KR20130018226A - Multi-beam forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multi-beam forming apparatus having the following features: A multi-beam forming apparatus (M-RET) according to the present invention is used to set two or more polar diagrams differently. It is provided with at least one electronic communication interface 13 for controlling the multi-beam forming apparatus M-RET, wherein the multi-beam forming apparatus M-RET according to the invention is preferably one electric motor 23. At least one drive device and preferably one power supply 19, wherein the multi-beam forming device M-RET according to the invention comprises at least two first mechanical interfaces and / or Or coupling points 25; 25a, 25b, 25c; 25 '; 25'a, 25'b, 25'c, wherein the two or more first mechanical interfaces and / or coupling points 25; 25a , 25b, 25c; 25 '; 25'a, 25'b, and 25'c, one driving connector 27; 27a, 27b, and 27c, respectively, Said at least one drive device 23 of the multi-beam forming apparatus M-RET according to the invention is provided with two or more mechanical interfaces and / or coupling points via multi transmission 23 '. (25; 25a, 25b, 25c; 25 '; 25'a, 25'b, 25'c), in this case a plurality of drive connections via the at least one drive unit 23 and the corresponding control unit. At least one drive connection of (27; 27a, 27b, 27c) may each be purposely operated, in which case the mechanical interface and / or coupling point 25; 25a, 25b, 25c; 25 '; 25 The number of 'a', 25'b and 25'c is larger than the number of the driving devices 23.

Description

Multi-beam Forming Equipment {MULTI-BEAM FORMING DEVICE}

The present invention relates to a multi-beam forming apparatus according to the preamble of claim 1.

The beamforming apparatus is used in mobile radio communication technology, in other words in mobile radio communication base stations, in particular to set the main source of the mobile radio communication antenna differently with respect to the angle of radiation. Depending on the radiation angle, also commonly referred to as "down tilt", the associated mobile wireless communication cell can be illuminated at different sizes and with it different sizes.

As such a beam forming apparatus, a RET-unit as is known, for example, from WO 02/061877 A2, in other words a so-called "remote electrical tilt" -device, is mentioned. However, not only different down-tilt-angles can be set in the elevation direction by the beam forming apparatus, for example, by different settings of phase shifters, but especially in antenna arrays having a large number of gaps. For example, by using an ideal phase, the main light direction and also the main source of the antenna device may be set in the horizontal direction, more specifically, at different azimuth angles. Finally, the beam shaping device not only allows the chief ray direction of the antenna device to be aligned differently in the altitude direction and / or in the azimuth direction, but more specifically in this case the half of the chief ray lobe. The beam width may also be set differently in the altitude direction as well as in the azimuth direction so that the half power beam width can be set differently. It is likewise possible to carry out settings for the mechanical angle of the antenna, i. E. "Roll", "pitch" and "yaw".

In other words, previously known antennas are generally implemented such that a so-called RET unit can be installed at the mechanical interface provided for such antennas (for example in the lower assembly flange of the antenna housing). The unit also includes a motor in addition to the electronic device, in which the electronic device controls the outlier integrated in the antenna through mechanical conversion. The phase change achieved in this way directly affects the ray characteristics, ie the down-tilt-angle of the antenna.

By means of such a RET unit, the light properties of the multi-antenna device can be basically set differently, in which case the RET motor has a vertical direction (that is, a different down-tilt-angle of the antenna). It can be used to set not only in the altitude direction to set) but also in the horizontal direction (that is, azimuth direction) and also to set the half-beam beamwidth of the main lobe.

In this connection it is basically known that a control unit, a so-called RET unit with a corresponding motor, can be arranged inside the antenna arrangement, more specifically inside the radome. On the other hand, according to WO 02/061877 A2, it has been proposed to install such a RET-unit outside the radome, preferably just below the assembly flange of the antenna device. It offers the advantage of being able to retrofit such RET-units without opening them.

By Site-Sharing-Scenario (in this case the location is allocated to the network operator) and by the so-called Co-Siting-Scenario (in this case one network). Increasingly, operators are installing more base stations at one location, and in some cases different mobile radio generations or mobile radio communication techniques). At the latest, after the introduction of UMTS, the majority of the installed antennas will eventually be replaced by systems that allow for electrical control of the antenna's light characteristics. In this case, the above-described RET configuration is used, which can be set differently by controlling the falling angle remotely.

For this purpose, in general, several antenna manufacturers have produced their own, i.e., proprietary mechanical interfaces, and by means of these proprietary mechanical interfaces the so-called single- or multi-beam forming apparatus (actuator) Individual implementations also vary by manufacturer.

The control side of the RET-actuator is specified in the AISG or 3GPP standard. Thus, the RET-actuators of various antenna manufacturers can be controlled via the standardized interface by one control device. To meet the requirements of single- and multi-RET actuators specified in the standard, two types of devices "Single-RET (device type 0x01)" and "Multi-RET (device type) 0x11) ".

One possible variant of multi-RET is provided in, for example, only one housing, which is provided with multiple manufacturer-specific mechanical interfaces. The multi-RET controls the light beam characteristics of the individual bands in a controlled state by one control device after being assembled to the corresponding multi-band-antenna. However, such an embodiment is possible or meaningful only if multiple mechanical interfaces allow the situation in which the antenna can be operated with only one device.

In other manufacturers' multi-band-antennas, the solution of providing such a multi-RET in a single housing can not be absolutely implemented, which is manifested in different embodiments of the mechanical interface. The mentioned interfaces may also be provided in different places in some cases depending on the antenna type.

In WO 2009/102775 A2 a multi-beam forming device is known, for example formed in the form of a multi-RET device, in which case it is possible to control, for example, three separate antenna arrays. The beam forming apparatus has three setting axes which can be operated manually. In order to simplify the overall structure, it is proposed to use one common control device for all three beam forming apparatuses.

In WO 2009/102774 A2 likewise a multi-beam forming apparatus is known which has corresponding input- and output-axes for controlling the antenna arrangement. In this case, one possibility has been proposed to uncouple the direct current motor of the antenna device from the outlier-setting shaft in order to be able to manually operate the outlier-control button in an easier way.

Thus, the multi-band-antennas are each equipped with a " Single-RET-actuator " previously mentioned for each band. Thus, the cost saving potential of the "antenna + RET" system as mentioned by the manufacturer of "multi-RET" (which can be implemented in only one housing) is not available to each antenna manufacturer.

The same kind of multi-beam forming apparatus is known from WO 2009/102775 A2. The multi-beam forming apparatus comprises, for example, three down-tilt-setting devices to be manually operated, the down-tilt-setting devices each comprising one setting axis, the setting axis being the lower cover of the antenna housing. It is provided on a plate, and has a setting wheel. There individual settings of the down-tilt-angle can be made manually.

Background of the Invention The problem of the present invention against the background is that beam characteristics are particularly comparable to conventional solutions at each location when there is one antenna radiating in two or more bands or when there are multiple antennas. It is to provide an improved solution for a multi-beam forming apparatus, a so-called multi-RET- apparatus, which can be set up in a simple and improved manner. The formation of the beam then sets the emission direction differently, for example in the vertical direction (in the altitude direction using the down-tilt-angle) and / or in the horizontal direction (ie in order to set different azimuth angles of the main lobe). It should be used for the purpose and / or for the purpose of changing the beam characteristics, in general, for example in such a way that the half beam width of the main lobe of the antenna device can be set differently.

The problem is solved correspondingly to the features described in claim 1 according to the invention. Preferred embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

Within the framework of the present invention, for example, suitable for a multi-band-antenna (transmitting and / or receiving in two or more frequency bands) or having two or more antenna sectors, the antenna sector A solution that is suitable for a dual-sector-antenna structure, in which the down-tilt-angle of the two can be set differently, and which is much more preferred compared to the prior art, is proposed. In other words, the beam forming apparatus according to the invention is for example a single drive unit (for example an electric motor, an actuator, etc.) and only one corresponding electronic device, in particular only one microprocessor and preferably likewise only one A so-called RET device or RET unit comprising a motor drive device. This so-called RET device is then used, for example, to set the down-tilt-angle differently, but also to set the azimuth angle differently, in other words the main lobe in a different horizontal-direction. Or is generally understood as an abbreviation for the beam forming apparatus according to the invention which makes it possible to radiate in different directions with respect to the vertical plane.

According to the present invention, a mechanical interface device designed to drive two or more shaft- or shaft connections, for example in a dual-band-antenna structure or a dual-sector-antenna structure, has been implemented. The end of the shaft- or shaft connection that is placed is connected to an associated setting- and / or delivery device for changing the beam lowering angle of the corresponding radiating device.

In this case, within the framework of the invention, at least one drive of the multi-beam forming apparatus is connected to two or more mechanical interfaces and / or coupling points via a multi-transmission, in which case the at least one drive is Through this control device can be operated as desired at least one drive connection of the plurality of drive connection, respectively. In this case the invention also starts from the fact that the number of interfaces and / or coupling points is larger than the number of drive devices.

The preferred structure is one in which the individual antenna devices operating in the relevant frequency band and provided in another sector-configuration can be controlled as intended only continuously in time. With such a structure, it is generally possible to set the down-tilt-angle as intended and / or to set the azimuth as intended (or in addition to that for individual frequency bands or for individual sectors of the antenna). In order to set the elevation angle or azimuth angle differently), the shaft-and / or axial connection between the mechanical interface device and the corresponding setting-and / or transmission device for setting the outliers being continuously different as intended. Can be set. In theory, all shaft- or connecting devices between the mechanical interface device and the ideal phase to be set correspondingly may be operated simultaneously. However, the prerequisite for this possibility is that the coupling is provided in another location, which can be triggered separately, resulting in the down-tilt-angle of the radiator provided in a particular sector of the antenna or the down of the radiator provided for a particular frequency band. Only the tilt-angle should be able to be set correspondingly as intended, and the other shafts or axes should operate almost "idle," because the ideal device placed behind it is not activated by the opening of the coupling. Because.

The beam forming apparatus according to the invention also preferably comprises a beam forming apparatus having only one communication interface, through which the beam forming apparatus is adapted to set different down-tilt-angles in accordance with the purpose. A corresponding control signal is received from the device, in which case such a control device may be integrated into the corresponding base station, for example. In addition, remote transmission is possible from a remote place, for example, through a base station or through wireless communication.

In one particularly preferred embodiment the shaft or axes consist of a so-called flexible shaft or axis. This arrangement allows for the separation between the mechanical interface of the beam forming apparatus on the one hand and the mechanical interface connected to the antenna to operate the setting-and / or delivery device provided on the mechanical interface on the other hand for the purpose of setting the outliers. Highly variable connections can be achieved.

However, shafts or shafts with cardan joints that allow comparable variability may be used instead of flexible shafts or shafts.

In addition, people may direct power flow from any number of rigid shafts or shafts and from additional gear stages (such as gears including bevel gears) to any outliers disposed in the antenna.

As already mentioned above, the preferably flexibly formed shafts or axes can be fixed to the mechanical interface in the delivery device of the relevant antenna in order to actually operate the outliers provided in the antenna housing via the delivery device. The flexible shaft or axes can preferably be terminated in a so-called RET-coupling, the RET-couplings, like conventional beamforming devices, at a corresponding interface-for example a mobile wireless communication-antenna housing (radome). It can be mounted in connection with the flange-as long as it faces down. However, an arrangement is also shown in which the shafts or axes extend directly to the abnormality in order to directly set the abnormality differently upon operation of the preferably flexible shaft or shaft. In this case it is conceivable to integrate a complete multi-beam forming apparatus into the antenna, in which case only the communication interface is accessible from the outside. In addition, only a multi-transmission may be integrated into the antenna so that the multi-transmission may be used as a mechanical interface for a housing with a motor and an electronic device. It may also be proposed to install the multi-transmission-interface deep into the antenna, so that the way of mounting the housing with the motor and electronics at the interface is a "quasi-integration" approach. Is described.

Multi-beam forming apparatus very generally essentially comprises two or more interfaces and also generally comprises two or more coupling points and / or at least a plurality of coupling points.

The invention is explained in detail below with reference to the drawings.

1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a first embodiment according to the present invention of a multi-beam forming apparatus for a triple-band-mobile wireless communication antenna station;
FIG. 2 shows a multi-beam forming apparatus according to the invention for a first embodiment with a flexible shaft or shaft for correspondingly triggering the transmission device within an individual antenna sector or within an individual antenna device delivered in a particular frequency band. Is an enlarged detail of;
3 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment modified with respect to FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but for a three-sector-antenna configuration; FIG.
FIG. 5 is a further embodiment for explaining that the gear arrangement may also comprise only one driven train, wherein different interfaces or coupling points are branched on the driven train with adjustment members. Can be provided in a displaced state to adjust with; And
FIG. 6 is a further schematic embodiment with a single gear driven train likewise having only one interface or coupling point, depending on the situation, in which case the single interface or coupling point has different adjustment elements. It can be inserted into a plurality of coupling points for driving.

1 shows a schematic diagram of a three-band antenna station, in which case one base station (BS1, BS2, BS3) is assigned to each frequency band of three frequency bands to be transmitted. Various radiators and radiating devices for the triple-band-antenna device are arranged below the radome 3 (generally inside or below the antenna cover 3) and are not shown in detail in the drawings. Reference is made to known solutions in this regard.

In the variant according to FIG. 1 the radiators and radiating devices are provided on the upper part of the antenna mast structure 5 under the radome 3, in which case the corresponding radiating device of the antenna for each frequency band and Between the base stations, two HF feeder cables 7 extend from each base station BS1 to BS3, respectively.

In addition, in the variant according to FIG. 1, there is provided an amplifying device TMA1 which is arranged near the antenna, more particularly far away from the base stations BS1 to BS3, in which case the corresponding HF-branch line 7 'is provided. The signals for controlling the multi-beam forming apparatus are also transmitted. In principle, when the solution according to the prior art is applied in the antenna device according to FIG. 1, the entire antenna device having three antenna devices radiating in different frequency bands includes three single-beam forming devices. In this case, each antenna device provided for one frequency band is assigned a separate single-beam forming device, which is typically briefly referred to as single-RET, where the RET is again "remote electrical tilt". In this case, the amplifying device TMA1 is provided with, for example, an AISG socket (for example, an 8-pole socket connection), through which the communication bus formed in the form of a communication cable, for example, is a first single-RET unit. Extends to (RET1) and extends from the first single-RET-unit (RET1) to the next RET-unit, respectively.

However, in the case of the embodiment according to the present invention, only one multi-beam forming apparatus M-RET is provided, and as a result, a communication bus formed only from the amplifying apparatus TMA1 in the form of, for example, a communication cable 11 '. Only 11 extends to the multi-RET-unit (M-RET).

2 shows the entire apparatus with simplified details.

More specifically, in the embodiment according to FIG. 2, the all-antenna device ANT comprises three separate antenna devices ANT1, ANT2 and ANT3, which antenna devices function as separate antenna devices. For example, it radiates in three different frequency bands, ie transmits and / or receives.

In FIG. 2 three antennas or antenna sectors ANT1 to ANT3 are only shown in an abstract state via a coupling coupling 29 which will be described in more detail below, in which FIG. 2 corresponding antenna elements are shown. Not.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, for the separate radiator descent (down-tilt) and / or for beam alignment in the horizontal direction as well as in the altitude direction and / or the three antenna arrangements ANT1, ANT2 and ANT3 When setting the half-beam beam widths differently, one multi-beam forming apparatus (M-RET) is provided for possible beam forming in some cases, which is briefly referred to as M-RET below. Similarly, it is also possible to carry out settings for the mechanical angle of the antenna, that is to say "roll", "pitch" and "yaw". Very generally, within the framework of the multi-beam forming apparatus according to the invention, any beam forming can be carried out over a wide range, and consequently, in other words, eventually, by means of one or more of the measures described above or in other forms and manners. As a result, the polar diagram of the corresponding antenna device, in particular the mobile radio-antenna device, can be set and / or changed correspondingly.

The multi-beam forming apparatus M-RET comprises a communication interface 13 through which the communication bus 11 is for example in the form of a corresponding communication cable 11 '(e.g. 8). To core, for example, directly with the control device integrated in the base station BS1, BS2 or BS3 or indirectly via the amplification device TMA1 described above. More specifically, for example, an AISG socket may be used as the communication interface (similar to the prior art). The control device, for example integrated in the base station and not shown in detail in the figures, communicates with the aforementioned multi-beam forming device (M-RET) (device type 0x11) via a suitable protocol, for example AISG / 3GPP-protocol. can do.

In FIG. 2, the multi-beam forming apparatus is also referred to, for example, as a board (PCB), flash protection device 17, voltage supply 19 (this voltage supply is hereinafter partly also referred to as internal power supply 19 ′). And microprocessor 21 with corresponding motor drive and electric actuator 23 (e.g., electric motor, step motor, regulating device capable of operating magnetically, etc.), The electric actuator is then connected to the first mechanical interface and / or the coupling device 25 by corresponding switching and transmission gear 23 ′.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first mechanical interface- and / or coupling device 25 comprises three separate first mechanical interface- and / or coupling devices 25a to 25c, which interface and / or The coupling devices 25 can each be connected or connected to one drive connection 27, in the illustrated embodiment three drive connections 27a to 27c. The drive connections extend from their opposite ends 125, that is to say from 125a to 125c to the second mechanical interface 35, that is to say 35a to 35c, through the second mechanical interface. 27a to 27c are connected to the corresponding coupling coupling 29 of the drive coupling to drive coupling. The interface 125 makes one connection from the self drive connection 27a to 27c to the connection coupling 29 assigned to the drive connection, in the illustrated embodiment to the connection coupling 29a to 29c, The coupling couplings are connected to the individual antennas (generally having multiple radiators or radiating devices) provided for a particular frequency at the mechanical antenna interface 39 (RET-interfaces 39a to 39c) as in the prior art. It can be connected and mounted, the contents of which are for example shown and described for a separate beam forming apparatus which can be retrofitted in WO 02/061877 A2.

The connecting coupling 29 has a coupling housing 31 for this purpose, in which case a coupling shaft or connecting shaft 33 can be provided with an additional gear shifting stage. A drive connection is made between the connection point 35 on the multi-beam forming apparatus side and the connection point 37 on the antenna side via the connecting shaft or connecting shaft. The connection point 37 on the antenna side can be provided, for example, with a screw sleeve 139, through which the connecting coupling 39 described above is described, for example, in WO 02/061877 A2. As described above, the antenna device may be installed in a corresponding antenna device, and as a result, the abnormality provided inside the antenna may be correspondingly set to cross over the interface.

The aforementioned drive connection 27a to 27c preferably consists of a flexible shaft or of a flexible shaft 27, but each of the flexible shaft or of the flexible shaft 27 consists of a rigid shaft- and shaft section and is mechanical Designed to be supplemented with elastic or flexible shaft- or shaft intermediate sections, cardan joints, etc., respectively, to ensure connection from the interfaces 25a to 25c to the connection-interface 125 in the corresponding coupling housing 31 and It may be formed.

More specifically, the structure of the multi-beam forming apparatus (M-RET) is such that the mechanical and electronic parts inside the RET-housing (M-RET-G) are identical or substantially identical, that is to say conventional simple, i.e. It is configured to be at least similar to a so-called single-beam forming apparatus, in which case the output shaft region of the electric motor 23 is preferably replaceable with a multi-axis-gear 23 '(ie generally a large number of driven-and //). Or a branch train, and in part may be provided with a multi-shaft-gear or multi-axis-gear, or simply a gear, also referred to as a multi- transmission or multi-transmission device 23 '. The gear has a number of drive shafts 123 corresponding to the number of individual antennas to be adjusted, and preferably at the mechanical interface of the drive shaft and / or the coupling point 25. The flexible shaft 27 is connected. This design approach results in a significant cost reduction, for example, because the critical components, such as motors, microprocessors, control electronics, etc., are in a single way compared to conventional devices with multiple discrete beam forming devices. It only needs to be configured, it doesn't have to be configured in multiple ways. In other words, there is provided only one common drive device, preferably comprising only one electric motor 23, preferably with only one control device, for example with only one microprocessor 21.

With regard to the structure and manner of operation of the multi-beam forming apparatus (M-RET) shown in the figures, a corresponding first control signal is unique through an electronic device inside the multi-beam forming apparatus (M-RET). Flexible interfaces or shafts 27a, 27b or 27c which are purposely and individually controlled to mechanically interface and / or coupling points 25a, 25b or 25c and which are connected to said first mechanical interface and / or coupling point. Is purpose-oriented, and consequently through this structure and manner of operation, the antenna devices ANT1, ANT2 and ANT3 are set in order to clearly set the falling angle of the radiating device provided inside the associated antenna devices ANT1 to ANT3. The abnormality device installed inside) can be adjusted purposely through the coupling housing 31 described below.

In other words, the individual mechanical interface-and / or coupling points 25a to 25c are correspondingly controlled continuously in time in order to always activate and activate only one drive connection 27a to 27c.

Basically, bowden cable-devices are guided to allow the cable winch to move longitudinally, for example against the power of the spring device, in a tube-like sheath. Similarly, through the mechanical interface 25 all drive connections 27a to 27c are installed inside the radiating device ANT1, ANT2 and ANT3 by being moved longitudinally in accordance with the adjustment mechanism applied and / or displaced in rotation. It is also possible to control the abnormal phase as intended, but in this case, couplings 31a to 31c that can be set separately, for example, must be provided inside the coupling housing 31. In this case, only the outliers placed behind them adjust their own down-tilt-angle within the relevant antenna arrangement (ANT1, ANT2 or ANT3) and the other flexible shafts are guided only with an open coupling so that the outliers have different antenna arrangements. The couplings must be purposely oriented so that they are not coordinated together in connection with this connection.

One variant embodiment is described with reference to FIG. 3, in this variant embodiment no separate coupling housing 31 is provided, but rather a delivery device provided inside the antenna device (eg radome, ie inside the antenna cover). And / or to perform a direct connection to the setting device for setting the outlier 61 and together with the setting device for setting the down-tilt-angle in the altitude direction and the different radiation angle in the azimuth direction and / or the half-beam beamwidth. In order to carry out the formation of the beam by setting differently, preferably flexible drive connecting portions 27a to 27c, in the form of particularly flexible shafts or flexible shafts, are directly connected to the ideal phase 61 (in this case the second mechanical interface). In the area of 35, i.e. 35a, 35b or 35c, to the end 125 of the drive connection 27a to 27c, i.e. the individual end 125a, 125b or 1 25c). Thus, it is conceivable to integrate a complete multi-beam forming apparatus inside the antenna, in which case it can only access the communication interface- and / or the coupling point from the outside. In addition, only a multi-transmission may be integrated inside the antenna and only a multi-transmission may be used as a mechanical interface for a housing provided with a motor and an electronic device. It is also conceivable to install the multi-transmission-interface deep inside the antenna, and consequently the manner of assembling the housing provided with the motor and electronics to the interface is described in a "semi-integrated" manner.

The embodiment according to FIG. 3 may be an embodiment in which various abnormalities of only one antenna device are controlled by the multi-transmission device according to the present invention. In this embodiment, it is also possible to provide a plurality of single-band antennas or a combination of multi-band antennas and single-band antennas inside the antenna cover 3.

Basically, the beam forming apparatus according to the present invention may for example set different mechanical angles of one antenna, that is to say different "roll", "pitch" and "yo ( yaw) "can be executed. There is no restriction in this respect. More specifically, all of the above-described measures may lead to different settings and / or modifications of the polarity (in other words of one radiating device, generally speaking of one antenna or antenna device and in particular of one movement). The polarity of the wireless communication-antenna facility may be set differently).

In the case of FIG. 3 a much greater cost savings is achieved than in the embodiment of FIG. 2, since the RET-coupling 31 is no longer needed, in some cases, ie inside the antenna. This is because the housing of the multi-beam forming apparatus can also be omitted if fully integrated.

The above described phasers driven through the flexible shaft or shaft 27 may be configured in a conventional manner and / or in a suitable manner. The outliers then comprise, for example, only coarsely imparted to FIG. 3, for example interlocking gear cogwheels 63, through which the cogwheel wheels transmit and / or the rotary action. The shift can be made. At this time, through the phase shifter or phase shifter 65, the setting of the phase shifter and the generation of the desired phase shift can be performed separately. In this case, suitable abnormal groups such as, for example, differential abnormalities can be used.

Also conceivable is another mechanical coupling of a plurality of ideal phases which can be driven simultaneously by one flexible shaft 27a to 27c. Thus, for example, in the embodiment according to FIG. 3, there is provided another second phase shifter device 61 ′, which mechanical linkage 67 is not shown in detail in the drawing, for example. Are coupled to the first abnormal phase 61, respectively.

In accordance with FIG. 1 and in a schematic enlarged detail according to FIG. 2, for example, the housing M-RET-G of the multi-beam forming apparatus M-RET is externally and above all else an antenna cover (ie, Can be spaced under the antenna cover below the radome, so that the flexible shaft or shaft 27 is protected by a sheath not shown in detail in the drawing, for example similar to a Bauden cable ) In the space between the multi-beam forming apparatus (M-RET) and the antenna apparatus or antenna cover. However, not only in the variant according to FIG. 3 but also in the embodiment according to FIG. 2, the multi-beam forming apparatus or parts of the multi-beam forming apparatus may be integrated to some extent inside the housing of the antenna cover.

For this purpose, a first integrated line 71 is shown in FIG. 3, in which the multi-axis gear 23 ′ is partially or wholly inside the antenna housing cover 3, for example. It should be shown that the antenna cover or so-called radome 3 can be arranged in the direction of the arrow starting from the integrated line 71 according to the arrow indication 3 ', so that the multi-axis gear 23 ') Is partly or wholly disposed inside the antenna cover 3 as mentioned.

However, if the antenna cover, ie the radome 3, already follows the integrated line 73 and extends in the direction of the arrow indication 3 "according to the arrow indication 3", only the multi-axis gear 23 ' It is also also possible for the multi-beam forming apparatus M-RET, ie the housing M-RET-G, to be integrated in whole or in part within the antenna cover 3.

However, the integrated line 73 or the aforementioned integrated line 71 can also move between the two regions shown in FIG. 3, so that the housing M-RET-G is not only entirely, but in some cases only. It is also partially present inside the housing cover 3.

Finally, for example, the communication interface 13 may be entirely or partially outside the radome or antenna cover 3, or only partially or almost entirely inside the radome, so that it is actually from outside or below. From, only the original interface entrance is accessible.

The communication interface 13 already mentioned several times may be implemented differently depending on the application to the control system, for example as an AISG socket or as a modem connected to the antenna branch.

Finally, a description of the embodiment according to FIG. 4 follows, which does not describe a solution according to the invention corresponding to the case of a triple-band-antenna device, but rather 3 (sector) -sector- A solution according to the invention is described which corresponds to an antenna configuration, in which three separate antennas (ANT1, ANT2, ANT3) are arranged in three different sectors, each antenna sector (ANT1 or ANT2 or ANT3). Through the multi-beam forming apparatus (M-RET) to set the horizontal beam width differently so that the beam direction and / or the falling angle and / or the azimuth angle for the beam forming can be set separately and differently, for example. Can be controlled individually.

Also shown in FIG. 4 are three amplification units TMA1, TMA2 or TMA3, which are each powered via branch line 7 and from which the additional branch lines control the antenna. Comes out. Corresponding control signals for the multi-beam forming apparatus M-RET are then departed from the base station via one or a pair of branch lines, for example to one of the amplification units, for example to the amplification unit TMA2. And in this case the control signals are transmitted to the multi-beam forming apparatus M-RET, for example via a control line 11 formed in the form of a corresponding control cable or control bus 11 '. The idealizers 61, 61 ′ installed in the individual antenna devices can be correspondingly controlled to carry out beamforming through a flexible shaft or shaft 27 in the coupling device 29, which is optionally provided.

More specifically, the multi-beam forming apparatus (M-RET) mentioned within the framework of the present invention allows for setting different down-tilt-angles in the elevation direction and / or setting different radiation angles in the horizontal direction. The beam forming can in this case be carried out in the vertical direction and / or in the horizontal direction, that is to say at different azimuth angles and / or by means of the RET-unit, for example, a different half-beam beamwidth is complementary or additional to the above-described set possibilities. Different settings of the antenna characteristics can also be carried out in a manner that can be set. In this regard, within the framework of the present invention, the beam characteristics of a multi-beam facility, in particular a multi-mobile wireless communication facility, by means of a master-beam forming apparatus differ in different ways depending on the situation and the needs of the customer. May be set. Such different radiation characteristics can be set to correspondingly changed states by the RET-motor used.

Gear devices, generally designated as "multi-driven gears", do not need to have a number of interfaces or coupling points branched in parallel, but rather may comprise only one driven train, the driven train being an example. Two or more corresponding interfaces and / or coupling points or two or more different coupling points in order to be able to purposely operate, for example, one or other ideal-component groups or other adjusting members or adjusting devices in the antenna device. A modified embodiment according to FIG. 5 will be described in order to clearly explain that is provided or can be provided.

5 schematically shows a multi-transmission device 23 ′ depicting, for example, two driven shafts 123 that are displaced. Unlike the drawings, only one driven shaft 123 may be disposed.

On the driven shaft 123 is placed an adjustment member or actuating element 71, which is displaced, eg formed in the form of a screw 71 ′, the actuating element or actuating element correspondingly transmitting and / or The setting device 73 interacts in the form of a cogwheel 73 ', for example. The cogwheel is then shown in a schematic side view in FIG. 5, in more detail in an aligned state standing perpendicular to the projection plane and thereby perpendicular to the driven axis 123. In this case, the outlier may be operated directly or indirectly, including the outlier device 75. The phase shifter device may be formed such that the shaft 123 may be displaced in a rotational motion while operating to the right or left side through the multi-transmission device 23 'to set the phase shifter.

A coupling device 77 is assigned to each adjustment- or actuating member 71 so as to suitably operate one particular outlier device among the three outlier devices 75 shown on the left in FIG. 5. The coupling device can be operated via a separate coupling-actuating device 79. The coupling-actuating device 79 may consist of, for example, a control device formed in the form of a cable, a cable winch, a rod assembly, a lever and the like and / or a combination thereof. In other words, the coupling device can be mechanically actuated or triggered, or can be actuated or triggered electronically or electronically, or can be operated in a combination of mechanical, electrical and electronics / Can be activated or triggered There are no restrictions or restrictions in this respect. Preferably the coupling-actuating device 79 is also guided to the multi-transmission-device 23 or at least into the housing M-RET-G of the multi-transmission-device 23 '.

By operation of the corresponding coupling 77 the corresponding screw 71 ′, ie the adjusting member 71, can each form a rigid rotational engagement with the shaft. Thus, when the shaft 123 rotates, the uppermost abnormality, the middle abnormality or the lowermost abnormality 75 shown on the left side of FIG. 5, for example, can be adjusted in two opposite directions.

The arrangement state as described above also implements the interface or coupling point 25. More specifically, in the present case, the interface and / or coupling points 25a, 25b, 25c set different polarities. Via a transmission-and / or setting device 71 for connection to the corresponding driven train of the gear device, respectively. The driven shaft 123 is then preferably in the sense of the present invention part of a multi- transmission-device 23 '.

In FIG. 5 also such an apparatus with driven shaft 123 and an interface and / or coupling point 25 arranged in multiple axial directions thereon may also be formed in multiple in the gear arrangement. For the reason, on the right side of FIG. 5, for example, one additional driven axis 123 is shown, but there are only two adjustment-and / or actuating members 71 and corresponding couples, for example displaced in the axial direction. Only one corresponding coupling device 77 with a ring-actuating device 79 is provided.

With reference to FIG. 6, one further variant is described, in which only one driven train 123 can be seen in this variant as well, but through the driven train likewise a plurality of outlier devices 75 can be controlled again. Can be.

 For this purpose a first ideal phase device 75 is shown in the upper right of FIG. 6, in particular with a corresponding transmission-and / or setting device 73 formed in the form of a cogwheel 73 ′, for example. Through the delivery-and / or setting device 73, the abnormal phase can be set differently similar to FIG. In this embodiment as well, in the third embodiment shown in the drawing, there is provided an ideal phase device 75 which is displaced in the longitudinal or axial direction of the driven shaft 123, in which case two of the additional phases 75 are provided. For example, only the corresponding transmission-and / or setting device 73 formed in the form of a toothed wheel 73 'is shown, respectively.

In this embodiment the driven train 123 has a plurality of corresponding adjustment members, ie corresponding adjustment- or actuating devices, which are displaced in the circumferential direction and formed, for example, in the form of a toothed rack section 71 ". 71) is provided.

In such an arrangement the driven train 125 can be adjusted not only to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise, more specifically in the longitudinal axis, corresponding to the double arrow indication 81, It can also be inserted and withdrawn in the longitudinal direction of the driven axis according to the additional double arrow indication 83, ie in the longitudinal direction of the driven axis as well.

For example, in the case where the ideal device 75 shown in the upper right of FIG. 6 must be adjusted, the corresponding adjustment member, ie the toothed rack-shaped operating device 71, is, for example, in the form of a toothed wheel 73 ′. The driven shaft 123 is pulled out until it reaches the height of the transmission-and / or setting device 73 formed. The driven train is then clockwise or until the toothed rack-shaped actuating device 71 is engaged with the transmission-and / or setting device 73, for example in the form of a toothed wheel 73 ′. Rotate counterclockwise. At this time, the axial length adjustment can be converted into a rotational motion based on the cog wheel 73 'by an additional axial pull out or insertion operation, that is, by the axial length adjustment. It can be set arbitrarily in two opposite directions.

Thus, for example, a coupling device having three coupling points 25'a, 25'b and 25'c, for example, also describes a coupling point 25 'in the above case. The interface and / or coupling point 25 is defined. In this regard, the coupling point 25 ', i.e. the three coupling points 25'a, 25'b and 25'c, is merely a general interface and / or coupling point 25, i.e. ( Only one special case of 25a, 25b and 25c).

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 the driven shaft 123 is further inserted into the multi-transmission housing M-RET-G, for example in the intention of shortening, for example to actuate the intermediate phase 75. In a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, for example by 90 °, in more detail, the adjusting-or actuating device 71 is connected to the height of the second delivery-and / or setting device 73 of the outlier-part group. It is turned by 90 ° by axial movement until it reaches it. For this state also the operating member 71 is shown in FIG. 6. In such a state, an actuating device 71 "similar to the toothed rack shown in the intermediate position is formed in the form of the next tooth wheel 73 'and then toothed with the next transmission-and / or setting device 73. And the driven train is again drawn out or inserted by a predetermined distance, and this axial movement is converted into the rotational movement of the transmission-and / or setting device 73, through which Is set.

By means of one corresponding step such an engagement state can again be counteracted, and the driven shaft has the lowest transmission and / or setting device 73 in which the adjusting and / or actuating member 71 resembles a toothed wheel. It can be adjusted further down and inserted until it reaches a height of, so that after a corresponding further rotational operation of the driven shaft 123, the tooth wheel 73 ′ placed at the bottom and together with the bottom ideal outlier-part The group can be adjusted accordingly.

In this case the embodiment is likewise equipped with three interfaces and / or coupling points 25 when observing at least three transmission-and / or setting devices 73, in which case the driven train 125 and In this context, three coupling points 25 'are defined or defined for the purpose of operating one of the abnormalizer-component groups or other setting devices of the antenna in accordance with the purpose.

It will be further noted that for the sake of completeness only, in the embodiment according to FIG. 6 only one or other adjustment-and / or actuating devices 71, 71 ″ in the form of toothed racks described above need not be provided. Rather, for example, three adjusting and / or actuating devices 71, 71 ″ displaced in the axial direction in the circumferential direction of the driven train 125 can be provided, thereby consequently by means of corresponding rotational motions. That is to say the adjustment-and / or actuating device only at the top, the intermediate adjustment- and / or the actuating device-three transmissions in the form of a cog-wheel- in accordance with the angle setting by the rotational movement of the driven train or the driven shaft 123- And / or only the lowest adjustment-and / or actuating device which can be interacted with the setting device 73 or in this case formed in the form of a tooth rack 71 "as described above, for example, in the form of said tooth wheel. Three transmission-and / or setting device 73 and the interaction that they can be combined.

The driven trains of this type may be formed in multiples in a multi-RET unit, thereby increasing the number of abnormalities that can be controlled as intended.

In all the embodiments described above, a switchable, in particular electromechanically switchable, coupling or regulating device may be integrated inside the gears, as well as a corresponding drive control device having one or a plurality of motors for carrying out the adjusting operation. Can be.

It is always presented within the framework of the present invention that two or more interfaces for driving one or more common drives, one actuator, one motor and in particular one electric motor or the like to drive two or more setting devices. Or a coupling device or coupling point, more specifically a small number of drive devices, ie motors, actuators, etc., which can be purposely operated unlike the prior art, ie a group of configurable parts such as an ideal It is provided as. As such, within the framework of the present invention a correspondingly larger number of interfaces, coupling points 25 or coupling positions 25 'than drive devices or drive units are provided.

It is also understood that within the framework of the invention there are fewer drive units or corresponding drive units than the interface and / or coupling points for setting or adjusting the controlled units, in particular the outliers. In some cases, for example, according to FIG. 6, at least one servo motor may be further provided. The servo motor is moved to the desired position, i.e., one by one, for example by adjusting the driven shaft 123 with the corresponding adjustment and actuation members 71, 71 ". The coupling is used in the lateral embodiment to be moved to the guided position with the corresponding transmission-and / or setting device 73 formed in the shape of a tooth wheel. Axial adjustment can then be carried out via a drive motor, and a rotational movement to induce a final coupling with the corresponding adjustment and the actuating devices 71, 71 "via an adjustment or coupling motor. Then, in order to correspondingly control the outliers and to set the desired phase shift in the radiating member, the axial adjustment can be effected again purposely in the longitudinal direction of the driven shaft again by the drive motor. In this intention, only two different adjustment steps are carried out by the drive unit and the adjustment unit, in which one motor performs axial adjustment and the other motor executes rotational operation, ie rotation of the shaft. In this intention, one common driving device, ie two different phasers or groups of phases The division into two different adjustment steps for adjusting one common drive for directional adjustment is dealt with: Very generally the number of interfaces and / or coupling points is the number of drives, ie the number of common drives. Larger, in which case one drive device comprises another or a number of additional adjustment- or coupling drives or coupling motors, for example, in order to make a drive connection between the corresponding adjustment members. Through such a coupling drive or regulating drive or regulating motor, the coupling device 77 which has also been referred to with reference to FIG. 5 and which has the corresponding coupling-operating device 79 acts correspondingly. In this case, depending on one coupling coupling made (using a servo motor) The adjustment of the largely interconnected abnormalities can be carried out by the driving device.

Another fact that emerges from the above-described embodiments is that the transmission of power or the transmission of torque is possible by means of a number of rigid shafts or axes and by means of additional gear stages, thus consequently similar to the structure shown in the figures. For example, outliers positioned at different positions can be controlled within the antenna using a flexible shaft or axis. In other words, the bridging between the gear arrangement or the multi-transmission housing (M-RET-G) and the corresponding group of parts to be controlled, such as the ideal state, can be at very different places.

In this embodiment further control devices can also extend from the M-RET-unit into the antenna, through which the electromechanical actuators inside the antenna can be operated, resulting in power inside the drive train. The flow can be separated or closed. As already mentioned above, in the present embodiment, in particular in the driven train 123 or shaft of the gear arrangement, in the ideal device itself, or near the ideal device, as indicated with reference to the embodiment according to FIG. 5 (or 6), Alternatively, coupling devices can be used which are arranged directly in other configurable component groups.

Preferably an electric motor is used as the drive device. In principle, however, all other controllable drives are also considered.

Within the framework of various embodiments, reference is often made to a multi- transmission or multi-transmission device. In other words, the multi-transmission or multi-transmission device is generally dealt with by a gear or gear device with a plurality of drive trains or branch trains, in which case the branch is to be coupled to the aforementioned interface and / or coupling point. Or may be coupled to a switch-on capable coupling point having different setting members, abnormalities, etc. as follows.

Finally, further mention is made of a multi-beam forming apparatus in order to be able to connect additional multi-RET-units for controlling additional antenna units, for example in the intention of daisy-chain-cable installation. At least one additional communication interface may be provided to (M-RET). By such an additional communication interface a number of multi-beam forming apparatus circuit-designed for this purpose can be controlled via one communication line 11, 11 ′.

The above-described multi- transmission can be used not only in a single-band antenna but also in all antenna structures such as a dual-band antenna or generally a multi-band antenna.

The present invention can be used in an antenna array with radiating devices arranged in one or multiple columns. The radiating devices can be polarized in a single manner or in multiples. In this case, there are no restrictions in any direction.

Claims (22)

In particular, a multi-beam forming apparatus for a multi-mobile wireless communication antenna installation,
The beam forming apparatus is formed as a multi-beam forming apparatus (M-RET), in particular with one common control device with at least one microprocessor 21,
At least one electronic communication interface 13 for controlling the multi-beam forming apparatus M-RET so that the multi-beam forming apparatus M-RET sets two or more polarities differently. ,
The multi-beam forming apparatus (M-RET) comprises at least one drive with an electric motor 23 and a power supply 19,
The multi-beam forming apparatus (M-RET) has at least two first mechanical interfaces and / or coupling points (25; 25a, 25b, 25c; 25 ';25'a,25'b,25'c);Including;
One drive connection 27; 27a to each of said two or more first mechanical interfaces and / or coupling points 25; 25a, 25b, 25c; 25 ';25'a,25'b,25'c,respectively; 27b, 27c),
At least one drive device 23 of the multi-beam forming device M-RET is connected to the at least two first mechanical interfaces and / or coupling points 25; 25b, 25c; 25 ';25'a,25'b,25'c, wherein a plurality of drive connections 27; 27a, 27b through the at least one drive unit 23 and the corresponding control unit. At least one of the drive connections, 27c), may each be purpose-oriented, and
Wherein the number of interfaces and / or coupling points 25; 25a, 25b, 25c; 25 ';25'a,25'b,25'c is greater than the number of antenna devices 23 doing,
Multi-beam forming apparatus. The method of claim 1,
The drive unit 23 in a controlled state through the coupling- or adjustment device 77, wherein the multi-transmission 23 'includes a coupling- or adjustment device 77 which can be switched electromechanically. From one of the plurality of drive connection (27; 27a, 27b, 27c; 71, 71 '; 73, 73') is characterized in that the drive connection is formed up to only one drive connection, respectively,
Multi-beam forming apparatus. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
Characterized in that the multi-transmission 23 'can be exchanged,
Multi-beam forming apparatus. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Said multi-transmission 23 'is installed in one common housing M-RET-G with a multi-beam forming apparatus,
Multi-beam forming apparatus. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Characterized in that the multi-transmission 23 'is installed outside the housing (M-RET-G) of the multi-beam forming apparatus,
Multi-beam forming apparatus. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Characterized in that each said drive connection 27; 27a, 27b, 27c consists of a flexible shaft or a flexible shaft or comprises the flexible shaft or a flexible shaft,
Multi-beam forming apparatus. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Said flexible drive connection 27 (27a, 27b, 27c) comprises a rigid shaft section and a cardan joint connection,
Multi-beam forming apparatus. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A plurality of driven trains or driven shafts 123 are provided, the driven trains or driven shafts are provided with corresponding interfaces and / or coupling points 25, 25 ′, and the interfaces and / or coupling points are driven. Or an actuating connection to the delivery and / or setting device 27 is provided permanently or switch-on via a coupling device,
Multi-beam forming apparatus. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
At least one drive train or driven shaft 123 is provided, the drive train or driven shaft is provided with two or more interfaces and / or coupling points 25, 25 ′, and the interface and / or coupling point. Characterized in that two or more drive- or transfer- and / or setting devices 27, 71, 73 can be driven or driven,
Multi-beam forming apparatus. 10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The drive connecting portions 27 (27a, 27b, 27c) are formed in the form of bowden cables, and include a cable winch or a longitudinally movable and elastic connecting rod that is movable in the longitudinal direction from the outer cover. Characterized by
Multi-beam forming apparatus. 11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
Antenna interfaces 39 (39a, 39b, 39c) to set at least one outlier provided inside the antenna with ends of the drive connections 27 (27a, 27b, 27c) facing each other to the multi- transmission 23 '. Characterized in that can be connected to),
Multi-beam forming apparatus. 12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The ends of the drive connection 27 (27a, 27a, 27b, 27c) respectively facing the multi-transmission 23 'are preferably via a further mechanical interface 35; 35a, 35b, 35c. 31), which can be connected to an antenna-interface 39 (39; 39a, 39b, 39c) of the corresponding antenna configuration for setting up at least one outlier,
Multi-beam forming apparatus. 13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
The multi-beam forming apparatus (M-RET) provides at least one communication interface 13 for a plurality of single-band-antennas of a multi-band-antenna device or for a separate sector antenna of a multi-sector-antenna device. And wherein a connection to the control device can be made,
Multi-beam forming apparatus. 14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
Characterized in that the multi-beam forming apparatus (M-RET) comprises only one flash protection device 17,
Multi-beam forming apparatus. 15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
Said multi-beam forming apparatus M-RET and in particular the associated multi-beam forming apparatus housing M-RET-G are arranged outside the antenna cover 3,
Multi-beam forming apparatus. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15,
Said multi- transmission 23 'is also arranged outside the antenna cover 3,
Multi-beam forming apparatus. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15,
It is characterized in that the multi-transmission 23 is arranged in whole or in part within the antenna cover 3,
Multi-beam forming apparatus. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14 or 17,
Characterized in that the multi-beam forming apparatus M-RET and in particular the multi-beam forming apparatus housing M-RET-G lies entirely or partially inside the antenna cover 3,
Multi-beam forming apparatus. The method of claim 18,
The communication interface 13 is also characterized in that it is arranged in whole or in part inside the antenna cover 3 for at least an indirect connection with the base stations BS1, BS2, BS3.
Multi-beam forming apparatus. 20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 19,
A control-and / or coupling-operation device 79 extends from the multi-beam forming device M-RET into the antenna for purpose-directed switching of the electromechanical actuator or coupling device 77 inside the antenna. Characterized in that the actuating, transmitting and / or setting device 27, 71, 73 can be switched on and off via the electromechanical actuator or coupling device 77,
Multi-beam forming apparatus. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 20,
At least one drive connection 27, 123 is intended for directing power flow to a plurality of rigid shafts or axes and to any actuating device situated on or within the antenna or preferably formed in the form of an ideal device 75. Characterized by comprising an additional gear stage,
Multi-beam forming apparatus. 22. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21,
Opposite ends 125; 125a, 125b, and 125c of the individual drive connections 27; 27a, 27b, and 27c are polarized at additional interfaces 35; 35a, 35b, 35c; 39; 39a, 39b, and 39c. characterized in that it can be directly or indirectly connected to or connected to the delivery-and / or setting device for differently setting the polar diagram,
Multi-beam forming apparatus.

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