Actuators for controlling multiple phase shifters of remote electronic downtilt base station antennas

An actuator for a plurality of phase shifters, comprising:

• a plurality of axially-drivable members, each axially-drivable member mounted on a respective parallel shaft, the axially-drivable members configured to be connected with a respective one of the phase shifters;
• a central drive gear;
• a plurality of gears, each mounted on a respective one of the parallel shafts;
• wherein each of the gears is axially movable between an engaged position, in which the gear engages the central drive gear, and a disengaged position, in which each gear is disengaged from the central drive gear;
• an engagement mechanism that is configured to rotate to selectively and exclusively engage each of the shafts to move a respective gear to the engaged position;
• a first drive motor to drive the central drive gear;
• and
• a second drive motor configured to drive the engagement mechanism,
• wherein the engagement mechanism includes a ring gear, and wherein the ring gear engages the second drive motor.

An actuator for a plurality of phase shifters, comprising:

• a plurality of axially-drivable members, each axially-drivable member mounted on a respective parallel shaft, the axially-drivable members configured to be connected with a respective one of the phase shifters;
• a central drive gear;
• a plurality of gears, each mounted on a respective one of the parallel shafts;
• wherein each of the gears is axially movable between an engaged position, in which the gear engages the central drive gear, and a disengaged position, in which each gear is disengaged from the central drive gear;
• a cam plate with a cam, the cam plate being configured to rotate such that the cam selectively and exclusively engages each of the shafts to move a respective gear to the engaged position;
• a first drive unit to drive the central drive gear;
• and
• a second drive unit configured to drive the cam plate.