Communication unit rotation mechanism

Abstract

To provide a turning mechanism of a communication unit.SOLUTION: An optical communication unit transmits / receives an optical communication signal. The optical communication unit includes an optical unit, an elevation angle drive and an azimuth angle drive. The optical unit emits and / or receives the optical communication signal. The elevation angle drive is coupled to the optical unit through an azimuth angle bearing, and turns the optical unit around an elevation angle axis. The azimuth angle drive is coupled to the optical unit and the elevation angle drive, and rotates the optical unit together with the elevation angle drive around the azimuth angle axis. The elevation angle axis is arranged eccentrically to the azimuth angle axis, as a result, the elevation angle axis is offset by offset in a lateral direction with respect to the azimuth angle axis. Thereby, the optical unit can be turned together with the azimuth angle drive, and accordingly a turning range of the optical unit is expanded.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication unit and a movement mechanism thereof for orbiting about an elevation axis and for rotation about an azimuth axis. The present invention also relates to a communication satellite equipped with such a communication unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been a rapid increase in satellite constellations. A satellite constellation can be described as a group of satellites, each of which passes around the Earth in a predetermined orbit, covering a specific area of ​​the Earth's surface. The number of satellites in a satellite constellation and their orbital paths can be as large as necessary so that at least one satellite can establish a direct optical link with any desired point on the Earth's surface at any given time.

[0003] With the proliferation of satellite constellations in low-to-medium Earth orbit, the requirements for the payloads carried by the satellites are shifting towards low cost and mass production, which ultimately means requirements for lighter weight and reduced functional and structural complexity, while at the same time the requirements for data transmission remain (in particular high data rates, the largest possible turning range, and precise adjustability of the communication units).

[0004] The '1999 patent also describes a satellite constellation including multiple communications satellites and an approach to data transmission and routing between the individual communications satellites.

[0005] US Patent No. 5,949,999 describes a system and method for adjusting the direction of radiation of optical communication signals between a communication platform and a remote station.

[0006] Various types of communication units can be used to transmit data. Communication units generally use electromagnetic signals for data transmission. An optical communication unit consists of several components whose tasks are, for example, aligning and tracking the optical signal (for example, by deflecting mirrors or by moving the optical unit itself), conditioning the optical signal (by the optical unit), processing the data (by the electronic unit), and controlling the communication unit. However, directional antennas can also be used, whose emission and reception directions can be aligned with the remote station.

[0007] The optical signal can be directed from the remote station to the optical unit (or vice versa) by, for example, a number of mirror elements, each of which can pivot about a differently positioned axis. Here, the optical unit itself, as a source or sink of the optical signal, is immobile, but the mirrors deflect the optical signal. This structure has the disadvantages of being quite complex in mechanism, requiring a considerable amount of space, and being relatively heavy.

[0008] Another possibility is to swivel the optical unit, sometimes called the telescope, however conventional designs have a relatively small swivel range of the telescope about the elevation axis.

[0009] Yet another possibility is known by the term "coude telescope", in which a free light beam is directed through the elevation axis by a deflection mirror and focused outside a swivel telescope. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] German Patent Application Publication No. 102016121919 [Patent Document 2] German Patent Application Publication No. 102017127813 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] The object can be seen as providing a communications unit that is characterized by a compact, space-saving structure and at the same time a large swivel range about the elevation axis and a large rotation range about the azimuth axis. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further embodiments are evident from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0013] According to a first aspect, there is provided a communication unit for transmitting and receiving communication signals. The communication unit includes a transmit / receive unit, an elevation drive, and an azimuth drive. The transmit / receive unit is designed to emit and / or receive communication signals. The elevation drive is coupled to the transmit / receive unit via an elevation bearing and is designed to pivot the transmit / receive unit about an elevation axis of the elevation bearing. The azimuth drive is coupled to the transmit / receive unit and the elevation drive and is designed to rotate the transmit / receive unit together with the elevation drive about the azimuth axis. The elevation axis is eccentrically disposed relative to the azimuth axis, such that the elevation axis is offset by a lateral offset relative to the azimuth axis.

[0014] The transmitting / receiving unit may be, for example, an optical unit in the form of a telescope having lenses and / or mirrors and a transmitter and receiver of optical signals. In that case, the transmitting / receiving unit is called an optical unit. The optical unit may implement a transmitting path for transmitting optical signals and a receiving path for receiving optical signals. In the transmitting path, signals are fed to the optical unit, where they may be processed in the optical unit so that they are then transmitted cablelessly as optical signals. In the receiving path, the optical unit receives optical signals via a cableless transmission path, processes or modifies these signals, and then feeds them into a signal transmission medium, where they are transmitted in a cabled form.

[0015] However, the transmit / receive unit can also be designed as a directional antenna with predeterminable transmit and receive directions, and the directional antenna can be swiveled in the manner described for the optical transmit / receive unit.

[0016] For the purposes of explanation, in the following, reference will be made in particular to optical communication units comprising an optical unit. However, it should be pointed out that this specification applies to both optical units and directional antennas, or any other transmitting / receiving units with predeterminable and directed transmitting and receiving directions. This means that in particular references to optical units and optical communication units in this specification should be understood as merely examples and should apply in a similar way to communication units by other signal carriers (electromagnetic waves), for example in the form of directional antennas.

[0017] The elevation axis extends transversely to the azimuth axis, in particular perpendicularly thereto. The elevation drive is mechanically coupled to the transmit / receive unit and serves to pivot the transmit / receive unit about the elevation axis. The elevation drive can be, for example, an electric motor, e.g., a stepper motor, which is connected to the transmit / receive unit directly or via a gear mechanism to transmit the motor's movement to the transmit / receive unit and pivot the transmit / receive unit about the elevation axis. Depending on the direction of movement of the motor or the setting of the gear mechanism, the transmit / receive unit can perform pivoting movement about the elevation axis in both possible directions.

[0018] The azimuth drive may also be an electric drive, like the elevation drive. The azimuth drive may, for example, be designed as a rotating plate carrying the elevation drive and the transmit / receive unit. In this case, the azimuth drive may perform a rotational movement about the azimuth axis with the help of the electric drive. During this rotational movement, the transmit / receive unit and the elevation drive are guided by the movement of the rotating plate about the azimuth axis.

[0019] The azimuth drive and elevation drive are actuated by external control to approach a position defined by the azimuth and elevation angles. This position is predetermined by the relative location of the remote communication station to which the transmit / receive unit must be aligned to enable transmission and reception of communication signals. The control of the azimuth drive and elevation drive will not be described in further detail herein; those skilled in the art will need to refer back to known mechanisms for this purpose. Importantly, the structure of the communication unit described herein allows a large range of rotation about the azimuth axis and a large range of slewing about the elevation axis with a simple structure. When the communication unit is used onboard a communication satellite, the transmit / receive unit may optionally be aligned with the remote station and maintained in this orientation during the orbital flight of the communication satellite.

[0020] The elevation axis is laterally offset relative to the azimuth axis. This allows the transmit / receive unit to swivel to some extent in the direction of the azimuth drive when swivels about the elevation axis, so that the transmit / receive unit is at least partially laterally aligned with the azimuth drive. In this way, the swivel range of the transmit / receive unit about the elevation axis can be increased. As a result, although the physical dimensions of the azimuth drive or rotating plate continue to form a natural limit on the swivel range about the elevation axis, the swivel range of the transmit / receive unit about the elevation axis increases by the lateral offset of the elevation axis relative to the azimuth axis or the azimuth drive.

[0021] When the transmit / receive unit pivots about the elevation axis, not only does the transmit / receive unit perform a rotational motion relative to the azimuth drive or associated rotating plate, but the entire transmit / receive unit performs a combined rotational and translational motion relative to the azimuth drive's rotating plate, moving along an arc of a circle about the elevation axis. Even though the elevation axis itself does not change its position, the geometric midpoint of the transmit / receive unit performs this combined rotational and translational motion. In other words, while the transmit / receive unit pivots about the elevation axis, it undergoes a lateral offset motion, thus allowing it to pivot along the rotating plate as the pivoting motion continues, thereby increasing the possible pivot range about the elevation axis.

[0022] The structures described herein allow for rotational movement about the azimuth axis through up to 360° and swivel movement about the elevation axis through up to 180°. Additionally, the structures described herein allow for the optics unit to eliminate complex movable mirror mechanisms external to the transmit / receive unit because the transmit / receive unit itself moves, and the movement of the transmit / receive unit provides a large range of swivel about the elevation axis and a large range of rotation about the azimuth axis due to the orientation of the elevation axis relative to the azimuth axis described herein.

[0023] In one embodiment, the elevation bearing is connected to the housing of the transmit / receive unit, with the elevation axis being eccentrically positioned relative to the central axis of the housing.

[0024] The transmit / receive unit has a housing in which optical and / or electrical components that emit and receive communication signals are located. The communication signals exit the housing through an entrance / exit opening or enter the housing through an entrance / exit opening and then impinge on the corresponding components. When the transmit / receive unit pivots about the elevation axis and / or rotates about the azimuth axis, the respective or otherwise combined pivot / rotational movements affect the entire transmit / receive unit housing. Therefore, an elevation bearing is mechanically connected to the transmit / receive unit housing. The central axis of the housing, for example, runs in the direction in which the communication signals exit the transmit / receive unit and extends centrally through the housing, i.e., centrally relative to the left-right extent of the housing (the left-right extent is defined as the direction toward and away from the elevation axis). The elevation bearing is positioned eccentrically on the transmit / receive unit housing relative to this central axis.

[0025] The elevation bearings are located, for example, at the corners of the housing. Other possible locations for the elevation bearings are discussed further below. In this embodiment, the elevation axis is located eccentrically relative to the central axis of the housing.

[0026] In a further embodiment, the azimuth drive has a support area to which the elevation drive and the transmit / receive unit are coupled, and the azimuth drive is designed to rotate the support area about the azimuth axis during the rotational movement.

[0027] The support area, sometimes called a turntable, is mounted on or onto which the elevation drive and / or transmit / receive unit are connected. The azimuth drive rotates the support area about the azimuth axis, thereby placing the elevation drive and transmit / receive unit in the same rotational motion about the azimuth axis.

[0028] The elevation drive and the transmit / receive unit are each directly or indirectly connected to the support region. For example, the elevation drive can be directly connected to the support region, and the transmit / receive unit has a portion directly connected to the elevation drive, thereby indirectly connecting the transmit / receive unit to the support region. In either case, rotational movement of the support region results in corresponding movement of the elevation drive and the transmit / receive unit about the azimuth axis.

[0029] Preferably, the support region defines the periphery of the azimuth drive, i.e., the components of the azimuth drive are disposed below the support region and do not protrude laterally beyond the periphery of the support region.

[0030] The support area may be, for example, circular. Therefore, to the extent that the transmitting / receiving unit is partially arranged laterally along the support area, when the transmitting / receiving unit is pivoted about the elevation axis, the transmitting / receiving unit can also rotate about the azimuth axis. With a circular support area, the transmitting / receiving unit can rotate 360° about the azimuth axis without encountering the support area. However, it is also conceivable that only a portion of the support area forms a circular arc, for example, 270°. Then, when the transmitting / receiving unit is pivoted along the support area about the elevation axis, the rotational movement of the transmitting / receiving unit about the azimuth axis is limited to the 270° of the circular arc of the support area.

[0031] In a further embodiment, the lateral offset between the elevation axis and the azimuth axis is equal to or greater than half the distance from the azimuth axis to the perimeter of the support region.

[0032] For a circular support area, if the azimuth axis passes through the center point of the support area, the lateral offset between the elevation axis and the azimuth axis is half the radius of the support area. If the support area is not circular, the lateral offset between the elevation axis and the azimuth axis is at least half the distance from the center point of the support area to the point on the periphery of the support area that is furthest from the center point.

[0033] Not all lateral offsets between the elevation and azimuth axes allow the transmit / receive unit to be swiveled completely along the support area, however this is not necessary in all applications and depending on the requirements it may be sufficient if the transmit / receive unit can be swiveled partially around or along the support area, thus allowing a swiveling range of more than 90°.

[0034] In a further embodiment, the elevation axis is laterally offset from the azimuth axis to such an extent that the elevation axis is located laterally outside the support area.

[0035] In this embodiment, the elevation axis lies laterally outside the support area. Depending on where the elevation bearing is connected to the transmit / receive unit housing, the transmit / receive unit can thus pivot perfectly aligned with the azimuth drive and associated turntable.

[0036] In a further embodiment, the communication unit also has a processing unit for processing the communication signals, the processing unit being connected to the transmitting / receiving unit by a signal transmission medium, so that the communication signals transmitted and / or received by the transmitting / receiving unit can be transmitted between the processing unit and the transmitting / receiving unit.

[0037] The processing unit may for example perform signal processing and / or signal conditioning steps, e.g., adaptation such as encoding, amplification, etc. However, further functions may also be implemented in the processing unit, such as performing signal processing of the content of the signal to be transmitted or received.

[0038] In a further embodiment, the signal transmission medium is designed to transmit communication signals, in particular optical signals, and runs at least partly along the azimuthal and / or elevational axes.

[0039] The signal transmission medium may be, for example, an optical fiber cable. The optical fiber cable connects the processing unit and the transmitting / receiving unit. Therefore, the optical fiber cable must participate in the rotational movement of the transmitting / receiving unit about the azimuth axis and the pivotal movement about the elevation axis. The range of bending moments acting on the optical fiber is reduced by the optical fiber cable running along the azimuth axis and / or the elevation axis. The two-axis rotational and pivotal movements have the effect of primarily exerting torsional moments on the optical fiber at these positions. Optical fiber cables are typically designed so that torsional moments entail low mechanical loads on the optical fiber, while bending moments impose much larger mechanical loads on the optical fiber. Consideration is given to this finding by the optical fiber cable running along the azimuth axis and / or the elevation axis, so that the mechanical load on the optical fiber during the movement of the transmitting / receiving unit is kept low.

[0040] In a further embodiment, the communication unit also comprises a holding and locking unit, which is designed to lock the transmitting / receiving unit in an initial position, so that the transmitting / receiving unit is prevented from performing a swivel movement about the elevation axis and / or a rotation movement about the azimuth axis.

[0041] If the communication unit is used on a satellite and the transmitting / receiving unit has to be fixed during the launch phase of the satellite on its way to Earth orbit, the holding and locking unit is advantageously used to avoid uncontrolled movements of the transmitting / receiving unit that may be caused by strong forces during the launch phase.

[0042] The holding and locking unit may be, for example, a combined bolt-hook mechanism that connects the transmit / receive unit to the elevation drive to prevent pivoting about the elevation axis and also locks the azimuth drive to prevent unwanted rotation about the azimuth axis. The holding and locking unit may further engage the housing of the optical unit such that during the launch phase the transmit / receive unit is not only carried or held by the elevation bearing but is also further secured by the holding and locking unit.

[0043] The initial position may also be referred to as the starting or parking position of the transmitter / receiver unit. The initial position may in particular define a limit for pivoting about the elevation axis in one direction. This means that the transmitter / receiver unit cannot pivot in both directions from the initial position, but only away from the holding and locking unit. This means, for example, that a transmitter / receiver unit in its initial position and locked state in the holding and locking unit cannot pivot about the elevation bearing. Therefore, no rotational moment acts on the elevation bearing, and the elevation bearing must only exert a maximum supporting force to maintain the transmitter / receiver unit in its initial position. This may help to keep the mechanical load on the elevation bearing low.

[0044] In a further embodiment, in the initial position the transmitting / receiving unit is aligned such that the direction of radiation of the communication signal passes through the entrance / exit opening of the transmitting / receiving unit parallel or perpendicular to the azimuthal axis.

[0045] In the initial position, it may be desirable for the entrance / exit openings of the housing of the transmitting / receiving unit to have a particular orientation relative to the satellite, for example, during the launch phase of the satellite, to prevent foreign objects from entering the transmitting / receiving unit or to reduce its range. An elevation bearing can be arranged on the housing of the transmitting / receiving unit so that in the initial position the entrance / exit openings are positioned as desired. The direction of radiation of the communication signals through the entrance / exit openings of the housing of the transmitting / receiving unit can run parallel to the central axis of the housing already mentioned.

[0046] According to a further aspect, there is provided a communications satellite having a communications unit as described herein.

[0047] The communications unit may be advantageously used as a transmitter and / or receiver of electromagnetic or optical communications signals in a communications satellite, and the transmitting / receiving unit is rotated about an azimuth axis and / or swiveled about an elevation axis to align the transmitting / receiving unit with a remote station so that communications signals can be transmitted to or received from the remote station.

[0048] The communication unit structure described herein allows for a large range of swivel about the elevation axis and a large range of rotation about the azimuth axis, thereby enabling good tracking and alignment of the transmit / receive unit relative to the remote station, while using a small number of components and a simple mechanical structure.

[0049] A communications satellite is understood herein to mean a spacecraft that, at least for a while, moves on the Earth's surface or is in Earth orbit or is intended for use on the Earth's surface or in Earth orbit, and that carries a communications device that allows signals to be exchanged with a remote station on the Earth or on the Earth's surface, for example, on board another communications satellite, an aircraft, or a spacecraft. The term communications satellite is therefore functionally defined as a spacecraft carrying a communications device for exchanging communications signals. Preferably, communications satellites are designed for use in Earth orbit and pass around the Earth in a predetermined orbit for a relatively long period of time, typically several years. While the communications satellite moves in its orbit, the transmitting / receiving unit of the communications unit can be aligned with and tracked by a remote station. The structure of the communications unit allows a large turning range despite its simple mechanical structure and therefore low weight.

[0050] Exemplary embodiments are discussed in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the illustrations are schematic and not to scale, and in which the same reference numbers refer to the same or similar elements. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0051] [Figure 1] 1 depicts a diagram of a communications satellite and a remote station in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an optical communication unit in side view according to an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 3] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an optical communication unit in plan view according to an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an optical communication unit in side view according to an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 5] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an optical communication unit in side view according to an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an optical communication unit in side view according to an exemplary embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] The illustrated example is described with reference to an optical communication unit 100 comprising an optical unit 110. However, the principles presented herein also apply to other transmit / receive units that generally use electromagnetic signals for signal transmission and are not limited to optical units.

[0053] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an optical communication unit 100 and a remote station 200. The optical communication unit 100 and the remote station 200 represent endpoints of a communication link. Communication signals 210, 220 can be transmitted between these two endpoints in a cableless manner. The communication signals are transmitted, for example, through a channel, and the dashed arrows pointing in both directions between the optical communication unit 100 and the remote station 200 are intended to symbolize two-way data exchange. In connection with the optical communication unit 100 and the remote station 200 described herein, those skilled in the art can refer to all known transmission methods. In the example described herein, the communication signals 210, 220 are transmitted between the optical communication unit 100 and the remote station 200 in a cableless and optical manner.

[0054] The optical communication unit 100 is located on board the satellite 10 and is designed to communicate with a remote station 200 located on another aircraft or spacecraft or on the surface of the Earth (static or mobile).

[0055] The configuration shown in Figure 1 may be referred to as a communications system. The remote station may be designed in any manner known to those skilled in the art. While the satellite 10 follows a predetermined orbit around the Earth, the optical unit of the optical communications unit may be aligned with the remote station 200 according to principles described herein and maintain this alignment to enable the exchange of optical communications signals 210, 220 between the optical communications unit and the remote station.

[0056] 2 shows a schematic diagram of an optical communications unit 100. The optical communications unit 100, in this example, comprises an optical unit 110, an elevation drive 120, and an azimuth drive .

[0057] The optical unit 110 comprises a housing 111 with an entrance / exit opening 112 and an optical component 114 arranged in the housing 111. The optical component 114 is, for example, a typical component used in optical data transmission, and emits an optical signal in the direction of a remote station and / or receives an optical signal transmitted from the remote station.

[0058] Optical unit 110 is coupled to an elevation bearing 122, which enables optical unit 110 to pivot about elevation axis 124. Elevation axis 124 extends along the Y-axis. The pivoting movement about elevation axis 124 is illustrated diagrammatically by the positions of optical unit 110 shown in various positions after pivoting movements A and B of 90° in each case, with optical unit 110 shown in dashed lines at these positions, respectively.

[0059] In the initial position of the optical unit 110, the opening 112 faces upward. After a 90° clockwise pivoting movement A, the opening 112 faces right, and after a further 90° clockwise pivoting movement B, the opening 112 faces downward. As a result, the optical communications unit 100 described herein can enable a large angular range for pivoting about the elevation axis 124. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the optical unit 110 is characterized by a 180° angular range for pivoting about the elevation axis 124.

[0060] However, the optical unit 110 may also be connected to the elevation bearing 122 so that in the initial position, the opening 112 faces the elevation drive 120. Such a structure may help protect the opening 112 and the optical component 114 from the intrusion of foreign matter.

[0061] In the initial position, the optical unit 110 rests on or is mechanically coupled to the holding and locking unit 126. As a result, in the initial position, the optical unit 110 is held not only by the elevation bearing 122 but also by the holding and locking unit 126. The holding and locking unit 126 can engage, for example, with the housing 111 of the optical unit 110, so that the optical unit 110 is fixedly connected to the holding and locking unit 126 and held in the initial position even if an external force acts on it, such as during the launch stage of a satellite on which the optical communication unit 100 is installed. In the initial position, the central axis 116 or optical axis (the direction in which an optical signal is emitted or received) runs parallel to the Z axis.

[0062] Elevation drive 120 is connected to elevation bearing 122 so that elevation drive 120 can transmit force to optical unit 110 to pivot optical unit 110 about elevation axis 124 .

[0063] For a space-saving construction, the optical unit 110 is mounted on an elevation drive 120, which in turn is mounted on a support area 134 of an azimuth drive 130. The azimuth drive 130 is designed to perform a rotational movement about an azimuth axis 132, which runs parallel to the Z-axis. In the case of a rotational movement about the azimuth axis 132, the support area 134 also rotates accordingly and transmits this rotational movement to the optical unit 110.

[0064] 2, the elevation axis 124 is offset from the azimuth axis 132 by a lateral offset 150. When the optical unit 110 is pivoted from an initial position about the elevation axis 124 in a clockwise direction, the pivoting motion can cover an angle of more than 90°. Even when the optical unit 110 is pivoted at least partially laterally along the support region 134 of the azimuth drive 130 (i.e., to a position where the pivot angle is greater than the angle of position A, i.e., 90° from the initial position, and less than or equal to the pivot angle of position B, i.e., 180° from the initial position), a rotational motion can occur about the azimuth axis 132.

[0065] As can be seen from FIG. 2, the structure of the optical communication unit described herein lends itself to a flexible and compact design of optical transmitting and receiving units for satellites, particularly satellites that can be advantageously used in satellite constellations.

[0066] The unique design of the rotation (rotational movement around the azimuth axis) and tilt (swivel movement around the elevation axis) mechanisms allows for a rotation range around the Z axis of up to 360° and a tilt range around the X or Y axis of up to 180° from the initial position. The upright position of the optical unit 110 in the initial position ensures optimal introduction of launch loads, making the optical communications unit 100 described herein usable for a multitude of mission profiles. The optical communications unit is characterized, in particular, by the eccentric suspension of the elevation bearing. Positioning the elevation bearing at a distance greater than half the radius of the support area 134 relative to the azimuth axis allows for high flexibility, which, in interaction with the holding and locking unit 126, allows for optimal introduction of launch loads into the structure while simultaneously providing a large deflection angle for the optical unit. The wide tilt and rotation ranges allow for a similarly wide effective field of view (the angular range over which an optical link with a remote station can be established) while at the same time providing a compact type of structure.

[0067] FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the optical communications unit 100 with the optical unit 110 in its initial position. In the plan view of the optical communications unit 100, the entrance / exit opening 112 of the housing of the optical unit 110 is shown in the center. The opening 112 can have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the housing of the optical unit, but the opening 112 can also extend across the entire end face of the housing of the optical unit. Although the housing of the optical unit is shown as circular in this specification, the housing of the optical unit can have a different shape. When the optical unit is pivoted from its initial position about the elevation axis 124, the optical unit moves toward the right in FIG. 3. The elevation bearing 122 is fixed to the elevation drive 120. Thus, the elevation drive 120 rests on the azimuth drive 130. When the azimuth drive 130 performs a rotational movement about the azimuth axis 132, the elevation drive 120, the elevation bearing 122, and the optical unit 110 participate in this rotational movement. The rotational movement can also be performed when the optical unit 110 is not in the initial position but is being swiveled along the azimuth drive 130. This is because the elevation axis 124 is laterally offset from the azimuth axis 132 by an offset 150.

[0068] Figure 4 shows a further schematic diagram of an optical communication unit 100 including components already shown in Figure 1 and described with reference thereto. Components already shown in Figure 1 will not be described again here.

[0069] The optical communication unit 100 also includes a processing unit 140, which in this example is connected to the optical unit 110 by a first signal transmission medium 142 and a second signal transmission medium 144. The processing unit 140 may include, for example, a processor, a microcontroller, and other electronic components that perform signal processing, signal conditioning, and / or signal amplification functions. The signal transmission media 142, 144 are, for example, optical transmission media or optical fibers. Preferably, the signal transmission media 142, 144 are guided to the optical unit 110 along the azimuth axis 132 or the elevation axis 124. As a result, mechanical loads on the signal transmission media during the rotational and pivoting movements of the optical unit 110 are kept low.

[0070] Figure 5 shows an alternative structure of the optical communication unit 100, where the orientation of the optical unit 110 in the initial position is different from the orientation of the optical unit 110 from Figure 2. Please also refer to the previous figure for further component description.

[0071] In Fig. 5, the central axis or optical axis 116 of the optical unit 110 has been rotated by 90° compared to the example of Fig. 2 and runs parallel to the X-axis in the coordinate system of Fig. 2. Also, in the example of Fig. 5, a pivoting range of the optical unit 110 of up to 180° is possible, depending on the arrangement of the elevation bearing 122. In the initial position, the housing 111 of the optical unit is in a side region of the holding and locking unit 126, while the optical unit 110 of Fig. 2 is in a base region of the holding and locking unit and is coupled or locked thereto.

[0072] 5 has the advantage that in the initial position, the optical communication unit 100 takes up less space. Also, the different orientation of the optical unit in the initial position makes it possible to position the opening 112 in the housing 111 such that fewer foreign objects can enter the opening 112 during the launch phase of the satellite, thereby reducing the disturbance of the emitted or received optical signals.

[0073] FIG. 6 illustrates the optical communications unit 100, with a possible advantageous location for the elevation bearing shown in this representation. The elevation bearing 122 initially has a lateral offset 150 relative to the azimuth axis 132. In an advantageous example, this lateral offset 150 (the distance along the X-axis) is equal to or greater than half the radius 136 of the support area 134. The elevation bearing 122 may be laterally offset to the extent that it partially or completely protrudes laterally beyond the support area 134. In the representation of FIG. 6, the elevation bearing 122 is connected to the lower right corner of the optical unit housing. However, this is not the only location where the elevation bearing can be connected to the optical unit housing. Rather, the elevation bearing may be connected to the housing along the Z-axis throughout the entire extent of the housing.

[0074] As a result of the compact type of construction described herein for the optical communications unit 100, the number of subassemblies is significantly reduced, which is reflected in significant savings in mass and cost. For example, the entire optical unit 110 can be rotated and swiveled, eliminating the need for swiveling mirrors located outside the optical unit. Nevertheless, a large swiveling range around the elevation axis of up to 180° and a swiveling range around the azimuth axis of up to 360° is possible.

[0075] It should be noted that "comprises" or "having" do not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other of the above embodiments. Reference numerals in the claims should not be considered limiting. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 10 satellites 100 communication units 110 Transmitting / Receiving Unit 111 Housing 112 Inlet / Exit opening 114 Optical Components 116 Central axis 120 elevation drive 122 Elevation Bearing 124 Elevation axis, rotation axis (parallel to the Y axis) 126 Retaining and locking unit 130 Azimuth Drive 132 Azimuth axis, rotation axis (parallel to Z axis) 134 Support area 136 Radius of the support area 140 processing units 142 First signal transmission medium 144 Second signal transmission medium 150 Horizontal Offset 200 Remote Stations 210 Communication Signals 220 Communication Signals

Claims

1. A communication unit (100) for transmitting and receiving communication signals, comprising: a transmitting / receiving unit (110) designed to emit and / or receive communication signals; an elevation drive (120) coupled to the transmit / receive unit (110) via an elevation bearing (122) and designed to pivot the transmit / receive unit (110) about an elevation axis (124) of the elevation bearing (122); an azimuth drive (130) coupled to the transmit / receive unit (110) and the elevation drive (120) and designed to rotate the transmit / receive unit (110) together with the elevation drive (120) about an azimuth axis (132); and the elevation axis (124) is disposed eccentrically relative to the azimuth axis (132), such that the elevation axis (124) is offset by a lateral offset (150) relative to the azimuth axis (132); the azimuth drive (130) has a support area (134) to which the elevation drive (120) and the transmit / receive unit (110) are coupled; the azimuth drive (130) is designed to rotate the support area (134) about the azimuth axis (132) during a rotational movement; the elevation axis (124) is horizontally laterally offset from the azimuth axis (132) along the support area (134) to such an extent that the elevation axis (124) is disposed laterally outside the support area (134); A communication unit (100).

2. The elevation bearing (122) is connected to a housing (111) of the transmitting / receiving unit (110), and the elevation axis (124) is arranged eccentrically with respect to a central axis (116) of the housing (111), so that the elevation bearing (122) is arranged at a corner of the housing (111). The communication unit (100) of claim 1.

3. the lateral offset (150) between the elevation axis (124) and the azimuth axis (132) is equal to or greater than half the distance from the azimuth axis (132) to the periphery of the support area (134); The communication unit (100) of claim 1.

4. further comprising a processing unit (140) for processing the communication signal; the processing unit (140) is connected to the transmitting / receiving unit (110) via a signal transmission medium (142, 144), so that signals transmitted and / or received by the transmitting / receiving unit (110) can be transmitted between the processing unit (140) and the transmitting / receiving unit (110); A communication unit (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the signal transmission medium (142, 144) is designed to transmit signals and runs at least partially along the azimuth axis (132) and / or the elevation axis (124); A communication unit (100) according to claim 4.

6. Further comprising a retaining and locking unit (126), the holding and locking unit (126) is designed to lock the transmitting / receiving unit (110) in an initial position, so that the transmitting / receiving unit (110) is prevented from performing a swivel movement about the elevation axis (124) and / or a rotation movement about the azimuth axis (132); A communication unit (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. In the initial position, the transmitting / receiving unit (110) is aligned such that the radiation direction of the optical signal passes through the entrance / exit opening (112) of the transmitting / receiving unit (110) parallel or perpendicular to the azimuthal axis. A communication unit (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The communication unit (100) is an optical communication unit; The transmitting / receiving unit (110) is an optical unit. A communication unit (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A communications satellite (10) having a communications unit (100) described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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