ES2910173T3 - coax line switch - Google Patents

Abstract

Switching device (100) for connecting coaxial lines, the switching device having: a housing (102) with at least two coaxial terminals (104, 105, 106, 107); a switching rotor (110) rotatably arranged in the casing (102) about a longitudinal axis (111); a first electrical connection (116) passing through the commutation rotor and designed to capacitively couple a first coaxial terminal (104) and a second coaxial terminal (105) at a predetermined position on the commutation rotor and thus establish an electrical connection between the first coaxial terminal (104) and second coaxial terminal (105); wherein the switching rotor (110) is provided with a hole (130), wherein the first electrical connection (116) extends along the hole (130); wherein the first electrical connection (116) has an inner conductor (117), the inner conductor being galvanically connected to the switching rotor (110) at least in sections in its longitudinal direction; wherein the inner conductor (117) in the hole (130) is surrounded at least in sections by an insulator and/or a dielectric (131); where the first electrical connection (116) has at its two opposite ends in the longitudinal direction of the inner conductor (117) a termination element (124) in each case that is connected to the inner conductor (117), where the elements of termination (124) are designed to capacitively couple at the predetermined position of the commutation rotor with a coaxial terminal in each case and thus establish the electrical connection between the first coaxial terminal and the second coaxial terminal.

Description

DESCRIPTION

coax line switch

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 to a switching arrangement with 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 often used. Such high frequency connections can be used, for example, as part of satellite transmission links. The satellite transmission link may be, for example, a Ka-band transmission link in the frequency range of 17.7-21.2 GHz for the downlink and 27.5-31 GHz for the downlink. uplink, a Ku or X-band implementation in the range of about 11 or 7 GHz, or an L-band (about 1.5 GHz), S-band (about 2.5 GHz) or C band (around 4 GHz).

The sections of a waveguide connection are usually connected with specially manufactured connection pieces. To create a connection between two coaxial lines, plugs or switches are usually used that establish a galvanic contact between the coaxial lines to be connected.

It may be necessary to connect a plurality of coaxial lines to each other in pairs, optionally in a specific switching scheme in each case. To achieve this, switching facilities are used. These switching installations have connectors. The lines are connected to the terminals according to the requirements in the wiring diagram to connect the terminals to each other in pairs.

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

EP 0 162334 A2 describes a microwave rotary switch with a housing and several waveguide terminals and a rotor arranged in the housing. The rotor carries a waveguide that creates a signal connection between two waveguide connectors at a specific position on the rotor. The rotor carries an electrically conductive plate that is provided with a space that serves as a wave guide. The space runs through a recessed cavity in the casing and in the rotor.

US 4 229 746 A describes a coupler with several connectors. A rotor has a number of elongated coupling loops that are arranged and spaced apart from one another along the circumference of the rotor.

GB 974323 A describes a coaxial switch having a cylindrical housing with connectors for external coaxial cables. Inside, the housing features internal connectors that can be connected to each other 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 rotating rotor arranged therein.

Summary of the invention

The specification of a device that allows an optionally flexibly adjustable connection between coaxial terminals can be seen as the object of the invention. Therefore, a desired switching pattern can be adjusted or changed as needed.

This object is solved by the subject of the independent claim. Other 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 terminals, a switching rotor arranged rotatably about a longitudinal axis in the housing, and a first electrical connection. The first electrical connection runs through the commutation rotor and is configured such that, at a predetermined position of the commutation rotor, it capacitively couples a first coaxial terminal and a second coaxial terminal on the housing, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the first coaxial terminal and the second coaxial terminal. 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 termination element in each case at its two opposite ends in the longitudinal direction of the inner conductor. The termination element is electrically or inductively connected to the inner conductor of the electrical connection running through the commutation rotor, the two termination elements in each case being configured to be capacitively coupled at the predetermined position of the commutation rotor (in the interconnection position) with a coaxial terminal in each case and thus to establish the electrical connection between the first coaxial terminal and the second coaxial terminal.

The switching device is designed to switch a signal that is present at the first coaxial terminal to the second coaxial terminal. The switching device can also have more than two coaxial terminals. In this connection, these coaxial terminals can be connected in particular in pairs, ie the commutation rotor connects two coaxial terminals with each other. Signals can be transmitted unidirectionally or bidirectionally over this connection. However, it is also possible that the switching rotor is designed in such a way that it guides one input terminal (first coaxial terminal) to two output terminals (second and third coaxial terminal), or vice versa.

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

The switching rotor can be constructed essentially as a cylinder and has a longitudinal axis. The switching rotor can be rotated about this longitudinal axis to bring it to different angular positions. The electrical connection runs through the commutation rotor. The electrical connection has two ends. Each end is capacitively coupled to a coaxial terminal (particularly inside the casing) when the switching rotor is in the corresponding angular position. The switching rotor is located between the coaxial terminals and in this case can be moved to a desired position to establish an electrical connection. This is explained by way of example with reference to an analog clock face. Coaxial terminals can be at nine o'clock and three o'clock. The switching rotor can now be rotated between the coaxial terminals in such a way that the ends of the electrical connection face the coaxial terminals, i.e. also at nine or three o'clock. In this position, the two coaxial terminals are electrically connected to each other. If the commutation rotor continues to rotate, for example 45°, 90°, 135° or any other value that deviates from 180°, the electrical connection between the two coaxial terminals is broken.

The coaxial terminals may be an integral part of the housing. The shell can be made in one piece or from two half-shells or, in general, from several shells. In this case, the coaxial terminals 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 commutation rotor and transversely to a direction of the longitudinal axis. In this way, coaxial terminals running at an angle to each other in the housing, facing each other (offset by 180°) or offset from each other by 90° (in the latter case, one terminal is at nine o'clock and another terminal at six o'clock) can be connected. the sphere). The electrical connection runs through the commutation rotor such that an electrical connection is established between the coaxial terminal positions at a specific position (in particular the angular position) of the commutation 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 commutation rotor at least in sections in its longitudinal direction. The inner conductor is surrounded at least in sections covered inside the hole by an insulator and/or a dielectric (for example and without limitation: Teflon).

The inner conductor is designed as a burr or rise in the hole. In this embodiment, the inner conductor is galvanically connected to the commutation rotor at least at one point or location. Therefore, 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 be called, for example, a notch or a hole and, in particular, runs in a straight line and connects two positions on the lateral surface of the switching rotor. In a switched position of the switching rotor, the two positions on the lateral surface of the switching rotor face the coaxial terminals, so that in the switched position of the switching rotor a capacitive coupling is established between a coaxial terminal and an end. of the electrical connection in each case.

Therefore, the electrical connection within the commutation rotor is designed similarly to a coaxial connection in principle. 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 commutating rotor (the inner wall of the hole through the commutating rotor).

According to the invention, the first electrical connection has a termination element each at its two opposite ends in the longitudinal direction of the inner conductor. The termination element is electrically or inductively connected to the inner conductor of the electrical connection running through the commutation rotor, the two termination elements being configured in each case to be coupled capacitively at the predetermined position of the switching rotor (at the interconnection position) with a coaxial terminal in each case and thereby to establish the electrical connection between the first coaxial terminal and the second coaxial terminal.

The termination element can be designed in the form of a plate. The termination element preferably has a larger diameter than the inner conductor to increase the area for capacitive coupling to the coaxial terminal. The coaxial terminal on the housing side also has an inner conductor which is surrounded by an insulator or dielectric. A capacitive coupling occurs when the terminating element of the inner conductor of the electrical connection of the commutation rotor faces the inner conductor (or part of it) of the coaxial terminal on the housing side. The inner conductor and the termination element are inductively connected to each other or even designed in one piece.

The inner conductor of the coaxial terminal preferably also has a termination element. This termination element is designed in a similar way to the termination element of the electrical connection of the commutation rotor. The termination elements on the switching rotor side and on the housing side can have identical dimensions, in particular the same diameter. In the switched position of the switching rotor, the termination elements preferably face each other without horizontal or vertical displacement. Between the finishing elements there is a small air gap. The dimension of the air gap, i.e. the distance between the termination elements in the switched position, can vary depending on the respective application case (in particular, the frequency of the transmitted signals, the signal power, etc.) . For example, the distance between the termination elements in the switched 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 termination elements.

According to a further embodiment, in combination with or independently of the inner conductor, which runs at least in sections in a straight line, the termination element is designed as a plate. This can be applied to the termination element of the commutation rotor and the termination element of the coaxial terminal of the housing.

For example, the termination element of the commutation rotor may have a convex shape. In this way, the switching rotor can rotate together with the termination element without the termination element colliding with the housing wall. Rather, the coaxial terminal termination element of the housing may be concave such that the termination elements are preferably evenly spaced from one another across their width and height when the switching rotor is in the switched position.

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

The termination element is preferably inclined in the horizontal direction. This can be advantageous when the electrical connection does not run centrally through the commutation rotor, but is offset in the direction of the lateral surface starting from the central axis of the commutation rotor. In other words, the termination element is inclined to match or approximate the course of the lateral surface of the commutation rotor at the position of the electrical connection. Therefore, the termination element also protrudes less from the switching rotor and the switching device can be designed more compactly and save space in general.

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

The inner conductor can be described as a body with two bases and one lateral surface. The bases correspond to the opposite ends in the longitudinal direction of the inner conductor. The side surface is galvanically connected to the commutation rotor at one point and optionally also mechanically and/or thermally connected, additionally over the entire length of the inner conductor. The lateral surface may consist of one or more lateral surfaces and in particular according to the shape of the base. In the case of triangular base surfaces, the lateral surface of the inner conductor has three lateral surfaces, in the case of square base surfaces it is four lateral surfaces, etc. In this embodiment, one of these lateral surfaces is galvanically and additionally mechanically and/or thermally connected to the commutation rotor.

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

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

The commutation 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 (eg screwed, fastened, riveted) or because the component part 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 commutation rotor. In addition, the inner conductor is very reliably held in the intended position. The inner conductor is not completely surrounded by dielectric, but only where the inner conductor is not in contact with and does not become the commutating rotor (in case the inner conductor and commutating rotor form one piece).

According to another embodiment, a second electrical connection runs on the commutation rotor, which is spaced apart from the first electrical connection.

The second electrical connection may be positioned and oriented such that electrical connections are made between two different pairs of coaxial terminals at one position of the switching rotor. For example, the first electrical connection may connect first and second coaxial terminals and the second electrical connection may connect third and fourth coaxial terminals to each other.

According to another embodiment, the second electrical connection is offset relative to the first electrical connection in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the commutation rotor.

This means that the pairs of coaxial terminals, which are in each case connected to each other by means of the first or the second electrical connection, are also offset in the same direction relative to each other.

Alternatively, it is possible that the pairs of coaxial terminals to be connected in each case are arranged at the same height in the longitudinal direction of the commutation rotor. Then, the coaxial terminals are at different positions along the circumferential direction of the commutation rotor. For example, four coaxial terminals may 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 a position such that an electrical connection is established between two of these coaxial terminals in each case.

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

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

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 termination element and a coaxial conductor.

The coaxial post is inductively coupled to the inner conductor of the coaxial terminal. The casing, in cooperation with the switching rotor, can form a cavity in which the coaxial post is arranged. The cavity may be provided, for example, as a cavity in the side surface of the switching rotor.

According to another embodiment, the first electrical connection of the commutation rotor is capacitively coupled to the coaxial posts of the coupled coaxial terminals at the predetermined position of the commutation rotor. A capacitive load may be provided 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 commutation rotor, within which there is in each case a terminating element of the first electrical connection.

Therefore, the termination element does not protrude or does not protrude significantly beyond the circumference of the commutation rotor. Therefore, the commutating rotor can be rotated within the housing to a desired angular position without protruding or protruding elements of the commutating rotor requiring a larger distance between the commutating rotor and housing.

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

According to another embodiment, the switching device also has a drive. The drive is connected with the switching rotor in such a way that the drive can move the switching rotor around the longitudinal axis to various predetermined positions by means of a rotary movement.

The drive may be an electromechanical prime mover, eg an electrically driven motor. In particular, the motor may be arranged and controlled such that an angular position of the commutating rotor relative to the casing is transferred to a motor controller, and the motor controller controls the motor such that the commutating rotor rotates from the current position to the desired position.

In accordance with another aspect, a switching arrangement is specified for selectively connecting a multitude of coaxial lines in pairs. The switching arrangement has a first switching device as described above and below, and a second switching device as described above and below, wherein the first switching device is coupled to the second switching device via a coaxial terminal (that is, for example, without using another line or a piece of cable).

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 a separate external connection line is not required for this connection. This enables a compact and space-saving construction mode 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 such that an electrical connection between the first and second switching devices is made by capacitive coupling. of the respective electrical connections of the switching devices through the individual 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 each other, not only electrically but also mechanically. The switching rotors of the individual switching devices can then be brought into a position in each case such that a signal is guided from a first switching device via the switching rotor of a second switching device to a desired coaxial terminal of the second switching device, where the signal is then used for further processing. It is conceivable to provide a two-dimensional field of switching devices connected to each other in a cascaded fashion. Multiple switching devices (at least two) can be connected in series. Several such series (at least two) can in turn be connected to each other. This structure can also be called a switching matrix.

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

Brief description of the figures

Embodiments of the invention will be discussed in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Illustrations are schematic and not true to scale. Like reference numbers refer to the same or similar elements. They show:

FIG. 1 a schematic representation of switching states of a switching device according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a switching device according to an illustrative example of embodiment not claimed in plan view and section from the front.

Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a switching device according to an illustrative embodiment not claimed.

Fig. 4 a schematic sectional representation of a switching device according to an illustrative embodiment not claimed.

Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a switching device according to an illustrative embodiment not claimed.

Fig. 6 a schematic representation of a part of a switching device according to an illustrative example of embodiment not claimed.

Fig. 7 a schematic representation of a switching device according to an illustrative embodiment not claimed.

Fig. 8 a schematic representation of a switching device according to an illustrative embodiment not claimed.

Fig. 9 a schematic representation of a switching device according to an illustrative embodiment not claimed.

Fig. 10 a schematic representation of a switching device according to an illustrative embodiment not claimed.

Fig. 11 a schematic representation of a switching device according to an illustrative embodiment not claimed.

Fig. 12 a schematic sectional representation of a switching device according to an illustrative embodiment not claimed.

Fig. 13 a schematic representation of a switching device according to an illustrative embodiment not claimed.

Fig. 14 a schematic representation of a switching arrangement according to an illustrative embodiment not claimed.

Fig. 15 a schematic representation of a switching arrangement according to an illustrative embodiment not claimed.

Fig. 16 a schematic representation of a housing of a switching device according to an illustrative embodiment not claimed.

Fig. 17 a schematic representation of a switching device according to an illustrative embodiment not claimed.

Fig. 18 a schematic representation of a switching device according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 19 a schematic representation of several internal conductors according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 20 a schematic sectional representation of a switching rotor according to an exemplary embodiment.

Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

Figure 1 shows the basic principle of a switching device with the help of different switching positions in which different connectors (ports) are electrically connected to each other.

The first schematic representation (A) shows a simple toggle switch mechanism in which port 1 can be connected to port 2 or port 3. Representations B, C, D show a switching rotor 110, which is arranged on each case between four connectors (port 1 to port 4). The terminals correspond to the coaxial terminals (for example, 50 ohm lines). Two of the four terminals can be electrically connected to each other in each case, ie the connections are connected to each other in pairs. Electrical connections 116 are provided within commutator rotor 110.

It should be noted that figure 1 schematically shows the electrical connections and their route. The mere fact that the connections are shown bent or bowed in this case does not mean that the electrical connections within the commutation rotor actually run bowed.

Diagram B shows a switch 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 rotated 90° clockwise or counterclockwise, a connection is established between port 1 and port 4 on one side and port 2 and port 3 on the other. If the commutation rotor is only rotated 45° from the position shown, no connection is connected to another.

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

Representation D supplements the switching rotor of representation B with another electrical connection (fourth electrical connection). The fourth electrical connection crosses the third electrical connection. The fourth electrical connection also connects coaxial terminals facing each other, ie the two connections that are not connected to each other by the third electrical connection. If the switching rotor is rotated 45° in representation D, port 1 is connected to port 3 on one side and port 2 to port 4 on the other side.

A switching device designed in this way with coaxial terminals allows a broadband connection to be switched up to very high frequencies of 30 GHz or more and is characterized by low losses. Coaxial terminals can be integrated directly on or in the switching device. The switching device for coaxial lines has a compact, space-saving design and is suitable for medium power at low frequencies (for example, 100 to 150 watts in L, S, C band) and low power at high and low frequencies (for example, example, 1 watt in band L, S -, C, X, Ku, Ka, Q).

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

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

The lower drawing is a sectional representation of the switching device. The longitudinal axis 111 is shown in the switching rotor 110. The housing has an opening for the coaxial terminals 105, 107 on the left and on the right in each case.

A drive 150 is arranged in 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 can bring it to a desired angular position with respect to the coaxial terminals. . The drive may be an electric motor, which is powered by electrical power (power source and supply lines not shown).

Figure 3 shows a schematic isometric representation of a switching device. Four coaxial terminals 104, 105, 106, 107 part of the housing. The commutation rotor 110 is located in the housing. An electrical connection 116 is disposed within the commutation rotor 110. Depending on the position of the commutation rotor 110, the electrical connection 116 couples two opposing coaxial terminals 105, 107 (as shown in Figure 3) or 104, 106 (if the commutation rotor of figure 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 depressions. Two of these depressions are at the ends of the electrical connection 116. A cavity 118 is thus formed, within which the electrical connection 116 is capacitively coupled to a coaxial terminal 105, 107. The cavity may also be referred to as a resonator. A coaxial post 114 is disposed in the cavity and is inductively coupled to the inner conductor of the corresponding coaxial terminal. Therefore, an inductive input coupling 112 is present at this point.

In FIG. 3, the longitudinal axis of the switching rotor runs in the plane of the drawing. Therefore, the commutation rotor rotates clockwise or counterclockwise in this representation. The drive is used for this (see Fig. 2). It is conceivable that the switching rotor also rotates manually. This makes sense when an initial setting of the switching device needs to be flexibly adjusted, but does not have to be changed during run time.

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

Coaxial terminals 105, 107 extend within 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 terminal. A capacitive load 120 is disposed at one end of the coaxial post. The commutation rotor 110 is disposed between the coaxial terminals 105, 107. An electrical connection 116 runs in the commutation rotor which capacitively couples the two coaxial terminals as a function of the angular position of the commutation rotor. An air gap 122 can be found on the upper and lower side of the switching rotor in each case 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 figure 16.

FIG. 5 shows an isometric schematic representation of a switching device 100. Two electrical connections are arranged on the switching rotor 110. In the position of switching rotor 110 shown, electrical connection 116A connects coaxial terminals 105 and 106 to each other. It can be seen that the electrical connection 116A runs linearly within the commutation rotor and is disposed eccentrically relative to a central longitudinal axis of the commutation rotor.

In addition, the commutation rotor also contains an electrical connection 116B. This runs through the central axis of the switching rotor and is arranged to connect coaxial terminals facing each other. However, to do this, the switching rotor 110 must be rotated 45° from the position shown.

Electrical connections 116A, 116B (first and second electrical connections) are laterally offset from each other in plan view. These connections can also be offset relative to one another along the longitudinal axis of the switching rotor. Even if one electrical connection is offset along the longitudinal axis of the commutating rotor relative to a second electrical connection, these electrical connections can still be capacitively coupled to the same coaxial terminals at the appropriate angular positions of the commutating rotor if the coaxial post has a corresponding longitudinal extension.

Figure 6 shows an enlarged representation of a variant of the electrical connection 116A of Figure 5. The two coaxial terminals 105, 106 with associated coaxial posts 114 are shown. The termination elements 124 are inclined at an angle of inclination 125 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the electrical connection 116A. When the commutating rotor 110 rotates in the direction of rotation 126, the termination element 124 does not touch the coaxial post 114. It remains in all positions of the commutating rotor with capacitive (non-contact) 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.

Figure 7 shows an illustration of the switching device in which the electrical connection 116B connects two opposite coaxial terminals. The electrical connection 116A, on the other hand, is not coupled to any coaxial terminal. A third electrical connection 116C runs perpendicular to electrical connection 116B in the plan view of Figure 7 and engages the other two facing coaxial terminals.

Figure 8 shows a commutation rotor 110 with an electrical connection 116 and associated inner conductor 117 and termination elements 124 connected thereto. Termination elements 124 are arranged within a radial depression 128 in the lateral surface of the switching rotor (concave circular arc-shaped recess). The depression forms a cavity that is functionally similar to a resonator. Termination elements 124 are capacitively coupled to associated coaxial post 114. The depression 128 can be arcuate in shape (as shown in Figure 8) or have another shape, such as elliptical, rectangular or triangular, in the latter case the tip of the triangle points in the direction of the central axis of the commutation rotor.

Figure 9 shows a commutation 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 termination elements 124 of the lower electrical connections have no function in the switched position shown. In Figure 9, the radial depressions have a rectangular cross section. Some of these have rounded corners while others do not have rounded corners.

Figure 10 shows the switching rotor of Figure 9 in a position rotated by 45° compared to Figure 9. In Figure 9, the facing coaxial terminals 105, 107 are connected to each other. In Figure 10, the shorter electrical connection connects adjacent coaxial terminals 105, 106 across the corners.

Fig. 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 commutation rotor, different coaxial terminals are connected to each other by means of capacitive coupling 118. In the position shown, the coaxial terminals 105, 107 are connected to each other. With a 45° turn clockwise, terminals 104 and 107 on the one hand and 105 and 106 on the other hand are electrically connected to each other.

FIG. 12 shows a sectional representation of a side view of the switching device. Capacitive coupling is established between the termination elements 124, which are inductively coupled to the inner conductor 117 of the electrical connection, and the coaxial terminals 105, 107 to transmit high frequency signals. In figure 12 the hole 130 in the commutation rotor for the electrical connection can be clearly seen. In this case, 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 disposed in the hole.

Figure 13 shows a schematic representation of a commutation rotor 110. An inner conductor 117 of an electrical connection runs through the commutation rotor. At one end of the inner conductor 117 a termination element 124 is provided. At the other end of the inner conductor 117 a termination element of the same construction may be provided, although this is not explicitly shown in Fig. 13.

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

Figure 14 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 connected electrically, preferably inductively, in each case to a coaxial terminal of the housing of the two switching devices.

Figure 15 shows an alternative design of switching arrangement 1. The two switching devices 100 share a common capacitive coupling 140. A single coaxial post is disposed between the terminating elements facing the other of the inner conductors of the two switching devices. Each of the commutation rotors can form a cavity in each case at these points.

Fig. 16 shows a housing 102 of a switching device. Coaxial terminals 104, 105, 107 are located in the housing. The casing may consist of two half shells, where the half shell facing the viewer has been removed. On the inner conductors of the coaxial terminals 105, 107, a coaxial post is arranged in each case, which runs or extends in the longitudinal direction of the switching rotor. A capacitive coupling between the inner conductor of the commutation rotor and the coaxial post can be realized at any position in the longitudinal direction of the coaxial post. In this way, the inner conductors can be arranged at different heights (in the longitudinal direction) on the switching rotor.

A bearing 145 is arranged in the casing and supports the switching rotor. The bearing may be connected to a drive 150 (see Figure 2) to rotate the commutation rotor.

Fig. 17 shows a schematic representation of a switching device 110 with a switching rotor with multiple electrical connections. The commutation rotor is in a position such that an electrical connection to termination elements 124C, 124D connects coaxial terminals 105 and 107 to each other. Another electrical connection can be seen on the front termination element 124E, specifically centered on the commutation rotor. This electrical connection is executed in the plane of the drawing. In addition, there is another electrical connection to termination elements 124A and 124B, which runs similarly to connection 116A in Figures 5 and 6.

Figure 18 is a schematic representation of a commutation rotor 110 with two electrical connections, one of which runs from left to right in the figure and the other in the plane of the drawing. As for the basic structure, the representation in figure 18 corresponds to the structure already shown in figures 11, 12 and 17, among other things. The aspects described there are not repeated in this case and nevertheless remain valid for this exemplary embodiment.

It can be seen from Fig. 18 that the inner conductor 117A in the electrical connection running from left to right is galvanically coupled to the commutation rotor 110 and specifically at the upper end of the dielectric-filled hole 131 in the commutation rotor. The inner conductor 117A bears against the commutation rotor with its upper side surface, so that the inner conductor 117A is galvanically coupled with the commutation rotor. Additionally, the inner conductor 117A may also be mechanically and thermally coupled to the commutation rotor. It is conceivable that the inner conductor is galvanically coupled to the commutation rotor at certain points, for example by spot welding or by soldering or by mechanical connecting elements such as screws, bolts, rivets or the like. If the inner conductor is connected to the commutation rotor by means of mechanical connecting elements, then the inner conductor can be separated from the commutation rotor on all its side surfaces. However, the variant shown in FIG. 18 provides that a side surface of the inner conductor is connected galvanically and, if necessary, mechanically and/or thermally to the commutation rotor over its entire length. The high frequency signal propagates in the longitudinal direction of the inner conductor 117A in the gap 122.

The electrical connection running in the plane of the drawing with the inner conductor 117B is constructed similarly to the electrical connection with the inner conductor 117A. However, the inner conductor 117B is disposed on the lower surface of the associated hole in the commutation rotor. This increases the distance between the inner conductors 117A and 117B. Internal conductors 117A and 117B run at an angle of 90° to each other. The inner conductors may be arranged or run at a different angle to each other.

The structure according to figure 18 has the advantage that the inner conductor is mechanically held in place in the hole. Furthermore, the inner conductor can be electrically grounded because it is galvanically connected to the commutation rotor. Additionally, a thermal connection may allow thermal energy to be conducted or released from the inner conductor to the commutating rotor. The dielectric 131 surrounds the inner conductor 117A, 117B on those side faces that are not in contact with the commutation rotor. Dielectric 131 preferably fills the entire space or hole in the commutating rotor.

Figure 19 shows an isolated representation of the inner conductors 117 and their position relative to one another. For the sake of clarity, the commutation rotor is omitted in this case.

In the foreground, an inner conductor runs from bottom left to top right. In the background, three inner conductors run side by side and across from 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 commutation rotor. The termination elements 124 are connected to the inner conductor 117 by means of a connecting piece 127. The connecting piece 127 can be screwed, plugged or clamped, for example, on the inner conductor. Preferably in the assembled state, the connection piece is preferably surrounded by dielectric and is not in direct contact with the commutation rotor, see for example figure 18.

If the inner conductors 117 are not made integral with the commutation rotor, the inner conductors are mounted on the commutation rotor. During assembly, the inner conductors 117 can be inserted into the corresponding recesses in the commutation rotor 110 and fixed there, for example, with screws or other mechanical connections. The dielectric is also introduced into the notch of the commutation rotor. The inner conductor can hold the dielectric in position. To do this, the dielectric can adapt to the shape of the inner conductor.

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

It can also be seen in figure 20 how the termination elements 124 are fixed on the inner conductor 117 by means of a connecting piece 127 (for example, a bolt or a threaded pin). The connecting piece extends into an opening running in the inner conductor and is inserted, screwed or otherwise inserted into this opening and fixed therein.

reference list

1 switching arrangement

100 switching device

102 casing

104 connection

105 connection

106 connection

107 connection

110 commutation rotor

111 longitudinal axis

112 inductive input coupling

114 post coax

116 connection

117 inner conductor

118 capacitive coupling

120 capacitive load

122 space

124 termination element, plate

125 tilt angle

126 turning direction

127 connecting piece

128 cavity

130 hole

131 insulator, dielectric

135 coaxial conductor

140 common capacitive coupling

145 bearing

150 drive

Claims (13)

1. Switching device (100) for connecting coaxial lines, the switching device having: a housing (102) with at least two coaxial terminals (104, 105, 106, 107); a switching rotor (110) rotatably arranged in the casing (102) about a longitudinal axis (111); a first electrical connection (116) passing through the commutation rotor and designed to capacitively couple a first coaxial terminal (104) and a second coaxial terminal (105) at a predetermined position on the commutation rotor and thus establish an electrical connection between the first coaxial terminal (104) and second coaxial terminal (105); wherein the switching rotor (110) is provided with a hole (130), wherein the first electrical connection (116) extends along the hole (130); wherein the first electrical connection (116) has an inner conductor (117), the inner conductor being galvanically connected to the switching rotor (110) at least in sections in its longitudinal direction; wherein the inner conductor (117) in the hole (130) is surrounded at least in sections by an insulator and/or a dielectric (131); where the first electrical connection (116) has at its two opposite ends in the longitudinal direction of the inner conductor (117) a termination element (124) in each case that is connected to the inner conductor (117), where the elements of termination (124) are designed to capacitively couple at the predetermined position of the commutation rotor with a coaxial terminal in each case and thus establish the electrical connection between the first coaxial terminal and the second coaxial terminal. 2. Switching device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the inner conductor (117) runs between the two termination elements (124) in a straight line at least in sections; wherein the termination element (124) is designed as a plate; wherein the termination element (124) is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the inner conductor. Switching device (100) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the inner conductor (117) is galvanically connected to the commutation rotor (110) on at least one side surface along its entire length. Switching device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inner conductor (117) is designed in one piece with at least one component of the commutation rotor (110) or is mechanically coupled to the commutation rotor. Switching device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a second electrical connection runs on the commutation rotor (110), which is spaced apart from the first electrical connection. Switching device (100) according to claim 5, wherein the second electrical connection is offset relative to the first electrical connection in a direction along the longitudinal axis (111) of the commutation rotor (110). Switching device (100) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the second electrical connection runs at an angle of between 0° and 90° with respect to the first electrical connection. Switching device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each coaxial terminal of the switching device has a coaxial post (114) that is inductively coupled to an electrical conductor of the respective coaxial terminal. Switching device (100) according to claim 8, wherein the first electrical connection (116) is made to capacitively couple to the coaxial posts of the coupled coaxial terminals at the predetermined position of the commutation rotor (110). Switching device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two radial depressions (128) are arranged on the switching rotor (110), inside of which in each case a terminating element of the first electrical connection (116) is located. Switching device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a drive (150) that is connected to the switching rotor (110) such that the drive can move the switching rotor (110) around the longitudinal axis (111) to various predetermined positions by rotational motion. Switching arrangement (1) for selectively connecting a plurality of coaxial lines in pairs, the switching arrangement (1) having 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 is directly coupled to the second switching device by means of a coaxial terminal. 13. Switching arrangement (1) according to claim 12, wherein a single coaxial post is disposed at a coupling point between the first switching device and the second switching device such that an electrical connection is made between the first and second switching devices by capacitive coupling of the electrical connections through the individual coaxial post.