Antenna and communication device

Abstract

This application provides an antenna and a communication device, including a first signal line, a second signal line, a combining unit, a combining transmission line, a plurality of first filtering units, and a plurality of cavities for transmitting a first signal. The first signal line and the second signal line are connected to the combining transmission line via the combining unit. The plurality of first filtering units are electrically connected to the first signal line and are located in at least two different cavities. The first filtering units are used for filtering to ensure the transmission quality of the first signal. The antenna provided by this application distributes the plurality of first filtering units in different cavities, which on the one hand allows each cavity to be smaller; on the other hand, the plurality of first filtering units can filter out interference signals with a wider bandwidth, or in other words, the interference signals are filtered more completely, improving the filtering effect; furthermore, the cavities are cavities that are inherent to the antenna itself, without the need for separate additional cavities, which can save costs and antenna space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of antenna technology, specifically to an antenna and communication device. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of mobile communication technology, multi-frequency antennas are playing an increasingly important role in network coverage. Combiners can combine multiple signals of different frequencies to a single output, and are often integrated into multi-frequency antennas. Multi-frequency antennas typically receive signals of different frequencies and use their integrated combiners to output these signals one by one from the same output. Combiner technology is relatively mature, and the mainstream forms are as follows: 1. As an independent component, the filtering and combining function is enclosed in a cavity and connected to other signal transmission equipment via cables or other means; 2. Directly integrated with phase shifters or other signal transmission equipment, or by adding a cavity to achieve partial integration of filtering and combining. The disadvantages of these technologies are large size and high cost, strong inter-module interference, or space constraints affecting the performance of the filtering section. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides an antenna that saves space without affecting filtering performance.

[0004] In a first aspect, an antenna is provided, the antenna including a first signal line, a second signal line, a combining unit, a combining transmission line, a plurality of first filtering units and a plurality of cavities, wherein the first signal line is used to transmit a first signal;

[0005] The output terminals of the first signal line and the second signal line are connected to the input terminal of the combined transmission line through a combining unit. Multiple first filtering units are electrically connected to the first signal line and are located in at least two different cavities. The first filtering units are used for filtering to ensure the transmission quality of the first signal.

[0006] The first and second signal lines are used to transmit signals of different frequencies. The combining unit combines the signals from the first and second signal lines into a single signal, which is then transmitted through a combining transmission line. The first signal line, the second signal line, the combining unit, and the combining transmission line constitute a combiner. In this embodiment, the combining unit can be a metal connecting piece or a metal connector. In this embodiment, the combiner combines two signals into one signal. In some embodiments, it can be a combiner that combines three or more signals into one signal. The first filtering unit can be a band-stop filter or a band-pass filter. A band-stop filter is a filter that allows most frequency components to pass through but attenuates certain frequency components to extremely low levels. By adjusting the filtering unit, certain frequency components in a certain range are attenuated to extremely low levels. Key performance indicators include out-of-band rejection, Q value, loss, in-band matching, and bandwidth. The filtering unit is an equivalent LC circuit and can be composed of a resonant cavity, dielectric, open-circuit stubs, and short-circuit stubs. A band-pass filter is a filter that allows certain specific frequency components to pass through to the maximum extent by adjusting the filtering unit, while attenuating other signals to extremely low levels.

[0007] When the first filtering unit is a bandpass filter, it is connected to the first signal line, meaning it only allows the first signal to pass through, filtering out other signals besides the first signal, or filtering out signals other than the first signal that could interfere with the transmission quality of the first signal, thus ensuring the transmission quality of the first signal. In this application, one end of the second signal line and the first signal line are connected through a combining unit. A portion of the second signal from the second signal line will be transmitted to the first signal line through this combining unit, thereby interfering with the transmission stability of the first signal in the first signal line. By connecting the first filtering unit to the first signal line, the second signal can be filtered out, thereby reducing the interference of the second signal on the transmission of the first signal.

[0008] In this application, multiple first filter units are arranged in different cavities, so that the size of each cavity can be set to be small, or in other words, multiple first filter units can be distributed in different cavities in the antenna, instead of being concentrated in one cavity. The cavity in which the first filter units are distributed does not need to be set to be large, which is beneficial to saving antenna size.

[0009] On the other hand, multiple first filtering units can filter out interference signals with a wider bandwidth, or in other words, the interference signals are filtered out more completely. Furthermore, in this application, the cavity is an integral part of the antenna itself; that is, there is no separate additional cavity for placing the first filtering units, which saves cost and antenna space. For example, it can be placed in the cavity where the phase shifter is placed, or in the cavity where the phase compensation unit is placed. In this application, the first signal line can be understood as a signal line of a certain length used to transmit the first signal.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the multiple cavities include a first cavity and a second cavity. A portion of the first signal line and a portion of the first filter unit are located in the first cavity, and a portion of the first signal line and a portion of the first filter unit are located in the second cavity. The number of first filter units distributed in the first and second cavities can be arbitrarily combined, but in principle, they are distributed in a space-saving manner. The first signal line is suspended in both the first and second cavities. In some embodiments, there may be three or more cavities, with multiple first filter units distributed in three or more cavities.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the combining unit is located within the second cavity. Alternatively, the combining unit may be located within the first cavity.

[0012] In one possible implementation, a first through hole is provided on the first cavity and the second cavity to connect the first cavity and the second cavity. A first signal line passes through the first through hole, so that the first cavity and the second cavity each have a portion of the first signal line. The first cavity and the second cavity are arranged adjacent to each other and share a sidewall. The first through hole is provided on the shared sidewall, so that the first cavity and the second cavity can be connected through the first through hole.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the first cavity and the second cavity are provided with a first through-hole connecting the first cavity and the second cavity. The antenna also includes a first signal connector that passes through the first through-hole. The two ends of the first signal connector are located within the first cavity and the second cavity, respectively, and are connected to portions of the first signal lines within the first cavity and the second cavity. The first signal connector can be a pin or a metal plate. The first signal connector is electrically insulated from the first cavity and the second cavity to prevent the first cavity and the second cavity from interfering with the transmission of the first signal within the first signal connector.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the antenna further includes multiple second filtering units, at least some of which are electrically connected to the second signal line and located within the second cavity. The second filtering units can be band-stop filters or band-pass filters. Since the second filtering units are connected to the second signal line, they only allow the second signal to pass through, filtering out other signals besides the second signal, or filtering out other signals that could affect the transmission quality of the second signal. The second signal line and one end of the first signal line are connected via a combining unit, and a portion of the first signal from the first signal line will also be transmitted to the second signal line through this combining unit, thus interfering with the stability of the second signal transmission in the second signal line. By connecting the second filtering units to the second signal line, the first signal can be filtered out, thereby reducing the interference of the first signal on the transmission of the second signal.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the number of second filter units located in the second cavity is less than the number of first filter units. That is, the number of second filter units in the second cavity is smaller, leaving extra space within the second cavity to accommodate the first filter units.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the antenna further includes a third cavity and a second filtering unit, at least a portion of the second filtering unit being electrically connected to the second signal line and located within the third cavity. The first cavity and the third cavity are arranged side-by-side on one side of the second cavity.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the second cavity and the third cavity are provided with a second through hole connecting the second cavity and the third cavity. The second signal line passes through the second through hole, so that the second cavity and the third cavity each have a portion of the second signal line. The second cavity and the third cavity are arranged adjacent to each other and share a sidewall. The second through hole is provided on the shared sidewall, so that the second cavity and the third cavity can be connected through the second through hole.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the second cavity and the third cavity are provided with second signal connectors, and the second cavities are provided with second through holes communicating with the second cavities. The second signal connectors pass through the second through holes, and their two ends are located in the second cavity and the third cavity, respectively, and are connected to portions of the second signal lines in the second cavity and the third cavity, respectively. The second signal connectors can be pins or metal plates. The second signal connectors are electrically insulated from the second cavity and the third cavity to prevent the second cavity and the third cavity from affecting the transmission performance of the second signal in the second signal connectors.

[0019] In one possible implementation, each second filtering unit filters out signals at least partially at different frequencies. This increases the bandwidth of the filtered-out interference signals, thereby minimizing the impact of the interference signals.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the antenna further includes a phase compensation unit disposed in the second cavity. The phase compensation unit is used to compensate for the phase of the signal in the combining transmission line. In this application, the second cavity itself is a cavity for housing the phase compensation unit; that is, the first filtering unit is placed within the existing cavity.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the antenna further includes a first phase shifter located within a first cavity and at the end of the first signal line furthest from the first filter unit. When operational, the first phase shifter can change the phase of the signal in the first signal line. The first cavity is designed to house the first phase shifter. The first phase shifter and part of the first filter unit are integrated into a single first cavity; that is, the first filter unit is housed within a cavity already provided for housing the first phase shifter within the antenna itself, eliminating the need for an additional cavity and reducing antenna weight and space.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the antenna further includes a second phase shifter located within a second cavity and at the end of the second signal line furthest from the second filter unit. When operational, the second phase shifter alters the phase of the signal in the second signal line. The second cavity is specifically designed to house the second phase shifter. The second phase shifter and part of the second filter unit are integrated into a single second cavity; that is, the second filter unit is housed within a cavity already provided for housing the second phase shifter within the antenna itself, eliminating the need for an additional cavity and reducing antenna weight and space.

[0023] In one possible implementation, each first filtering unit filters out signals at least partially at different frequencies. This increases the bandwidth of the filtered-out interference signals, thereby minimizing the impact of the interference signals.

[0024] In a second aspect, a communication device is provided, the communication device including an antenna as described in any of the above embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of an antenna provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna structure provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna structure provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna structure provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of an antenna provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna structure provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna structure provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna structure provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna structure provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna structure provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in one embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0036] In this document, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0037] Furthermore, in this article, directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" are defined relative to the orientation of the structure as shown in the attached drawings. It should be understood that these directional terms are relative concepts, used for relative description and clarification, and can change accordingly depending on the orientation of the structure.

[0038] For ease of understanding, the English abbreviations and related technical terms used in the embodiments of this application will be explained and described below.

[0039] Q-value: The quality factor of a filter.

[0040] LC circuit: also known as resonant circuit, tank circuit or tuned circuit, is a circuit that consists of an inductor (represented by the letter L) and a capacitor (represented by the letter C) connected together.

[0041] The antenna provided in this application distributes multiple filtering units in one of the signal lines of the combining unit into different cavities. On the one hand, this allows each cavity to be set smaller; on the other hand, multiple filtering units can filter out interference signals with a wider bandwidth or the interference signals are filtered more completely, thus improving the filtering effect; furthermore, the cavity is a cavity that the antenna itself has, without the need for a separate cavity, which can save costs and antenna space.

[0042] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 3 One embodiment of this application provides an antenna 10, which includes a first signal line 100, a second signal line 200, a combining unit 300, a combining transmission line 400, and a plurality of first filtering units 500 (e.g., ...). Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown) and multiple cavities 600, a first signal line 100 is used to transmit a first signal; the output terminals of the first signal line 100 and the second signal line 200 are connected to the input terminal of the combined transmission line 400 through a combining unit 300; multiple first filtering units 500 are electrically connected to the first signal line 100 respectively; the multiple first filtering units 500 are located in at least two different cavities 600 respectively; the first filtering units 500 are used to filter to ensure the transmission quality of the first signal.

[0043] The first signal line 100 and the second signal line 200 are used to transmit signals of different frequencies. The combining unit 300 combines the signals from the first signal line 100 and the second signal line 200 into a single signal, which is then transmitted through the combining transmission line 400. The first signal line 100, the second signal line 200, the combining unit 300, and the combining transmission line 400 constitute a combiner. In this embodiment, the combining unit 300 can be a metal connecting piece or a metal connector, etc. In this embodiment, the combiner combines two signals into one signal. In some embodiments, it can be a combiner that combines three or more signals into one signal. The first filtering unit 500 can be a band-stop filter or a band-pass filter. A band-stop filter is a filter that allows most frequency components to pass through but attenuates certain frequency components to extremely low levels. By adjusting the filtering unit, certain frequency components in a specific range are attenuated to extremely low levels. Key performance indicators include out-of-band rejection, Q value, loss, in-band matching, and bandwidth. The filtering unit is an equivalent LC circuit and can be constructed from a resonant cavity, dielectric, open-circuit stubs, and short-circuit stubs. In this embodiment, the first filtering unit 500 includes open-circuit stubs (such as...). Figure 2 (As shown). A bandpass filter is a filter that allows certain frequency components of a signal to pass through to the maximum extent possible by adjusting the filtering unit, while attenuating other signals to a very low level.

[0044] In this embodiment, the first filtering unit 500 is a bandpass filter. The first filtering unit 500 is connected to the first signal line 100, meaning it only allows the first signal to pass through, filtering out other signals besides the first signal, or filtering out signals other than the first signal that could interfere with the transmission quality of the first signal, thus ensuring the transmission quality of the first signal. In this application, one end of the second signal line 200 and the first signal line 100 are connected through a combining unit 300. A portion of the second signal from the second signal line 200 will be transmitted to the first signal line 100 through the combining unit 300, thereby interfering with the transmission stability of the first signal in the first signal line 100. By connecting the first filtering unit 500 to the first signal line 100, the second signal can be filtered out, thereby reducing the interference of the second signal on the transmission of the first signal.

[0045] In this application, multiple first filter units 500 are arranged in different cavities 600, so that the size of each cavity 600 can be set to be smaller, or in other words, multiple first filter units 500 can be distributed in different cavities 600 in the antenna 10, instead of being concentrated in one cavity 600. The cavity 600 in which the first filter units 500 are distributed does not need to be set to be large, which is beneficial to saving the size of the antenna 10.

[0046] On the other hand, multiple first filter units 500 can filter out interference signals with a wider bandwidth, or in other words, the interference signals are filtered out more completely. For example, when there are three first filter units 500, each first filter unit 500 can filter out interference signals with a frequency range of 0.2Hz. One first filter unit 500 can filter out interference signals with a frequency range of 1.5Hz-1.7Hz, one can filter out interference signals with a frequency range of 1.7Hz-1.9Hz, and one can filter out interference signals with a frequency range of 1.9Hz-2.1Hz. In this case, three first filter units 500 can filter out interference signals with a frequency range of 1.5Hz-2.1Hz. The more first filter units 500 there are, the wider the bandwidth of interference signals that can be filtered out. The less interference in signal transmission, the less need for additional resistors in the transmission path to eliminate resonance effects between signal lines; or, in other words, when the bandwidth of the interference signal to be filtered is the same, the more first filter units 500 there are, and the narrower the width of the interference signal to be filtered by each first filter unit 500, the more completely the first filter unit 500 filters the interference signal. For example, the filtering effect of using only one first filter unit 500 to filter out the 1.5Hz-2.1Hz interference signal is worse than the filtering effect of using three first filter units 500 to filter out three different frequency ranges of the 1.5Hz-2.1Hz interference signal. Furthermore, when all the first filter units 500 are set in one cavity at the same time, there will be signal interference between the first filter units 500, which will reduce the filtering effect.

[0047] Furthermore, in this application, the cavity 600 is an integral part of the antenna 10 itself, meaning there is no separate additional cavity 600 for placing the first filter unit 500, which saves cost and space in the antenna 10. For example, it can be placed in the cavity 600 where the phase shifter is placed, or in the cavity 600 where the phase compensation unit is placed. In this application, the first signal line 100 can be understood as a signal line of a certain length used to transmit the first signal. For example, when the antenna 10 includes a radiating element and a signal transmission port, the radiating element is used to receive or transmit signals, and the signal transmission port is used to transmit signals received from the radiating element to a remote electronic device electrically connected to the antenna 10, or to transmit signals transmitted from a remote electronic device to the antenna 10. The first signal line 100 can be a signal line between the signal transmission port and the radiating element.

[0048] The antenna 10 provided in this application distributes multiple first filter units 500 on the first signal line 100 in different cavities 600. On the one hand, this allows the cavity 600 to be set smaller, which helps to save the size of the antenna 10. On the other hand, the multiple first filter units 500 in different cavities 600 can filter out interference signals with a wider bandwidth, or the interference signals are filtered more completely, thus improving the filtering effect. Furthermore, the cavity 600 is a cavity 600 that the antenna 10 itself has, without the need for a separate additional cavity 600 to place the first filter units 500, which can save costs and space for the antenna 10.

[0049] In one possible implementation, each first filter unit 500 filters out signals with at least a portion of different frequencies. This embodiment can increase the bandwidth of the filtered interference signals, thereby minimizing the impact of interference signals. As mentioned earlier, for example, when there are three first filter units 500, each first filter unit 500 can filter out interference signals with a frequency range of 0.2Hz. For instance, one first filter unit 500 can filter out interference signals with a frequency range of 1.5Hz-1.7Hz, one first filter unit 500 can filter out interference signals with a frequency range of 1.7Hz-1.9Hz, and one first filter unit 500 can filter out interference signals with a frequency range of 1.9Hz-2.1Hz. In this case, three first filter units 500 can filter out interference signals with a frequency range of 1.5Hz-2.1Hz. The more first filter units 500 there are, the wider the bandwidth of the interference signals that can be filtered out, and the less interference to the transmission of the first signal.

[0050] In one possible implementation, cavity 600 includes a first cavity 610 and a second cavity 620 (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown), a portion of the first signal line 100 and a portion of the first filter unit 500 are located within the first cavity 610 (e.g., Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, a portion of the first signal line 100 and a portion of the first filter unit 500 are located within the second cavity 620. In this embodiment, there are two cavities 600, and multiple first filter units 500 are distributed in the first cavity 610 and the second cavity 620. The number of first filter units 500 distributed in the first cavity 610 and the second cavity 620 can be arbitrarily combined, but in principle, they are distributed in a space-saving manner. In this embodiment, the first signal line 100 is suspended in the first cavity 610 and the second cavity 620. In some embodiments, there may be three or more cavities 600, and multiple first filter units 500 are distributed in three or more cavities 600.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the combining unit 300 is located within the second cavity 620 (e.g., Figure 3 (As shown). That is, the first signal line 100 and the second signal line 200 are connected to the combining unit 300 in the second cavity 620. In some embodiments, the combining unit 300 may be located in the first cavity 610, and the first signal line 100 and the second signal line 200 are connected to the combining unit 300 in the first cavity 610.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the first cavity 610 and the second cavity 620 are provided with a first through hole 601 connecting the first cavity 610 and the second cavity 620 (e.g., Figure 3 As shown, the first signal line 100 passes through the first through hole 601, so that the first cavity 610 and the second cavity 620 each have a portion of the first signal line 100. In this embodiment, the first cavity 610 and the second cavity 620 are arranged adjacent to each other and share a sidewall. The first through hole 601 is provided on the shared sidewall, so that the first cavity 610 and the second cavity 620 can be connected through the first through hole 601.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the first cavity 610 and the second cavity 620 are provided with a first through hole 601 connecting the first cavity 610 and the second cavity 620 (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the antenna 10 also includes a first signal connector 700, which passes through the first through-hole 601. The two ends of the first signal connector 700 are located within the first cavity 610 and the second cavity 620, respectively, and are connected to portions of the first signal lines 100 within the first cavity 610 and the second cavity 620. In this embodiment, the first signal lines 100 in the first cavity 610 and the second cavity 620 are electrically connected through the first signal connector 700. The first signal connector 700 can be a pin or a metal plate. The first signal connector 700 is electrically insulated from the first cavity 610 and the second cavity 620 to prevent the first cavity 610 and the second cavity 620 from interfering with the transmission of the first signal within the first signal connector 700.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the antenna 10 further includes multiple second filter units 800 (such as...). Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, at least a portion of the second filtering unit 800 is electrically connected to the second signal line 200 and located within the second cavity 620. The second filtering unit 800 can be a band-stop filter or a band-pass filter. In this embodiment, the second filtering unit 800 is a band-pass filter. The second filtering unit 800 is connected to the second signal line 200, meaning it only allows the second signal to pass through, filtering out other signals besides the second signal, or filtering out other signals that can affect the transmission quality of the second signal. One end of the second signal line 200 and the first signal line 100 are connected through a combining unit 300. A portion of the first signal from the first signal line 100 will also be transmitted to the second signal line 200 through the combining unit 300, thus interfering with the stability of the second signal transmission in the second signal line 200. By connecting the second filtering unit 800 to the second signal line 200, the first signal can be filtered out, thereby reducing the interference of the first signal on the transmission of the second signal. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, all two second filter units 800 are disposed in the second cavity 620, namely second filter unit 800a and second filter unit 800b. In some embodiments, the second filter units 800 may also be disposed in other cavities.

[0055] In one possible implementation, each second filter unit 800 filters out signals with at least a portion of different frequencies. This embodiment can increase the bandwidth of the filtered interference signals, thereby minimizing the impact of interference signals. For example, when there are two second filter units 800, each second filter unit 800 can filter out interference signals with a bandwidth of 0.3Hz. For instance, one second filter unit 800 can filter out interference signals in the range of 2.3Hz-2.6Hz, and another second filter unit 800 can filter out interference signals in the range of 2.6Hz-2.9Hz. In this case, two second filter units 800 can filter out interference signals in the range of 2.3Hz-2.9Hz. The more second filter units 800 there are, the wider the bandwidth of the interference signals that can be filtered out, and the less interference to the transmission of the second signal.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the number of second filter units 800 located in the second cavity 620 is less than the number of first filter units 500. That is, the number of second filter units 800 in the second cavity 620 is smaller, leaving extra space within the second cavity 620 to accommodate the first filter units 500. For example, when the spaces in the first cavity 610 and the second cavity 620 are roughly equal, and the number of first filter units 500 is large, placing some of the first filter units 500 in the second cavity 620 can fully utilize the space in the second cavity 620 while avoiding an excessive number of first filter units 500 in the first cavity 610 that could negatively impact filtering performance. In one embodiment, the number of first filter units 500 is four, and the number of second filter units 800 is two. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 In some implementations, the number of first filter units 500 is 3, and the number of second filter units 800 is 2.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the number of first filter units 500 in the second cavity 620 is less than the number of first filter units 500 in the first cavity 610. In this embodiment, most of the first filter units 500 are disposed in the first cavity 610, and a small portion of the first filter units 500 are disposed in the second cavity 620. For example, in this embodiment, the number of first filter units 500 is four (e.g., ...). Figure 2 As shown, the first cavity 610 has three first filter units 500, and the second cavity 620 has one first filter unit 500, namely first filter unit 500a, first filter unit 500b, first filter unit 500c and first filter unit 500d. The first filter units 500a, 500b and 500c are located in the first cavity 610, and the first filter unit 500d is located in the second cavity 620.

[0058] Please see Figure 5 In one possible implementation, the antenna 10 further includes a first phase shifter 1100, which is located within the first cavity 610 and at the end of the first signal line 100 furthest from the first filter unit 500. When operational, the first phase shifter 1100 can change the phase of the signal in the first signal line 100. In this embodiment, the first cavity 610 is a cavity for housing the first phase shifter 1100. The first phase shifter 1100 and part of the first filter unit 500 are integrated into a single first cavity 610. That is, the first filter unit 500 is housed within a cavity within the antenna 10 itself for housing the first phase shifter 1100, eliminating the need for an additional cavity 600, thus reducing the weight of the antenna 10 and saving space.

[0059] The first phase shifter 1100 also includes two first dielectric sections 1110, which are located on the upper and lower sides of the first signal line 100, respectively. When the first dielectric section 1110 moves, it can change the phase in the first signal line 100.

[0060] In one possible implementation, the antenna 10 further includes a second phase shifter 1200, which is located within the second cavity 620 and at the end of the second signal line 200 furthest from the second filter unit 800. When operational, the second phase shifter 1200 can change the phase of the signal in the second signal line 200. In this embodiment, the second cavity 620 is a cavity 600 for housing the second phase shifter 1200. The second phase shifter 1200 and part of the second filter unit 800 are integrated into a single second cavity 620. That is, the second filter unit 800 is housed within a cavity within the antenna 10 itself for housing the second phase shifter 1200, eliminating the need for an additional cavity 600, thus reducing the weight of the antenna 10 and saving space.

[0061] The second phase shifter 1200 also includes two second dielectric sections 1210, which are located on the upper and lower sides of the second signal line 200, respectively. When the second dielectric section 1210 moves, it can change the phase in the second signal line 200.

[0062] In some embodiments, antenna 10 further includes a third cavity 630 (e.g., Figure 3 and Figure 4 (as shown) and the third signal connector 1300 (as shown) Figure 1As shown in the diagram, the first cavity 610 and the second cavity 620 are arranged side by side on one side of the third cavity 630. The third signal connector 1300 is disposed between the second cavity 620 and the third cavity 630. A portion of the combined transmission line 400 is located in the second cavity 620 and the third cavity 630, and the portion of the combined transmission line 400 in the second cavity 620 and the third cavity 630 is connected by the third signal connector 1300. The third signal connector 1300 can be a pin or a connector piece, and the third signal connector 1300 is electrically insulated from the second cavity 620 and the third cavity 630.

[0063] Please see Figure 6 and Figure 7 In one possible implementation, the antenna 10 further includes a third cavity 630 and a second filtering unit 800, at least a portion of the second filtering unit 800 being electrically connected to the second signal line 200 and located within the third cavity 630. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the second filtering unit 800 is located within the third cavity 630, the combining unit 300 is located within the second cavity 620, and the output terminals of the first signal line 100 and the second signal line 200, as well as the input terminal of the combining transmission line 400, are located within the second cavity 620. That is, the first signal line 100 and the second signal line 200 pass through the first cavity 610 and the third cavity 630 respectively and are combined in the second cavity 620. In this embodiment, the first cavity 610 and the third cavity 630 are arranged side-by-side on one side of the second cavity 620. See also... Figure 7 In this embodiment, the second filtering unit 800 is entirely located in the third cavity 630. The second signal line 200 is processed by the second filtering unit 800 in the third cavity 630 before entering the second cavity 620 and merging with the first signal line 100.

[0064] In one possible implementation, the second cavity 620 and the third cavity 630 are provided with a second through hole 602 connecting the second cavity 620 and the third cavity 630 (e.g., Figure 7 As shown, the second signal line 200 passes through the second perforation 602, so that the second cavity 620 and the third cavity 630 each have a portion of the second signal line 200. In this embodiment, the second cavity 620 and the third cavity 630 are arranged adjacent to each other and share a sidewall. The second perforation 602 is provided on the shared sidewall, so that the second cavity 620 and the third cavity 630 can be connected through the second perforation 602.

[0065] In one possible implementation, the second cavity 620 and the third cavity 630 are provided with a second signal connector 900 (e.g., Figure 6 As shown), the second cavity 620 and the third cavity 630 are provided with a second through hole connecting the second cavity 620 and the third cavity 630. Figure 6(Not shown in the diagram), a second signal connector 900 passes through a second through hole. The two ends of the second signal connector 900 are located within the second cavity 620 and the third cavity 630, respectively, and are connected to portions of the second signal lines 200 within the second cavity 620 and the third cavity 630. In this embodiment, the second signal lines 200 in the second cavity 620 and the third cavity 630 are electrically connected via the second signal connector 900. The second signal connector 900 can be a pin or a metal plate. The second signal connector 900 is electrically insulated from the second cavity 620 and the third cavity 630 to prevent the second cavity 620 and the third cavity 630 from affecting the transmission performance of the second signal within the second signal connector 900.

[0066] Please see Figure 8 In one possible implementation, the antenna 10 further includes a phase compensation unit 1000, which is disposed in the second cavity 620. The phase compensation unit 1000 is used to compensate for the phase of the signal in the combining transmission line 400. In this application, the second cavity 620 itself is a cavity 600 for housing the phase compensation unit 1000, that is, the first filtering unit 500 is placed within its own cavity.

[0067] Please see Figure 9 In one possible implementation, the antenna 10 further includes a reflector 1400 and a radome 1500, with the cavity 600 and its components located between the reflector 1400 and the radome 1500. In this embodiment, the cavity 600, the first signal line 100, the second signal line 200, the combining unit 300, and the combining transmission line 400 are part of the feed network in the antenna 10, which also includes a phase-shifting power divider unit and a radiating unit. The reflector 1400 is used to reflect signals, improving the sensitivity of the antenna 10 in receiving signals and concentrating the signal at the receiving point of the antenna 10. This not only greatly enhances the receiving / transmitting capability of the antenna 10 but also blocks or shields the signal from interference from other electromagnetic waves from the back side of the reflector 1400. The reflector 1400 can be made of metal. The radome 1500 has good electromagnetic wave penetration characteristics and can withstand harsh external environments, protecting the antenna 10 from external environmental influences. In this embodiment, the cavity 600 includes a first cavity 610 and a second cavity 620.

[0068] Please see Figure 10 In some embodiments, the first cavity 610, the second cavity 620, and the third cavity 630, as well as the components within these three cavities 600, are located between the reflector 1400 and the radome 1500.

[0069] In some embodiments, cavity 600 is formed on reflector 1400, or one side of cavity 600 serves as reflector 1400 of antenna 10.

[0070] It should be noted that the above embodiments are illustrated using a combiner that combines two signals into one signal as an example. For a combiner that combines three or more signal lines into one signal, there will also be mutual interference between the signals in the combiner. The principle of this application can be used to make corresponding modifications.

[0071] Please see Figure 11 One embodiment of this application also provides a communication device 1, including an antenna 10 as described in any of the above embodiments. There may be multiple antennas 10, which are distributed in an array. Each antenna 10 has a feeding network, and the feeding network in each antenna 10 may correspond to different frequencies. The same frequency in the antennas 10 corresponds to different radiation directions.

[0072] In some embodiments, the communication device 1 further includes a radio frequency (RF) processing unit 20 and a baseband processing unit 30. The baseband processing unit 30 is connected to the feed network in the antenna 10 via the RF processing unit 20. The antenna 10 is used to transmit received wireless signals to the RF processing unit 20, or to convert the transmitted signals from the RF processing unit 20 into electromagnetic waves and transmit them. The RF processing unit 20 is used to perform frequency selection, amplification, and down-conversion processing on the wireless signals received by the antenna 10, and convert them into intermediate frequency (IF) signals or baseband signals to be transmitted to the baseband processing unit 30; alternatively, it is used to up-convert and amplify the baseband signals or IF signals transmitted by the baseband processing unit 30, and transmit them through the antenna. The baseband processing unit 30 is used to process the IF signals or baseband signals transmitted by the RF processing unit 20.

[0073] In one embodiment, the radio frequency processing unit 20 is integrated with the antenna 10, which is mounted on a mast 40 or a tower. The baseband processing unit 30 is located at the distal end of the antenna 10 and is connected to the radio frequency processing unit 20 via a cable 50. In some embodiments, the radio frequency processing unit 20 and the baseband processing unit 30 may both be located at the distal end of the antenna 10.

[0074] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An antenna, characterized in that, The antenna includes a first signal line, a second signal line, a combining unit, a combining transmission line, multiple first filtering units, and multiple cavities. The first signal line is used to transmit a first signal. The output terminals of the first signal line and the second signal line are connected to the input terminal of the combined transmission line through the combining unit. The plurality of first filtering units are electrically connected to the first signal line respectively. The plurality of cavities include a first cavity and a second cavity. Part of the first signal line and part of the first filtering unit are located in the first cavity, and part of the first signal line and part of the first filtering unit are located in the second cavity. The first filtering unit is used for filtering to ensure the transmission quality of the first signal.

2. The antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The combining unit is located within the second cavity.

3. The antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first cavity and the second cavity are provided with a first through hole connecting the first cavity and the second cavity, and the first signal line passes through the first through hole so that the first cavity and the second cavity respectively have a portion of the first signal line.

4. The antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first cavity and the second cavity are provided with a first through hole connecting the first cavity and the second cavity. The antenna also includes a first signal connector, which passes through the first through hole. The two ends of the first signal connector are located in the first cavity and the second cavity respectively and are connected to a portion of the first signal line in the first cavity and the second cavity respectively.

5. The antenna according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The antenna also includes a plurality of second filtering units, at least some of which are electrically connected to the second signal line and located within the second cavity.

6. The antenna according to claim 5, characterized in that, The number of the second filter units located in the second cavity is less than the number of the first filter units.

7. The antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The antenna further includes a third cavity and a second filtering unit, at least a portion of the second filtering unit being electrically connected to the second signal line and the portion of the second filtering unit being located within the third cavity.

8. The antenna according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second cavity and the third cavity are provided with a second through hole connecting the second cavity and the third cavity, and the second signal line passes through the second through hole so that the second cavity and the third cavity respectively have a portion of the second signal line.

9. The antenna according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second cavity and the third cavity are provided with a second signal connector. The second cavity and the third cavity are provided with a second through hole that connects the second cavity and the third cavity. The second signal connector passes through the second through hole. The two ends of the second signal connector are located in the second cavity and the third cavity respectively and are respectively connected to a portion of the second signal line in the second cavity and the third cavity.

10. The antenna according to claim 7, characterized in that, Each of the second filter units filters out signals with at least some different frequencies.

11. The antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The antenna also includes a phase compensation unit, which is disposed in the second cavity.

12. The antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The antenna further includes a first phase shifter, which is located within the first cavity and at the end of the first signal line furthest from the first filter unit. When the first phase shifter is in operation, it can change the phase of the signal in the first signal line.

13. The antenna according to claim 7, characterized in that, The antenna further includes a second phase shifter, which is located in the second cavity and at the end of the second signal line away from the second filter unit. When the second phase shifter is working, it can change the phase of the signal in the second signal line.

14. The antenna according to any one of claims 1-4 and 6-13, characterized in that, Each of the first filtering units filters out signals with at least some different frequencies.

15. The antenna according to claim 5, characterized in that, Each of the first filtering units filters out signals with at least some different frequencies.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes an antenna as described in any one of claims 1-15.

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