Phase shifter actuator and antenna

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a phase shifter transmission device, comprising: a housing; a main shaft, wherein a first worm is arranged on the main shaft; a shift structure, wherein a rack is arranged on the shift structure; a first power mechanism, configured to switch the first worm between a shift selection mode and a driving mode; a second power mechanism; at least one output unit, each of which is configured to be capable of cooperating with the first worm and driving a corresponding phase shifter to move when cooperating with the first worm; wherein when the first worm is in the shift selection mode, the second power mechanism is configured to drive the main shaft to rotate, so that the first worm moves relative to the shift structure; and when the first worm is in the driving mode, the second power mechanism is further configured to drive the main shaft to rotate, so that the first worm drives the output unit cooperating with the first worm among the at least one output unit to move. The phase shifter transmission device disclosed by the present disclosure can save space and has strong versatility.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a phase shifter drive device and an antenna including the phase shifter drive device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, a typical phase shifter drive system requires as many motors, circuit boards, and corresponding transmission structures as there are phase shifters. With the trend towards antenna miniaturization, these drive systems occupy a significant amount of antenna space. Furthermore, the required motors, electronic components, and transmission structures are not only bulky but also expensive.

[0003] The existing one-to-many transmission device uses one rotation direction of the motor to control the output and the other rotation direction to control the position. The finished product is cylindrical, which is difficult to lay out flat, which is not conducive to antenna layout, and additional sensors are required.

[0004] The existing two-belt multi-drive transmission device is driven by one motor and the position is selected by another motor, which places high demands on both motors. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To overcome the aforementioned problems—namely, the need for numerous motors and large space requirements in traditional phase shifter transmission devices—the first aspect of this disclosure specifically provides a phase shifter transmission device comprising: a housing; a main shaft disposed within the housing, the main shaft having a first worm gear movable along its axial direction; a shifting structure movably disposed within the housing, the shifting structure having a rack arranged along the axial direction of the main shaft; a first power mechanism disposed on the housing and coupled to the shifting structure, and configured to switch the first worm gear between a shifting selection mode and a drive mode; and a second power mechanism disposed on the housing and coupled to the main shaft. Coupled; at least one output unit disposed on the housing, each output unit configured to engage with the first worm gear and, when engaged with the first worm gear, drive a corresponding phase shifter to move as the first worm gear rotates; wherein, when the first worm gear is in the shift selection mode, the second power mechanism is configured to drive the main shaft to rotate, thereby causing the first worm gear to move relative to the shift structure along the axial direction of the main shaft through engagement with the rack; and when the first worm gear is in the drive mode, the second power mechanism is also configured to drive the main shaft to rotate, thereby causing the first worm gear to drive the output unit engaged with the first worm gear in the at least one output unit to move.

[0006] In this manner, the phase shifter transmission device disclosed herein can drive multiple output units and thus multiple phase shifters to move. The auxiliary power mechanism enables the first worm gear to switch between a shift selection mode and a drive mode, while the main power mechanism can drive the spindle to rotate both when the first worm gear is in the selection mode and when the first worm gear is in the drive mode. Furthermore, the phase shifter transmission device provided herein can effectively reduce the number of motors used, which is beneficial for reducing electromagnetic interference. The arrangement of multiple output units in the same direction saves space, the device has strong versatility, and the fewer transmission stages result in high mechanical efficiency.

[0007] In one embodiment, the shifting structure has a first limit and a second limit. When the first worm is located at the first limit, the first worm is in the shifting selection mode. When the first worm is located at the second limit, the first worm is in the driving mode.

[0008] In one embodiment, the shifting structure further includes a limiting component, which restricts the first worm gear from moving relative to the shifting structure along the axial direction of the main shaft when the first worm gear is in the drive mode.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first power mechanism includes a first motor and a worm gear connected to the first motor. The first motor and the shifting structure are connected by the worm gear connected to the first motor and a switching rack disposed on the shifting structure, so that when the first motor rotates, it drives the first worm gear to switch between the shifting selection mode and the driving mode.

[0010] In one embodiment, an electromagnetic relay is configured on the first power mechanism and the shifting structure. The electromagnet of the electromagnetic relay is disposed on the first power mechanism, and the armature of the electromagnetic relay is disposed on the shifting structure. The first worm gear is switched between the shifting mode and the driving mode through the electromagnetic relay.

[0011] In one embodiment, the second power mechanism includes a second motor, which is coupled to the main shaft via a spur gear and a worm gear or via a bevel gear, thereby driving the main shaft to rotate.

[0012] In one embodiment, the second power mechanism is a second motor, which directly drives the main shaft to rotate.

[0013] In one embodiment, the system further includes at least one transmission mechanism disposed on the housing. Each transmission mechanism is configured to engage with the first worm gear and, when engaged with the first worm gear, drive a corresponding output unit in the at least one output unit to move as the first worm gear rotates.

[0014] In one embodiment, each of the at least one transmission mechanism includes a helical gear and a second worm gear coupled to the helical gear. The helical gear is capable of engaging with the first worm gear, and the second worm gear meshes with a corresponding output unit. When the first worm gear is in the drive mode and the first worm gear is engaged with the helical gear corresponding to the target output unit, the corresponding helical gear causes the corresponding second worm gear to rotate as the first worm gear rotates, thereby driving the target output unit to move.

[0015] In one embodiment, the shifting structure is further provided with an elastic auxiliary element to prevent the rack of the shifting structure from interfering with the first worm gear.

[0016] In one embodiment, the housing includes a first sub-housing and a second sub-housing, the second sub-housing being adapted to the first sub-housing, and the spindle being disposed on the first sub-housing or the second sub-housing.

[0017] Furthermore, a second aspect of this disclosure also provides an antenna that includes a phase shifter drive according to a first aspect of this disclosure.

[0018] In summary, the phase shifter transmission device provided in this disclosure can effectively reduce the number of motors used, which is beneficial to reducing electromagnetic interference. The multiple output units laid out in the same direction can save space. The device has strong versatility, and the fewer transmission stages result in high mechanical efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a phase shifter drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the phase shifter drive mechanism; Figure 3a yes Figure 2 A partial perspective view of the first worm gear of the phase-shifting transmission device in the gear selection mode; Figure 3b yes Figure 3a A top view of the components; Figure 3c yes Figure 3b Top view of the worm gear on the main spindle when it moves to a target gear; Figure 3d yes Figure 3c Top view of the gear shift mechanism when fully switched to drive mode; Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a phase shifter drive according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the housing is removed, the first worm gear is in drive mode and one of the output units is moved a certain distance; Figure 5 A perspective view of a phase shifter drive according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the housing is removed, the first worm gear is in drive mode and some of the output units are removed; Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along AA when the first worm gear is in drive mode; Figure 7 yes Figure 3a A schematic diagram of the components from another perspective; Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a phase shifter transmission device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the housing is removed, part of the output unit is removed, and the first worm gear is in a shift selection mode; Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A three-dimensional view of the first worm gear in drive mode; and Figure 10 This is an exploded view of a phase shifter drive device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0020] In the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this disclosure. The accompanying drawings illustrate, by way of example, specific embodiments that can implement this disclosure. These exemplary embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive of all embodiments according to this disclosure. In the specification, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar parts. It will be understood that other embodiments and structural modifications may be utilized without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description is not restrictive, and the scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

[0021] The terms “comprising,” “including,” and similar terms used herein should be understood as open-ended terms, meaning “including / including but not limited to,” implying that other contents may also be included. The term “one embodiment” means “at least one embodiment”; the term “another embodiment” means “at least one additional embodiment,” and so on.

[0022] The embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the phase shifter transmission device 100 includes a housing 101, a main shaft 103, a shifting structure 105, a first power mechanism (i.e., an auxiliary power mechanism) 107, a second power mechanism (i.e., a main power mechanism) 109, helical gears 1130a-1130j, gears 113a-113j, and output units 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d, 111e, 111f, 111g, 111h, 111i, and 111j. Gears 113a-113j are connected to helical gears 1130a-1130j via transmission shafts (not shown in the figure). Each output unit is provided with a rack that meshes with the corresponding worm gear in gears 113a-113j, so that when gears 113a-113j rotate, they can drive the corresponding output unit to move, thereby driving the corresponding phase shifter to move. The housing 101 includes a sub-housing 101a and a sub-housing 101b adapted to the sub-housing 101a, and the main shaft 103 is disposed in the sub-housing 101b (it should be understood that the main shaft 103 may also be disposed on the sub-housing 101a).

[0024] like Figure 2 , Figure 3a and Figure 7 As shown, the spindle 103 is provided with worm gears 104a and 104b that are movable along the axial direction of the spindle 103. The provision of two worm gears 104a and 104b is merely exemplary and not limiting; one or more worm gears may be provided as needed. The spindle 103 is also provided with a worm wheel 103g. Those skilled in the art will understand that the spindle 103 and the worm wheel 103g are typically fixedly connected, i.e., no relative rotation occurs. The shifting structure 105 is movably disposed within the housing 101 (e.g., along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the spindle 103). It should be understood that although the embodiment shown in the figures has two worm gears on the spindle 103, in other embodiments, the spindle 103 may have only one worm gear or more than three worm gears.

[0025] Continue as Figure 3a and Figure 7As shown, the shifting structure 105 is provided with a rack 105a arranged in a direction parallel to the axis of the main shaft 103. When the shifting structure 105 is in the first position, the worm gears 104a and 104b mesh with the rack 105a. At this time, the second power mechanism 109 drives the worm gears 104a and 104b to change their positions on the main shaft 103 via the rack 105a, thereby enabling the selection of different output units 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d, 111e, 111f, 111g, 111h, 111i, and 111j, and thus enabling the selection of different phase shifters. At this time, the worm gears 104a and 104b do not mesh with the helical gears 1130a-1130j above them. Correspondingly, when the shifting structure 105 is in a second position different from the first position, the worm gears 104a and 104b do not mesh with the rack 105a but mesh with the helical gears 1130a-1130j above it. At this time, the second power mechanism 109 drives the worm gear 104a to be transmitted to the corresponding output units 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d, 111e, 111f, 111g, 111h, 111i, and 111j through the meshing of the helical gears 1130a-1130j above it, thereby realizing the drive of the corresponding phase shifter.

[0026] In addition, the shift structure 105 is also provided with a shift rack 105b arranged along the axis perpendicular to the main shaft 103. The shift rack 105b on the shift structure 105 has a limit A and a limit B (e.g., Figure 7 (As shown). Thus, the shifting structure 105 can switch between the first position and the second position as described above by means of the shifting rack 105b having limit A and limit B.

[0027] Furthermore, such as Figures 3a to 7 As shown, the first power mechanism 107 is disposed on the sub-housing 101b. The first power mechanism 107 includes a motor 107a, a transmission shaft 107b, and a worm gear 107c connected to the motor 107a via the transmission shaft 107b. The worm gear 107c meshes with the switching rack 105b. The second power mechanism 109 is also disposed on the sub-housing 101b and coupled to the main shaft 103. Specifically, the second power mechanism 109 includes a motor 109a, a transmission shaft 109b, a driving gear 109c, a driven gear 109d, a transmission shaft 109e, and a worm gear 109f.

[0028] When the phase shifter transmission device 100 is working, the motor 107a drives the worm gear 107c to rotate via the transmission shaft 107b, causing the worm gear 107c to move between limit A and limit B of the switching rack 105b. When the worm gear 107c is at limit B, the shifting structure 105 puts the worm gears 104a and 104b into the shifting selection mode. At this time, the worm gears 104a and 104b mesh with the rack 105a, and the motor 109a drives the drive gear 109c to rotate via the transmission shaft 109b. The driven gear 109d follows the drive gear 109c. Further, the driven gear 109d drives the worm gear 109f to rotate via the transmission shaft 109e, thereby driving the worm wheel 103g to rotate, which in turn drives the main shaft 103 to rotate. The worm gears 104a and 104b can move to the target gear (i.e., the gear where the target output unit is located) as the main shaft 103 rotates.

[0029] When the worm 107c is in limit position A, the shifting structure 105 puts the worms 104a and 104b into drive mode. At this time, the worms 104a and 104b are disengaged from the rack 105a and mesh with, for example, helical gears 1130a and 1130f. The worms 104a and 104b move with the rotation of the main shaft 103 (it should be understood that the direction of movement depends on the rotation direction of the main shaft and the direction of the worm's rotation), thereby driving the helical gears 1130a and 1130f to rotate. Correspondingly, this drives the gears 113a and 113f to rotate. Furthermore, the gears 113a and 113f drive the corresponding output units 111a and 111f to move through the racks they mesh with, thereby driving the phase shifters connected to the output units 111a and 111f to move. In addition, the shifting structure 105 is provided with a number of limiting parts (such as limiting grooves 105c) that are consistent with the number of gears, to limit the degree of freedom of the worm gears 104a and 104b along the axial direction, that is, to prevent the worm gears 104a and 104b from rotating along the axial direction of the main shaft 103 while rotating with the rotation of the main shaft 103.

[0030] In another embodiment, an electromagnetic relay is configured on the first power mechanism 107 and the shifting structure 105. The electromagnet of the electromagnetic relay is disposed on the first power mechanism, and the armature of the electromagnetic relay is disposed on the shifting structure. The first worm gear can be switched between the driving mode and the shifting selection mode through the electromagnetic relay.

[0031] It should be understood that although the number of output units 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d, 111e, 111f, 111g, 111h, 111i, and 111j is 10 in the above embodiments, in other embodiments, there can be any number of output units 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d, 111e, 111f, 111g, 111h, 111i, and 111j. Furthermore, it should be understood that in another embodiment, the first power structure 107 and the second power mechanism 109 are not limited to being located in the middle of the phase shifter transmission device; the first power structure 107 and the second power mechanism 109 can be located at any suitable position.

[0032] exist Figures 1 to 7 In the illustrated embodiment, a second power mechanism 109, such as a main motor, transmits power via a combination of spur gears and a worm gear. Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, with Figures 1 to 7 The difference in the illustrated embodiment is that the gear shifting structure of the phase shifter transmission 200, which meshes with the rack of the first power mechanism 207, is positioned parallel to the axis of the main shaft. Correspondingly, the direction of the gear driven by the first power mechanism 207 via the transmission shaft is also adjusted accordingly. The second power mechanism 209 omits the transmission structure of a spur rack combined with a worm gear; the motor rotation directly drives the helical gear to rotate, thereby driving the output unit's movement. In another embodiment, the second power mechanism 209 can also drive the output unit's movement through bevel gear meshing.

[0033] exist Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, the shifting structure 105 may also be provided with a plurality of elastic auxiliary elements (e.g., springs) 301 to prevent interference between the rack 105a and the worm gears 104a and 104b on the shifting structure. It should be understood that, in another embodiment, the main shaft 103 may also be disposed on the sub-housing 101a. In another embodiment, the sub-housing 101a and sub-housing 101b may be integrally formed.

[0034] Furthermore, a second aspect of this disclosure also provides an antenna that includes a phase shifter drive according to a first aspect of this disclosure.

[0035] The phase shifter transmission device provided in this disclosure can drive multiple output units and thus multiple phase shifters to move. The auxiliary power mechanism enables the first worm gear to switch between a shift selection mode and a drive mode, while the main power mechanism can drive the main shaft to rotate both when the first worm gear is in the selection mode and when the first worm gear is in the drive mode. Furthermore, the phase shifter transmission device provided in this disclosure can effectively reduce the number of motors used, which helps reduce electromagnetic interference. The arrangement of multiple output units in the same direction saves space, the device has strong versatility, and the fewer transmission stages result in high mechanical efficiency.

[0036] It should be noted that the above examples are merely specific embodiments of this disclosure, and obviously, this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and many similar variations are possible. All modifications that can be directly derived or conceived by those skilled in the art from the content disclosed in this disclosure should fall within the protection scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A phase shifter transmission device, characterized in that, The phase shifter transmission device includes: case; A main shaft is disposed in the housing, and a first worm gear capable of moving along the axial direction of the main shaft is provided on the main shaft; A gear shifting structure is movably disposed within the housing, and the gear shifting structure is provided with a rack along the axial direction of the main shaft; A first power mechanism is disposed on the housing and coupled to the shifting structure, and is configured to cause the first worm gear to switch between a shift selection mode and a drive mode. The second power mechanism is disposed on the housing and coupled to the main shaft; At least one output unit is disposed on the housing, each output unit being configured to engage with the first worm gear and, when engaged with the first worm gear, drive a corresponding phase shifter to move as the first worm gear rotates; When the first worm gear is in the shift selection mode, the second power mechanism is configured to drive the main shaft to rotate, thereby causing the first worm gear to move relative to the shift structure along the axial direction of the main shaft through its engagement with the rack; and When the first worm gear is in the drive mode, the second power mechanism is also configured to drive the main shaft to rotate, thereby causing the first worm gear to drive the target output unit that cooperates with the first worm gear in the at least one output unit to move. The phase shifter transmission device further includes at least one transmission mechanism disposed on the housing. Each transmission mechanism is configured to engage with the first worm gear and, when engaged with the first worm gear, drive the target output unit engaged with the first worm gear in the at least one output unit to move as the first worm gear rotates. Each of the at least one transmission mechanism includes a helical gear and a second worm gear coupled to the helical gear. The helical gear can engage with the first worm gear, and the second worm gear meshes with the target output unit. When the first worm gear is in the drive mode and the first worm gear meshes with the helical gear corresponding to the target output unit, the corresponding helical gear rotates with the rotation of the first worm gear, causing the corresponding second worm gear to rotate, thereby driving the target output unit to move.

2. The phase shifter transmission device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shifting structure has a first limit and a second limit. When the first worm is located at the first limit, the first worm is in the shifting selection mode. When the first worm is located at the second limit, the first worm is in the driving mode.

3. The phase shifter transmission device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shifting structure also includes a limiting component. When the first worm is in the driving mode, the limiting component restricts the first worm from moving relative to the shifting structure along the axial direction of the main shaft.

4. The phase shifter transmission device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first power mechanism includes a first motor and a worm gear connected to the first motor. The first motor and the shifting structure are connected by the worm gear connected to the first motor and a switching rack provided on the shifting structure, so that when the first motor rotates, it drives the first worm gear to switch between the shifting selection mode and the driving mode.

5. The phase shifter transmission device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first power mechanism and the shifting structure are equipped with electromagnetic relays. The electromagnet of the electromagnetic relay is set on the first power mechanism, and the armature of the electromagnetic relay is set on the shifting structure. The first worm gear is switched between the shifting mode and the driving mode through the electromagnetic relay.

6. The phase shifter transmission device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second power mechanism includes a second motor, which is coupled to the main shaft via a spur gear and a worm gear or via a bevel gear, thereby driving the main shaft to rotate.

7. The phase shifter transmission device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second power mechanism is a second motor, which directly drives the main shaft to rotate.

8. The phase shifter transmission device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shifting structure is also provided with an elastic auxiliary element to prevent the rack of the shifting structure from interfering with the first worm gear.

9. The phase shifter transmission device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing includes a first sub-housing and a second sub-housing, the second sub-housing being adapted to the first sub-housing, and the main shaft being disposed on either the first sub-housing or the second sub-housing.

10. An antenna, characterized in that, The antenna includes a phase shifter drive according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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