The Field of the Invention

Invention relates to a gearbox mechanism performing transition of phase shifters of all bands located in base station antennas between desired different operation positions by means of two engines.

Present State of the Art

In phase-shifter keying systems used in the related art, in general each phase shifter structure is driven by a separate engine. Mostly different driving control circuit is needed for control of engines used therein. In addition, operation of keying each phase-shifter structure by a different engine requires high volume inside base station antenna.

Application numbered WO2017218608A1 relates to control of phase-shifters in gear system by multiple remote electrical actuator. With the development made on gear system provided in engines of actuator, connection between engine and first shaft is provided as a result of motion of drive shaft in a direction while motion of drive shaft in other direction rotates first shaft. A single engine system include a complex structure and cost is high and multiple parts are needed to be used.

As a result, due to above-described disadvantages and inadequacy of existing solutions it has been necessary to make development in the related art.

Purpose of the Invention

Transition between multiple different operation positions of phase-shifter structures intended to have linear motion independent of each other is achieved by use of two different engines in the mechanism of this invention. Thus, antenna production cost is reduced, antenna weight is reduced and antenna inner volume tilting mechanism covering volume is reduced.

The structural and characteristic features and all advantages of the invention will be understood better in the figures given below and the detailed description by reference to the figures.

Description of Figures

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the gearbox mechanism of the invention. Figure 2 is a cross-section view of the gearbox mechanism of the invention.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the gear and nuts in gearbox mechanism of the invention.

Description of Part References

D. Gearbox mechanism

1. First engine

2. Second engine

3. Second engine gear

4. Shaft

5. Antenna gear

6. Nut

7. Fixed pin

8. First engine gear

9. Planet gear

10. Planet carrying shaft

11 . Fixed housing

12. Stopping pin

13. First housing support sheet

14. Second housing support sheet

15. Nut stopper

Detailed Description of the Invention

In this detailed description, the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in a manner not forming any restrictive effect and only for purpose of better understanding of the matter.

The transition between different operation positions of more than two phase shifter structures in the base station system (4.5 G etc) is achieved by the use of only two engines (1 , 2). Rotation motion is converted into linear motion by means of synchronous operation first engine (1) and second engine (2) with help of gearbox mechanism (D) developed to achieve desired operation position. Gearbox mechanism (D) has two different operation conditions. Power and motion transmission can be achieved for eight different antenna positions by use of only two engines (1 , 2) without use of any gear selective member or clutching by means of the operation conditions. In the first operation condition, first engine (1) is active, second engine (2) is passive, and motion is transmitted to one of antenna gears (5) being in eight different position. This condition represents main power and motion transmission line of the mechanism. In the second operation condition, both of engines (1 , 2) are active (in a manner to have fixed speed difference), co-axis determines the different antenna position by help of shaft gear on free degree shaft (4). This condition represents selection of the position needed for motion for position of eight different antenna positions to be selected before initiating first operating condition.

During transition between desired positions, first engine (1) takes up main driver function. Second engine (2) determines the position out of eight different antenna positions where to be driven. Engines (1 , 2) continue to operate in a way to have a fixed rate between them when they are operated and prevents shift in antenna transitions by operating during conduct of positioning.

As seen in figure 1 , second engine gear (3) connected to second engine (2) is matched with shaft gear connected to co-axis shaft (4) and selects the gear out of antenna gears (5) where to be driven. First engine gear (8) in a position connected to first engine (1 ) is transferred to antenna gear position of moving antenna gears (9) by help of planet gear located in co-axial free degree housed onto planet carrying shaft (10) and located on carrying shaft (10). Meanwhile, second engine (2) is in non-operating position.

In figure 2, first engine (1) antenna position is in proper range while second engine (2) remains fixed and planet carrying shaft (10) having co-axis free degree contacts second engine gear (3) and shaft (4) gear so because of not being able to rotate on fixed housing (11 ), planet gear (9) functions as an idle gear and transfers power to desired antenna gear (5).

Antenna positioning in a number corresponding to number of antenna gears (5), in other words in 8 positions, by help of synchronous operation of engines (1 , 2) in gearbox mechanism (D). Screw spindle and nuts (6) motion converting rotary motion into linear motion is transmitted by screw details provided on planet gear (9) shaft. Linear motion created for different antenna positions is transmitted to antenna by means of a connection mechanism connected to nuts (6). Positioning for engines (1 , 2) is conducted by help of fixed pin (7) located on fixed housing (11). After mechanism completing one complete cycle contacts stopping pin (12), it runs in opposite direction of repeated scanning angle. Antenna positioning engine, which is one of two engines (1 , 2) driving gear mechanism runs in 45 degree-ranges for 8 different antenna positions and reaches 8 different antenna locations, and after taking last position, planet gear (9) is stopped by a stopping pin (12) for returning from eighth antenna location to first antenna and detect position, and it returns to zero position again and reaches first antenna gear (5).