Phase shifter and base station antenna

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of phase shifter and base station antenna.The phase shifter includes: cavity assembly, phase shift cavity is configured in cavity assembly;Fixed circuit board, it is located in phase shift cavity, fixed circuit board has signal output end;Feed rod, feed rod is set through cavity assembly, and with cavity assembly electrically insulated, feed rod includes insulating section and the conductive section connected with insulating section, insulating section is fixedly connected with cavity assembly, part structure of conductive section is located in phase shift cavity and is contacted with signal output end, another part structure of conductive section extends to outside phase shift cavity.The phase shifter and base station antenna in the present application can realize the plating-free of fixed circuit board, and easily connect, assembly efficiency is higher.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of antenna communication technology, and in particular to a phase shifter and a base station antenna. Background Technology

[0002] Base station antennas are a crucial component of mobile communication networks, and their performance directly impacts network coverage. Currently, the mainstream feed network solution for base station antennas involves using a phase shifter with a metal cavity to distribute power and shift the phase, and connecting the phase shifter's signal output to the radiating element using a coaxial cable. Specifically, the phase shifter includes a cavity and a fixed circuit board located within the cavity. During connection, the coaxial cable needs to be inserted into the cavity and soldered to the signal output of the fixed circuit board. This requires electroplating the fixed circuit board; however, the wastewater generated by electroplating pollutes the environment, and the soldering process for the coaxial cable is also relatively complex, resulting in low assembly efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Based on this, this application provides a phase shifter and base station antenna that are free from electroplating, easy to connect, and have high assembly efficiency.

[0004] The first aspect of this application provides a phase shifter, including:

[0005] Cavity assembly, which contains a phase-shifting cavity;

[0006] A fixed circuit board is located inside the phase-shifting cavity, and the fixed circuit board has a signal output terminal;

[0007] The feed rod is installed through the cavity assembly and is electrically insulated from the cavity assembly. The feed rod includes an insulating section and a conductive section connected to the insulating section. The insulating section is fixedly connected to the cavity assembly. Part of the conductive section is located inside the phase-shifting cavity and is in contact with the signal output terminal. Another part of the conductive section extends outside the phase-shifting cavity.

[0008] In one embodiment, the cavity assembly includes a reflector and a housing connected to the reflector, with an insulating section fixedly connected to the housing;

[0009] The housing and reflector together define the phase-shifting cavity. This allows the housing to be formed as a semi-cavity structure, which effectively saves materials, reduces weight, and facilitates the miniaturization and lightweight design of the antenna.

[0010] In one embodiment, the insulating segment is detachably fixed to the housing. This facilitates the assembly of the insulating segment and the housing.

[0011] In one embodiment, a first mounting hole is provided on the housing, and the insulating section is engaged with or threaded into the first mounting hole.

[0012] In one embodiment, the reflector has a first clearance hole, through which a conductive segment passes, and a gap exists between the conductive segment and the wall of the first clearance hole. This achieves insulation between the conductive segment and the reflector.

[0013] In one embodiment, the conductive segment surface is further provided with a conductive plane that extends toward and abuts against the signal output terminal. This facilitates more reliable contact between the conductive plane and the signal output terminal when the feed rod is inserted into the cavity assembly.

[0014] In one embodiment, a protrusion is provided at one end of the conductive segment facing the insulating segment, and the surface of the protrusion facing the fixed circuit board forms a conductive plane; the signal output terminal is disposed on the surface of the fixed circuit board facing the insulating segment.

[0015] The fixed circuit board has a second clearance hole, through which the conductive section also passes, so that the conductive plane abuts against the signal output terminal. This facilitates more reliable contact between the conductive plane and the signal output terminal when the feed rod is inserted into the cavity assembly.

[0016] In one embodiment, the phase shifter further includes a positioning block, which is constructed as an insulating element and is clamped between the reflector and the fixed circuit board.

[0017] The conductive segment passes sequentially through the fixed circuit board, the positioning block, and the reflector. In this way, the fixed circuit board can be clamped between the positioning block and the conductive plane of the conductive segment, thus achieving relative fixation with the housing.

[0018] In one embodiment, the housing is further provided with a partition to divide the phase shifting cavity into two chambers. The fixed circuit board includes two sub-circuit boards, each of which is provided with a signal output terminal. The number of feed rods is two, and they are arranged one-to-one with the signal output terminals.

[0019] One of the sub-circuit boards has a signal output terminal for electrical connection to one of the feed structures of the radiating unit; the other sub-circuit board has a signal output terminal for electrical connection to another feed structure of the radiating unit.

[0020] Each chamber is equipped with a corresponding set of sub-circuit boards and feed rods.

[0021] In one embodiment, the top of the housing has a flange that abuts against the reflector and is connected to the reflector by a first fastener. This facilitates the connection between the housing and the reflector.

[0022] In one embodiment, an insulating buffer pad is sandwiched between the partition and the reflector, and an insulating buffer pad is also sandwiched between the flange and the reflector. This is to ensure that the flange and the reflector can fit together seamlessly, even when their facing surfaces are uneven.

[0023] In one embodiment, the housing is also connected to the reflector via a second fastener. This further enhances the connection strength.

[0024] In one embodiment, the second fastener is constructed as a conductor, and the second fastener contacts the reflector and the housing; thus, the reflector and the housing are electrically connected, achieving a common electrical ground.

[0025] The reflector is also used for electrical or coupling connection with the balun of the radiating unit. This allows for electrical or coupling connection between the housing and the balun, and also enables the housing 20 to be electroplated-free.

[0026] A second aspect of this application provides a base station antenna, including a radiating element and the phase shifter described above;

[0027] The radiating unit includes a feeding structure, which is electrically connected to the conductive section of the feeding rod.

[0028] In one embodiment, the radiating unit includes a feed structure accommodating cavity, and the conductive segment includes a first portion extending outside the phase-shifting cavity. The first portion is inserted into the feed structure accommodating cavity to electrically connect with the feed structure of the corresponding radiating unit. This allows the feed rod to be connected to the radiating unit via a plug-in connection, simplifying the connection and improving assembly efficiency.

[0029] In one embodiment, the base station antenna further includes a feed signal board, and the feed signal board is also provided with feed signal lines;

[0030] The feed signal board is located outside the cavity assembly. The conductive section includes a first part extending outside the phase-shifting cavity. This first part is electrically connected to the feed structure of the corresponding radiating unit via a feed signal line. This arrangement allows for flexible adjustment of the electrical connection position between the feed rod and the radiating unit, and also facilitates impedance matching adjustment.

[0031] The beneficial effects of the aforementioned phase shifter and base station antenna are as follows:

[0032] Part of the conductive section of the feed rod is located inside the phase-shifting cavity and is in contact with the signal output terminal, so that the conductive section is electrically connected to the signal output terminal. Another part of the conductive section extends outside the phase-shifting cavity, thereby leading the electrical signal of the fixed circuit board out of the phase-shifting cavity for use by the radiation unit.

[0033] By using a feed rod that penetrates the cavity assembly and the insulating section that is fixedly connected to the cavity assembly, the conductive section can be relatively fixed to the cavity assembly. Simultaneously, at least a portion of the conductive section is located within the phase-shifting cavity and contacts the signal output terminal, allowing the conductive section to achieve electrical connection with the signal output terminal through direct contact. In other words, in this embodiment, simply inserting the feed rod into the cavity assembly so that at least a portion of the conductive section contacts the signal output terminal of the fixed circuit board, with the other portion extending outside the phase-shifting cavity, allows the electrical signal from the fixed circuit board to be led out of the phase-shifting cavity. This eliminates the need for the coaxial cable to be inserted from the outside of the cavity into the cavity and soldered to the signal output terminal of the fixed circuit board, as required in related technologies. The connection process is simpler and more reliable, improving assembly efficiency and consistency. Furthermore, since soldering the coaxial cable to the signal output terminal of the fixed circuit board is unnecessary, the fixed circuit board can be electroplated-free.

[0034] In addition, since the signal output terminal of the fixed circuit board directly leads out the signal through the feed rod, compared with coaxial cable, it can also reduce transmission loss and increase antenna gain, which meets the needs of efficient, low-carbon and green development of base stations. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a phase shifter provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the connection between the feed rod and the cavity assembly in the phase shifter provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the phase shifter provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the feeder rod in the phase shifter provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the phase shifter and the radiation unit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a phase shifter provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a base station antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the base station antenna provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0043] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0044] 100. Phase shifter; 101. Cavity assembly; 10. Reflector; 11. First clearance hole; 20. Housing; 201. First mounting hole; 202. Opening; 203. Flanged part; 204. First fastener; 205. Insulating buffer pad; 206. Second fastener; 207. Bottom wall; 208. Side wall; 21. Phase shifting cavity; 22. Partition; 30. Fixed circuit board; 301. Sub-circuit board; 31. Signal output terminal; 32. Second clearance hole; 40. Positioning block; 50. Feed rod; 51. Conductive section; 510. Protrusion; 511. Conductive plane; 512. First part; 52. Insulating section;

[0045] 200. Base station antenna; 210. Radiation element; 211. Feed structure; 212. Feed structure housing cavity; 220. Balun; 230. Feed signal board; 240. Feed signal line; 250. Phase shifting dielectric board. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can be practiced in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0047] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0048] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" 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. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0049] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0050] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0051] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0052] The phase shifter and base station antenna of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a phase shifter provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram showing the connection between the feed rod and the cavity assembly in the phase shifter provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the phase shifter provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0054] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 The phase shifter 100 provided in this application embodiment includes a cavity assembly 101, a fixed circuit board 30, and a feed rod 50.

[0055] A phase-shifting cavity 21 is constructed within the cavity assembly 101. A fixed circuit board 30 is disposed within the phase-shifting cavity 21 and has a signal output terminal 31. A feed rod 50 is disposed through the cavity assembly 101 and is electrically insulated from the cavity assembly 101. The feed rod 50 includes an insulating section 52 and a conductive section 51 connected to the insulating section 52. The insulating section 52 is fixedly connected to the cavity assembly 101. Part of the structure of the conductive section 51 is located within the phase-shifting cavity 21 and is in contact with the signal output terminal 31. Another part of the structure of the conductive section 51 extends outside the phase-shifting cavity 21.

[0056] The feed rod 50 includes a conductive section 51, part of which is located inside the phase-shifting cavity 21 and in contact with the signal output terminal 31, thus electrically connecting the conductive section 51 to the signal output terminal 31. Another part of the conductive section 51 extends outside the phase-shifting cavity 21, thereby leading the electrical signal from the fixed circuit board 30 out of the phase-shifting cavity 21 for connection and use by the radiation unit 210.

[0057] The feed rod 50 is inserted through the cavity assembly 101, and the insulating section 52 is fixedly connected to the cavity assembly 101, thereby fixing the conductive section 51 relative to the cavity assembly 101. Simultaneously, at least a portion of the conductive section 51 is located within the phase-shifting cavity 21 and contacts the signal output terminal 31, allowing the conductive section 51 to achieve electrical connection with the signal output terminal 31 through direct contact. In other words, in this embodiment, by simply inserting the feed rod 50 into the cavity assembly 101, ensuring that at least a portion of the conductive section 51 contacts the signal output terminal 31 of the fixed circuit board 30, and that the remaining portion of the conductive section 51 extends outside the phase-shifting cavity 21, the electrical signal from the fixed circuit board 30 can be led out of the phase-shifting cavity 21. The process of extending the coaxial cable from the outside of the cavity into the cavity and welding it to the signal output terminal 31 of the fixed circuit board 30 is omitted in the relevant technology. The connection process is simpler and more reliable, which improves assembly efficiency and consistency. Furthermore, there is no need to weld the coaxial cable to the signal output terminal of the fixed circuit board, so the fixed circuit board 30 can be made electroplating-free.

[0058] In addition, since the signal output terminal 31 of the fixed circuit board 30 directly leads out the signal through the feed rod 50, compared with the coaxial cable, the transmission loss can be reduced and the antenna gain can be increased, which meets the needs of efficient, low-carbon and green development of base stations.

[0059] In this embodiment, the fixed circuit board 30 has N branches (N is a natural number ≥ 1), and each of the N branches corresponds to one of the N radiating units 210. The number of signal output terminals 31 provided in one branch is determined by the type of radiating unit 210 corresponding to that branch. For example, when the radiating unit 210 is a dual-polarized radiating unit (e.g., a ±45° dual-polarized radiating unit), the number of signal output terminals 31 provided in one branch is two. One of the signal output terminals 31 is connected to a feeding structure 211 of the dual-polarized radiating unit 210 (see below) through a feeding rod 50. Figure 6 The other signal output terminal 31 is electrically connected to another feed structure 211 of the dual-polarized radiation unit 210 (see below) via another feed rod 50. Figure 6 Electrical connection. In the case that the radiation unit 210 is a single-polarization radiation unit, the number of signal output terminals 31 corresponding to one branch is one, and the signal output terminal 31 is electrically connected to the feeding structure of the single-polarization radiation unit through a feeding rod 50.

[0060] In this embodiment, the phase shifter 100 is used in conjunction with a dual-polarized radiation unit as an example for illustration. The same applies to other types of radiation units 210, and will not be described in detail here.

[0061] In the phase shifter 100 of this application embodiment, regardless of the type of radiating unit it is applied to, the number of feed rods 50 and the number of signal output terminals 31 are the same and are set in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0062] Understandably, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 When the radiation unit 210 is a dual-polarized radiation unit, the fixed circuit board 30 may include two sub-circuit boards 301, and the two signal output terminals 31 corresponding to one branch are respectively arranged on the two sub-circuit boards 301.

[0063] In this embodiment, the cavity assembly 101 includes a reflector 10 and a housing 20 connected to the reflector 10. An insulating section 52 is fixedly connected to the housing 20. The housing 20 and the reflector 10 together define a phase-shifting cavity 21. This allows the housing 20 to be formed as a semi-cavity structure, which can effectively save materials, reduce weight, and facilitate the miniaturization and lightweight design of the antenna.

[0064] For example, combining Figure 1 and Figure 3 The housing 20 includes a bottom wall 207 and side walls 208 connected to both sides of the bottom wall 207, such that the bottom wall 207 and side walls 208 define a cavity with an opening 202. The reflector 10 is disposed at the opening 202, such that the reflector 10 and the housing 20 together define a phase-shifting cavity 21. The conductive segment 51 can pass through the opening and be inserted into the reflector 10.

[0065] Of course, in some other embodiments, the phase-shifting cavity 21 can also be directly constructed within the housing 20. The housing 20 is fixed to one side of the reflector 10. Furthermore, the housing 20 is a metal part, which can be formed, for example, by pultrusion molding, stamping sheet metal forming, or other methods.

[0066] In the embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 1 , Figure 2 In the case where the radiation unit 210 is a dual-polarized radiation unit, for example, a partition 22 is also provided inside the housing 20 to divide the phase-shifting cavity 21 into two chambers. When the housing 20 includes a bottom wall 207 and side walls 208 connected to both sides of the bottom wall 207, the partition 22 can form a semi-open double-cavity structure together with the housing 20. In this case, the reflector 10 is covered on the top of the side wall 208, which can close the cross section of the phase-shifting cavity 21.

[0067] The fixed circuit board 30 can be a signal board for transmitting high-frequency electromagnetic signals. Alternatively, the fixed circuit board 30 can be constructed as a double-sided copper-clad PCB board or a metal strip. The fixed circuit board 30 is approximately fixed at the center of the height direction of the phase shifting cavity 21.

[0068] As mentioned above, the fixed circuit board 30 includes two sub-circuit boards 301, each of which has a signal output terminal 31. The two signal output terminals 31 of the two sub-circuit boards 301 are respectively used for electrical connection with the two feeding structures 211 of the radiation unit 210. There are two feeding rods 50, which are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the signal output terminals 31. Each chamber is provided with a corresponding set of sub-circuit boards 301 and feeding rods 50.

[0069] The phase shifter 100 may further include a phase shifting medium plate 250, which is disposed on one or both sides of the fixed circuit board 30. The phase shifting medium plate 250 can slide relative to the fixed circuit board 30, such that the phase shifting medium plate 250 wholly or partially covers the fixed circuit board 30, thereby changing the phase of the signal line transmission.

[0070] In this embodiment, the insulating section 52 is detachably fixed to the housing 20, which facilitates daily maintenance and replacement.

[0071] Furthermore, a first mounting hole 201 is provided on the housing 20, and the insulating section 52 is engaged with or threaded into the first mounting hole 201. When there are multiple radiating units 210, the position of each first mounting hole 201 should align with the opening of the feed structure accommodating cavity 212 on the radiating unit 210 (described later). Figure 6 The positions of ) correspond one-to-one.

[0072] Regarding the connection between the conductive segment 51 and the reflector 10, for example, the reflector 10 can be provided with a first clearance hole 11, the conductive segment 51 can pass through the first clearance hole 11, and there can be a gap between the conductive segment 51 and the hole wall of the first clearance hole 11. In this way, insulation between the conductive segment 51 and the reflector 10 can be achieved.

[0073] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the feeder rod in the phase shifter provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the phase shifter and the radiation unit provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a phase shifter provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0074] In this embodiment of the application, combined with Figure 2 and Figure 4 The conductive section 51 and the insulating section 52 can be interlocked, for example, the conductive section 51 can be encapsulated and injection molded to form the feeder rod 50.

[0075] Furthermore, the conductive section 51 is also provided with a conductive plane 511 on its surface, which extends toward the signal output terminal 31 and abuts against the signal output terminal 31. This facilitates more reliable contact between the conductive plane 511 and the signal output terminal 31 when the feed rod 50 is inserted into the cavity assembly 101.

[0076] For example, the conductive segment 51 has a protrusion 510 at one end facing the insulating segment 52, and the surface of the protrusion 510 facing the fixed circuit board 30 forms a conductive plane 511. The signal output terminal 31 is disposed on the surface of the fixed circuit board 30 facing the insulating segment 52. The fixed circuit board 30 has a second clearance hole 32, and the conductive segment 51 also passes through the second clearance hole 32 so that the conductive plane 51 abuts against the signal output terminal 31.

[0077] The protrusion 510 can be arranged circumferentially around the conductive segment 51 to form a ring. The outer diameter of the protrusion 510 is larger than the diameter of the second clearance hole 32. When the conductive segment 51 passes through the second clearance hole 32, the conductive plane 511 presses against the signal output terminal 31, realizing the electrical connection between the conductive plane 511 and the signal output terminal 31. The conductive segment 51 can extend to the outside of the reflector 10. The portion of the conductive segment 51 extending to the outside of the reflector 10 can be electrically connected to the feed structure 211 of the radiation unit 210 to realize the complete transmission of high-frequency signals from the phase shifter 100 to the radiation unit 210.

[0078] In this embodiment, the phase shifter 100 further includes a positioning block 40. The positioning block 40 is constructed as an insulating element and is clamped between the reflector 10 and the fixed circuit board 30. The conductive segment 51 passes through the fixed circuit board 30, the positioning block 40, and the reflector 10 in sequence. Thus, the fixed circuit board 30 can be clamped between the positioning block 40 and the conductive plane 511 (protrusion 510) of the conductive segment 51, thereby achieving relative fixation with the housing 20. Furthermore, the positioning block 40, being an insulating element, also provides electrical insulation between the fixed circuit board 30 and the reflector 10.

[0079] Combination Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 In this embodiment, the top of the housing 20 is provided with a flange 203, which abuts against the reflector 10 and is connected to the reflector 10 by a first fastener 204. The first fastener 204 may be, for example, an insulating part such as a plastic part. The first fastener 204 can be along... Figure 5 Multiple first directions F are provided, such as the arrangement direction of multiple radiation units 210, and the first direction F is also the length direction of the housing 20.

[0080] Furthermore, an insulating buffer pad 205 is sandwiched between the partition 22 and the reflector 10, and an insulating buffer pad 205 is also sandwiched between the flange 203 and the reflector 10.

[0081] To further enhance the connection strength, the housing 20 is also connected to the reflector 10 via a second fastener 206. The position of the second fastener 206 corresponds to the position of the partition 22. Multiple second fasteners 206 can also be arranged at intervals along the first direction F.

[0082] In this embodiment of the application, 3- Figure 6 The second fastener 206 is constructed as a conductor. The second fastener 206 contacts the reflector 10 and the housing 20, thus electrically connecting the reflector 10 and the housing 20 and achieving a common electrical ground. The hole on the reflector 10 through which the second fastener 206 passes can be flexibly adjusted to a suitable aperture according to the electrical impedance characteristics.

[0083] The reflector 10 is also used for electrical connection or coupling connection with the balun 220 of the radiating unit 210. This allows for electrical connection or coupling connection between the housing 20 and the balun 220 without the need for coaxial cable welding connection as in related technologies, thereby achieving an electroplating-free process for the housing 20.

[0084] A second aspect of the embodiments of this application also provides a base station antenna 200.

[0085] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the base station antenna provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the base station antenna provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0086] Combination Figure 6 and Figure 7 The base station antenna 200 provided in this embodiment includes a radiating element 210 and the phase shifter 100 described above. The radiating element 210 includes a feeding structure 211, which is electrically connected to the conductive section 51 of the feeding rod 50. The base station antenna 200 can be single-frequency or multi-frequency. The number of radiating elements 210 is at least one, and when the number of radiating elements 210 is multiple, the multiple radiating elements 210 are arranged sequentially along the first direction F.

[0087] In one possible implementation, the radiating unit 210 includes a feeding structure accommodating cavity 212, within which the feeding structure 211 of the radiating unit 210 is housed. The conductive segment 51 includes a first portion 512 extending outside the phase-shifting cavity 21, which is inserted into the feeding structure accommodating cavity 212 for electrical connection with the corresponding feeding structure 211. This simplifies and improves the connection between the feeding structure 211 and the feeding rod 50. It is understood that the position of the first clearance hole 11 on the reflector 10 must also correspond one-to-one with the opening position of the feeding structure accommodating cavity 212 of the radiating unit 210.

[0088] Reference Figure 8 As another possible implementation, the base station antenna 200 also includes a feed signal board 230, on which a feed signal line 240 is also provided.

[0089] The feed signal board 230 is disposed on the cavity assembly 101, for example, on the side of the reflector 10 facing away from the housing 20. The first portion 512 of the conductive section 51 is also the portion of the conductive section 51 that extends to the side of the reflector 10 facing away from the housing 20. The first portion 512 is electrically connected to the corresponding feed structure 211 via the feed signal line 240. This arrangement allows for flexible adjustment of the electrical connection position between the feed rod 50 and the radiation unit 210, and also facilitates impedance matching adjustment.

[0090] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0091] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A phase shifter, characterized in that, include: A cavity assembly, wherein a phase-shifting cavity is constructed within the cavity assembly; A fixed circuit board is disposed within the phase-shifting cavity, and the fixed circuit board has a signal output terminal; A feed rod is provided through the cavity assembly and is electrically insulated from the cavity assembly. The feed rod includes an insulating section and a conductive section connected to the insulating section. The insulating section is fixedly connected to the cavity assembly. A portion of the conductive section is located inside the phase-shifting cavity and is in contact with the signal output terminal. Another portion of the conductive section extends outside the phase-shifting cavity. The conductive segment is used to electrically connect with the feeding structure of the radiation unit outside the phase-shifting cavity. The cavity assembly includes a reflector and a housing connected to the reflector. The insulating section is fixedly connected to the housing, and a portion of the insulating section is located outside the housing. The housing includes a bottom wall and side walls connected to both sides of the bottom wall. The bottom wall and the side walls define a cavity with an opening. The reflector is disposed over the opening so that the housing and the reflector together define the phase-shifting cavity. The signal output terminal is disposed on the surface of the fixed circuit board facing the insulating section; the conductive section has a protrusion at one end facing the insulating section, and the surface of the protrusion facing the fixed circuit board abuts against the signal output terminal so that the conductive section is electrically connected to the signal output terminal.

2. The phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insulating section is detachably fixed to the housing.

3. The phase shifter according to claim 2, characterized in that, The housing has a first mounting hole, and the insulating section is engaged with or threaded into the first mounting hole.

4. The phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reflector is provided with a first clearance hole, the conductive segment passes through the first clearance hole, and there is a gap between the conductive segment and the hole wall of the first clearance hole.

5. The phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed circuit board has a second clearance hole, and the conductive segment also passes through the second clearance hole so that the conductive plane abuts against the signal output terminal.

6. The phase shifter according to claim 5, characterized in that, The phase shifter also includes a positioning block, which is constructed as an insulating component and is clamped between the reflector and the fixed circuit board. The conductive segment passes sequentially through the fixed circuit board, the positioning block, and the reflector.

7. The phase shifter according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The housing is also provided with a partition to divide the phase shifting cavity into two chambers. The fixed circuit board includes two sub-circuit boards, each of which is provided with a signal output terminal. There are two feed rods, which are arranged one-to-one with the signal output terminals. The signal output terminal of one of the sub-circuit boards is used to be electrically connected to a feeding structure of the radiating unit; the signal output terminal of the other sub-circuit board is used to be electrically connected to another feeding structure of the radiating unit. Each of the chambers is provided with a corresponding set of sub-circuit boards and feed rods.

8. The phase shifter according to claim 7, characterized in that, The top of the housing is provided with a flange, which abuts against the reflector and is connected to the reflector by a first fastener.

9. The phase shifter according to claim 8, characterized in that, An insulating buffer pad is sandwiched between the partition and the reflector, and an insulating buffer pad is also sandwiched between the flange and the reflector.

10. The phase shifter according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The housing is also connected to the reflector via a second fastener.

11. The phase shifter according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second fastener is constructed as a conductor, and the second fastener contacts the reflector and the housing. The reflector is also used for balun electrical connection or coupling connection with the radiating unit.

12. A base station antenna, characterized in that, Includes a radiating unit and a phase shifter as described in any one of claims 1-11; The radiating unit includes a feeding structure, which is electrically connected to the conductive section of the feeding rod.

13. The base station antenna according to claim 12, characterized in that, The radiating unit includes a feeding structure accommodating cavity, and the portion of the conductive segment extending outside the phase-shifting cavity is inserted into the feeding structure accommodating cavity to be electrically connected to the feeding structure of the corresponding radiating unit.

14. The base station antenna according to claim 12, characterized in that, The base station antenna also includes a feed signal board, and the feed signal board is further provided with feed signal lines; The power supply signal board is located outside the cavity assembly, and the portion of the conductive section extending outside the phase-shifting cavity is electrically connected to the power supply structure of the corresponding radiation unit through the power supply signal line.

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