EP3691022A1 - Coaxial line switch - Google Patents

Abstract

A switching device (100) for connecting coaxial lines is specified. The switching device has: a housing (102) with at least two coaxial connections (104, 105, 106, 107); a switching rotor (110) rotatably arranged in the housing (102) about a longitudinal axis (111); and a first electrical connection (116) which runs through the switching rotor and capacitively couples a first coaxial connection (104) and a second coaxial connection (105) in a predetermined position of the switching rotor and thereby an electrical connection between the first coaxial connection (104) and the second coaxial connection (105) produces.

Description

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the technical field of high-frequency technology and relates generally to a switching device for connecting coaxial lines and a switching arrangement with two or more of the switching device.

Background of the Invention

In high-frequency technology, that is to say for the transmission and processing of signals with very high frequencies, for example signals significantly above 1 GHz up to 35 to 40 GHz, waveguides or coaxial lines are usually used. Such high-frequency connections can be used, for example, as part of satellite transmission links. The satellite transmission link can, for example, be a Ka-band transmission link in a frequency range of 17.7-21.2 GHz for the downlink (downlink) and 27.5-31 GHz for the uplink (uplink), a or X-band implementation in the range around 11 or 7 GHz, or around an L-band (around 1.5 GHz), S-band (around 2.5 GHz) or C-band implementation (around 4 GHz).

Sections of a waveguide connection are typically connected using specially manufactured connecting pieces. A connection between two coaxial lines To produce, plugs or switches are usually used, which establish a galvanic contact between the coaxial lines to be connected.

It may be necessary to connect a large number of coaxial lines in pairs in a certain circuit diagram. Switchgear is used to achieve this. These switchgear have connections. Cables are connected to the connections in accordance with the requirements of the circuit diagram in order to connect the connections in pairs.

Summary of the invention

It can be considered an object of the invention to provide a device which enables a flexibly adjustable, optional connection between coaxial connections. A desired circuit diagram can thus be set or changed as required.

This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Further embodiments result from the dependent claims and from the following description.

According to a first aspect, a switching device for connecting coaxial lines is specified. The switching device has a housing with at least two coaxial connections, a switching rotor arranged in the housing so as to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis, and a first electrical connection. The first electrical connection runs through the switching rotor and is designed such that it capacitively couples a first coaxial connection and a second coaxial connection of the housing in a predetermined position of the switching rotor and thereby establishes an electrical connection between the first coaxial connection and the second coaxial connection.

The switching device is thus designed to connect a signal, which is present at the first coaxial connection, to the second coaxial connection. The switching device can also have more than two coaxial connections. These coaxial connections can in particular be connected in pairs, ie the switching rotor connects two coaxial connections to one another. You can use this connection Signals are transmitted unidirectionally or bidirectionally. However, it is also possible for the switching rotor to be designed such that it leads one input connection (first coaxial connection) to two output connections (second and third coaxial connection), or vice versa.

The housing can be made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, for example. Likewise, the switching rotor can basically have the same material or consist of it.

The switching rotor can be constructed essentially like a cylinder and has a longitudinal axis. The switching rotor can be rotated about this longitudinal axis in order to be brought into different angular positions. The electrical connection runs through the switching rotor. The electrical connection has two ends. Each end is capacitively coupled to a coaxial connector (especially within the housing) when the switching rotor is in the corresponding angular position. The switching rotor is located between the coaxial connections and can be moved into a desired position here in order to establish an electrical connection. This is explained by way of example with reference to a clock face of an analog watch. The coaxial connections can be at nine o'clock and three o'clock. Now the switching rotor between the coaxial connections can be rotated so that the ends of the electrical connection are opposite the coaxial connections, that is also at nine or three o'clock. In this position, the two coaxial connections are electrically connected to one another. If the switching rotor is rotated further, for example by 45 °, 90 °, 135 ° or another value deviating from 180 °, the electrical connection between the two coaxial connections is interrupted.

The coaxial connections can be an integral part of the housing. The housing can be made in one piece or from two half-shells or generally several shells. In this case, the coaxial connections can be made in one piece with one of the shells or half shells.

The electrical connection runs, for example, in a straight line through the switching rotor and transversely to a direction of the longitudinal axis. In this way, coaxial connections can be connected to one another, which run obliquely to one another in the housing, lie opposite one another (180 ° offset) or are offset by 90 ° to one another (in the latter case there is a connection at nine o'clock and another connection at six o'clock on the clock face). The electrical connection runs through the switching rotor such that an electrical connection is established between the positions of the coaxial connections in a specific position (in particular angular position) of the switching rotor.

According to one embodiment, the switching rotor is provided with a hole. The first electrical connection extends along the hole, the first electrical connection having an inner conductor, the inner conductor being at least partially galvanically connected to the switching rotor in its longitudinal direction. The inner conductor is surrounded in the hole at least in sections by an insulator and / or a dielectric (for example and without limitation: Teflon).

The inner conductor is designed like a ridge or an elevation in the hole. In this embodiment, the inner conductor is electrically connected to the switching rotor at at least one point or point. The inner conductor can thus be electrically grounded.

The inner conductor is electrically conductive and is designed to transmit the high-frequency signal. The hole in the switching rotor can, for example, be referred to as a recess or opening and runs in particular in a straight line and connects two positions on the outer surface of the switching rotor. In a switch-through position of the switching rotor, the two positions on the lateral surface of the switching rotor lie opposite the coaxial connections, so that in the switch-through position of the switching rotor a capacitive coupling is established between a respective coaxial connection and one end of the electrical connection.

The electrical connection within the switching rotor is therefore basically similar to a coaxial connection. An inner conductor is at least partially surrounded by an insulator and / or dielectric. The insulator or the dielectric are in turn surrounded by the material of the switching rotor (the inner wall of the hole through the switching rotor).

According to a further embodiment, the first electrical connection in each case has at its two opposite ends in the longitudinal direction of the inner conductor Finishing element on. The terminating element is electrically or inductively connected to the inner conductor of the electrical connection that runs through the switching rotor, the two terminating elements each being designed to capacitively couple to a coaxial connection in the predetermined position of the switching rotor (in the switch-through position) and thereby establish the electrical connection between the first coaxial connection and the second coaxial connection.

The end element can be designed in the form of a plate. The terminating element preferably has a larger diameter than the inner conductor in order to enlarge the area for the capacitive coupling with the coaxial connection. The coaxial connection on the housing side also has an inner conductor which is surrounded by an insulator or dielectric. A capacitive coupling is present when the terminating element of the inner conductor of the electrical connection of the switching rotor is opposite the inner conductor (or a part thereof) of the coaxial connection on the housing side. The inner conductor and the terminating element are inductively connected to one another or even configured in one piece.

The inner conductor of the coaxial connection preferably also has a terminating element. This termination element is configured similarly to the termination element of the electrical connection of the switching rotor. The end elements on the side of the switching rotor and on the side of the housing can have identical dimensions, in particular the same diameter. In the switch-through position of the switching rotor, the terminating elements are preferably opposite one another without horizontal and without vertical offset. There is a small air gap between the end elements. The dimension of the air gap, i.e. the distance between the terminating elements in the switch-through position, can vary depending on the respective application (in particular the frequency of the transmitted signals, signal power, etc.). For example, the distance between the termination elements in the switch-through position can be between a tenth of a millimeter and up to one or two millimeters.

According to a further embodiment, the inner conductor runs in a straight line at least in sections between the two terminating elements.

According to a further embodiment, in combination or independently of the inner conductor running at least in sections in a straight line, the end element is designed like a plate. This can apply to the end element of the switching rotor and to the end element of the coaxial connection of the housing.

For example, the terminating element of the switching rotor can be convex. This means that the switching rotor including the terminating element can be rotated without the terminating element abutting the wall of the housing. Conversely, the end element of the coaxial connection of the housing can be concave, so that the end elements are preferably at a uniform distance from one another over their entire width and height when the switching rotor is in the switch-through position.

According to a further embodiment, in combination or independently of the inner conductor running at least in sections in a straight line and in combination or independently of the plate-like end element, the end element is inclined with respect to a longitudinal direction of the inner conductor.

The end element is preferably inclined in the horizontal direction. This can be advantageous if the electrical connection does not run centrally through the switching rotor, but is offset in the direction of the lateral surface starting from the central axis of the switching rotor. In other words, the terminating element is inclined in order to match or approximate the course of the lateral surface of the switching rotor at the position of the electrical connection. Thus, the end element also protrudes less from the switching rotor and the switching device can be made more compact and space-saving overall.

According to a further embodiment, the inner conductor is galvanically connected to the switching rotor on at least one side surface over the entire length.

The inner conductor can be described as a body with two base surfaces and one outer surface. The base areas correspond to the ends of the inner conductor opposite in the longitudinal direction. The outer surface is galvanically and optionally additionally mechanically and / or thermally connected at one point to the switching rotor over the entire length of the inner conductor. The outer surface can consist of one or more side surfaces, in accordance with the shape of the base surface. In the case of triangular base surfaces, the outer surface of the inner conductor has three side surfaces, in the case of square base surfaces there are four side surfaces, etc. One of these side surfaces is in this embodiment with the Switching rotor galvanically and optionally additionally mechanically and / or thermally connected.

Thus, a gap is formed along the longitudinal direction of the inner conductor between the inner conductor and the switching rotor along at least one side surface (for example opposite the side surface galvanically connected to the switching rotor), within which a high-frequency signal can propagate in the longitudinal direction of the inner conductor.

According to a further embodiment, the inner conductor is designed in one piece with at least one component of the switching rotor or mechanically coupled to the switching rotor.

The switching rotor can consist of one or more components. The inner conductor is coupled to at least one of these components, either by means of a mechanical connection (e.g. screwed, clamped, riveted) or because the component and the inner conductor are designed in one piece. In this embodiment, a mechanical and thermal connection is established between the inner conductor and the switching rotor. Furthermore, the inner conductor is held very reliably in the intended position. The inner conductor is not completely surrounded by dielectric, but only where the inner conductor is not in contact with the switching rotor or merges into it (in the event that the inner conductor and switching rotor are in one piece).

According to a further embodiment, a second electrical connection runs in the switching rotor and is spaced apart from the first electrical connection.

The second electrical connection can be positioned and oriented such that electrical connections between two different pairs of coaxial connections are made in one position of the switching rotor. For example, the first electrical connection can connect a first and a second coaxial connection and the second electrical connection a third and a fourth coaxial connection.

According to a further embodiment, the second electrical connection is offset with respect to the first electrical connection in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the switching rotor.

This means that the pairs of coaxial connections, each using the first or second electrical connection are connected to each other, are offset in the same direction to each other.

Alternatively, it is possible for the pairs of coaxial connections to be connected in each case to be arranged at the same height in the longitudinal direction of the switching rotor. Then the coaxial connections are located at different positions along the circumferential direction of the switching rotor. For example, four coaxial connections can be arranged at 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock. The switching rotor with the two electrical connections can be rotated into such a position that an electrical connection is established between two of these coaxial connections.

According to a further embodiment, the second electrical connection runs at an angle between 0 ° and 90 ° with respect to the first electrical connection.

According to a further embodiment, each coaxial connection of the switching device has a coaxial post. The coaxial post is inductively coupled to an electrical conductor of the respective coaxial connection.

The coaxial post can have a positive influence on the high-frequency transmission properties in the switching device, in particular between the electrical connection of the switching rotor or its terminating element and a coaxial connection.

The coaxial post is inductively coupled to the inner conductor of the coaxial connector. In cooperation with the switching rotor, the housing can form a cavity in which the coaxial post is arranged. The cavity can be provided, for example, as a depression in the outer surface of the switching rotor.

According to a further embodiment, the first electrical connection of the switching rotor in the predetermined position of the switching rotor capacitively couples to the coaxial posts of the coupled coaxial connections. A capacitive load can be arranged at one end of the coaxial post for reasons of high-frequency transmission properties.

According to a further embodiment, at least two radial depressions are arranged on the switching rotor, within each of which there is a terminating element of the first electrical connection.

The end element thus does not protrude or does not protrude significantly beyond the circumference of the switching rotor. The switching rotor can thus be rotated within the housing into a desired angular position without elements protruding or protruding from the switching rotor requiring a larger distance between the switching rotor and the housing.

The depression in the switching rotor can also form the above-mentioned cavity or be part of it.

According to a further embodiment, the switching device also has a drive. The drive is connected to the switching rotor in such a way that the drive can move the switching rotor about the longitudinal axis by rotating movement into different predetermined positions.

The drive can be an electro-mechanical engine, for example an electrically driven motor. The motor can in particular be arranged and controlled such that an angular position of the switching rotor with respect to the housing is transferred to a motor control and the motor control then controls the motor such that the switching rotor rotates from the current position into the desired position.

According to a further aspect, a switching arrangement for the optional pair-wise connection of a plurality of coaxial lines is specified. The switching arrangement has a first switching device as described above and below and a second switching device as described above and below, the first switching device being coupled directly to the second switching device by means of a coaxial connection (ie, for example without the use of a further line or a cable piece) is.

The switching devices of the switching arrangement can be arranged in a common housing. The connection between the two switching devices is integrated in the switching arrangement. This means that no separate external connection line is required for this connection. This enables a compact and space-saving design and reduces the number of individual parts required.

According to one embodiment, a single coaxial post is arranged at a coupling point between the first switching device and the second switching device, so that an electrical connection between the first and second switching devices takes place via a capacitive coupling of the respective electrical connections of the switching devices via the individual coaxial posts.

The coaxial post thus represents the link between two electrical connections of the switching rotors in the adjacent switching devices.

It is of course possible to connect any number of switching devices directly to one another, not only electrically but also mechanically. The switching rotors of the individual switching devices can then be brought into such a position that a signal from a first switching device is passed through the switching rotor of a second switching device to a desired coaxial connection of the second switching device, where the signal is then used for further processing. It is conceivable to provide a two-dimensional array of switching devices cascaded together. Several switching devices (at least two) can be connected in a row. Several such rows (at least two) can then be connected together. This structure can also be referred to as a switching matrix.

Further configurations of the switching device are described with reference to the following drawings.

Brief description of the figures

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung von Schaltzuständen einer Schaltvorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel.

Fig. 2

eine schematische Darstellung einer Schaltvorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel in Draufsicht und Schnittansicht von vorne.

Fig. 3

eine schematische Darstellung einer Schaltvorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel.

Fig. 4

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung einer Schaltvorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel.

Fig. 5

eine schematische Darstellung einer Schaltvorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel.

Fig. 6

eine schematische Darstellung eines Teils einer Schaltvorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel.

Fig. 7

eine schematische Darstellung einer Schaltvorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel.

Fig. 8

eine schematische Darstellung einer Schaltvorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel.

Fig. 9

eine schematische Darstellung einer Schaltvorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel.

Fig. 10

eine schematische Darstellung einer Schaltvorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel.

Fig. 11

eine schematische Darstellung einer Schaltvorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel.

Fig. 12

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung einer Schaltvorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel.

Fig. 13

eine schematische Darstellung einer Schaltvorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel.

Fig. 14

eine schematische Darstellung einer Schaltanordnung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel.

Fig. 15

eine schematische Darstellung einer Schaltanordnung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel.

Fig. 16

eine schematische Darstellung eines Gehäuses einer Schaltvorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel.

Fig. 17

eine schematische Darstellung einer Schaltvorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel.

Fig. 18

eine schematische Darstellung einer Schaltvorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel.

Fig. 19

eine schematische Darstellung von mehreren Innenleitern gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel.

Fig. 20

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines Schaltrotors gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel.

In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention are discussed in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The representations are schematic and are not to scale. The same reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of switching states of a switching device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2

is a schematic representation of a switching device according to an embodiment in plan view and sectional view from the front.

Fig. 3

is a schematic representation of a switching device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 4

is a schematic sectional view of a switching device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 5

is a schematic representation of a switching device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 6

is a schematic representation of part of a switching device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 7

is a schematic representation of a switching device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 8

is a schematic representation of a switching device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 9

is a schematic representation of a switching device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 10

is a schematic representation of a switching device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 11

is a schematic representation of a switching device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 12

is a schematic sectional view of a switching device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 13

a schematic representation of a switching device according to a Embodiment.

Fig. 14

is a schematic representation of a switching arrangement according to an embodiment.

Fig. 15

is a schematic representation of a switching arrangement according to an embodiment.

Fig. 16

is a schematic representation of a housing of a switching device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 17

is a schematic representation of a switching device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 18

is a schematic representation of a switching device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 19

is a schematic representation of several inner conductors according to an embodiment.

Fig. 20

is a schematic sectional view of a switching rotor according to an embodiment.

Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

Fig. 1 shows the basic principle of a switching device with the aid of different switch positions, in which different connections (ports) are electrically connected to one another.

The first schematic diagram (A) shows a simple toggle switch mechanism in which port 1 can be connected to either port 2 or port 3. The representations B, C, D show a switching rotor 110, which is arranged between four connections (port 1 to port 4). The connections correspond to the coaxial connections (for example 50 ohm lines). Of the four connections, two can be electrically connected to each other are connected, ie the connections are connected to each other in pairs. The electrical connections 116 are arranged within the switching rotor 110.

It should be noted that the electrical connections and their course in Fig. 1 are shown schematically. The mere fact that the connections here are bent or shown in an arc does not mean that the electrical connections within the switching rotor actually run in an arc.

Representation B shows a switching rotor with two electrical connections, each of which connects adjacent connections. As shown, port 1 is connected to port 2 and port 3 to port 4. If the switching rotor is turned 90 ° clockwise or counterclockwise, a connection is established between port 1 and port4 on the one hand and port 2 and port 3. If the switching rotor is only rotated by 45 ° from the position shown, no connection is connected to another.

Representation C supplements the switching rotor 110 from representation B by a third electrical connection, which is located between the electrical connections from representation B. This third electrical connection connects two opposite connections when the switching rotor is rotated by 45 ° from the position shown. In the switching state then reached, the two connections shown in illustration B are not coupled to a coaxial connection.

Diagram D supplements the switching rotor from diagram B by a further electrical connection (fourth electrical connection). The fourth electrical connection is crossed with the third electrical connection. The fourth electrical connection also connects opposite coaxial connections, namely the two connections, which are not connected to one another by the third electrical connection. If the switching rotor in illustration D is rotated by 45 °, port 1 is connected to port 3 on the one hand and port 2 to port 4 on the other.

Such a switching device designed with coaxial connections makes it possible to switch a broadband connection up to very high frequencies of 30 GHz or more and is characterized by low losses. Coaxial connections can be integrated directly on or in the switching device. The switching device for coaxial lines is compact and space-saving design and for medium power at low frequencies (e.g. 100 to 150 watts in the L, S, C band) and low power at low and high frequencies (e.g. 1 watt in L, S, C, X-, Ku-, Ka-, Q-band) suitable.

Fig. 2 shows the basic structure of a switching device 100 consisting of housing 102, coaxial connections 104, 105, 106, 107 and switching rotor 110.

The upper drawing is a top view of the switching device. The switching rotor 110 can be a cylinder (circular in plan view). The switching rotor can be rotated about its longitudinal axis in both directions, as shown by an arrow. As a result of this rotation, the switching rotor 110 changes its angular position and also its relative position to the coaxial connections which are arranged opposite the outer surface of the switching rotor. The coaxial connections are arranged on the housing 102.

The lower drawing is a sectional view of the switching device from the front. The longitudinal axis 111 is shown in the switching rotor 110. The housing has an opening for the coaxial connections 105, 107 on the left and right.

A drive 150 is arranged on the housing 102, which is connected to the switching rotor 110 such that the drive can set the switching rotor in rotation about the longitudinal axis 111 and bring it into a desired angular position relative to the coaxial connections. The drive can be an electric motor which is fed with electrical energy (energy source and supply lines are not shown).

Fig. 3 shows a schematic isometric view of a switching device. Four coaxial connections 104, 105, 106, 107 extend from the housing. The switching rotor 110 is located in the housing. An electrical connection 116 is arranged within the switching rotor 110. Depending on the position of the switching rotor 110, the electrical connection 116 couples two opposite coaxial connections 105, 107 (as in FIG Fig. 3 shown) or 104, 106 (if the switching rotor is off Fig. 3 is rotated by 90 °).

The cross-sectional shape of the switching rotor 110 in Fig. 3 is not cylindrical because the switching rotor has four recesses. Two of these depressions are located at the ends of the electrical connection 116. A cavity 118 is thus formed, within which the electrical connection 116 capacitively coupled to a coaxial connection 105, 107. The cavity can also be called a resonator. A coaxial post 114 is arranged in the cavity and is inductively coupled to the inner conductor of the corresponding coaxial connection. At this point there is therefore an inductive input coupling 112.

In Fig. 3 the longitudinal axis of the switching rotor runs into the plane of the drawing. The switching rotor is thus rotated clockwise or counterclockwise in this representation. The drive is used for this (see Fig. 2 ). It is conceivable that the switching rotor is also turned manually. This makes sense if an initial configuration of the switching device is set flexibly, but does not have to be changed during the operating time.

Fig. 4 shows a sectional view from the front view of the switching device comparable to Fig. 2 .

The coaxial connections 105, 107 extend into the housing 102 and open into a cavity. In this cavity there is in each case a coaxial post 112 which is inductively coupled to the inner conductor of the corresponding coaxial connection. A capacitive load 120 is disposed at one end of the coaxial post. The switching rotor 110 is arranged between the coaxial connections 105, 107. An electrical connection 116 runs in the switching rotor, which capacitively couples the two coaxial connections depending on the angular position of the switching rotor. An air gap 122 can be located on the top and bottom of the switching rotor so that the switching rotor can be rotated in the housing.

The switching rotor can also be held in the housing by means of a bearing, see Fig. 16 .

Fig. 5 shows an isometric schematic representation of a switching device 100. Two electrical connections are arranged in the switching rotor 110. In the position of the switching rotor 110 shown, the electrical connection 116A connects the coaxial connections 105 and 106 to one another. It can be seen that the electrical connection 116A runs in a straight line within the switching rotor and is arranged eccentrically with respect to a longitudinal central axis of the switching rotor.

In addition, the switching rotor also contains an electrical connection 116B. This runs through the central axis of the switching rotor and is arranged to connect opposite coaxial connections to one another. For this purpose, the switching rotor 110 must be rotated through 45 ° from the position shown.

The electrical connections 116A, 116B (first and second electrical connections) are laterally offset relative to one another in the plan view. These connections can also be offset relative to one another along the longitudinal axis of the switching rotor. Even if an electrical connection along the longitudinal axis of the switching rotor is offset with respect to a second electrical connection, these electrical connections can still capacitively couple to the same coaxial connections in the suitable angular positions of the switching rotor if the coaxial post has a corresponding longitudinal extension.

Fig. 6 shows an enlarged view of a variant of the electrical connection 116A Fig. 5 . The two coaxial connections 105, 106 with the associated coaxial posts 114 are shown. The termination elements 124 are inclined at an inclination angle 125 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the electrical connection 116A. If the switching rotor 110 is rotated in the direction of rotation 126, the terminating element 124 does not touch the coaxial post 114. It remains at this point during all positions of the switching rotor with a (contactless) capacitive coupling. In the present example, the angle of inclination is 125 45 °. Depending on the position and orientation of the electrical connection, the angle of inclination can also assume other values.

Fig. 7 shows an illustration of the switching device in which the electrical connection 116B connects two opposite coaxial connections. The electrical connection 116A, however, is not coupled to any coaxial connections. A third electrical connection 116C is in the top view of FIG Fig. 7 perpendicular to electrical connection 116B and couples the other two opposite coaxial connectors.

Fig. 8 shows a switching rotor 110 with an electrical connection 116 and an associated inner conductor 117 and terminating elements 124 connected to it. The terminating elements 124 are arranged within a radial recess 128 in the outer surface of the switching rotor (circular concave recess). Through the deepening a cavity is formed which functionally resembles a resonator. The termination elements 124 establish a capacitive coupling to the associated coaxial post 114. The depression 128 can be arcuate (as in FIG Fig. 8 shown) or be shaped differently, for example elliptical, rectangular or triangular, in the latter case the tip of the triangle pointing in the direction of the central axis of the switching rotor.

Fig. 9 shows a switching rotor 110 with two electrical connections. The termination elements 124 of the upper electrical connection are capacitively coupled to the coaxial connections 105, 107. The terminating elements 124 of the lower electrical connections have no function in the switching position shown. In Fig. 9 the radial depressions have a rectangular cross section. Some of them have rounded corners, others have no rounded corners.

Fig. 10 shows the switching rotor of the Fig. 9 in a position rotated by 45 ° compared to Fig. 9 . In Fig. 9 opposing coaxial connections 105, 107 are connected to one another. In Fig. 10 the shorter electrical connection connects the adjacent coaxial connections 105, 106 in a corner.

Fig. 11 shows a switching device with three electrical connections, which lie side by side in the radial direction of the switching rotor. However, these connections can also be offset relative to one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the switching rotor. Depending on the position of the switching rotor, different coaxial connections are connected to one another by means of capacitive coupling 118. In the position shown, the coaxial connections 105, 107 are connected to one another. With a rotation of 45 ° clockwise, the connections 104 and 107 on the one hand and 105 and 106 on the other hand are electrically connected to one another. Fig. 12 shows a sectional view of a side view of the switching device. A capacitive coupling is produced between the terminating elements 124, which are inductively coupled to the inner conductor 117 of the electrical connection, and the coaxial connections 105, 107 in order to transmit high-frequency signals. In Fig. 12 the hole 130 in the switching rotor for the electrical connection is clearly visible. This hole runs transversely to the longitudinal axis and can be drilled or milled, for example. An insulator or dielectric 131 and the inner conductor 117 are arranged in the hole.

Fig. 13 shows a schematic representation of a switching rotor 110. By the switching rotor runs an inner conductor 117 of an electrical connection. A terminating element 124 is arranged at one end of the inner conductor 117. At the other end of the inner conductor 117, an identical terminating element can be arranged, even if this is shown in FIG Fig. 13 is not explicitly shown.

The terminating element 124 of the inner conductor is shown rounded or circular in this example. Likewise, a terminating element 124 can be arranged on the inner conductor of the coaxial connection, this terminating element being curved accordingly.

Fig. 14 shows a switching arrangement 1 consisting of two switching devices 100 as shown in any of the above embodiments. The two switching devices 100 are connected to one another at a coaxial connector 135. This coaxial connector 135 is electrically connected, preferably inductively, to a coaxial connection of the housings of the two switching devices.

Fig. 15 shows an alternative embodiment of the switching arrangement 1. The two switching devices 100 share a common capacitive coupling 140. A single coaxial post is arranged between the mutually facing terminating elements of the inner conductors of the two switching devices. The switching rotors can each form a cavity at these points.

Fig. 16 shows a housing 102 of a switching device. The coaxial connections 104, 105, 107 are located on the housing. The housing can consist of two half-shells, the half-switch facing the observer being removed. A coaxial post running or extending in the longitudinal direction of the switching rotor is arranged on the inner conductors of the coaxial connections 105, 107. A capacitive coupling between the inner conductor of the switching rotor and the coaxial post can take place at any position in the longitudinal direction of the coaxial post. Thus, inner conductors can be arranged at different heights (in the longitudinal direction) in the switching rotor.

A bearing 145 is arranged in the housing and holds the switching rotor. The bearing can be driven 150 (see Fig. 2 ) connected to turn the switching rotor.

Fig. 17 shows a schematic representation of a switching device 110 with a switching rotor with a plurality of electrical connections. The switching rotor is in such a position that an electrical connection with the terminating elements 124C, 124D connects the coaxial connections 105 and 107 to one another. The front terminating element 124E can be seen from a further electrical connection, specifically in the middle of the switching rotor. This electrical connection runs into the drawing plane. In addition, there is another electrical connection to the terminating elements 124A and 124B, which is similar to the connection 116A 5 and 6 .

Fig. 18 is a schematic representation of a switching rotor 110 with two electrical connections, one of which runs from left to right in the image and the other into the drawing plane. The representation in corresponds to the basic structure Fig. 18 the structure like already in 11, 12 and 17th shown. Aspects described there are not repeated here and nevertheless apply to this exemplary embodiment.

Of the Fig. 18 it can be seen that the inner conductor 117A is galvanically coupled to the switching rotor 110 in the electrical connection running from left to right, specifically at the upper end of the hole in the switching rotor filled with dielectric 131. The inner side of the inner conductor 117A lies against the switching rotor, so that the inner conductor 117A is galvanically coupled to the switching rotor. In addition, the inner conductor 117A can also be mechanically and thermally coupled to the switching rotor. It is conceivable that the inner conductor is galvanically coupled to the switching rotor at certain points, for example by means of spot welding or soldering or by means of mechanical connecting elements such as screws, bolts, rivets or the like. If the inner conductor is connected to the switching rotor by means of mechanical connecting elements, the inner conductor can be spaced from the switching rotor on all of its side faces. In the Fig. 18 The variant shown, however, provides that a side face of the inner conductor is galvanically and optionally mechanically and / or thermally connected to the switching rotor over the entire length. The high frequency signal propagates in the longitudinal direction of the inner conductor 117A in the gap 122.

The electrical connection into the drawing plane with the inner conductor 117B is constructed similarly to the electrical connection with the inner conductor 117A. However, the inner conductor 117B is on the lower surface of the corresponding hole in the switching rotor arranged. This increases the distance between the inner conductors 117A and 117B. The inner conductors 117A and 117B run at an angle of 90 ° relative to one another. It is possible that the inner conductors are arranged or run at a different angle relative to one another.

The structure according to Fig. 18 has the advantage that the inner conductor is mechanically held in place in the hole. In addition, the inner conductor can be grounded electrically because it is galvanically connected to the switching rotor. In addition, a thermal connection can make it possible to conduct or deliver thermal energy from the inner conductor to the switching rotor. The dielectric 131 surrounds the inner conductor 117A, 117B on those side surfaces which are not in contact with the switching rotor. The dielectric 131 preferably fills the entire gap or the entire hole in the switching rotor.

Fig. 19 shows an isolated representation of inner conductors 117 and their relative position to one another. For the sake of clarity, the switching rotor is omitted here.

In the foreground, an inner conductor runs from the bottom left to the top right. In the background, three inner conductors run side by side and across the inner conductor in the foreground. As described, these inner conductors can be galvanically and / or mechanically and / or thermally connected to the body of the switching rotor. The termination elements 124 are connected to the inner conductor 117 by means of a connecting piece 127. The connector 127 can be screwed, inserted, or clamped into the inner conductor, for example. In the assembled state, the connecting piece is preferably surrounded by dielectric and is not in direct contact with the switching rotor, see for example Fig. 18 .

If the inner conductors 117 are not made in one piece with the switching rotor, the inner conductors are mounted in the switching rotor. When assembling, the inner conductors 117 can be pushed into corresponding recesses in the switching rotor 110 and fixed therein, for example with screws or other mechanical connections. The dielectric is also brought into the recess of the switching rotor. The dielectric can be held in position by the inner conductor. For this purpose, the dielectric can be adapted to the shape of the inner conductor.

Fig. 20 shows a sectional view of a switching rotor 110 with three inner conductors 117, which according to variant C in Fig. 1 are built up. The inner conductors are connected to the switching rotor on their underside or are configured in one piece. Otherwise, the inner conductors 117 are surrounded by dielectric 131 in the recess of the switching rotor.

Of the Fig. 20 can also be seen how the terminating elements 124 are fastened in the inner conductor 117 by means of a connecting piece 127 (for example a bolt or a set screw). The connecting piece extends into an opening running in the inner conductor and is inserted into this opening, screwed in or introduced in some other way and fixed therein.

In addition, it should be pointed out that "comprehensive" does not exclude other elements or steps and "one" or "one" does not exclude a large number. Furthermore, it should be pointed out that features or steps that have been described with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments can also be used in combination with other features or steps of other exemplary embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be viewed as a restriction.

Reference list

1

Switching arrangement

100

Switching device

102

casing

104

connection

105

connection

106

connection

107

connection

110

Switching rotor

111

Longitudinal axis

112

inductive input coupling

114

Coaxial post

116

connection

117

Inner conductor

118

capacitive coupling

120

capacitive load

122

gap

124

Closing element, plate

125

Angle of inclination

126

Direction of rotation

127

Connector

128

cavity

130

hole

131

Insulator, dielectric

135

Coaxial connector

140

common capacitive coupling

145

camp

150

drive

Claims (15)

Switching device (100) for connecting coaxial lines, comprising the switching device: a housing (102) with at least two coaxial connections (104, 105, 106, 107); a switching rotor (110) arranged in the housing (102) so as to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis (111); a first electrical connection (116) which runs through the switching rotor and capacitively couples a first coaxial connection (104) and a second coaxial connection (105) in a predetermined position of the switching rotor, and thereby an electrical connection between the first coaxial connection (104) and the second Establishes coaxial connection (105). Switching device (100) according to claim 1,
wherein the switching rotor (110) is provided with a hole (130), the first electrical connection (116) extending along the hole (130);
wherein the first electrical connection (116) has an inner conductor (117), the inner conductor being at least partially galvanically connected to the switching rotor (110) in its longitudinal direction;
wherein the inner conductor (117) in the hole (130) is at least partially surrounded by an insulator and / or a dielectric (131). Switching device (100) according to claim 2,
wherein the first electrical connection (116) has at both of its ends opposite in the longitudinal direction of the inner conductor (117) a terminating element (124) which is connected to the inner conductor (117), the terminating elements (124) being configured in the predetermined manner Position of the switching rotor to capacitively couple each with a coaxial connection and thereby establish the electrical connection between the first coaxial connection and the second coaxial connection. Switching device (100) according to claim 3,
wherein the inner conductor (117) runs at least in sections in a straight line between the two terminating elements (124);
wherein the end element (124) is designed like a plate;
the termination element (124) being inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the inner conductor. Switching device (100) according to one of Claims 2 to 4,
wherein the inner conductor (117) is electrically connected to the switching rotor (110) over the entire length on at least one side surface. Switching device (100) according to one of Claims 3 to 5,
wherein the inner conductor (117) is designed in one piece with at least one component of the switching rotor (110) or is mechanically coupled to the switching rotor. Switching device (100) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein a second electrical connection runs in the switching rotor (110) and is spaced apart from the first electrical connection. Switching device (100) according to claim 7,
wherein the second electrical connection is offset with respect to the first electrical connection in a direction along the longitudinal axis (111) of the switching rotor (110). Switching device (100) according to claim 7 or 8,
wherein the second electrical connection with respect to the first electrical connection extends at an angle between 0 ° and 90 °. Switching device (100) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein each coaxial connection of the switching device has a coaxial post (114) which is inductively coupled to an electrical conductor of the respective coaxial connection. Switching device (100) according to claim 10,
wherein the first electrical connection (116) is designed to capacitively couple in the predetermined position of the switching rotor (110) to the coaxial posts of the coupled coaxial connections. Switching device (100) according to one of claims 3 to 11,
wherein at least two radial depressions (128) are arranged on the switching rotor (110), within each of which a termination element of the first electrical connection (116) is located. Switching device (100) according to one of the preceding claims,
further comprising a drive (150) which is connected to the switching rotor (110) in such a way that the drive can move the switching rotor (110) about the longitudinal axis (111) into a different predetermined position by a rotational movement. Switching arrangement (1) for optionally connecting a plurality of coaxial lines in pairs, the switching arrangement (1) comprising a first switching device (100) according to one of the preceding claims and a second switching device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first switching device by means of a Coaxial connection is directly coupled to the second switching device. Switching arrangement (1) according to claim 14,
wherein a single coaxial post is arranged at a coupling point between the first switching device and the second switching device, so that an electrical connection between the first and second switching devices takes place via a capacitive coupling of the respective electrical connections via the individual coaxial posts.

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