How to make a transparent open container

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method for manufacturing a transparent open container, the method comprising step A of providing a continuous metal-based sheet including a first surface and a second surface, the continuous metal-based sheet including fold lines forming a central zone and at least two lateral zones. The method comprises step B of depositing a transparent dielectric panel having an intermediate layer attached thereto on the first surface of the continuous metal-based sheet, thereby forming a flat assembly extending along a plane P defined by a longitudinal axis X and a vertical axis Z, and having a width W measured along the longitudinal axis X and a height H measured along the vertical axis Z. The method further comprises step D of folding the flat assembly at the fold lines to form a transparent open container defined by the X, Z and Y axes and having a depth D measured along the Y axis.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a method for manufacturing a transparent open container, and more particularly to a method for manufacturing an improved performance antenna system in which a transparent open container is used to reduce back radiation of the antenna system. [Background technology]

[0002] The advent of 5G, which promises high volumes and low latency data traffic, has put mobile network operators under CAPEX pressure. Higher frequency bands for 5G make coverage deployment more difficult, especially in dense urban areas where capacity is needed and strict EMF limits apply. Deploying small cells is said to be a good solution for capacity improvement, which requires the installation of many antennas to stably transmit and receive electromagnetic waves. However, many drawbacks limit the deployment of small cells. First, it is very difficult to find a place for a new antenna. Second, it is expensive to bring fiber and electricity outdoors. Finally, city regulations may limit the feasibility of small cells.

[0003] Therefore, a promising method for such inevitable network densification is to install antennas and / or their associated electronics inside the building on the front of the glazing, with the main beam of the antenna pointing at the glazing to provide coverage on the outside of the building. This solution offers many advantages compared to other solutions, including quick and easy installation, easy access to fiber, power and electronics inside. Furthermore, the antenna system can be designed in such a way that it provides both indoor and outdoor coverage. Preferably, the antenna system is a transparent antenna to maintain the aesthetics of the building as much as possible.

[0004] On the other hand, it is also necessary to limit the radiation of such indoor mounted antennas inside buildings in order to comply with electromagnetic field (EMF) regulations and to protect occupants from strong high frequency radiation.

[0005] When an antenna is installed in front of a glazing inside a building, a portion of its radiated power directed towards the glazing is reflected back from the air-glazing interface. The amount of reflected energy depends on various factors such as the operating frequency, the composition of the glazing and its covering system, and the deflection and direction of the antenna's main beam.

[0006] On the other hand, the antenna itself does not only radiate in its main beam, but also emits a certain amount of energy in all directions, including backwards.

[0007] According to the technique described in EP19154761.1, there is at least one metallic element disposed on at least a portion of the non-fixed part of the antenna system to reduce back reflections from the air-glazing interface, however, this technique does not address the problems associated with energy emitted due to back radiation of the antenna itself.

[0008] Japanese Patent Publication No. 4849776 describes a transparent open container having a metal-based sheet folded to obtain a casing and an associated manufacturing method.

[0009] US Patent Publication No. 2016172765 describes an optically transparent punt antenna assembly that includes an optically transparent antenna and an optically transparent reflector.

[0010] JP 2007288116 A describes a casing for protection against EMI.

[0011] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008135476 describes an electromagnetic shielding article having a case body shape and a related manufacturing method. Summary of the Invention

[0012] One of the objectives of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide an antenna system which must minimize its back radiation.

[0013] Another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an antenna system that is mounted in front of the glazing such that back radiation due to reflection of radiant energy from the air-glazing interface must be minimized.

[0014] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for producing a transparent open container, which can enclose an antenna to reduce radiation directed in undesired directions, such as backwards.

[0015] The solution defined in a first aspect of the invention is based on a method comprising the following steps: A. providing a continuous metal-based sheet having a first surface and a second surface, the continuous metal-based sheet having fold lines forming a central zone and at least two lateral zones; B. depositing a transparent dielectric panel, having an intermediate layer attached thereto, on a first surface of the continuous metal-based sheet to form a flat assembly extending along a plane P defined by a longitudinal axis X and a vertical axis Z, and having a width W measured along the longitudinal axis X and a height H measured along the vertical axis Z; Folding the flat assembly at fold lines to form a folded transparent open container defined by DX, Z, and Y axes and having a depth D measured along the Y axis.

[0016] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for assembling a communication system, comprising the steps of manufacturing a transparent open container by the method according to the first aspect of the invention and a step G of arranging an antenna system inside the transparent open container.

[0017] The present invention enables an antenna system to radiate relatively large effective isotropic radiated power in desired directions and / or relatively small effective isotropic radiated power in undesired directions while deploying a transparent open container manufactured according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0018] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a communication system comprising a transparent open container manufactured according to the first aspect of the invention and an antenna system.

[0019] Furthermore, the transparent open container produced according to the first aspect of the invention also assists in reducing the energy emitted behind the window at a defined distance from the antenna system according to the third aspect of the invention.

[0020] Thus, the present invention solves the need to reduce health risks by reducing the electromagnetic field emissions of antenna systems.

[0021] It should be noted that the present invention relates to all possible combinations of the features recited in the claims or described in the embodiments.

[0022] Although the following description relates to building applications, it should be understood that the invention may also be applicable in other fields, such as automotive or transportation applications. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] This and other aspects of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show various exemplary embodiments of the invention, provided for purposes of illustration and not limitation. The drawings are schematic representations and are not drawn to scale. They are not intended to limit the invention in any way. Further advantages will be illustrated by way of example.

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a method according to a first aspect of the present invention.

[0025] [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a transparent open container according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a flat assembly according to some aspects of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a flat assembly according to some aspects of the present invention.

[0027] [Diagram 5] 1A-1D are schematic 3D diagrams of a folded transparent open container according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] [Figure 6-8] 1 is a schematic diagram of a flat assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] [Figure 9] 1A-1D are schematic 3D diagrams of a folded transparent open container according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic diagram of a method according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic diagram of a method according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] [Figure 12]1A-1D are schematic 3D diagrams of a transparent open container according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] [Figure 14] 1 is a schematic diagram of a flat assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] [Figure 16-17] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a method according to a second aspect of the present invention. [Figure 18-19] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a method according to a second aspect of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] The present specification relates to certain embodiments, including various modifications, equivalents, and / or substitutions of the corresponding embodiments. The same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0037] Spatial or directional terms such as "inside", "outside", "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom" and the like used herein relate to the present invention as they are shown in the figures of the drawings. However, it should be understood that the present invention is capable of various alternative orientations, and therefore such terms should not be considered as limiting. Furthermore, all numerical values ​​expressing dimensions, physical properties, processing parameters, amounts of contents, reaction conditions, and the like used in the present specification and claims should be understood in all instances as being modified by the term "about". Thus, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical values ​​set forth in the following specifications and claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the term "substantially" means within 10%, preferably within 5%.

[0038] Furthermore, all ranges disclosed herein should be understood to include any and all subranges between and including the starting and ending range values. For example, a range described as "1 to 10" should be considered to include any and all subranges between (and including) a minimum value of 1 and a maximum value of 10, i.e., all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more, e.g., 1 to 6.1, and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less, e.g., 5.5 to 10. Furthermore, as used herein, the term "deposited on" or "provided on" means deposited or provided on top, but not necessarily in surface contact. For example, a coating "deposited on" a substrate does not exclude the presence of one or more other coating films of the same or different composition disposed between the deposited coating and the substrate.

[0039] Where the term "comprising" is used in the present description and claims, it does not exclude other elements or steps. When an indefinite or definite article such as "a" or "an" or "the" is used in reference to a singular noun, it includes a plural of that noun unless something else is specifically stated. In this specification, "configured to" can be used interchangeably with, for example, "suitable for," "including the ability to," "modified to," "made to," "including the ability to," or "designed to," in hardware and software, depending on the context. In any context, the phrase "apparatus configured to do" can mean that the apparatus, together with another apparatus or component, is "capable of doing."

[0040] Moreover, the terms first, second, and the like in this specification and claims are used to distinguish between similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe an order in time, space, ranking, or in any other manner. It is to be understood that the terms used in this manner are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and that the embodiments of the invention described herein may operate in orders other than those described or illustrated herein. When a component (e.g., a first component) is described as being "operably or communicatively coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), it is to be understood that the component may be directly connected to the other component or may be connected to the other component through another component (e.g., a third component).

[0041] One of the objectives of the present invention is to mitigate the above mentioned problems and remove the barriers to outdoor 4G and 5G network densification while having an improved antenna installed in front of a window. In particular, an objective of the first aspect of the present invention is to produce a transparent open container that is installed around an antenna system to reduce back radiation.

[0042] The term "in front" denotes that the antenna system faces a major surface of the window.

[0043] Preferably the antenna system is mounted directly on and in front of the main surface, which means that it is in substantial pressure contact against the main surface of the window.

[0044] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a transparent open container 1 .

[0045] In some embodiments, optical transparency and optical discrimination are preferred. The latter is defined as a function of human visual acuity, which is the ability of the eye to discriminate objects at a distance from which it is viewed. The term "transparent", meaning optically transparent, refers to a property that exhibits an average TL (light transmission) of visible light transmitted through an object in at least 1% of the visible spectrum. Preferably, transparency relates to a TL property of at least 10%. More preferably, transparency exhibits a TL of at least 50%. Ideally, transparency exhibits a TL of at least 70%.

[0046] The term "open container" refers to a container that has at least an open side.

[0047] The transparent open container includes at least a back side and a side side. At least one open side is at least the front side.

[0048] In some preferred embodiments, the transparent open container includes at least one back side and two side sides.

[0049] According to a first aspect of the invention, as shown in FIG. 1 , the method comprises step A of providing a continuous metal-based sheet 10 having a first surface 101 and a second surface 102, the continuous metal-based sheet having fold lines 11 forming a central zone 12 and at least two lateral zones 13, 14, 15, 16.

[0050] Preferably, the at least two lateral zones are positioned opposite each other with respect to the central zone.

[0051] In some embodiments, the two opposing lateral zones are along the X-axis as shown in FIG.

[0052] In some other embodiments, the two opposing lateral zones are along the Z axis.

[0053] The term "continuous" means that the metal-based sheet is made up of non-separate portions.

[0054] The continuous metal-based sheet is preferably a transparent continuous metal-based sheet.

[0055] In some embodiments, the continuous metal-based sheet is a metallic meshed structure. The metallic meshed structure is preferably a metallic mesh in the form of a grid. The grid can have any shape, such as rectangular, hexagonal, square, circular, etc., to shield from EM fields in a given range of wavelengths.

[0056] The metallic meshed structure may advantageously be a transparent metallic meshed structure made from a transparent semiconductor material such as indium tin oxide.

[0057] Preferably, the metallic meshed structure is not transparent.

[0058] Metallic meshed structures can be fabricated by any known method such as milling, vacuum deposition, laser ablation, chemical deposition (silver plating, copper plating, gold plating, aluminum plating, tin plating, nickel plating, etc.), silk screen printing, electrolytic deposition, chemical deposition in the vapor phase (CVD, PECVD, OMCVD, etc.), etc.

[0059] The openings in the metallic meshed structure can be produced by standard methods such as photolithography and associated chemical etching from a photomask, or a mask transferred onto the reserve by a laser writer, or any other known method.

[0060] To protect the metallic material while reducing diffusion, a coating, preferably a blackening coating, can be applied over the top and / or bottom of the metallic meshed structure.

[0061] The conductive metallic meshed structure can be obtained from a metallic foil that has been machined in such a way that it becomes optically transparent while remaining electrically impermeable, this machining is referred to as "meshing" and is described below.

[0062] The metallic meshing comprises, for example, iron, nickel, chromium, titanium, tantalum, molybdenum, tin, indium, zinc, tungsten, platinum, manganese, magnesium, lead, preferably made of silver, copper, gold or aluminium, or an alloy of metals selected according to their electrical conductivity. It usually has the form of a grid, the ratio between the size of the mesh openings and the width of the metallic tracks of the mesh defining the level of optical transparency of the sheet.

[0063] Here, the dimensions of the meshing are defined as being characterized by its pitch (or by its periodicity), by the width of the conductive tracks and by its thickness (or by the openings created within the pitch).

[0064] Preferably, the thickness and width of the meshing is greater than or equal to three times the skin depth of the metallic material at a given range of wavelengths, preferably, the thickness and width of the meshing is greater than or equal to four times the skin depth of the metallic material at a given range of wavelengths, and more preferably, the thickness and width of the meshing is greater than or equal to five times the skin depth of the metallic material at a given range of wavelengths.

[0065] The optical transparency TLm of a metallic meshed structure is defined in a first approximation as the ratio of the open surface over the total surface, which can be adapted to obtain the desired optical transparency while maintaining electrical impermeability.

[0066] From an electrical point of view, the unit cell of the grid must be much lower than the operating wavelength of the encapsulated antenna system given by the operating frequency f in gigahertz (GHz).

[0067] Preferably, the meshed structure is a woven metallic mesh, more preferably a fine woven metallic mesh, so as to have this optical transparency while maintaining electrical impermeability.

[0068] In some embodiments, the meshed structure is a metal, such as copper, aluminum, silver, stainless steel, etc. The meshed structure can be disposed on a plastic film, preferably having a thickness of 25 to 200 μm. The plastic film is preferably a polymer film and a transparent polymer film. Preferably, the transparent polymer film can be polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide (PA), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethane, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), styrene acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN), styrene methyl methacrylate copolymer (SMMA), and any mixtures thereof, crosslinked resin, ionoplast, ionomer, cycloolefin polymer (COP), cycloolefin copolymer (COC), or optical clear adhesive (OCA). In some other embodiments, the meshed structure is a metallized woven mesh, such as a metallized nylon fabric / mesh.

[0069] Crosslinked or cured resins are known to those skilled in the art and are three-dimensional polymer networks obtained by reaction with a curing agent, also called a crosslinker, or by crosslinking / curing of low molecular weight species upon exposure to heat, UV radiation (UV), or electron beam (EB). Non-exhaustive examples of crosslinked resins are epoxy resins, polyurethane resins, UV or EB curable resins. In the present invention, the precursors of the crosslinked resins may be transparent or are not provided in the case where the crosslinked resin is transparent.

[0070] It should be noted that some polymer blends, copolymers, and some semi-crystalline polymers may be opaque and non-transparent due to the dispersed phase or due to the presence of crystallites. Therefore, all compositions of the polymers listed above may not be transparent. Those skilled in the art have the ability to identify compositions that are transparent and therefore whether a given polymer falls within the described transparent polymer.

[0071] After step A, the method further includes step B of depositing transparent dielectric panels 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125 having intermediate layers (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135) attached onto the first surface 101 of the continuous metal-based sheet, thereby forming a flat assembly extending along a plane P defined by a longitudinal axis X and a vertical axis Z, and having a width W measured along the longitudinal axis X and a height H measured along the vertical axis Z.

[0072] The method further includes, after step B, a step D of folding the flat assembly at fold lines to form a folded transparent open container defined by X, Z, and Y axes and having a depth D measured along the Y axis.

[0073] 2-12 show several embodiments according to the method shown in FIG.

[0074] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment in which the continuous metal-based sheet of step A has two fold lines 11 forming one central zone 12 and two lateral zones 13, 14.

[0075] The term "fold line" means an imaginary line along which a continuous metal-based sheet is to be folded with a defined angle and radius of curvature, or where the defined radius of curvature is very small.

[0076] The fold lines are preferably straight lines for easy folding of the continuous metal based sheet.

[0077] According to the invention, the central zone is the zone which corresponds to the rear side of the transparent open container when the open container is manufactured.

[0078] Preferably, the central zone has a shape in the XZ plane that corresponds to the shape of the antenna system placed inside the transparent open container.

[0079] In some preferred embodiments, the central zone has a rectangular shape in the XZ plane for easy folding and handling of the lateral zones.

[0080] According to the invention, the lateral zones are the zones which correspond to the lateral sides of the transparent open container when the open container is manufactured.

[0081] Preferably, the lateral zones are in one or more opposing pairs relative to the central zone.

[0082] 3 and 4 show an embodiment corresponding to step B. A transparent dielectric panel 20 is attached onto a first surface of the continuous metal-based sheet 10.

[0083] In one embodiment, the transparent dielectric panel is disposed over a majority of the first surface so as to cover at least 80% of the surface of the central and lateral zones of the continuous metal-based sheet, preferably at least 85% of the surface of the central and lateral zones of the continuous metal-based sheet, more preferably 90% of the surface of the central and lateral zones of the continuous metal-based sheet, more preferably 95% of the surface of the central and lateral zones of the continuous metal-based sheet, and in some cases even more preferably 99% of the surface of the central and lateral zones of the continuous metal-based sheet.

[0084] According to the invention, the transparent open container includes a dielectric panel to ensure mechanical strength.

[0085] A dielectric panel is a panel that does not have any electrical conductivity.

[0086] The transparent dielectric panels can have different chemical compositions, such as plastic-based compositions that can be based on PET, polycarbonate, PVC, or any other transparent dielectric plastic that can be used as a panel.

[0087] Preferably, the transparent dielectric panel comprises a glass panel, which may comprise at least 50% SiO2 by weight, such as a glass, such as soda-lime glass, aluminosilicate glass, or borosilicate glass.

[0088] In some embodiments, the dielectric panels have the same chemical composition to reduce handling and manufacturing processes.

[0089] The dielectric panel can be manufactured by known manufacturing methods such as the float method, the fusion method, the redraw method, the press molding method, or the pulling method. As the manufacturing method for the glass panel, it is preferable to use the float method from the viewpoint of productivity and cost.

[0090] Each transparent dielectric panel can be independently treated and / or colored, etc., and / or can have different thicknesses to improve aesthetics, safety, etc.

[0091] Each transparent dielectric panel can be subjected to a treatment, i.e. annealed, tempered, etc., in order to respect the specifications of the security requirements. The transparent dielectric panels can be independently clear or colored transparent dielectric panels, for example colored by a specific composition or by applying an additional coating or plastic layer.

[0092] Preferably, the periphery of the transparent dielectric panel is chamfered to avoid breakage, as default in step D.

[0093] In accordance with the present invention, one or more interlayers secure one or more transparent dielectric panels to a continuous metal-based sheet.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 4, the intermediate layer 30 allows the transparent dielectric panel to be secured at its securing surface to a continuous metal-based sheet.

[0095] The interlayer is disposed between the transparent dielectric panel and the continuous metal-based sheet.

[0096] Preferably, the intermediate layer is attached to a majority of the surface of the transparent dielectric panel.

[0097] In some embodiments, the intermediate layer can be made from a single layer of material or multiple layers of a single or different materials.

[0098] In some embodiments, the intermediate layer can be manufactured from a single sheet of material or from multiple sheets placed adjacent to one another to form a unitary sheet.

[0099] In some embodiments, the intermediate layer is a glue.

[0100] In some other embodiments, the interlayer is an interlayer that can laminate a transparent dielectric panel to a continuous metal-based sheet. Preferably, such an interlayer can be a transparent plastic interlayer. The transparent plastic interlayer can be polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide (PA), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethane, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), styrene acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN), styrene methyl methacrylate copolymer (SMMA), and any mixtures thereof, crosslinked resins, ionoplasts, ionomers, cycloolefin polymers (COP), cycloolefin copolymers (COC), or optically clear adhesives (OCA).

[0101] Crosslinked or cured resins are known to those skilled in the art and are three-dimensional polymer networks obtained by reaction with curing agents, called crosslinkers, or by crosslinking / curing of low molecular weight species upon exposure to heat, UV radiation (UV), or electron beam (EB). Non-exhaustive examples of crosslinked resins are epoxy resins, polyurethane resins, UV or EB curable resins. In the present invention, the precursors of the crosslinked resin may be transparent, or not transparent, so that the crosslinked resin is transparent.

[0102] It is said that some polymer blends, copolymers, and some semi-crystalline polymers may be opaque and non-transparent due to the presence of dispersed phases or crystalline matter. Therefore, it is possible that not all of the compositions of the listed polymers mentioned above are transparent. Those skilled in the art have the ability to identify compositions that are transparent, and therefore can identify whether a given polymer is included in the claimed transparent polymers.

[0103] The flat assembly corresponds to stacked layers of a continuous metal-based sheet, one or more intermediate layers, and one or more transparent dielectric panels, the flat assembly extending along a plane P defined by a longitudinal axis X and a vertical axis Z, and having a width W measured along the longitudinal axis X and a height H measured along the vertical axis Z. The plane P corresponds to a plane parallel to a surface of the continuous metal-based sheet.

[0104] 5 illustrates one embodiment of the transparent open container after folding step D. In such an embodiment, the transparent dielectric panel is folded at fold lines to form a U-shaped like transparent open container defined by X, Z, and Y axes and having a depth D measured along the Y axis.

[0105] According to the invention, the folding angle, meaning the angle formed between the central zone and the folded lateral zone, is greater than or equal to 30°, preferably the folding angle is greater than or equal to 45°, more preferably the folding angle is greater than or equal to 60°, more preferably the folding angle is greater than or equal to 80°, possibly even more preferably the folding angle is greater than or equal to 85°. Preferably, the folding angle is less than or equal to 90°.

[0106] In a preferred embodiment, the bend angle is substantially equal to 90°.

[0107] The fold angle is measured in the XY or YZ plane, depending on the lateral zone being folded.

[0108] In such an embodiment, the intermediate layer and the transparent dielectric panel are sufficiently thin and flexible to be bent through the desired angle of curvature.

[0109] In some embodiments, in step B, a transparent dielectric panel is deposited onto each of the central and side zones of the continuous metal-based sheet, and each panel has an intermediate layer attached, thereby forming a flat assembly.

[0110] Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9 show some other embodiments for forming a U-shaped like transparent open container by the method of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0111] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment in which the central and lateral zones of a continuous metal-based sheet 10 are fixed to different transparent dielectric panels 21 , 22 , 23 .

[0112] The transparent dielectric panel can have any shape corresponding to the zone to be fixed in. The shape of the transparent dielectric panel in plan view is not limited to rectangular, but can be trapezoidal, triangular, square, circular, or similar.

[0113] Preferably, the transparent dielectric panel has substantially the same shape as the zone or zones to which it is to be fixed.

[0114] Preferably, adjacent transparent dielectric panels are dimensionally matched, meaning that adjacent transparent dielectric panels have parallel and adjacent sides and the same width and / or the same height.

[0115] Preferably, the surface, size and shape of the transparent dielectric panel is equal to or smaller than the surface, size and shape required for the corresponding zone or zones.

[0116] One or more transparent dielectric panels are secured together by one or more intermediate layers forming a flat assembly.

[0117] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment in which transparent dielectric panels 21, 22, 23 are secured together by an intermediate layer 30 to minimize handling problems and thus form a flat assembly.

[0118] FIG. 8 shows another embodiment in which each transparent dielectric panel 21, 22, 23 is secured by a corresponding intermediate layer 31, 32, 33 to facilitate the assembly step, thereby forming a flat assembly.

[0119] In such embodiments, the transparent dielectric panels may be separated from adjacent transparent dielectric panels such that the panels may be folded without any risk of contact between the adjacent panels, the distance being equal to or greater than the maximum of the sum of the thicknesses of the intermediate layer and the corresponding transparent dielectric panel and the sum of the thicknesses of the adjacent intermediate layer and the corresponding transparent dielectric panel.

[0120] FIG. 9 shows a transparent open container obtained by folding a flat assembly on a folding line.

[0121] According to the present invention, a continuous metal-based sheet can include more than two fold lines depending on the desired 3D shape.

[0122] 10, 11 and 12 show some other embodiments in which a continuous metal-based sheet includes at least four fold lines forming a central zone and at least four lateral zones, the at least four lateral zones being arranged two-by-two opposite one another.

[0123] In such an embodiment, it is preferred to have a transparent dielectric panel 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 for each corresponding zone 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 on a first surface, secured onto the continuous metal-based sheet 10 by a corresponding interlayer.

[0124] Figure 11 shows an embodiment in which the continuous metal-based sheet comprises oversized portions 41, 42, 43, 44. These portions are preferably cut in step F, as shown in Figure 16. This cutting step F can be performed before step A, before step B or after step B. This step can also be performed after step D, depending on the material of the continuous metal-based sheet provided.

[0125] FIG. 12 shows a transparent open container comprising a rear side corresponding to a central zone 21 and four lateral sides corresponding to lateral zones 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 .

[0126] The transparent open container is open at its front side opposite the rear side.

[0127] The side corresponding to the lateral zone 24, preferably the upper side shown in FIG. 12, can have a width measured in the Y axis that is different from the adjacent side to allow cables, fasteners, or other elements to pass out of the transparent open container.

[0128] According to the invention, the method may further include step C of adhering a transparent dielectric panel having an intermediate layer attached thereto onto the second surface 102 of the continuous metal-based sheet 10, thereby forming a flat assembly.

[0129] In some embodiments, the structure, meaning the size and number of the interlayer and panels applied in step C, may be different from the structure applied in step B depending on the specific requirements.

[0130] Preferably, and as shown in FIG. 14, structures identical in number and dimensions (perimeter, thickness, length, etc.) of intermediate layers and panels as those fixed to the first surface in step B are deposited in step C. Each transparent dielectric panel deposited in step C is aligned in the Y-axis direction with respect to the corresponding transparent dielectric panel deposited in step B. This means that the structures deposited in step C mirror the structures deposited in step B. The transparent dielectric panels deposited on the second surface are aligned in all directions of the X, Y and Z axes, which means that the perimeter of the panel is aligned with the corresponding panel on the first surface. This means that the surface area and perimeter dimensions of the transparent dielectric panel deposited in step C have substantially the same surface area and perimeter dimensions as the corresponding transparent dielectric panel deposited in step B.

[0131] For mechanical strength, it is preferred that the continuous metal-based sheet is sandwiched on its first and second surfaces with transparent dielectric panels via intermediate layers.

[0132] According to the present invention, and as shown in FIG. 15, in order to maintain the transparent open container in a folded state, the method may include a step E of maintaining the transparent open container in a folded state by at least a fastening means.

[0133] The fixing means can be configured to mount the antenna system inside the transparent open container and can be configured to mount the antenna system in front of the window, meaning that the transparent open container at least partially surrounds the antenna system, the antenna system being located between the back side and the window at a defined distance Daw, which is a strictly positive integer number from the window (Daw>0).

[0134] In some embodiments, the communication system may include an installation interface panel between the antenna system and the window to offset the effect of the window on the performance of the antenna system, allowing the impedance response of the antenna system as well as the radiation characteristics of one or more antenna units of the antenna system to be kept within specifications. In some embodiments, the installation interface panel may add more functionality to the antenna system, such as beam steering or beam shaping. The installation interface panel is located at a defined distance Diw from the window, where Diw is a positive integer (Diw≧0).

[0135] In some embodiments, the antenna system may be located in front of the exterior surface of a window so as to radiate through the window to the inside of the building.

[0136] In some embodiments, the antenna system may be located in front of the interior surface of a window so as to radiate through the window to the outside of the building. The antenna system and transparent open container are installed on the inside side of the window, meaning that inside the building, the antenna radiates through the window in a manner that limits the radiation of the antenna inside the building, while allowing users outside the building to pick up the EM signal.

[0137] The fastening means can have several shapes depending on the particular application.

[0138] The fastening means may be a single means or multiple means.

[0139] According to some embodiments of the invention, the fixing means comprises hanging means for suspending the antenna system in front of a window.

[0140] The hanging means may include cables, glue, tape, or any other suitable elements for hanging the antenna system in front of a window.

[0141] Preferably, the cable may comprise a diameter of between 0.5 and 3 mm, more preferably about 2 mm.

[0142] According to some embodiments of the invention, the fixing means may comprise separating means for separating the antenna system at a defined distance Daw from the window and for separating the installation interface panel at a defined distance Diw from the window.

[0143] In some embodiments, the fastening means may include a notch to position and / or displace the antenna system and the mounting interface panel at a corresponding distance from the window.

[0144] According to a second aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a method for assembling a communication system, comprising a step of manufacturing a transparent open container by a method according to the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising a step G of placing an antenna system inside the transparent open container, this step being carried out after the attachment steps (B and C) as shown in figure 17.

[0145] According to some embodiments of the invention, the fastening means may include mounting means for mounting the antenna system and the installation interface panel inside a transparent open container.

[0146] In some embodiments, the mounting means may include grooves into which portions of the lateral sides may be secured to allow the transparent open container to maintain the correct 3D shape.

[0147] In some embodiments, the separating means and the attaching means may be a single means.

[0148] The antenna system according to the invention typically has a weight of about 1 kg to 10 kg, and in some embodiments has a weight of about 2 kg to 3 kg. The parallelepiped typically has a width and / or length of 20 mm to 600 mm, for example a rectangular shape of 210 mm x 250 mm, a rectangular shape of 150 mm x 160 mm, or a rectangular shape of 255 mm x 500 mm, depending on the operating frequency, the number of antenna configurations, the number of elements included in the antenna configurations, and / or the transparency design.

[0149] The antenna system may include at least one antenna unit that functions for Wi-Fi, 4G, and / or 5G, which refers to wavelengths having frequencies between 690 MHz and 70 GHz.

[0150] In some embodiments, the antenna system may include several antenna units operating in the same or different ranges of wavelengths.

[0151] Preferably, the antenna system is a transparent antenna system. Suitable antenna systems that ensure transparency are described in co-pending European Patent Applications Nos. 20207878.8 and 20207890.3, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety into the present patent application.

[0152] In some embodiments, the antenna system may include at least one connector protruding from the antenna system for powering the antenna unit and for transmitting and receiving signals, such that a cable is connected to the at least one connector, the number of connectors depending on the number of antennas and type of antenna unit used.

[0153] In such an embodiment, in order to minimize the rear radiation of the at least one connector, the surface area of ​​the central zone, meaning the rear surface area, is larger than the surface area defined by the antenna system in the XZ plane plus the surface area defined by the height of the at least one connector, since the at least one connector may contribute to the radiation of EM waves.

[0154] In some other embodiments, the cable may connect directly to the antenna unit without a connector.

[0155] According to the invention, the method of assembly may further comprise a step H of maintaining the antenna system substantially parallel to a central zone, meaning the rear side of the transparent open container, by means of maintaining means.

[0156] According to the invention, the method of assembly may further comprise a step I of mounting a transparent open container to the antenna system present in front of the window by means of a mounting means in order to reduce rear radiation of the antenna system.

[0157] In some embodiments, the antenna system may already be installed in front of a window, and thus in this case the transparent open container is installed to cover the antenna system and place the antenna system inside the transparent open container.

[0158] According to a third aspect of the present invention, as shown in Figures 18 and 19, the present invention relates to a communication system 100 comprising a window 101, a transparent open container 102 manufactured according to the first aspect of the present invention, and an antenna system 103 radiating in a defined range of wavelengths through the window 104, wherein the antenna system and the transparent open container are assembled by the method according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0159] According to the invention, the antenna arrangement can be mounted on a window, which may be a window used to close an opening in a stationary object such as a building, or a window used to close an opening in a mobile object such as a train, boat, etc.

[0160] The windows are usually multi-paned to increase the thermal performance of the window.

[0161] Insulated windows can be at least partially transparent to visible wavelengths and to natural or artificial light for visibility. Insulated windows are made from multiple panels separated by at least one interlayer that forms multiple interfaces. Thus, the panels can be separated by gas-filled spaces and / or by polymer interlayers.

[0162] In some embodiments, the laminated window can include at least two glass panels separated by a spacer that can create a space filled with a gas such as argon to improve the insulation of the laminated window, thereby assembling an insulated laminated window. The present invention is not limited to the device used on a laminated window having two panels. The device and method of the present invention are suitable for any laminated window, such as a double-pane window, a triple-pane window, etc.

[0163] In some embodiments, the glass panels may be laminated, double-pane windows, such as those for reducing noise and / or ensuring intrusion safety. Laminated glazing includes panels held together by one or more interlayers positioned between the glass panels. The interlayers are typically polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), whose stiffness can be tailored. These interlayers hold the glass panels together in a manner that prevents the glass from shattering into large, sharp pieces if broken.

[0164] The panels of a multi-pane window can be made from glass, polycarbonate, PVC, or any other material used for windows mounted on stationary or moveable objects.

[0165] Typically, the materials of the panels of a multi-layer window are, for example, soda-lime silica glass, borosilicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, or other materials such as thermoplastic polymers or polycarbonates known especially for automotive applications. References to glass throughout this application should not be considered as limiting.

[0166] The laminated window can be manufactured by known manufacturing methods such as the float process, the fusion process, the redraw process, the press molding process, or the pulling process. From the viewpoint of productivity and cost, it is preferable to use the float process as the manufacturing method for the laminated window.

[0167] Each panel can be independently treated and / or stained, etc., and / or can have different thicknesses to improve aesthetics, thermal performance, safety, etc. The thickness of a multi-glazed window is set according to the requirements of the application.

[0168] The insulating window may be any known window used in situ. For example, the insulating window may be treated, i.e. annealed, tempered, etc., to respect the specifications of security and anti-theft requirements. The window may be clear glass or tinted glass independently, and may be tinted by the specific composition of the glass or, for example, by applying an additional coating or plastic layer. The window may have any shape to fit the opening, such as a rectangular shape in plan view, by using known cutting methods. The insulating window may be cut, for example, by a laser light being emitted on the surface of the insulating window to cut it, or by a cutter wheel cutting mechanically. The insulating window may have any shape to fit the application, such as, for example, windshields, sidelights, sunroofs of automobiles, lateral glazing of trains, windows of buildings, etc.

[0169] The shape of a multi-layer window in plan view is usually rectangular. Depending on the application, the shape is not limited to rectangular, but can also be trapezoidal, especially in the case of vehicle windscreens or backlights, triangular, especially in the case of vehicle sidelights, circular or similar.

[0170] In addition, the insulating window can be assembled in a frame or can be attached in a double skin façade, in a car body or in any other means that can hold the insulating window. Some plastic elements can also be fixed on the insulating window to ensure its tightness against gases and / or liquids, to ensure its fixation or to add external elements to the insulating window. In some embodiments, a masking element such as an enamel layer can be added to a part of the periphery of the insulating window.

[0171] For the purpose of thermal comfort inside stationary or mobile objects, a coating system can be present on one interface of the insulating window. This coating system generally uses a metal-based layer, and infrared light is highly refracted by this type of layer. Such coating systems are usually used to realize low-energy insulating windows.

[0172] In some embodiments, the coating system may be a heatable coating applied over a multi-glazed window, for example, to add defrosting and / or anti-fogging functionality and / or to reduce heat build-up inside a building or vehicle, or to maintain heat inside during cold weather, for example. The coating system is thin and mostly transparent to the eye.

[0173] Typically, the coating system covers a majority of the interfacial surface of the laminated window.

[0174] The coating system can be made of layers of various materials, at least one of which is electrically conductive. In some embodiments, such as in automotive window seals, the coating system can be electrically conductive over a large portion of one major surface of a multi-layer window. This can create problems such as hot spots if the area to be de-coated is not well designed.

[0175] A suitable coating system is, for example, a conductive film. A suitable conductive film is, for example, a laminate film obtained by sequentially laminating a transparent dielectric, a metal film, and a transparent dielectric, ITO, fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), or the like. A suitable metal film may be, for example, a film containing at least one selected from the group consisting of Ag, Au, Cu, and Al as a main component.

[0176] The coating system may include a low-emissivity coating system based on metals. Such a coating system is usually a system of thin layers including one or more functional layers, for example two, three or four, based on an infrared radiation reflecting material and at least two dielectric coatings, each functional layer being surrounded by a dielectric coating. The coating system of the invention may in particular have an emissivity of at least 0.010. The functional layers are generally layers of silver having a thickness of a few nanometers, mostly about 5-20 nm. The dielectric layers are generally transparent and are made of one or more layers of metal oxides and / or nitrides. These various layers are deposited using a vacuum deposition technique, for example magnetic field assisted cathode sputtering, more commonly called "magnetron sputtering". In addition to the dielectric layer, each functional layer may be protected by a barrier layer or improved by deposition on it of a wetting layer.

[0177] In some embodiments, to maximize transmission and reception of an antenna system in front of a window having a coating system, a stripped portion can be created in front of the antenna to reduce attenuation due to the coating system.

[0178] In some embodiments, the mounting interface panel can be placed between the antenna system and a window. The mounting interface panel allows for offsetting the effects of one or more mounting media on the performance of the antenna system and allows for the impedance response of the antenna system as well as the radiation characteristics of one or more antenna units of the antenna system to be maintained within specifications. In some embodiments, the mounting interface panel can add more functionality to the antenna system, such as beam steering or beam shaping.

[0179] The mounting interface panel can include at least a transparent dielectric panel, such as glass and / or plastic. In some embodiments, at least one conductive pattern can be attached to at least one top of the dielectric panel.

[0180] In a preferred embodiment, the antenna system 103 and transparent open container 101 are installed on the inside side 1021 of the window 102, which means that inside the building 110, the antenna radiates 104 through the window to allow users outside the building 111 to obtain the EM signal while limiting antenna radiation towards undesired directions such as the inside of the building 110 for safety compliance and / or network planning.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a transparent open container (1), comprising the steps of: A. Providing a continuous metal-based sheet (10) having a first surface (101) and a second surface (102), said continuous metal-based sheet having fold lines (11) forming a central zone (12) and at least two lateral zones (13, 14, 15, 16); B. depositing, on said first surface (101) of said continuous metal-based sheet, a transparent dielectric panel (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125) having an intermediate layer (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135) attached thereto, to form a flat assembly extending along a plane P defined by a longitudinal axis X and a vertical axis Z, and having a width W measured along said longitudinal axis X and a height H measured along said vertical axis Z; D. folding the flat assembly at the fold lines to form a transparent, open container defined by X, Z, and Y axes and having a depth D measured along the Y axis; Including, In step B, a transparent dielectric panel is applied onto each of the central and side zones of the continuous metal-based sheet, each panel having the intermediate layer attached thereto; The method, wherein the continuous metal-based sheet is a metallic meshed structure, and the metallic meshed structure is a woven metallic mesh.

2. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step C of depositing a transparent dielectric panel having an intermediate layer attached thereto onto the second surface (102) of the continuous metal based sheet (10) to form a flat assembly, the panel deposited on the second surface being aligned in a Y-axis direction with respect to the corresponding panel on the first surface.

3. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the continuous metal based sheet comprises at least four fold lines forming a central zone and at least four lateral zones, the at least four lateral zones being arranged two-by-two opposite each other.

4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the central zone has a rectangular shape.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the meshed structure is metal and the meshed structure is disposed on a plastic film.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the transparent dielectric panel comprises a glass panel.

7. 7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step E of maintaining said transparent open container in a folded state by at least a fastening means.

8. A method for assembling a communication system, comprising the steps of manufacturing a transparent open container by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and a step G of arranging an antenna system inside said transparent open container.

9. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step H of maintaining the antenna system substantially parallel to the central zone by a maintaining means.

10. 10. The method of claim 8 or 9, wherein the antenna system includes at least one connector protruding from the antenna system, and a surface area of ​​the central zone is equal to or greater than a surface area defined by the antenna system and the at least one connector.

11. 11. The method according to claim 8, further comprising the step I of mounting the transparent open container to an antenna system present in front of a window by a mounting means in order to reduce rear radiation of the antenna system.

12. 12. The method according to claim 8, further comprising the step J of disposing an interface layer between the antenna system and an open side of the transparent open container to increase radiation of the antenna through the window.

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