact with the feed-in unit. The resulting short circuit creates a galvanic connection with the radiating element.A capacitive connection between the power supply conductor and the emitter element can be achieved using a dielectric sleeve. Since this coupling of the emitter element to the power supply conductor is accomplished via a plug connection and therefore requires no soldering, the installation of the emitter element is extremely simple.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the antenna assembly further comprises a radome to protect it from external influences. The radome, also referred to as a cover or housing, can be connected to the base plate in a form-fitting and / or force-fit and moisture-tight manner. For this purpose, a circumferential groove can be formed on the base plate in which a sealing ring can be received and fixed. Furthermore, locking elements can be provided on the radome, which can be engaged with complementary elements of the base plate. The locking elements can also be used to hold the insertable sealing ring in position. In the transport sector, and particularly in rail vehicles, the shape and dimensions of the radome are largely determined, taking into account the air resistance generated by the enclosed antenna assembly mounted on a roof, as well as the required airflow envelope of the rail vehicle.In particular, the predetermined height of the radome necessitates a low-profile antenna arrangement, designed to be usable even in a low frequency range without significantly reducing the upper frequency range.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the broadband antenna arrangement is configured to cover a frequency range from ≤ 690 MHz to ≥ 6500 MHz.

[0039] Especially in rail transport, the high functionality of a broadband antenna array is of paramount importance for safety, enabling highly precise and reliable location tracking. Accordingly, numerous international and European electrotechnical standards exist for electrical, electronic, and programmable electronic systems in safety-relevant areas, which the antenna array according to the invention also fulfills. These standards can include customer information systems, vehicle platforms, railway-specific mobile communications for ETCS (European Train Control System), vehicle tracking systems, and similar applications. Brief description of the drawings

[0040] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a schematic perspective view of an antenna arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 2aa schematic perspective view of an antenna structure according to an embodiment of the antenna arrangement according to the invention; Fig. 2b a schematic perspective view of an antenna structure according to a further embodiment of the antenna arrangement according to the invention; Fig. 3 a schematic top view of the antenna structure according to Fig. 2a ; Fig. 4 a schematic perspective view of an antenna arrangement according to a further embodiment; Fig. 5 a schematic perspective view of a base plate of the antenna arrangement according to the invention; Fig. 6 A schematic perspective view of a radome covering the antenna structure. Preferred embodiments of the invention

[0041] In Fig. 1Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an antenna arrangement 1 according to a first embodiment. The antenna arrangement 1 comprises a base plate 10 and a radiator element 20, which can be connected to the base plate 10 by means of retaining means 40.

[0042] The base plate 10 can also be referred to as a ground plate and is dimensioned and / or equipped with connecting means designed to detachably attach it to a predetermined mounting platform on a rail vehicle or the like. In the highly simplified representation of the Fig. 1The base plate 10 is rectangular. However, it can also be square, oval, polygonal, circular, etc. An opening 12 is provided approximately in the center of the base plate 10, into which a connector element (not shown) can be positioned and held. This connector element can, for example, be a coaxial connector element. The outer conductor of the connector element can be galvanically connected to the base plate 10. The inner conductor of the connector element, which is separate from the outer conductor, passes through the opening 12 and can be galvanically connected to a feed unit of the radiator element 20. Furthermore, the base plate 10 has additional openings 11 in corner areas and grooves 15 (not shown), which provide a detachable connection to a radome (shown in Fig. 5 ) and on the other hand provides a mounting platform or the like.

[0043] In Fig. 1The radiator element 20, which is a component of an antenna structure 200, is also recognizable. The radiator element 20 can be configured as a type of monopolar radiator, comprising at least one radiator section 21 with a base point 22 located near or proximal to the base plate 10. The radiator element 20 can be understood as an inverted pyramid with a rectangular base. The shape of the base is an elongated rectangle with a length that is a multiple of its width. Preferably, the length-to-width ratio is typically in the range of 6:1 to 10:1. Starting from the base 22, the radiator element 20 extends along a longitudinal axis 24 to an upper end surface 26, i.e. distal to the base plate 10. The radiator element 20 is formed by walls 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d, which extend partly in sections at different inclinations and partly with a curvature along the longitudinal axis 24.Alternatively, the lower radiator section 21 can also be designed as an expanding conical or pyramidal section. An upper radiator section 25 can adjoin this lower radiator section 21, with a transition being formed at least at part of the walls 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d by their different inclinations. The upper radiator section 25 is in the . Fig. 1 also represented in the form of a pyramid. Here, the diameter of the lower emitter section 21 at the transition from the lower emitter section 21 to the upper emitter section 25 corresponds to the diameter of the upper emitter section 25. Alternatively, the upper emitter section 25 can have a different shape, for example, conical, spherical, or cylindrical.

[0044] The radiator element 20 forms a central section 30 of the antenna structure 200. In a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis 24, the radiator element 20 has an upper termination surface 26, which is an end surface of the radiator element 20 and defines a certain height of the antenna structure 200. In particular, the termination surface 26 is a rectangular surface whose length 27 is a multiple of its width 28. Attached to the termination surface 26 are, respectively, structural sections 31a and 31b, retaining elements 40.

[0045] The structural sections 31a and 31b are designed to connect the radiator element 20 to the base plate 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the structural sections 31a and 31b each comprise a support 32a and 32b, respectively, which rests on the base plate 10 with a contact surface. These can be connected, for example, by means of screw connections. Preferably, the contact surface can be larger than the cross-section of the support 32a and 32b to provide more stable support for the antenna structure.

[0046] In the presentation of the Fig. 1 The entire antenna structure 200, including the radiator element 20 and the adjoining structural sections 31a and 31b, is shown as being manufactured from a single piece. Alternatively, the structural sections 31a and 31b can also be shown as separate structural elements 33a, 33b, 33c, and 33d from the radiator element 20, as shown in Fig. 2bdepicted, formed, which are appropriately connected to it or can be attached to it.

[0047] In the Fig. 1In the illustrated embodiment of the antenna structure 200, it can approximate a Z-shape in plan view, with the radiator element 20 arranged in the central section 30. Other suitable shapes are conceivable that provide an antenna arrangement 1 covering the desired frequency range. In particular, suitable antenna structures 200 assume an elongated shape in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis 24. Other suitable shapes of the antenna structure 200 can be either symmetrical, starting from the radiator element 20, or asymmetrical. Furthermore, the antenna structure 200 can be supported on the base plate by means of a first support 32a, forming a short circuit. In the case of a second support 32b, this can also form a short circuit or, for example, be made of a dielectric material and thus form a support on the base plate 10.

[0048] Fig. 2a The antenna structure 200 is shown according to the Fig. 1 in a perspective view. Recognizable in Fig. 2aThe antenna structure 200 has an elongated form. An upper termination surface 34 of the antenna structure 200, comprising the radiator element 20 with its upper termination surface 26 and the adjoining structural sections 31a, 31b, forms a horizontal plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 24. Thus, the structural sections 31a, 31b are in the same plane as the termination surface 26 and form a smooth transition with it. The structural sections 31a, 31b can be composed of cuboid-shaped areas, which have the same width as the width 28 of the radiator element 20. However, individual areas of the structural sections 31a, 31b can also be formed in other shapes, for example, forming corner elements. Viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis 24, areas of the structural sections 31a, 31b can have an L-shaped cross-section.The shape of the structural sections 31a, 31b is adaptable so that the antenna arrangement 1 covers as large a frequency range as possible, has a low weight and does not have any weak points that could be problematic for a high-current test.

[0049] The radiator element 20 includes the base point 22 in the lower radiator section 21. The base point 22 is galvanically connected to the base plate 10 via a lower end surface 22a. The radiator element 20 is coupled via a coaxial connector element accessible from below the base plate 10, the outer conductor of which can be electrically connected to the base plate 10 and the inner conductor of which can be electrically connected to the radiator element 20.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the lower end surface 22a has a rectangular shape, with diverging walls 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d extending from the sides of the rectangular end surface 22a along the longitudinal axis 24 over the lower emitter section 21 and over the upper emitter section 25. It can be seen that at least two of the walls 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d form an edge at the transition between the lower emitter section 21 and the upper emitter section 25.

[0051] Fig. 2b Figure 1 shows an alternative embodiment with an antenna structure 200 in a perspective view. The antenna structure 200 shown differs, among other things, from that in Figure 2. Fig. 2aAs shown, the structural sections 31a, 31b are composed of several structural elements 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d, 33e. The structural elements 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d, 33e can be designed differently. Not all upper end surfaces of the radiator element 20 and structural sections 31a, 31b or structural elements 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d, 33e lie on a plane parallel to the base plate. Rather, sections of the antenna structure 200 are arranged on a lower plane and thus closer to the base plate 10. In the illustrated embodiment, this is structural element 33d. The height difference can be achieved, for example, in a section parallel to the central section 30 by means of a shortened support 32b. The height difference between the lower section 33d and the higher section of the antenna structure 200 can also be bridged by means of a suitable intermediate piece 33e.

[0052] In the lower structural section 31a, a support surface 36 is formed on which a further antenna element 35 (not shown) can be arranged. For example, a GPS and / or GNSS antenna. This placement results in optimal functionality of this further antenna element 35. For electrical contact of the further antenna element 35, another coaxial connector can be provided on a lower surface of the antenna structure 200.

[0053] From the presentation of Fig. 2b It is also evident that a cavity 50 is formed in the central section 30 of the antenna structure 200. This cavity 50 is designed in the radiator element 20 such that it has cross-sectional areas that change in planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 24, widening or broadening from the lower radiator section 21 to the upper radiator section 25.

[0054] In Fig. 3is a view of the antenna structure 200 according to the embodiment according to Fig. 2a As shown, the antenna structure 200 forms an approximate Z-shape. The radiator element 20 is arranged in the central section 30, corresponding to a central axis of the Z-shape. The first structural section 31a is attached to this section at a first end 30a, and the second structural section 31b is attached to the opposite end 30b. The shape of the antenna structure 200 can vary. Thus, a wide variety of shapes are conceivable, which appear symmetrical or asymmetrical when viewed from above.

[0055] Fig. 4Figure 1 shows a further embodiment of the antenna arrangement 1 in a schematic and perspective view. The antenna arrangement 1 is supplemented by the additional antenna element 35, which is arranged and held on one of the structural sections 31b on a surface 36 provided for this purpose. The electrical contact of this antenna element 35 can be effected by means of a further coaxial connector element, which can be provided at a suitable location on the base plate 10 (not shown). Furthermore, a tuning element 37 is provided, which can be arranged and connected to the base plate 10 and is configured to maximize the frequency range of the antenna arrangement 1.

[0056] In Fig. 5The base plate 10 is shown in a schematic and perspective view according to one embodiment. The illustrated base plate 10 has an approximately rectangular shape, with through holes 11 provided in the corner areas, which can be designed for attachment to a mounting platform. In a central area, the base plate 10 includes a recess 13 into which the antenna structure 200 can be received and electrically and galvanically connected by means of a coaxial connector element 14 that can be inserted into the opening 12. The recess 13 also contributes to a reduction in the weight of the antenna arrangement 1.

[0057] To complement the antenna arrangement 1, it can be enclosed in a radome 60. To provide a moisture-tight connection between the base plate 10 and the radome 60, a groove 15 is provided on the base plate 10, into which a seal can be received.

[0058] The Fig. 6Figure 60 shows a radome 60, which serves as a housing for the antenna structure 200 and can be connected to the base plate 10 in a moisture-tight manner. The radome 60 preferably has the shape of an elongated, flat cuboid. It can be connected to the base plate and / or a mounting platform by means of screws, adhesive bonds, rivets, and / or snap or locking connections.

Claims

1. Broadband antenna arrangement (1) for a rail vehicle, comprising - a base plate (10) with an opening (12) into which a coaxial plug element (14) is able to be arranged, - a monopole-shaped radiating element (20), comprising at least one radiating section (21) with a base point (22) located near the base plate (10) and a termination surface (26) extending parallel to the base surface, whereby the radiating element (20) has diverging walls (23a, 23b, 23c, 23d) in the at least one radiating section (21); and - retaining means (40) for connecting the radiating element (20) to the base plate (10), comprising a first structural section (31a) and a second structural section (31b), whereby the first structural section (31a) connects to a first end (30a) and the second structural section (31b) connects to an opposite end (30b) of the radiating element (20), whereby the radiating element (20) is designed in the form of a pyramid with the termination surface (26) as a rectangular base with a length (27) that is a multiple of the width (28) of the termination surface (26), and the first structural section (31a) and / or the second structural section (31b) has a support (32a, 32b) for support on the base plate (10) and whereby the first structural section (31a) and / or the second structural section (31b) is formed from a plurality of structural elements (33a, 33b, 33c, 33d), connectible to one another, which are connected to one another, whereby an antenna structure (200) is formed.

2. Broadband antenna arrangement (1) according to claim 1, whereby die structural sections (31a, 31b) and / or die structural elements (33a, 33b, 33c, 33d) are designed at least partially cuboid in shape and, together with the radiating element (20) arranged in a central section (30), form the antenna structure (200).

3. Broadband antenna arrangement (1) according to one of the claims 1 or 2, whereby the antenna structure (200) viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis (24) approximately forms a Z shape, with the radiating element (20) forming the central section (30).

4. Broadband antenna arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, whereby die retaining means (40) comprise a first support (32a) and a second support (32b), one of the supports (32a, 32b) having a shortened length.

5. Broadband antenna arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, whereby a bearing surface (36) is formed on one of the structural sections (31a, 31b) and / or the structural elements (33a, 33b, 33c, 33d), on which bearing surface a further antenna element (35) is able to be positioned and held.

6. Broadband antenna arrangement (1) according to claim 5, whereby it comprises the further antenna element, which is designed as a GPS and / or GNSS antenna.

7. Broadband antenna arrangement (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 6, whereby the radiating element (20) comprises a cavity (50) which has cross-sectional areas transverse to the longitudinal axis (24) that widen along the longitudinal axis (24) in the direction of the termination surface (26).

8. Broadband antenna arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, whereby tuning elements are able to be arranged to extend the broadband capability of the antenna arrangement (1).

9. Broadband antenna arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, whereby the radiating element (20), the structural sections (31a, 31b) and / or the structural elements (33a, 33b, 33c, 33d) are made of metal.

10. Broadband antenna arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, whereby a radome (60) is included, which is able to be connected to the base plate (10) in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner and in a moisture-tight manner, whereby the radome (60) encloses the antenna structure (200) without contact.

11. Broadband antenna arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 10, whereby the base plate (10) has a plurality of openings (11, 12) which are intended for cable routing and / or for fastening to a rail vehicle, whereby the arrangement of the openings (11, 12) is able to be specified beforehand according to the rail vehicle.

12. Broadband antenna arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, whereby the base plate (10) has a recess (13) on one surface, into which the antenna structure (200) is able to be inserted.

13. Broadband antenna arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 12, whereby it is set up to cover a frequency range from 690 MHz to 6500 MHz.

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