A base station antenna remote electrically adjustable unit detection device

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of antenna manufacturing and testing technology, and particularly to a testing device for a remote electronically adjustable unit of a base station antenna. The device includes a base, a remote electronically adjustable unit, and testing components. The remote electronically adjustable unit is fixedly mounted on the base and has at least one output motor, each motor corresponding to a set of testing components. The testing components include two support seats, a lead screw, a nut sleeve, a pull rod, and a gravity load. The two support seats are fixedly mounted on the base and spaced apart along a predetermined direction. The lead screw is rotatably supported between the two support seats and is connected to the power output end of the motor. The nut sleeve is threadedly engaged with the lead screw. One end of the pull rod is fixedly connected to the nut sleeve. The gravity load is connected to the other end of the pull rod. This invention uses a gravity load, utilizing the weight of an object to provide constant resistance, unaffected by the stroke position, overcoming the nonlinearity of spring load force, and providing accurate and repeatable testing results.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of antenna manufacturing and testing technology, and in particular to a testing device for a remote electrically adjustable unit of a base station antenna. Background Technology

[0002] In base station antennas, a remote electrical tilt unit (RET) is used to adjust the phase of the antenna phase shifter, thereby controlling the strength and azimuth of the antenna communication signal. The constant torque output and reliability of the RET are crucial to ensuring the phase shifter's adjustment accuracy. Therefore, after production, the RET must undergo rigorous testing to assess the stability, durability, and reciprocating motion reliability of its output torque.

[0003] Currently, most existing devices for remote ESC (Electronic Control Unit) testing are complex in structure and inconvenient to operate. Some testing devices use springs as load elements, but springs suffer from non-linear force decay during compression or extension, making it impossible to provide a constant load and resulting in inaccurate test results. Other testing devices use electronic loads, which can achieve relatively accurate loading, but their equipment costs are high, their structure is complex, and their maintenance and calibration are cumbersome, making them unsuitable for the rapid testing needs of mass production.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a remote ESC unit detection device that is simple in structure, stable and reliable, and can provide constant resistance. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a remote electrically adjustable unit testing device for base station antennas, so as to solve the technical problems of inconsistent load force value and complex structure of existing testing devices.

[0006] To achieve the objectives of this invention, the following technical solution is adopted:

[0007] A detection device for a remote electronically adjustable unit of a base station antenna includes a base, a remote electronically adjustable unit, and detection components. The remote electronically adjustable unit is fixedly installed on the base, and the remote electronically adjustable unit has at least one output motor, with each motor corresponding to a set of detection components.

[0008] The detection assembly includes two support seats, a lead screw, a nut sleeve, a pull rod, and a gravity load; the two support seats are fixedly installed on the base and arranged at intervals along a predetermined direction; the lead screw is rotatably supported between the two support seats and is connected to the power output end of the motor; the nut sleeve is threadedly engaged with the lead screw; one end of the pull rod is fixedly connected to the nut sleeve; and the gravity load is connected to the other end of the pull rod.

[0009] A further improvement is that the detection device is configured to be placed vertically along the direction of gravity, so that the gravity load exerts a constant axial resistance on the lead screw through the pull rod and the nut sleeve by its own weight.

[0010] A further improvement is that when the output motor of the remote ESC unit drives the lead screw to rotate, the nut sleeve drives the pull rod and the gravity load to reciprocate in the vertical direction, so as to simulate the load conditions of the remote ESC unit in actual operation.

[0011] A further improvement is that the detection assembly also includes a guide mechanism, which is disposed between the two support seats and forms a sliding fit with the nut sleeve. The guide mechanism is used to restrict the nut sleeve from rotating with the lead screw, so that the nut sleeve moves linearly along the axis of the lead screw.

[0012] A further improvement is that the guiding mechanism includes a guide rod, the two ends of which are respectively fixed to the two support seats, and the axis of the guide rod is parallel to the axis of the lead screw; the nut sleeve has a guide hole that slides with the guide rod.

[0013] A further improvement is that the support base is provided with bearing mounting holes, and rolling bearings are installed in the bearing mounting holes. The two ends of the lead screw are rotatably supported on the two support bases through the rolling bearings.

[0014] A further improvement is that the nut sleeve and the pull rod are detachably fixedly connected by fasteners, which are screws or pins.

[0015] A further improvement is that the other end of the pull rod is provided with a hook or a ring, and the gravity load is suspended on the pull rod through the hook or ring.

[0016] A further improvement is that the remote ESC unit is equipped with two output motors; the number of detection components is two sets, and the two sets of detection components are arranged side by side on the base.

[0017] A further improvement is that the gravity load is a replaceable counterweight, the weight of which is configured to match the rated output torque of the output motor of the remote ESC unit.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0019] This invention uses gravity load, which utilizes the weight of the object to provide constant resistance. It is not affected by the stroke position, overcomes the defect of nonlinearity of spring load force, and the test results are accurate and repeatable.

[0020] This invention consists only of conventional mechanical parts such as a base, support, lead screw, nut sleeve, tie rod, and gravity load. It does not require complex electronic loads or sensors, resulting in low manufacturing and maintenance costs and making it suitable for rapid testing in mass production.

[0021] This invention allows for quick adaptation to remote ESC units with different torque specifications by replacing the gravity load with one of different weights. The gravity load is suspended by a hook or ring, making the replacement operation simple. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of a remote electrically adjustable unit detection device for a base station antenna according to the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of a remote electrical adjustment unit detection device for a base station antenna according to the present invention.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0025] 1. Remote ESC unit; 2. Front mounting base; 3. Lead screw; 4. Nut sleeve; 5. Fastener; 6. Guide rod; 7. Rear mounting base; 8. Pull rod; 9. Gravity load; 10. Base. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and do not limit the scope of protection of this invention.

[0027] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to," "set on," "fixed to," or "mounted on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. Furthermore, when an element is considered to be "transmittally connected" to another element, the two can achieve power transmission; the specific implementation can be achieved using existing technology, and will not be elaborated here. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0029] In this invention, the terms "first" and "second" do not represent a specific quantity or order, but are merely used to distinguish names.

[0030] Please refer to the attached document. Figure 1 Appendix Figure 2 This invention provides a testing device for a remote electronically adjustable unit (RET) of a base station antenna. This testing device is mainly used to test the stability of the output torque, the reliability of the reciprocating motion, and the durability of long-term operation of the RET after its production is completed.

[0031] The specific structure and principle of the base station antenna remote electrical adjustment unit detection device in the embodiments of the present invention will be explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the detection device includes a base 10, a remote ESC unit 1, and detection components. In this embodiment, the base 10 is a mounting plate, providing a mounting reference for the entire device. The remote ESC unit 1 is fixedly mounted on the base 10 by screws or other means.

[0033] Considering that in actual products, the remote ESC unit 1 typically has two output motors: one motor controls the shifting of the antenna drive system (i.e., selecting different phase shifter positions), and the other motor controls the movement of the antenna drive system (i.e., precisely adjusting the phase angle of the phase shifter). Therefore, this embodiment uses a remote ESC unit 1 with two output motors as an example for explanation. Accordingly, the number of detection components is also set to two sets, with the two sets of detection components arranged side by side on the base 10 to correspond one-to-one with the two output motors. It should be understood that for remote ESC units 1 with more motors, the structure of the present invention can be adjusted by adding or removing detection components accordingly. The structure and working principle of each set of detection components are exactly the same. Each set of detection components can operate simultaneously or sequentially and individually, thereby achieving full-function detection of the dual-motor remote ESC unit 1.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, each set of detection components includes: two support seats, a lead screw 3, a nut sleeve 4, a guide rod 6, a fastener 5, a pull rod 8, and a gravity load 9. The two support seats are specifically a front fixed seat 2 and a rear fixed seat 7.

[0035] The front fixed seat 2 and the rear fixed seat 7 serve as two support seats, both fixedly installed on the base 10, and are arranged at a certain distance along the axial direction of the lead screw 3. The lead screw 3 is rotatably installed between the front fixed seat 2 and the rear fixed seat 7. Specifically, bearing mounting holes can be provided on the front fixed seat 2 and the rear fixed seat 7, and rolling bearings (such as deep groove ball bearings) can be installed inside them. Both ends of the lead screw 3 are supported on these rolling bearings, thereby reducing rotational friction and improving transmission efficiency and testing accuracy. One end of the lead screw 3 is connected to the power output end of the output motor of the remote electronic control unit 1 via a coupling.

[0036] Specifically, both ends of the lead screw 3 are machined with reduced-diameter optical shaft sections for mounting the inner rings of rolling bearings. The end of the lead screw 3 closest to the remote electronic adjustment unit 1 is machined with a flat square or keyway for connection with a coupling.

[0037] Specifically, in this embodiment, the internal thread of the nut sleeve 4 engages with the external thread of the lead screw 3. The two ends of the guide rod 6 are respectively fixed to the front fixed seat 2 and the rear fixed seat 7, and the axis of the guide rod 6 remains parallel to the axis of the lead screw 3. A guide hole is provided on the nut sleeve 4, through which the guide rod 6 passes, forming a sliding fit with the nut sleeve 4. This guiding mechanism (the guide rod 6 engaging with the guide hole) is used to restrict the nut sleeve 4 from rotating with the lead screw 3 when the lead screw 3 rotates, thereby converting the rotational motion into linear motion of the nut sleeve 4 along the axial direction of the lead screw 3.

[0038] Specifically, in this embodiment, the pull rod 8 is a slender rod, which is fixed to the nut sleeve 4 by fasteners 5 (e.g., screws or pins). A hook or lifting ring structure is provided at the tail end of the pull rod 8 (the end furthest from the nut sleeve 4). The gravity load 9 is suspended from the hook or lifting ring at the tail end of the pull rod 8. The gravity load 9 can be selected from counterweights of different weights according to the rated output torque of the output motor of the remote ESC unit 1. The counterweights are provided with hanging holes or hooks. In use, the selected weight of the counterweight is suspended from the hook at the end of the pull rod 8. For example, for a motor with a larger output torque, a heavier gravity load 9 can be selected; for a motor with a smaller output torque, a lighter gravity load 9 is selected.

[0039] Specifically, the material of the counterweight is preferably lead or cast iron, because of its high density, which allows for a large weight to be obtained in a small volume.

[0040] Understandably, the entire detection device is configured to be placed vertically along the direction of gravity during installation and use, such as... Figure 1As shown. In this placement configuration, the gravity load 9 uses its own weight to apply a downward, constant axial force to the nut sleeve 4 via the pull rod 8. When the lead screw 3 is driven to rotate by the motor of the remote ESC unit 1, the nut sleeve 4 drives the pull rod 8 and the suspended gravity load 9 to move vertically up and down along the direction of the guide rod 6 (i.e., the vertical direction).

[0041] By controlling the forward and reverse rotation of the motor, the lead screw 3 can be driven to rotate forward or reverse, thereby driving the nut sleeve 4 and the gravity load 9 to reciprocate up and down, simulating the working conditions of the remote ESC unit 1, which frequently changes direction and operates under load in actual work. The effective length of the lead screw 3 thread can be determined according to the number of rotations required by the motor of the remote ESC unit 1 each time and the pitch of the lead screw 3, so as to meet different stroke test requirements.

[0042] The working principle of this detection device is explained in detail below:

[0043] When the motor of the remote ESC unit 1 outputs torque, it drives the lead screw 3 to rotate via the coupling. Since the nut sleeve 4 is threadedly engaged with the lead screw 3, and its rotation is restricted by the guide mechanism, the nut sleeve 4 will move linearly along the axial direction of the lead screw 3. When the lead screw 3 rotates clockwise, the nut sleeve 4 moves upward, driving the gravity load 9 upward via the pull rod 8; when the lead screw 3 rotates counterclockwise, the nut sleeve 4 moves downward, and the gravity load 9 follows its own weight downward. During this movement, the gravity of the gravity load 9 consistently exerts a downward axial force on the lead screw 3 through the pull rod 8 and the nut sleeve 4. This axial force generates a constant resistance torque on the lead screw 3. Since the weight of the gravity load 9 is constant, this resistance torque is also constant and independent of the position of the nut sleeve 4 on the lead screw 3. This achieves a constant load on the output motor of the remote ESC unit 1.

[0044] During testing, the remote ESC unit 1 is activated and runs according to a preset program: first, it rotates clockwise a certain number of times, causing the nut sleeve 4 to move upwards to the end of its stroke; then, it rotates counterclockwise the same number of times, causing the nut sleeve 4 to move downwards back to the starting point; this cycle is repeated. During operation, real-time parameters such as the motor's torque and current are recorded using testing equipment (e.g., torque sensor, ammeter) to determine if its output is stable and if any abnormal fluctuations occur. Simultaneously, long-term operation (e.g., 24 hours or 100 hours) can be set to test the motor's durability.

[0045] The remote electronically adjustable unit (EET) testing device for base station antennas proposed in this invention utilizes the weight of a gravity load 9 as a resistance source when placed vertically. Compared to springs or electronic loads, gravity provides a continuous, stable, and constant resistance that does not decay over time, thus realistically and accurately simulating the constant torque output environment required by the remote EET 1 to drive the phase shifter under actual operating conditions. Therefore, this testing device can provide extremely stable load characteristics for the remote EET 1, and by simply replacing the gravity load 9 with one of different weights, it can instantly adapt to remote EET 1 with different torque levels. The entire device has a simple structure, is easy to operate, and provides stable and reliable testing results.

[0046] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0047] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of specific implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A remote electrical adjustment unit testing device for base station antennas, characterized in that, It includes a base, a remote ESC unit, and detection components. The remote ESC unit is fixedly installed on the base and has at least one output motor. Each motor corresponds to a set of detection components. The detection assembly includes two support seats, a lead screw, a nut sleeve, a pull rod, and a gravity load; the two support seats are fixedly installed on the base and arranged at intervals along a predetermined direction; the lead screw is rotatably supported between the two support seats and is connected to the power output end of the motor; the nut sleeve is threadedly engaged with the lead screw; one end of the pull rod is fixedly connected to the nut sleeve; and the gravity load is connected to the other end of the pull rod.

2. The remote electrical adjustment unit detection device for a base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection device is configured to be placed vertically along the direction of gravity, such that the gravity load exerts a constant axial resistance on the lead screw through the tie rod and the nut sleeve by its own weight.

3. The remote electrical adjustment unit detection device for a base station antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the output motor of the remote ESC unit drives the lead screw to rotate, the nut sleeve drives the pull rod and the gravity load to reciprocate in the vertical direction to simulate the load conditions of the remote ESC unit in actual operation.

4. The remote electrical adjustment unit detection device for a base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection assembly also includes a guide mechanism, which is disposed between the two support seats and slides with the nut sleeve. The guide mechanism is used to restrict the nut sleeve from rotating when the lead screw rotates, so that the nut sleeve moves linearly along the axis of the lead screw.

5. The remote electrical adjustment unit detection device for a base station antenna according to claim 4, characterized in that, The guiding mechanism includes a guide rod, the two ends of which are respectively fixed to the two support seats, and the axis of the guide rod is parallel to the axis of the lead screw; the nut sleeve has a guide hole that slides with the guide rod.

6. The remote electrical adjustment unit detection device for a base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support base has bearing mounting holes, and rolling bearings are installed in the bearing mounting holes. The two ends of the lead screw are rotatably supported on the two support bases through the rolling bearings.

7. The remote electrical adjustment unit detection device for a base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nut sleeve and the pull rod are detachably fixedly connected by fasteners, which are screws or pins.

8. The remote electrical adjustment unit detection device for a base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The other end of the pull rod is provided with a hook or a ring, and the gravity load is suspended on the pull rod through the hook or ring.

9. The remote electrical adjustment unit detection device for a base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The remote ESC unit is equipped with two output motors; the number of detection components is two sets, and the two sets of detection components are arranged side by side on the base.

10. The remote electrical adjustment unit detection device for a base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gravity load is a replaceable counterweight, the weight of which is configured to match the rated output torque of the output motor of the remote ESC unit.

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