Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to base transceiver station antennas, and more particularly
to an antenna beam control apparatus for base transceiver station antennas, which
can enable the remote control of a horizontal azimuth angle of an antenna beam in
correspondence to variation in environment of electromagnetic waves.
Background Art
[0002] In relation to construction of a cell in mobile communication systems, a mounting
position of base transceiver station antennas is an important factor determining the
coverage of the cell. Therefore, the antennas are mainly installed on the roof of
buildings in highly-developed urban areas or to steel towers for base transceiver
stations located in the suburbs, in order to maximize a travel distance of electromagnetic
waves.
[0003] Considering mounting of such antennas, especially, outdoor antennas are mounted to
upper ends of antenna, support poles installed in respective base transceiver stations,
and indoor antennas are fixed to wall surfaces of buildings. In both cases, the antennas
are fixed by making use of clamping devices.
[0004] Such antenna clamping devices for fixing antennas to wall surfaces or high antenna
structures, however, have a serious problem in relation to installation thereof. That
is, in most cases, the clamping devices may threaten worker safety since they require
for a worker to perform installation operations using both hands for a long time in
a considerably dangerous position standing on the high antenna structures. Furthermore,
in order to vertically or horizontally displace the installed antennas, the worker
has to start the installation operations all over again.
[0005] Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional antenna beam control apparatus
for base transceiver station antennas. As shown in Fig. 1, the conventional antenna
beam control apparatus comprises an antenna 10 containing a reflection plate (not
shown) for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves, a rod-shaped support
pole 20 for supporting the antenna 10, an upper connector member 30 for connecting
upper sides of the support pole 20 and the antenna 10 to each other, and a lower connector
member 40 for connecting lower sides of the support pole 20 and the antenna 10 to
each other.
[0006] The upper connector member 30 is formed at one end thereof with a fixing screw portion
31, which is fixedly fastened to an upper end of the antenna 10. The other end of
the upper connector member 30 is formed with an upper clamp 32, which is fixed to
the support pole 20. Here, the upper clamp 32 is configured so that a distance between
both clamping portions 32b thereof is variable to tighten or loosen the upper clamp
32 according to screwing or unscrewing operations of nuts 32a thereof. The upper connector
member 30, additionally, comprises two connecting arms 33 and 34, which are hingedly
connected to each other via a joint portion 35 formed at connecting ends thereof.
Between the fixing screw portion 31 and the connecting arm 33, and between the upper
clamp 32 and the connecting arm 34 are interposed hinge portions 33a and 34a, respectively,
so as to secure relative rotation therebetween.
[0007] The lower connector member 40 is formed at one end thereof with a fixing screw portion
41, which is fixedly fastened to the lower end of the antenna 10. The other end of
the lower connector member 40 is formed with a lower clamp 42, which is fixed to the
support pole 20. Similarly to the upper clamp 32, the lower clamp 42 is configured
so that a distance between both clamping portions 42b thereof is variable to tighten
or loosen the lower clamp 42 according to screwing or unscrewing operations of nuts
42a thereof. The fixing screw portion 41 and the lower clamp 42 are hingedly connected
to each other so as to secure relative rotation therebetween.
[0008] Considering again the upper convector member 30, the connecting arm 33 is provided
at one lateral surface thereof with an angle display panel 36 for indicating an inclination
angle of the antenna 10. The angle display panel 36 has an adjustment slot 36a formed
along a center longitudinal axis thereof, and at both sides of the adjustment slot
36a are marked calibrations 36b for indicating the inclination angle. One end of the
angle display panel 36 is fixed to the joint portion 35 by means of a fixed screw
35a, which penetrates through one side of the adjustment slot 36a, and the other end
of the panel 36 is fixed to the lateral surface of the connecting arm 33 by means
of a movable adjustment screw 33b, which penetrates through the other side of the
adjustment slot 36a.
[0009] Now, an installation procedure of the conventional antenna beam control apparatus
for base transceiver station antennas configured as stated above will be explained.
First, in a state wherein the nuts 32a and 42a of the upper and lower clamps 32 and
42 are unscrewed, thereby causing distances between both the clamping portions 32b
and between both the clamping portions 42b to be widen, the upper and lower clamps
32 and 42 coupled with the antenna 10 are fitted around the support pole 20. Then,
the antenna 10 is rotated and oriented so as to conform to a direction of electromagnetic
waves corresponding to each sector, in order to adjust a directional angle thereof.
After completing adjustment in the directional angle of the antenna 10, the nuts 32a
and 42a are screwed to allow the antenna 10 to be fixedly maintained relative to the
support pole 20.
[0010] In this state, the adjustment screws 33b and 35a are unscrewed so as to allow the
antenna 10 to move according to folding or unfolding operation of the upper connector
member 30, in order to adjust the inclination of the antenna 10. After the inclination
of the antenna 10 is adjusted as desired, the adjustment screws 35a and 33b are screwed
to fix the antenna 10. In this case, the inclination of the antenna 10 is appreciated
upon reading a value of the calibration 36a of the angle display panel 36 coinciding
with the movable adjustment screw 33b.
[0011] In recent years, due to topographical variation of buildings in the vicinity of base
transceiver stations or degradation in sound quality in traffic congestion regions,
there has been increased a necessity of steering the directivity of an antenna beam.
[0012] Further, since several base transceiver stations exist around a mobile communication
system, in case of installation and management of the base transceiver stations, positions
thereof are selected in consideration of electromagnetic wave interference between
adjacent base transceiver stations. For this, consequently, setting conditions of
all base transceiver stations have to be considered together.
[0013] Furthermore, in relation to a horizontal azimuth angle of an antenna beam, namely,
a horizontal steering, when an electrical horizontal steering, which is adapted to
control and steer the phase of signals to be transmitted to respective reflectors,
is performed, it may cause scan loss due to inadvertent change in the direction of
the antenna beam, and may increase the generation of side-lobe. Therefore, in case
of horizontal steering, it is effective to mechanically rotate an antenna itself in
opposite directions.
[0014] The electrical steering, in addition, essentially requires the use of an array antenna
wherein reflectors are arranged in at least two rows. Such an array antenna, however,
has a problem of causing reduction in a horizontal width of an antenna beam, and excessively
increases the size and cost of products.
[0015] The conventional antenna beam control apparatus for base transceiver station antennas
as slated above is very dangerous and troublesome since a worker has to approach an
antenna structure for the installation and management of the apparatus. Therefore,
it is impossible for the conventional apparatus to frequently change the directivity
of an antenna beam.
[0016] Further, since the conventional antenna is configured to be coupled to the support
pole by means of the clamping devices attached to the exterior thereof, it requires
a large installation space and results in deterioration in the appearance thereof.
[0017] Meanwhile, in relation to a vertical down-tilting, an electrical down-tilting using
a phase shifter can maintain the shape of a horizontal beam, whereas a mechanical
down-tilting can control only the center region of the horizontal beam, except for
peripheral region of the horizontal beam. Therefore, it can be said that the electrical
down-tilting is more effective.
Disclosure of the Invention
[0019] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and
it is an object of the present invention to provide an antenna beam control apparatus
for base transceiver station antennas which can steer a horizontal azimuth angle of
an antenna beam by rotating at least one antenna reflection plate about a center axis
thereof.
[0020] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an antenna beam control
apparatus for base transceiver station antennas which can reduce the size of products
and achieve eco-friendly and aesthetic products by incorporating all components inside
a radome.
[0021] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an antenna beam control
apparatus for base transceiver station antennas which can enable the remote control
of a horizontal azimuth angle of an antenna beam through mechanical steering.
[0022] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an antenna beam control
apparatus for base transceiver station antennas which can enable the remote control
of a horizontal azimuth angle of an antenna beam through mechanical steering, thereby
being capable of performing horizontal steering only by using an array antenna in
a single row reflector pattern, resulting in reduction in size and price of products.
[0023] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a hybrid type antenna
beam control apparatus for base transceiver station antennas which can enable not
only electrical vertical down-tilting but also mechanical horizontal steering by coupling
an electrically tiltable antenna to an antenna enabling the remote control of horizontal
steering through mechanical operation.
[0024] In accordance with the present invention, the above and other objects can be accomplished
by the provision of an antenna beam control apparatus in accordance with claim 1.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0025] The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention
will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional antenna beam control apparatus;
Fig. 2 is an exploded sectional view illustrating an antenna beam control apparatus
in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 3 is a sectional view illustrating an assembled state of the antenna beam control
apparatus in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 4 is a plan view of the antenna beam control apparatus shown in Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 is a plan view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the antenna beam control
apparatus shown in Fig. 3, wherein three antennas are mounted;
Fig. 6 is a sectional view illustrating an antenna beam control apparatus in accordance
with a second embodiment not forming part of the present invention;
Fig. 7 is a plan view of the antenna beam control apparatus shown in Fig. 6;
Fig. 8 is a detailed plan view illustrating a gear shown in Fig. 6;
Fig. 9 is a detailed plan view illustrating a clamp shown in Fig. 6;
Fig. 10 is a plan view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the antenna beam
control apparatus shown in Fig. 6, wherein three antennas are mounted;
Fig. 11 is a sectional view illustrating an antenna beam control apparatus in accordance
with a third embodiment not forming part of the present invention;
Fig. 12 is a plan view of the antenna beam control apparatus shown in Fig. 11;
and
Fig. 13 is a plan view illustrating a state wherein two antenna reflection plates
are rotated to define an angle therebetween.
Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0026] Now, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be explained in detail with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0027] Figs. 2 and 3 are sectional views illustrating an antenna beam control apparatus
for base transceiver station antennas in accordance with a first embodiment of the
present invention, and Fig. 4 is a plan view of the antenna beam control apparatus.
[0028] As shown in Figs. 2 to 4, the antenna beam control apparatus comprises: cylindrical
upper and lower caps 102 and 101; a motor box 161 used as driving means, which operates
by receiving a control signal, thereby providing a rotation force; a bracket 111 which
is mounted at an upper surface of the lower cap 101, and internally defines upper
and lower receiving spaces, in the lower receiving space being fixedly received the
motor box 161; a first bearing 121 configured to be inserted into the upper receiving
space of the bracket 111; a first shaft 131 which is fitted at an inner peripheral
surface of the first bearing 121 and is adapted to rotate by receiving the rotation
force; a second bearing 122 mounted in the upper cap 102; a second shaft 132 which
is fitted at an inner peripheral surface of the second bearing 122 and is adapted
to rotate by receiving the rotation force; a second gear 142 which is fitted around
the first shaft 131 and is adapted to receive the rotation force from the motor box
161; an antenna reflection plate 151 fixedly connected between the first and second
shafts 131 and 132, onto which all constituent components, functioning as an antenna,
are mounted to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves; a driving control unit
171 adapted to control the driving of the motor box 161 by making use of external
control signals; and a radome 181 connected between the upper and lower caps 102 and
101.
[0029] The motor box 161 contains a motor and a reduction gear coupled to each other, and
a first gear 141 is connected to a rotating shaft protruding upward from the interior
of the motor box 161. In this case, the reduction gear is separable from the motor
if necessary.
[0030] As means for fixing the antenna reflection plate 151, at an upper end of the first
shaft 131 and a lower end of the second shaft 132 are provided protrusions, respectively,
which are centrally formed with grooves, respectively. As upper and lower ends of
the antenna reflection plate 151 are fitted in the grooves of the protrusions, and
then are fastened thereto by using screws, the antenna reflection plate 151 is fixed
inside the apparatus.
[0031] Alternatively, although the upper and of the first shaft 131 and the lower end of
the second shaft 132 are provided with protrusions, the antenna reflection plate 151
is attached to one side of the respective protrusions, and an opposite side of the
protrusions is provided with a fixing member, so that the antenna reflection plate
151 is positioned between the protrusions and the fixing member. In this state, as
screws are fastened therethrough, the antenna reflection plate 151 is fixed inside
the apparatus.
[0032] The bracket 111 is fixed to an upper surface of the lower cap 101 by fastening screws
after the motor box 161 is received therein.
[0033] The bracket 111 may be substituted for a receiving space centrally defined in the
upper cap 102.
[0034] Therefore, the motor box 161 may be attached to the upper surface of the lower cap
101 or a lower surface of the upper cap 102.
[0035] The antenna reflection plate 151 is positioned so that it is centered on the first
and second shafts 131 and 132. In this way, the antenna reflection plate 151 is adapted
to rotate about the center axis thereof.
[0036] Now, the operation of the antenna beam control apparatus for base transceiver station
antennas in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention will be
explained in detail.
[0037] If the environment of the electromagnetic waves is changed due to an increase in
high-storied buildings in the vicinity of base transceiver stations, establishment
of new base transceiver stations, or temporary traffic increase, the driving control
unit 171 outputs a control signal, namely, a driving voltage to the motor box 161
according to external control signals for optimal cell planning, thereby controlling
rotation of the antenna reflection plate 151 in opposite directions.
[0038] If the control signal from the driving control unit 171 is inputted, the motor inside
the motor box 161 is driven, and thus the reduction gear is rotated, thereby causing
the rotating shaft connected to the reduction gear to rotate.
[0039] According to such a rotation of the rotating shaft, the first gear 141, connected
to the rotating shaft, is rotated, and consequently, the second gear 142 connected
with the first gear 141 is rotated.
[0040] Through the rotation of the second gear 142, the first shaft 131 is rotated. In this
case, the first bearing 121 acts to facilitate the rotation of the first shaft 131.
[0041] If the first shaft 131 is rotated, the antenna reflection plate 151 connected with
the first shaft 131, as well as the second shaft 132 rotate together with the first
shaft 131. In this way, the antenna reflection plate 151 is rotatable in opposite
directions,
[0042] Since a center portion of the antenna reflection plate 151 is fixed to the first
and second shafts 131 and 132, the antenna reflection plate 151 rotates about the
center portion thereof.
[0043] As shown in Fig. 5, if three of the apparatus of the first embodiment are mounted
inside the radome, the antenna beam control apparatus is usable as a three-sector
antenna, and if six of the apparatus are mounted, the antenna beam control apparatus
is usable as a six-sector antenna.
[0044] With such a configuration as stated above, the present invention can control a horizontal
azimuth angle of all antenna beams to be reflected to respective sectors.
[0045] Fig. 6 is a sectional view illustrating an antenna beam control apparatus in accordance
with a second non claimed embodiment, and Fig. 7 is a plan view of the antenna beam
control apparatus shown in Fig. 6. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the antenna beam control
apparatus of the present embodiment comprises: cylindrical upper and lower caps 202
and 201; an antenna reflection plate 251, onto which all constituent components, functioning
as an antenna, are mounted to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves; a support
pole 211 fixedly connected between the upper and lower caps 202 and 201; a first bearing
221 used as a rotator, which is fitted around a lower portion of the support pole
221; a first fixing member 231 for fixing the first bearing 221; a second gear 242
which is fitted around an outer peripheral surface of the first bearing 221 and adapted
to rotate by receiving a rotation force; a third bearing 223 fitted to an upper end
region of the support pole 211; a second bearing 222 fitted to a certain region between
the third and first bearings 223 and 221; second and third fixing members 232 and
233 for fixing the second and third bearings 222 and 223, respectively; first and
second clamps 291 and 292 which are fitted around outer peripheral surfaces of the
second and third bearings 222 and 223, respectively, and are adapted to support the
antenna reflection plate 251; a motor box 261 which is mounted at an upper surface
of the lower cap 201 and used as driving means for providing the rotation force to
the second gear 242; a driving control unit 271 adapted to control the driving of
the motor box 261 by receiving external control signals; and a radome 281 connected
between the upper and lower caps 202 and 201.
[0046] The first fixing member 231 consists of a pair of cylindrical prominent and depressed
sections.
[0047] The motor box 261 contains a motor and a reduction gear coupled to each other, and
a first gear 241 is connected to a rotating shaft protruding upward from the interior
of the motor box 161. In this case, the reduction gear is separable from the motor
if necessary.
[0048] The second gear 242 may be selected from among various kinds of gears in consideration
of a gear ratio with the first gear 241. In the present embodiment, as shown in Fig.
8, the second gear 242 has a fan-shaped hole, and along an outer periphery and a center
portion of the second gear 242 is formed a groove for supporting the antenna reflection
plate 251. At an inner peripheral surface of the fan-shaped hole defined in the second
gear 242 is formed gear teeth, thereby allowing the inner peripheral surface of the
second gear 242 to engage and rotate together with an outer peripheral surface of
the first gear 241.
[0049] The antenna reflection plate 251 is supported by the first and second clamps 291
and 292, and is fixed at an upper surface of the second gear 242.
[0050] As shown in Fig. 9, each of the first and second clamps 291 and 292 has three horizontal
protrusions, which extend toward the antenna reflection plate 261 so as to be connected
to three points placed at a rear surface of the antenna reflection plate 251.
[0051] Now, the operation of the antenna beam control apparatus for base transceiver station
antennas in accordance with the second non claimed embodiment will be explained.
[0052] First, the driving control unit 271 outputs a control signal, namely, a driving voltage
to the motor box 261 according to external control signals, thereby controlling rotation
of the antenna reflection plate 251 in opposite directions.
[0053] If the control signal from the driving control unit 271 is inputted, the motor inside
the motor box 261 is driven, and thus the reduction gear is rotated, thereby causing
the rotating shaft connected to the reduction gear to rotate.
[0054] According to such a rotation of the rotating shaft, the first gear 241 connected
to the rotating shaft is rotated, and consequently, the second gear 242 engaged with
the first gear 241 is rotated.
[0055] Through the rotation of the second gear 242, the antenna reflection plate 251, fixed
at the upper surface of the second gear 242, is rotated. In this way, the antenna
reflection plate 251 is rotatable in opposite directions.
[0056] In the present embodiment, since the antenna reflection plate 251 is supported relative
to the support pole 211 by means of the first and second clamps 291 and 292, and the
first and second clamps 291 and 292 are fitted around the second and third bearings
222 and 223 used as rotators, the antenna reflection plate 251 is easily rotatable
according to the rotation of the second gear 242.
[0057] In a state wherein to the rear surface of the antenna reflection plate 251 is connected
the support pole 211 so as to support the antenna reflection plate 251, and to the
support pole 211 is mounted the rotators and the clamps 291 and 292 for supporting
the antenna reflection plate 251, the antenna reflection plate 251 is rotatable about
the support pole 211.
[0058] As shown in Fig. 10, if three of the apparatus of the second embodiment are mounted,
the antenna beam control apparatus is usable as a three-sector antenna, and if six
of the apparatus are mounted, the antenna beam control apparatus is usable as a six-sector
antenna.
[0059] With such a configuration as stated above, the present invention can control a horizontal
azimuth angle of all antenna beams to be reflected to respective sectors.
[0060] Fig. 11 is a sectional view illustrating an antenna beam control apparatus in accordance
with a third non claimed embodiment, and Fig. 12 is a plan view of the antenna beam
control apparatus shown in Fig. 11. As shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the antenna beam
control apparatus comprises: cylindrical upper and lower caps 302 and 301; first and
second bearings 321 and 322 mounted to the lower and upper caps 301 and 302, respectively,
for facilitating rotation; first and second rotating plates 311 and 312 coupled to
the first and second bearings 321 and 322, respectively; a second gear 342 which is
mounted to the first rotating plate 311 and is adapted to rotate by receiving a rotation
force; third and fifth bearings 323 and 325 provided at an upper surface of the first
rotating plate 311; fourth and sixth bearings 324 and 326 provided at a lower surface
of the second rotating plate 312; first and third shafts 331 and 333 fitted at inner
peripheral surfaces of the third and fifth bearings 323 and 325, respectively; second
and fourth shafts 332 and 334 fitted at inner peripheral surfaces of the fourth and
sixth bearings 324 and 326; a first antenna reflection plate 351 connected between
the first and second shafts 331 and 332, onto which all constituent components, functioning
as an antenna, are mounted to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves; a second
antenna reflection plate 352 connected between the third and fourth shafts 333 and
334, onto which all constituent components, functioning as an antenna are mounted
to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves; third and fourth gears 343 and 344
coupled to the first and third shafts 331 and 333, respectively; first, second and
third motor boxes 361, 362 and 363 used as driving means for providing the rotation
force to the second, third and fourth gears 342, 343 and 344, respectively; driving
control units 371 adapted to control the driving of the first, second and third motor
boxes 361, 362 and 363 by receiving external control signals; and a radome 381 connected
between the upper and lower caps 302 and 301.
[0061] Now, the operation of the antenna beam control apparatus for base transceiver stations
in accordance with the third non claimed embodiment will be explained.
[0062] If a control signal from the driving control unit 371 is inputted, the motor inside
the first motor box 361 is driven, and thus the reduction gear is rotated, thereby
causing the rotating shaft connected to the reduction gear to rotate.
[0063] According to such a rotation of the rotating shaft, the first gear 341, connected
to the rotating shaft, is rotated, and consequently, the second gear 342 connected
with the first gear 241 is rotated.
[0064] Such a rotation of the second gear 342 causes the rotation of the first rotating
plate 311 coupled to the second gear 342.
[0065] If the first rotating plate 311 is rotated, accordingly, the second rotating plate
312 is rotated.
[0066] In this case, the first and second rotating plates 311 and 312 rotate about a center
axis between the first and second antenna reflection plates 351 and 352 in a state
they are aligned in a line.
[0067] Therefore, according to the rotation of the first and second rotating plates 311
and 312, the first and second antenna reflection plates 351 and 352 are rotatable
in opposite directions while maintaining a constant rotating direction, thereby enabling
steering of a horizontal azimuth angle of an antenna beam.
[0068] Since the first rotating plate 311 is fitted at the inner peripheral surface of the
first bearing 321 used as a rotator, it is easily rotatable.
[0069] Meanwhile, consideration the operation of the present embodiment, if the control
signal from the driving control unit 371 is inputted, the motor inside the second
motor box 362 is driven, and consequently, the third gear 343 is rotated.
[0070] According to such a rotation of the third gear 343, the first shaft 331 is rotated,
accordingly, the second shaft 332 is rotated.
[0071] Since the first and second shafts 331 and 332 are coupled with the first antenna
reflection plate 351, consequently, the first antenna reflection plate 351 is rotated
in opposite directions.
[0072] In the same manner, if the control signal from the driving control unit 371 is inputted,
the motor inside the third motor box 363 is driven, and consequently the fourth gear
344 is rotated.
[0073] According to such a rotation of the fourth gear 344, the third shaft 333 is rotated,
accordingly, the fourth shaft 334 is rotated.
[0074] Since the third and fourth shafts 333 and 334 are coupled with the second antenna
reflection plate 352, consequently, the second antenna reflection plate 352 is rotated
in opposite directions.
[0075] In this case, the first and second shafts 331 and 332 rotate about a center axis
of the first antenna reflection plate 351, and the third and fourth shafts 333 and
334 rotate about a center axis of the second antenna reflection plate 352.
[0076] According to the present embodiment, furthermore, by tilting the first and second
antenna reflection plates 351 and 352, which are originally aligned in a line, to
define a certain angle therebetween, it is possible to control a horizontal beam width
of an antenna beam.
[0077] According to the third non claimed embodiment as stated above, both a horizontal
azimuth angle and a horizontal width of an antenna beam can be controlled.
[0078] If three of the apparatus in accordance with the third embodiment are mounted, the
antenna beam control apparatus is usable as a three-sector antenna, and if six of
the apparatus are mounted, the antenna beam control apparatus is usable as a six-sector
antenna.
[0079] In the present embodiment, the antenna reflection plates may comprise a mechanically
titable antenna reflection plate, and an electrically tiltable antenna reflection
plate.
[0080] When such an electrically tiltable antenna reflection plate is additionally used,
the resultant antenna can function as a hybrid-type antenna capable of electrically
steering vertical down-tilting, as well as mechanically steering a horizontal azimuth
angle.
[0081] Although there are various kinds of antenna housings, the present invention explains
only a structure wherein a cylindrical radome is scaled by upper and lower caps. However,
it should be understood that other shapes of antenna housings may be properly applied
in the present invention.
[0082] It is apparent that, in the preferred embodiments of the present invention, positions
of gears and motor boxes, which serve to provide a rotation force, is appropriately
variable as occasion demands.
[0083] In addition, instead of the gears, timing belts may be used.
Industrial Applicability
[0084] As apparent from the above description, the present invention provides an antenna
beam control apparatus for base transceiver station antennas which can enable steering
of a horizontal azimuth angle of an antenna beam by allowing at least one antenna
reflection plate to be mechanically rotated in opposite directions.
[0085] Further, by virtue of the fact that all constituent components are incorporated inside
a radome, the size of products can be generally reduced, and it is possible to achieve
eco-friendly products.
[0086] Furthermore, by aligning two antenna reflection plates in a line so that they rotate
about a center axis therebetween or they rotate about their respective center axes,
it is possible to control a horizontal azimuth angle of an antenna beam, and achieve
beam forming of the antenna beam.
[0087] When at least one antenna reflection plate is rotatable in opposite directions through
mechanical steering, and thus it forms an electrically tiltable antenna, it is possible
to achieve not only vertical down-tilting but also steering of a horizontal azimuth
angle by using an array antenna in a single row radiator pattern. This has an effect
of reducing the size and manufacturing cost of products.
[0088] The present invention, further, enables the remote control of such a horizontal azimuth
angle of the antenna beam.