Phase shifter components

Abstract

The present invention relates to a phase shifter assembly, which includes a first and a second phase shifter, wherein the phase shifters respectively have a slide printed circuit board and a rotatable slide support, wherein the slide printed circuit board and the slide support are kinetically coupled, and the phase shifter assembly further includes: a U-shaped bracket (1), which includes a first arm (3), a second arm (4) and a bottom edge (5) connecting the first arm and the second arm, wherein the first phase shifter is mounted on the first arm and the second phase shifter is mounted on the second arm; and a rack (2), which is linearly movable and can be driven to move linearly. Each slide support has a tooth portion, each tooth portion is engaged with a common rack (2), and through the linear movement of the rack, each slide support can rotate and move, and thus each slide printed circuit board can move within a predetermined range to achieve corresponding phase shifting. The present invention can reduce the space occupied by the phase shifter assembly and improve the phase shift adjustment accuracy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to a phase shifter assembly. Background Art

[0002] There are a large number of base stations in a mobile communication system. Each base station includes one or more base station antennas. The base station antenna is usually implemented as a linear or planar array of radiating elements, each of which is referred to herein as an "antenna unit". Due to the need for coverage or optimization of the mobile communication network, the elevation pointing direction of the antenna beam generated by the base station antenna should be adjustable. This can be achieved, for example, by a phase shifter in the base station antenna, which can be used to adjust the phase of the component of the radio frequency signal transmitted or received by the array of antenna units. By changing the phase distribution of the component of the radio frequency signal transmitted or received by each antenna unit of the array antenna, the downtilt angle of the antenna beam can be adjusted.

[0003] In practice, phase shifters are primarily categorized into two types: dielectric phase shifters and physical phase shifters. Dielectric phase shifters achieve phase shifting by varying the distance along the transmission line, corresponding to the wavelength of the RF signal. This is achieved by altering the electrical characteristics of the transmission line. Physical phase shifters achieve phase shifting by varying the physical length of the transmission line along which the RF signal travels.

[0004] A phase shifter assembly is known in the prior art, in which two physical phase shifters are arranged side by side in a plane. Each phase shifter is implemented as a so-called vane phase shifter, comprising a main printed circuit board (PCB) and a rotatable vane PCB mounted above or below the main PCB. The vane PCBs can be mounted on corresponding vane supports, and each vane support can be pivotally mounted for rotation relative to the corresponding main PCB. Each vane support can include a pin that is received in a corresponding slot in a guide element. A pull rod of a mechanical linkage system can drive the guide element, and the movement of the guide element causes the vane support to rotate, thereby achieving phase shifting. However, this phase shifter assembly requires a considerable area within the base station antenna, resulting in the possibility that only a limited number of phase shifter assemblies can be arranged within the given area. In addition, the travel of the mechanical linkage system's pull rod has a nonlinear relationship with the rotation angle of the vane support, and the transmission accuracy is low, resulting in correspondingly low precision in phase adjustment.

[0005] US2008 / 0024385A1 and US8674787B2 each disclose a phase shifter assembly in which two phase shifters and other accessories are held together by a plurality of fasteners. Such a phase shifter assembly has the disadvantages of a large number of parts, complex assembly, and low phase adjustment accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a compact phase shifter assembly with improved phase shift adjustment accuracy.

[0007] To this end, the present invention provides a phase shifter assembly, comprising a first phase shifter and a second phase shifter. The first phase shifter and the second phase shifter may each have a slider printed circuit board, and the slider printed circuit board is mounted, preferably fixedly mounted, on a rotatable slider support. The phase shifter assembly further comprises:

[0008] a U-shaped bracket comprising a first arm, a second arm, and a base connecting the first arm to the second arm, wherein the first phase shifter is mounted on the first arm and the second phase shifter is mounted on the second arm; and

[0009] A rack is configured for linear movement.

[0010] At least one of the slider supports is rotationally coupled to a toothed portion that meshes with the rack. Each slider support is configured to rotate in response to linear movement of the rack, and each slider printed circuit board is configured to rotate within a predetermined range in response to rotation of the corresponding slider support to achieve a corresponding phase shift.

[0011] For example, a first slider support among the slider supports is rotationally coupled to a first toothed portion, which meshes with a rack. A second slider support among the slider supports can be configured to follow the rotational movement of the first slider support, or can be rotationally coupled to the first or second toothed portion, which meshes with the rack. In response to linear movement of the rack, each slider support can rotate, and therefore each slider printed circuit board can move within a predetermined range to achieve phase shifting.

[0012] Arranging the two phase shifters one above the other in two planes reduces the area occupied by the phase shifter assembly compared to arranging the two phase shifters in a single plane. Alternatively, a greater number of phase shifter assemblies can be arranged within the same area. Furthermore, the rack drive mechanism can achieve improved precision compared to conventional guide elements.

[0013] In some embodiments, each slide printed circuit board and a corresponding one of the slide supports are constructed as an integral component; or each slide printed circuit board and a corresponding one of the slide supports are separate components, wherein each slide printed circuit board is mounted on a corresponding slide support; or each slide printed circuit board and a corresponding one of the slide supports are separate components, and each slide printed circuit board is movably coupled to the corresponding slide support via a transmission mechanism.

[0014] Accordingly, a pair of slide PCBs and a slide support can be constructed as a single, integrated component. Alternatively, each slide PCB and corresponding slide support can be constructed as separate components, with each slide PCB fixedly mounted on one of the corresponding slide supports. As another alternative, each slide PCB and corresponding slide support can be constructed as separate components, and the slide PCBs can be kinematically coupled to the slide support via a transmission mechanism. For example, it is possible that the rotational motion of the slide support is converted into a linear motion of the slide PCB via the transmission mechanism. It is particularly advantageous if the slide PCB and slide support are fixed relative to each other and can therefore move together.

[0015] The rotational coupling of each vane carrier to a toothing can be achieved, for example, by converting the rotational movement of the toothing into a rotational movement of the vane carrier via a reduction gear mechanism. It can be particularly advantageous if the individual vane carriers are connected to the respective toothing in a rotationally fixed manner, in particular in one piece, thereby minimizing the number of parts.

[0016] In some embodiments, each vane support has a first end and a second end. Each vane support is rotatably supported at its first end on the bracket or on the corresponding phase shifter and has an integral or rotationally fixed toothing at its second end.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first and second phase shifters are arranged to overlap each other. This minimizes the area occupied by the phase shifter assembly, requiring only approximately half the area compared to the prior art. Alternatively, the two phase shifters can be arranged parallel to each other in an offset manner.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first and second phase shifters each include a main printed circuit board (PCB), and the slide PCB can slide on a predetermined area of ​​the main PCB to achieve phase shifting. For example, a phase shifting circuit can be provided on the main PCB, and the slide PCB moves on the main PCB, causing the transmission path length of the RF signal to change, thereby achieving phase shifting.

[0019] In some embodiments, conductor guides are provided on the U-shaped bracket adjacent to each longitudinal end of each main printed circuit board, and each first end of the plurality of conductors is connected to the main printed circuit board by passing through the corresponding conductor guide. This connection can be achieved, for example, by soldering.

[0020] In some embodiments, the U-shaped bracket is constructed as an integral component. Alternatively, the bracket can also be formed by connecting multiple components.

[0021] In some embodiments, the U-shaped bracket is a metal casting or a metal sheet forming part, or a plastic molded part. The U-shaped bracket facilitates the assembly of other parts of the phase shifter assembly.

[0022] In some embodiments, at least one support leg extends from one arm of the U-shaped bracket at an angle to the arm. This facilitates installation of the phase shifter assembly within the housing. The support leg can be an integral component of the U-shaped bracket, for example, formed together during casting or stamping, or it can be a separate component connected to the bracket, for example, by screws, rivets, or welding.

[0023] In some embodiments, the phase shifter assembly may further include a shield surrounding the first phase shifter and the second phase shifter.

[0024] The present invention further provides a phase shifter assembly, comprising:

[0025] a bracket comprising a first arm, a second arm, and a base connecting the first arm to the second arm, the second arm being separated from the first arm by a gap;

[0026] a first phase shifter comprising a first main printed circuit board and a first slider printed circuit board, the first slider printed circuit board being mounted for rotation relative to the first main printed circuit board, the first phase shifter being mounted on the first arm of the bracket;

[0027] a second phase shifter comprising a second main printed circuit board and a second slider printed circuit board, the second slider printed circuit board being mounted for rotation relative to the second main printed circuit board, the second phase shifter being mounted on the second arm of the bracket; and

[0028] a rack configured for linear movement;

[0029] The rack includes at least one first tooth portion, and at least one of the first phase shifter and the second phase shifter includes a second tooth portion, the second tooth portion being engaged with the first tooth portion, so that the first and second slide printed circuit boards are configured to rotate in response to the linear movement of the rack to achieve corresponding phase shifting.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first phase shifter further includes a first clip that biases the first slider printed circuit board toward the first main printed circuit board, wherein a first portion of the first clip is on a first side of the first arm, and a second portion of the first clip is on a second side of the first arm opposite the first side.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first arm is parallel to the second arm.

[0032] In some embodiments, the first phase shifter is mounted on an upper surface of the first arm, and the second phase shifter is mounted on a lower surface of the second arm.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first phase shifter further includes a first slider support having a first end and a second end, the first end of the first slider support being rotatably mounted above the first main printed circuit board, and the second tooth portion being an integral part of the first slider support.

[0034] In some embodiments, the stent is a one-piece stent.

[0035] In some embodiments, the bracket includes a first support leg extending at an angle from a side of the second arm.

[0036] In some embodiments, the support leg includes a lip extending at an angle from the distal end of the support leg.

[0037] In some embodiments, the bracket comprises a U-shaped bracket. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to embodiments with the aid of the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Figure 1 A perspective view showing a phase shifter assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention in an assembled state;

[0040] Figure 2 Display as Figure 1 An exploded view of the phase shifter assembly is shown;

[0041] Figure 3 Shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 a detailed view of the wiper mount of the phase shifter assembly shown in FIG; and

[0042] Figure 4 A schematic diagram shows a phase shifter assembly having a shield according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Figure 1 A perspective view of a phase shifter assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention in an assembled state is shown, and Figure 2 Display as Figure 1 An exploded view of the phase shifter assembly is shown, and Figure 3 Display as Figure 1 and Figure 2 Detail of the wiper support of the phase shifter assembly is shown.

[0044] according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The phase shifter assembly of the embodiment includes a U-shaped bracket 1, which includes a first arm 3, a second arm 4, and a base 5 connecting the first arm 3 and the second arm 4. The U-shaped bracket 1 can be constructed in one piece or composed of multiple parts. The first arm 3 and the second arm 4 can have the same length or different lengths. In this case, the bracket 1 is, for example, a one-piece sheet metal formed by stamping and / or bending.

[0045] The first phase shifter 11 is mounted on the first arm 3 of the bracket 1, and the second phase shifter 12 is mounted on the second arm 4 of the bracket 1. The first and second phase shifters are arranged overlapping each other. Each of the first and second phase shifters includes a main printed circuit board (PCB) fastened to the bracket 1 by screws, a slider support 15 or 16 rotatably supported on the respective main PCB, and a slider PCB 13 or 14 fixedly held relative to the slider support. The slider supports 15 or 16 have teeth 17 or 18, respectively. The slider PCBs 13 or 14 are respectively placed against predetermined areas of the respective main PCBs.

[0046] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 The rack 2 of the phase shifter assembly can also be seen. The rack 2 has a front side facing the bracket 1 and a back side opposite to the front side. The rack 2 has a guide groove on its back side for guiding the rack 2 in a linearly movable manner. The rack 2 has one or more teeth on its front side that can correspond to the teeth 17, 18 of the slide supports 15, 16. In the assembled state of the phase shifter assembly, the teeth of the slide supports 15, 16 engage with the teeth of the rack 2. The rack 2 can be driven to move linearly, for example, the rack 2 can be driven linearly by a stepper motor. The rack 2 can be supported on a separate rack support not shown in the figure, for example, and the rack support can be fixed to the housing of the base station antenna. Alternatively, the rack 2 can also be supported directly on the housing, or the housing itself can include the rack support.

[0047] When the rack 2 is driven by a stepper motor, for example, the rack 2 moves linearly, and the slider supports 15 and 16 are driven to rotate, so that the slider printed circuit boards 13 and 14 rotate relative to the corresponding main printed circuit boards, thereby achieving phase shifting.

[0048] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, the two vane supports 15 and 16 are supported so as to be able to rotate independently of one another and to rotate together by meshing with a common rack 2. Alternatively, the two vane supports can be non-rotatably connected to one another, with only one of the vane supports having a toothing that meshes with the rack 2. In this embodiment, when the rack 2 moves linearly, a first vane support 15 or 16 rotates, and a second vane support 15 or 16 is forced to rotate along with the first vane support. Alternatively, the toothing can be arranged on a common rotation axis between the two vane supports 15 or 16, for example, centrally between them. Of course, additional teeth can also be provided to achieve better force transmission from the rack 2 to the vane supports 15 or 16. Such modifications also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0049] In the embodiment shown, an integral toothing is provided on each of the two vane supports 15, 16, and each vane support 15, 16 is thus connected to the corresponding toothing in a manner that prevents relative movement. It is also possible for each toothing to be designed as a separate component that is connected to the corresponding vane support 15, 16, so that a rotation of the toothing causes a corresponding rotation of the corresponding vane support 15, 16.

[0050] The bracket 1 includes multiple sets of conductor guides 19. For example, a set of conductor guides 19 is provided on both sides of each main printed circuit board, so a total of four sets of conductor guides 19 are provided. Each conductor guide 19 can be implemented as a clip or other structural member for receiving a corresponding conductor. Multiple conductors (e.g., coaxial cables) (not shown) can be soldered to the corresponding main printed circuit board, and each conductor guide 19 can receive, for example, a coaxial cable. A support leg 20 extends substantially perpendicularly from each end of the second arm 4 of the bracket 1 in the longitudinal direction. Each support leg has a lip 22 with a screw hole for fastening the bracket 1 to a housing (not shown) via screws.

[0051] As Figure 1 As best seen, the first arm 3 and the second arm 4 of the U-shaped bracket are separated by a gap 25. Many slider phase shifters include a clip for biasing the slider printed circuit board to press it against the main printed circuit board. This can advantageously provide consistent coupling of components of the RF signal between the slider printed circuit board of the slider phase shifter and the main printed circuit board. One side of the clip typically acts on the slider support or the slider printed circuit board, while the other side of the clip acts on the main printed circuit board or a support plate (e.g., a metal plate) to which the main printed circuit board can be mounted.

[0052] If two slide PCBs are mounted on opposite sides of a support plate, utilizing the aforementioned support clips may be difficult. For example, if a support clip is added to a phase shifter mounted on the upper surface of the support plate, the bottom portion of the clip would need to extend below the support plate. However, in this position, the support clip could interfere with the operation of the phase shifter mounted on the lower surface of the support plate.

[0053] By providing a U-shaped bracket 1 having first and second arms 3, 4 separated by a gap 25, the phase shifters can be mounted on two different arms, each serving as a corresponding support plate. Thus, a clip can be used with each phase shifter to hold the slider PCB against the main PCB, as the clip for the first phase shifter will not interfere with the operation of the second phase shifter. The gap 25 also separates the sets of conductor guides 19 for the first phase shifter from the sets of conductor guides 19 for the second phase shifter.

[0054] As Figure 2 As best seen, the first phase shifter can face a first direction (e.g., upward) while the second phase shifter can face an opposite direction (e.g., downward). This can simplify assembly of the phase shifter assembly, particularly in embodiments where the U-shaped bracket 1 is a single-piece bracket.

[0055] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a phase shifter assembly with a shielding member 21 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. In addition to the shielding member 21, other components of the phase shifter assembly can be connected to the shielding member 21. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The embodiments shown are designed identically or similarly. In this case, a shield 21 is fastened to the outside of the two phase shifters by means of screws.

[0056] Finally, it should be pointed out that the above embodiments are merely for understanding the present invention and do not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications may be made based on the above embodiments without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. The technical features described in this application may be combined in any manner, as long as such combinations are not mutually contradictory, and all such combinations constitute the technical contents described in this application.

Claims

1. A phase shifter assembly, comprising: an arm and a first support leg extending at an angle from a first side of the arm; a phase shifter on the arm, the phase shifter comprising a main printed circuit board and a slider support rotatably mounted on the main printed circuit board; a first set of conductor guides adjacent a first side of the main printed circuit board; and a plurality of first conductors; Each conductor guide in the first set of conductor guides receives a corresponding one of the plurality of first conductors.

2. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The phase shifter assembly also includes a second support leg extending at an angle from a second side of the arm.

3. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The phase shifter assembly also includes a second set of conductor guides adjacent a second side of the main printed circuit board.

4. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The first supporting leg includes a first lip at a distal end thereof, the second supporting leg includes a second lip at a distal end thereof, and the first lip and the second lip have fastening screw holes therein.

5. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The arm and the first and second supporting legs together with the first and second lips are formed from a unitary metal sheet by stamping and / or bending.

6. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The slider support has a slider printed circuit board fixedly mounted on the slider support.

7. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The phase shifter assembly further includes a rack having a tooth portion, wherein the tooth portion of the rack is engaged with the tooth portion of the slider support.

8. A phase shifter assembly comprising: A multi-part stand comprising an arm, a first support leg having a first opening therein and extending at an angle from a first side of the arm, and a second support leg having a second opening therein and extending at an angle from a second side of the arm; a phase shifter on the arm, the phase shifter comprising a main printed circuit board and a slider support rotatably mounted on the main printed circuit board; and A first set of conductor guides is adjacent to the first opening in the first support leg and a second set of conductor guides is adjacent to the second opening in the second support leg.

9. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The first supporting leg includes a first lip at its distal end, the second supporting leg includes a second lip at its distal end, and the first lip and the second lip have fastening screw holes therein; and the arm and the first supporting leg and the second supporting leg together with the first lip and the second lip are formed from an integral metal plate by stamping and / or bending.

10. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 8, wherein: Each conductor guide within the first and second sets of conductor guides is configured to receive a corresponding one of the conductors therein.

11. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 8, wherein The phase shifter assembly further includes a rack having a tooth portion, wherein the tooth portion of the rack is engaged with the tooth portion of the slider support.

12. A phase shifter assembly comprising: a multi-part stent comprising a first arm and a second arm; a first phase shifter on the first arm, the first phase shifter comprising a first main printed circuit board and a first slider support rotatably mounted on the first main printed circuit board; a second phase shifter on the second arm, the second phase shifter comprising a second main printed circuit board and a second slider support rotatably mounted on the second main printed circuit board; and The rack has a tooth portion, and the tooth portion of the rack is engaged with the first tooth portion of the first sliding plate support and the second tooth portion of the second sliding plate support.

13. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 12, wherein: The first slider support has a first slider printed circuit board fixedly mounted on the first slider support.

14. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 12, wherein: The first tooth portion is adjacent to a distal end of the first slide holder, and the second tooth portion is adjacent to a distal end of the second slide holder.

15. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 12, wherein: The linear movement of the rack causes the rotational movement of the first slide support and the second slide support.

16. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 12, wherein: At least one of the first and second arms includes a pair of support legs, each support leg having a lip at a distal end thereof, and the pair of support legs includes a first support leg having a first opening therein and a second support leg having a second opening therein.

17. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 16, wherein: The phase shifter assembly also includes a first set of conductor guides adjacent the first opening and a second set of conductor guides adjacent the second opening.

18. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 12, wherein: The first phase shifter and the second phase shifter overlap each other.

19. A phase shifter assembly comprising: first and second slide supports configured to rotate about their respective first and second rotational axes, the first and second slide supports including respective pluralities of first and second teeth, the first and second teeth extending along respective first and second arcuate portions of the first and second slide supports, the first and second arcuate portions being closer to distal ends of the respective first and second slide supports than to the respective first and second rotational axes, the first and second rotational axes extending adjacent to the proximal ends of the respective first and second slide supports; and a rack having first and second spaced-apart rows of teeth thereon, the first and second rows of teeth being configured to mesh with the first and second pluralities of teeth, respectively, such that linear movement of the rack causes rotational movement of the first and second slide supports about their respective first and second rotational axes.

20. The phase shifter assembly of claim 19, wherein: The first plurality of teeth extend radially outward relative to a first rotational axis, the second plurality of teeth extend radially outward relative to a second rotational axis, and the first and second rows of teeth extend along respective first and second non-colinear portions of the rack.

21. The phase shifter assembly of claim 19, wherein: The first slide support has first and second sides extending radially outward from adjacent the first pivot axis toward the plurality of first teeth.

22. The phase shifter assembly of claim 19, wherein: The phase shifter assembly further includes first and second main printed circuit boards extending opposite to the first and second slider supports, respectively.

23. The phase shifter assembly of claim 22, wherein: The phase shifter assembly further includes first and second slider printed circuit boards coupled to the first and second slider supports, respectively.

24. The phase shifter assembly of claim 23, wherein: The first and second slider printed circuit boards are configured to rotate along corresponding first and second arcs in unison with the rotational movement of the first and second slider supports, the first slider printed circuit board and the first main printed circuit board are jointly configured to implement an adjustable first phase shift in the first phase shifter in response to the linear movement of the rack; and the second slider printed circuit board and the second main printed circuit board are jointly configured to implement an adjustable second phase shift in the second phase shifter in response to the linear movement of the rack.

25. The phase shifter assembly of claim 24, wherein: The plurality of first teeth extend radially outward relative to the first rotation axis, the plurality of second teeth extend radially outward relative to the second rotation axis, the first slide support has first and second side surfaces extending radially outward from adjacent to the first pivot axis toward the plurality of first teeth, and the first slide printed circuit board extends between the first slide support and the first main printed circuit board.

26. The phase shifter assembly of claim 22, wherein: The rotational movement of the first slider support relative to the first main printed circuit board causes a phase shift in the first phase shifter; and the rotational movement of the second slider support relative to the second main printed circuit board causes a phase shift in the second phase shifter.

27. The phase shifter assembly of claim 23, wherein: The back-and-forth rotational movement of the first slider support relative to the first main printed circuit board causes positive and negative phase shifts in the first phase shifter; Furthermore, the back-and-forth rotational movement of the second slider support relative to the second main printed circuit board causes positive and negative phase shifts in the second phase shifter.

28. A phase shifter subassembly comprising: first and second slide supports configured to rotate about their respective first and second rotational axes, the first and second slide supports including respective pluralities of first and second teeth, the first and second teeth extending along respective first and second arcuate portions of the first and second slide supports, the first and second arcuate portions being closer to distal ends of the respective first and second slide supports than to the respective first and second rotational axes, the first and second rotational axes extending adjacent to the proximal ends of the respective first and second slide supports; The first and second slide supports are respectively responsive to a rack such that, when assembled, linear movement of the rack causes rotational movement of the first and second slide supports relative to their respective first and second rotational axes, wherein the rack has first and second spaced-apart rows of teeth thereon, the first and second rows of teeth being configured to mesh with the respective first and second plurality of teeth.

29. The phase shifter subassembly of claim 28, wherein: The phase shifter subassembly further includes first and second main printed circuit boards extending opposite the first and second slider supports, respectively.

30. The phase shifter subassembly of claim 29, wherein: The rotational movement of the first slider support relative to the first main printed circuit board causes a phase shift in the first phase shifter; and the rotational movement of the second slider support relative to the second main printed circuit board causes a phase shift in the second phase shifter.

31. The phase shifter subassembly of claim 30, wherein: The first slide support has first and second sides extending radially outward from adjacent the first pivot axis toward the plurality of first teeth.

32. The phase shifter subassembly of claim 29, wherein: The phase shifter subassembly further includes first and second slider printed circuit boards coupled to the first and second slider supports, respectively.

33. The phase shifter subassembly of claim 32, wherein: The back-and-forth rotational movement of the first slider PCB relative to the first main PCB causes positive and negative phase shifts in the first phase shifter; and the back-and-forth rotational movement of the second slider PCB relative to the second main PCB causes positive and negative phase shifts in the second phase shifter.

34. The phase shifter subassembly of claim 33, wherein: The first and second rows of teeth extend along respective first and second portions of the rack that are not co-linear with each other.

35. The phase shifter subassembly of claim 30, wherein: The first and second rows of teeth extend along respective first and second portions of the rack that are not co-linear with each other.

36. A phase shifter assembly comprising: first and second slide supports configured to rotate about their respective first and second rotational axes, the first and second slide supports including respective pluralities of first and second teeth extending along respective first and second arcuate portions of the first and second slide supports; and a rack having first and second rows of teeth thereon, the first and second rows of teeth being configured to mesh with the first and second pluralities of teeth, respectively, such that linear movement of the rack causes synchronized rotational movement of the first and second slide supports about their respective first and second rotational axes; a first row of teeth in the rack meshing with the plurality of first teeth at a position closer to the distal end of the first slide holder relative to a first rotational axis, the first rotational axis extending adjacent the proximal end of the first slide holder; and A second row of teeth in the rack meshes with the second plurality of teeth at a location closer to the distal end of the second slide holder relative to a second rotational axis extending adjacent the proximal end of the second slide holder.

37. The phase shifter assembly of claim 36, wherein: The phase shifter assembly further includes first and second main printed circuit boards extending opposite to the first and second slider supports, respectively.

38. The phase shifter assembly of claim 37, wherein: Rotational movement of the first slider support relative to the first main printed circuit board causes a phase shift in the first phase shifter; Rotational movement of the second slider support relative to the second main printed circuit board causes phase shifting in the second phase shifter; the plurality of first teeth extend radially outward relative to the first rotation axis, and the plurality of second teeth extend radially outward relative to the second rotation axis.

39. A phase shifter assembly comprising a first phase shifter (11) and a second phase shifter (12), wherein the first phase shifter and the second phase shifter respectively have a slide printed circuit board (13, 14) and a corresponding slide support (15, 16), characterized in that: The phase shifter assembly further comprises: A U-shaped bracket (1) comprising a first arm (3), a second arm (4), and a base (5) connecting the first arm to the second arm, wherein the first phase shifter is mounted on the first arm and the second phase shifter is mounted on the second arm; and a rack (2) configured for linear movement; At least one of the slide supports (15, 16) is rotationally coupled to a tooth portion, and the tooth portion is meshed with a rack (2); Each slider support is configured to rotate in response to the linear movement of the rack, and each slider printed circuit board is configured to rotate within a predetermined range in response to the rotation of the corresponding slider support to achieve corresponding phase shifting.

40. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 39, wherein: Each slider printed circuit board (13, 14) and a corresponding one of the slider supports (15, 16) are constructed as an integral component; or Each slide printed circuit board (13, 14) and a corresponding one of the slide supports (15, 16) are separate components, wherein each slide printed circuit board is mounted on a corresponding slide support; or Each slide printed circuit board (13, 14) and a corresponding one of the slide supports (15, 16) are separate components, and each slide printed circuit board is motion-coupled with the corresponding slide support via a transmission mechanism.

41. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 39 or 40, wherein: Each sliding plate support (15, 16) has a first end and a second end. Each sliding plate support is rotatably supported on a bracket or on a corresponding phase shifter with its first end and has a toothed portion (17, 18) connected integrally or non-rotatably at its second end.

42. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 39 or 40, wherein: The first phase shifter (11) and the second phase shifter (12) are arranged to overlap each other, or to be arranged to be offset and parallel to each other.

43. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 39 or 40, wherein: The first phase shifter (11) and the second phase shifter (12) respectively include a main printed circuit board, and the slide printed circuit board can slide on a predetermined area of ​​the main printed circuit board to achieve phase shifting.

44. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 43, wherein: A conductor guide portion (19) is provided on the U-shaped bracket adjacent to each longitudinal end portion of each main printed circuit board, and each first end portion of a plurality of conductors is connected to the main printed circuit board by passing through the corresponding conductor guide portion (19).

45. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 39 or 40, wherein: The U-shaped bracket (1) is constructed as an integral component.

46. ​​The phase shifter assembly according to claim 39 or 40, wherein: The U-shaped bracket (1) is a metal casting or a metal sheet forming part, or a plastic molded part.

47. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 39 or 40, wherein: At least one supporting leg (20) extends from one of the arms of the U-shaped bracket (1) at an angle to the one arm.

48. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 39 or 40, wherein: The phase shifter assembly also has a shield (21) surrounding the first phase shifter and the second phase shifter.

49. A phase shifter assembly, comprising: A bracket (1) comprising a first arm (3), a second arm (4), and a bottom edge (5) connecting the first arm to the second arm, the second arm being separated from the first arm by a gap (25); A first phase shifter (11) comprising a first main printed circuit board and a first slide printed circuit board (13), the first slide printed circuit board being mounted for rotation relative to the first main printed circuit board, the first phase shifter being mounted on a first arm of a bracket; a second phase shifter (12) comprising a second main printed circuit board and a second slide printed circuit board (14), the second slide printed circuit board being mounted for rotation relative to the second main printed circuit board, the second phase shifter being mounted on the second arm of the bracket; and a rack (2) configured for linear movement; The rack includes at least one first tooth portion, and at least one of the first phase shifter and the second phase shifter includes a second tooth portion, the second tooth portion being engaged with the first tooth portion, so that the first and second slide printed circuit boards are configured to rotate in response to the linear movement of the rack to achieve corresponding phase shifting.

50. The phase shifter assembly of claim 49, wherein: The first phase shifter also includes a first clip that biases the first slider printed circuit board toward the first main printed circuit board, wherein a first portion of the first clip is on a first side of the first arm and a second portion of the first clip is on a second side of the first arm opposite the first side.

51. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 49 or 50, wherein: The first arm is parallel to the second arm.

52. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 49 or 50, wherein: The first phase shifter is mounted on an upper surface of the first arm, and the second phase shifter is mounted on a lower surface of the second arm.

53. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 49 or 50, wherein: The first phase shifter further includes a first slider support having a first end and a second end, the first end of the first slider support being rotatably mounted above the first main printed circuit board, and the second tooth portion being an integral part of the second end of the first slider support.

54. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 49 or 50, wherein: The bracket is an integrated bracket.

55. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 49 or 50, wherein: The bracket includes a first support leg extending at an angle from a side of the second arm.

56. The phase shifter assembly of claim 55, wherein: The first support leg includes a lip extending at an angle from a distal end of the first support leg.

57. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 49 or 50, wherein: The bracket includes a U-shaped bracket.

Images