SE2350053A1 - Arrangement for remotely adjusting an antenna device and a method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT An arrangement (100) for remotely adjusting an antenna device (110), comprising an elongated support (230, 240) for said arrangement (100), a first linear actuator device (250) for mechanical adjustment of pitch angle and a second linear actuator device (260) for mechanical adjustment of roll angle , wherein the first linear actuator device (250) being reciprocally extendable provided in connection to said elongated support (230, 240) and in an actuating end (252) pivotabiy provided in connection to a bearing element (271) applied in said elongated support (230, 240), and the second linear actuator device (260) being reciprocally extendable provided in connection to said elongated support (230, 240) and in an actuating end (262) provided in connection to an operating element (282) being reciprocally movable in cooperation with said second linear actuator device (260). A method for remotely adjusting an antenna device (110) by means of such an arrangement (100) is also disclosed.

Description

Technical field The present disclosure relates to an arrangement for remotely adjusting an antenna device, comprising an elongated support for said arrangement, a first linear actuator device for mechanical adjustment of pitch angle and a second Iinear actuator device for mechanical adjustment of roll angle. The disclosure also relates to a method for controlling said arrangement.

Background Previously, most satellites used in the industry have been geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellites, which means that they are always in same point in the sky relative to the earth. The future satellites are mostly low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, which are continuously moving across the sky. Consequently, the antennas in the ground terminals must continuously be able to track the changing position of said satellites. The antennas may be mechanically controlled to continuously follow the satellite's path, which is then performed by means of a mechanical holder or platform to adjust both the beam elevation and azimuth angles of said antenna. Traditionally, this has been performed by means of two orthogonal rotary axes for said elevation and azimuth angles respectively, each driven by a powerful electric motor. A problem is that said motors are subjected to high loads, which make them inappropriate for continuous operation for longer time periods, leading to failure, service, etcetera. Thus, there is still room for improvements.

Summary lt is an object of the present invention to provide an improved solution that alleviates the mentioned drawbacks of present solutions. A first object of the invention is to provide an arrangement for remotely adjusting an antenna device, which may provide an improved reliability during long-time tracking of 2 different types of satellites such as LEO satellites, but may also relate to tracking of other types of satellites. This object is solved by the invention according to claim 1. A second object of the invention is to provide an antenna arrangement requiring much less package space. This object is solved by the invention according to claim 1. A third object is to provide a method for tracking satellites, e.g., low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, but may also relate to tracking of other types of satellites, providing an improved reliability during long-time tracking of satellites. This object is solved by the invention according to claim 10. Preferred embodiments are specified in the dependent claims and further specified in the following.

According to a first aspect of the invention, an arrangement for remotely adjusting an antenna device, comprising an elongated support for said arrangement, a first linear actuator device for mechanical adjustment of pitch angle and a second linear actuator device for mechanical adjustment of roll angle, wherein the first linear actuator device being reciprocally extendable provided in connection to said elongated support and in an actuating end pivotably provided in connection to a bearing element applied in said elongated support, and the second linear actuator device being reciprocally extendable provided in connection to said elongated support and in an actuating end provided in connection to an operating element being reciprocally movable in cooperation with said second linear actuator device. By the first and the second linear actuator devices, an improved reliability during long-time tracking of different types of satellites such as LEO satellites, but also other types of satellites, may be provided. Advantageously, the reliability of the first and the second linear actuator devices lead to long time tracking without required service thereof. The arrangement may also provide less package space than conventional antenna arrangement due to the combination of the elongated support and the first and the second linear actuator device provided along the elongated support. Advantageously, the at least one bearing element provided to the arrangement may provide a long- term operation without service. 3 According to one embodiment, the support comprising a Console, a tube, a stand, a holder, a platform, etcetera. By the design of an elongated support, the capability for mechanically adjust the pitch angle and the roll angle may be provided by a first and a second linear actuator device provided along said support may be realized. Advantageously, an antenna arrangement comprising such an elongated support may require much less package space than the conventional antenna arrangements.

According to one embodiment, the first linear actuator device is in a first end pivotably provided in connection to the tube and the other actuating end pivotably connected to an intermediate member in turn pivotably provided to the bearing element provided in the tube. By the arrangement, the first linear actuator device interacts with the intermediate element and the bearing element for providing a rotational movement of the antenna for adjusting the pitch angle. Accordingly, the pitch angle may be represented accordingly in an orthogonal coordinate system.

According to one embodiment, wherein the tube, comprising the assembly of the first linear actuator device, the intermediate member and the bearing element, is provided to the console. By means of the assembly comprising intermediate member and the first linear actuator means being pivotably provided in the bearing element, and the intermediate member further fixedly provided to the console, the pitch angle of the antenna device may be provided in another direction in an orthogonal coordinate system than the adjustment angle provided by a second linear actuator device provided to the console. Advantageously, the angle adjusted by second linear actuator device is adjusted in another direction in an orthogonal direction than the pitch angle adjusted by the first linear actuator device.

According to one embodiment, the operating element is provided in connection to a rear side of an antenna device. By said connection between the operating element and the rear side of the antenna, the antenna device is pivotably rotatable as the operating element is pivotably movable. Advantageously, in that way the roll angle may be adjusted. Accordingly, the 4 roll angle may be represented accordingly in an orthogonal coordinate system.

According to one embodiment, the second linear actuator device is in the first end pivotably provided in the console and in the other actuating end pivotably provided in the operating element so that so that an antenna device provided in connection to the operating element is configured to be rotated as the operating element is pivotably movable. Preferably, the antenna device is then rotated a rotation angle representing the roll angle. By means of the operating element, an antenna device provided in connection to the operating element may be pivotably rotatable as the operating element itself is pivotably movable. Thereby the roll angle may be adjusted.

According to one embodiment, an operating surface of the operating element for providing the reciprocal movement in cooperation with said second linear actuator device is configured to follow an opposite operating surface of an opening provided in the console. By means of the operating surfaces, the second linear actuator device may provide a reciprocal extendable movement for adjusting the roll angle of an antenna device provided to the arrangement. The reciprocal extendable movement may be a reciprocal rotation or pivotably movement. The reciprocal movement may correspond to an angle rotation in relation to the opening of the console, thus the console.

According to one embodiment, a first and a second housing cover the first and the second linear actuator devices, respectively, a number of pivot devices and at least a part of the tube and the console. By means of said housings, said components may be protected against weather, wind, dust, dirt, etcetera.' According to one embodiment, the console is rotatable relatively to the tube when the actuating end of the first linear actuator device is reciprocally extendable simultaneously as the tube (230) is standing still. By means of the arrangement, the console is rotatable relatively to the tube as the pitch angle is adjustable by the first linear actuator device being reciprocally extendable while the tube is in a fixed position. As a complement thereto, the roll angle is adjustable by means of the second actuator so that an antenna device provided in connection to the operating element is rotatable relative to the console as the operating element is pivotably movable to the opening in the console. ln a corresponding way as the adjustments by the first and the second linear actuator devices are aggregated for realizing an arbitrary radiation direction of an antenna device provided thereto, the rotation composed of the pitch angles and the roll angles of an antenna device provided to the arrangement are aggregated.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a method for remotely adjusting an arrangement as described above, comprising the following steps: actuating the first linear actuator device for adjusting the pitch angle, actuating the second linear actuator device for adjusting the roll angle, and actuating said first and second actuator devices separately or simultaneously for realizing an arbitrary radiation direction of an antenna device provided in connection to said arrangement.

By means of the method, an improved reliability and minimized required service during long-time tracking of satellites is provided. Advantageously, the method is preferable in relation to tracking objects, particularly the fast-travelling low earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Alternatively, the method is also applicable for tracking other types of objects as GEO satellites of mobile phone units.

Brief Description of the Drawinqs The invention will in the following be described in more detail with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 shows a principal sketch of an antenna tracking satellites, Fig. 2a shows perspective view an arrangement for remotely controlling an antenna device according to one embodiment Fig. 2b shows an exploded view of Fig a2 of the two linear actuator devices of said arrangement according to one embodiment in Fig. 2a, and Fig. 3a - 3h shows a number of antenna positions provided by the arrangement for remotely adjusting an antenna device Description of Embodiments The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. ln the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

An arrangement 100 for remotely adjusting an antenna device 110 is provided, see Figs. 1 and 2a. The antenna device 110 is to be adjusted to track continuously moving object(s) 120, 130 and radiates out in the normal direction from the antenna disc or the antenna surface 110a for reaching said object(s) such as low earth orbit (LEO) satellites 130, but there may also be other types of satellites 120 or user units, e.g., mobile phone units, which then may be tracked with assistance of said arrangement 100. The arrangement 100 for remotely adjusting an antenna device 110 constitutes an adjustment device 100 for continuously adjusting and controlling the pitch angle and the roll angle of the antenna device 110, which is provided in connection to said arrangement 100. The pitch angles and roll angles are adjusted with the object to track the elevation and azimuth of said object(s) 120, 130.

The arrangement 100 comprises a support 230, 240 in form of a tube, a console, platform and a mechanical holder for said antenna device 110. ln one embodiment, the support 230, 240 is provided in form of a tube 230 and a console 240, see Figs 2a and 2b. Then the tube 230 and the console 240 are separate components and provided next to each other and/or in connection to each other, which is to be described further in the following.

The support 230, 240 may further be articulated and may comprise at least two links 235, 236, 245, 246 each. Thus, the support 230, 240 may have a capability to be initially adjustable in the basic directions corresponding to said object(s) 120, 130 to be tracked by said antenna device 110. Alternatively, the support 230, 240 may be provided to at least one pole, 7 which in turn may be fixed to the ground, a roof, a wall or the like for obtaining a less complicated installation.

A first linear actuator device 250 is provided for mechanically adjust the pitch angle of the antenna device 110, see Fig. 2a. The linear actuator device 250 is a known component, comprising a cylinder having a stroke, providing a movement in form of a linear straight reciprocally extendable movement back and forth, which also constitute an extendable pushing and pulling movement.

The first linear actuator device 250 is provided adjacent the support 230, 240. ln one embodiment, the first linear actuator device 250 is provided adjacent the tube 230, preferably along the elongated length thereof. ln further detail, the first linear actuator device 250 is in a first end 251 pivotably provided to a first end 241a of a first member 241 or a portion of the tube 230. The first member 241 may be provided to a lower portion of the tube 230 in an operating position of said arrangement 100. A first pivot device 251a is provided to said first end 241 a for pivoting the first linear actuating device 250 relatively to the tube 230.

The other end 252 of the first linear actuator device 250, comprising the actuating end 252, is reciprocally extendable forth and back in a pulling and pushing extending movement. The actuating end 252 is pivotably provided to a first end 242a of a second or intermediate member 242 by means of a second pivot device 252a provided in said first end 242a. A bearing element 271 is further provided in a top portion of the tube 230 in an operating position thereof. Then intermediate member 242 is in its other end 242b pivotably provided in said bearing element 271 provided in the top portion of the tube 230.

The tube 230 comprising the previously described assembly of the first member 241, the first linear actuator device 250, the second intermediate member 242, the pivot devices 251a, 252a and the bearing element 271 are provided to the top portion of the previously mentioned console 240 by means of a screwing means 400 in an operating position thereof. As the actuating end 252 is reciprocally extendable, the second intermediate member 242 is pivotable round the bearing element 271 in turn provided in the tube 230. 8 Then the tube 230 itself is standing still and is not movable in an orthogonal coordinate system as a separate, single component. ln one embodiment, since the intermediate member 242 is also fixedly provided to the console 240 at a fixed orthogonal angle, so that the actuating end 252 of the first linear actuator device 250 being reciprocally extendable, the second intermediate member 242 is thereby pivotable round the bearing element 271 provided in the tube 230 as previously described. Simultaneously the console 240 having the tube 230 provided thereon is affected and the console 240 is thereby simultaneously pivotable alt, rotatable in the top portion of the tube 230 and thus rotatable and movable in an orthogonal coordinate system relatively to the fixed tube 230 simultaneously standing still. ln the described way, the pitch angle of the antenna device 110 is rotatable and the pitch angle in the operation range of the antenna 110 is adjustable accordingly. ln further detail, during the pulling and pushing extendable movement of the first linear actuator device 250, an angle d1 between the tube 230 and the first linear actuator device 250 is alterable due to the first linear actuator device 250 being pivotably arranged to the tube 230 as described. Simultaneously, an angle ß1 between the first linear actuator device 250 and the second intermediate member 242 is alterable due to that the other end 252 of the first linear actuator device 250 is pivotably provided to the second intermediate member 242 as previously described. The angle V1 between the second intermediate member 242 and the tube 230 is alterable as the actuating end 252 is extendable back and forth due to that the second intermediate member 242 and the tube 230 are rotatably and/or pivotable provided in their entirety in the bearing element 271.

The pitch angle of an antenna device 110 arranged in relation to the arrangement 100 may be represented by d1, ß1 and/or V1 alternatively Ad1, Aß1 and/or Ay1 as a part of an orthogonal coordinate system.

As already mentioned, in the described way the pitch angle of the antenna device 110 is rotatable and the pitch angle of the antenna device 110 is thus adjustable accordingly. 9 ln further detail, during the operation by the first linear actuator device 250: said first linear actuator device 250 and said second intermediate member 242 then act as movable levers of an instable framework in form of a triangle together with the rigid tube 230 standing still. ln this way the levers 250, 242 cooperate during the operation range of the first linear actuator device 250 as the pushing and pulling reciprocally extendable movement of the actuating end 252 lead to that the angles d1, ß1, and V1 are alterable during the complete operation range of the first linear actuator device 250. The pivot device 252a being positioned between said first actuator device 250 and said second intermediate member 242 also constitute a freely movable joint 252a in two dimensions in an orthogonal coordinate system.

The arrangement 100 further comprising at least one attachment arrangement 280 for attaching said arrangement 100 to said antenna device 110. The attachment arrangement 280 comprising an attachment portion 281, which is fixedly attached to a rear side 110b of the antenna device 110, e.g., by means of a screwing means 500. The attachment portion 281 may be constituted of a heel or the similar provided to the attachment arrangement 280. The attachment arrangement 280 further comprises an operating element 282 or portion for providing the reciprocally extending movement in cooperation with a second linear actuator device 260. The operating element 282 is to be described in greater detail in the following.

The second linear actuator device 260 is further provided for mechanically adjust the roll angle of the antenna device 110. ln similarity to the first linear actuator device 250 the second linear actuator device 260 is in itself a known component, comprising a cylinder having a stroke, providing a movement in form of a linear straight reciprocally extendable movement back and forth, which also constitute a pushing and pulling movement. ln one embodiment, the second linear actuator device 260 is provided adjacent the console 240, preferably along the elongated length thereof. The second linear actuator device 260 is in a first end 261 provided to the console 240. The second linear actuator device 260 is preferably provided in the lower portion of the console 240 in an operating position thereof. ln one embodiment, the first non-actuating end 261 of the second linear actuator 260 is pivotably provided to the console 240 by means of a third pivot device 261a, which is provided in said lower portion 261 of the console 240. The second linear actuator device 260 is in its other actuating end 262 provided to the operating element 282 for providing the rotation of the operating element 282 provided in connection to the antenna device 110. ln that way then antenna device 101 is rotatable as well. Said second linear actuator device 260 is pivotably provided in the operating element 282 by means of a fourth pivot device 262a. For instance, there may be a groove 282e provided into said operating element 282b for receiving the fourth pivot device 262a so that the second linear actuator device 260 is pivotably provided in the fourth pivot device 262a applied in said groove 282e.

The operating element 282 itself may comprise a three-dimensional flat structure, comprising two opposite flat surfaces 282c, 282d and a surrounding circumferential surface comprising an operating surface 282a. The operating element 282 is provided with the operating surface 282a for providing for a reciprocally extendable movement or rotation of the operating element 282 in cooperation with said second linear actuator device 260.

For accomplish that, the operating element 282 is further adapted to fit into and interact with a through-going opening 283 provided in the top portion of the console 240 in an operation position of the arrangement 100. A fifth pivot device 283 is then provided in and through said operating element 284 and mounted in said surrounding opening of the console 240 so that the operating element 282 is rotatable round said fifth pivot device 284 inside the opening 283 of the console 240.

Said opening 283 may then also comprise a lower edge 283b, which may constitute an opposite operating surface 283b configured to interact with said operating surface 282a of the operating element 282. The opening 283 is configured to accommodate at least a portion of said operating element 282 during the reciprocally extendable movement of the other actuating end 262 of the second linear actuator device 260. During the rotation of the operation element 282 , the operation surface 282a reciprocally follows the opposite 11 Operating surface 283b of the opening 283. The operating surface 282a may be provided with a curved character to be able to pass the opening 283 of the console 240. ln the rotational movement of the operating element 282 a rotation angle appears between the antenna device 110 fixedly provided to the operating element 282 and the console 240 comprising the opening 283 and the opposite operating surface 283b. ln the described way, the operating element 282 provides its movement pattern and rotation to the antenna device 110. Accordingly, the roll angle of the antenna device 110 is rotatable and adjusted during the operation range of the antenna device 110.

During operation of the second linear actuator device 260, an angle oi2 between the console 240 and the second linear actuator device 260 is alterable during the operation of the second linear actuator device 260 and the rotational movement of the operating element 282. The corresponding is applicable for an angle ß2 between the second linear actuator device 260 and the operating element 282 and to an angle V2 between the operating element 282 and the console 240, respectively.

The roll angle of an antenna device 110 arranged in relation to the arrangement 100 may e.g., be represented by d2, ß2 and/or v2 alternatively Ad2, A82 and/or Av2 as a part of an orthogonal coordinate system.

When the second linear actuator device 260 and the operating element 282 are movable, the rest of the arrangement 110 comprising the tube 230 are provided to the console 240 in the previously described way, see Figs 2a and 2b. Accordingly, as already mentioned, the roll angle of the antenna device 110 is rotatable and adjusted during the operation range of the antenna device 110.

The first and the second linear actuator devices 250, 260 may also be provided with at least a first and a second external housing 290, 300 respectively, for at least partly cover the arrangement 100 for remotely adjusting an antenna device 110, see Fig. 2b. ln that way, the housings 290, 300 cover the first and the second linear actuator devices 250, 260, the pivot 12 devices 251a, 252a, 261a 262a, at least a part of the tube 230 and the console 240 as described above against weather, wind, dust etcetera, see Fig. 2b.

The first and the second linear actuator devices 250, 260 may be adjusted independently of each other in the above described way for controlling the pitch angle and the roll angle of an antenna device 110 provided in connection to the arrangement 110. However, said first and second actuator devices 250, 260 may also be simultaneously adjusted for realizing an arbitrary radiation direction of said antenna device 110 during the operating range of the antenna device 110, see Figs. 3a - 3b. Then the separate adjustments performed by said first and second actuator linear devices 250, 260 are combined and aggregated.

During the operation range of the antenna 110, the console 240 may further move and rotate relatively to the tube 230 in the described way so the console 240 may protrude out of the rear side 110b of the antenna device 110 in a number ofdirections in an orthogonal coordinate system, see Figs. 3a - 3h representing a number of arbitrarily operating positions of the antenna device 110 provided by the arrangement 100 according the disclosure. ln the described way, the orientation of an antenna device 110 is represented by the pitch angle and the roll angle being continuously adjusted and altered by means of said arrangement 100 as the antenna device 110 provided in connection to said arrangement is configured to continuously radiate for tracking object(s) 120, 130 as previously mentioned. The antenna device 110 may be any type of antenna device.

The first and the second linear actuators 250, 260 are controlled by electric signals in a known way.

The arrangement for remotely controlling an antenna device operates in the following way.

For adjusting the pitch angle of the antenna device 110, the first linear actuator device 250 pushes and pulls the second member 242 so that the second member 242 and the second actuating end 252 in their entirety pivot round said bearing element 271 provided in the top portion of the tube 230. 13 Accordingly, the arrangement 100 adjusts the pitch angle of the antenna device 110. For adjusting the roll angle of the antenna device 100, the second linear actuator device 260 pushes and pulls the operating element 282. Then the operating element 282 rotates in the fifth pivot device 284 whereby the antenna device 110 provided in connection thereto rotates. Simultaneously the operating surface 282a reciprocally follows the opposite operating surface 283b of the opening 283 provided in the console. Accordingly, the arrangement 100 adjusts the roll angle of the antenna device 110 ln the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed preferred embodiments and examples of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.

Claims (10)

1. Arrangement (100) for remotely adjusting an antenna device (110), comprising an elongated support (230, 240) for said arrangement (100), a first linear actuator device (250) for mechanical adjustment of pitch angle and a second linear actuator device (260) for mechanical adjustment of roll angle, wherein the first linear actuator device (250) being reciprocally extendable provided in connection to said elongated support (230, 240) and in an actuating end (252) pivotably provided in connection to a bearing element (271) applied in said elongated support (230, 240), and the second linear actuator device (260) being reciprocally extendable provided in connection to said elongated support (230, 240) and in an actuating end (262) provided in connection to an operating element (282) being reciprocally movable in cooperation with said second linear actuator device (260).

2. Arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support (230, 240) comprising a console (240), a tube (230), a stand, a holder, a platform, etcetera.

3. Arrangement as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first linear actuator device (250) is in a first end (251) pivotably provided in connection to the tube (230) and the other actuating end (252) pivotably connected to an intermediate member (242) in turn pivotably provided to the bearing element (271) provided in the tube (230).

4. Arrangement as claimed in claims 3, wherein the tube (230), comprising the assembly of the first linear actuator device (250), the intermediate member (242) and the bearing element (271), is provided to the console (240).

5. Arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating element (282) is provided in connection to a rear side (1 10b) of an antenna device (110).

6. Arrangement as claimed in any of the claims 2 - 5, wherein the second |inear actuator device (260) is in the first end (261) pivotably provided in the console (240) and in the other actuating end (262) pivotably provided in the operating element (282), so that an antenna device (101) provided in connection to the operating element (282) is configured to be rotated as the operating element (282) is pivotably movable.

7. Arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein an operating surface (282c) of the operating element (282) for providing the reciprocal movement in cooperation with said second |inear actuator device (260) is configured to follow an opposite operating surface (283b) of an opening (283) provided in the console (240).

8. Arrangement as claimed in any of the claims 2 - 7, wherein a first and a second housing (290, 300) cover the first and the second |inear actuator devices (250), (260), respectively, a number of pivot devices (251a), (252a), (261a), (262a) and at least a part of the tube (230) and the console (240).

9. Arrangement as claimed in any of the claims 2 -8, wherein the console (240) is rotatable relatively to the tube (230) when the actuating end (252) of the first |inear actuator device (250) is reciprocally extendable simultaneously as the tube (230) is standing still. of the claims 1 - 9, comprising the following steps, Method for remotely adjusting an arrangement as claimed in any - actuating the first |inear actuator device (250) for adjusting the pitch angle,- actuating the second linear actuator device (260) for adjusting the roll angle , and actuating said first and second actuator devices (250, 260) separately or simultaneously for realizing an arbitrary radiation direction of an antenna 5 device (110) provided in connection to said arrangement.