Base station antenna

Abstract

The present invention provides a base station antenna, the base station antenna includes a reflector and a phase shifter, the reflector is provided with a groove, the phase shifter includes a phase shift circuit, a phase shift medium and a radio frequency ground, the phase shift circuit is insulated and covered on the opening of the groove, the groove wall of the groove constitutes the radio frequency ground, the phase shift medium includes a first sliding medium, the first sliding medium is arranged in the groove, and the first sliding medium moves relative to the phase shift circuit to adjust the phase. The base station antenna of the present invention integrates the phase shifter into the reflector, especially uses the groove on the reflector to install the phase shift medium, which not only significantly reduces the volume of the antenna, making the antenna more compact and lightweight, but also optimizes the internal space layout of the antenna.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of mobile communications, and in particular relates to a base station antenna. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of wireless communication technology, people have higher and higher requirements on the performance of communication equipment, especially in terms of signal transmission speed, stability and coverage. As the core of wireless communication, the performance of communication equipment depends largely on the performance of antennas. As a key component for wireless signal transmission and reception, the radiation efficiency of antennas is one of the important parameters for measuring antenna performance, which directly affects the overall performance of communication equipment.

[0003] Take the base station antenna as an example. It is a key infrastructure in the wireless communication network and bears the heavy responsibility of signal transmission and reception. The traditional base station antenna structure usually includes an antenna reflector, a radiating unit installed on the front of the reflector, and a feed network installed on the back or front of the reflector. As an important part of the antenna, the feed network is responsible for providing precise amplitude and phase control for the radiating unit to control signal radiation.

[0004] However, in existing antennas, the phase shifter in the feed network usually needs to be equipped with a separate metal cavity as the RF ground, and the metal cavity is installed on the reflector. The phase shifter is electrically connected to the radiating unit installed on the front of the reflector through a coaxial cable or a signal line of the feed network. This method has many disadvantages: (1) The large number of overall components leads to a complex antenna structure, which increases the difficulty of production and assembly; (2) Due to the long feed link, the signal is easily affected by various factors during transmission, such as cable loss, impedance mismatch, etc., which leads to a decrease in signal quality and affects the radiation efficiency of the antenna; (3) Due to the presence of the metal cavity, the overall weight of the antenna is heavy, which is not conducive to production convenience and the convenience of antenna tower installation. Summary of the invention

[0005] The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a base station antenna to solve at least one of the above problems.

[0006] In order to meet the various objectives of the present invention, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] A base station antenna is provided to meet one of the purposes of the present invention, including a reflector and a phase shifter, wherein a groove is provided on the reflector, and the phase shifter includes a phase shift circuit, a phase shift medium and a radio frequency ground, wherein the phase shift circuit is insulated and covered on the opening of the groove, and the groove wall of the groove constitutes the radio frequency ground, and the phase shift medium includes a first sliding medium, which is arranged in the groove, and the first sliding medium moves relative to the phase shift circuit to adjust the phase.

[0008] In one embodiment, the base station antenna also includes a dielectric plate, the phase shifting circuit is arranged on the dielectric plate, and the dielectric plate is insulated and covered on the reflective plate; or, the phase shifting circuit is a first sheet metal strip line, and the first sheet metal strip line is insulated from the reflective plate.

[0009] In one embodiment, the base station antenna further includes a feeding network, the feeding network includes a feeding circuit, the feeding circuit includes a power division circuit and the phase shift circuit, the phase shift circuit is electrically connected to the power division circuit and is integrated with the power division circuit.

[0010] In one embodiment, the feeding circuit includes a plurality of the power division circuits and a plurality of the phase shift circuits that are integrated into one unit.

[0011] In one embodiment, the feeding network further includes a dielectric substrate and a ground layer. The feeding circuit and the ground layer are respectively arranged on the front and back surfaces of the dielectric substrate. The ground layer is hollowed out in a region corresponding to the phase shifting circuit.

[0012] In one embodiment, the phase shifting circuit and the power dividing circuit are arranged on the same surface of the dielectric substrate; or, the power dividing circuit and the phase shifting circuit are arranged on different surfaces of the dielectric substrate.

[0013] In one embodiment, the feeding network is a microstrip PCB board structure; or, the dielectric substrate is a plastic carrier, and the feeding circuit is a metal layer formed on the plastic carrier.

[0014] In one embodiment, the feeding circuit is a second sheet metal strip line, and the second sheet metal strip line is insulated from the reflection plate.

[0015] In one embodiment, a grounding plate is provided on the dielectric substrate, the grounding plate is electrically connected to the ground layer, and the signal port of the feeding network is arranged adjacent to the grounding plate.

[0016] In one embodiment, the extension path of the phase shift circuit, the extension path of the groove, and the sliding path of the phase shift medium are arranged correspondingly.

[0017] In one embodiment, a gap is provided between the phase shifting medium and the phase shifting circuit in the thickness direction of the reflector.

[0018] In one embodiment, the phase shifting medium further includes a second sliding medium, and the second sliding medium and the first sliding medium are respectively arranged at upper and lower sides of the phase shifting circuit.

[0019] In one embodiment, the dielectric constant of the first sliding medium is 2-10, and the dielectric constant of the second sliding medium is 2-10.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first sliding medium and the second sliding medium are engaged with each other.

[0021] In one embodiment, a clamping structure is provided on the first sliding medium, the clamping structure includes a pair of clamping arms, and the second sliding medium is inserted between the pair of clamping arms.

[0022] In one embodiment, a sliding pin is further provided on the phase shifting medium, a guide groove is provided on the reflecting plate, and the sliding pin is inserted into the guide groove.

[0023] In one embodiment, the base station antenna further includes a radiation unit, the radiation unit is disposed on the reflection plate, the radiation unit is electrically connected to the phase shifter, and the opening of the groove faces a side of the reflection plate where the radiation unit is located.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has many advantages, including but not limited to:

[0025] (1) The base station antenna of the present invention integrates the phase shifter into the reflector, and in particular utilizes the groove on the reflector to install the phase shift medium, which not only significantly reduces the volume of the antenna, making the antenna more compact and lightweight, but also optimizes the internal space layout of the antenna. This compact structure not only saves precious installation space, allowing the antenna to work more efficiently in a limited space, but also provides more possibilities for the integration of other electronic devices.

[0026] (2) The present invention provides a groove on the reflector to accommodate the first sliding medium, and reuses the groove of the reflector as a radio frequency ground. This change directly reduces the number of components in the feed network, thereby significantly reducing the overall weight of the antenna. At the same time, since the phase shifter is directly integrated on the reflector, no additional cavity and card are required, the size of the antenna can be reduced, and the thickness can be reduced, which is conducive to miniaturization and lightweight of the antenna, which is particularly important for the deployment of the antenna in a limited space.

[0027] Moreover, conventional cavity phase shifters usually contain complex internal structures, including the metal cavity itself, the phase shifting circuit, the sliding medium, and the clamps that assemble them together. These additional components not only increase the manufacturing cost, but also significantly increase the weight of the antenna. The present invention achieves the goal of lightweighting by simplifying the structure.

[0028] (3) The base station antenna of the present invention installs the phase shifter on the radiation side of the reflector in a low-profile manner, without using the entire cavity phase shifter cavity as the RF ground and installing it on the reflector like the traditional base station antenna. This low-profile design not only reduces the size of the antenna, but also helps to achieve a more compact and lightweight antenna structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and easily understood from the following description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the local structure of a base station antenna according to a typical embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Magnified view of part A.

[0032] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of an exploded view of a base station antenna according to a typical embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of a reflector of a base station antenna according to a typical embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of assembling a feeding network and a dielectric substrate of a base station antenna according to a typical embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of an explosion of a phase shifting medium of a base station antenna according to a typical embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a base station antenna according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the structure of a base station antenna according to a typical embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements with the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention and cannot be interpreted as limiting the present invention.

[0039] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, unless expressly stated, the singular forms "one", "said", and "the" used herein may also include plural forms. It should be further understood that the term "comprising" used in the specification of the present invention refers to the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof. It should be understood that when we refer to an element as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it may be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there may be an intermediate element. In addition, the "connection" or "coupling" used herein may include wireless connection or wireless coupling. The term "and / or" used herein includes all or any unit and all combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0040] Those skilled in the art will understand that, unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art in the field to which the present invention belongs. It should also be understood that terms such as those defined in common dictionaries should be understood to have meanings consistent with the meanings in the context of the prior art, and will not be interpreted with idealized or overly formal meanings unless specifically defined as here.

[0041] The present invention provides a base station antenna, in which a phase shift circuit is arranged in a feeding network to shorten the length of the feeding link, a first sliding medium is installed in a groove of a reflecting plate, and the phase shift circuit is grounded through the groove, so that there is no need to set a separate cavity for the phase shift circuit in the base station antenna, thereby reducing the number of parts of the base station antenna and reducing the weight of the base station antenna.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 and Figure 3 The base station antenna 10 includes a reflector 200, a radiation unit 300, a feed network 400, and a phase shifter. The feed network 400 is insulated and arranged on the reflector 200. The radiation unit 300 is arranged on the reflector 200. The radiation unit 300 is electrically connected to the feed network 400. The feed network 400 outputs an electrical signal to the radiation unit 300. The radiation unit 300 is excited to radiate a signal externally. In this embodiment, it is recommended that the phase shifter is a microstrip phase shifter, but this should not be understood as a limitation to the present invention.

[0043] Combination Figure 4The reflective plate 200 includes a front side 210 and a back side (not shown). A groove 230 is formed on the reflective plate 200 . The groove 230 has an opening on the front side 210 of the reflective plate 200 .

[0044] The phase shifter includes a phase shift circuit 410 , a phase shift medium 600 , and a radio frequency ground, wherein the phase shift circuit 410 is a part of the feed network 400 .

[0045] Combination Figure 5 and Figure 4 , along the thickness direction of the reflector 200, the phase shift circuit 410 is arranged directly above the groove 230, that is, in the projection direction of the front face 210 of the reflector 200, the projection of the phase shift circuit 410 overlaps with the projection of the groove 230. The phase shift circuit 410 is a part of the feed network 400, so that the base station antenna 10 does not need to be separately provided with a phase shift circuit 410 like a traditional cavity phase shifter, thereby shortening the length of the feed link of the present invention, reducing the signal loss in the feed link, and improving the antenna radiation efficiency.

[0046] In a typical embodiment of the present invention, the groove wall 231 of the groove 230 is used as the radio frequency ground of the phase shift circuit 410. The groove 230 of the multiplexing reflector 200 is used as the radio frequency ground of the phase shift circuit, which further reduces the components of the feeding network, thereby achieving miniaturization and lightness.

[0047] Combination Figure 6 , Figure 4 and Figure 3 The phase shifting medium 600 includes a sliding medium (the sliding medium is referred to as a first sliding medium 610), and the first sliding medium 610 is arranged in the groove 230. It can be understood that in the projection direction of the front surface 210 of the reflecting plate 200, the projection of the phase shifting circuit 410, the projection of the groove 230 and the projection of the first sliding medium 610 are roughly correspondingly arranged.

[0048] Specifically, in the thickness direction, there is a gap between the first sliding medium 610 and the phase shift circuit 410 . Furthermore, when the first sliding medium 610 is disposed in the groove 230 , the first sliding medium 610 can slide relative to the groove 230 .

[0049] The first sliding medium 610 can move relative to the phase shift circuit 410 to change the phase of the signal passing through the phase shift circuit 410 and complete the phase shift. In this embodiment, the moving path of the first sliding medium 610, the extension path of the groove 230 and the extension path of the phase shift circuit 410 are correspondingly arranged. Since the opening of the groove 230 is opened on the front surface 210 of the reflector 200, when the first sliding medium 610 moves relative to the phase shift circuit 410 to implement the phase shift, it will not be blocked by the reflector 200, so that the first sliding medium 610 can cooperate well with the phase shift circuit 410 to implement the phase shift.

[0050] In one embodiment, in combination Figure 1 and Figure 6 The phase-shifting medium 600 also includes another sliding medium (the sliding medium is referred to as a second sliding medium 620). Along the thickness direction, the second sliding medium 620 is arranged directly above the phase-shifting circuit 410. It can be understood that the second sliding medium 620, the phase-shifting circuit 410, and the first sliding medium 610 are arranged in sequence from top to bottom.

[0051] In the thickness direction, there is a gap between the second sliding medium 620 and the phase shifting circuit 410 to avoid direct contact between the second sliding medium 620 and the phase shifting circuit 410. In this embodiment, it is recommended that both the first sliding medium 610 and the second sliding medium 620 are plate-shaped structures, but this should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention.

[0052] In the thickness direction, a gap space is formed between the first sliding medium 610 and the second sliding medium 620 , and the phase shift circuit 410 is disposed in the gap space. Both the first sliding medium 610 and the second sliding medium 620 can slide relative to the phase shift circuit 410 to achieve phase adjustment.

[0053] The first sliding medium 610 and the second sliding medium 620 are connected to each other so that the first sliding medium 610 and the second sliding medium 620 move synchronously. The first sliding medium 610 and the second sliding medium 620 cooperate with the phase shift circuit 410 to implement phase shifting to further improve the phase shift amount and phase shift efficiency.

[0054] Specifically in the embodiment of the present invention, the first sliding medium 610 is connected to the second sliding medium 620 by snapping, so as to achieve fixed installation of the two and facilitate linkage.

[0055] In a further embodiment, a snap-fit ​​structure 630 may be provided on the first sliding medium 610 , and the first sliding medium 610 is fixedly connected to the second sliding medium 620 via the snap-fit ​​structure 630 , so that installation can be easily achieved and the first sliding medium 610 and the second sliding medium 620 can move synchronously.

[0056] Specifically, combined Figure 6 and Figure 2 The clamping structure 630 is arranged on the first sliding medium 610, and the clamping structure 630 includes a pair of clamping arms 631. The clamping arms 631 are protruded relative to the first sliding medium 610 toward the second sliding medium 620. The pair of clamping arms 631 are arranged on both sides of the width direction of the first sliding medium 610, and the distance between the pair of clamping arms 631 is greater than or equal to the width of the second sliding medium 620. A gap (called an insertion gap) is formed between the pair of clamping arms 631, and the second sliding medium 620 is inserted into the insertion gap to limit the second sliding medium 620 by the pair of clamping arms 631.

[0057] Furthermore, a clamping protrusion 6311 is formed on one end of the first sliding medium 610 protruding toward the second sliding medium 620, and the clamping protrusion 6311 is clamped with the corresponding side edge of the second sliding medium 620. The clamping protrusions 6311 of the pair of clamping arms 631 are opposite and arranged facing each other, and the two clamping protrusions 6311 are respectively clamped with the two side edges in the width direction of the second sliding medium 620, so that the second sliding medium 620 can be stably connected to the first sliding medium 610, thereby improving the structural stability of the phase shifting medium 600 and the phase shifting stability between the phase shifting medium 600 and the phase shifting circuit 410.

[0058] In one embodiment, two clamping structures 630 are provided on the first sliding medium 610. The two clamping structures 630 are sequentially arranged along the longitudinal center axis of the first sliding medium 610 in the length direction. The two clamping structures 630 can further ensure a stable connection between the first sliding medium 610 and the second sliding medium 620, so as to further improve the structural stability of the phase shifting medium 600.

[0059] In one embodiment, in combination Figure 6 and Figure 4The second sliding medium 620 is provided with a sliding pin 640, and the reflecting plate 200 is provided with a guide groove 240. The sliding pin 640 is inserted into the guide groove 240. The sliding pin 640 cooperates with the guide groove 240 so that the phase shifting medium 600 can move along a predetermined path to improve the phase shifting accuracy and stability.

[0060] In one embodiment, the dielectric constant of the phase-shifting medium 600 is not less than 1.5; the preferred range is 2-10, wherein the dielectric constant of the first sliding medium is 2-10, and the dielectric constant of the second sliding medium is 2-10. As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dielectric constant of the phase-shifting medium 600 is 4.4, but this should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention.

[0061] In a typical embodiment of the present invention, the phase shift circuit 410 has two forms. The first form is that the phase shift circuit 410 is insulated and arranged on the front side 210 of the reflecting plate 200, and the phase shift circuit 410 is composed of a sheet metal strip line (the sheet metal strip line is referred to as the first sheet metal strip line), but it should not be understood as a limitation to the present invention; the second form is that the base station antenna also includes a dielectric plate (not shown), the dielectric plate includes two sides, the back side of the dielectric plate is arranged opposite to the front side 210 of the reflecting plate 200, and the phase shift circuit 410 is covered on the front side or the back side of the dielectric plate.

[0062] The feed network 400 includes a feed circuit, and the feed circuit includes a power division circuit 450 and a phase shift circuit 410, and the power division circuit 450 is electrically connected to the phase shift circuit 410. The feed network 400 also has two forms. The first form is that the feed network 400 is insulated and arranged on the front surface 210 of the reflector 200, and the feed circuit includes a plurality of power division circuits 450 and a plurality of phase shift circuits 410, and the plurality of power division circuits 450 and the plurality of phase shift circuits 410 are integrally formed and arranged, and the feed network 400 is composed of a sheet metal strip line (the sheet metal strip line is referred to as a second sheet metal strip line); the second form is that the feed network 400 also includes a dielectric substrate 500 and a ground layer, and the power division circuit 450 and the ground layer are respectively arranged on the front and back surfaces of the dielectric substrate 500.

[0063] In an embodiment of the present invention, the two forms of the phase-shifting circuit 410 can be respectively combined with the two forms of the feeding network 400, so that four assembly modes can be formed between the phase-shifting circuit 410 and the feeding network 400, specifically, the first form of the phase-shifting circuit 410 is combined with the first form of the feeding network 400; the first form of the phase-shifting circuit 410 is combined with the second form of the feeding network 400; the second form of the phase-shifting circuit 410 is combined with the first form of the feeding network 400; the second form of the phase-shifting circuit 410 is combined with the second form of the feeding network 400.

[0064] For the convenience of description, in a typical embodiment of the present invention, the first form of the phase shift circuit 410 is combined with the second form of the feeding network 400 as an example to describe the present invention, but it should not be understood as limiting the present invention. That is, the phase shift circuit 410 without a dielectric plate is combined with the feeding network 400 with a dielectric substrate 500 and a ground layer, and the specific content is as follows.

[0065] Combination Figure 3 The dielectric substrate 500 is disposed on the front side 210 of the reflector 200 . The dielectric substrate 500 includes a front side 510 and a back side (not shown). The back side of the dielectric substrate 500 is disposed opposite to the front side 210 of the reflector 200 .

[0066] Combination Figure 5 The feed network 400 includes a feed circuit and a ground layer, a power division circuit 450 of the feed circuit is disposed on the front surface 510 of the dielectric substrate 500, the ground layer is disposed on the back surface of the dielectric substrate 500, the ground layer is coupled to the reflector 200, and the power division circuit 450 is electrically connected to the ground layer, so that the feed circuit is grounded through the ground layer. In this embodiment, the power division circuit 450 is electrically connected to the ground layer through a metallized via penetrating the dielectric substrate 500.

[0067] Furthermore, an insulating layer (not shown) is disposed on the ground layer, and the insulating layer is in contact with the front surface 210 of the reflection plate 200 , so that the feeding network 400 is insulated from the reflection plate 200 via the insulating layer.

[0068] In the present invention, it is recommended that the shape and size of the grounding layer be the same as the shape and size of the reverse side of the dielectric substrate 500, and the shape and size of the insulating layer be the same as the shape and size of the grounding layer, but this should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention.

[0069] In this embodiment, the phase shift circuit 410 is disposed on the front side 510 of the dielectric substrate 500 , and the phase shift circuit 410 is disposed directly above the groove 230 .

[0070] In another embodiment, the phase shift circuit 410 is disposed on the reverse side of the dielectric substrate 500, and the phase shift circuit 410 is covered on the groove 230, and the grounding layer avoids the phase shift circuit 410 to avoid direct electrical connection between the phase shift circuit 410 and the grounding layer, thereby maintaining the stability of the electrical performance of the phase shifter and even the base station antenna 100.

[0071] Furthermore, since the dielectric substrate 500 is made of dielectric material, even if the dielectric substrate 500 covers the opening of the groove 230 on the front surface 210 of the reflector 200 , the dielectric substrate 500 will not affect the phase shift between the first sliding medium 610 and the phase shift circuit 410 .

[0072] The grounding layer is hollowed out to form an avoidance hole (the avoidance hole is referred to as a first avoidance hole, not shown), the shape and size of the first avoidance hole correspond to the shape and size of the opening of the groove 230, and in the projection direction of the front surface 210 of the reflecting plate 200, the projection of the first avoidance hole coincides with the projection of the groove 230 to avoid the grounding layer from affecting the phase shift. In addition, the phase shifting circuit 410 is avoided through the first avoidance hole to avoid affecting the phase shifting between the phase shifting circuit 410 and the phase shifting medium 600.

[0073] The insulating layer is also provided with an avoidance hole (the avoidance hole is referred to as a second avoidance hole, not shown), the shape and size of the second avoidance hole correspond to the shape and size of the opening of the groove 230, and in the projection direction of the front surface 210 of the reflector 200, the projection of the second avoidance hole coincides with the projection of the groove 230 to avoid the insulating layer from affecting the phase shift. In addition, the phase shift circuit 410 is avoided through the second avoidance hole to avoid affecting the phase shift between the phase shift circuit 410 and the phase shift medium 600.

[0074] In one embodiment, in combination Figure 5 The dielectric substrate 500 is provided with an avoidance hole (the avoidance hole is referred to as a third avoidance hole 550) corresponding to the clamping arm 631. The clamping arm 631 passes through the third avoidance hole 550 and is clamped with the second sliding medium 620 disposed above the dielectric substrate 500 to prevent the dielectric substrate 500 from affecting the structural stability of the phase shifting medium 600.

[0075] The first sliding medium 610 is provided with a plurality of clamping arms 631, and the dielectric substrate 500 is provided with a plurality of third avoidance holes 550 corresponding to the plurality of clamping arms 631. For example, the first sliding medium 610 is provided with two clamping structures 630 with a total of four clamping arms 631, and the reflector 200 is provided with four third avoidance holes 550 corresponding to the four clamping arms 631. Moreover, the insulating layer and the grounding layer are both provided with channels corresponding to the third avoidance holes 550, so as to avoid the clamping arms 631.

[0076] In another embodiment, the dielectric substrate 500 is provided with an avoidance hole corresponding to the groove 230 (the avoidance hole is referred to as a fourth avoidance hole, not shown), the shape and size of the fourth avoidance hole correspond to the shape and size of the groove 230, and in the projection direction of the front side 210 of the reflecting plate 200, the projection of the fourth avoidance hole coincides with the projection of the groove 230, so that a pair of clamping arms 631 of the clamping structure 630 can directly pass through the fourth avoidance hole and be clamped and fixed to the second dielectric substrate 500.

[0077] In one embodiment, the sliding pin 640 disposed on the second sliding medium 620 is disposed to protrude toward the reflecting plate 200. Figure 5 The dielectric substrate 500 is provided with an avoidance hole (the avoidance hole is referred to as the fifth avoidance hole 560), the fifth avoidance hole 560 is aligned with the guide groove 240 on the reflector 200, the sliding pin 640 passes through the fifth avoidance hole 560 and extends into the guide groove 240, so that the sliding pin 640 cooperates with the guide groove 240, so that the phase shifting medium 600 moves along a predetermined path, improving the phase shifting accuracy and stability. In addition, the insulating layer and the grounding layer are both provided with channels corresponding to the guide groove 240, so as to avoid the sliding pin 640.

[0078] In one embodiment, in combination Figure 5 A grounding plate 420 is provided on the front side 510 of the dielectric substrate 500, and the grounding plate 420 is electrically connected to a grounding layer provided on the back side of the dielectric substrate 500. For example, the grounding plate 420 provided on the front side of the dielectric substrate 500 is electrically connected to a grounding layer provided on the back side of the dielectric substrate 500 through a metallized via.

[0079] A signal port 430 is formed on the power dividing circuit 450 of the feed network 400. The signal port 430 is used to receive an external signal, or the signal port 430 is used to output a signal to the outside. The signal port 430 is arranged adjacent to the ground plate 420, but the signal port 430 and the ground plate 420 are not electrically connected.

[0080] The outer conductor of the coaxial cable 710 is welded to the ground plate 420 , and the inner conductor of the coaxial cable 710 is connected to the signal port 430 , so that the feed network 400 receives or outputs signals via the coaxial cable 710 .

[0081] In another embodiment, in combination Figure 7 The area of ​​the reflector 200 is larger than the area of ​​the dielectric substrate 500. When the dielectric substrate 500 is disposed on the reflector 200, the edge of the reflector 200 is protruded relative to the dielectric substrate 500 to form a protruding area 250. The grounding plate 420 is disposed on the protruding area 250. Since the protruding area 250 is a part of the reflector 200, the grounding plate 420 is grounded through the protruding area 250. The outer conductor of the coaxial cable 710 is welded to the grounding plate 420, and the inner conductor of the coaxial cable 710 is connected to the signal port 430, so that the feeding network 400 receives or outputs signals through the coaxial cable 710.

[0082] In one embodiment, the feeding network 400 is a microstrip PCB board structure; or, the dielectric substrate 500 is a plastic carrier, and the feeding circuit is a metal layer formed on the plastic carrier.

[0083] In another embodiment, in combination Figure 5 , the dielectric substrate 500 is provided with a plurality of fixing holes 570, the feed circuit of the feed network 400 is arranged directly above the fixing holes 570, and the feed network 400 and the fixing holes 570 are connected by insulating members to fix the corresponding sections of the feed network 400. The dielectric substrate 500 is provided with a plurality of fixing holes 570, and a plurality of insulating members are respectively connected through the plurality of fixing holes 570 to fix the feed circuit on the front side 510 of the dielectric substrate 500. In this embodiment, it is recommended that the insulating member is made of plastic material, and the insulating member is a rivet or a clamping member, but this should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention.

[0084] In yet another embodiment, the feeding network 400 is printed on the dielectric substrate 500 .

[0085] In a typical embodiment of the present invention, the radiation unit 300 is installed on the front side 210 of the reflection plate 200, and the dielectric substrate 500 is provided with an avoidance hole corresponding to the radiation unit 300 (the avoidance hole is referred to as the sixth avoidance hole, not shown), so that the radiation unit 300 is vertically arranged on the reflection plate 200 through the sixth avoidance hole.

[0086] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 8The base station antenna 10 includes a plurality of radiation units 300, which are disposed on the reflection plate 200 at the same time, and the plurality of radiation units 300 share the same feeding network 400. In this embodiment, the plurality of radiation units 300 may constitute a radiation array.

[0087] In one embodiment, in combination Figures 1 to 5 The feed network 400 is provided with two phase shift circuits 410 corresponding to the same phase shift medium 600, and the two phase shift circuits 410 are arranged in sequence along the moving direction of the phase shift medium 600. It can be understood that the phase shift circuit 410, the phase shift medium 600 and the groove 230 constitute a phase shifter, and the two phase shift circuits 410, the phase shift medium 600 and the groove 230 constitute two phase shifters, that is, the two phase shifters share the same phase shift medium 600 and the same groove 230, so as to increase the number of phase shifters on the base station antenna 10 and reduce the number of the phase shift medium 600, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost and weight of the base station antenna 10.

[0088] In another embodiment, the feed network 400 is provided with a plurality of phase shift circuits 410, and the plurality of phase shift circuits 410 are respectively configured with corresponding phase shift media 600 and grooves 230, and each phase shift circuit 410 is configured with an independent phase shift medium 600 and a groove 230. It can be understood that a plurality of phase shifters are formed in the feed network 400, and the plurality of phase shifters cooperate with each other to control the phase of the externally radiated signal of the base station antenna 10.

[0089] The present invention also provides a base station, which includes the base station antenna mentioned above.

[0090] In summary, the phase shifting medium of the phase shifter of the base station antenna of the present invention is installed in the groove on the reflecting plate, so that the base station antenna does not need to be configured with a metal cavity for the phase shifter, shortens the length of the feed link, and reduces the weight and manufacturing cost of the base station antenna.

[0091] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and an explanation of the technical principles used. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of the invention involved in the present invention is not limited to the technical solution formed by a specific combination of the above technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by any combination of the above technical features or their equivalent features without departing from the above inventive concept. For example, the above features are replaced with the technical features with similar functions invented in the present invention (but not limited to) to form a technical solution.

[0092] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. On the contrary, the specific features and acts described above are merely example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A base station antenna, characterized in that: The invention comprises a reflector, a phase shifter and a feeding network, wherein a groove is provided on the reflector, the phase shifter comprises a phase shift circuit, a phase shift medium and a radio frequency ground, the phase shift circuit is insulated and covered on the opening of the groove, the groove wall of the groove constitutes the radio frequency ground, the phase shift medium comprises a first sliding medium, the first sliding medium is provided in the groove, and the first sliding medium moves relative to the phase shift circuit to adjust the phase; The feed network includes a feed circuit, a dielectric substrate and a ground layer, the feed circuit includes a power division circuit and the phase shift circuit, the phase shift circuit is electrically connected to the power division circuit and is integrated with the power division circuit; The feeding circuit and the grounding layer are respectively arranged on the front and back surfaces of the dielectric substrate, and the grounding layer is hollowed out in a region corresponding to the phase shifting circuit.

2. The base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The feeding circuit includes a plurality of the power division circuits and a plurality of the phase shift circuits that are integrally arranged.

3. The base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The feeding network is a microstrip PCB board structure; or, the dielectric substrate is a plastic carrier, and the feeding circuit is a metal layer formed on the plastic carrier.

4. The base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: A grounding plate is provided on the dielectric substrate, the grounding plate is electrically connected to the grounding layer, and the signal port of the feed network is arranged adjacent to the grounding plate.

5. The base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The extension path of the phase shift circuit, the extension path of the groove and the sliding path of the phase shift medium are arranged correspondingly.

6. The base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the thickness direction of the reflection plate, a gap is provided between the phase shifting medium and the phase shifting circuit.

7. The base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The phase shift medium further includes a second sliding medium, and the second sliding medium and the first sliding medium are respectively arranged at upper and lower sides of the phase shift circuit.

8. The base station antenna according to claim 7, characterized in that: The dielectric constant of the first sliding medium is 2-10, and the dielectric constant of the second sliding medium is 2-10.

9. The base station antenna according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first sliding medium and the second sliding medium are engaged with each other.

10. The base station antenna according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first sliding medium is provided with a clamping structure, the clamping structure comprises a pair of clamping arms, and the second sliding medium is inserted between the pair of clamping arms.

11. The base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The phase shifting medium is also provided with a sliding pin, the reflecting plate is provided with a guide groove, and the sliding pin is inserted into the guide groove.

12. The base station antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The base station antenna further includes a radiation unit, which is disposed on the reflection plate. The radiation unit is electrically connected to the phase shifter, and the opening of the groove faces a side of the reflection plate where the radiation unit is located.

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