Base station antenna and its phase shifter

Abstract

The present invention provides a base station antenna and a phase shifter thereof, wherein the phase shifter includes a cavity, a circuit board, a dielectric plate, a pull rod and a swing block, the cavity is provided with a receiving cavity, the circuit board and the dielectric plate are both arranged in the receiving cavity, the pull rod is used to drive the dielectric plate to move relative to the circuit board, the swing block is connected to the cavity and can rotate relative to the cavity, and the swing block can be driven to rotate and drive the dielectric plate to move along the width direction of the cavity when the pull rod moves along the length direction of the cavity. The phase shifter provided by the present invention can convert the driving force of the pull rod along the length direction of the cavity into a transmission force along the width direction of the cavity through the rotation action of the swing block, thereby driving the dielectric plate to move along the width direction of the cavity, and can adjust the area of ​​the circuit board covered by the dielectric plate in a larger range, improve the phase shifting efficiency, and help expand the coverage range of the antenna signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of mobile communication technology, and in particular to a phase shifter and a base station antenna using the phase shifter. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of mobile communication technology and the advent of the fifth generation of mobile communication, the shortage of antenna site resources has become a problem that antenna manufacturers must solve. To this end, it is necessary to increase the overall gain of the antenna as much as possible within a limited space, thereby increasing the coverage of the radiated signal, reducing sites and lowering the cost of network layout.

[0003] However, in the current environment where multiple networks coexist, traditional phase shifters have more cables and more dielectric-covered circuits, which results in low energy transmission efficiency of the phase shifters and is not conducive to improving antenna gain. Summary of the invention

[0004] The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a phase shifter which occupies a small space and has a high phase shifting efficiency.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide a base station antenna using the above phase shifter.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0007] As a first aspect, the present invention relates to a phase shifter, comprising a cavity, a circuit board, a dielectric plate and a pull rod, wherein the cavity is provided with a receiving cavity, the circuit board and the dielectric plate are both arranged in the receiving cavity, the pull rod is used to drive the dielectric plate to move relative to the circuit board, and the phase shifter also includes a swing block connected to the cavity and rotatable relative to the cavity, the swing block can be driven to rotate when the pull rod moves along the length direction of the cavity and drives the dielectric plate to move along the width direction of the cavity.

[0008] Preferably, the swing block includes a rotating shaft, a driving end connected to the pull rod and a transmission end connected to the medium plate, the cavity is provided with a rotating shaft hole, the rotating shaft is passed through the rotating shaft hole and can rotate relative to the rotating shaft hole, and the line connecting the transmission end and the rotating shaft is perpendicular to the line connecting the driving end and the rotating shaft.

[0009] Preferably, the phase shifter also includes a pushing block connected to the pull rod, the pushing block is provided with a first pushing pin, the swing block includes a first driving hole, the first pushing pin is passed through the first driving hole and can drive the swing block to rotate when the pull rod moves along the length direction of the cavity.

[0010] Furthermore, a limiting hole is provided on the pull rod, and the pushing block further comprises a limiting column passing through the limiting hole.

[0011] Furthermore, the pushing block also includes a pair of hooks which are arranged on both sides of the pull rod in the length direction and hooked on the pull rod.

[0012] Preferably, a limiting structure is provided on the circuit board and / or the cavity for limiting the movement of the dielectric plate along the width direction of the cavity, the swing block includes a second push pin, and a second drive hole is opened on the dielectric plate. The second push pin is passed through the second drive hole and can drive the dielectric plate to move along the width direction of the cavity when the swing block rotates.

[0013] More preferably, the pull rod and the swing block are both arranged outside the cavity, the cavity is provided with an arc-shaped guide hole, the second push pin penetrates into the receiving cavity through the arc-shaped guide hole and is connected to the second driving hole, and the second push pin can slide along the arc-shaped guide hole.

[0014] Preferably, the limiting structure includes a limiting slide groove opened on the circuit board and extending along the width direction of the cavity, the dielectric plate is provided on both sides of the circuit board along the thickness direction of the cavity, and the dielectric plate is provided with a limiting boss and a fixing hole, which are arranged on two opposite dielectric plates on both sides of the circuit board. The limiting boss on one of the dielectric plates passes through the limiting slide groove and is inserted into the fixing hole of the other dielectric plate.

[0015] Preferably, the medium board is further provided with a buckle and a slot, which are arranged in two medium boards opposite to each other on two sides of the circuit board. The buckle on one medium board passes through the limiting sliding slot and is buckled in the slot of the other medium board.

[0016] As a second aspect, the present invention also relates to a base station antenna, comprising the above-mentioned phase shifter.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the solution of the present invention has the following advantages:

[0018] 1. The phase shifter provided by the present invention can convert the driving force of the pull rod along the length direction of the cavity into a transmission force along the width direction of the cavity through the rotation of the swing block, thereby driving the dielectric plate to move along the width direction of the cavity, and can adjust the area of ​​the circuit board covered by the dielectric plate in a larger range, thereby improving the phase shifting efficiency and facilitating the expansion of the coverage range of the antenna signal.

[0019] 2. In the phase shifter provided by the present invention, the line connecting the transmission end of the swing block and the rotating shaft is perpendicular to the line connecting the driving end and the rotating shaft, so that while realizing reversing transmission, the swing amplitudes of the transmission end and the driving end are in linear proportion. By adjusting the distance between the transmission end and the rotating shaft or the distance between the driving end and the rotating shaft, the transmission accuracy and transmission efficiency of the swing block can be adjusted, which is convenient to meet different phase shifting requirements, has a simple structure and good transmission effect.

[0020] 3. In the phase shifter provided by the present invention, the pull rod and the swing block are both arranged outside the cavity, which is convenient for reducing the volume of the cavity. Secondly, the pull rod does not need to extend beyond the end of the cavity, effectively reducing the space occupied by the entire phase shifter in the length direction, and facilitating the miniaturization design of the antenna.

[0021] 4. In the phase shifter provided by the present invention, the push block is connected to the pull rod through a limit column and a pair of hooks, and multi-directional limit fixation is achieved relative to the pull rod, thereby achieving a tight connection between the push block and the pull rod, avoiding shaking or rotation of the push block relative to the pull rod, and thus allowing the driving force on the pull rod to be accurately transmitted to the push block, thereby ensuring the stability and accuracy of the phase shift adjustment.

[0022] 5. In the phase shifter provided by the present invention, dielectric plates are provided on two opposite sides of the circuit board. The two dielectric plates improve the phase shift efficiency, so that a larger phase shift adjustment can be achieved by moving the dielectric plates a shorter distance, thereby reducing the width of the cavity and achieving miniaturization.

[0023] 6. In the phase shifter provided by the present invention, a limiting boss and a fixing hole are provided on the dielectric plate. The limiting boss is passed through the limiting slide groove provided on the circuit board to achieve limiting in the moving direction. The limiting boss can also be inserted into the fixing hole of another dielectric plate to achieve connection and fixation of the two dielectric plates. One structure realizes two functions, which can simplify the dielectric plate and reduce costs.

[0024] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be given in part in the following description, which will become obvious from the following description, or may be learned through practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and easily understood from the following description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the end face structure of a phase shifter provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A perspective view of the phase shifter with the cavity removed;

[0028] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the phase shifter from another angle;

[0029] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A connection structure diagram of a circuit board and a dielectric board in a phase shifter shown;

[0030] Figure 5 for Figure 2A perspective view of a swing block in a phase shifter is shown;

[0031] Figure 6 for Figure 2 A perspective view of a push block in the phase shifter shown;

[0032] Figure 7 for Figure 2 A perspective view of a dielectric plate in the phase shifter shown;

[0033] Figure 8 for Figure 1 A perspective view of the cavity in the phase shifter shown;

[0034] Fig. 9 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the transmission geometry principle of the swing block in the phase shifter shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and cannot be interpreted as limiting the present invention.

[0036] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, unless specifically stated, the term "comprising" used in the specification of the present invention refers to the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, parts / components and / or assemblies, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, parts / components, assemblies and / or their groups. It should be understood that when we say a part / component is "connected" to another part / component, it can be directly connected to the other part / component, or there can be intermediate parts / components. The term "and / or" used herein includes all or any unit and all combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0037] Figures 1 to 9 The phase shifter provided in an embodiment of the present invention is collectively shown, which is used to be arranged in a base station antenna to realize phase adjustment of the antenna signal. Due to its simple structure, small size and easy assembly, it can realize low-loss, high-gain signal transmission, and can effectively improve the signal coverage range of the base station antenna, reduce the layout cost of the base station network, and ensure user experience.

[0038] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the phase shifter 1000 includes a cavity 1, a circuit board 2, a dielectric plate 3 and a pull rod 4. The cavity 1 is provided with a receiving cavity 11. The circuit board 2 and the dielectric plate 3 are both arranged in the receiving cavity 11. The pull rod 4 is connected to the dielectric plate 3 and can drive the dielectric plate 3 to move relative to the circuit board 2. The circuit board 2 includes a substrate 21 and a phase shift circuit 22 arranged on the substrate 21. By driving the pull rod 4 to move and adjust the position of the dielectric plate 3, the area of ​​the phase shift circuit 22 covered by the dielectric plate 3 can be changed, thereby adjusting the dielectric constant of the phase shift circuit 22 to achieve phase adjustment.

[0039] Please combine Figure 3 The phase shifter 1000 also includes a swing block 5, the swing block 5 includes a rotating shaft 51, a driving end 52 and a transmission end 53, and the cavity 1 is provided with a rotating shaft hole 12 (at Figure 8 As shown in the figure, the rotating shaft 51 is inserted into the rotating shaft hole 12 and can rotate relative to the rotating shaft hole 12, that is, the swing block 5 can rotate along the rotating shaft 51 relative to the cavity 1, so that the driving end 52 and the transmission end 53 can swing, the driving end 52 is connected to the pull rod 4, and the transmission end 53 is connected to the medium plate 3. The swing block 5 can be driven to rotate when the pull rod 4 moves along the length direction of the cavity 1 and drive the medium plate 3 to move along the width direction of the cavity 1.

[0040] Therefore, through the rotation of the swing block 5, the driving force of the pull rod 4 along the length direction of the cavity 1 can be converted into a transmission force along the width direction of the cavity 1, so that the dielectric plate 3 can be driven to move along the width direction of the cavity 1. Compared with moving the dielectric plate 3 along the length direction of the cavity 1, the area covered by the dielectric plate 3 of the phase shift circuit 22 can be adjusted in a larger range, thereby improving the phase shift efficiency and helping to expand the coverage range of the antenna signal.

[0041] like Figure 4 As shown, preferably, a limiting structure 211 is provided on the substrate 21 for limiting the movement of the dielectric plate 3 along the width direction of the cavity 1. The moving direction of the dielectric plate 3 is limited by the limiting structure 211 to prevent the transmission end 53 from driving the dielectric plate 3 to swing in an irregular curve, thereby improving the phase shift adjustment accuracy of the dielectric plate 3.

[0042] Please combine Figure 5 and Figure 6The phase shifter 1000 also includes a pushing block 6, which is connected to the pull rod 4. The pushing block 6 is provided with a first pushing pin 61. The driving end 52 includes a first driving hole 521. The first driving hole 521 extends in a direction toward the rotating shaft 51 to form a space for the first pushing pin 61 to slide in an offset manner. The first pushing pin 61 is inserted into the first driving hole 521 and can slide relative to the first driving hole 521, so that the pull rod 4 and the swing block 5 form a crank slider mechanism, so that the driving end 52 can be driven to rotate when the pull rod 4 moves along the length direction of the cavity 1.

[0043] Please combine Figure 7 The transmission end 53 includes a second pushing pin 531, and a second driving hole 31 is opened on the medium plate 3. The second driving hole 31 extends along the length direction of the cavity 1 to form a space for the second pushing pin 531 to slide displacedly. The second pushing pin 531 is inserted into the second driving hole 31 and can slide relative to the second driving hole 31, so that the swing block 5 and the medium plate 3 form another crank slider mechanism, which can drive the medium plate 3 to move along the width direction of the cavity 1 when the transmission end 53 rotates.

[0044] Preferably, the line connecting the transmission end 52 and the rotating shaft 51 is perpendicular to the line connecting the driving end 53 and the rotating shaft 51, so that the swing amplitudes of the transmission end 53 and the driving end 52 are in linear proportion while realizing the reversing transmission. By adjusting the distance between the transmission end 53 and the rotating shaft 51 or adjusting the distance between the driving end 52 and the rotating shaft 51, the transmission accuracy and transmission efficiency of the swing block 5 can be adjusted, so as to meet different phase shifting requirements conveniently, with a simple structure and good transmission effect. The specific transmission principle of the swing block 5 is as follows:

[0045] like Fig. 9 As shown in the figure, the transmission geometry principle between the pull rod 4, the swing block 5 and the dielectric plate 3 is shown. The point O is set as the rotation origin of the swing block 5 (the rotating shaft 51), AB represents the movement stroke of the pull rod 4, AN represents the movement distance of the pull rod 4, CD represents the movement stroke of the dielectric plate 3, and CM represents the movement distance of the dielectric plate 3. Among them, the distances from AB and CD to the origin O are ON and OM respectively, and ∠AOC is a right angle, and △AON and △COM are similar triangles. Therefore, the movement distance CM of the dielectric plate 3 = AN * OM / ON. Since OM and ON are both fixed values, the value of OM / ON is set to K, then CM = AN * K.

[0046] It can be seen from the relationship that the moving distance CM of the medium plate 3 and the moving distance AN of the pull rod 4 are in a linear relationship. The K value can be adjusted by changing the distance ON or OM, thereby adjusting the proportional relationship between CM and AN. When the K value is increased, the transmission stroke can be enlarged and the transmission efficiency can be improved. When the K value is reduced, the transmission stroke can be reduced and the transmission accuracy can be improved.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, preferably, the pull rod 4, the swing block 5 and the push block 6 are all arranged outside the cavity 1, and the cavity 1 is also provided with an arc-shaped guide hole 13 (at Figure 8 As shown in the figure, the arc-shaped guide hole 13 is set corresponding to the swing stroke of the second pushing pin 531, and the second pushing pin 531 on the swing block 5 penetrates into the accommodating cavity 11 through the arc-shaped guide hole 13 and is connected with the second driving hole 31, and the second pushing pin 531 can slide along the arc-shaped guide hole 13, thereby improving the transmission accuracy of the second pushing pin 531.

[0048] Since the pull rod 4, the swing block 5 and the push block 6 are all arranged outside the cavity 1, it is convenient to reduce the volume of the cavity 1. Secondly, compared with the structure in which the pull rod 4 is arranged at the front end of the cavity 1, it can prevent the pull rod 4 from being pulled out too far beyond the cavity 1 during phase adjustment, so that the pull rod 4 does not need to extend beyond the end of the cavity 1, and the overall structure is more reasonable and compact, effectively reducing the space occupied by the phase shifter 1000 as a whole in its length direction.

[0049] like Figure 6 As shown, preferably, the push block 6 also includes a limit column 62 and a pair of hooks 63. A limit hole (not shown in the figure, the same below) is provided on the pull rod 4. The limit column 62 is inserted into the limit hole. The pair of hooks 63 are arranged on both sides of the length direction of the pull rod 4 and hooked on the pull rod 4. Thus, the push block 6 is connected to the pull rod 4 through the limit column 62 and the pair of hooks 63, and a multi-directional limit fixation is achieved relative to the pull rod 4, so that the push block 6 is tightly connected to the pull rod 4, and the push block 6 is prevented from shaking or rotating relative to the pull rod 4, so that the driving force on the pull rod 4 can be accurately transmitted to the push block 6, thereby ensuring the stability and accuracy of the phase shift adjustment.

[0050] Please combine Figure 3 and Figure 7The limiting structure 211 includes a limiting groove 2111 opened on the base plate 21 and extending along the width direction of the cavity 1. A limiting boss 32 is provided on the medium plate 3. The limiting boss 32 is embedded in the limiting groove 2111 and can slide along the limiting groove 2111, thereby realizing the limitation of the moving direction of the medium plate 3.

[0051] Preferably, the circuit board 2 is provided with the dielectric plate 3 on both sides along the thickness direction of the cavity 1, and the dielectric plate 3 is also provided with a fixing hole 33. In the two dielectric plates 3 disposed on the two sides of the circuit board 2 and facing each other, the limiting boss 32 on one of the dielectric plates 3 passes through the limiting slide groove 2111 and is inserted into the fixing hole 33 of the other dielectric plate 3. The limiting boss 32 is used to limit the dielectric plate 3 in the moving direction, and can also be connected and fixed relative to the other dielectric plate 3. One structure realizes two functions, which can simplify the dielectric plate 3 and reduce costs.

[0052] Secondly, since the dielectric plates 3 are provided on both opposite sides of the circuit board 2, the phase shift efficiency is improved by the two dielectric plates 3, so that a larger phase shift adjustment can be achieved by moving the dielectric plates 3 a shorter distance, thereby reducing the width of the cavity 1 and achieving miniaturization.

[0053] It should be understood that in other embodiments, the limiting structure 211 may also be arranged on the cavity 1. For example, the limiting structure 211 includes a second limiting groove opened on the top wall of the cavity 1 and extending along the width direction of the cavity. The medium plate 3 is embedded in the second limiting groove through the limiting boss 32, which can also achieve movement limitation of the medium plate 3.

[0054] Preferably, a buckle 34 and a slot 35 are further provided on the dielectric plate 3. Among the two dielectric plates 3 disposed on two opposite sides of the circuit board 2, the buckle 34 on one of the dielectric plates 3 passes through the limiting slide groove 2111 and is buckled into the slot 35 of the other dielectric plate 3. The connection strength of the two adjacent dielectric plates 3 is further improved through the cooperation of the buckle 34 and the slot 35, which prevents the two adjacent dielectric plates 3 from loosening and causing asynchronous displacement, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the phase shift adjustment.

[0055] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown in the figure, the substrate 21 is provided with a substrate rotation axis hole 212 at a position corresponding to the rotation axis hole 12, and a substrate guide hole 213 is provided at a position corresponding to the arc-shaped guide hole 13. The rotation axis 51 of the swing block 5 is inserted into the substrate rotation axis hole 212 after passing through the rotation axis hole 12, and the rotation stability of the swing block 5 is further improved through the substrate 21. In addition, the second push pin 531 of the swing block 5 can be connected to the two opposite dielectric plates 3 at the same time after passing through the substrate guide hole 213, thereby better driving the two dielectric plates 3 to move synchronously. Figure 1 As shown, the cavity 11 is also provided with a groove 111 adapted to the circuit board 2, and the edge of the circuit board 2 is embedded in the groove 111, so that the circuit board 2 is fixedly connected relative to the cavity 1, thereby improving the stability of the circuit board 2 and preventing the circuit board 2 from jumping or warping when the medium plate 3 moves relative to the limiting slide groove 2111.

[0056] Furthermore, the circuit board 2 and the corresponding dielectric board 3 together constitute a phase shifting unit, the cavity 1 is provided with two receiving cavities 11 along its thickness direction, and each receiving cavity 11 is provided with a phase shifting unit, so that more phase adjustments can be achieved.

[0057] As a second aspect, the present invention also relates to a base station antenna (not shown in the figure, the same below), the base station antenna includes the above-mentioned phase shifter 1000. Since the phase shifter 1000 has a simple structure and can achieve low-loss, high-gain signal transmission, the base station antenna has a wider signal coverage range, effectively reducing the layout cost of the base station network and improving product competitiveness. Secondly, since the pull rod 4, swing block 5 and push block 6 in the phase shifter 1000 are all arranged outside the cavity 1, the space occupied by the phase shifter 1000 in its length direction can be reduced, and the structure is more reasonable and compact while ensuring good performance, thereby simplifying the overall layout of the base station antenna, improving the antenna design integration to achieve antenna miniaturization, and ensuring antenna performance.

[0058] The above descriptions are only some embodiments of the present invention. It should be pointed out that, for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the present invention. These improvements and modifications should also be regarded as the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A phase shifter, comprising a cavity, a circuit board, a dielectric plate and a pull rod, wherein the cavity is provided with a receiving cavity, the circuit board and the dielectric plate are both arranged in the receiving cavity, and the pull rod is used to drive the dielectric plate to move relative to the circuit board, characterized in that: It also includes a swing block connected to the cavity and rotatable relative to the cavity. The swing block can be driven to rotate and drive the medium plate to move along the width direction of the cavity when the pull rod moves along the length direction of the cavity. The swing block includes a rotating shaft, a driving end connected to the pull rod and a transmission end connected to the medium plate. The cavity is provided with a rotating shaft hole. The rotating shaft is inserted into the rotating shaft hole and can rotate relative to the rotating shaft hole. The line connecting the transmission end and the rotating shaft is perpendicular to the line connecting the driving end and the rotating shaft.

2. The phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a pushing block connected to the pull rod, the pushing block is provided with a first pushing pin, the swing block includes a first driving hole, the first pushing pin is passed through the first driving hole and can drive the swing block to rotate when the pull rod moves along the length direction of the cavity.

3. The phase shifter according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pull rod is provided with a limiting hole, and the pushing block further comprises a limiting column penetrating the limiting hole.

4. The phase shifter according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The pushing block also includes a pair of hooks which are arranged at two sides of the pull rod in the length direction and hooked on the pull rod.

5. The phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The circuit board and / or the cavity are provided with a limiting structure for limiting the movement of the dielectric plate along the width direction of the cavity, the swing block includes a second pushing pin, and a second driving hole is opened on the dielectric plate. The second pushing pin is inserted into the second driving hole and can drive the dielectric plate to move along the width direction of the cavity when the swing block rotates.

6. The phase shifter according to claim 5, characterized in that The pull rod and the swing block are both arranged outside the cavity. The cavity is provided with an arc-shaped guide hole. The second push pin penetrates into the receiving cavity through the arc-shaped guide hole and is connected with the second driving hole. The second push pin can slide along the arc-shaped guide hole.

7. The phase shifter according to claim 5, characterized in that The limiting structure includes a limiting slide groove opened on the circuit board and extending along the width direction of the cavity. The dielectric plate is provided on both sides of the circuit board along the thickness direction of the cavity. The dielectric plate is provided with a limiting boss and a fixing hole. The limiting boss on one of the dielectric plates is arranged on two opposite sides of the circuit board, and passes through the limiting slide groove and is inserted into the fixing hole of the other dielectric plate.

8. The phase shifter according to claim 7, characterized in that The medium plate is also provided with a buckle and a slot, which are arranged in two medium plates on two sides of the circuit board and opposite to each other. The buckle on one medium plate passes through the limiting sliding slot and is buckled in the slot of the other medium plate.

9. A base station antenna, characterized in that: Comprising a phase shifter as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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