Antenna Configuration

Abstract

The present invention discloses a configuration including a first transparent dielectric panel and a second transparent dielectric panel. The second transparent dielectric panel is in front of the first transparent dielectric panel and separated from the first transparent dielectric panel by at least one panel interlayer. The antenna configuration further includes a patch network attached to and separated from the first transparent dielectric panel by at least one patch interlayer, a feeding network attached to and separated from the second transparent dielectric panel by at least one feed interlayer, where the feeding network defines a distance Dpf between the patch network and the feeding network, and a ground plane. The present invention discloses related methods and uses.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to antenna configurations, and more particularly to improved performance aperture-coupled or proximity-coupled planar antenna configurations for optimizing the transmission and / or reception of radio frequency signals.

[0002] The present invention therefore relates to several fields in which antenna configurations are used. [Background technology]

[0003] The continuous growth of mobile data traffic, dramatically increasing with 5G, is putting mobile network operators under CAPEX pressure. Higher frequency bands for 5G mean additional challenges for coverage deployment, especially in dense urban areas where capacity is needed and strict EMF limits apply. Small cell deployments are said to be a good solution for improving capacity, requiring the installation of numerous antennas to stably transmit and receive electromagnetic waves. However, many drawbacks limit the deployment of small cells. First, it is very difficult to find space for new antennas. Second, bringing fiber and electricity outdoors is expensive. Finally, city regulations may limit the feasibility of small cells.

[0004] On the other hand, in recent years, as antennas have become smaller, they are increasingly being installed inside buildings. When installing an antenna inside a building, it is necessary to select an appropriate position for the antenna so that electromagnetic waves can be transmitted and received stably while preventing deterioration of the building's appearance.

[0005] U.S. Patent No. 5,322,143 describes a planar antenna having three conductive layers: a patch network, a ground, and a feeding network. Planar antennas can be integrated into building facades by using glass panels as carriers. The challenge with such planar antennas is that their integration into the facade complicates, at least in terms of electrical connections, installation, and maintenance, and makes them unmanageable once the facade is on the building. Additionally, the performance parameters of planar antennas are limited by the thickness of facade components such as glass panels, spacers, etc.

[0006] Such planar antennas therefore do not allow for changing frequency bands or optimizing the transmission and / or reception of the antenna to suit the requirements of current and future communication systems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to an antenna configuration comprising a first transparent dielectric panel and a second transparent dielectric panel in front of the first transparent dielectric panel and separated from the first transparent dielectric panel by at least one panel interlayer.

[0008] The antenna configuration further includes a patch network attached to and separated from the first transparent dielectric panel by at least one patch interlayer, and a feeding network attached to and separated from the second transparent dielectric panel by at least one feed interlayer, the feeding networks defining a distance Dpf between the patch network and the feeding network, and a distance Dpg may also be defined between the patch network and the ground plane.

[0009] The solution defined in the first aspect of the invention is based on the fact that at least one patch interlayer is a transparent polymer interlayer.

[0010] The present invention relates in a second aspect to a method of assembling an antenna arrangement according to the first aspect, the method comprising: A. Assembling a patch network on a first transparent dielectric panel; B. Assembling a feeding network on a second transparent dielectric panel; C. Assembling the first transparent dielectric panel and the second transparent dielectric panel together with a panel interlayer; Includes:

[0011] It is to be noted that the present invention relates to all possible combinations of features described in the claims or in the described embodiments.

[0012] Although the following description relates to building applications, it should be understood that the present invention may also be applicable in other areas, such as automotive or transportation applications. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] 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 to scale. The drawings are not intended to limit the invention in any way. Further advantages will be explained by way of example.

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an antenna configuration according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an antenna configuration according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] It is an object of the present invention to alleviate the above-mentioned problems and remove the barriers to the densification of outdoor 4G and 5G networks. In particular, it is an object of a first aspect of the present invention to obtain an antenna configuration installation, preferably especially an indoor installation, that eliminates the need for scaffolding or foundation work in the street. Another advantage of the present invention is that the transparent antenna allows for seamless indoor or outdoor positioning consistent with urban aesthetics and EMF constraints.

[0016] According to a first aspect of the invention, the invention relates to an antenna arrangement 10 comprising a first transparent dielectric panel 11 and a second transparent dielectric panel 12. The second transparent dielectric panel 12 is in front of the first transparent dielectric panel 11 and separated from the first transparent dielectric panel 11 by at least one panel interlayer 204, 302.

[0017] The antenna configuration typically has a width and / or length of 20 mm to 600 mm, for example, a 210 mm x 250 mm rectangular shape, a 150 mm x 160 mm rectangular shape, or a 255 mm x 500 mm rectangular shape, depending on the operating frequency, the number of elements included in the antenna configuration, and / or the transparency design.

[0018] Preferably, the antenna configuration operates in 4G and / or 5G, which means wavelengths with frequencies between 690 MHz and 70 GHz.

[0019] The term "in front of" indicates that the first transparent dielectric panel faces the front of the antenna system, and the second transparent dielectric panel faces the first transparent dielectric panel.

[0020] The term "transparent" refers to the property of exhibiting an average TL (light transmission) of visible light transmitted through a material in the visible spectrum of at least 1%. 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%.

[0021] A dielectric panel is a panel that does not have any electrical conductivity.

[0022] The first transparent dielectric panel 11 and the second transparent dielectric panel 12 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 panels.

[0023] Preferably, the first and / or second transparent dielectric panels include a glass panel for protecting the antenna arrangement and antenna system from scratches. The glass panel may comprise at least 50% SiO by weight, such as a glass such as soda-lime glass, aluminosilicate glass, or borosilicate glass.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first and second transparent dielectric panels have the same chemical composition to reduce handling and manufacturing processes.

[0025] Preferably, the first and second transparent dielectric panels can have a loss tangent of 0.03 or less to increase the efficiency of the antenna system while reducing energy loss within the panels, more preferably, the loss tangent of the dielectric panels is 0.02 or less, and even more preferably, the loss tangent of the dielectric panels is 0.01 or less.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the first and second transparent dielectric panels have a loss tangent of 0.005 or less, and more preferably, the loss tangent of the dielectric panels is 0.003 or less so as to reduce energy losses within the panels while increasing the efficiency of the antenna system.

[0027] Preferably, the first and second transparent dielectric panels are borosilicate glass panels to reduce the loss tangent to a value of 0.01 or less.

[0028] 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 method for manufacturing the glass panel, the float method is preferably used from the viewpoints of productivity and cost.

[0029] Each transparent dielectric panel can be independently treated and / or colored, etc., and / or can have different thicknesses to improve aesthetics, safety, etc.

[0030] Each transparent dielectric panel can be subjected to treatment, i.e. annealed, tempered, etc., in order to respect the specifications of the security requirements. The transparent dielectric panels can independently be clear or colored transparent dielectric panels, for example colored by a specific composition or by applying an additional coating or plastic layer.

[0031] The first transparent dielectric panel 11 and the second transparent dielectric panel 12 can have any shape. The shape of the transparent dielectric panels 11, 12 in plan view is not limited to a rectangle, but may be a trapezoid, a triangle, a square, a circle, or the like.

[0032] In some embodiments, an antenna arrangement can be placed in front of a window to provide for transmission and / or reception of at least the operating frequency through the window as separately as possible. Preferably, the antenna arrangement radiates in a specific direction through the first transparent dielectric panel 11, for example, to emit and / or receive through the window and to cover the terminal on the outside of the building. In such embodiments, the first transparent dielectric panel 11 and / or the second transparent dielectric panel 12 can be attached to the front of the window.

[0033] In some embodiments, the antenna configuration radiates in a particular direction through the opposite side of the first transparent dielectric panel, for example, to emit and / or receive in the opposite direction of a window and to cover terminals inside a building.

[0034] In some embodiments, the antenna configuration radiates in two specific directions, for example to radiate and / or receive through windows and to cover terminals on the outside and inside of buildings.

[0035] In some embodiments, the first dielectric panel is secured to the exterior surface of the window by a securing means, which may be glue, a plastic interlayer, a suction pad, or any other means capable of securing the antenna arrangement onto the surface of the window.

[0036] The antenna arrangement can be assembled in an antenna housing to be mounted in front of a window and / or to adapt the distance between the antenna arrangement and the window and / or to adapt the distance between the components of the antenna arrangement.

[0037] In some embodiments, the antenna configuration can include an installation interface panel disposed between the first dielectric panel 11 and the window. The installation interface panel allows for offsetting the effects of one or more installation media on the performance of the antenna system, allowing for the antenna's impedance response as well as the antenna's radiation characteristics to be maintained within specifications. In some embodiments, the installation interface panel can add even more functionality to the antenna system, such as beam steering or beam shaping.

[0038] The installation interface panel 14 may include at least a transparent dielectric panel, such as glass and / or plastic, and in some embodiments, at least one of the dielectric panels may have a conductive pattern deposited on it.

[0039] Preferably, the installation interface panel 14 is parallel to the antenna configuration to simplify the design and manufacture of the installation interface panel while optimizing signal transmission and / or reception.

[0040] The antenna arrangement 10 also includes a patch network P attached to and separated from the first transparent dielectric panel 11 by at least one patch interlayer Ip.

[0041] At least one patch interlayer Ip is a polymer interlayer. Preferably, the transparent polymer interlayer is 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 mixture thereof, crosslinked resin, ionoplast, ionomer, cycloolefin polymer (COP), cycloolefin copolymer (COC), or optically clear adhesive (OCA).

[0042] 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 known as 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 resin may or may not be transparent, so that the crosslinked resin is transparent.

[0043] It is said that some polymer blends, copolymers, and some semi-crystalline polymers may be opaque and non-transparent due to the presence of a dispersed phase or crystalline phase. Therefore, it is possible that not all of the listed polymer compositions mentioned above are transparent. Those skilled in the art can identify which compositions are transparent, and therefore, whether a given polymer is included in the claimed transparent polymers.

[0044] It should be understood that the patch network P can be attached to any of the surfaces of the first transparent dielectric panel 11. Preferably, the patch network P is attached to the surface opposite to the surface facing the window, as shown in Figure 1, in order to achieve higher antenna performance and, in parallel, to protect the patch network P from external attacks such as moisture, scratches, etc.

[0045] In some embodiments, the patch network P includes at least one resonant conductive element, preferably having a length equivalent to half the effective wavelength of the operating frequency.

[0046] Preferably, the surface of the patch network has dimensions less than the surface of the first transparent dielectric panel.

[0047] In some embodiments, several patch networks can be attached to the first transparent dielectric panel to obtain antenna systems transmitting and / or receiving the same or different frequencies, in such embodiments the patch networks are electrically isolated from each other.

[0048] The conductive elements of the patch network can have any shape, such as a rectangular shape. In some embodiments where dual polarization operation is desired, a circular or square shape is preferred. Preferably, the patch network is a conductive patch network.

[0049] The patch network can be printed, glued, coated onto the patch interlayer, or can be laid down by any other method that can permanently lay down the patch network on the interlayer, such as screen printing, inkjet printing, deposition, glued wire, copper foil, copper mesh, etc.

[0050] In some embodiments, the patch network can be printed, glued, or coated onto a transparent layer to facilitate attachment and handling of the patch interlayer to the first transparent dielectric panel. Such a transparent layer is preferably a transparent polymer film. Preferably, the transparent polymer film may 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 mixture thereof, a crosslinked resin, an ionoplast, an ionomer, a cycloolefin copolymer (COC), a cycloolefin polymer (COP), or an optically clear adhesive (OCA).

[0051] The material of the patch network may be a metal-based material such as copper, silver, a conductive metal alloy with or without plated material such as gold, or any other material that can be conductive and can be placed on a patch intermediate layer or on a transparent layer.

[0052] The transparent antenna arrangement 10 also includes a feeding network F attached to and separated from the second transparent dielectric panel 12 by at least one feed interlayer If.

[0053] A distance Dpf is defined between the patch network and the feeding network, and this distance is preferably substantially 40 to 100 mm, more preferably substantially 45 to 8 mm, and even more preferably substantially 48 to 68 mm.

[0054] It should be understood that the feeding network F can be attached to any of the surfaces of the second transparent dielectric panel 12. Preferably, the feeding network F is attached to the surface facing the first transparent dielectric panel 11, which means the surface facing also the front surface 31 of the antenna system, as shown in Figure 1, in order to protect the feeding network F from external attacks such as moisture, scratches, etc.

[0055] In some embodiments, the feeding network includes at least one conductive element for transferring signals between the antenna system input and the patch network. Preferably, the width of the feeding network at the input side is such that it provides a characteristic impedance of about 50 Ω.

[0056] In some embodiments where there are more than one conductive element in the patch network per each antenna system input, the feeding network can distribute energy between these aforementioned conductive elements.

[0057] The feeding network can be printed, glued, coated onto the feed interlayer, or can be laid down by any other method that can permanently lay down the feeding network on the interlayer, such as screen printing, inkjet printing, deposition, glued wire, copper foil, copper mesh, etc.

[0058] In some embodiments, the feeding network can be printed, glued, or coated onto a transparent layer to facilitate attachment and handling to the second transparent dielectric panel via a feeding interlayer. Such a transparent layer is preferably a transparent polymer film. Preferably, the transparent polymer film may 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 mixture thereof, a crosslinked resin, an ionoplast, an ionomer, a cycloolefin copolymer (COC), a cycloolefin polymer (COP), or an optically clear adhesive (OCA).

[0059] The material of the feeding network may be a metal-based material such as copper, silver, or a conductive metal alloy with or without a plated material such as gold, or any other material that can be conductive and can be placed on a feed interlayer or on a transparent layer.

[0060] The transparent antenna arrangement 10 also includes a ground plane G to ensure good and correct functioning of the antenna system.

[0061] The location of the ground plane relative to the patch network and feeding network is important and can have a significant effect on the performance of the antenna system.

[0062] In some embodiments where a ground plane is disposed between the patch network and the feeding network, the ground plane includes at least one slot of optimized shape and size to obtain desired performance.

[0063] In some embodiments where the feeding network is disposed between the patch network and ground, at least one optimally shaped and sized slot in the ground plane may be omitted.

[0064] The choice of construction is a compromise between complexity and performance.

[0065] The ground plane can be printed, glued, coated onto the dielectric panel, ground interlayer, or transparent layer, or can be placed by any other method that can permanently place the ground plane onto the dielectric panel, ground interlayer, or transparent layer, such as screen printing, inkjet printing, deposition, glued wire, copper foil, copper mesh, etc.

[0066] In some embodiments, the ground plane is separated from the second transparent dielectric panel by at least one ground interlayer.

[0067] In some embodiments, the ground interlayer can be a gas-filled space, such as an air gap. The ground plane can be printed, glued, coated onto the third transparent dielectric panel, or placed by any other method that can permanently place the ground plane on the dielectric panel, such as screen printing, inkjet printing, deposition, glued wire, copper foil, copper mesh, etc. In some embodiments, the ground plane can be attached to and separated from the third transparent dielectric panel by at least one ground interlayer.

[0068] In some embodiments, the ground plane is attached to and separated from the third transparent dielectric panel by at least one ground interlayer. In such embodiments, the ground interlayer may be a transparent polymer interlayer. In some embodiments, a fourth retention means may be included on the antenna housing for retaining the third transparent dielectric panel.

[0069] The ground plane can be printed, glued, or coated onto the transparent layer to facilitate attachment and handling to the second or third transparent dielectric panel via the ground interlayer. Such a transparent layer is preferably a transparent polymer film. Preferably, the transparent polymer film may 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 mixture thereof, crosslinked resin, ionoplast, ionomer, cyclo-olefin copolymer (COC), cyclo-olefin polymer (COP), or optically clear adhesive (OCA).

[0070] The material of the ground plane may be a metal-based material such as copper, silver, a conductive metal alloy with or without a plated material such as gold, or any other material that can be conductive and can be placed on a ground interlayer or on a transparent layer.

[0071] In some preferred embodiments, a ground plane can be designed by using a Cu-mesh on top of a transparent layer, such as a PET layer, to ensure conductivity and transparency in the context of the patch network and the feeding network.

[0072] In some embodiments, other transparent layers can be used to separate, assemble, and laminate at least the patch network, feeding network, and / or ground plane to the first and / or second transparent dielectric panels and / or the third transparent dielectric panel, if present, and these layers are preferably transparent polymers.

[0073] Preferably, the transparent layer is a low loss transparent layer so as to reduce losses in the antenna configuration while increasing performance.

[0074] 1 , according to one embodiment, the transparent antenna configuration 10 includes a patch network P attached to and separated from a first transparent dielectric panel 11, which is a glass panel, by a patch interlayer Ip. The patch interlayer can be COC or COP. A PET layer 201, then a COP layer 202 and a glass layer 203 are then attached to the patch network P to facilitate handling and to protect the patch network P. The patch network P, together with the patch interlayer Ip, and layers 201, 202, together with the glass panel 203, are laminated onto the first transparent dielectric panel 11.

[0075] In this embodiment, the patch network P, feeding network F, and ground plane G are individually assembled on transparent layers 201, 207, 208 to facilitate attachment to corresponding transparent dielectric panels. Preferably, these transparent layers are PET layers.

[0076] In this embodiment, the transparent antenna configuration 10 includes a feeding network F attached to and separated from the second transparent dielectric panel 12 by a feed interlayer If and a PET layer 208. The feed interlayer If is a cyclo-olefin polymer. A ground plane G is attached to the second transparent dielectric panel 12 by a ground interlayer Ig. The ground plane G is disposed between the feeding network F and the first transparent dielectric panel 11. A PET layer 207 is present between the ground interlayer Ig and the feeding network F, meaning that the feeding network F is laminated between the feed interlayer If and the PET layer 207. To protect the ground plane G and the feeding network F, the PET layer 208, the COP layer 206, and the glass layer 205 are attached to the second transparent dielectric panel 12. The feeding network F and the ground plane G are laminated to the second transparent dielectric panel 12 together with the feed interlayer If and by the ground interlayer Ig. In such an embodiment, when the ground plane G is positioned between the feeding network and the patch network, the ground plane includes at least one slot.

[0077] It should be understood that the PET layers 201, 207, 208, the COP layers 202, 206, and / or the glass layers 203, 205 may be omitted or may be made from another composition.

[0078] The first transparent dielectric panel 11 and the second transparent dielectric panel 12 are separated by a panel intermediate layer 204. The panel intermediate layer 204 is a gas-filled space, preferably an air gap. The thickness of the air gap is specified to optimize the minimum distance to increase the coupling performance between the patch network and the feeding network, and to optimize the maximum distance to increase the wideband performance of the antenna configuration.

[0079] Table 1 shows embodiments with specific thicknesses, measured in millimeters and perpendicular to the major surfaces, of the different layers shown in Figure 1 that optimize reception and / or transmission of the antenna system for LTE-B1 and LTE-B3. It should be understood that different thickness values ​​can be used for the same band or for different bands. A distance Dpf is defined between the patch network and the feeding network.

[0080] [Table 1]

[0081] In this embodiment, the distance Dpf is equal to 8.5 mm. The distance Dpf can be adapted by changing the air gap 204 and / or reducing or removing other layers between the patch network P and the feeding network F. In such a structure, when the panel interlayer 204 is an air gap, the distance Dpf can be adapted even when the antenna configuration is mounted on a window. Thus, the distance Dpf can be adapted to optimize the transmission and / or reception of the antenna configuration mounted or to be mounted on a window, even when the operating frequency changes. The distance Dpg between the patch network and the ground plane is also specified. In this embodiment, the distance Dpg is equal to 7.6 mm.

[0082] FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of an antenna arrangement 10 of an antenna system according to the invention.

[0083] The first transparent dielectric panel 11 and the second transparent dielectric panel 12 are separated by a panel interlayer 302. The panel interlayer 302 is a transparent polymer interlayer that is a cycloolefin polymer, which means that the first transparent dielectric panel 11 and the second transparent dielectric panel 12 are laminated together by the panel interlayer 302. The thickness of the panel interlayer is specified to optimize the minimum distance to increase the coupling performance between the patch network and the feeding network, and to optimize the maximum distance to increase the wideband performance of the antenna configuration.

[0084] In this embodiment, a ground plane G is disposed between the feeding network F and the second transparent dielectric panel 12 .

[0085] The patch network P, feeding network F, and ground plane G are individually assembled on transparent layers 301, 303, and 304. Preferably, these transparent layers are PET layers. The patch network P is attached to the first transparent dielectric panel 11 by a patch interlayer Ip. The PET layer having a portion of the antenna configuration, the patch network, feeding network, or ground plane, along with the interlayer and layer having the patch network, feed, ground, and panel interlayer, is laminated together with the first transparent dielectric panel 11 and the second transparent dielectric panel, meaning that the patch network P, feeding network F, and ground plane G, along with the patch network, feed, and ground interlayer and layer, respectively, are laminated together between the first transparent dielectric panel 11 and the second transparent dielectric panel 12.

[0086] Table 2 shows embodiments with specific thicknesses in millimeters, measured in the direction normal to the major surfaces, of the different layers shown in Figure 2 that optimize reception and transmission of the antenna system for LTE-B42, LTE-B43, 5G-NR-n77, and / or 5G-NR-n78. It should be understood that different thickness values ​​may be used for the same band or for different bands.

[0087] [Table 2]

[0088] In this embodiment, the distance Dpf is equal to 1.8 mm. This distance Dpf can be adapted by modifying the panel interlayer 302 and / or reducing or removing other layers between the patch network P and the feeding network F. In such a structure, the thicknesses of the interlayers and layers are fixed in the assembly step, so when the antenna configuration is assembled, the distance Dpf cannot be adapted even when the antenna configuration is mounted on a window. Also, the distance Dpg between the patch network and the ground plane is specified. In this embodiment, the distance Dpg is equal to 2.7 mm.

[0089] Preferably, the panel interlayer 302 is fabricated with several polymer interlayers to achieve the desired thickness. Preferably, the panel interlayer includes four layers with a thickness of 0.76 mm. This results in a distance Dpf equal to 3.4 mm.

[0090] In some embodiments, the thickness of the first and second transparent dielectric panels can be different, and the thickness can depend on the composition to increase the efficiency of the antenna system.

[0091] In some embodiments, when the first and second dielectric panels are glass panels, they have a thickness of 0.05 mm or more, preferably a thickness of 0.5 mm or more, and more preferably a thickness of 1 mm or more, and a thickness of 4 mm or less, preferably a thickness of 3 mm or less, and more preferably a thickness of 2 mm or less.

[0092] One embodiment provides a method.

[0093] 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.

[0094] The windows are usually multi-paned to increase the thermal performance of the window.

[0095] Multi-glazed windows can be at least partially transparent to visible wavelengths and to natural or artificial light for visibility. Multi-glazed windows are fabricated 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 polymer interlayers.

[0096] In some embodiments, a multi-pane window can include at least two glass panels separated by a spacer that allows for the creation of a space filled with a gas, such as argon, to improve the insulation of the multi-pane window, thereby creating an insulated multi-pane window. The present invention is not limited to devices used on multi-pane windows having two panels. The devices and methods of the present invention are suitable for any multi-pane window, such as double-pane windows, triple-pane windows, etc.

[0097] In some embodiments, the glass panels may be laminated, double-paned windows, such as those for noise reduction and / or 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), which can have adjustable stiffness. These interlayers hold the glass panels together in a manner that prevents the glass from shattering into large, sharp pieces if broken.

[0098] 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 movable objects.

[0099] Typically, the materials of the panels of a double-glazed window are, for example, soda-lime silica glass, borosilicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, or other materials such as thermoplastic polymers or polycarbonates known particularly in automotive applications. References to glass throughout this application should not be considered as limiting.

[0100] The double-glazed 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, the float process is preferably used as the manufacturing method for the double-glazed window.

[0101] 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 double-glazed window is set according to the requirements of the application.

[0102] The double-glazed window may be any known window used in situ. For example, the double-glazed window may be treated, i.e., annealed, tempered, etc., to meet security and anti-theft requirements. The window may be clear glass or tinted glass, 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 an opening, such as a rectangular shape in plan, by using known cutting methods. For example, a method in which laser light is projected onto the surface of the double-glazed window to cut it, or a cutter wheel may mechanically cut it, may be used. The double-glazed window may have any shape to fit applications such as automobile windshields, sidelights, sunroofs, train side glazing, building windows, etc.

[0103] The shape of a double-glazed window in plan view is usually rectangular, but depending on the application, the shape is not limited to rectangular, but may also be trapezoidal, especially in the case of vehicle windshields or backlights, triangular, especially in the case of vehicle sidelights, circular or similar.

[0104] In addition, the multi-glazing window can be assembled in a frame or attached to a double-skin facade, to a car body, or to any other means capable of holding the multi-glazing window. Some plastic elements can also be fixed onto the multi-glazing window to ensure its tightness against gases and / or liquids, to ensure its fixation, or to add external elements to the multi-glazing window. In some embodiments, a masking element, such as an enamel layer, can be added to part of the periphery of the multi-glazing window.

[0105] For the purpose of thermal comfort inside stationary or mobile objects, a coating system can be present on one interface of the double-glazed 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 double-glazed windows.

[0106] In some embodiments, the coating system may be a heatable coating applied over a multi-pane window, for example, to add defrosting and / or anti-fogging functionality and / or to reduce heat buildup inside a building or vehicle, or to maintain heat inside during cold weather, for example. The coating system is thin and primarily transparent to the eye.

[0107] Typically, the coating system covers most of the interface surface of the multi-glazed window.

[0108] The coating system can be made from 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 across most of one major surface of a multi-pane window. This can create problems such as hot spots if the area to be de-coated is not well designed.

[0109] 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.

[0110] The coating system can include a metal-based low-emissivity coating system. Such a coating system is typically a thin-layer system including one or more functional layers, e.g., two, three, or four, based on an infrared radiation-reflecting material and at least two dielectric coatings, each surrounded by a dielectric coating. The coating system of the present invention can specifically have an emissivity of at least 0.010. The functional layers are typically silver layers having a thickness of a few nanometers, mostly about 5-20 nm. The dielectric layers are typically transparent and are made of one or more layers of metal oxides and / or nitrides. These various layers are deposited using vacuum deposition techniques, such as magnetic field-assisted cathode sputtering, more commonly referred to as "magnetron sputtering." In addition to the dielectric layer, each functional layer may be protected by a barrier layer or improved by deposition of a wetting layer on top.

[0111] In some embodiments, to maximize transmission and reception of an antenna system in front of a window with a coating system, a stripped portion can be created in front of the antenna to reduce attenuation due to the coating system.

[0112] According to the present invention, defining the structure of the window means knowing the assembly, composition of the window in case of the coating system and / or the presence of coating stripping areas, in order to estimate and / or calculate the level of degradation of the electromagnetic signal in order to adapt the distance Dpf to optimize the transmission and / or reception of the antenna configuration.

[0113] Preferably, the distance Dpf, the distance Dpg and the distance between the installation interface and the window are adapted to optimize the transmission and / or reception of the antenna configuration in embodiments where an installation interface is present.

[0114] In some embodiments, the distance Dpf is generated during assembly of the antenna by defining the thickness of a component of the antenna construction, such as an intermediate layer, and / or a layer, such as the distance Dpg.

[0115] The antenna arrangement can be mounted on a window and then the distance Dpf and / or the distance Dpg can be adapted by changing the thickness of the air gap.

[0116] An embodiment provides a method of assembling an antenna arrangement according to the first aspect, the method comprising: A. Assembling a patch network on a first transparent dielectric panel; B. Assembling a feeding network on a second transparent dielectric panel; C. Assembling the first transparent dielectric panel and the second transparent dielectric panel together with a panel interlayer; Includes:

[0117] In some embodiments, preferably when the panel interlayer is a space filled with gas, steps A and B can be performed independently in any order, and then the first transparent dielectric panel and the second transparent dielectric panel are assembled together with the panel interlayer.

[0118] In some embodiments, the components of the antenna configuration are placed and laminated together to optimize assembly while minimizing handling.

[0119] An embodiment provides for the use of an antenna arrangement according to the first aspect in front of a window to optimize the transmission and / or reception of radio frequency signals.

Claims

1. a first transparent dielectric panel (11), a second transparent dielectric panel (12) in front of said first transparent dielectric panel and separated from said first transparent dielectric panel by at least one panel interlayer (204, 302); a patch network (P) attached to and separated from said first transparent dielectric panel by at least one patch interlayer (Ip); a feeding network (F) attached and separated from said second transparent dielectric panel by at least one feeding interlayer (If), said feeding network (F) defining a distance Dpf between said patch network and said feeding network (F); a ground plane (G) including at least one slot; An antenna arrangement (10) comprising: An antenna configuration characterized in that the at least one patch interlayer is a transparent polymer interlayer, and the ground plane (G) is disposed between the first transparent dielectric panel (11) and the second transparent dielectric panel (12) and is separated from the second transparent dielectric panel (12) by at least one ground interlayer, at least one of which is a space filled with gas.

2. 2. The antenna configuration of claim 1, wherein the ground plane is disposed between the feeding network and the first transparent dielectric panel.

3. 3. The antenna configuration of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one panel interlayer is a transparent polymer interlayer.

4. 3. The antenna arrangement of claim 1, wherein the at least one panel interlayer is a gas-filled space.

5. The antenna arrangement of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first and / or second transparent dielectric panels comprise glass panels.

Images