Abstract
A force-applying element for fixing radomes provides an annular flange region. The force-applying element provides at least one fixing region, which extends from the flange region in the direction towards the radome to be fixed, and its outer surfaces are surrounded by the radome in a form-fit manner.
Claims
1. A force-applying element for fixing radomes, comprising: an annular flange region; and at least one fixing region which extends from the annular flange region in the direction towards a foam radome to be fixed, the fixing region having an annular shape with a diameter that narrows in the direction towards the radome to be fixed, the fixing region including two outer surfaces and undercuts in the form of a plurality of tunnels that connect both outer surfaces of the fixing region to one another, such that the fixing region defining the tunnels surrounds portions of the foam radome to be fixed in a form-fit manner on four sides to prevent it from being rotated relative to the force-applying element or pulled from the force-applying element in an axial direction, the outer surfaces being configured to be surrounded by the foam radome to be fixed at least partially in a form-fit manner, wherein one or both outer surfaces of the fixing region provide indentations or notches, which are configured to be filled by the foam radome to be fixed in a form-fit manner and which are configured to prevent the foam radome to be fixed from being pulled from the force-applying element in an axial direction.
2. The force-applying element according to claim 1, wherein a width of the tunnels in the fixing region of the force-applying element is greater than a height of the tunnels.
3. The force-applying element according to claim 1, wherein the fixing region provides an annular profile on one or both outer surfaces.
4. The force-applying element according to claim 3, wherein the annular profile is formed by grooves that are mutually spaced or of varying depth.
5. The force-applying element according to claim 1, wherein one or both outer surfaces of the fixing region provide a corrugated profile, whereas the corrugations have a positive and/or a negative gradient on one or both outer surfaces.
6. The force-applying element according to claim 1, wherein the force-applying element is embodied in one piece with the fixing region and the flange region.
7. The force-applying element according to claim 6, wherein the side of the flange region facing away from the fixing region provides one or more boreholes and the one or more boreholes extend from the flange region into the fixing region.
8. The force-applying element according to claim 7, wherein the one or more boreholes are threaded boreholes or a separate thread is lathed into the one or more boreholes.
9. The force-applying element according to claim 1, wherein the side of the flange region facing away from the fixing region is embodied to be flat.
10. The force-applying element according to claim 1, wherein the fixing region provides a rounded V-shape or a rounded T-shape or a rounded H-shape, whereas an upper side of the V-shape or a lower side of the T-shape or H-shape adjoins the flange region.
11. The force-applying element according to claim 1, wherein the radome is made from polyurethane, and the force-applying element is made from metal, or from a synthetic material, and wherein the metal is selected from one of aluminum or stainless steel.
12. An apparatus, comprising: an annular flange region; and at least one annular fixing region configured to affix to a foam radome, the at least one annular fixing region extending from the annular flange region, wherein the at least one annular fixing region has a diameter that narrows as it extends from the annular flange region, the at least one fixing region including an inner surface and an outer surface configured to be surrounded by the foam radome to be fixed, the inner and outer surfaces provided with indentations or notches that are configured to be filled by the foam radome to be fixed in a form-fit manner and are configured to prevent the foam radome to be fixed from being pulled from the apparatus in an axial direction; and a plurality of slots formed in the at least one annular fixing region between the inner and outer surfaces and spaced apart in an annular manner, wherein the plurality of slots are configured to receive portions of the radome such that the fixing region defining the slots surrounds the portions of the foam radome to be fixed in a form-fit manner and prevents the radome from being rotated relative to the apparatus or pulled from the apparatus in an axial direction.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) Various exemplary embodiments of the invention are described by way of example below with reference to the drawings. Identical subject matters provide the same reference numbers. In detail, the corresponding figures of the drawings are as follows:
(2) FIG. 1 an example of a radome for weather protection of antennas with the force-applying element according to the invention, onto which an antenna flange is screwed;
(3) FIG. 2 a cross-section through a radome and an exemplary embodiment of an associated force-applying element according to the invention;
(4) FIG. 3 a three-dimensional view of an exemplary embodiment of the annular force-applying element according to the invention with a fixing region and a flange region;
(5) FIG. 4 a further three-dimensional view of the exemplary embodiment of the annular force-applying element according to the invention with a flange region and a fixing region;
(6) FIG. 5 a cross-section through the exemplary embodiment of the force-applying element according to the invention with a fixing region and a flange region;
(7) FIG. 6A a first exemplary embodiment of a cross-section through the force-applying element according to the invention with a fixing region and a flange region;
(8) FIG. 6B a second exemplary embodiment of a cross-section through the force-applying element according to the invention with a fixing region and a flange region; and
(9) FIG. 6C a third exemplary embodiment of a cross-section through the force-applying element according to the invention with a fixing region and a flange region.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(10) FIG. 1 shows a radome 1, especially a foam radome 1, for weather protection 1 of antennas. The foam radome 1 here is embodied as a hollow cylinder, whereas the one end, in this case, the upper end, is closed. The walls of the foam radome preferably have a significant thickness, for example, of a few millimeters. For fixing, the foam radome 1 is further connected to the force-applying element 2 according to the invention. The force-applying element 2 according to the invention provides an annular embodiment. As will be explained later, this connection is mechanically stable and preferably watertight. Furthermore, an antenna flange 3 is also connected to the force-applying element 2 according to the invention. A holder for a plurality of antenna elements, which are not visible in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, is connected to this antenna flange 3. These antenna elements are disposed inside the foam radome 1 and are protected by the latter from weather and animals. The antenna flange 3 is connected to the force-applying element 2 in a mechanically stable and form-fit manner by at least one screw connection. The antenna flange 3 provides further screw connections, with which it can be attached, for example, onto rooftops or boats.
(11) FIG. 2 shows a cross-section through a radome 1, especially a foam radome 1 and the associated force-applying element 2 according to the invention. It is clearly evident that the force-applying element 2 is surrounded by the foam radome 1 in a form-fit manner. In more precise terms, the force-applying element 2 comprises an annular flange region 4 and a fixing region 5. However, the force-applying element 2 is embodied in one piece. This means that the fixing region 5 is connected inseparably to the flange region 4. The fixing region 5 extends from the flange region 4 in the direction towards the foam radome 1 to be fixed, whereas its outer surfaces 6.sub.1 and 6.sub.2 are completely surrounded by the foam radome 1 in a form-fit manner. The phrase completely surrounded in a form-fit manner should be understood here especially in the sense that air bubbles occurring in the course of the manufacturing process, which ensure that another additional, partial layer of air is possibly present between the outer surfaces 6.sub.1 and 6.sub.2 and the foam radome 1, do not exclude the form fit. It is clearly evident in FIG. 2 that the fixing region 5 projects above the flange region 4.
(12) Moreover, the flange region 4 provides various boreholes 7. These boreholes 7 pass from the flange region 4 at least partially into the fixing region 5. If the flange region 4 is relatively thicker, it is sufficient if the boreholes 7 extend only in the flange region 4. The boreholes 7 in the exemplary embodiment are threaded boreholes. However, it is also possible for an additional threading to be lathed into the boreholes 7. This is particularly meaningful if the force-applying element 2 is made of metal, such as aluminium, or synthetic material, so that the force-applying element 2 can be connected to an antenna flange 3 in a multiple manner by means of an additional stainless steel threading. For example, if the force-applying element is manufactured from stainless steel, no additional screw threading is necessary, because such a threading can withstand several screwing and unscrewing processes without difficulty.
(13) The radome 1 is preferably made of polyurethane, which is produced in a strongly exothermic process. In order to connect the force-applying element 2 according to the invention to the foam radome 1 in a form-fit manner, the force-applying element 2 is clamped into a mould. This mould is also embodied as a hollow cylinder, whereas the polyurethane is mixed together in a mixing gun and injected into this mould. After the process of mixing the individual compounds, polyurethane, which forms the foam radome 1 and connects the latter to the force-applying element 2 in a form-fit manner, is formed. In this context, the foam radome 2 is preferably connected to the fixing region 5, because the corresponding injection mould does not allow a connection of the foam radome 1 to the flange region 4. After the foam radome 1 has cooled down and hardened, a watertight and form-fit connection is provided between the foam radome 1 and the force-applying element 2. Furthermore, this form-fit and watertight connection is mechanically very stable.
(14) It is clearly evident from FIG. 2 that the fixing region 5 narrows in its diameter towards the top, that is, in the direction towards the foam radome 1. In the exemplary embodiment from FIG. 2, the fixing region 5 is embodied in an annular shape. However, it is also possible for the fixing region 5 not to provide a continuous annular structure, but to be formed, for example, by individual teeth with a spacing distance from one another. The illustrated fixing region 5 provides notches 61 and/or indentations 60 in its outer surfaces 6.sub.1, 6.sub.2. These notches 61 and/or indentations 60 are completely filled by the foam radome 1. The foam radome 1 is in contact within these notches 61 and/or indentations 60 in a form-fit manner.
(15) It is also possible for only one of the two outer surfaces 6.sub.1, 6.sub.2 of the fixing region 5 to provide indentations 60 and/or notches 61 which are filled with the foam radome 1 in a form-fit manner, instead of both outer surfaces 6.sub.1, 6.sub.2. As a result of these indentations 60 and/or notches 61, the pulling of the foam radome 1 from the force-applying element 2 is generally prevented. The pulling is equivalent to a movement in the axial direction.
(16) It is also possible for one or both outer surfaces 6.sub.1, 6.sub.2 of the fixing region 5 to provide a corrugated profile. In this context, the corrugations can have a positive and/or a negative gradient on one or both outer surfaces 6.sub.1, 6.sub.2. In this context, the corrugated profile is also surrounded in a form-fit manner by the foam radome 1, or respectively, the valleys of the corrugations are filled in a form-fit manner with the foam radome 1.
(17) FIG. 3 shows a three-dimensional view of the annular force-applying element 2 according to the invention, whereas the fixing region 5 and the flange region 4 can be clearly identified. The fixing region 5 in the exemplary embodiment from FIG. 3 is also embodied in an annular shape. Other embodiments of the fixing region 5, such as teeth and/or peaks with a spacing distance from one another, are also conceivable. The fixing region 5 in the exemplary embodiment from FIG. 3 provides a V-shaped structure, whereas the opening of the V-shape (top of the V), adjoins the flange region 4. Accordingly, the diameter of the fixing region 5 narrows from the flange region 4 towards the foam radome 1.
(18) It is clearly evident that the fixing region 5 of the force-applying element 2 provides an undercut 30 in its geometry. In the exemplary embodiment from FIG. 3, this undercut 30 is formed in the fixing region 5 of the force-applying element 2 by at least one opening 30. As soon as the force-applying ring 2 is connected to the foam radome 1 in a form-fit manner, this opening 30 is filled by the foam radome 1. This means that the foam radome 1 can no longer be pulled from the force-applying element 2 according to the invention. The undercut 30, which provides the form of an opening 30, also means that the foam radome 1 can no longer be rotated relative to the force-applying element 2.
(19) According to the exemplary embodiment from FIG. 3, the force-applying element 2 preferably provides several such undercuts 30, that is to say, such openings 30, which are arranged in the fixing region 5 with a radial spacing distance from one another. In the exemplary embodiment from FIG. 3, a total of twelve openings 30 are embodied in the fixing region 5. In this context, the openings 30 are embodied in the fixing region 5 in such a manner that they create a hollow cavity, which can be reached from both outer surfaces 6.sub.1, 6.sub.2. This means that the openings 30 in the fixing region 5 of the force-applying element 2 connect both outer surfaces 6.sub.1, 6.sub.2 of the fixing region 5 to one another in the manner of a tunnel. This means that the foam radome 1 contacting in a form-fit manner is surrounded on four sides by the fixing region 5 of the force-applying element 2. Accordingly, an effective protection against a movement in the axial direction and against a movement in the radial direction is achieved, so that the foam radome 1 can neither be pulled from the force-applying element 2 nor rotated relative to the latter.
(20) By preference, the width in the radial direction of the at least one opening 30 within the fixing region 5 of the force-applying element 2 is greater than the height in the axial direction of the at least one opening 30. This means that an effective protection against rotating and pulling is achieved, even with a relatively small height of the fixing region 5.
(21) These openings 30 can be manufactured by means of a milling process. The openings 30 can also be introduced in a casting process.
(22) FIG. 3 also shows that the fixing region 5 provides an annular profile 31 on both outer surfaces 6.sub.1, 6.sub.2. Of course, this annular profile 31 can also be embodied on only one of the two outer surfaces 6.sub.1, 6.sub.2 of the fixing region 5. In this context, the annular profile 31 is formed by grooves 31 with a spacing distance from one another. These grooves 31 can be manufactured by a milling process or by a casting process or by a stamping process. The mutually spaced grooves 31 need not be present around the entire circumference of the annular fixing region 5. The mutually spaced grooves 31 are separated from one another by a web in their centre, whereas the depth of the mutually spaced grooves 31 can vary. The mutually spaced grooves 31 provide protection with regard to the foam radome 1 being pulled away from the force-applying element 2.
(23) Furthermore, the depth of individual grooves 31 can be varied, so that a protection against rotation is also provided. In this case, the depth of the individual grooves 31 alternates several times, or respectively, the depth of the individual grooves 31 is varied several times around one circumference. Accordingly, the foam radome 1 is in contact within the annular profile 31 or respectively within the individual grooves 31 in a form-fit manner.
(24) FIG. 4 shows another three-dimensional view of the annular force-applying element 2 according to the invention with a flange region 4 and fixing region 5. It is clearly evident that the side 40 of the flange region 4 facing away from the fixing region 5 provides several boreholes 7. The side 40 facing away is the underside 40 of the flange region 4. It is clearly evident that the side 40 facing away from the fixing region 4, that is, the underside of the flange region 5, is embodied to be flat. This flat side 40 can be used as a contact surface for an antenna flange 3, which is screwed to the flange region via the boreholes 7. A sealing ring, which is not illustrated, or a sealing compound, which is not illustrated, can also be attached between the force-applying element 2 and the antenna flange 3. Accordingly, the foam radome 1 with the force-applying element 2 and the antenna flange 3 are sealed in a watertight manner.
(25) Furthermore, the openings 30 and the grooves 31 are illustrated in FIG. 4. It is also clearly evident here that the grooves 31 are embodied on both outer surfaces 6.sub.1, 6.sub.2 of the fixing region 5 which narrows in its diameter.
(26) FIG. 5 shows a cross-section through the force-applying element 2 according to the invention with a fixing region 5 and a flange region 4. It is clearly evident that the fixing region 5 is embodied in an annular shape around its entire circumference. This also applies for the flange region 4. It is also shown that the boreholes 7 extend through the flange region 4 into the fixing region 5. The fixing region 5 is embodied in a V-shape, whereas the opening of the V-shape adjoins the flange region 4. In this context, the V-shape is rounded at the corners. The outer surfaces 6.sub.1, 6.sub.2 of the fixing region 5 are also once again provided with grooves 31. The fixing region 5 also provides several openings 30, by means of which the two outer surfaces 6.sub.1, 6.sub.2 of the fixing region 5 are connected to one another. The foam radome 1 can circle in a form-fit manner within the illustrated openings 30, so that the foam radome 1 can neither be pulled from the force-applying element 2 nor rotate relative to the latter.
(27) In order to achieve a good mechanical connection between the foam radome 1 and the force-applying element 2, the fixing region 5 is greater in height than the height of the flange region 4. In FIG. 5, it is evident that the fixing region is approximately two and a half times as high as the flange region 4.
(28) FIG. 6A shows a possible shape for a cross-section through the force-applying element 2 according to the invention with fixing region 5 and a flange region 4. It is evident that the fixing region 5 is higher than the flange region 4. However, this is illustrated in an exaggerated manner in the figure of the drawings. Furthermore, it is clearly evident that the flange region 4 is significantly wider than the fixing region 5. In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 6A, the flange region 4 is approximately twice as wide as the fixing region 5. The fixing region 5 in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6A is embodied in an H-shape. In this context, the H is tilted on its side. All of the corners are rounded in order to avoid stress concentrations. An indentation 60 between the ends of the fixing region 5 is also clearly evident. The fixing region 5 can also be embodied without difficulty as a T-shape, whereas the wider end points in the direction towards the foam radome 1.
(29) FIG. 6B shows a further possible shape for a cross-section through the force-applying element 2 according to the invention with a fixing region 5 and a flange region 4. It is also evident that the flange region 4 is significantly wider than the fixing region 5. By contrast, the fixing region 5 is significantly higher than the flange region 4. The fixing region 5 here is embodied as a sphere which is connected via a web to the flange region 5. The diameter of the sphere in this context is larger than the width of the web, but smaller than the width of the flange region 4. An indentation 60 in this context is also visible between the sphere and the flange region 4. The foam radome 1 can be disposed in contact within this indentation 60 in a form-fit manner. Accordingly, the foam radome is secured against a pulling movement. The foam radome 1 is thus connected in a mechanically rigid manner to the force-applying element 2.
(30) FIG. 6C shows a further possible shape for a cross-section through the force-applying element 2 with a fixing region 5 and a flange region 4. In FIG. 6C also, the flange region 4 is significantly wider than the fixing region 5. By contrast, the fixing region 5 is significantly higher than the flange region 4. The fixing region 5 is embodied in a V-shape, whereas all of the corners are rounded. In this context, the V-shaped tip of the fixing region 5 points in the direction towards the foam radome 1. The outer surfaces 6.sub.1, 6.sub.2 of the fixing region 5 provide a rounded notch 61. The rounded notch 61 can also be a recess or a rounded groove 31. The notch 61 is completely filled by the foam radome 1. As a result of the notch 61, the foam radome 1 cannot be pulled from the force-applying element 2.
(31) FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C do not show any boreholes 7. Of course, boreholes can be used with the cross-sections from FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C. Furthermore, no openings 30 are shown in the cross-sections from FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C. Such openings can, however, also be embodied without difficulty in the cross-sections. This also applies if the fixing region 5 is formed from individual teeth or peaks with a spacing distance from one another, which can have the cross-section from FIG. 6A, 6B or 6C. The depth of the indentations 60 from FIGS. 6A and 6B and the depth of the notch 61 from FIG. 6C can be varied continuously, so that a protection against rotation is also achieved in the case of an annular force-applying element 2 with an annular fixing region 5.
(32) The invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiments described. All of the features described and/or illustrated can be combined with one another as required.
