IP Library Granted Patent US 11,387,553
Granted Patent B2
US 11,387,553 · App. 17/183,473 · Granted Jul 12, 2022

Mechanical transmission mechanism and base station antenna

Inventors: Shuguang Shao (Suzhou, CN); Nengbin Liu (Suzhou, CN); PuLiang Tang (Suzhou, CN)
Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
H01Q3/32H01Q1/246
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 11,387,553
App. No.
17/183,473
Filed
Feb 24, 2021
Granted
Jul 12, 2022
Kind
B2
Art Unit
2896
USPC
343/758
Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a mechanical transmission mechanism and a base station antenna. The mechanical transmission mechanism extends between an actuator and a phase shifter of the base station antenna, and comprises: a first rod driven by the actuator; a second rod for moving a movable element of the phase shifter, the second rod having a proximal end and a distal end; and a link for connecting the first rod and the second rod, the link having a proximal end and a distal end and including a first connecting element that movably connects the first rod with the link and a second connecting element that fixedly connects the second rod with the link; wherein position of the distal end of the second rod relative to the proximal end of the link is adjustable, so that a length of the second rod extending from the proximal end of the link is adjustable, thereby eliminating a virtual displacement caused by mechanical tolerances from the actuator, the mechanical transmission mechanism, and the phase shifter during adjustment of the phase shifter.

Claims (45)

1. A mechanical transmission mechanism extending between an actuator and a phase shifter of a base station antenna, wherein the mechanical transmission mechanism comprises:

a first rod driven by the actuator;

a second rod for moving a movable element of the phase shifter, the second rod having a proximal end and a distal end; and

a link for connecting the first rod and the second rod, the link having a proximal end and a distal end and including a first connecting element that movably connects the first rod with the link and a second connecting element that fixedly connects the second rod with the link;

wherein a position of the distal end of the second rod relative to the proximal end of the link is adjustable, so that a length of the second rod extending from the proximal end of the link is adjustable, thereby eliminating a virtual displacement caused by mechanical tolerances from the actuator, the mechanical transmission mechanism, and the phase shifter during adjustment of the phase shifter.

2. The mechanical transmission mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the second connecting element of the link includes an inner cavity, and the distal end of the second rod is extendable into the inner cavity by different distances.

3. The mechanical transmission mechanism according to claim 2 , wherein the mechanical transmission mechanism includes an adjusting member for adjusting a distance that the distal end of the second rod extends into the inner cavity.

4. The mechanical transmission mechanism according to claim 3 , wherein the adjusting member is configured to be threadedly connected to the distal end of the second rod, and the position of the distal end of the second rod relative to the proximal end of the link is adjusted by adjusting a distance that the adjusting member is screwed into the distal end of the second rod.

5. The mechanical transmission mechanism according to claim 4 , wherein the distal end of the second rod extends into the inner cavity from a first side of the inner cavity, while at least a portion of the adjusting member extends into the inner cavity from a second side of the inner cavity opposite the first side.

6. The mechanical transmission mechanism according to claim 3 , wherein the mechanical transmission mechanism further comprises a limiting member that is configured to restrain the adjusting member after the distal end of the second rod is adjusted to a predetermined position relative to the proximal end of the link and to maintain the predetermined position.

7. The mechanical transmission mechanism according to claim 6 , wherein the limiting member includes a first limiting portion for limiting translation of the adjusting member.

8. The mechanical transmission mechanism according to claim 6 , wherein the limiting member or the second connecting element of the link includes a second limiting portion for limiting rotation of the adjusting member.

9. The mechanical transmission mechanism according to claim 8 , wherein the adjusting member includes an extending portion and an end portion, wherein an outer periphery of the end portion of the adjusting member is provided with a series of ridges or ribs distributed along the outer periphery, and the second limiting portion is provided with grooves matching the ridges or ribs of the end portion of the adjusting member, thereby limiting rotation of the adjusting member.

10. The mechanical transmission structure according to claim 6 , wherein the limiting member is in snap-fit connection with the link.

11. The mechanical transmission mechanism according to claim 2 , wherein the second rod has a rectangular cross section.

12. The mechanical transmission mechanism according to claim 11 , wherein the proximal end of the second rod includes a connecting element for connecting to a movable element of the phase shifter or connecting to a linkage mechanism provided between the second rod and the movable element of the phase shifter.

13. The mechanical transmission mechanism according to claim 12 , wherein the connecting element is located on any side of the rectangular cross section of the second rod.

14. The mechanical transmission mechanism according to claim 12 , wherein the connecting element is capable of being positioned in a plurality of different orientations.

15. The mechanical transmission mechanism according to claim 2 , wherein at least a portion of the second rod has a circular cross section.

16. The mechanical transmission mechanism according to claim 15 , wherein the at least a portion of the second rod is configured to be threadably connected to the second connecting element.

17. The mechanical transmission mechanism according to claim 16 , wherein the second rod is provided with an anti-rotation element for limiting rotation of the second rod after the distal end of the second rod is screwed into a predetermined position in the inner cavity so as to maintain the predetermined position.

18. The mechanical transmission mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the first connecting element and the second connecting element are constructed as one-piece.

19. The mechanical transmission mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the first connecting element and the second connecting element are constructed as separate elements.

20. The mechanical transmission mechanism according to claim 19 , wherein the first connecting element and the second connecting element are connected by a hinge, so that the first connecting element and the second connecting element are capable of having different included angles.

21. A base station antenna, comprising:

an actuator;

a phase shifter having a movable element; and

the mechanical transmission mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the first rod of the mechanical transmission mechanism is connected to the actuator, and the second rod of the mechanical transmission mechanism is connected to the movable element of the phase shifter or a linkage mechanism provided between the second rod and the movable element of the phase shifter.

22. A mechanical transmission mechanism extending between an actuator and a phase shifter of a base station antenna, wherein the mechanical transmission mechanism comprises:

a rod for moving a movable element of the phase shifter, the rod having a proximal end and a distal end; and

a link having a proximal end and a distal end and including a first connecting element for movably connecting with an output member of the actuator and a second connecting element for fixedly connecting with the rod;

wherein a position of the distal end of the rod relative to the proximal end of the link is adjustable, so that a length of the rod extending from the proximal end of the link is adjustable, thereby eliminating a virtual displacement caused by mechanical tolerances from the actuator, the mechanical transmission mechanism, and the phase shifter during adjustment of the phase shifter.

23. The mechanical transmission mechanism according to claim 22 , wherein the mechanical transmission mechanism includes an adjusting member for adjusting the position of the distal end of the rod relative to the proximal end of the link.

24. The mechanical transmission mechanism according to claim 23 , wherein the mechanical transmission mechanism further comprises a limiting member that is configured to restrain the adjusting member after the distal end of the rod is adjusted by the adjusting member to a predetermined position relative to the proximal end of the link and to maintain the predetermined position.

25. The mechanical transmission mechanism according to claim 24 , wherein the adjusting member is constructed as an adjusting screw including an extending portion and an end portion, wherein the extending portion of the adjusting screw is configured to be threadedly connected with the distal end of the rod, so as to adjust the position of the distal end of the rod relative to the proximal end of the link by adjusting a distance that the extending portion is screwed into the distal end of the rod.

26. The mechanical transmission mechanism according to claim 25 , wherein the second connecting element of the link includes an inner cavity, wherein the distal end of the rod extends into the inner cavity from a first side of the inner cavity, while the extending portion of the adjusting screw extends into the inner cavity from a second side of the inner cavity opposite the first side.

27. The mechanical transmission mechanism according to claim 26 , wherein the rod has a rectangular cross section.

28. The mechanical transmission mechanism according to claim 27 , wherein the proximal end of the rod includes a connecting element located on any side of the rectangular cross section of the rod.

29. The mechanical transmission mechanism according to claim 25 , wherein an outer periphery of the end portion of the adjusting screw is provided with a series of ridges or ribs distributed along the outer periphery, and the limiting member is provided with grooves matching the ridges or ribs of the end portion of the adjusting screw, thereby limiting rotation of the adjusting screw.

30. The mechanical transmission mechanism according to claim 29 , wherein the limiting member further includes a limiting portion that is configured to limit translation of the adjusting screw.

31. The mechanical transmission mechanism according to claim 24 , wherein the limiting member is in snap-fit connection with the link.

32. A base station antenna, comprising:

an actuator;

a phase shifter having a movable element; and

the mechanical transmission mechanism according to claim 22 , wherein the first connecting element of the link of the mechanical transmission mechanism is connected to an output member of the actuator, and the rod of the mechanical transmission mechanism is connected to the movable element of the phase shifter or a linkage mechanism provided between the rod and the movable element of the phase shifter.

Assignments (14)
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST AT REEL/FRAME 058843/0712 Recorded Jan 12, 2026
From: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
To: ARRIS ENTERPRISES LLC; COMMSCOPE NORTH CAROLINA, LLC (F/K/A COMMSCOPE, INC. OF NORTH CAROLINA); COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
Reel/Frame 074591/0389 →
PARTIAL TERMINATION AND RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS Recorded Feb 7, 2025
From: U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
To: OUTDOOR WIRELESS NETWORKS LLC
Reel/Frame 070154/0183 →
PARTIAL TERMINATION AND RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS RECORDED AT REEL 069889/FRAME 0114 Recorded Feb 7, 2025
From: APOLLO ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY LLC
To: OUTDOOR WIRELESS NETWORKS LLC
Reel/Frame 070154/0341 →
RELEASE (REEL 068770 / FRAME 0460) Recorded Feb 7, 2025
From: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
To: OUTDOOR WIRELESS NETWORKS LLC
Reel/Frame 070149/0432 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST AT REEL/FRAME 058875/0449 Recorded Dec 19, 2024
From: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
To: ARRIS ENTERPRISES LLC (F/K/A ARRIS ENTERPRISES, INC.); COMMSCOPE, INC. OF NORTH CAROLINA; COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
Reel/Frame 069743/0057 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST AT REEL/FRAME 068770/0632 Recorded Dec 19, 2024
From: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
To: OUTDOOR WIRELESS NETWORKS LLC
Reel/Frame 069743/0264 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Dec 17, 2024
From: ARRIS ENTERPRISES LLC; COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC; COMMSCOPE INC., OF NORTH CAROLINA; OUTDOOR WIRELESS NETWORKS LLC; RUCKUS IP HOLDINGS LLC
To: APOLLO ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY LLC
Reel/Frame 069889/0114 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT (ABL) Recorded Aug 26, 2024
From: OUTDOOR WIRELESS NETWORKS LLC
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 068770/0460 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT (TERM) Recorded Aug 26, 2024
From: OUTDOOR WIRELESS NETWORKS LLC
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 068770/0632 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 24, 2024
From: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
To: OUTDOOR WIRELESS NETWORKS LLC
Reel/Frame 068492/0826 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Nov 19, 2021
From: ARRIS SOLUTIONS, INC.; ARRIS ENTERPRISES LLC; COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC; COMMSCOPE, INC. OF NORTH CAROLINA; RUCKUS WIRELESS, INC.
To: WILMINGTON TRUST
Reel/Frame 060752/0001 →
ABL SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Nov 15, 2021
From: ARRIS ENTERPRISES LLC; COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC; COMMSCOPE, INC. OF NORTH CAROLINA
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
Reel/Frame 058843/0712 →
TERM LOAN SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Nov 15, 2021
From: ARRIS ENTERPRISES LLC; COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC; COMMSCOPE, INC. OF NORTH CAROLINA
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
Reel/Frame 058875/0449 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 27, 2021
From: SHAO, SHUGUANG; LIU, NENGBIN; TANG, PULIANG
To: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
Reel/Frame 056369/0422 →
Priority Claims (1)
CN 202010173134.9 · Mar 13, 2020 · national
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20210288405A1 · Sep 16, 2021