阅读说明：本技术 用于移相器的手动的操纵装置和支撑系统 (Manual operating device and support system for a phase shifter ) 是由 艾斌 于 2020-04-27 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于移相器的手动的操纵装置,包括：支撑模块,其包括长形的基体和从基体伸出的、在基体的纵向方向上间隔开的第一接纳部和第二接纳部；丝杆螺母机构,其包括丝杆和螺母,丝杆可转动地支撑在第一接纳部和第二接纳部中,螺母可平移移动地安装在丝杆上；操纵杆,其与螺母连接并且构造成用于操纵移相器；手动的操纵部,其与丝杆连接,并且构造成用于手动地操纵所述丝杆,以使得所述丝杆转动。该操纵装置结构简单且紧凑,易于制造和安装。本发明还涉及一种支撑系统,其例如可以应用在所述操纵装置中。(The invention relates to a manual actuating device for a phase shifter, comprising: a support module comprising an elongated base and first and second receptacles projecting from the base spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the base; a feed screw-nut mechanism including a feed screw rotatably supported in the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion and a nut translatably mounted on the feed screw; a manipulation lever connected with the nut and configured to manipulate the phase shifter; a manual manipulation part connected with the lead screw and configured to manually manipulate the lead screw to rotate the lead screw. The operating device is simple and compact in structure and easy to manufacture and install. The invention also relates to a support system which can be used, for example, in the actuating device.)

1. A manual operating device for a phase shifter, the operating device comprising:

a support module (1) comprising an elongated base body (11) and a first receptacle (12) and a second receptacle (13) projecting from the base body and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the base body;

a screw-nut mechanism (2) comprising a screw (21) rotatably supported in a first and a second receiving portion and a nut (22) translatably mounted on the screw;

a control rod (3) connected to the nut and configured for operating the phase shifter; and

a manual manipulation portion (4) connected with the lead screw and configured to manually manipulate the lead screw to rotate the lead screw.

2. The manual actuation device for phase shifters as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first receptacle comprises a first through hole (14) and a first bearing (16) fixedly arranged in the first through hole for supporting said screw;

preferably, the first bearing is configured for mounting into the first through hole from a side of the first through hole facing away from the second receiving portion;

preferably, the first through hole and the first bearing have axial stops cooperating with each other, which define the axial position of the first bearing relative to the first through hole, and/or circumferential stops cooperating with each other, which define the circumferential position of the first bearing relative to the first through hole.

3. The manual actuating device for a phase shifter as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the first receptacle has at least one first flange (18a) in a first plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the first through-opening and at least one second flange (18b) in a second plane parallel to the first plane offset from the first flange in the circumferential direction of the first through-opening, the first support has a third flange (19) with a radial projection (37) which rests on the second flange and is configured for being rotated by a predetermined angle such that the third flange is clamped between the first and second flanges and the radial projection is blocked in the direction of rotation, the first receptacle has a receiving bore (36) in which a fastening element (38) can be inserted, the fastening element is configured to stop rotation of the radial projection in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation;

preferably, the first receiving portion includes two first flanges opposed to each other and two second flanges opposed to each other, and the first bearing includes two third flanges opposed to each other;

preferably, the fastening element is a screw, a fastening pin or a push rivet.

4. The manual steering device for a phase shifter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first support has a recess configured to receive a rotating tool for rotating the first support; and/or

The screw has a flange, the flange of the screw can pass through the first through hole, and the screw is axially limited by the first support through the flange; and/or

The second receiving portion comprises a second hole (15) and a second bearing (17) fixedly arranged in the second hole for supporting the screw rod; and/or

The second support is configured for mounting into the second bore from a side of the second bore facing the first receptacle; and/or

The second hole and the second bearing have axial stops cooperating with each other for defining the axial position of the second bearing relative to the second hole and/or circumferential stops cooperating with each other for defining the circumferential position of the second bearing relative to the second hole; and/or

The axial stop of the second bore is a step of the second bore and the axial stop of the second bearing is a flange of the second bearing; and/or

The circumferential stop of the second hole is a protrusion of the second hole and the circumferential stop of the second bearing is a slot of a flange of the second bearing.

5. The manual operating device for a phase shifter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the nut has a tab (24), the base body of the support module having a guide groove (20) extending in the longitudinal direction of the base body, the tab projecting into the guide groove and being configured for movement along the guide groove; and/or

The actuating lever is detachably connected to the nut, wherein the nut has a snap-in element (25) for snap-in connection with the actuating lever and/or the nut has a pin-like element (28), wherein the actuating lever has a pin hole for receiving the pin-like element; and/or

The base body of the support module has a grip (30) for guiding a joystick;

preferably, the actuating lever is assigned a first stop (31) which interacts with the clamping portion for limiting the stroke of the actuating lever in the extension direction.

6. Manual operating device for a phase shifter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the proximal end of the operating lever constitutes a second stop (32) which cooperates with the first receptacle for limiting the stroke of the operating lever in the retraction direction; and/or

The manual actuation part is designed as a rotary knob, which is fixedly connected to the spindle.

7. Manual manipulation device for phase shifters according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the handling device comprises an additional support (5) having a first receiving hole (51), the nut of the feed screw-nut mechanism having a second receiving hole (27), receiving a scale (6) in the first and second receiving holes, the scale having a scale for indicating an electrical tilt angle corresponding to a position of the joystick, the scale is provided with spring elements (7), the proximal end region of the scale is stopped against the edge of the first receiving hole under the action of the spring force of the spring elements, the scale can be pulled out of the first and second receiving holes against the force of the spring element until the distal end region of the scale comes into contact with the edge of the second receiving hole;

preferably, the additional support has a third receiving hole (52) through which the manual operating portion extends;

preferably, an elastomer element (43) is arranged between the manual actuating part and the third receiving bore, said elastomer element being able to generate a resistance force for the actuation of the manual actuating part.

8. The manual manipulation device for phase shifters of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said support module, said lead screw-nut mechanism, said manipulation lever and said manual manipulation portion are made of plastic material.

9. Support system comprising a receiving member with a through hole and a bearing configured for mounting into the through hole, characterized in that the receiving member has at least one first flange (18a) in a first plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the through hole and at least one second flange (18b) in a second plane parallel to the first plane, offset in the circumferential direction of the through hole from the first flange, the bearing has a third flange (19) with a radial projection (37) which rests onto the second flange and which is configured for turning a predetermined angle such that the third flange is clamped between the first and second flanges and the radial projection is stopped in the direction of rotation, the receiving member has a receiving hole (36), a fastening element (38) is insertable in the receiving bore, the fastening element being configured for stopping rotation of the radial projection in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation.

10. The support system of claim 9, wherein the receiving member includes two first flanges opposite each other and two second flanges opposite each other, and the bearing includes two third flanges opposite each other; and/or

The fastening element is a screw, a fastening pin or a push rivet.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of base station antennas, and more particularly, to a manual operating device for a phase shifter; the invention also relates to a support system.

Background

Phase shifters are widely used in base station antennas for adjusting the electrical tilt angle of an antenna beam formed by the base station antenna. The phase shifter can be actuated or moved by an electric actuating device in order to adjust the electrical tilt angle. Typically, the motorized steering device has a complicated structure and a large number of parts, and requires a large installation space in the base station antenna. For example, patent document CN207338646U discloses such an electric manipulator for a phase shifter.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the invention is to provide a manual actuating device for a phase shifter, which is simple and compact in construction. It is another object of the present invention to provide a support system.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a manual actuation device for a phase shifter is proposed, comprising: a support module comprising an elongated base and first and second receptacles projecting from the base spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the base; a feed screw-nut mechanism including a feed screw rotatably supported in the first and second receiving portions and a nut translatably mounted on the feed screw; a manipulation lever connected with the nut and configured to manipulate the phase shifter; and a manual manipulation part connected with the lead screw and configured to manually manipulate the lead screw to rotate the lead screw.

The manual actuating device for a phase shifter according to the invention can have a simple and compact structure, a small number of parts, easy production and assembly, and requires a small installation space.

In some embodiments, the first receiving portion may include a first through hole.

In some embodiments, the first receiving portion may include a first bearing fixedly disposed in the first through hole for supporting the lead screw.

For example, the first support may be made of a plastic material that is more wear resistant than the base of the support module, while the base of the support module may be made of a less expensive plastic material.

In some embodiments, the first bearing may be configured for installation into the first through hole from a side of the first through hole facing away from the second receptacle.

In some embodiments, the first support may be integrally formed in the first receptacle.

In some embodiments, the first through hole and the first bearing may have axial stops cooperating with each other, which define the axial position of the first bearing relative to the first through hole.

In some embodiments, the first through hole and the first bearing may have circumferential stops that are complementary to each other, the circumferential stops defining a circumferential position of the first bearing relative to the first through hole.

In some embodiments, the axial stop of the first through hole may be a step of the first through hole, and the axial stop of the first bearing may be a flange of the first bearing.

In some embodiments, the circumferential stopper of the first through hole may be a radial recess of the first through hole, and the circumferential stopper of the first bearing may be a radial protrusion of the first bearing.

In some embodiments, the first support may be fixed by a fastening element that is fitted into a receiving hole of the first receiving portion.

In some embodiments, the first support may have a recess configured to receive a turning tool, such as a screwdriver or wrench, for turning the first support.

In some embodiments, the first receptacle can have at least one first flange in a first plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the first through-opening and at least one second flange in a second plane parallel to the first plane, offset from the first flange in the circumferential direction of the first through-opening, the first bearing may have a third flange having a radial projection, the third flange resting on the second flange, and the third flange is configured to be turned by a predetermined angle such that the third flange is sandwiched between the first flange and the second flange and the radial protrusion is stopped in the rotational direction, the first receiving portion has a receiving hole, a fastening element is insertable into the receiving bore, the fastening element being configured to stop rotation of the radial projection in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation.

In some embodiments, the first receiving portion may include two first flanges opposite to each other and two second flanges opposite to each other, and the first bearing may include two third flanges opposite to each other.

In some embodiments, the fastening element may be a screw, a fastening pin, or a push rivet.

In some embodiments, the screw may have a flange that is passable through the first through hole, and the screw is axially defined by the first support through the flange.

In some embodiments, the second receptacle may include a second aperture. For example, the second hole may be a through hole.

In some embodiments, the second receiving portion may include a second bearing fixedly disposed in the second hole for supporting the lead screw.

In some embodiments, the second support may be configured for installation into the second aperture from a side of the second aperture facing the first receptacle.

In some embodiments, the second bore and the second bearing may have axial stops that mate with each other, the second bore and the axial stops of the second bearing defining an axial position of the second bearing relative to the second bore.

In some embodiments, the second hole and the second bearing may have circumferential stops that mate with each other, the second hole and the circumferential stop of the second bearing defining a circumferential position of the second bearing relative to the second hole.

In some embodiments, the axial stop of the second bore may be a step of the second bore and the axial stop of the second bearing may be a flange of the second bearing.

In some embodiments, the circumferential stop of the second aperture may be a protrusion of the second aperture and the circumferential stop of the second bearing may be a slot of a flange of the second bearing.

In some embodiments, the nut may have a tab, and the base body of the support module may have a guide groove extending in a longitudinal direction thereof, the tab protruding into the guide groove and being configured for movement along the guide groove.

In some embodiments, the lever may be removably coupled to the nut.

In some embodiments, the nut may have a snap-fit element for snap-fit connection with the lever.

In some embodiments, the nut may have a pin-like element and the lever has a pin hole for receiving the pin-like element.

In some embodiments, the base body of the support module may have a grip for guiding a joystick.

In some embodiments, the actuating lever can be assigned a first stop, which interacts with the clamping portion for limiting the travel of the actuating lever in the extension direction.

In some embodiments, the first stop may be mounted on the lever as a separate component.

In some embodiments, the first stop may be an integral part of the lever.

In some embodiments, the proximal end of the actuating lever may form a second stop, which interacts with the first receptacle for limiting the stroke of the actuating lever in the retraction direction.

In some embodiments, the manual actuation can be configured as a rotary knob, which is fixedly connected to the spindle.

In some embodiments, the manual actuation part can be configured as a rotary knob, which is integrally formed with the spindle.

In some embodiments, the knob may be configured as a star wheel.

In some embodiments, the knob and the lead screw may have mutually alignable receptacles configured to receive an insertion element for fixedly connecting the knob with the lead screw.

In some embodiments, the manipulation device may include additional supports.

In some embodiments, the additional support may have a first receiving hole, and the nut of the lead screw-nut mechanism may have a second receiving hole, and a scale having a scale for indicating an electrical inclination corresponding to a position of the joystick is received in the first receiving hole and the second receiving hole.

In some embodiments, the scale can be provided with spring elements, and the proximal end region of the scale can be brought into abutment against the edge of the first receiving opening under the action of the spring forces of the spring elements, and the scale can be pulled out of the first and second receiving openings against the action of the spring elements until the distal end region of the scale comes into abutment against the edge of the second receiving opening.

In some embodiments, the additional support may have a third receiving hole through which the manual operating portion extends.

In some embodiments, a resistance element may be disposed between the manual manipulation portion and the third receiving hole, the resistance element being capable of generating a resistance force to manipulation of the manual manipulation portion.

The resistance element may be an elastomeric element. Alternatively or additionally, the resistance element may be a releasable connection such as a pin-and-hole connection.

In some embodiments, the base of the support module may have a plurality of fixing holes configured to receive fixing elements for fixing the base. The fixing element is, for example, a screw, a push rivet or a pin.

In some embodiments, at least one, such as all, of the support module, the manual operator and the lead screw-nut mechanism and the operator lever may be made of a non-metallic material, such as a plastic material, such as fiberglass reinforced plastic.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a support system is proposed, comprising a receiving member having a through-hole and a bearing configured to be fitted into the through-hole, wherein the receiving member has at least one first flange in a first plane transverse to a longitudinal axis of the through-hole and at least one second flange offset from the first flange in a second plane parallel to the first plane in a circumferential direction of the through-hole, wherein the bearing has a third flange having a radial projection, wherein the third flange rests on the second flange and is configured to be rotated by a predetermined angle such that the third flange is clamped between the first and second flanges and the radial projection is stopped in the direction of rotation, wherein the receiving member has a receiving hole into which a fastening element can be inserted, the fastening element is configured to stop rotation of the radial projection in a direction opposite the direction of rotation.

Such a support system can be used in particular in the aforementioned handling device, for example the first and/or the second receptacle of the support module of the handling device can have such a support system.

Drawings

The invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of specific embodiments with reference to the drawing. The schematic drawings are briefly described as follows:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a manual operating device for a phase shifter according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the manipulating device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of some of the components of the operator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is an exploded view of a first receiver of the manipulating device of FIG. 1; and is

Fig. 4B is an exploded view of the second receptacle of the manipulating device of fig. 1.

Detailed Description

The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention. It should be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, the embodiments described below are intended to provide a more complete disclosure of the present invention and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. It is also to be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein can be combined in various ways to provide further additional embodiments.

It is to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. All terms used in the specification have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art unless otherwise defined. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and clarity. The terms "comprising," "including," and "containing" when used in this specification specify the presence of stated features, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features.

Fig. 1 and 2 each show a different perspective view of a manual actuating device for a phase shifter according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of some of the components of the handling device of fig. 1, wherein the lever 3, the scale 6 and the spring 7 are omitted in order to better describe the other components.

The actuating device comprises a support module 1, a spindle-nut mechanism 2, an actuating lever 3 and a manual actuating part 4. The spindle-nut mechanism 2 is supported in the support module 1 and is connected to the operating lever 3 and the manual operating part 4. The feed screw-nut mechanism 2 includes a feed screw 21 and a nut 22. The nut 22 is mounted on the screw 21 so as to be movable in translation. The spindle 21 is connected to the manual actuation part 4. The manual actuating part 4 is operatively connected to the spindle 21, so that a manual movement (in this case a rotation) of the manual actuating part 4 causes the spindle 21 to rotate, so that the spindle 21 rotates. The nut 22 is connected to the operating rod 3, and the operating rod 3 moves together with the nut 22. The length of the operating rod 3 can be selected according to the actual requirements. For example, the joystick 3 may extend from the manipulator to the phase shifter. The joystick 3 is partially shown in fig. 1 and 2.

At least one, for example all, of the support module 1, the spindle-nut mechanism 2, the operating lever 3 and the manual operating part 4 can be made of a non-metallic material, for example plastic. This may reduce the weight and manufacturing cost of the manipulator and may also eliminate potential sources of Passive Intermodulation (PIM).

The support module 1 comprises an elongated base body 11 and a first receptacle 12 and a second receptacle 13 projecting from the base body 11. The first receiving portion 12 and the second receiving portion 13 are spaced apart by a distance in the longitudinal direction of the base 11. The spindle 21 is rotatably supported in the first and second receiving portions 12, 13 of the support module 1.

Fig. 4A is an exploded partial view of the first receptacle 12 of the handling device of fig. 1. As shown in fig. 4A, the first receiving portion 12 may include a first through hole 14 and a first bearing 16 fixedly disposed in the first through hole 14 for supporting the lead screw 21. The spindle 21 can be supported, for example, with its first end in the first bearing 16. In order to fix the first bearing 16 in the first through opening 14, the first through opening 14 and the first bearing 16 can have axial stops and/or circumferential stops that are adapted to one another. Each axial stop may define the axial position of the first bearing 16 relative to the first through hole 14. As shown in fig. 4A, the axial stop of the first through-hole 14 may be a flange of the first through-hole 14, for example, two first flanges 18a opposite to each other in a first plane and two second flanges 18b opposite to each other in a second plane and offset from the first flanges 18a in the circumferential direction may be provided. It is thus possible to define the axial stop of the first bearing 16 bilaterally in the axial direction. The axial stopper of the first bearing 16 may be a flange 19 (also referred to as a third flange) of the first bearing 16, and for example, a pair of flanges 19 may be provided. Each circumferential stop may define a circumferential position of the first bearing 16 relative to the first through hole 14. The circumferential stop of the first through hole 14 may be a radial recess of the first through hole 14. The circumferential stop of the first bearing 16 may be a radial protrusion 37 of the first bearing 16. The first support 16 may be fixed by a fastening element 38 fitted into the receiving hole 36 of the first receiving portion 12. The fastening elements 38 may be, for example, screws, fastening pins or push rivets.

The first bearing 16 can be configured for installation into the first through opening 14 from a side of the first through opening 14 facing away from the second receptacle 13. As shown in fig. 4A, the first bearing 16 can be moved to the right from the left in fig. 4A into the first through hole 14. First, the flange 19 of the first bearing 16 is brought into abutment against the flange 18b, the first bearing 16 can be rotated through a predetermined angle, whereupon the first bearing 16 can be rotated (for example, possibly by means of a screwdriver inserted into the recess 33) until the radial projection 37 is stopped by a stop in the first receptacle 12, which is not visible in fig. 4A, so that the flange 19 is clamped between the first flange 18a and the second flange 18 b. Finally, a fastening element 38 (see fig. 3) may be installed in the receiving hole 36 to further prevent the first support 16 from rotating.

Fig. 4B is an exploded partial view of the second receptacle 13 of the handling device of fig. 1. As shown in fig. 4B, the second receiving portion 13 may include a second hole 15 and a second bearing 17 fixedly disposed in the second hole 15 for supporting the lead screw 21. The second hole 15 may be configured as a second through hole. The spindle 21 can be supported, for example, with its second end in the second support 17. The second support 17 may be configured for mounting into the second hole 15 from a side of the second hole 15 facing the first receiving portion 12. In order to fix the second bearing 17 in the second bore 15, the second bore 15 and the second bearing 17 can have axial stops and/or circumferential stops that are adapted to each other. Each axial stop may define the axial position of the second bearing 17 relative to the second hole 15. As shown in fig. 4B, the axial stop of the second bore 15 may be the step 8 of the second bore 15. The axial stop of the second bearing 17 may be the flange 34 of the second bearing 17. Each circumferential stop may define the circumferential position of the second bearing 17 relative to the second hole 15. As shown in fig. 4B, the circumferential stop of the second hole 15 may be a protrusion 29 of the second hole 15. The circumferential stop of the second bearing 17 may be the slot 35 of the flange 34 of the second bearing 17. In the assembled position, the flange 34 of the second support 17 rests on the step 8 of the second hole 15, and the slot 35 engages with the projection 29.

The base body 11 can be configured with hooks 9. As shown in fig. 2, the hooks 9 may be constructed on the bottom of the base 11. The hook 9 is designed for pre-positioning the base body 11 during installation. The base body 11 can have a plurality of fastening points 10 for the final fastening of the support module 1, which can be screwed, for example. A clamping portion 30 for guiding the actuating lever 3 can be formed on the base body 11.

The nut 22 of the feed screw-nut mechanism 2 is non-rotatably mounted on the feed screw 21. The nut is configured for axial movement along the lead screw 21. In order to prevent the nut 22 from rotating on the spindle 21, the nut 22 can have a web 24. Correspondingly, the base body 11 can be configured with a guide groove 20 extending in its longitudinal direction. The tabs 24 extend into the guide slot 20 and are able to move along the guide slot 20 while preventing the nut 22 from rotating.

The nut 22 of the feed screw-nut mechanism 2 is connected to a lever 3 configured for operating the phase shifter. Accordingly, the movement of the nut 22 is transferred to the operating lever, which in turn operates the phase shifter. The nut 22 may be detachably connected to the operating rod 3. For example, the nut 22 can have a snap element 25 for snap connection with the operating lever 3. Alternatively or additionally, the nut 22 can have a pin-like element 28, and the actuating lever 3 has a pin hole for receiving the pin-like element 28. The stroke of the operating lever 3 can be suitably limited. For example, the actuating lever 3 can be provided with a first stop 31, which first stop 31 can interact with the clamping portion 30 of the base body 11 for limiting the stroke of the actuating lever 3 in the extension direction. The first stop 31 may be mounted on the operating lever 3 as a separate component. For example, the proximal end of the lever 3 may form the second stop 32. The second stop 32 can interact with the first receptacle 12 for limiting the travel of the actuating lever 3 in the retraction direction. Alternatively or additionally, the stroke limitation of the control rod 3 can also be achieved by limiting the movement of the contact piece 24 in the guide groove 20. For this purpose, a stop for the web 24 can be provided in the guide groove 20.

The manual actuation part 4 can be designed as a rotary knob, which can be fixedly connected to the spindle 21. For example, in order to fixedly connect the rotary knob to the spindle 21, the rotary knob and the spindle may each have a receptacle 41, 26 which can be aligned with one another and which is designed to receive the insertion element 42. The insert element 42 may be, for example, a plug. In some embodiments, not shown, at least one of the manipulation part 4 and the screw 21 may be configured with a plurality of insertion holes. As shown in fig. 3, the first end of the spindle 21 can have a non-circular, here for example flat, cross section. Accordingly, a cavity complementary to the first end of the spindle 21 can be formed on the actuating part 4. A first end of the spindle 21 can be inserted into a cavity of the actuating part 4 in order to achieve a rotationally fixed interconnection of the actuating part 4 and the spindle 21 (thus a rotation of the actuating part 4 will result in a corresponding rotation of the spindle 21). Furthermore, as shown in fig. 3, a flange 23 may be provided on the screw 21, said flange being able to pass through the first through hole 14, but not through the first support 16. Thereby, the screw 21 can be axially confined by the first bearing 16.

The handling device may further comprise an additional support 5. When the additional support 5 is constructed separately from the support module 1, the mounting can be achieved flexibly. The additional support 5 can also be formed integrally with the support module 1. The steering device may further comprise a scale 6, which for example shows the electrical tilt angle applied by the phase shifter steered by the steering device to the antenna beam formed by the base station antenna. The additional support 5 can be configured with a first receiving hole 51 and the nut 22 of the feed screw-nut mechanism 2 can be configured with a second receiving hole 27. The scale 6 is received in the first receiving hole 51 and the second receiving hole 27. The scale 6 may have a scale for indicating the electrical tilt angle corresponding to the position of the joystick 3. The scale 6 may be provided with a spring element 7. The proximal end region of the scale can rest against the edge of the first receiving hole 51 under the spring force of the spring element 7. The scale 6 can be pulled out of the first receiving hole 51 and the second receiving hole 27 against the force of the spring element 7 until the distal end region of the scale 6 comes into contact with the edge of the second receiving hole 27, so that the electrical tilt angle value can be read from the scale. An additional support 5 may be used to support the manual operating part 4. The additional support 5 may have a third receiving hole 52, through which third receiving hole 52 the manual operating part 4 extends. An elastomer element 43 can be arranged between the manual actuation part 4 and the third receiving bore 52. The elastic body element can generate resistance to the manipulation of the manipulation part 4, and thus, unintentional rotation of the manipulation part 4 can be prevented.

It is noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be understood that the terms "comprises" and "comprising," and other similar terms, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The term "and/or" as used herein includes all arbitrary combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. In the description of the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

The thickness of elements in the figures may be exaggerated for clarity. It will be further understood that if an element is referred to as being "on," "coupled to" or "connected to" another element, it can be directly on, coupled or connected to the other element or intervening elements may be present. Conversely, if the expressions "directly on … …", "directly coupled with … …", and "directly connected with … …" are used herein, then there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements, such as "between … …" and "directly between … …", "attached" and "directly attached", "adjacent" and "directly adjacent", etc., should be similarly interpreted.

Terms such as "top," "bottom," "above," "below," "over," "under," and the like, may be used herein to describe one element, layer or region's relationship to another element, layer or region as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that these terms are intended to encompass other orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, a first element could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the present inventive concept.

It is also contemplated that all of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be combined with each other as desired.

Finally, it is pointed out that the above-described embodiments are only intended to be understood as an example of the invention and do not limit the scope of protection of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made in the foregoing embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.