Radiator assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a radiator assembly for a base station antenna having a longitudinal central axis and two dipoles arranged crosswise around the longitudinal central axis, each dipole having two dipole arms, each dipole arm being provided with a hook-shaped feed made of a metal sheet having a free end, the hook-shaped feed being capacitively coupled with the associated dipole arm. This radiator assembly is compact, easy to manufacture and to assemble.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a radiator assembly for a base station antenna. Background Technology

[0002] Mobile communication networks include numerous base stations, each of which may include a base station antenna for receiving and / or transmitting radio frequency signals. A base station antenna may include multiple radiator assemblies, which may also be referred to as radiating elements or antenna elements. Miniaturization of the radiator assemblies is desirable. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a compact radiator assembly for a base station antenna.

[0004] The objective is achieved by a radiator assembly for a base station antenna having a longitudinal central axis and two dipoles arranged intersecting around the longitudinal central axis, each dipole having two dipole arms, wherein each dipole arm is provided with a hook-shaped feed element with a free end made of a metal sheet, the hook-shaped feed element being capacitively coupled to the mating dipole arm.

[0005] In some implementations, each dipole arm may be made of a sheet of metal, and with reference to the longitudinal central axis, the dipole arm may include a longitudinally extending feed stem and a laterally extending radiating portion.

[0006] In some implementations, the radiator assembly may include a feed stem made of a PCB (printed circuit board), with each dipole arm formed on a separate common PCB.

[0007] In some embodiments, with reference to the longitudinal central axis, each hook-shaped feeder may be installed radially inside or radially outside the feeder stalk.

[0008] In some embodiments, with reference to the longitudinal central axis, a pair of hook-shaped feeders facing each other can be installed radially inside or radially outside each feeder stalk.

[0009] In some embodiments, with reference to the longitudinal central axis, each hook-shaped feeder can be installed radially inside each feeder stalk.

[0010] In some embodiments, with reference to the longitudinal central axis, each hook-shaped feeder can be mounted radially outside each feeder stalk.

[0011] In some embodiments, with reference to the longitudinal central axis, a first pair of hook-shaped feeders facing each other can be installed radially inside each feeder stalk, and a second pair of hook-shaped feeders facing each other can be installed radially outside each feeder stalk.

[0012] In some embodiments, each hook-shaped feeder may include a first leg, a second leg, and a connecting segment connecting the first leg and the second leg, wherein the first leg may be configured to be electrically connected to the feeder board at its end, and the second leg may have the free end.

[0013] In some embodiments, with reference to the longitudinal central axis, the first leg and the second leg may extend longitudinally, and in the circumferential direction of the radiator assembly, the first leg may be located in the region of the feed stem of the adjacent dipole arm and the second leg may be located in the region of the feed stem of the adjacent dipole arm, and the connecting segment may span the feed stem of the adjacent dipole arm and the feed stem of the adjacent dipole arm.

[0014] In some implementations, each feed stem can be planar.

[0015] In some implementations, each feed stem can be bent.

[0016] In some implementations, each hook-shaped feeder may be planar.

[0017] In some implementations, each hook-shaped feeder may be bent.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first leg may be parallel to the feed stem of the adjacent dipole arm, the second leg may be parallel to the feed stem of the mating dipole arm, and the connecting segment may be curved.

[0019] In some implementations, the first leg and the second leg can form a right angle.

[0020] In some embodiments, each feed stem may be configured to be curved and may include multiple longitudinally extending planar segments, and each hook-shaped feed member may be configured to be planar, wherein the first leg may be parallel to one of the planar segments of the feed stem of the adjacent dipole arm, and the second leg may be parallel to one of the planar segments of the feed stem of the mating dipole arm.

[0021] In some embodiments, each feed stem may be C-shaped in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis, and each feed stem may include three parallel longitudinally extending planar segments.

[0022] In some embodiments, the radiator assembly may include a common radiator support configured for mounting to a plate assembly having a reflector and a feed plate, to which each dipole arm may be mounted.

[0023] In some embodiments, hook-shaped feeders mounted radially outside each feeder stalk can be mounted to the common radiator support.

[0024] In some embodiments, the radiator assembly may include a central support that may be mounted at the center of the common radiator support.

[0025] In some embodiments, hook-shaped feeders installed radially inside each feeder stalk can be mounted to the central support.

[0026] In some implementations, the central support may have a top component.

[0027] In some embodiments, with reference to the longitudinal central axis, the top component may extend beyond the radiating portion of each dipole arm.

[0028] In some embodiments, the central support may have a top component, a columnar body, and a bottom component, the top component and the bottom component being connected to the body.

[0029] In some embodiments, the top component may have at least one claw element configured to hold the hook-shaped feeder, for example, it may have multiple claw elements.

[0030] In some embodiments, the bottom component may have at least one claw element configured to hold the hook-shaped feeder, for example, it may have multiple claw elements.

[0031] In some embodiments, the top component may have at least one hook configured for longitudinally securing the hook-shaped power supply component in a detachable manner.

[0032] In some embodiments, the bottom component may have at least one hook configured for longitudinally securing the hook-shaped power supply component in a detachable manner.

[0033] According to another aspect of the invention, a radiator assembly for a base station antenna is proposed, comprising:

[0034] The first to fourth dipole arms are arranged in a defined cross shape, each dipole arm having a longitudinally extending feed stem and a laterally extending radiating portion.

[0035] First to fourth hook-shaped power supply components;

[0036] Wherein, at least a portion of the power-feeding stem or at least a portion of the hook-shaped power-feeding element has at least two longitudinally extending bends.

[0037] In some embodiments, each hook-shaped feeder may have the at least two longitudinally extending bends, and when viewed from above, at least the first and second hook-shaped feeders may be positioned outside the rectangle defined by each feeder stalk.

[0038] In some implementations, when viewed from above, the third and fourth hook-shaped feeders can be positioned within a rectangle defined by each feeder stem.

[0039] In some embodiments, each feed stem may have the at least two longitudinally extending bends, and each hook-shaped feed member may be positioned radially outside one of the corresponding feed stems.

[0040] In some implementations, each longitudinally extending bend can be defined at a 45° angle.

[0041] The technical features mentioned above, the technical features to be mentioned below, and the technical features available in the accompanying drawings can be combined arbitrarily, as long as they are not contradictory. All technically feasible combinations of features are the technical content described in this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0042] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Wherein:

[0043] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the radiator assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the radiator assembly in its assembled state according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of one implementation of a dipole arm.

[0046] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of a pair of hook-shaped power supply components.

[0047] Figure 5A and 5B These are perspective views of the radiator support from different angles.

[0048] Figure 6A and 6B These are perspective views of the central support from different angles.

[0049] Figure 7 This is a contour view of each dipole arm of the radiator assembly according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 8A and 8B These are schematic diagrams showing two different structures and arrangements of the hook-shaped power supply element and the power supply stalk. Detailed Implementation

[0051] The following uses Figure 1 and Figure 2 The overall construction of a radiator assembly for a base station antenna according to some embodiments of the present invention is described, wherein, Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the radiator assembly according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the radiator assembly according to the second embodiment in its assembled state. The main difference between the first and second embodiments lies in the outline shape of the support platform 18 of the radiator support. In other respects, the first and second embodiments can be the same.

[0052] The radiator assembly may have a longitudinal central axis (not shown) and two dipoles arranged intersecting around the longitudinal central axis, each dipole having two dipole arms 1. Each dipole arm 1 may be made of a metallic material and may be separate from the other dipole arms. Alternatively, each dipole arm 1 may be constructed on a common PCB. Each dipole arm 1 may be constructed integrally or in multiple parts.

[0053] Each dipole arm 1 may be equipped with a hook-shaped feed element 2 made of a metal sheet. The hook-shaped feed element 2 may have one end connected to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The feed board (e.g., a printed circuit board type feed board) of the board assembly 6, described only partially in the text, is electrically connected and has a free end, and is capacitively coupled to a mating dipole arm 1. The board assembly may also include a reflector. A hook-shaped feed element may, for example, be electrically connected to the conductive traces of the feed board and capacitively coupled to the mating dipole arm, allowing radio frequency signals to be transmitted between the feed board and the dipole arm via the hook-shaped feed element.

[0054] The radiator assembly may include a common radiator support 3. The radiator support may be mounted to extend forward from the plate assembly, and each dipole arm 1 may be mounted to the common radiator support 3.

[0055] The radiator assembly may include a central support 4, which is mounted at the center of the radiator support 3. For this purpose, the radiator support 3 may have a central recess 20 for receiving the central support 4. The central support 4 may have a top component 21 (see...). Figure 6A A tuning element 5 may be mounted on the top component 21, the tuning element 5 being configured to adapt the electrical performance of the radiator assembly.

[0056] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of one embodiment of the dipole arm 1. The dipole arm can be made of metal, for example, it can be formed from a sheet of metal by stamping. The dipole arm 1 may include a radiating portion 11 and a feed stem 12. Referring to the longitudinal central axis of the radiator assembly, the feed stem 12 can extend longitudinally, for example, it can extend parallel to the longitudinal central axis; the radiating portion 11 can extend in a transverse plane transverse to the longitudinal central axis. The radiating portion 11 may have at least one sill 11a bent out from the transverse plane to increase the bandwidth of the radiator assembly. Figure 3 Two exemplary vertical pieces 11a are visible in the image.

[0057] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of one embodiment of a pair of hook-shaped feed elements 2. Each of these hook-shaped feed elements 2 can be mated with a dipole arm 1. Each hook-shaped feed element 2 can be made of metal, for example, formed by stamping a sheet of metal. Each hook-shaped feed element 2 may include a first leg 13, a second leg 14, and a connecting segment 15 connecting the first leg 13 and the second leg 14. The first leg 13 can be electrically connected to the feed plate of the plate assembly 6 at its end 16. The second leg 14 may have a free end 17. Each hook-shaped feed element 2 can be configured for capacitive coupling with the mating dipole arm 1 to transmit radio frequency signals. Each hook-shaped feed element 2 can be mounted radially inward or radially outward of each feed stem 12.

[0058] Figure 8A and 8B These are schematic diagrams of two different constructions and arrangements of the hook-shaped feed element 2 and the feed stem 12. In these two diagrams, the view is taken from above along the longitudinal central axis of the radiator assembly, and the cross-sections of each feed stem 12 and the projections of each hook-shaped feed element 2 along the longitudinal central axis of the radiator assembly are described.

[0059] As by Figure 8A As can be seen, each feed stem 12 can be planar, and each hook-shaped feed member 2 can be curved. A first pair of hook-shaped feed members 2, facing each other, can be installed radially inward of each feed stem 12, and a second pair of hook-shaped feed members 2, facing each other, can be installed radially outward of each feed stem 12. Referring to the longitudinal central axis of the radiator assembly, the first leg 13 and the second leg 14 can extend longitudinally. In the circumferential direction of the radiator assembly, the first leg 13 can be located in the region of the feed stem of the dipole arm adjacent to the mating dipole arm, the second leg 14 can be located in the region of the feed stem of the mating dipole arm, and the connecting segment 15 can span the feed stems of the adjacent dipole arms and the feed stem of the mating dipole arm.

[0060] As by Figure 8B As can be seen, each feed stem 12 can be curved, and each hook-shaped feed member can be planar. In a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis, each feed stem 12 can be C-shaped and can include three longitudinally extending planar segments. Each hook-shaped feed member 2 can be configured as planar, wherein the first leg 13 can be parallel to one of the planar segments 29 of the feed stem 12 of the adjacent dipole arm 1, the second leg 14 can be parallel to one of the planar segments 30 of the feed stem 12 of the mating dipole arm 1, and the connecting segment 15 can span the feed stems of the adjacent dipole arm and the mating dipole arm. Each hook-shaped feed member 2 can be installed radially outside each feed stem 12. Furthermore, it is possible for each hook-shaped feed member 2 to be installed radially inside each feed stem 12.

[0061] Figure 5A and 5B These are perspective views of the radiator support 3 from different angles. The radiator support 3 may have a support platform 18 and a support column 19. The radiator support 3 may have a central recess 20 for receiving a central support 4, which will be described in detail later. The radiating portions 11 of each dipole arm 1 may be supported and secured to the support platform 18 of the radiator support 3. The support column 19 may be secured to the plate assembly 6 by means of a plurality of fastening elements not shown. Hook-shaped feed members 2, mounted radially outside each feed stem 12, may be directly mounted to the radiator support 3.

[0062] Figure 6A and 6B This is a perspective view of the central support 4 from different angles. The central support 4 may have a top component 21, a columnar body 22, and a bottom component 23, the top and bottom components being connected to the body. The top component 21 may have multiple claws 24 on its top surface, these claws being configured to secure the adjustment component 5. The top component 21 may have one or more claws 25 on its underside. The bottom component 23 may have one or more claws 26. The claws 25 and 26 may be configured to secure the hook-shaped feeders 2 installed radially inside each feeder stem 12. For example, for each radially inside hook-shaped feeder 2, the central support 4 may have at least three corresponding claws 25 and 26, for example, two claws 25 and two claws 26. The central support 4 may have hooks for detachably securing the central support 4 longitudinally. For example, the top and bottom components may each have multiple hooks 27 and 28.

[0063] Figure 7 This is a contour view of each dipole arm of the radiator assembly according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7The diagram only describes a plan view of each dipole arm 1. Each radiating section 11 can be constructed in a generally triangular shape, and the four radiating sections 11 can generally have a generally square outline. The inductors shown on the dipole arms can be implemented as narrow, tortuous metal sections (e.g., U-shaped metal sections) that connect to the wide metal sections of the dipole arms.

[0064] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the disclosure. The singular forms “a” and “the one” as used herein should include the plural forms unless the context explicitly states otherwise. It is understood that the terms “comprising” and “including,” and other similar terms, when used in the application documents, specifically describe the presence of the stated operation, element, and / or component, without excluding the presence or addition of one or more other operations, elements, components, and / or combinations 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, similar reference numerals always denote similar elements.

[0065] The thickness of the elements in the accompanying drawings may be exaggerated for clarity. It is also understood that if an element is described as being on, coupled to, or connected to another element, then the element may be directly formed on, coupled to, or connected to the other element, or there may be one or more intermediate elements between them. Conversely, if the expressions "directly on," "directly coupled to," and "directly connected to" are used herein, it indicates that there is no intermediate element. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted similarly, such as "between" and "directly between," "attached" and "directly attached," "adjacent" and "directly adjacent," etc.

[0066] Terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” “over,” “under,” etc., are used to describe the relationship of one element, layer, or region relative to another element, layer, or region, as shown in the accompanying drawings. It is understood that these terms should also encompass other orientations of the device in addition to those described in the accompanying drawings.

[0067] It is understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used herein to describe different elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another. Therefore, a first element may be referred to as a second element without departing from the teachings of the inventive concept.

[0068] It can also be considered that all the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein can be arbitrarily combined with each other.

[0069] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are merely for understanding the present invention and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make modifications based on the above embodiments, and these modifications do not depart from the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A radiator assembly for a base station antenna, the radiator assembly having a longitudinal central axis and first and second dipoles arranged intersecting around the longitudinal central axis, the first dipole having first and second dipole arms and the second dipole having third and fourth dipole arms, characterized in that, The radiator assembly further includes first to fourth hook-shaped feeders, wherein each hook-shaped feeder is made of a metal sheet and has a free end, and each of the first to fourth hook-shaped feeders is capacitively coupled to a mating dipole arm of one of the first to fourth dipole arms. Each of the first to fourth dipole arms is made of a metal sheet, and with reference to the longitudinal central axis, each of the first to fourth dipole arms includes a corresponding longitudinally extending feed stem (12) and a laterally extending radiating portion (11). Referring to the longitudinal central axis, each of the first to fourth hook-shaped feeders is installed radially inside or radially outside a corresponding feed stem in the feed stem of the first to fourth dipole arms.

2. The radiator assembly for a base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, Referring to the longitudinal central axis, the first and second hook-shaped feeders are positioned opposite each other and mounted radially inside or radially outside the feed stems of the first and second dipole arms.

3. The radiator assembly for a base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, Referring to the longitudinal central axis, the first to fourth hook-shaped feeders are installed radially inside each feeder stem of the first to fourth dipole arms.

4. The radiator assembly for a base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, Referring to the longitudinal central axis, the first and third hook-shaped feeders are mounted radially outside the feed stems of the first and third dipole arms.

5. The radiator assembly for a base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, Referring to the longitudinal central axis, the first pair of hook-shaped feeders among the first to fourth hook-shaped feeders are opposite each other and installed radially inside the feed stem of the first to fourth dipole arms, and the second pair of hook-shaped feeders among the first to fourth hook-shaped feeders are opposite each other and installed radially outside the feed stem of the first to fourth dipole arms.

6. A radiator assembly for a base station antenna, the radiator assembly having a longitudinal central axis and first and second dipoles arranged intersecting around the longitudinal central axis, the first dipole having first and second dipole arms and the second dipole having third and fourth dipole arms, characterized in that, The radiator assembly further includes first to fourth hook-shaped feeders, wherein each hook-shaped feeder is made of a metal sheet and has a free end, and each of the first to fourth hook-shaped feeders is capacitively coupled to a mating dipole arm of one of the first to fourth dipole arms. Each of the first to fourth hook-shaped feeders includes a first leg (13), a second leg (14), and a connecting segment (15) connecting the first leg and the second leg, the first leg being configured to be electrically connected to the feeder board at its end (16), and the second leg having the free end; Referring to the longitudinal central axis, the first leg and the second leg extend longitudinally. In the circumferential direction of the radiator assembly, the first leg is located in the region of the feed stem of one of the first to fourth dipole arms adjacent to the mating dipole arm, and the second leg is located in the region of the feed stem of one of the first to fourth dipole arms mating to the dipole arm. The connecting segment spans the feed stem of the one of the first to fourth dipole arms adjacent to the dipole arm and the feed stem of the one of the first to fourth dipole arms mating to the dipole arm.

7. The radiator assembly for a base station antenna according to claim 6, characterized in that, Each feed stem is planar, the first leg is parallel to the feed stem of the adjacent dipole arm, the second leg is parallel to the feed stem of one of the mating dipole arms among the first to fourth dipole arms, and the connecting segment is curved.

8. The radiator assembly for a base station antenna according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first leg and the second leg form a right angle.

9. The radiator assembly for a base station antenna according to claim 6, characterized in that, Each feed stem is curved and includes multiple longitudinally extending planar segments, and each hook-shaped feed member is planar, wherein the first leg is parallel to one of the planar segments of the feed stem of one of the adjacent dipole arms among the first to fourth dipole arms, and the second leg is parallel to one of the planar segments of the feed stem of one of the mating dipole arms among the first to fourth dipole arms.

10. The radiator assembly for a base station antenna according to claim 9, characterized in that, In a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis, each feed stem is C-shaped, and each feed stem comprises three parallel longitudinally extending planar segments.

11. A radiator assembly for a base station antenna, the radiator assembly having a longitudinal central axis and first and second dipoles arranged intersecting around the longitudinal central axis, the first dipole having first and second dipole arms and the second dipole having third and fourth dipole arms, characterized in that, The radiator assembly further includes first to fourth hook-shaped feeders, wherein each hook-shaped feeder is made of a metal sheet and has a free end, and each of the first to fourth hook-shaped feeders is capacitively coupled to a mating dipole arm of one of the first to fourth dipole arms. The radiator assembly includes a common radiator support (3) configured for mounting to a plate assembly having a reflector and a feed plate, with the first to fourth dipole arms mounted to the common radiator support. Hook-shaped feeders, installed radially outside each feeder stalk, are mounted to the common radiator support.

12. The radiator assembly for a base station antenna according to claim 11, characterized in that, The radiator assembly includes a central support (4) which is installed at the center of the common radiator support, and first to fourth hook-shaped feeders installed radially inside each feeder stalk are mounted to the central support.

13. The radiator assembly for a base station antenna according to claim 12, characterized in that, The central support has a top component (21), a columnar body (22), and a bottom component (23), the top component and the bottom component being connected to the body, and each of the top component and the bottom component having at least one claw element configured to hold the first to fourth hook-shaped power feeders.

14. The radiator assembly for a base station antenna according to claim 13, characterized in that, The top component and the bottom component each have at least one hook configured to longitudinally secure the first to fourth hook-shaped power supply components in a detachable manner.

15. The radiator assembly for a base station antenna according to claim 13, characterized in that, Referring to the longitudinal central axis, the top component extends beyond the radial portion of the first to fourth dipole arms, and an adjustment component (5) is mounted on the top component.

16. A radiator assembly for a base station antenna, comprising: The first to fourth dipole arms are arranged in a defined cross shape, each dipole arm having a longitudinally extending feed stem and a laterally extending radiating portion. First to fourth hook-shaped power supply components; Wherein, at least a portion of the power-feeding stalk or at least a portion of the hook-shaped power-feeding element has at least two longitudinally extending curved portions; The feature is that each hook-shaped feeder has said at least two longitudinally extending bends, and when viewed from above, at least the first and second hook-shaped feeders are positioned outside the rectangle defined by each feeder stalk.

17. The radiator assembly for a base station antenna according to claim 16, characterized in that, When viewed from above, the third and fourth hook-shaped feeders are positioned within a rectangle defined by each feeder stem.

18. A radiator assembly for a base station antenna, comprising: The first to fourth dipole arms are arranged in a defined cross shape, each dipole arm having a longitudinally extending feed stem and a laterally extending radiating portion. First to fourth hook-shaped power supply components; Wherein, at least a portion of the power-feeding stalk or at least a portion of the hook-shaped power-feeding element has at least two longitudinally extending curved portions; The feature is that each longitudinally extending bend defines a 45° angle.

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