Method of changing the down-tilt angle of an antenna, in particular of a base station antenna

The invention relates to a method for changing a depression angle of an antenna, in particular a base station belonging to a mobile radio antenna.

As is known, the mobile radio network is designed cell-shaped, wherein each cell is assigned to a corresponding base station with at least a mobile radio antenna for transmitting and receiving. The antennas are constructed so that they radiate distracted usually at a certain angle relative to the horizontal downwards, whereby a certain cell size is determined.

In addition to the main transmission frequencies of 900 MHz band and the 1800 MHz band (in the US, for example, the 1900 MHz band) obtained for the next generation of the mobile network, the so-called UMTS network, the 2000 MHz band significance. Depending on the size of each area covered by a base station cell as well as for example in dependence of the network in question (for example, the upcoming UMTS network), the antennas must be set with different angles of inclination.

Finally, it is also known that the lowering or inclination angle, which is hereinafter sometimes referred to as a down-tilt angle at which emits a wireless base station antenna relative to the horizontal downwards, for example by phase shifter is adjustable. By changing the phase difference of several superposed individual radiator, the tilt angle of the radiation pattern is changed. The phase shifter can be adjusted according to what commonly requires that directly to the cellular antenna adjustment must be done manually. In addition, existing protective devices must be dismantled or reassembled. Naturally, this is due to a considerable amount installation effort.

Therefore, according to the WO 96/14670 A1 has also been proposed to be able to adjust the down-tilt angle by means of an electric control device differently, the controller of such a control device mounted, for example in the base of such an antenna device or can be used as mobile control device, can be connected via a plug connection led out of the antenna control lines if required, to operate the built-in below the protective housing adjusting device for adjustment of the downtilt angle.

is from the aforementioned prior art document WO 96/14670 A1 it be known shows that the adjustment must be moved at least in the direction of a stop order, starting then start from this a predetermined distance. Due to the worn path a down-tilt angle is then set differently depending.

An antenna with a remote-controlled unit for changing the depression angle (downtilt angle) is 1,067,626 A2 also become known from the EP. According to this prior publication, a sensor is used which detects each of the detection position of the antenna to the end thereof to read out the corresponding data in dependence from a memory and to make the antenna adjustment.

A satellite dish with a Ausrichtmäglichkeit the antenna on a satellite for reception of programs is known in principle from US 5,983,071 A. Also in this prior publication, the use of memory units and interpolation is described here in order to store certain data for controlling the satellite and read out.

Antennas with different adjustable Absenkwinkeln are basically become known from US 5,512,914. further an electromagnetic circuit means for performing a lowering of the radiation angle is apparent from US 6,078,824.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved method for changing the down-tilt angle.

The object is solved according to the features specified in claim. 1 Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

The inventive method is mainly characterized by the following features:<ul><li>it is carried out a self-calibration with respect to the adjustment range of the down-tilt angle,</li><li>the self-calibration is carried out so that a controllable actuating device (29) is displaced between two extreme or limit positions by means of an electric motor, what the maximum adjustment is preferably detected in the form of selective rotation pulses,</li><li>this position is assigned a specific value of a maximum or minimum depression angle when reaching the respective end position, and</li><li>travel-dependent between the two extreme end positions or intermediate relative positions are interpolated by means of a control electronics (41).</li></ul>

The inventive method can be controlled use particularly in connection with an antenna control device which can be mounted retrofitted at a corresponding cell phone base station outside the protective housing for the radiator elements (Radom).

Preference is therefore not intended that already extensive mechanical and / or electronic means shall be provided in the manufacture or delivery of a corresponding cellular antenna to ensure the upgrading.

The manual adjustment of the outside is basically the art. The control apparatus according to the invention is characterized over the preferred by the fact that this interacts with growing outside the protective housing of the antenna exactly with that control element, via which otherwise the adjustment can be made manually.

The antenna described with reference to exemplary embodiments in detail used therein a generally known transmission element which can be actuated manually outside of the antenna protective cover, and which extends through a corresponding opening into the interior beneath the protective housing of the antenna, in order there for example via a transmission linkage to a or more phase shifter for adjusting the down-tilt angle to be pressed. This guided through from the outside to the inside through the protective casing or a portion of the rear or side plate of the supporting and / or protective cover of the antenna actuator preferably consists of a spindle which is rotatably guided in a corresponding threaded sleeve. the threaded spindle can thus be adjusted in the axial direction between two end or extreme positions by turning.

The inventive method can thus be used in particular in connection with an antenna control device which is wholly or substantially formed as a complete unit or complete module. This control device can be operated and installed easily from there, and not only - as described above - together with a provided outside the cover housing the antenna device actuator. Rather, it is provided according to the invention as well, that the complete unit or the complete module mounted if required under the protective cover as a simple and easily manageable complete module and can be retrofitted when needed. Also in this case the retrofit antenna control device is coupled to a corresponding actuating element below the protective cover to about adjust the phase angle of the antennas different. An essential advantage is thus shown that the inventive antenna control device can be mounted as a complete solution just outside or inside of the protective cover of the antenna. An assembly of a plurality of individual components, if necessary, even at different locations beneath the protective cover of the antenna as in the prior art, therefore, is omitted.

As low proves now that the adjustment of the down-tilt angle can ultimately be carried out either manually or by a suitable control device. In manual mode, the complete control unit is omitted, so that the adjustment of the down-tilt angle can be ultimately carried out by adjustment of the actuating element, preferably by rotation of a setting or spindle gear, what about the rotatable spindle then, for example, the phase shifter for changing the down-tilt angle can be adjusted accordingly.

If a corresponding electronic or electrical control means retrofitted, this is preferably mounted just outside the protective housing of the antenna. This then interacts directly with the actuation transmission element, ie in particular the measures provided for manual adjustment spindle gear, what a rotation of the spindle gear can be made via the members of the control device motor drive.

As low has also been found to provide no limit switch or limit switch, but without jamming stops. These are therefore on the spindle and fixed to the housing so provided and designed such that the movement of the spindle in the respective extreme or end position is secured by a stop against further rotation. The end stop thus allows needed during a subsequent movement in the opposite direction substantially no additional release forces. This contributes to the fact that relatively small motors can be used with low power ratings.

In a preferred variant, it is further provided that the control electronics the two end stops, to two absolute position values. The absolute position can then at least be carried out on one of these two positions. For this purpose, the actuator would have to be moved, preferably in the form of the spindle only in the appropriate direction until reaching the end stop. Reaching of the end stop may also be electrically / electronically detected and evaluated by the control electronics.

Be particularly favorable one used in the invention means for self-calibration proves. If the transmission or actuator preferably first moved in the shape of the spindle on at least one of the two end stops and then moves back to the other end stop, then by means of a road detection, preferably detected in the form of counted rotary pulses, the maximum adjustment, via the two end stops a maximum associated depression angle and about any intermediate angle, optionally also interpolated using information stored in a table supporting values. This allows any positions between the extreme positions are absolutely driven.

Alternatively or additionally it is also possible, relative to control certain adjustment positions within the allowable setting range. Given the respective current setting value can be stored in a nonvolatile memory, and then proceeding to carry out the relative adjustment when re making an adjustment of this value.

Preferably, a control device is used with an interface leading to the outside. Via this interface all recruitment and monitoring functions can be performed at the command level. For control, a special control unit or a computer with appropriate software control or as the base station are used.

In one embodiment of the invention, the mechanical used and the electrical / electronic part of the control device in a fixed relationship to each other are coupled standing. This requires no special addressing of the control unit. However, the controller can preferably also in a mode to work "with addressing". This opens the possibility via a single command interface to control multiple electronic control units from a central point, so adjust several angles at various antennas accordingly.

Further details, advantages and features emerge below from the exemplary embodiment illustrated with reference to drawings. Case, in detail<dl id="dl0001"><dt>Figure 1:</dt><dd>an illustration of an arranged beneath a cover or protective housing mobile radio antenna with externally grown antenna control device;</dd><dt>Figure 2:</dt><dd>a partial side view of a corresponding mobile radio antenna with removed protective housing and outwardly guided actuator;</dd><dt>Figure 3:</dt><dd>an enlarged detail view of the principle equipped with a manual adjustment mobile radio antenna for a base station;</dd><dt>Figure 4:</dt><dd>an illustration corresponding to Figure 3 for an installed antenna control device;</dd><dt>Figure 5:</dt><dd>an enlarged view of a detail of Figure 4; </dd><dt>Figure 6:</dt><dd>a side view of the retrofitted unit shown in Figure 4 in the disassembled state in a schematic cross-sectional view;</dd><dt>Figure 7:</dt><dd>rotated by 90 ° side view with respect to the representation according to Figure 4, and</dd><dt>Figure 8:</dt><dd>a schematic illustration of a base-station mast and electronically retractable cellular antenna.</dd></dl>

In Figure 1 is shown schematically in part perspective view of a mobile radio antenna for a base station. Usually more radiant in different cells cellular antennas are arranged on an antenna mast, not shown in the drawings in a corresponding vertical orientation or slightly downward circumferentially offset lying.

Such a mobile radio antenna may comprise a plurality of emitters which can emit in different frequency bands, wherein one, a different inclination angle, a so-called down-tilt angle can be adjusted by changing the phase distances between the individual vertically stacked emitters with which the mobile radio antenna 3 with respect to the horizontal radiates downwards. This is done is known about appropriate settings of phase shifter elements, being so far made to the previously known solutions. this is a base station in Figure 8 71 shown with an antenna mast 73 to which a corresponding cellular antenna 3 is mounted, which is driven via lines 75 from the base station or the command device, and via which the beam direction strongly in an angular range α electronically more or less can be lowered.

A corresponding mobile radio antenna 3 includes for example a fixing or mounting plate 5, optionally also a reflector with include or at least wear a reflector, the mounting or mounting plate preferably in at her to lie down next page with a transversely to the preceding connection plate 7 is provided, at the respective terminals 9 are provided for connection of coaxial cables for operation of several individual spotlights.

At the mounting or mounting plate 5 also move an existing GRP plastic usually protective cover 11 is fixed below which the individual emitter elements are arranged in front of a reflector.

In that partial perspective view of Figure 1 is also already the outside of the protective cover 11 retrofittable control device 13, with the angle of the antenna can be controlled or adjusted automatically.

Before discussing the apparent from Figure 1 in the assembled state control device 13, reference is first made to the schematic plan view in Figure 2, in front of a reflector 15 seated at the lower end of the reflector 15, a first radiator 17 adjacent with the protective cover removed 11 to the terminal plate 7 can be seen, with the side to the terminals 9 in the connecting plate 7 an actuating opening 19 is provided, namely formed by a connecting plate extending through 7 and firmly and tightly 23 connected thereto hydrants this connecting piece 23 is penetrated by a threaded sleeve 21 which in other words the corresponding opening 19 in the connecting plate 7 interspersed. Within the fixed connecting piece 23 a threaded sleeve 21 is mounted rotatably about its axial axis, however, kept axially fixed. On the outwardly projecting portion of the pivoted connection sleeve 21, an adjusting member 25 is provided, which is formed in the embodiment shown in the form of a spindle gear 25 '.

The threaded sleeve 21 is of an actuating member 29 passes through, which consists in the shown embodiment consists of a spindle 29 '. The external thread 29 'of spindle 29' cooperates with the inner thread of the threaded sleeve 21, that is the internal thread of the spindle gear 25 'together so that axially by rotation of the spindle gear 25' depending on the rotational direction of the non rotatable spindle 29 'further into the interior of the protective cover 11 is in or out further adjusted.

As can be seen in particular from Figures 2 to 5, the inner end of the 29 'formed in the shape of a spindle actuator 29 is connected to a corresponding transfer means 31 in the form of a transmission linkage, wherein at the other not shown end of the transmission link then the one or a plurality of phase shifters for changing the inclination angle of the antennas can be adjusted. The planned non-rotatable connection 33 is also ensured that the spindle 29 'itself can not rotate.

From the enlarged detail view according to figure 3 is further evident that the adjustment member 25 in the form of the spindle gear wheel 25 'on the outwardly facing side to Längsaxialachse offset radially outwardly lying with a first actuation end stop 35 and below the protective cover 11, therefore the inside of the connecting plate is 7 35 'equipped with a counter-aligned also displaced radially to the central axis of the spindle lying second actuator end stop. These end stops are respectively in the circumferential and thus the direction of rotation aligned to extend, the outer adjustment end stop 35 cooperates with the outer to the spindle 29 'formed actuating end stop 37 and the inner adjusting limit stop 35' with the internal actuating end stop 37 ' , which are also aligned in the radial direction. In Figure 3, the spindle is in an end stop position, namely in the most extended position in which the two stops 35 ', 37' abut.

Only by manual rotation of the spindle gear 25 'can thus the spindle 29' are so far displaced axially through the connection plate 7 passing between two end positions, to each of the outer actuating end stop 37 abuts the outer adjusting limit stop 35 or, conversely, the inner adjustment end stop 35 cooperating 'with the internal actuating end stop 37' of the spindle 29th

The down-tilt angle of such an antenna can therefore be easily changed manually and re-adjusted by the adjustment member 25, in other words, the spindle gear 25 'is correspondingly rotated in the circumferential direction to thereby adjust the spindle in the axial direction. Under cooperation with the provided below the protective cover transmission linkage phase shifters and thus the down-tilt angle can be adjusted accordingly.

However, such an antenna is also easy to retrofit, for example by means of remote control with a control device for motor described lowering of the cellular antenna. 3

This only has an example already in figure 1 here visible from the outside and in the Figures 4 to be retrofitted to 6 reproduced in further detail control device 13, which may be equipped with the corresponding electrical or electronic components, and especially the need to drive elements for mechanical adjustment involves.

The control device 13 comprises (Figure 6) to a control housing 43 with a connecting piece 45, which on the housing 43 and the connecting piece 45 is held and provided with an internal thread connection cap ring 47 is turned firmly on a raised ring portion 23 'of the connecting piece 23 of the connecting plate 7 , The aforementioned spindle gear 25 'then comes to lie in the interior of the control housing 43, immediately adjacent to adjacent to a corresponding driving gear wheel 49 which is drivable by an electric motor 51st

Further, as is apparent from the schematic illustrations, in the interior of the control housing 43 of the control device 13, the control electronics 41 is provided with various control boards 53, comprising the electrical / electronic components for the control, whose operation is to be dealt with below.

can, for example, via a transmitter not shown in detail - that the control device 13 comprises a receiving device - the control device 13 can be operated accordingly. After an initial installation or, for example, after a reset is via the electric motor 51, the spindle gear 25 'meshing with the driven by the electric motor drive gear 49, driven in rotation until the spindle 29', for example, in its innermost, ie furthest into the protective housing 11 retracted position is adjusted until the so 'is moved along with the spindle gear 25, outer adjusting limit stop 35 abuts in the circumferential direction for rotation to the outer spindle mounted on the actuating end stop 37th Subsequently, the motor 51 is operated in the reverse direction, to the inner with the threaded sleeve 21 and the spindle gear 25 'co-rotating adjusting limit stop 35' attached to the inner to the spindle and thus axially moved along actuation end stop 37 'abuts. These two end positions are assigned by the electronics two angle settings. A reciprocating between the end stops may not lead to blocking because no wedging and clamping forces occur between the end stops that strike run towards each other at 90 ° to each other virtually.

By assigning the end positions of two predetermined by the electronics or two (in the drawings not shown) cable connections or preferably via remotely controllable devices submitted end of depression can provided on one of the control boards 53 integrated electronics or evaluation electronics perform a self-calibration. Between the adjustment between the two end stops the rotation pulses can be counted by a counter further example, so that a path-dependent signal is given above. The two end positions and the path-dependent signal are then used by the electronics to allow an interpolation, which any intermediate value can be driven between the end stops. For this, the control of the desired position, the number of required for the position in question angular momenta calculate and control the electric motor accordingly long. Instead of the aforementioned interpolation the desired intermediate values ​​may be preferably read by supporting values ​​from a table.

They can be activated in the sense of absolute control by first retracted respectively in the direction of an end stop and then in the reverse direction a corresponding adjustment to the desired absolute position of the spindle 29 'made. but it can also be a relative displacement in such a way made so that in the last selected relative value corresponding to a certain depression angle of the antenna, is preferably stored in a non-volatile cache. By electronics is then calculated with respect to a next value, which distance must be performed starting from the current setting.

The control device 13 thus includes in particular the electric motor 51 electromechanical control elements next to a control electronics 41 for evaluation, calculation, etc. These so-called "intelligent" control electronics 41 preferably includes an interface, can be carried out over the all setting / monitoring functions on a command level , For setting, a special control unit or a computer with appropriate control software are used. The communication may be wired or wireless, between a command device (such as a computer) and the control device 13, or by the base station itself.

For example, when using a command device that can also, if the individual control devices 13 and the associated control electronics 41 are addressable, control several different control devices. 13

The address modes (with and without address) can thereby be changed at any time, even during operation. If necessary, can also be provided that addresses even managed to be subsequently configured.

The command interface to the control electronics 41 is accessible from the outside, for example via plug or cable or wirelessly accessible.

The invention has been described for an antenna control device which can be retrofitted as a complete unit or as a complete module outside the protective cover of the antenna. The same device with basically the same structure can be used as a complete unit or as a complete unit or complete module within the antenna device, that are mounted under the guard of the antennas and are coupled together in the same or a comparable manner with a transmission device to adjust the phase angle of the antenna elements different , By modular design and complete construction a lightweight and easy retrofitting is possible in both cases.