EP2514028B1 - Multi-beamforming device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a multi-beam shaping device according to the preamble of claim 1.

Beamforming devices are used in particular in mobile radio technology, i. in mobile radio base stations to adjust the main source of a mobile radio antenna with respect to their radiation angle differently. Depending on the Absenkwinkels (which is also commonly referred to as "Down Tilt"), a respective mobile radio cell can be illuminated to different sizes and thus adjusted.

In such beam shaping devices is usually spoken of a RET unit, ie a so-called "remote electrical tilt" device, as for example from the WO 02/061877 A2 is known. By means of a beam shaping device, however, it is not only possible to set a different down-tilt angle in the elevation direction, for example by means of different settings of phase shifters, but it can also be particularly in the case of an antenna array having a plurality of columns, for example using phase shifters, the main beam direction and thus the main source of an antenna system are adjusted in the horizontal direction, that is to say with different azimuth angle. Finally, not only a different orientation of the main beam direction of an antenna system in the elevation and / or azimuth direction can be adjusted by means of a beam shaping device, but also the beam width can be set differently both in the azimuth and in the elevation direction, ie in this case set the half-width of a main beam lobe differently to be able to (half power beam width). Likewise, it is also possible to make settings for the mechanical angles of an antenna, namely roll, pitch and yaw ("roll", "pitch", "yaw").

In other words, the previously known antennas are usually designed so that the so-called RET unit can be installed at a designated mechanical interface (for example, at the lower mounting flange of the antenna housing), which also includes a motor in addition to electronics, which via a mechanical Implementation controls the integrated in the antenna phase shifter. The phase change thus achieved has a direct effect on the beam characteristic, i. to the down-tilt angle of the antenna.

Basically, the beam characteristic of multi-antenna systems can be set differently by means of such RET units, wherein the mentioned RET motors for adjusting the main beam direction of the antenna not only in the vertical direction (ie in the elevation direction for setting a different down-tilt angle), but also in the horizontal direction (ie in the azimuth direction) as well as for setting the half-width of a main lobe can be used.

It is basically known that the control unit, the so-called RET unit with the associated motor within the antenna arrangement, ie, can be arranged within the radome. According to the WO 02/061877 A2 has been proposed to grow such a RET unit outside the radome, preferably directly below a mounting flange of the antenna order, which has the advantage that such a RET unit can be retrofitted without opening the antenna cover (radome).

Due to site-sharing scenarios (in which network operators share a location) and in so-called co-siting scenarios (where a network operator operates several base stations, possibly different cell phone generations or mobile technologies in one location) is increasingly a higher number of antennas ever Location installed. At least since the introduction of UMTS, a large number of the installed antennas has been supplemented by a system which ultimately makes it possible to control the beam characteristics of the antennas electrically. This is the RET configuration described above, with which a lowering angle can be set remotely differently.

As a rule, the various antenna manufacturers have created their own, ie proprietary mechanical interfaces, whereby the respective versions of so-called Single or multi-jet shaping devices (actuators) vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

The control side of the RET actuators is specified in the AISG or 3GPP standard. Thus, with a control unit, the RET actuators of various antenna manufacturers can be controlled via this standardized interface. To cover the standard single and multi-RET actuators, the two device types "Single-RET (device type 0x01) and" Multi-RET (device type 0x11) have been specified.

One possible implementation of a multi-RET is e.g. accommodated in a single housing, which is equipped several times with the manufacturer-specific mechanical interfaces. The Multi-RET can then, after mounting on a corresponding multi-band antenna, controlled by a control unit, control the beam characteristics of the individual bands. However, the embodiment is only possible or useful if the multi-mechanical interfaces on the antenna allow it to operate with a single device.

For multi-band antennas from other manufacturers such a multi-RET solution in a single housing is not necessarily feasible, which is due to the different versions of the mechanical interfaces. Said interfaces may also be located at different locations, depending on the type of antenna.

From the WO 2009/102775 A2 For example, a multi-beam shaping device in the form of a multi-RET device has become known which has three manually actuable adjustment axes has, for example, to be able to control three separate antenna arrays. To simplify the overall construction, it is proposed to use a common control device for all three beam shaping devices.

Furthermore, from the WO 2009/102774 A2 also a multi-beam shaping device has become known, which has corresponding input and output axes for controlling the antenna device. Here, a possibility has been proposed to decouple the DC motor of the drive device from the phase shifter adjustment shaft in order to be able to manually operate the phase shifter control buttons in an easier manner.

Multi-band antennas are thus equipped per band with the already mentioned "single-RET actuators". The ability to reduce the cost of the "antenna + RET" system, as the manufacturer of a "multi-RET" (which can be realized in a single housing), thus can not be used by any antenna manufacturer.

A generic multi-beam shaping device is known from WO 2009/102775 A2 known. This multi-beam shaping device comprises, for example, three manually operated down-tilt adjustment devices, each comprising an adjustment axis, which protrude on the lower cover plate of the antenna housing and are provided with a dial. There, the individual adjustment of the down-tilt angle can be made manually.

Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved solution for a multi-beam shaping device, to provide a so-called multi-RET arrangement in which the beam characteristics can be set differently in an improved and in particular simplified manner with respect to conventional solutions in an antenna radiating in at least two bands or at several antennas per location. The beam shaping is intended, for example, a different setting of the emission direction in the vertical direction (in the elevation direction by using a down-tilt angle) and / or in the horizontal direction (ie for different setting of the azimuth angle of the main lobe) and / or generally to change the beam characteristic in the form serve that, for example, the half-width of the main lobe of the antenna system is adjustable.

The object is achieved according to the invention specified in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are given in the dependent claims.

In the context of the invention, a solution which is much more advantageous than the prior art is proposed, for example for a multi-band antenna (which transmits and / or receives at least in two frequency bands) or for a dual sector antenna configuration (with at least two Antenna sectors whose down-tilt angle can be set differently) is suitable. In other words, the beam shaping device according to the invention, for example a so-called RET device or unit, comprises, for example, only one drive unit (for example an electric motor, an actuator etc.) and only one associated electronics, ie in particular only one Microprocessor and preferably also includes only a motor driver. This so-called RET device is understood here as an abbreviated version of the beam shaping device according to the invention, which for example serves for the different setting of a down-tilt angle, but also for the different setting of an azimuth angle, in other words enables the main lobe to be arranged in different horizontal directions. Direction or generally radiates in different directions to a vertical plane.

According to the invention, it is provided that a mechanical interface arrangement is realized, which is designed, for example, in a dual-band or dual-sector antenna configuration so that at least two axle or shaft connections can be driven, whose end facing the mechanical interface arrangement with a respective one Setting and / or transmission device for changing a beam drop angle of the associated radiator device is in communication.

It is provided in the context of the invention that the at least one drive means of the multi-beam shaping device is connected via a multi-gear with the at least two mechanical cutting and / or coupling points, via the at least one drive means, the associated control device in each case at least one of the plurality Drive connections is targeted actuated. The invention further assumes that the number of cutting and / or coupling points is greater than the number of drive devices.

The structure is preferably such that the individual antenna devices, which operate in a respective frequency band and which are provided in a different sector configuration, can be selectively controlled in time only one after the other. As a result, the shaft and / or axle connections between the mechanical interface arrangement and the corresponding setting and / or transmission device for adjusting the phase shifter for performing a targeted adjustment of the down-tilt angle and / or to a specific adjustment of the azimuth angle (or thus generally to a different setting of the elevation and the azimuth angle) for the individual frequency bands or for the individual sectors of the antenna are selectively set successively different. Theoretically, it would also be possible to simultaneously actuate all axle or connection devices between the mechanical interface arrangement and the corresponding phase shifters to be adjusted. This would presuppose, however, that separately controllable couplings are provided elsewhere, so that purposefully only the radiators provided in a certain sector of the antenna or the radiators provided for a specific frequency band can be adjusted in their down-tilt angle and the other shafts or axles run virtually "empty", because the downstream phase shifter are not actuated by opening the clutch.

The beam shaping device according to the invention is further distinguished by the fact that it preferably has only one communication interface, via which it receives the corresponding control signals from a control device for the purposeful adjustment of the different down-tilt angles, wherein such a control device, for example, also can be integrated in an associated base station. Also possible is the remote transmission from a remote location, for example, via the base station or via radio, etc.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the shafts or axes consist of so-called flexible shafts or axles. As a result, a very variable connection between the mechanical interface of the beam shaping device on the one hand and the subsequent mechanical interfaces on the antennas for actuating the adjustment and / or transmission device provided there for adjusting the phase shifter be accomplished.

Instead of flexible axles or shafts but also axes or shafts with universal joints can be used, which allow a comparable variability.

Likewise, one can direct the flow of force to any phase shifter disposed in the antenna over several rigid shafts or axles, as well as other gear stages (e.g., gears containing bevel gears).

As already mentioned, the preferably flexible shafts or axles can be attached to a mechanical interface of a transmission device of the relevant antenna in order to actually actuate the phase shifters provided in the antenna housing via the transmission device. Preferably, the flexible shafts or axles may terminate in so-called RET couplings, which, like conventional jet-forming devices, also directly at a corresponding interface-for example, at a downward pointing flange of a mobile radio antenna housing (Radom) - can be connected and mounted. However, an arrangement is also possible in such a way that the preferably flexible shafts or axes lead directly to the phase shifters in order to set the phase shifters directly differently when the shaft or axis is actuated. In this case, an integration of the complete multi-beam shaping device in the antenna is conceivable, with only the communication interfaces would be accessible from the outside. Likewise, only the multi-gear could be integrated into the antenna and serve as a mechanical interface for the housing with motor and electronics. This multi-gear interface can also be imagined immersed in the antenna, so that an assembly of housing with motor and electronics to this interface is a "quasi-integration" represents.

In general, the multi-beam shaping device necessarily comprises at least two interfaces, furthermore generally at least two coupling points and / or at least coupling positions.

Figur 1 :

ein erstes erfindungsgemäßes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Multi-Strahlformeinrichtung bezüglich einer Triple-Band-Mobilfunkantennenstation in schematische Darstellung;

Figur 2 :

eine vergrößerte Detaildarstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Multi-Strahlformeinrichtung bezüglich eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels mit einer flexiblen Achse oder Welle zur entsprechenden Ansteuerung einer Übertragungseinrichtung in den einzelnenen Antennensektoren oder einzelnen, in ein bestimmtes Frequenzband übertragenen Antenneneinrichtungen; und

Figur 3 :

ein zu Figur 2 abgewandeltes Ausführungsbeispiel in schematischer Darstellung;

Figur 4 :

eine ähnliche Darstellung zu Figur 1, jedoch für eine 3-Sektor-Antennenkonfiguration;

Figur 5 :

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel zur Verdeutlichung, dass die Getriebeanordnung auch nur einen Abtriebsstrang umfassen kann, auf welchem versetzt liegend unterschiedliche Schnittstellen oder Kupplungsstellen zur verzweigten Verstellung von Stellgliedern vorgesehen sein können; und

Figur 6 :

ein weiteres schematisches Ausführungsbeispiel ebenfalls mit nur einem Abtriebsstrang des Getriebes mit eventuell nur einer Schnitt- oder Kupplungsstelle, die allerdings in mehrere Kupplungsstellungen zum Antrieb unterschiedlicher Stellglieder bringbar ist.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. In detail:

FIG. 1:

a first inventive embodiment of a multi-beam shaping device with respect to a triple-band mobile radio antenna station in a schematic representation;

FIG. 2:

an enlarged detail of the multi-beam shaping device according to the invention with respect to a first embodiment with a flexible axis or shaft for corresponding activation of a transmission device in the individual antenna sectors or individual antenna devices transmitted in a specific frequency band; and

FIG. 3:

one too FIG. 2 modified embodiment in a schematic representation;

FIG. 4:

a similar representation too FIG. 1 but for a 3 sector antenna configuration;

FIG. 5:

a further embodiment for clarification that the gear assembly may include only one output line on which offset lying different interfaces or coupling points can be provided for the branched adjustment of actuators; and

FIG. 6:

Another schematic embodiment also with only one output line of the transmission with possibly only one cutting or coupling point, however, can be brought into a plurality of coupling positions for driving different actuators.

In FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a triple-band antenna station, each of the three frequency bands to be transmitted, a base station BS1, BS2, BS3 is assigned. The various radiator and radiator arrangements for the three-band antenna arrangement are arranged under a radome 3 (generally inside or below an antenna cover 3) and not shown in detail. In this respect, reference is made to known solutions.

In the variant according to FIG. 1 the radiators and radiator devices are provided below the radome 3 at the upper end of a Antennenmastkonstruktion 5, wherein for each frequency band from each base station BS1 to BS3 each two RF feeder cables 7 extend between the base station and the associated radiator means of the antenna.

In addition, in the variant according to FIG. 1 nor an amplifier near the antenna, ie to the base stations BS1 to BS3 remote amplifier means TMA1 provided, which extend over the associated RF feeder cable 7 'for this case, the signals for controlling the multi-beam shaping device. Would it be in accordance with the antenna device FIG. 1 basically a solution according to the state of the art, the entire antenna arrangement comprising the three antenna devices radiating in different frequency bands would comprise three single beam shaping devices, each antenna device provided for a frequency band being assigned a separate single beam shaping device, which is usually abbreviated as Single RET, where RET stands for "remote electrical tilt". In this case, the amplifier device TMA1 would be provided, for example, with an AISG socket (for example an eight-pin socket connection), via which a communication bus, for example in the form of a communication cable, to the first single-RET unit RET1 and from there to a respective next RET unit runs.

In the present case, however, in the embodiment according to the invention, a single multi-beam shaping device M-RET is provided, so that only one communication bus 11, for example in the form of a communication cable 11 ', leads from the amplifier device TMA1 to this multi-RET unit M-RET.

Based on FIG. 2 is shown in simplified detail overall arrangement.

Thus, in this exemplary embodiment, the overall antenna arrangement ANT comprises three individual antenna devices ANT1, ANT2 and ANT3, which function as separate antenna devices and emit, for example, transmit and / or receive in three different frequency bands.

In FIG. 2 In this case, the three antennas or antenna sectors ANT1 to ANT3 are indicated only in their abstract position via the connection couplings 29, which are explained in more detail below, without corresponding antenna elements in FIG FIG. 2 are drawn.

For the separate radiator reduction (down-tilt) and / or for the beam alignment not only in the elevation direction, but also in the horizontal direction and / or for an optionally possible beam forming setting a different half-width of these three antenna devices ANT1, ANT2 and ANT3 is in the illustrated embodiment a Multi-beam shaping device M-RET provided, hereinafter also referred to as M-RET becomes. Likewise, it is also possible to make settings for the mechanical angles of an antenna, namely roll, pitch and yaw ("roll", "pitch", "yaw"). Quite generally, therefore, within the scope of the multi-beam shaping device according to the invention, a wide range of arbitrary beam shaping can be carried out, so that in other words ultimately by one or more of the above measures or in other ways a radiation pattern of a corresponding antenna device, in particular a mobile Antenna device can be adjusted and / or changed accordingly.

This multi-beam shaping device M-RET comprises a communication interface 13, via which a communication bus 11, for example in the form of a corresponding (eg eight-wire) communication cable 11 'directly or indirectly with an integrated, for example in a base station BS1, BS2 or BS3 control unit via the mentioned amplifier device TMA1 is connected. As a communication interface can thus serve (similar to the prior art), for example, an AISG connector. The mentioned, e.g. integrated in the base station and not shown control unit can communicate via a suitable protocol, such as an AISG / 3GPP protocol with the mentioned multi-beamforming device M-RET (device-type 0x11).

Out FIG. 2 is also schematically seen that the multi-beam shaping device, for example, a PCB PCB, a lightning protection device 17, a power supply 19 (which is also partially referred to below as an internal power supply 19 '), a microprocessor 21 with associated motor drivers and an electrical Actuator 23 (for example in the form of an electric motor, a stepper motor, a magnetically actuable adjusting device, etc.) which is connected to an associated shift and transmission gear 23 'with a first mechanical interface and / or coupling assembly 25.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first mechanical interface and / or coupling arrangement 25 comprises three separate first mechanical cutting and / or coupling points 25a to 25c, each of which can be connected or connected to a drive connection 27, in the exemplary embodiment shown, three drive connections 27a to 27c. These lead at its opposite end 125, ie 125a to 125c, to a second mechanical interface 35, ie 35a to 35c, via which the respective drive connections 27a to 27c are connected to a connection coupling 29 assigned to it and are in drive connection. These interfaces 125 provide a connection from their drive connection 27a to 27c to their associated connection couplings 29, in the illustrated embodiment, couplers 29a to 29c, as in the prior art also to a mechanical antenna interface 39 (RET interfaces 39a to 39c) the provided for a given frequency band single antenna (usually with a variety of radiators or radiator arrangements) can be connected and mounted, for example, as shown in WO 02/061877 A2 is shown and described for a single retrofittable beam forming device.

The connection couplings 29 have for this purpose a coupling housing 31, in which a connection axis or shaft 33 possibly with an additional gear ratio can be accommodated, about which a drive connection between the multi-beam device-side connection point 35 and the antenna-side connection point 37 is made. At the antenna-side connection point 37, for example, a screw sleeve 139 may be provided, via which the aforementioned connection coupling 29, for example, as in the WO 02/061877 A2 described, can be attached to the associated antenna device to adjust over this interface time provided in the antennas phase shifter accordingly.

The mentioned drive connections 27a to 27c preferably consist of a flexible axle or of a flexible shaft 27, but may also be designed and designed such that the respective flexible axle or flexible shaft 27 consists of rigid shaft and axle sections and in each case with elastic or flexible Axle or shaft intermediate sections, universal joints, etc. are added to ensure a connection from the mechanical interface 25 a to 25 c to the connection interfaces 125 to the associated coupling housings 31.

The structure of the multi-beam shaping device M-RET is thus such that the mechanical and electronic component within the RET housing M-RET-G identical or substantially identical, that is at least similar to a conventional simple, ie so-called single-beam shaping device, wherein in the region of the output shaft of the electric motor 23 in this case, a preferably interchangeable multi-axis transmission 23 '(ie, generally a transmission with multiple output and / or branching strands, which subsequently partly as a multi-shaft gearbox or Multi-axis transmission or only briefly as multi-gear or multi-gear device 23 'is called) can be grown, which is provided according to the number of individual antennas to be adjusted a corresponding number of drive shafts 123, at the mechanical cutting and / or Clutch points 25 then the preferred flexible shafts 27 are connected. This concept results in a significant cost reduction, since the valuable components such as motors, microprocessors, control electronics etc. compared to a conventional arrangement with several individual beam shaping devices only need to be installed and not multiple times. Preferably, therefore, only one common drive device is provided, for example with preferably only one electric motor 23, preferably with only one control device with only one microprocessor 21.

Structure and mode of operation of the described multi-beam shaping device M-RET is such that now corresponding control signals via the electronics in the multi-beam shaping device M-RET purposefully each allow a control of the specific mechanical first cutting and / or coupling points 25a, 25b or 25c, about which purpose the here connected flexible axis or shaft 27a, 27b or 27c is actuated, so that here via the following coupling housing 31 in an antenna device ANT1, ANT2 and ANT3 housed phase shifter can be adjusted targeted to the relevant in this antenna arrangement ANT1 to ANT3 provided radiator devices in their Absenkwinkel specific.

In other words, the individual mechanical cutting and / or coupling points 25a to 25c are actuated correspondingly in time one after the other in order to activate and actuate only one drive connection 27a to 27c at a time.

In principle, it would also be possible to ensure the targeted control of the phase shifters accommodated in a radiator device ANT1, ANT2 and ANT3 by virtue of the fact that all drive connections 27a to 27c are set in rotation via the mechanical interface 25 and / or shifted in the longitudinal direction depending on the adjustment mechanism used be (for example similar to a Bowden cable arrangement in which in a tubular sheath a cable, for example, against the force of a spring device is longitudinally displaceable), but then for example in the clutch housings 31 separately adjustable clutches would have to be accommodated. These couplings would then have to be purposefully closed so that only the downstream phase shifters are adjusted in their respective antenna arrangement ANT1, ANT2 or ANT3 in their down-tilt angle and the other flexible waves lead only to open clutches, thus the phase shifter respect other antenna devices are not mitverstellt.

Based on FIG. 3 a variant embodiment is shown insofar as here no separate coupling housing 31 are provided, but here the preferably flexible drive connections 27a to 27c are connected in particular in the form of a flexible axis or flexible shaft directly to the phase shifters 61 (here in the region of their mechanical second interface 35, ie 35a, 35b or 35c at the end 125, ie at the respective end 125a, 125b or 125c of the drive connections 27a to 27c), in order to provide a direct connection to the transmission device and / or adjusting device provided within the antenna arrangement (eg within the radome, ie the antenna cover) Adjustment of the phase shifter 61 and thus to set a down-tilt angle, in the elevation direction, a different radiation angle in azimuth and / or beam forming under adjustment of a different half width, etc. to make. Thus, an integration of the complete multi-beam shaping device in the antenna is conceivable, with only the communication interface and / or coupling points would be accessible from the outside. Likewise, only the multi-gear could be integrated into the antenna and serve as a mechanical interface for the housing with motor and electronics. This multi-gear interface can also be imagined immersed in the antenna, so that an assembly of housing with motor and electronics to this interface is a "quasi-integration" represents.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 3 it may be one in which, by means of the multi-gear arrangement according to the invention, different phase shifters of a single antenna device are actuated. It is also possible that within the antenna cover 3, a plurality of single-band antennas or a combination of multi-band antennas and single-band antennas are provided.

In principle, for example, the mechanical angle of an antenna can also be set differently with the beam shaping device according to the invention, ie that a different roll, pitch or yaw adjustment ("roll", "pitch", "yaw") can be made. There are no restrictions in this respect. With all the described measures, therefore, a different adjustment and / or modification of a radiation pattern can be made (ie, a different setting of the radiation pattern of a radiator device, in general an antenna or antenna device and in particular a mobile radio antenna system).

In the case according to FIG. 3 Thus, a further cost reduction is achieved as in the embodiment according to FIG. 2 because the RET couplings 31 are no longer needed and, if necessary, in the case of complete integration into the antenna, the housing of the multi-beam shaping device can also be dispensed with.

The mentioned phase shifters driven via the flexible shafts or axles 27 may be constructed in a conventional and / or suitable manner. You can - as in FIG. 3 is indicated only schematically - for example, meshing with each other transmission gears 63, whereby a transmission of the rotational movement and / or translation of the rotational movement can be generated. By means of a phase shifter or phase shift lever 65, the adjustment of the phase shifter and thus the generation of a desired phase shift can then be effected in each case. These may be suitable phase shifters, for example differential phase shifters etc.

Likewise, a mechanical coupling of several phase shifters is also conceivable, which can thus be driven synchronously by a flexible shaft 27a to 27c. So For example, in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 3, a second phase shift device 61 'is still provided, which is coupled to the respective first phase shifter 61, for example, by means of a mechanical coupling 67 (not shown).

According to FIG. 1 and also in the schematic enlarged detail view according to FIG. 2 is indicated that, for example, the multi-beam shaping device M-RET with its housing M-RET-G outside and above all below the antenna cover (ie the radome) may be spaced apart so that the flexible shafts or axles 27 (bowdenzugähnlich, for example Protected by a sheath not shown) in the open air between the multi-beam shaping device M-RET and the antenna device or the antenna cover. In particular, in the variant according to FIG. 3 but also in the embodiment according to FIG. 2 For example, the multi-beam shaping device or parts thereof may be more or less integrated into the housing of the antenna cover.

This is in FIG. 3 a first integration line 71 indicated that should show that, for example, the multi-axis transmission 23 'may be housed partially or completely within the antenna housing cover 3, as shown in arrow 3' from the integration line 71 in the direction of arrow the antenna cover or the so-called. Radom 3 extends, so therefore the multi-axis gear 23 'as mentioned partially or completely within this antenna cover 3 comes to rest.

But it is also possible that not only the multi-axis transmission 23 ', but also the housing of the multi-beam shaping device M-RET, ie the housing M-RET-G is integrated wholly or partially within the antenna cover 3, if in fact according to the arrow 3 "the antenna cover, ie the radome 3 already from the Integrationslinie 73 in the direction of arrow 3 "extending starting.

However, this integration line 73 or also the above-mentioned integration line 71 may differ between the two in FIG. 3 move areas shown so that the housing M-RET-G is not only quite, but possibly only partially inside the housing cover 3.

Finally, it is also shown that, for example, the communication interface 13 may be wholly or partially outside the radome or the antenna cover 3, or only partially or almost entirely within the radome, so that only the actual interface access actually from the outside or accessible from the bottom.

The communication interface 13, which has already been mentioned several times, can be embodied differently depending on the type of application to the control system, for example as an AISG plug or as a modem connected to the antenna feeder cable.

Finally, the embodiment according to FIG. 4 which describes a corresponding inventive solution not for the case of a triple-band antenna arrangement, but for tri-sector antenna configuration, in which three individual antennas ANT1, ANT2, ANT3 are aligned in three different sectors and can be individually controlled via the multi-beam shaping device M-RET, for each antenna sector ANT1 or ANT2 or ANT3, the lowering angle and / or, for example, the azimuth angle for the beam direction and / or beam shaping under different settings to be able to set the horizontal beam width separately and differently.

Here are in FIG. 4 In addition, three amplifier units TMA1, TMA2 or TMA3 are provided, which are each fed via the feeder cables 7, and of which the corresponding further feeder cables run for controlling the antennas. The corresponding control signals for the multi-beam shaping device M-RET can be transmitted via one or a pair of feeder cables starting from a base station, for example, to one of the amplifier units, for example the amplifier unit TMA2, the control signals then via a control line 11, for example in the form of a corresponding Control cable or Steuerbusses 11 'to the multi-beam shaping device M-RET is transmitted, then what about the flexible shafts or axles 27 to the optionally provided coupling means 29, the accommodated in the individual antenna devices phase shifter 61, 61' can be controlled according to perform the beam shaping.

By means of the multi-beam shaping devices M-RET discussed in the context of the invention, beam shaping in the vertical direction and / or horizontal direction for setting a different down-tilt angle in the elevation direction and / or for setting a different emission direction in the horizontal direction, ie with a different azimuth angle and / or also a different setting of the antenna characteristic are made in such a way that, for example, a different half-width can be adjusted complementary or alternative to the above-mentioned settings with the aforementioned RET units. In that regard, it is possible within the scope of the invention with the master beam shaping device to be able to adjust the beam characteristics of multi-beam systems, in particular also of multi-mobile systems in different ways depending on circumstances and customer requirements. These different beam characteristics can therefore be adjusted accordingly changed by the RET motors used.

Hereinafter, a modified embodiment according to FIG. 5 Reference is made to clarify that the commonly referred to as "multi-output gearbox" gear assembly does not have to have several parallel branched cutting or coupling points, but may also comprise only one power take-off, at least two corresponding cutting and / or coupling points or at least two different coupling positions are provided or possible in order to be able to operate, for example, one or the other phase shifter module or another adjusting element or an adjusting device in the antenna arrangement.

In FIG. 5 is schematically illustrated the multi-gear device 23 ', in which, for example, two offset output shafts 123 are located. Deviating from this, only a single output shaft could 123 may be arranged.

On this output shaft 123 are staggered actuators or actuators 71, for example in the form of a screw 71 ', which cooperates with a corresponding transmission and / or adjusting device 73, for example in the form of a gear 73'. The gear is in FIG. 5 shown schematically from its side view, ie with a perpendicular to the plane and thus perpendicular to the output axis 123 alignment. In this case, for example, a phase shifter including a phase shifter assembly 75 can be actuated directly or indirectly. The arrangement may be such that via the multi-gear arrangement 23 ', the shaft 123 can be set in clockwise or counterclockwise rotation to set the phase shifters.

To target a particular of the in FIG. 5 To actuate the left-hand three phase shifters shown 75, each actuator or actuator 71 is associated with a clutch assembly 77 which can be actuated via a separate clutch actuator 79. This coupling actuator 79 may for example be constructed of a control device in the form of a cable, a cable, a linkage, a lever, etc. and / or combinations. In other words, the coupling device can be mechanically actuated or triggered or actuated or triggered electrically or electronically or actuated from combinations thereof and / or triggered. There are no restrictions or restrictions in this respect. Preferably, these clutch actuators 79 also lead to the multi-gear device 23 or at least to the housing MRET-G of Multi-gear device 23 '.

By operating a corresponding coupling 77, the associated worm 71 ', ie the associated actuator 71, can be brought into a fixed rotational connection with the shaft in each case. Thus, with rotating shaft 123, either the uppermost, the middle or, for example, the lowermost one may be targeted FIG. 5 left phase shifters 75 are adjusted in two opposing directions.

By this arrangement, so also interfaces or coupling points 25 are realized, so in the present case cutting and / or coupling points 25a, 25b, 25c, via a transmission and / or adjustment 71 for different setting of the radiation patterns respectively with the associated output line of the gear assembly is connectable. The output shaft 123 is in the context of the invention preferably understood as part of the multi-gear device 23 '.

In FIG. 5 is also shown that such an arrangement with an output shaft 123 and thereon several times offset in the axial direction cutting and / or coupling points 25 on the gear assembly can also be formed several times, which is why FIG. 5 on the right, for example, a further output shaft 123 is shown, but there only for example with two offset in the axial direction actuating and / or actuators 71 and a respective associated coupling device 77 with associated clutch actuators 79th

Based on FIG. 6 a further modification is shown in which also only one output line 123 can be seen, about which, however, again several phase shifter arrangements 75 can be controlled.

These are in FIG. 6 top right lying a first phase shifter assembly 75 shown with a corresponding transmission and / or adjusting device 73, for example in the form of a gear 73 ', about which the phase shifter similar to FIG. 5 is different adjustable. In this embodiment, also in the longitudinal or axial direction of the output shaft 123 offset phase shifting means 75 may be provided, in the illustrated embodiment 3, wherein of the other two phase shifters 75 only the associated transmission and / or adjusting device 73, for example in the form of a gear 73 ' is indicated.

In this embodiment, a plurality of circumferentially offset respective actuators, i. corresponding adjusting or actuating devices 71 provided, for example in the form of a rack portion 71 ".

In this arrangement, the output line 125 is adjustable not only clockwise and counterclockwise, so according to the double arrow view 81 rotatable about its longitudinal axis, but also in accordance with the further double arrow representation 83 in the longitudinal direction of the output shaft and retractable, so also adjustable.

For example, should the in FIG. 6 Moving the upper right phase shifter 75 are adjusted, the output shaft 123 is first extended so far until the associated Actuator, ie the rack-shaped actuator 71 at the level of the transmission and / or adjusting device 73, for example in the form of the gear 73 'comes to rest. Thereafter, the output train is rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction until the rack-shaped actuator 71 engages with the transmission and / or adjusting device 73, for example in the form of the gear 73 '. Now can be implemented by further axial extension or retraction, ie by axial longitudinal adjustment, an axial longitudinal displacement in a rotational movement with respect to the gear 73 'and thus the phase shifter can be set arbitrarily in two opposing directions.

As a result, for example, a cutting and / or coupling point 25 is defined, which in this case also describes a coupling position 25 ', i. a coupling device with three coupling positions 25'a, 25'b and 25'c. These coupling positions 25 ', i. 25'a, 25'b and 25'c are so far only a special case of the general cutting and / or coupling point 25, i. 25a, 25b and 25c.

Now, for example, the mean phase shifter 75 in the illustration according to FIG. 6 To drive, the output shaft 123 is pivoted, for example in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, for example, 90 °, in order then to be retracted in the sense of shortening in the multi-gearbox M-RET-G, ie by an axial displacement until the actuating or actuating device 71 in the amount of the second transmission and / or adjusting device 73 of the phase shifter assembly comes to rest. Also for this position is in FIG. 6 the actuator 71 drawn. In this position, the power train 125 would then be rotated again until the rack-like actuator 71 shown in the middle position engages the next transmission and / or adjustment device 73 in the form of a next gear 73 ' again a piece off or retracted, this axial movement is converted into a rotational movement of the transmission and / or adjusting 73 and set the phase shifter above.

By a corresponding step, this intervention can be reversed and the output shaft so adjusted further down and retracted until the actuator and / or actuator 71 at the level of the lowest gear-like transmission and / or adjustment device 73 comes to rest, so that after a corresponding further rotational movement of the output shaft 123, the lowermost gear 73 'and thus the lowest phase shifter assembly can be adjusted accordingly.

In this case, the embodiment also has three cutting and / or Kupplüngsstellen 25, at least when considering the three transmission and / or adjusting devices 73, wherein based on the output line 125 thereby three coupling positions 25 'are defined or to purposefully one of the Phasenschieber- To operate assembly or other adjustment of the antenna.

For the sake of completeness, it is also mentioned that in the embodiment according to FIG. 6 not just the single ratchet-shaped or otherwise described Stell- and / or actuating device 71, 71 "must be provided, but that, for example, in the circumferential direction of the output rod 125 offset in the axial direction three adjusting and / or actuating devices 71, 71" may be provided so that by appropriate rotational movement, ie rotational movement of the Abtriebsstranges or the output shaft 123 depending on the angular position either only the uppermost, the middle or the lowest lying actuator or actuator 71, here for example in the form of the mentioned rack 71 ", with one of the three gear-shaped transmission and / or adjusting 73 in operative connection can be brought.

Such output strands can also be formed several times on the multi-RET unit, whereby the number of selectively controllable phase shifter can be increased.

In all the illustrated embodiments, a switchable, in particular electromechanically switchable clutch or adjusting be integrated in the transmission, as well as a corresponding drive control with one or more motors to perform the adjustment.

In the context of the invention is always provided that only one or only a common drive device, an actuator, a motor and in particular an electric motor, etc. is provided for at least two cutting or coupling devices or coupling positions for driving at least two adjusting devices, ie in contrast to the prior art less drive means, ie electric motors, actuators, etc. are provided as adjustable assemblies such as phase shifter, the purpose of this can be operated. Therefore, within the scope of the invention, a correspondingly higher number of interfaces, coupling points 25 or coupling positions 25 'are provided as drive devices or drive units.

It should also be noted that there is a corresponding drive unit or fewer drive units as cutting and / or coupling points in the invention for the adjustment or adjustment of the driven units, in particular phase shifter, but for example in the embodiment according to the embodiment according to FIG. 6 In addition, at least one servomotor may be provided. The servomotor would serve, for example, to adjust the output shaft 123 with the associated actuating and actuating elements 71, 71 "so that this actuating and actuating element 71, 71" is moved into a desired position, in which a clutch with a corresponding, in the side embodiment gear-shaped transmission and / or adjusting device 73 is added. The axial adjustment could be carried out via the drive motor and the rotary motion could be brought about via the actuating or coupling motor to finally bring about the coupling with the corresponding setting and actuating device 71, 71 " In this sense, therefore, only two different adjustment steps are carried out by the drive unit and the setting unit, wherein the one motor, the axial adjustment and the adjustment of the phase other motor accomplished the twisting movement, ie rotation of the shaft. In this sense, it is only a division for two different adjustment steps of an otherwise common drive means, that is, a common drive means for targeted adjustment of z. B. two different phase shifters or phase shifter assemblies. In general, therefore, the number of cutting and / or coupling points is greater than the number of drive means, that is, the common drive means, wherein, as explained, for example, a drive means may also include one or more additional actuator or coupling drives or motors, to make a drive connection between the corresponding actuators can. About such coupling or actuators or motors can on hand of FIG. 5 Also mentioned coupling means 77 are actuated and adjusted accordingly with the associated clutch actuators 79, wherein after a prepared coupling connection (by means of a servomotor) then the adjustment z. B. the connected phase shifter can be performed by means of the drive means.

It also follows from the exemplary embodiments explained that a force or torque transmission with a plurality of rigid shafts or axes and additional gear stages is possible, so that, for example, phase shifters in the antenna can be controlled, similar to the structure described using flexible shafts or axles. which are positioned at different positions. In other words, the bridging between the gear assembly or the multi-gear housing M-RET-G and the corresponding components to be controlled as the phase shifters be positioned at various points.

Furthermore, additional control devices can run from the M-RET unit into the antenna interior, via which electromechanical actuators located there can be actuated, so that the power flow in the drive trains can be separated or closed. As explained, it is possible to use coupling devices which are arranged directly on the shaft or the output line 123 of the gear arrangement or also on the phase shifters themselves or in the vicinity of the phase shifters or other adjustable subassemblies, as is particularly apparent from the exemplary embodiment FIG. 5 (or FIG. 6 ).

Preferably, an electric motor is used as a drive device. But also all other controllable drive devices are basically considered.

In the various embodiments, there has often been talk of multi-gear or multi-gear arrangement. In general, this involves a transmission or a gear arrangement with a plurality of drive or branching strands, wherein the branching can be coupled to the mentioned cutting and / or coupling points or to the switchable coupling positions with different subsequent setting members, phase shifters, etc.

Finally, it is also noted that the multi-beam shaping device M-RET can also be provided with at least one further communication interface, for example in the sense of daisy-chain cabling to connect another multi-RET unit to control other antenna devices. As a result, the control of a plurality of multi-beam shaping devices interconnected therewith can take place via a communication line 11, 11 '.

The described multi-gear can be used in all antenna designs, in single-band antennas as well as in dual-band or multi-band antennas.

The invention can be used with radiator antenna arrays arranged in one or more columns. The radiator devices can be singly or multiply polarized. There are no restrictions in any direction.

Claims (22)

1. Multi-beam-shaping means, in particular for multi-mobile-communications antenna systems, having the following features:

   - the beam-shaping means is formed as a multi-beam-shaping means (M-RET), together with a joint control means comprising at least one microprocessor (21),

   - the multi-beam-shaping means (M-RET) is provided with at least one electronic communication interface (13) for controlling the multi-beam-shaping means (M-RET) for setting the at least two radiation diagrams differently,

   - the multi-beam-shaping means (M-RET) comprises at least one drive means, comprising an electric motor (23) and a power unit (19),

   - the multi-beam-shaping means (M-RET) comprises at least two first mechanical interfaces and/or coupling points (25; 25a, 25b, 25c; 25'; 25'a, 25'b, 25'c),

   - a drive connection (27; 27a, 27b, 27c) engages on each of the at least two first mechanical interfaces and/or coupling points (25; 25a, 25b, 25c; 25'; 25'a, 25'b, 25'c),

   characterised by the following further features:

   - the at least one drive means (23) of the multi-beam-shaping means (M-RET) is connected to the at least two mechanical interfaces and/or coupling points (25; 25a, 25b, 25c; 25'; 25'a, 25'b, 25'c) via a multidrive (23'), it being possible to actuate selectively at least one of the plurality of drive connections (27; 27a, 27b, 27c) in each case via the at least one drive means (23) and the associated control means, and

   - the number of interfaces and/or coupling points (25; 25a, 25b, 25c; 25'; 25'a, 25'b, 25'c) being greater than the number of drive means (23).
2. Multi-beam-shaping means according to claim 1, characterised in that the multidrive (23') comprises an electromechanically switchable coupling or adjustment means (77), via which, in a controlled manner, a drive connection from a drive means (23) can only be produced to one of the plurality of drive connections (27; 27a, 27b, 27c; 71, 71'; 73, 73') in each case.
3. Multi-beam-shaping means according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the multidrive (23') is replaceable.
4. Multi-beam-shaping means according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the multidrive (23') is accommodated in a joint housing (M-RET-G) together with the multi-beam-shaping means.
5. Multi-beam-shaping means according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the multidrive (23') is formed outside a housing (M-RET-G) of the multi-beam-shaping means.
6. Multi-beam-shaping means according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the respective drive connections (27; 27a, 27b, 27c) consist of or comprise a flexible axle or flexible shaft.
7. Multi-beam-shaping means according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the flexible drive connections (27; 27a, 27b, 27c) comprise rigid axle portions and universal coupling connections.
8. Multi-beam-shaping means according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that a plurality of drive trains or drive shafts (123) are provided, to which corresponding interfaces and/or coupling points (25, 25') are provided, to which a drive connection to the subsequent drive or transmission and/or adjustment means (27) are provided permanently or in a manner which can be switched via coupling means.
9. Multi-beam-shaping means according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that at least one drive train or one drive shaft (123) is provided on which at least two interfaces and/or coupling points (25, 25') are provided, via which at least two subsequent drive or transmission and/or adjustment means (27, 71, 73) are or can be driven.
10. Multi-beam-shaping means according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the drive connections (27; 27a, 27b, 27c) are formed in the manner of Bowden cables and comprise a sheathed cable, which is longitudinally displaceable in an outer sleeve, or a longitudinally displaceable, preferably resilient connecting rod.
11. Multi-beam-shaping means according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the end, opposite the multidrive (23') in each case, of the drive connection (27; 27a, 27b, 27c) can be attached to an antenna interface (39; 39a, 39b, 39c) for setting at least one phase-shifter provided in the antenna.
12. Multi-beam-shaping means according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the end, opposite the multidrive (23') in each case, of the drive connections (27; 27a, 27b, 27c) is preferably connected via a further mechanical interface (35; 35a, 35b, 35c) to an actuation means in a coupling housing (31), which means can be attached to an antenna interface (39; 39a, 39b, 39c) of an associated antenna configuration for setting at least one provided phase shifter.
13. Multi-beam-shaping means according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the multi-beam-shaping means (M-RET) comprises at least one communication interface (13) for a plurality of single-band antennae of a multi-band antenna arrangement or for individual sector antennae of a multi-sector antenna arrangement, it being possible to produce a connection to a control device.
14. Multi-beam-shaping means according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the multi-beam-shaping means (M-RET) merely comprises a lightning protection means (17).
15. Multi-beam-shaping means according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that the multi-beam-shaping means (M-RET) and in particular the associated multi-beam-shaping means housing (M-RET-G) is arranged outside an antenna cover (3).
16. Multi-beam-shaping means according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterised in that the multidrive (23') is also arranged outside the antenna cover (3).
17. Multi-beam-shaping means according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterised in that the multidrive (23) is arranged completely or in part inside the antenna cover (3).
18. Multi-beam-shaping means according to any one of claims 1 to 14 or 17, characterised in that the multi-beam-shaping means (M-RET) and in particular the multi-beam-shaping means housing (M-RET-G) comes to lie completely or in part inside the antenna cover (3).
19. Multi-beam-shaping means according to claim 18, characterised in that the communication interface (13) is also arranged, at least for indirect connection to a base station (BS1, BS2, BS3), completely or in part inside the antenna cover (3).
20. Multi-beam-shaping means according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterised in that control and/or coupling actuation means (79) extend from the multi-beam-shaping means (M-RET) into the interior of the antenna, and selectively switch electromechanical actuators or coupling means (77) located there, via which subsequent drive, transmission and/or adjustment means (27, 71, 73) can be switched on or off.
21. Multi-beam-shaping means according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterised in that at least one drive connection (27, 123) comprises a plurality of rigid shafts or axles and further drive stages for transmitting the flow of force to any desired actuation means, preferably in the form of phase shifter means (75), positioned or formed on or in the antenna.
22. Multi-beam-shaping means according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterised in that the opposite end (125; 125a, 125b, 125c) of the respective drive connection (27; 27a, 27b, 27c) is or can be connected at a further interface (35; 35a, 35b, 35c; 39, 39a, 39b, 39c) directly or indirectly to a transmission and/or adjustment means for setting the radiation diagrams differently.

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