EP3691022B1 - Coaxial line switch - Google Patents

Description

field of invention

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

Background of the Invention

In high-frequency technology, ie for the transmission and processing of signals with very high frequencies, for example signals well 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 paths. The satellite transmission path can be, for example, a Ka-band transmission path in a frequency range of 17.7-21.2 GHz for the downlink (downlink) and 27.5-31 GHz for the uplink (uplink), a Ku- or X-band implementation in the range around 11 or 7 GHz, or 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 with specially manufactured connectors. To make a connection between two coaxial lines to establish, plugs or switches are usually used, which produce a galvanic contact between the coaxial lines to be connected.

It may be required to connect a large number of coaxial lines to one another in pairs, optionally in a specific switching scheme. To achieve this, switchgear is used. These switchgear have connections. Wires are attached to the terminals as required by the wiring diagram to connect the terminals together in pairs.

JP H07 74502 A describes a directional coupler with four coaxial connections, which can be connected to one another via coupling plates connected to one another in pairs. The coupling plates are arranged on a rotor so that different switching patterns can be realized between the coaxial terminals.

EP 0 162 334 A2 describes a microwave rotary switch with a housing and a plurality of waveguide connections and a rotor arranged in the housing. The rotor carries a waveguide which, in a specific position of the rotor, creates a signal connection between two waveguide connections. The rotor carries an electrically conductive plate which is provided with a gap serving as a waveguide. The gap runs through a cavity formed in the housing and in the rotor.

U.S.A. 4,229,746 describes a multi-port coupler. A rotor has a plurality of elongated coupling loops spaced along the circumference of the rotor.

GB 974 323 A describes a coaxial switch having a cylindrical housing with connectors for external coaxial cables. On the inside, the housing has internal connections which can be connected to one another by means of spring contacts. The spring contacts are arranged in a rotor in the housing.

SU 81 779 A1 describes a high-frequency switch with a housing and a rotatable rotor arranged therein.

Summary of the Invention

It can be seen as an object of the invention to specify a device which enables a flexibly adjustable optional connection between coaxial connections. A desired shift pattern can thus be set or changed as required.

This object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Further embodiments emerge 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 such that it can rotate about a longitudinal axis, and a first electrical connection. The first electrical connection runs through the switching rotor and is configured such that, in a predetermined position of the switching rotor, it capacitively couples a first coaxial connection and a second coaxial connection of the housing, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the first coaxial connection and the second coaxial connection. 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 galvanically connected to the switching rotor at least in sections in its longitudinal direction. The inner conductor is surrounded at least in sections by an insulator and/or a dielectric in the hole. The first electrical connection has a terminating element at each of its two opposite ends in the longitudinal direction of the inner conductor. The terminating element is electrically or inductively connected to the inner conductor of the electrical connection that runs through the switching rotor, with the two terminating elements each being designed to be capacitively coupled in the predetermined position of the switching rotor (in the switched-through position) with a respective coaxial connection and thereby establishing the electrical connection between the first coaxial connector and the second coaxial connector.

The switching device is designed to switch through 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. In this case, these coaxial connections can be connected in pairs, in particular, ie that the switching rotor connects two coaxial connections to each other. Signals can be transmitted unidirectionally or bidirectionally via this connection. However, it is also possible for the switching rotor to be designed in such a way that it leads an 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 essentially be constructed 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 (particularly within the housing) when the switching rotor is in the appropriate angular position. The switching rotor is located between the coaxial connectors and can be moved to a desired position here in order to establish an electrical connection. This is explained by way of example with reference to a dial of an analog clock. The coaxial ports may be at nine o'clock and at three o'clock. The switching rotor can now be rotated between the coaxial connections in such a way that the ends of the electrical connection are opposite the coaxial connections, ie also at nine or three o'clock. In this position, the two coaxial connectors are electrically connected to each other. If the switching rotor is rotated further, for example by 45°, 90°, 135° or some other value deviating from 180°, the electrical connection between the two coaxial connections is interrupted.

The coaxial connectors can be an integral part of the housing. The housing can be made in one piece or from two half-shells or, in general, from several shells. In this case, the coaxial connectors 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 at an angle to one another in the housing and face one another (180° offset) or offset by 90° to each other (in the latter case one connector is at nine o'clock and another connector is at six o'clock on the dial). The electrical connection runs through the switching rotor in such a way that an electrical connection between the positions of the coaxial connections is established in a specific position (in particular angular position) of the switching rotor.

According to the invention, 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 galvanically connected to the switching rotor at least in sections in its longitudinal direction. The inner conductor is at least partially surrounded by an insulator and/or a dielectric (for example and without limitation: Teflon) in the hole.

The inner conductor is shaped like a ridge or ridge in the hole. In this embodiment, the inner conductor is galvanically connected to the switch rotor at at least one point or location. Thus, the inner conductor can 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 in particular runs in a straight line and connects two positions on the lateral surface of the switching rotor. In a switched-through position of the switching rotor, the two positions on the lateral surface of the switching rotor are opposite the coaxial connections, so that in the switched-through position of the switching rotor a capacitive coupling is established between a coaxial connection and one end of the electrical connection.

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

According to the invention, the first electrical connection is longitudinal at both of its ends the inner conductor opposite ends each have a terminating element. The terminating element is electrically or inductively connected to the inner conductor of the electrical connection that runs through the switching rotor, with the two terminating elements each being designed to be capacitively coupled in the predetermined position of the switching rotor (in the switched-through position) with a respective coaxial connection and thereby establishing the electrical connection between the first coaxial connector and the second coaxial connector.

The terminating 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 increase the area for the capacitive coupling to the coaxial connection. The coaxial connector on the housing side also has an inner conductor which is surrounded by an insulator or dielectric. Capacitive coupling occurs when the terminating element of the inner conductor of the electrical connection of the switching rotor is opposite the inner conductor (or part of it) of the coaxial connection on the housing side. The inner conductor and the terminating element are connected to one another inductively or are even designed in one piece.

The inner conductor of the coaxial connection preferably also has a terminating element. This terminating element is designed similarly to the terminating element of the electrical connection of the switching rotor. The closing elements on the switching rotor side and on the housing side can have identical dimensions, in particular the same diameter. In the switched-through position of the switching rotor, the terminating elements are preferably located opposite one another without any horizontal or vertical offset. There is a small air gap between the end elements. The dimension of the air gap, ie 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 terminating elements in the switched-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 another embodiment, in combination or independently of that If the inner conductor runs in a straight line at least in sections, the terminating 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 closing element of the switching rotor can be convex in shape. The switching rotor can thus be rotated together with the terminating element without the terminating element hitting the wall of the housing. Conversely, the terminating element of the coaxial connection of the housing can be concave, so that the terminating elements are preferably evenly spaced from one another over their entire width and height when the switching rotor is in the switched-on position.

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

The closing element is preferably inclined in the horizontal direction. This can be advantageous when the electrical connection does not run centrally through the switching rotor, but instead is offset in the direction of the outer surface, starting from the central axis of the switching rotor. In other words, the terminating element is inclined in order to match or approach the course of the lateral surface of the switching rotor at the position of the electrical connection. The closing element thus protrudes less from the switching rotor and the switching device can be designed to be 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 areas and one lateral area. The bases correspond to the longitudinally opposite ends of the inner conductor. The lateral surface is galvanically connected to the switching rotor at one point and optionally also mechanically and/or thermally connected, specifically over the entire length of the inner conductor. The lateral surface can consist of one or more side surfaces, depending on the shape of the base surface. In the case of triangular bases, the outer surface of the inner conductor has three side surfaces, in the case of square bases it has four Side surfaces, etc. In this embodiment, one of these side surfaces is connected to the switching rotor galvanically and optionally also mechanically and/or thermally.

A gap is thus 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 is 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 does not rest against or merge into the switch rotor (if the inner conductor and switch rotor are in one piece).

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

The second electrical connection may be positioned and oriented to establish electrical connections between two different pairs of coaxial terminals 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 can connect a third and a fourth coaxial connection to one another.

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, which are each connected to one another by means of the first or second electrical connection, are also offset in the same direction with respect to one another.

Alternatively, it is possible for the respective pairs of coaxial connections to be connected to be arranged at the same height in the longitudinal direction of the switching rotor. Then, the coaxial terminals are at different positions along the circumferential direction of the switching rotor. For example, four coaxial ports may be located 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 any two of these coaxial connections.

According to a further embodiment, the second electrical connection runs at an angle of 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 connector.

The coaxial post can positively influence 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. The housing, in cooperation with the switching rotor, can form a cavity in which the coaxial post is arranged. The cavity can be provided, for example, as a depression in the lateral surface of the switching rotor.

According to a further embodiment, the first electrical connection of the switching rotor capacitively couples to the coaxial posts of the coupled coaxial terminals in the predetermined position of the switching rotor. 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 are on the switching rotor Arranged wells, within each of which there is a terminating element of the first electrical connection.

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

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

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 into various predetermined positions by means of a rotational movement.

The drive can be an electromechanical prime mover, for example an electrically driven motor. In particular, the motor can be arranged and controlled such that an angular position of the switching rotor with respect to the housing is transferred to a motor controller and the motor controller then controls the motor so that the switching rotor rotates from the current position to the desired position.

According to a further aspect, a switching arrangement for selectively connecting a plurality of coaxial lines in pairs 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 using another line or a piece of cable). is.

The switching devices of the switching arrangement can be arranged in a common housing. The connection between the two switching devices is integrated into 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 occurs via a capacitive coupling of the respective electrical connections of the switching devices via the single coaxial post.

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 each be brought into a position such that a signal from a first switching device is routed 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 connected to one another in a cascaded manner. Several switching devices (at least two) can be connected in series. Several such rows (at least two) can then in turn be connected to one another. 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 nicht beanspruchten illustrativen usführungsbeispiel in Draufsicht und Schnittansicht von vorne.

Fig. 3

eine schematische Darstellung einer Schaltvorrichtung gemäß einem nicht beanspruchten illustrativen Ausführungsbeispiel.

Fig. 4

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung einer Schaltvorrichtung gemäß einem nicht beanspruchten illustrativen Ausführungsbeispiel.

Fig. 5

eine schematische Darstellung einer Schaltvorrichtung gemäß einem nicht beanspruchten illustrativen Ausführungsbeispiel.

Fig. 6

eine schematische Darstellung eines Teils einer Schaltvorrichtung gemäß einem nicht beanspruchten illustrativen Ausführungsbeispiel.

Fig. 7

eine schematische Darstellung einer Schaltvorrichtung gemäß einem nicht beanspruchten illustrativen Ausführungsbeispiel.

Fig. 8

eine schematische Darstellung einer Schaltvorrichtung gemäß einem nicht beanspruchten illustrativen Ausführungsbeispiel.

Fig. 9

eine schematische Darstellung einer Schaltvorrichtung gemäß einem nicht beanspruchten illustrativen Ausführungsbeispiel.

Fig. 10

eine schematische Darstellung einer Schaltvorrichtung gemäß einem nicht beanspruchten illustrativen Ausführungsbeispiel.

Fig. 11

eine schematische Darstellung einer Schaltvorrichtung gemäß einem nicht beanspruchten illustrativen Ausführungsbeispiel.

Fig. 12

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung einer Schaltvorrichtung gemäß einem nicht beanspruchten illustrativen Ausführungsbeispiel.

Fig. 13

eine schematische Darstellung einer Schaltvorrichtung gemäß einem nicht beanspruchten illustrativen Ausführungsbeispiel.

Fig. 14

eine schematische Darstellung einer Schaltanordnung gemäß einem nicht beanspruchten illustrativen Ausführungsbeispiel.

Fig. 15

eine schematische Darstellung einer Schaltanordnung gemäß einem nicht beanspruchten illustrativen Ausführungsbeispiel.

Fig. 16

eine schematische Darstellung eines Gehäuses einer Schaltvorrichtung gemäß einem nicht beanspruchten illustrativen Ausführungsbeispiel.

Fig. 17

eine schematische Darstellung einer Schaltvorrichtung gemäß einem nicht beanspruchten illustrativen 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.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be discussed in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The illustrations are schematic and not true to scale. The same reference numbers relate to the same or similar elements. Show it:

1

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

2

a schematic representation of a switching device according to a non-claimed illustrative embodiment in plan view and sectional view from the front.

3

a schematic representation of a switching device according to a non-claimed illustrative embodiment.

4

a schematic sectional view of a switching device according to a non-claimed illustrative embodiment.

figure 5

a schematic representation of a switching device according to a non-claimed illustrative embodiment.

6

a schematic representation of a part of a switching device according to a non-claimed illustrative embodiment.

7

a schematic representation of a switching device according to a non-claimed illustrative embodiment.

8

a schematic representation of a switching device according to a non-claimed illustrative embodiment.

9

a schematic representation of a switching device according to a non-claimed illustrative embodiment.

10

a schematic representation of a switching device according to a non-claimed illustrative embodiment.

11

a schematic representation of a switching device according to a non-claimed illustrative embodiment.

12

a schematic sectional view of a switching device according to a non-claimed illustrative embodiment.

13

a schematic representation of a switching device according to a non-claimed illustrative embodiment.

14

a schematic representation of a switching arrangement according to a non-claimed illustrative embodiment.

15

a schematic representation of a switching arrangement according to a non-claimed illustrative embodiment.

16

a schematic representation of a housing of a switching device according to a non-claimed illustrative embodiment.

17

a schematic representation of a switching device according to a non-claimed illustrative embodiment.

18

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

19

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

20

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

Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

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

The first schematic (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 (e.g 50 ohm lines). Two of the four connections can be electrically connected to one another, ie the connections are connected to one another in pairs. The electrical connections 116 are arranged within the switching rotor 110 .

It should be noted that the electrical connections and their routing in 1 are shown schematically. The mere fact that the connections are shown herein as bent or arcuate does not imply that the electrical connections within the switch rotor are actually arcuate.

Diagram B shows a switching rotor with two electrical connections, each connecting adjacent terminals. Port 1 connects to port 2 and port 3 connects to port 4 as shown. When 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 on the other. If the switch rotor is only rotated 45° from the position shown, no connection is connected to another.

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

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

A switching device designed in this way 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 directly connected to or be integrated into the switching device. The switching device for coaxial lines has a compact and space-saving design and is suitable for medium power at low frequencies (e.g. 100 to 150 watts in the L, S, C band) and low powers at low and high frequencies (e.g. 1 watt in the L, S -, C, X, Ku, Ka, Q band).

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 plan view of the switching device. The switch rotor 110 may be a cylinder (circular in plan view). The switching rotor can be rotated about its longitudinal axis in either direction, as shown by an arrow. As a result of this rotation, the switching rotor 110 changes its angular position and also its position relative 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 front sectional view of the switching device. 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 and is connected to the switching rotor 110 in such a way that the drive can cause the switching rotor to rotate 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 supplied with electrical energy (energy source and supply lines are not shown).

3 shows a schematic isometric representation of a switching device. Four coaxial connections 104, 105, 106, 107 lead 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 3 shown) or 104, 106 (when the switching rotor is off 3 rotated 90°).

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

In 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 2 ). It is conceivable that the switching rotor is also rotated manually. This makes sense when an initial configuration of the switching device has to be set flexibly, but does not have to be changed during the operating time.

4 shows a sectional view from the front view of the switching device comparable to 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 114 which is inductively coupled to the inner conductor of the corresponding coaxial connection. A capacitive load 120 is placed 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 at 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 .

figure 5 shows an isometric schematic representation of a switching device 100. In the switching rotor 110, two electrical connections are arranged. In the position of switch rotor 110 shown, electrical connection 116A connects coaxial terminals 105 and 106 together. It can be seen that the electrical connection 116A is rectilinear within the switching rotor and is eccentric with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the Switching rotor is arranged.

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. To do this, however, the switching rotor 110 must be rotated by 45° from the position shown.

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

6 11 shows an enlarged view of a variant of the electrical connection 116A figure 5 . The two coaxial connectors 105, 106 with associated coaxial posts 114 are shown. The termination members 124 are inclined at an inclination angle 125 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the electrical connection 116A. When the switch rotor 110 is rotated in the direction of rotation 126 , the termination member 124 does not touch the coaxial post 114 . It remains in all positions of the switching rotor with a (contactless) capacitive coupling at this point. In the present example, the angle of inclination 125 is 45°. Depending on the position and orientation of the electrical connection, the angle of inclination can also assume other values.

7 Figure 12 shows an illustration of the switching device in which the electrical connection 116B connects two opposing coaxial terminals. Electrical connection 116A, on the other hand, is not coupled to any coaxial terminals. A third electrical connection 116C runs in the plan view of FIG 7 perpendicular to electrical connection 116B and couples the other two opposing coaxial ports.

8 shows a switching rotor 110 with an electrical connection 116 and an associated inner conductor 117 and terminating elements 124 connected thereto Switching rotor (arc-shaped concave recess) arranged. The indentation forms a cavity that is functionally similar to a resonator. Termination elements 124 capacitively couple to associated coaxial post 114 . The depression 128 can be arc-shaped (as in 8 shown) or shaped differently, for example elliptical, rectangular or triangular, in which case the apex of the triangle points in the direction of the central axis of the switching rotor.

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 terminals 105,107. The terminating elements 124 of the lower electrical connections have no function in the switching position shown. In 9 the radial indentations have a rectangular cross-section. Some of these have rounded corners, while others have no rounded corners.

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

11 shows a switching device with three electrical connections, which are located next to each other 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 connectors 105, 107 are connected to one another. With a clockwise rotation of 45°, the terminals 104 and 107 on the one hand and 105 and 106 on the other hand are electrically connected to one another. 12 shows a sectional representation of a side view of the switching device. A capacitive coupling is established 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 12 the hole 130 in the switching rotor for the electrical connection is clearly visible. This hole here 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.

13 shows a schematic representation of a switching rotor 110. An inner conductor 117 of an electrical connection runs through the switching rotor. A terminating element 124 is arranged at one end of the inner conductor 117 . A terminating element of the same construction can be arranged at the other end of the inner conductor 117, even if this is 13 is not shown explicitly.

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

14 Fig. 12 shows a switching arrangement 1 consisting of two switching devices 100 as shown in any of the above non-claimed illustrative embodiments. The two switching devices 100 are connected to each other at a coaxial connector 135 . This coaxial connector 135 is electrically connected, preferably inductively connected, to a coaxial connection of the housing of the two switching devices.

15 12 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 facing termination elements of the inner conductors of the two switching devices. The switching rotors can each form a cavity at these points.

16 shows a housing 102 of a switching device. The housing has the coaxial connections 104, 105, 107. The housing can consist of two half-shells, with the half-shell facing the viewer 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 in each case. Capacitive coupling between the inner conductor of the switching rotor and the coaxial post can occur at any position along the length of the coaxial post. Inner conductors can thus 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 with the 150 drive (see 2 ) connected to turn the switching rotor.

17 FIG. 12 shows a schematic representation of a switching device 110 with a switching rotor with a plurality of electrical connections. The switching rotor is in a position such that an electrical connection with the termination members 124C, 124D connects the coaxial terminals 105 and 107 together. Another electrical connection can be seen at front termination member 124E, centered on the switch rotor. This electrical connection runs into the plane of the drawing. There is also another electrical connection to termination members 124A and 124B which is similar to connection 116A 5 and 6 .

18 12 is a schematic representation of a switching rotor 110 with two electrical connections, one running from left to right in the figure and the other running into the plane of the drawing. In terms of the basic structure, the illustration in 18 the structure as already mentioned in 11, 12 and 17 shown. Aspects described there are not repeated here and still apply to this exemplary embodiment.

the 18 It can be seen that the inner conductor 117A in the left-to-right electrical connection is galvanically coupled to the switch rotor 110 at the top of the dielectric 131 filled hole in the switch rotor. The inner conductor 117A bears against the switching rotor with its upper side surface, 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, then the inner conductor can be spaced apart from the switching rotor on all of its side surfaces. In the 18 However, the variant shown provides that a side surface of the inner conductor is connected galvanically and optionally mechanically and/or thermally 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. FIG.

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

The structure according to 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 release 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.

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 bottom left to top right. In the background, three inner conductors run side by side and perpendicular to the inner conductor in the foreground. As described, these inner conductors can be connected galvanically and/or mechanically and/or thermally to the body of the switching rotor. The terminating elements 124 are connected to the inner conductor 117 by means of a connecting piece 127 . The connecting piece 127 can, for example, be screwed, plugged or clamped into the inner conductor. In the assembled state, the connecting piece is preferably surrounded by dielectric and does not lie directly against the switching rotor, see for example 18 .

If the inner conductors 117 are not designed in one piece with the switching rotor, the inner conductors are mounted in the switching rotor. During assembly, 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.

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

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

R eference 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

finishing element, plate

125

tilt angle

126

direction of rotation

127

connector

128

cavity

130

hole

131

insulator, dielectric

135

coaxial connector

140

common capacitive coupling

145

warehouse

150

drive

Claims (13)

1. Switching device (100) for connecting coaxial cables, said switching device having:

   a housing (102) with at least two coaxial connectors (104, 105, 106, 107);

   a switch rotor (110) arranged in the housing (102) such that it can be rotated about a longitudinal axis (111) ;

   a first electrical connection (116), which passes through the switch rotor and is designed to capacitively couple a first coaxial connector (104) and a second coaxial connector (105) in a predetermined position of the switch rotor and thus to create an electrical connection between the first coaxial connector (104) and the second coaxial connector (105);

   wherein the switch rotor (110) is provided with a slot (130), the first electrical connection (116) extending along the slot (130);

   wherein the first electrical connection (116) has an inner conductor (117), the inner conductor in at least some sections in its longitudinal direction being electrically connected to the switch rotor (110);

   wherein in at least some sections the inner conductor (117) in the slot (130) is surrounded by an insulator and/or a dielectric (131);

   wherein at each of its opposite ends in the longitudinal direction of the inner conductor (117) the first electrical connection (116) has a terminating element (124) which is connected to the inner conductor (117), wherein the terminating elements (124) are configured to capacitively couple to one coaxial connection each in the predetermined position of the switch rotor and thereby create the electrical connection between the first coaxial connector and the second coaxial connector.
2. Switching device (100) according to Claim 1,

   wherein in at least some sections the inner conductor (117) runs between the two terminating elements (124) in a straight line;

   wherein the terminating element (124) is designed in the shape of a plate;

   wherein the terminating element (124) is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the inner conductor.
3. Switching device (100) according to either one of Claims 1 and 2,
   wherein the inner conductor (117) is electrically connected to the switch rotor (110) over the entire length of at least one side face.
4. Switching device (100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 3,
   wherein the inner conductor (117) is designed integrally with at least one component of the switch rotor (110) or is mechanically coupled to the switch rotor.
5. Switching device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein a second electrical connection which is spaced apart from the first electrical connection runs in the switch rotor (110).
6. Switching device (100) according to Claim 5,
   wherein the second electrical connection is offset with respect to the first electrical connection in a direction along the longitudinal axis (111) of the switch rotor (110).
7. Switching device (100) according to Claim 5 or 6,
   wherein the second electrical connection runs at an angle between 0° and 90° with respect to the first electrical connection.
8. Switching device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein each coaxial connector of the switching device has a coaxial post (114), which is inductively coupled to an electrical conductor of the respective coaxial connector.
9. Switching device (100) according to Claim 8,
   wherein the first electrical connection (116) is designed to be capacitively coupled to the coaxial posts of the coupled coaxial connections in the predetermined position of the switch rotor (110).
10. Switching device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims,
    wherein on the switch rotor (110) at least two radial indentations (128) are arranged, within each of which a terminating element of the first electrical connection (116) is located.
11. Switching device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims,
    also comprising a drive (150), which is connected to the switch rotor (110) such that the drive can move the switch rotor (110) into different predetermined positions around the longitudinal axis (111) by a rotational movement.
12. Switching arrangement (1) for selectively connecting a plurality of coaxial cables in pairs, the switching arrangement (1) having a first switching device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims and a second switching device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first switching device is coupled directly to the second switching device by means of a coaxial connector.
13. Switching arrangement (1) according to Claim 12,
    wherein at a coupling point between the first switching device and the second switching device a single coaxial post is arranged, so that an electrical connection between the first and second switching device is made via a capacitive coupling of the respective electrical connections via the individual coaxial post.

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