EP3096393B1 - Difference phase slider assembly - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a differential phase shifter assembly according to the preamble of claim 1.

In particular, the mobile radio antennas provided for a base station usually comprise an antenna arrangement with a reflector, in front of which, in the vertical direction offset from one another, a multiplicity of radiator elements are provided and thus form an array. These can radiate and receive, for example, in one or two mutually perpendicular polarizations. The radiator elements can be designed to receive only in a frequency band. However, the antenna arrangement can also be designed as a multi-band antenna, for example for transmitting and receiving two mutually offset frequency bands. Also so-called triband antennas are known in principle.

As is known, the mobile radio network is designed in the form of a cell, wherein each cell is assigned a corresponding base station with at least one mobile radio antenna for transmission and reception. The antennas are designed so that they usually radiate at a certain angle relative to the horizontal with the main lobe down, whereby a certain cell size is determined. This lowering angle is also known as the down-tilt angle.

A previously known differential phase shifter assembly is already out of the EP 1 208 614 B1 or the US 2008/0211600 A1 become known in which in a single-column antenna array with a plurality of superposed radiators, the down-tilt angle is continuously adjustable differently. According to this prior publication, differential phase shifters are used which, with different settings, cause the propagation time and thus the phase shift at the two outputs of a respective phase shifter to be adjusted in different directions, as a result of which the lowering angle can be set.

The adjustment and adjustment of the phase shift angle can be carried out manually or by means of a remotely controllable retrofit unit, as for example according to the DE 101 04 564 C1 is known.

The prior art differential phase shifter assembly includes at least two concentrically arranged stripline sections. At the respective opposite ends of the stripline sections connecting points are provided at which to different Emitters of an antenna array (in particular a mobile radio antenna) extending connection lines can be connected.

The phase shifter assembly further comprises a feed or tapping element (which is also sometimes referred to as a feed and / or Abgriffsarm or device), which is pivotable about a central and / or pivot axis, wherein the pointer-shaped feed or tapping element over the plurality of concentric strip lines is pivotable back and forth.

A comparable generic phase shifter assembly is from the CN 102 369 631 A known. This prior art phase shifter assembly is constructed comparable to the prior art mentioned above. This application comprises various embodiments, wherein most embodiments are constructed so that a pointer-shaped input or adjustment can be pivoted about centrally arranged stripline sections back and forth, the pointer-shaped input or adjustment in cross-section transverse to the plane of the concentrically arranged stripline sections a Has U-shaped cross-section. As a result, two opposing coupling sections are formed, with which the pointer-shaped input and adjustment element is coupled on both sides with concentrically arranged stripline sections.

The pointer element itself can be designed so that it from a U-shaped coupling section to one to the next U-shaped coupling portion is extended pointer-shaped over a singular, ie individual connecting portion. Alternatively, it is also possible that the connection between two U-shaped coupling portions (about which the pointer element is coupled with two concentrically arranged stripline sections) is designed as a sandwiched double line, on both sides over the cross-sectionally U-shaped coupling portion to a is passed away next stripline.

Furthermore, the pre-publication also includes an embodiment in which the coupling portion between the pointer-shaped input and adjustment is carried away only on one side of the concentrically arranged strip lines, so having only a coupling portion between the input and adjustment and one side of the strip lines.

A variant of a phase shifter assembly that is comparable in this respect to the aforementioned generic state of the art is also known from US Pat CN 101 174 729 A known. The phase shifter assembly comprises two offset by 180 ° to each other lying part-circular, concentrically arranged stripline sections, which are fed via a branching out of a feed line. The actual coupling sections between the pivotable input and adjustment element and the strip line is preferably also designed again in cross-section U-shaped to form two opposite coupling sections.

In addition, should also on the WO 2014/141993 A1 to get expelled. Also in this embodiment, a double-armed and in plan view pointer-shaped adjusting arm is pivotable about concentrically arranged part-circular strip lines, the strip lines are passed between the pointer-shaped pivoting element, so that in each case between the input and adjustment element and the stripline section formed on both sides of the stripline section coupling is effected to the pivoting element.

The individual strip lines are typically mechanically held and anchored at their ends using insulators to the conductive housing or conductive housing shells. In order to ensure the most uniform possible coupling distance between the corresponding sections of the feeding or tapping element on the one hand and the respective sections of the strip lines on the other hand, it has already been proposed to use a principle consisting of EP 1 208 614 B1 known differential phase shifter assembly so that the pointer-shaped feed or tapping element is designed quasi fork-shaped starting from the axis of rotation, so that a portion of the feed or tapping element on one side across all strip lines away to a radially outer end and a second Section of the feeding or tapping element is guided on the opposite side over all strip lines away to an outer end, so that all the strip lines quasi in the forked or pocket-shaped receptacle between the two mutually parallel sections of the feed or tapping element are arranged. At the same time, the desired capacitive coupling between the feeding and / or tapping element and the corresponding covered portion of the respective strip line is effected in these overlapping areas, for which purpose between the two spaced-apart sections of the feeding or tapping element and the adjacent covered area of the respective stripline an insulator is interposed.

Furthermore, a functionally comparable to the above-described construction solution has become known in which a corresponding fork-shaped branch is realized by receiving a stripline section so that a separate fork-shaped branch is provided for each strip conductor to form a receiving space for each stripline. In other words, extends from the axis of rotation along one side of all strip lines mentioned feeding or Abgriffselement (supply or Abgriffsarm), preferably facing the axis of rotation facing each stripline leads a forked branch in an overlying plane, so that between the fork-shaped branch on the one hand and the associated portion of the feed or Abgriffsarmes a receiving space is generated, in which the corresponding strip line section is located. In each case via insulating layers located therebetween, a galvanic separation to the electrically conductive sections of the feed or tapping element on the one hand and of the associated fork-shaped branching section on the other hand is ensured.

An appropriate structure is, for example, from the EP 1 870 959 B1 refer to.

In order to realize a certain power distribution with respect to the different strip lines, is also (although this is only possible) in the EP 1 208 614 B1 has been proposed to design the feeding or tapping element at different radial locations with different width extension (parallel to the plane of the stripline).

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved phase shifter assembly.

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

It must be considered quite surprising that with comparatively simple means compared to conventional solutions a much improved power distribution with respect to the different strip lines is possible. Above all, however, the invention offers the possibility of making an improved power distribution in a targeted manner.

According to the invention, this is realized by the fact that, for example, in the EP 1 208 614 B1 described pockets, which is formed by a fork-shaped configuration of a respective portion of the feeding or tapping means are not provided for all strip lines, but at least only for one or maximum for only at least n-1 strip lines when the phase shifter assembly comprises n strip lines.

It is possible in a preferred embodiment that a pocket-like configuration is provided using a fork-shaped branch, for example, only for the axis of rotation of the nearest and thus inner strip line.

It is also possible that the branching feed and / or tapping device additionally formed by the branching (also sometimes referred to below as branching feed and / or tapping element or arm) is designed to be longer and, for example, extends over two or three strip lines in parallel Distance to which all strip lines covering feeding and / or Abgriffsarm is performed, so that, for example, a lying away from the axis of rotation lying third or fourth or more external stripline section is not covered by the branched section.

This construction ensures that, for example, an approximately 100% larger coupling area can be formed for the strip lines additionally covered by the branched section, so that in these areas with significantly increased coupling area then a correspondingly larger power component to the individual strip lines or of the strip lines can be transmitted to the central feed network.

Instead of a branch section which extends over at least two or more strip lines, a separate fork-shaped branched section can also be provided for each of the strip lines to be supplied with higher power proportions, whereby a capacitive coupling is ultimately produced on both sides of an associated strip line increased power transmission is possible.

The last-mentioned variant offers the advantage that, for any strip lines, an associated branch feed and / or tapping device can be provided in each case, which therefore does not always have to comprise the one or the innermost strip line. For these additional separate branch supply and / or tapping devices can also be provided, for example, only on a second and / or third and / or fourth etc. stripline.

In general, therefore, the power distribution over the shape and / or geometry of the respective customer, i. the respective coupling device can be set. In the context of the invention, an adjustment of the power distribution to different strip lines via different Ankoppelsituationen is made possible.

These different Ankoppelsituationen can be realized for example by suitable combinations in which, for example, only a one-sided coupling is realized on certain strip lines, whereas in the case of selectable other strip lines, a double-sided coupling is implemented.

In other words, therefore, a significantly higher power distribution can be achieved by the above-described possible combination of the two coupling concepts. This variant offers significant advantages over the prior art, which has hitherto allowed a possible power distribution only insofar as the associated feed and / or tap arm covering all strip lines only has a different material thickness and / or extent in the area of the coupling sections and the space therebetween Area was changed. In these existing concepts, however, the desired power distribution is limited by the minimum required mechanical requirement and dimensions with respect to the feed and / or Abgriffsarmes. In contrast, with the same basic mechanical dimensions with regard to the branch feeder and / or tapping devices, an increase in power distribution of, for example, 2 dB is possible compared to the feed and / or tap arm covering all strip lines, which was previously unachievable.

In a further preferred embodiment or variant of the invention, it is also possible for the one or more additional secondary capacitive couplings to be provided with an additional branch feed and / or tapping device, which is designed such that not only an additional one adjacent to the pivot axis Capacitive coupling at the innermost or in addition to another following Strip line is formed, but that additional capacitive couplings can be assigned to any strip lines. In other words, so-called capacitively-free or capacitively-poor zones are preferably provided between the pivot axis or a strip line closer to the pivot axis and a further outer strip line, in which the additional branch feed and / or tap means extends, but in which no or no relevant secondary capacitive coupling is generated.

Figur 1:

eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Differenz-Phasenschieberbaugruppe bei abgenommenem Gehäusedeckel bzw. abgenommener Gehäusehälfte;

Figur 2:

eine ausschnittsweise vergrößerte Detaildarstellung des in Figur 1 bereits gezeigten Speise- und/oder Abgriffselements oder -arms und ein zugehöriger Ausschnitt der zugehörigen Streifenleitungen;

Figur 3:

eine Querschnittsdarstellung in Längsrichtung des Speise- und/oder Abgriffelements längs der Linie III-III in Figur 2 bezüglich eines ersten gegenüber Figur 2 erweiterten erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsbeispiels;

Figur 3a:

eine vergrößerte Detaildarstellung bezüglich der Einspeisung;

Figur 4a:

eine Draufsicht auf ein erstes erfindungsgemäßes Ausführungsbeispiel bezüglich einer Differenz-Phasenschieberbaugruppe mit lediglich zwei Streifenleitungen;

Figur 4b:

eine Querschnittsdarstellung längs der Linie IVb-IVb in Figur 4a;

Figur 5:

eine schematische Querschnittsdarstellung zur Figur 4b, jedoch bezüglich eines abweichenden Ausführungsbeispiels;

Figuren 6 bis 11:

weitere verschiedene abgewandelte Ausführungsbeispiele in schematischer Querschnittsdarstellung ähnlich zu dem Beispiel gemäß Figur 5;

Figur 12:

ein abgewandeltes Ausführungsbeispiel in Draufsicht;

Figur 13:

eine Querschnittsdarstellung des in Figur 12 gezeigten abgewandelten erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsbeispieles;

Figur 14:

eine vereinfachte Querschnittsdarstellung eines nach dem Stand der Technik bekannten Differenz-Phasenschiebers mit zwei teilkreisförmigen Streifenleitungen;

Figur 15:

eine erfindungsgemäße Ausführungsform mit zwei teilkreisförmigen Streifenleitungen, wie sie grundsätzlich bereits anhand der Figuren 4a, 4b gezeigt ist;

Figur 16:

ein Diagramm zur Verdeutlichung einer maximal möglichen Leistungsaufteilung bei einer Differenz-Phasenschieberbaugruppe nach dem Stand der Technik, wie sie in Figur 14 gezeigt ist; und

Figur 17:

eine entsprechende Darstellung anhand eines Diagramms zur Verdeutlichung einer verbesserten Leistungsaufteilung für die verschiedenen Streifenleitungen, wie sie beispielsweise bei einer erfindungsgemäßen Variante gemäß Figur 15 erzielbar ist.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to various embodiments. In detail:

FIG. 1:

a schematic plan view of a differential phase shifter assembly according to the invention with the housing cover or removed housing half;

FIG. 2:

a detail enlarged detail of the in FIG. 1 already shown feeding and / or Abgriffselements or arms and an associated section of the associated strip lines;

FIG. 3:

a cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction of the feed and / or Abgriffelements along the line III-III in FIG. 2 regarding a first opposite FIG. 2 extended embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3a:

an enlarged detail of the feed;

FIG. 4a

a plan view of a first embodiment according to the invention with respect to a differential phase shifter assembly with only two strip lines;

FIG. 4b:

a cross-sectional view along the line IVb-IVb in FIG. 4a ;

FIG. 5:

a schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 4b but with respect to a different embodiment;

FIGS. 6 to 11:

Further different modified embodiments in a schematic cross-sectional view similar to the example according to FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 12:

a modified embodiment in plan view;

FIG. 13:

a cross-sectional view of the in FIG. 12 shown modified embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14:

a simplified cross-sectional view of a known in the prior art differential phase shifter with two part-circular strip lines;

FIG. 15:

an embodiment of the invention with two part-circular strip lines, as basically already with reference to the FIGS. 4a, 4b is shown;

FIG. 16:

a diagram illustrating a maximum possible power distribution in a differential phase shifter assembly according to the prior art, as shown in FIG. 14 is shown; and

FIG. 17:

a corresponding representation with reference to a diagram to illustrate an improved power distribution for the various strip lines, as for example in a variant of the invention according to FIG. 15 is achievable.

In FIG. 1 is a plan view of a schematic representation of the phase shifter assembly according to the invention reproduced with removed housing cover or removed housing half.

It can be seen that according to this embodiment, the differential phase shifter assembly comprises three part-circular strip lines 5, which are arranged concentrically to a center 7. The strip lines 5 are usually arranged in a common plane E. The strip lines need not necessarily be semi-circular but may also have a pitch of more than 180 °. In general, the strip lines 5 have a length with which they enclose only a partial angle of less than 180 °.

Perpendicular to the plane and thus perpendicular to the plane E, in which the strip lines are 5, runs a central or pivot axis 9 to a lever, finger, arm and / or pointer-shaped feed and / or tap means 13 corresponding to Double-arrow 11 is pivoted. The mentioned feeding and / or tapping device 13 comprises for this purpose a corresponding feed and / or tapping element 13a, which extends on one side of the strip line over all strip lines, ie crosses the strip lines and covers each with a corresponding coupling section.

In this case, a primary capacitive coupling KK1 is generated in a known manner respectively between the feed and / or tap element 13a and each of the strip lines 5, each in the overlap region between a portion of the feed and / or tap element 13a on the one hand and covered portion 5 'of the strip lines 5 is generated.

For this purpose, the feed and / or tapping element 13a is disposed extending from the inner central or pivot axis 9, starting over the strip lines 5, including the stripline 5 located to the furthest outward. The end 13 'of the associated feed and / or tapping element 13a usually covers at least the outer edge of the outermost stripline 5a. In each case, a first primary coupling surface KF11 of the feed and / or tapping element 13a covers a section of the strip line lying at a distance therefrom, which is also the second primary one Coupling surface KF12 is called. Between this first and second primary coupling surface KF11, KF12 is an insulator or dielectric 27, usually not in the form of air, but in the form of a solid material This insulator 27 is usually fixed to the feed and / or tap element 13a or anchored and pivotable with this. By means of these two cooperating first and second primary coupling surfaces KF11, KF12, the so-called primary capacitive coupling KK1 is thus generated between the feed and / or tapping element 13 and the respectively cooperating strip line 5 in the respectively covered area.

By corresponding pivoting of the pointer-shaped feed and / or Abgriffsarmes 13a, the respective path length between a stripline coupling section 5 'of a stripline 5 and the respective remaining stripline end 17 is increased or reduced in relation to the opposite stripline section, whereby in opposite directions the duration of the signals in known manner is changed. As a result, for example, a down-tilt angle of connected radiators can be set differently. For this purpose, only indicated and leading to the individual radiators 1a to 1f connecting lines 2 are connected to the stripline ends 17 at 19 formed there connection points in the drawings.

Based on FIG. 2 an enlarged detail of the feeding and / or tapping device 13 is shown, with the already mentioned feed and / or Abgriffsarm 13 a, about a central axis 9 on the Strip lines 5 away usually can be adjusted to the end of the stripline 17. In the embodiments explained below, for example, four concentric strip lines 5 are provided, which in the plan view according to FIG FIG. 2 are shown only in part. It is in accordance with the schematic plan view FIG. 2 not yet the following in the cross-sectional view according to FIG. 3 recognizable branch feeding and / or tapping device according to the invention shown.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view along the line III-III in FIG. 2 , However, with a additionally provided in the context of the invention branch-feeding and / or tap means according to a first variant of the invention.

The feeding of the feed and / or consumer arm 13a takes place in the region of the central and pivot axis 9.

This is - as in particular from the cross-sectional view according to FIG. 3 is to be seen - in the region of the central and pivot axis 9, a central feed 20 with a first coupling device or coupling surface 21 is provided, which is connected via a coupling connection 22 with a central feed line 23 ( FIG. 3 ).

To this first coupling surface 21 (which is also referred to below as the feed line side coupling surface 21) offset in the direction of the central or pivot axis 7, 9 is a pointer head 25 of the feed and / or consumer arm 13 a arranged, usually below Interposition of a dielectric or insulator 26.

The feed line-side coupling surface 21 is preferably designed as a coupling ring 21 'with a recess 21a ( FIG. 3a ). Also, the pointer head 25 forming the pointer or consumer arm-side second coupling surface 24 generally has a central recess 29 and the dielectric 26 has a recess 26a, through which passes an axle body 31 forming the pivoting axis and carrying the pointer or payload arm 13a. which is formed while avoiding a galvanic connection of an insulating effect generating plastic.

The entire assembly is typically also formed by a base forming insulator 33 on the inside 18 'of the housing 18, i. the at least one housing half 18 a mechanically held and anchored.

In order to provide now, for example, a different power distribution for certain strip lines, is in the embodiment according to FIG. 3 a branching device 113 is provided, which is in the illustrated embodiment with the actual feed and / or consumer arm 13a usually galvanically, but possibly also capacitively connected, and preferably at one of the central and / or pivot axis 9 closer holding portion 40. This is Finally, a secondary capacitive coupling KK2 created, comprising a first secondary coupling surface KF21 and a second secondary coupling surface KF22, which will be discussed below.

This branching feed and / or tapping device 113 with the illustrated branching feed and / or tapping element or arm 113a now covers with its corresponding first secondary coupling surface KF21 a corresponding section, ie a corresponding second secondary coupling surface KF22 on the associated stripline 5, on the opposite side of the actual feed and / or tap arm 13a. As a result, the aforementioned secondary capacitive coupling KK2 is formed, namely again preferably with the interposition of a solid dielectric or insulator 127. This insulator 127 is preferably attached to the branch feed and / or Abgriffsarm 113a with this mitbewegbar and / or formed. The height or thickness of this insulator 127 on the opposite side between the strip element and the actual feed and / or tapping element 13a generally corresponds to the clearance between the respective coupling surface KF21 and KF22. Likewise, an insulator 27 is generally provided with respect to the primary capacitive coupling KK1, whose thickness corresponds to the distance between the first primary coupling surface KF11 and the second primary coupling surface KF22. This insulator 27 is usually attached to the feed and / or tapping element 13 and held pivotally with this, if necessary, through one or more of the strip lines away throughout, as shown in the sectional view FIG. 3 can be seen.

Based on the schematic plan view according to FIG. 4a and the schematic cross-sectional view in FIG FIG. 4b is shown by way of example only for a two phase concentric stripline phase shifter assembly, that the reinforced and improved power distribution according to the invention is further improved if, in the case of the feed and / or tap means 13 covering all strip lines 5, the associated feed and tap arm 13a between the two coupling sections with respect to the two strip lines 5 has a line section 13 "opposite The minimum transverse extension should not normally be less than 4.0 mm in order to maintain sufficient mechanical stability or rigidity FIG. 4a It can be seen, for example, that the primary coupling region between the first feed and / or coupling arm 13a and the outer and inner stripline 5 in the pivoting direction is wider than the width of a line section 13 "located therebetween." Also, in the area of the secondary capacitive coupling the second feeding and / or tapping device 113 provided for the inner strip line 5 is made wider than the mentioned line section 13 "between the two coupling regions of the primary feeding and / or tapping element 13a. In this case, both the primary and the secondary capacitive couplings KK1, KK2 coupling surfaces have, in their width extension, ie according to the pivoting 11 designed to be the same size or the same size or different dimensions.

In the variant according to FIG. 5 four strip lines are provided, where n = 4, and thereby at least one, ie in this case the innermost strip conductor is provided with the additional second coupling device in the form of branching and / or Abgriffselementes 113.

In the variant according to FIG. 6 is a similar cross-sectional view as in the variant according to FIG. 5 However, wherein the branch feed and / or tap element 113a is formed with greater radial length and not only on the side opposite to the feed and / or Abgriffsarm 13 side innermst lying first strip conductor 5, but also the more distant lying Covered second strip conductor 5 and here causes an additional capacitive coupling also in this second strip conductor 5. As a result, both inner strip lines 5 receive a larger power component. Usually, in each of these additional branching and / or tapping elements 113a, a corresponding insulator 127 is provided on the corresponding first secondary coupling surface KF21, which upon pivoting of the feeding and / or tapping element 13a via the strip lines on its surface with this surface in contact is pivotable standing. Optionally, however, the additional attachment of such an insulator 127 may also be dispensed with in one case or another, if a corresponding insulator 127 is provided, for example, in the case of an adjacent secondary capacitive coupling or of an adjacent strip conductor. Similarly, the insulators 27 are usually provided on the feed and / or Abgriffsarm 13, in the FIGS. 6 to 11 are not shown.

In the variant according to FIG. 7 extends this arm 113a to the penultimate from the inside counted strip conductor 5, so that only the outermost, ie the n-th strip conductor 5 is not provided with an additional second coupling device and is therefore allocated a lower power share.

The described structure is basically independent of whether the number n of the strip lines is greater or smaller than the four strip lines shown in the illustrated embodiment.

It is important, in contrast to the prior art, that at least the one or more strip lines 5, which should receive assigned no higher power component, are not provided with a corresponding branch supply and / or tap means. This principle according to the invention basically applies regardless of how many strip lines the phase shifter assembly comprises. The inventive principle can be applied when a phase shifter assembly - as explained - comprises at least two, in particular concentrically juxtaposed strip lines, which an associated supply and / or tap means and a suitable branch supply and / or tap means are assigned.

But even by a different implementation of the invention can purposeful single or multiple strip lines a higher power component can be assigned.

In the variant according to FIG. 8 is for example also for a differential phase shifter with four strip lines 5 shows that, for example, only the second stripline 5 should be supplied with a higher power component.

For this purpose, a corresponding branching supply and / or tapping device 113 is provided, which here at the corresponding section between the first and second strip lines 5 on the one side to the strip lines extending feed or Abgriffsarm 13 a usually galvanically, possibly also connected capacitively and held mechanically by means of an angular projection 41 and therefore together with the feed and / or tapping element 13 is pivotable.

This additional second branch supply and / or tapping device 113 is designed such that it covers, for example, only the second strip line aligned with the pivot axis 9 on the side opposite the feed and / or tapping element 13a, and this second strip line has a higher power component assigns.

In the variant according to FIG. 9 In contrast to FIG. 7, the corresponding branch supply and / or tapping device 113 is designed to be elongate and not only covers the second, but also the third strip line 5 viewed from the pivot axis 9. Dashed line indicates that the branching element mentioned is branched - And / or tap means 113 could also be formed extended again in the radial direction and still another additional secondary coupling device for the outermost, ie n-th strip conductor 5 provides.

The corresponding capacitive coupling devices can but in deviation to FIG. 9 according to FIG. 10 also be designed so that one or more additional branching and / or tap elements 113a, 113b, ... are provided. In this case, for example, at least one of the at least two additionally provided branch feed and / or tapping elements 113a, 113b,... Can each cover only a single strip line 5 and be capacitively coupled via this. It would also be possible, however, for one or more of the branch supply and / or pick-off elements 113a, 113b,... To cover, for example, two or more strip lines lying adjacent to one another, and thus each capacitively coupled. In the context of the construction according to the invention, it is only necessary that the additional branching supply and / or tapping device 113 provided is provided only for at least one and at most n-1 strip conductor, whereby an increased power component can be allocated to individual strip conductors in a targeted manner.

In the variant according to FIG. 11 For example, one of the two separate branch feed and / or tapping arms 113, for example closer to the central axis 9, is elongate, such that its branch feed and / or tap arm 113a has two strip lines adjacent to one another, namely the one calculated from the central axis second or third strip conductor covered and thus a second coupling device and thus coupling surface for increasing the power transmission assigns, whereas the branching of the outermost strip line, so n-th strip line associated branch feed and / or Abgriffsarm 113b shortened is formed and associated with only this outermost strip conductor 5.

From the described structure it follows that, as a result of the solution according to the invention, any desired individual or multiple strip lines 5 can purposefully be assigned a further coupling surface and thus coupling device for increasing the power branching.

In this case, the corresponding coupling surfaces KF11, KF12 or KF21, KF22 which achieve the capacitive coupling action are once connected to the actual feed and / or tap arm 13 as well as to the branch feed and / or tap arms 113a, 113b,.. be provided in the pivoting direction 11 projecting coupling lugs 35, as shown by way of example only in the modified plan view FIG. 4a is shown for a modified, only two strip lines 5 comprehensive embodiment.

In the variant according to FIG. 4a For example, the supply and / or Abgriffsarm 13a with respect to the outermost, ie in the embodiment shown with respect to the counted from the inside second strip conductor 5 is provided with laterally projecting coupling lugs 35 in the pivoting direction, whereby the coupling surface to this strip conductor 5 also increases becomes.

With respect to the inner first strip conductor 5, the feed and / or pick-off arm 13a can not be equipped with such coupling projections 35 or with comparably large radially projecting coupling projections 35 be. It is also possible that the coupling lugs 35 are even larger, equal or smaller than corresponding coupling lugs 135 on the additionally provided at least one branching supply and / or tap 113. Any different dimensions are therefore at each provided primary and / or capacitive Coupling KK1 and / or KK2 possible.

Due to the aforementioned differently sized coupling lugs 35, which generally survive in the pivoting direction via the line sections 13 "and 113" located between two couplings KK1-KK1 or KK2-KK2, a further additional fine tuning with respect to the power distribution can be undertaken. This additional fine tuning in terms of power distribution can be further expanded by the fact that - as based on the embodiment according to FIGS. 4a and 4b The same applies also to a branch feeder and / or tapping device 113, if it is equipped with at least two secondary capacitive couplings KK2, that is to say, the line section 13 "is formed between two adjacent primary capacitive couplings with reduced or increased line cross-section Here, too, a line section 113 "between two adjacent capacitive couplings KK2 can have an enlarged or reduced material cross-section as needed, at least in relation to the actual coupling surfaces, as a result of which the adjacent strip lines also as part of the secondary capacitive coupling KK2 get assigned different power components.

From the described structure, it follows that a different power distribution with respect to different strip lines can be carried out by any combination of two different capacitive coupling concepts. The different coupling concepts include firstly that certain strip lines have only a simple capacitive coupling to the feed and / or tapping element 13a, whereas on the other hand at least one to a maximum of n-1 strip lines additionally have a further capacitive coupling device, namely in the form of an additionally provided Branching feed and / or tap 113, which is arranged relative to the respective strip line opposite to the feed and / or Abgriffsarm 13 a.

This additional branch feeding and / or tapping device 113 can be anchored, for example, via an angular projection 41 adjacent to an associated strip line 5 on the actual feeding and / or picking element or arm or device. This angle-shaped projection 41 with the associated first secondary coupling surface KF21 is preferably galvanically connected to the feed and / or tapping element 13a carrying it and may also be capacitively connected and coupled. The corresponding mounting and holding portion 40 for the angular projection 41 is preferably based on an associated stripline 5 (to which the capacitive coupling is to be effected) on the central and / or pivot axis 7, 9 closer Side, but could also on the opposite side of the respective stripline 5 (so relative to the associated strip line 5 to the pivot axis 9 remote lying) positioned parallel to the feed and / or Abgriffsarm 13 a, held over it and be pivotable with this.

In the case in which the branch feed and / or tapping device 113 covers only the innermost strip line or only a plurality of inner strip lines, which are closer to the central and / or pivot axis 9 and in each case effects a capacitive coupling, it is also possible that the branch feeding and / or tapping means 113 on the side facing the pivot axis 7, 9 not or not mounted directly on the feed and / or pick-off element 13a and is electrically connected thereto. In this case, therefore, the branch feeding and / or tapping devices 113 with their mounting and holding region 40 ', which may be formed here in the manner of a pointer head 43, are anchored and supported directly on the axle body 31. When the axle body 31 rotates, the entire feed and / or tapping element 13a with associated branch feed and / or tapping device 113 is then pivoted or both pointer heads 25, 43 located in the area of the pivot axis 9 are mechanically connected and coupled to effect a common pivoting movement ,

It has already been mentioned that the branch feeding and / or tapping device 113 may, for example, have a holding lug 41, via which it is held on the feeding and / or tapping device 13 and is arranged. The supply and coupling can be done here galvanic or capacitive. The same applies even if the feeding and / or tapping device 113 is held by a pointer head 43, as for example with reference to FIG FIGS. 4a, 4b or Figures 5 to 7 is shown. It can be noted quite generally that the coupling between the holding lug 41 and the feed and / or tapping device 13 or the pointer head 43 and the pointer head 25 of the feed and / or tapping device 13 is greater, the larger the interacting coupling surfaces are.

Based on the schematic plan view according to FIG. 12 and the schematic cross-sectional view according to FIG. 13 a modification to the preceding embodiments is shown insofar as here, for example, one of a pointer head 43 in the region of the pivot axis 7, 9 outgoing and to the outermost stripline 5, 5a leading additional branch supply and / or tap 113a is shown. In this embodiment, a plurality of additional secondary capacitive couplings KK2 are held and carried by this additional branch feed and / or tap 113, 113a (similar to, for example, FIGS. 6 and 9) FIG. 7 ), but in deviation from that in the embodiment according to FIGS. 12 and 13 provided two additional secondary capacitive couplings KK2 not two adjacent strip lines 5, but two more distant strip lines 5 are assigned, namely with the interposition of a stripline 5, 5c, which is provided without additional secondary capacitive coupling KK2. In that regard, a coupling-free or coupling-poor zone 61 is formed here, because here No coupling surfaces KF21, KF22 are provided in corresponding dimensions. Only the branching supply and / or tapping device 113 carrying the coupling device KK2 itself is guided away at a distance, for example, without the interposition of a solid dielectric or insulator via the stripline 5 penultimate in this exemplary embodiment. In this case, the additional branch feeding and / or tapping device 113 is so narrow that virtually no effective coupling surface is produced with respect to the strip line crossing it at a distance.

From the top view FIG. 12 It can be seen, for example, that the width of this additional branching and / or tapping device 113 is preferably substantially less than 50%, in particular less than 40%, 30%, 20% and possibly even less than 10% of the width of the primary feedstock. and / or tap means 13.

This opens up the possibility of allocating arbitrary strip lines coupling devices KK2 via a single pointer-like branching and / or tapping device 113, since no coupling device is provided between two such coupling devices or else between one feed point in the region of the pointer head 43 and a first coupling device KK2 must be like these also in the variant according to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 is realized (because the innermost stripline 5 also has here a coupling-free or low-coupling zone 61, which at a distance to her only from the narrow additional branch supply and / or tapping device is crossed).

In the cross-sectional view according to FIG. 13 is indicated by dashed lines still indicated that the additional branch supply and / or tap means 113 does not necessarily have to run in a plane, but that in particular in the coupling-free or low-coupling zones 61, the additional branch supply and / or tap 113 canting or curved running Sections may have, which are formed so that the distance D between the bottom of the additional branch feed and / or Abgriffseinrichtung 113 'and the top of the intersecting stripline 5 is further increased, whereby purely theoretical low coupling effects are further reduced.

The achievable advantages according to the invention are briefly presented below.

It is in FIG. 14 shown a simplified cross-sectional view of a differential phase shifter assembly, as known in the art. FIG. 13 In contrast, concerns a comparable differential phase shifter assembly according to the invention with increased power distribution. The variant according to FIG. 15 corresponds to that embodiment, as it is based on FIGS. 4a and 4b has already been explained.

It is now in the diagram according to FIG. 16 which power distribution with respect to the inner or outer part-circular strip line 5 according to the prior art can be achieved. The diagram according to FIG. 15 in contrast, describes the inventively possible improved and increased power distribution between the inner and the outer stripline 5, when a differential phase shifter assembly, as based on FIG. 15 explained is used.

It is in the diagram in FIG. 15 shown, which power distribution in the variant according to FIG. 12 with respect to the outer strip line 5a and the pivot axis 7, 9 closer lying so-called inner strip line 5b can be achieved.

It is in the diagram according to FIG. 15 the power split between the two strip lines 5a and 5b over the frequency range of 1.7 GHz to 2.7 GHz specified. The in the diagrams in FIG. 16 overhead line describes the on the inside, so the pivot axis 7, 9 closer strip line 5b falling power component, whereas in the diagrams of FIG. 16 underlying curve over the frequency range describes the fraction of conduction, which falls on the outer stripline 5a, which is thus located to the pivot axis 7, 9 more distant.

Corresponding conditions for an inventive embodiment according to FIG. 15 are then in the diagram according to FIG. 17 played. Here too, the upper line describes the power component falling on the inner stripline 5b, whereas the line drawn below describes the frequency-dependent power component falling on the outer stripline 5a. It can be seen that with respect to the strip lines 5a and 5b in the context of the invention Embodiment a much larger power distribution is possible, as in the embodiments of the prior art.

Claims (14)

1. A differential phase shifter assembly with the following features:

   - having n striplines (5) arranged concentrically with one another, on the oppositely located stripline ends (17) of which connection points (19) are provided for connecting lines (2) leading to radiators (1a-1f), where n is a natural integer greater than or equal to 2,

   - having a feeding and/or tapping device (13) which can be pivoted about a central and/or pivot axis (9) and which is therefore pivotable over the plurality of striplines (5) while establishing a primary capacitive coupling (KK1),

   - having a central feed (20) by means of which the feeding and/or tapping device (130) is fed,

   - additionally at least one secondary capacitive coupling (KK2) and a maximum of n-1 additional secondary capacitive couplings (KK2) are also provided,

   - the at least one or the plurality of secondary capacitive couplings (KK2) is/are provided on the side of the feeding and/or tapping device (13) opposite the primary capacitive coupling (KK1), and

   - for the at least one additional secondary capacitive coupling (KK2) at least one additional branched feeding and/or tapping device (113; 113a, 113b, and so forth) is provided, which together with the feeding and/or tapping device (13) is pivotable about the central and/or pivot axis (9).
2. The differential phase shifter assembly according to Claim 1, characterized in that the at least one additional branched feeding and/or tapping device (113) is mechanically and electrically connected to the feeding and/or tapping device (13), either capacitively or preferably galvanically.
3. The differential phase shifter assembly according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the secondary capacitive coupling (KK2) has a first secondary coupling surface (KF21) formed on the feeding and/or tapping device (113), which cooperates with a second secondary coupling surface (KF22), which is formed by the section of the stripline (5) overlaid by the first secondary coupling surface (KF21) at a distance therefrom, whereby an insulator (127), particularly in the form of a fixed insulator (127), which is preferably affixed to the branched feeding and/or tapping device (113) or is held by it, is provided between the first and secondary coupling areas (KF21, KF22).
4. The differential phase shifter assembly according to one of Claims 1 through 3, characterized in that the branched feeding and/or tapping device (113; 113a, 113b, and so forth) includes an angular attachment (41) by means of which the branched feeding and/or tapping device (113) is mechanically held on the feeding and/or tapping element (13) and electrically fed.
5. The differential phase shifter assembly according to one of Claims 1 through 3, characterized in that the branched feeding and/or tapping device (113) includes a holding attachment (41) or an indicator head (43) which is situated in the area of the central and/or pivot axis (9) parallel to an indicator head (25) of the feeding and/or tapping device (13), and is mechanically held and galvanically or capacitively fed together with the indicator head (25).
6. The differential phase shifter assembly according to one of Claims 1 through 5, characterized in that only a single additional secondary capacitive coupling (KK2) is provided, by means of which an additional capacitive coupling (KK2) is established only with regard to a single one of the plurality of striplines (5).
7. The differential phase shifter assembly according to one of Claims 1 through 5, characterized in that the branched feeding and/or tapping device (113) has m coupling surfaces, which with m striplines (5) establish an additional capacitive coupling (KK2), where m > 1 and m < n.
8. The differential phase shifter assembly according to one of Claims 1 through 7, characterized in that the at least one branched feeding and/or tapping device (113; 113a, 113b, and so forth) is so constructed and positioned that by means of it, at least one secondary capacitive coupling (KK2) to a stripline (5) closest to the central and/or pivoting axes (7, 9) is established.
9. The differential phase shifter assembly according to one of Claims 1 through 8, characterized in that the at least one branched feeding and/or tapping device (113; 113a, 113b, and so forth) is so constructed and positioned that by means of it, at least one capacitive coupling (KK2) to the second or farther outwardly situated stripline (5), viewed from the central and/or pivot axis (7, 9), is established.
10. The differential phase shifter assembly according to Claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the at least one branched feeding and/or tapping device (113; 113a, 113b and so forth) is so constructed and positioned that at least two capacitive couplings (KK2) with at least two adjacent striplines (5) are established.
11. The differential phase shifter assembly according to one of Claims 1 through 10, characterized in that at least two consecutive primary capacitive couplings (KK1) with respect to the feeding and/or tapping device (13) and/or at least two consecutive secondary capacitive couplings (KK2) with respect to the branched feeding and/or tapping device (113; 113a, 113b and so forth) are connected via a line section (13", 113"), which has a material section differing from the associated coupling surface (KF11, KF12) and/or a differing width extent in the pivot direction (11).
12. The differential phase shifter assembly according to one of Claims 1 through 11, characterized in that with respect to two adjacent striplines (5) on the additional branched feeding and/or tapping device (113; 113a, 113b), at least one additional secondary capacitive coupling (KK2) is provided for each.
13. The differential phase shifter assembly according to one of Claims 1 through 11, characterized in that the additional branched feeding and/or tapping device (113; 113a, 113b, and so forth) runs over at least one stripline (5), forming a coupling-free or minimally coupled zone (61), and that at least one secondary capacitive coupling (KK2) is provided which is farther away from the central or pivot axis (7, 9) with respect to the coupling-free or minimally coupled zone (61).
14. The differential phase shifter assembly according to one of Claims 1 through 13, characterized in that at least two additional secondary capacitive couplings (KK2) are provided, and that these at least two additional secondary capacitive couplings (KK2) are held on a joint additional branched feeding and/or tapping device (113; 113a, 113b, and so forth) which carries them, whereby these at least two additional secondary capacitive couplings (KK2) are allocated to two non-adjacent striplines (5), so that the additional branched feeding and/or tapping device (113; 113a, 113b, and so forth) runs over at least one coupling-free or minimally coupled zone (61) with respect to a stripline (5) located between the two secondary capacitive couplings (KK2).

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