Antenna, phase shifter and base station

Abstract

The invention provides an antenna, a phase shifter and a base station. The antenna includes: a reflecting plate including a first surface and a second surface; the radiation unit array is arranged on the first surface of the reflecting plate; the end cover is arranged at one end of the reflecting plate in the longitudinal direction; the connector is arranged on the end cover; the feed network is connected with the connector and the radiation unit array, the feed network comprises a phase shifter and a transmission line, and the transmission line comprises a flat transmission line used for transmitting signals between the connector and the phase shifter; and the transmission module is arranged on the second surface of the reflecting plate and is adjacent to the end cover, the transmission module is used for driving the phase shifter to execute a phase shifting action, and a part of the flat transmission line is positioned between the transmission module and the reflecting plate. According to the technical scheme, the energy efficiency of the antenna can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communication technologies, and in particular, to an antenna, a phase shifter, and a base station. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of the wireless communication industry, while achieving large-scale mobile broadband connections and various new applications in the 5G era, the energy consumption of communication systems is also increasing. Green energy conservation of wireless communication networks is imperative, and the energy efficiency of communication systems has become a key indicator. At the same time, the continuous pursuit of network performance in the 5G era also requires the antennas of base stations to be continuously optimized and energy-efficient improved to achieve better network coverage performance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The embodiments of the present application provide an antenna, a phase shifter, and a base station to improve the energy efficiency of the antenna.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present application, an antenna is provided, including: a reflector including a first surface and a second surface; a radiation element array disposed on the first surface of the reflector; an end cap disposed at one end in the longitudinal direction of the reflector; a connector disposed on the end cap; a feeding network connected to the connector and the radiation element array, the feeding network including a phase shifter and a transmission line, wherein the transmission line includes a flat transmission line for transmitting signals between the connector and the phase shifter; and a driving module disposed on the second surface of the reflector and adjacent to the end cap, the driving module being configured to drive the phase shifter to perform a phase shift operation, wherein a part of the flat transmission line is located between the driving module and the reflector.

[0005] For the antenna according to the embodiments of the present application, compared with the related art, since the cross-sectional area of the flat transmission line can be designed to be larger and the proportion of the insulating medium in its structure can be designed to be smaller, the transmission loss of the main feed of the feeding network can be reduced, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the antenna. In addition, since a part of the flat transmission line is located between the driving module and the reflector, that is, a part of the flat transmission line runs between the driving module and the reflector, in this way, the gap between the driving module and the reflector can be utilized to arrange the flat transmission line, making the internal structure of the antenna more compact and tidy.

[0006] In some embodiments, the flat transmission line includes a signal transmission strip line and a ground plane spaced apart from the signal transmission strip line, wherein the width direction of the signal transmission strip line is parallel to the reflector, or the thickness direction of the signal transmission strip line is parallel to the reflector. The specific arrangement manner of the flat transmission line can be flexibly selected and designed in combination with the arrangement manner of the phase shifter, etc., and the above beneficial effects can be obtained.

[0007] In some embodiments, there is an air gap between the signal transmission strip line and the ground plane. When the signal transmission strip line and the ground plane are designed to have an air gap, the volume fraction of the insulating medium in the flat transmission line structure is relatively small, thereby reducing the loss of signal transmission.

[0008] In some embodiments, the flat transmission line is a stripline, and the ground plane includes two ground plates arranged parallel to the signal transmission strip line. Among them, the signal transmission strip line is located between the two ground plates, and the signal transmission strip line and the two ground plates are spaced apart by a plurality of insulating support structures, and there are air gaps between the signal transmission strip line and the two ground plates respectively; or

[0009] The flat transmission line is a microstrip line, and the ground plane includes a ground plate arranged parallel to the signal transmission strip line. Among them, the signal transmission strip line and the ground plate are spaced apart by a plurality of insulating support structures, and there is an air gap between the signal transmission strip line and the ground plate; or

[0010] The flat transmission line is a coplanar waveguide, and the ground plane includes a first wide-side surface and a second wide-side surface arranged in parallel, and a first narrow-side surface and a second narrow-side surface arranged in parallel. Among them, the first wide-side surface, the second wide-side surface, the first narrow-side surface and the second narrow-side surface form a rectangular cavity, and there is an air gap in the rectangular cavity. The first wide-side surface has a strip-shaped opening, and the signal transmission strip line is located in the strip-shaped opening, and the signal transmission strip line and the second wide-side surface are spaced apart by a plurality of insulating support structures.

[0011] The flat transmission line can adopt any one of the above stripline, microstrip line or coplanar waveguide, and the air gap structure design makes the volume fraction of the insulating medium in the flat transmission line relatively small, thereby further reducing the transmission loss of the main feed.

[0012] In some embodiments, the flat transmission line is a stripline, and the ground plane includes two ground plates arranged parallel to the signal transmission strip line. Among them, the signal transmission strip line is located between the two ground plates, and the space between the signal transmission strip line and the two ground plates is filled with an insulating medium; or

[0013] The flat transmission line is a microstrip line, and the ground plane includes a ground plate arranged parallel to the signal transmission strip line. Among them, the space between the signal transmission strip line and the ground plate is filled with an insulating medium; or

[0014] The flat transmission line is a coplanar waveguide, and the ground plane includes a first wide-side surface and a second wide-side surface arranged in parallel, and a first narrow-side surface and a second narrow-side surface arranged in parallel. Among them, the first wide-side surface, the second wide-side surface, the first narrow-side surface and the second narrow-side surface form a rectangular cavity, and the rectangular cavity is filled with an insulating medium. The first wide-side surface has a strip-shaped opening, and the signal transmission strip line is located in the strip-shaped opening.

[0015] The flat transmission line can adopt any one of the above-mentioned strip lines, microstrip lines or coplanar waveguides. Compared with the related art, since the cross-sectional area of the flat transmission line can be designed to be larger and the proportion of the insulating medium in its structure can be designed to be smaller, the transmission loss of the main feed of the feeding network can be reduced, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the antenna.

[0016] In some embodiments, the flat transmission line is a strip line. The ground plane includes a first wide-side surface and a second wide-side surface arranged in parallel, and a first narrow-side surface and a second narrow-side surface arranged in parallel. Among them, the first wide-side surface, the second wide-side surface, the first narrow-side surface and the second narrow-side surface form a rectangular cavity. The signal transmission strip line is located in the rectangular cavity and is arranged in parallel with the first wide-side surface and the second wide-side surface. The rectangular cavity is filled with an insulating medium or has an air gap. In this embodiment, the rectangular cavity can provide a better shielding protection effect for the signal transmission strip line, which is beneficial to improving the stability of signal transmission.

[0017] In some embodiments, the transmission line includes at least two flat transmission lines that extend in parallel and are used to transmit signals in different polarization directions. When the antenna includes at least two polarization directions, signals in different polarization directions need to be transmitted through different flat transmission lines. This embodiment supports the multi-polarization design of the antenna, so that the antenna has higher signal transmission and reception efficiency.

[0018] In some embodiments, the ground planes of at least two flat transmission lines are integrally connected. In this way, the structures of the at least two flat transmission lines are relatively compact, the space occupation can be reduced, and the internal structure of the antenna is relatively tidy.

[0019] In some embodiments, the reflector is grounded, the width direction of the signal transmission strip line is parallel to the reflector, and at least a part of the ground plane is integrated into the reflector. In this way, the structure of the flat transmission line can be simplified, making it easier to process and manufacture, and also easier to arrange the wiring.

[0020] In some embodiments, the phase shifter includes an outer conductor cavity grounded, a phase shifting component and a phase shifting circuit arranged in the outer conductor cavity. Among them, the phase shifting component is used to be driven by the driving module to perform a phase shifting action. The phase shifting circuit includes an input / output main path. The signal transmission strip line is connected to the input / output main path, and at least a part of the signal transmission strip line is located in the outer conductor cavity. The ground plane is integrally connected to the outer conductor cavity. This embodiment integrates at least a section of the flat transmission line with the phase shifter, and the signal transmission strip line is connected to the input / output main path inside the phase shifter, which can not only reduce the signal transmission loss, but also simplify the internal structure of the antenna, making the internal structure of the antenna cleaner.

[0021] In some embodiments, the signal transmission strip line is welded to, integrally connected to, or connected through a bridging member with the input / output main path. It can be flexibly designed according to the specific routing manners of the signal transmission strip line and the input / output main path. For example, in some embodiments, the signal transmission strip line of the flat transmission line and the input / output main path can overlap each other, and in this case, they can be connected by laser welding. For example, in some embodiments, the signal transmission strip line of the flat transmission line and the input / output main path can be integrally connected without subsequent assembly. For example, in some embodiments, the signal transmission strip line of the flat transmission line and the input / output main path are spaced apart from each other, and in this case, they can be connected by a bridging member.

[0022] In some embodiments, the outer conductor cavity includes a plurality of sub-cavities, wherein at least a part of the signal transmission strip line and the input / output main path are located in the same sub-cavity; or at least a part of the signal transmission strip line and the input / output main path are located in different sub-cavities. When at least a part of the signal transmission strip line and the input / output main path are located in the same sub-cavity, they can be integrally connected or connected together by laser welding. Such a design simplifies the structure and is convenient for processing and manufacturing. When at least a part of the signal transmission strip line and the input / output main path are located in different sub-cavities, the shielding effect of the sub-cavity wall can be utilized to reduce the resonance caused when the signal transmission strip line and the input / output main path perform high-frequency signal transmission, thereby improving the working stability of the phase shifter circuit.

[0023] In some embodiments, the drive module is disposed opposite to one or more radiation units adjacent to the end cap in the radiation unit array. Such a design can improve the compactness of the arrangement of the radiation unit array on the reflector and facilitate the realization of the multi-frequency design of the antenna.

[0024] In some embodiments, one end of the flat transmission line away from the phase shifter extends longitudinally between the end cap and the first radiation unit adjacent to the end cap; or one end of the flat transmission line away from the phase shifter extends longitudinally between the first radiation unit adjacent to the end cap and the second radiation unit. Such a design can make one end of the flat transmission line away from the phase shifter as close as possible to the end cap, and thus it is easier to connect and assemble the flat transmission line with components such as connectors.

[0025] In some embodiments, the flat transmission line is fixed to at least one of the reflector, the drive module, or the phase shifter by an insulating wire clip; or the flat transmission line includes a plurality of insulating mounting portions, and the plurality of insulating mounting portions are fixed to at least one of the reflector, the drive module, or the phase shifter. These embodiments can achieve reliable and simple installation of the flat transmission line and are also easy to achieve precise routing of the flat transmission line.

[0026] In some embodiments, one end of the flat transmission line away from the phase shifter is connected to the connector by welding, plugging, connection by fasteners, or connection by a flexible cable; alternatively, the feeding network further includes a function expansion device, which is provided on the end cover, or the function expansion device is provided between the end cover and the transmission module, wherein the connector is connected to the function expansion device, and one end of the flat transmission line away from the phase shifter is connected to the function expansion device by welding, plugging, connection by fasteners, or connection by a flexible cable. The flat transmission line and the connector can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate member, and the connection structure between the flat transmission line and the connector can be flexibly designed according to the product requirements.

[0027] In some embodiments, the width direction of the phase shifter is arranged parallel or orthogonal to the reflector, wherein the phase shifter includes an outer conductor cavity grounded, and a phase shifter component and a phase shifter circuit provided in the outer conductor cavity, and the cavity height direction of the outer conductor cavity is defined as the width direction of the phase shifter. When the width direction of the phase shifter is arranged parallel to the reflector, since the dimension in the width direction of the phase shifter is relatively small, the dimension occupied by the phase shifter in this width direction is also relatively small. When the width direction of the phase shifter is arranged orthogonal to the reflector, since the dimension in the width direction of the phase shifter is relatively small, the dimension occupied by the phase shifter in the direction orthogonal to the reflector is also relatively small. The arrangement mode of the phase shifter can be flexibly selected and designed according to the internal structure of the antenna.

[0028] In some embodiments, the phase shifter is provided on the second surface of the reflector, and the width direction of the phase shifter is arranged parallel to the reflector. The phase shifter includes a first part and a second part protruding from the first part, wherein the second part extends between the transmission module and the reflector; the flat transmission line includes a first extension section, a second extension section, and a third extension section connected in sequence, wherein the first extension section is located between the transmission module and the second part, and the third extension section is located on the side of the first part away from the reflector. In this embodiment, the width direction of the phase shifter is arranged parallel to the reflector. Since the dimension in the width direction of the phase shifter is relatively small, the dimension occupied by the phase shifter in this width direction is also small. The second part of the phase shifter protrudes from the first part and extends between the transmission module and the reflector. Such a design, on the one hand, can minimize the length of this part of the transmission line between the phase shifter and each radiation unit, thereby minimizing the signal transmission loss; on the other hand, since the phase shifter is closer to the end cover, this is beneficial to reducing the wiring length of the flat transmission line, thereby also minimizing the signal transmission loss; on the third hand, it can also make the internal structure of the antenna more compact.

[0029] In some embodiments, the phase shifter is disposed on the second surface of the reflector, and the width direction of the phase shifter is arranged parallel to the reflector; the flat transmission line and the phase shifter are arranged flat on the second surface of the reflector. In this embodiment, since the dimension in the width direction of the phase shifter is relatively small, the dimension occupied by the phase shifter in this width direction is also small. The flat transmission line can be substantially in a "one" shape, or can be in other shapes in the plane parallel to the reflector, and its structural form can be flexibly designed.

[0030] In some embodiments, the phase shifter is disposed on the second surface of the reflector, and the width direction of the phase shifter is arranged orthogonally to the reflector; a part of the phase shifter extends between the transmission module and the reflector, and a part of the flat transmission line is located between the transmission module and the phase shifter. In this embodiment, since the dimension in the width direction of the phase shifter is relatively small, the dimension occupied by the phase shifter in the direction orthogonal to the reflector is also relatively small. A part of the phase shifter extends between the transmission module and the reflector. Such a design, on the one hand, can minimize the length of this part of the transmission line between the phase shifter and each radiation unit, thereby minimizing the signal transmission loss; on the other hand, since the phase shifter is closer to the end cover, it is beneficial to reduce the wiring length of the flat transmission line, thereby also minimizing the signal transmission loss; on the other hand, it can also make the internal structure of the antenna more compact.

[0031] In some embodiments, the phase shifter is disposed on the first surface of the reflector, and the width direction of the phase shifter is arranged orthogonally to the reflector; the radiation unit array is located on the side of the phase shifter facing away from the reflector; the flat transmission line is connected to the phase shifter through an electrical connection structure penetrating the reflector. In this embodiment, since the dimension in the width direction of the phase shifter is relatively small, the dimension occupied by the phase shifter in the direction orthogonal to the reflector is also relatively small. The phase shifter is arranged on the first surface of the reflector, which can be closer to the end cover. On the one hand, it is more convenient to connect to each radiation unit, minimizing the transmission line between each radiation unit, thereby minimizing the signal transmission loss; on the other hand, it is also beneficial to reduce the wiring length of the flat transmission line, thereby also minimizing the signal transmission loss; on the other hand, it can also make the internal structure of the antenna more compact.

[0032] According to one aspect of the present application, a phase shifter is provided. The phase shifter is applied to an antenna. The phase shifter includes: an outer conductor cavity, which is grounded; a phase shifter component, disposed in the outer conductor cavity, for being driven by the transmission module of the antenna to perform a phase shift action; a phase shift circuit, disposed in the outer conductor cavity, the phase shift circuit including an input / output main path; and a flat transmission line, including a signal transmission strip line and a ground plane spaced apart from the signal transmission strip line, wherein the signal transmission strip line is connected to the input / output main path, and at least a part of the signal transmission strip line is located in the outer conductor cavity, and the ground plane is integrally connected to the outer conductor cavity.

[0033] The flat transmission line of the phase shifter can be used as the main feed of the antenna. Compared with the traditional circular cable, its cross-sectional area can be designed larger, and the volume ratio of the insulating medium in its structure can be designed smaller. Therefore, the transmission loss is smaller, which is beneficial to improving the energy efficiency of the antenna. When the flat transmission line runs between the driving module and the reflector of the antenna, the gap between the driving module and the reflector can be used to arrange the flat transmission line, which can make the internal structure of the antenna more compact and tidy.

[0034] In some embodiments, the signal transmission strip line is welded, integrally connected, or connected through a bridging member to the input / output main path. The connection structure between the two can be flexibly designed according to the specific routing methods of the signal transmission strip line and the input / output main path.

[0035] In some embodiments, the outer conductor cavity includes a plurality of sub-cavities. Among them, at least a part of the signal transmission strip line and the input / output main path are located in the same sub-cavity; or, at least a part of the signal transmission strip line and the input / output main path are located in different sub-cavities. When at least a part of the signal transmission strip line and the input / output main path are located in the same sub-cavity, the two can be integrally connected or connected together by laser welding. Such a design simplifies the structure and is convenient for processing and manufacturing. When at least a part of the signal transmission strip line and the input / output main path are located in different sub-cavities, the shielding effect of the sub-cavity wall can be utilized to reduce the resonance caused by the signal transmission strip line and the input / output main path during high-frequency signal transmission, thereby improving the working stability of the phase shift circuit.

[0036] In some embodiments, the flat transmission line is one of a strip line, a microstrip line, or a coplanar waveguide. Since the cross-sectional area of the flat transmission line can be designed larger and the proportion of the insulating medium in its structure can be designed smaller, the transmission loss of the main feed of the feeding network can be reduced, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the antenna. The flat transmission line can adopt the air-gap structure design with reference to some of the above embodiments to reduce the volume ratio of the insulating medium, thereby further reducing the transmission loss of the main feed.

[0037] According to one aspect of the present application, a base station is provided, including the antenna of any of the foregoing embodiments. Based on the above design, the antenna of the base station has high energy efficiency and good structural compactness, so that the base station can obtain better network coverage performance. Description of the Drawings

[0038] Figure 1A It is a schematic structural diagram of the antenna feeding system of a base station in the related art;

[0039] Figure 1B It is a schematic structural diagram of the antenna of a base station in the related art;

[0040] Figure 2ASchematic structural diagram of an antenna according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0041] Figure 2B is the schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of the antenna according to some embodiments of the present application at Figure 2A A-A;

[0042] Figure 2C is the schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of the antenna according to some embodiments of the present application at Figure 2A A-A;

[0043] Figure 3A is the enlarged structural diagram of the antenna according to some embodiments of the present application at Figure 2B B;

[0044] Figure 3B is the enlarged structural diagram of the antenna according to some embodiments of the present application at Figure 2B B;

[0045] Figure 3C is the enlarged structural diagram of the antenna according to some embodiments of the present application at Figure 2B B;

[0046] Figure 3D is the enlarged structural diagram of the antenna according to some embodiments of the present application at Figure 2B B;

[0047] Figure 3E is the enlarged structural diagram of the antenna according to some embodiments of the present application at Figure 2B B;

[0048] Figure 4A is the enlarged structural diagram of the antenna according to some embodiments of the present application at Figure 2B B;

[0049] Figure 4B is the enlarged structural diagram of the antenna according to some embodiments of the present application at Figure 2C C;

[0050] Figure 4C is the enlarged structural diagram of the antenna according to some embodiments of the present application at Figure 2B B;

[0051] Figure 4D is the enlarged structural diagram of the antenna according to some embodiments of the present application at Figure 2C C;

[0052] Figure 5 is the enlarged structural diagram of the antenna according to some embodiments of the present application at Figure 2B B;

[0053] Figure 6 Cross-sectional structure diagram of the antenna at A-A according to some embodiments of the present application; Figure 2A in;

[0054] Figure 7A Structure diagram of the phase shifter according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0055] Figure 7B Structure diagram of the antenna according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0056] Figure 7C Connection structure diagram of the input / output main path of the phase shifter and the flat transmission line according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0057] Figure 7D Connection structure diagram of the input / output main path of the phase shifter and the flat transmission line according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0058] Figure 7E Structure diagram of the antenna according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0059] Figure 7F Connection structure diagram of the input / output main path of the phase shifter and the flat transmission line according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0060] Figure 8 Structure diagram of the antenna according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0061] Figure 9 Structure diagram of the antenna according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0062] Figure 10 Structure diagram of the antenna according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0063] Figure 11 Structure diagram of the antenna according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0064] Figure 12A Structure diagram of the antenna according to some embodiments of the present application; and

[0065] Figure 12B Cross-sectional structure diagram of the antenna at E-E according to some embodiments of the present application; Figure 12A in;

[0066] Reference numerals:

[0067] Related art part:

[0068] 100 - Antenna-feeder system; 10 - Mast; 11 - Antenna; 12 - Antenna adjustment bracket; 13 - Feeder; 14 - Connector seal; 15 - Grounding device;

[0069] 111 - Radome; 112 - End cap; 113 - Connector; 114 - Reflector; 115 - Radiation element array; 1150 - Radiation element;

[0070] 116 - Feeding network; 117 - Transmission module; 160 - Main feed; 161 - Phase shifter; 1610 - Phase - shifting component.

[0071] Part of the embodiments of the present application:

[0072] 21 - Antenna; 214 - Reflector; 215 - Radiation element array; 2150 - Radiation element; 41 - First surface; 42 - Second surface; 212 - End cap;

[0073] 213 - Connector; 216 - Feeding network; 217 - Transmission module; 261 - Phase shifter; 2620 - Outer conductor cavity; 2630 - Phase - shifting circuit;

[0074] 2631 - Input / output main path; 201 - Sub - cavity; 202 - Metal plate; 203 - Spacing structure; 204 - Bridging member; 2611 - First part;

[0075] 2612 - Second part; 2640 - Phase - shifting component; 260 - Flat transmission line; 61 - Stripline; 62 - Microstrip line; 63 - Coplanar waveguide;

[0076] 650 - Signal transmission strip line; 651 - Ground plane; 652 - Air gap; 60 - Insulating medium; 6511 - Ground plate;

[0077] 6512a, 6512b - First wide - side surfaces; 6513a, 6513b - Second wide - side surfaces; 6514a, 6514b - First narrow - side surfaces;

[0078] 6515a, 6515b - Second narrow - side surfaces; 6516 - Strip - shaped opening; 606 - Insulating support structure; 607 - Insulating wire clamp; 262 - Flexible cable;

[0079] 263 - Function - expansion device; 601 - First extension section; 602 - Second extension section; 603 - Third extension section; D1 - Longitudinal direction of the reflector;

[0080] D2 - Width direction of the flat transmission line; D3 - Thickness direction of the flat transmission line; D4 - Width direction of the phase shifter. Detailed implementation manners

[0081] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0082] The terms used in the following embodiments are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present application. As used in the specification and appended claims of the present application, the singular forms "a", "an", "the", "above-mentioned", "said", "this" are intended to include, for example, the forms "one or more" as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0083] Reference to "an embodiment" or "a specific embodiment" etc. described in this specification means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in one or more embodiments of the present application. The terms "comprising", "including", "having" and their variants mean "including but not limited to", unless otherwise specifically emphasized in other ways.

[0084] In mobile communication technology, a base station belongs to access network equipment and is used to provide wireless coverage. Specifically, a base station can provide wireless signal coverage through an antenna feeder system including at least one antenna, and wireless signal transceiver or transmission can be achieved through this antenna feeder system. Therefore, the antenna feeder system is an important device for a base station to transmit radio frequency signals and emit and receive electromagnetic waves. In related technologies, as Figure 1A shown, the antenna feeder system 100 generally includes a mast 10, an antenna 11, an antenna adjustment bracket 12, a feeder 13, some joint seals 14 and a grounding device 15, etc. The antenna 11 can be installed on the mast 10 through the antenna adjustment bracket 12, and the position or angle of the antenna 11 relative to the mast 10 can be adjusted through the antenna adjustment bracket 12. The antenna 11 can be connected to the feeder 13 through the joint seal 14, and the feeder 13 can be connected to the grounding device 15 through another joint seal 14.

[0085] As Figure 1B shown, in related technologies, the main structure of the antenna 11 includes an antenna radome 111, an end cap 112, a connector 113 provided on the end cap 112, and a reflector 114, a radiation element array 115, a feed network 116 and a drive module 117 provided in the antenna radome 111. The connector 113 serves as the radio frequency interface of the antenna 11 and is used for external connection, for example Figure 1AThe feeder 13 of the antenna-feeder system 100 shown (in this article, the "connection" between two electrical structures can be understood as "electrical connection"). The radiation element array 115 includes a plurality of radiation elements 1150. Among them, the radiation element 1150 is also called an antenna element and is used to radiate or receive radio waves. The plurality of radiation elements 1150 are arranged on the reflector 114. Specifically, the plurality of radiation elements 1150 are arranged in an array on the reflector 114. The feeding network 116 is connected to the connector 113 and the radiation element array 115, and it constitutes a transmission path for radio frequency signals (hereinafter referred to as signals) between the connector 113 and the radiation element array 115, and is used to implement functions such as impedance matching, amplitude, and phase adjustment of the signals. The feeding network 116 generally includes a phase shifter 161 and a transmission line ( Figure 1B only the part between the connector 113 and the phase shifter 161 is schematically shown, such as the main feeder 160 described below. The remaining part of the transmission line is not shown in the figure), and may also include function expansion devices such as a combiner and a filter (not shown in Figure 1B ). The part of the transmission line in the feeding network 116 between the connector 113 and the phase shifter 161 is generally referred to as the main feeder 160 of the antenna. According to the specific design of the antenna 11, the main feeder 160 may include one or more sections of transmission lines. The driving module 117 is used to drive the phase-shifting component 1610 in the phase shifter 161 to move, so as to realize the adjustment of the electronic downtilt angle of the radiation element 1150. The reflector 114 is also called a bottom plate, an antenna panel, or a metal reflecting surface, etc. It can enhance the performance of the antenna 11 by reflecting signals, improve the gain and directivity of the antenna 11, so that the signal transmission and reception are more sensitive, stable, and reliable. The reflector 114 has a shielding effect on interference signals and can also be used as an installation carrier. For example, the radiation element array 115, the feeding network 116, and the driving module 117 can all be installed on the reflector 114.

[0086] Since the main feeder 160 will also cause a certain attenuation to the signal while transmitting the signal, therefore, how to reduce the loss of the main feeder 160 to the transmitted signal, so as to improve the energy efficiency of the antenna 11, is an important aspect of the research and development of those skilled in the art. In addition, the structure of the feeding network 116 is usually relatively complex ( Figure 1B only for simplified illustration), occupying more space. Therefore, how to optimize the structure of the feeding network 116, so as to improve the structural compactness of the antenna 11, is also an important aspect considered by those skilled in the art.

[0087] In this application, energy efficiency can be understood as the ratio of the useful energy output to the input energy, which reflects the level of energy utilization efficiency. For cables, their transmission losses are usually related to their cross-sectional area, length, the material and volume ratio of the insulating medium, etc. In some related technologies, the main feeder 160 of the feeding network 116 uses a traditional round cable. Due to the limitation of its cross-sectional shape, in order to facilitate bending and routing, a round cable with a relatively thin wire diameter and thus a smaller cross-sectional area is usually used. Since the transmission loss of the cable is inversely proportional to its cross-sectional area, such a round cable used as the main feeder 160 will cause relatively large transmission losses. In addition, in the structure of the round cable, the volume ratio of the insulating medium is usually large, which will also cause signal attenuation, thereby increasing the transmission loss of the cable. Moreover, the related technologies do not have a targeted routing layout design for the main feeder 160, resulting in the cable occupying more space inside the antenna 11, being messy and untidy, which may also lead to an increase in transmission loss.

[0088] In view of this, the embodiments of this application provide an antenna, a phase shifter, and a base station to improve the energy efficiency of the antenna and the compactness of its structure. The embodiments of this application will be specifically described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0089] As Figure 2A shown, it is a schematic structural diagram of an antenna 21 provided by some embodiments of this application. The main structure of the antenna 21 includes a reflector 214, a radiation element array 215, an end cap 212, a connector 213, a feeding network 216, and a driving module 217. The reflector 214 includes a first surface 41 and a second surface 42, and the radiation element array 215 is disposed on the first surface 41 of the reflector 214. The end cap 212 is disposed at one end of the reflector 214 in the longitudinal direction D1, and the connector 213 is disposed on the end cap 212. The feeding network 216 is respectively connected to the connector 213 and the radiation element array 215. The feeding network 216 includes a phase shifter 261 and a transmission line (only the flat transmission line 260, which is a part of it, is schematically shown in the figure). Among them, the transmission line includes the flat transmission line 260 for transmitting signals between the connector 213 and the phase shifter 261. The driving module 217 is disposed on the second surface 42 of the reflector 214 and adjacent to the end cap 212. The driving module 217 is used to drive the phase shifter 261 to perform a phase shift operation, and a part of the flat transmission line 260 is located between the driving module 217 and the reflector 214.

[0090] As Figure 2A shown, the longitudinal direction D1 of the reflector 214 can be understood as the extending direction of its length. The reflector 214 can be in the shape of Figure 2AThe flat plate shape shown in [the figure] may also adopt other non-flat plate shapes, such as a U-shaped plate shape, etc. In this embodiment, the phase shifter 261 is provided on the second surface 42 of the reflector 214. In other embodiments of the present application, the phase shifter 261 may also be provided on the first surface 41 of the reflector 214. The antenna 21 generally may also include a radome (not shown in Figure 2A ), and the radome and the end cap 212 together may form a receiving cavity for receiving the reflector 214, the radiation element array 215, the feed network 216, the drive module 217, etc.

[0091] As described above, the overall transmission line in the feed network 216 located between the connector 213 and the phase shifter 261 is referred to as the main feed of the antenna 21, and the flat transmission line 260 is used to transmit signals between the connector 213 and the phase shifter 261. That is to say, the flat transmission line 260 can be used as the main feed or as a part of the main feed.

[0092] For example, in some embodiments, one end of the flat transmission line 260 is directly connected to the connector 213, and the other end of the flat transmission line 260 is directly connected to the phase shifter 261. In this way, the flat transmission line 260 can be used as the main feed.

[0093] For example, in some embodiments, the end of the flat transmission line 260 far from the phase shifter 261 is indirectly connected to the connector 213. For example, optionally, the end of the flat transmission line 260 far from the phase shifter 261 is connected to an intermediate component such as a combiner or a filter, and this combiner or filter and other intermediate components are connected to the connector 213; and / or, the end of the flat transmission line 260 far from the connector 213 is indirectly connected to the phase shifter 261. For example, optionally, the end of the flat transmission line 260 far from the connector 213 is connected to an intermediate component such as a combiner or a filter, and this combiner or filter and other intermediate components are connected to the phase shifter 261. In these embodiments, the flat transmission line 260 can be used as a part of the main feed. In this case, the main feed may also include other transmission lines of the same or different types.

[0094] For example, in some embodiments, the end of the flat transmission line 260 far from the connector 213 may also extend into the phase shifter 261 and be connected to the input / output main path of the phase shift circuit of the phase shifter 261.

[0095] In the embodiments of the present application, a part of the flat transmission line 260 is located between the transmission module 217 and the reflector 214. That is to say, a part of the flat transmission line 260 runs between the transmission module 217 and the reflector 214. One end of the flat transmission line 260 far from the phase shifter 261 can be located within the gap between the transmission module 217 and the reflector 214, or can extend out of the gap between the transmission module 217 and the reflector 214 along the longitudinal direction D1 shown in the figure, so as to be closer to the end cover 212.

[0096] As Figure 2B shown, it is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of the antenna in some embodiments of the present application at Figure 2A A-A. Among them, the width direction D2 of the flat transmission line 260 is parallel to the reflector 214, and the thickness direction D3 of the flat transmission line 260 is orthogonal to the reflector 214. In this article, parallel can be understood as parallel within a certain error range, and orthogonal can be understood as orthogonal within a certain error range. The arrangement manner of the flat transmission line 260 in the embodiments of the present application is not limited to Figure 2B shown. In some embodiments, as Figure 2C shown, the width direction D2 of the flat transmission line 260 can also be orthogonal to the reflector 214. At this time, the thickness direction D3 of the flat transmission line 260 is parallel to the reflector 214.

[0097] From Figure 2B and Figure 2C it can be seen that the size of the width direction D2 of the flat transmission line 260 is significantly larger than the size of the thickness direction D3 of the flat transmission line 260. Thus, the line type of the flat transmission line 260 is generally flat. The flat transmission line 260 has the advantages of light weight, small volume, convenient wiring, wide bandwidth, high reliability, low transmission loss, low cost, and long service life. According to the antenna 21 of the above embodiments of the present application, compared with the related art, it has at least the following technical advantages:

[0098] Compared with the traditional round cable, the flat transmission line 260 is easier to realize bending wiring. Its cross-sectional area can be designed larger, and the volume ratio of the insulating medium in its structure can be designed smaller. Therefore, when applied to the antenna 21, the transmission loss of the main feed can be reduced, and the energy efficiency of the antenna 21 can be improved;

[0099] Since a part of the flat transmission line 260 is located between the transmission module 217 and the reflector 214, that is, runs between the transmission module 217 and the reflector 214, in this way, the gap between the transmission module 217 and the reflector 214 can be used to arrange the flat transmission line 260, which can make the internal structure of the antenna 21 more compact and tidy.

[0100] In some embodiments of the present application, the antenna 21 may adopt a single - frequency design. For example, the operating frequency bands of the multiple radiation units 2150 of the radiation unit array 215 are the same. In other embodiments of the present application, the antenna 21 may also adopt a multi - frequency design. For example, the multiple radiation units 2150 of the radiation unit array 215 are divided into at least two groups, and the operating frequency bands of different groups are different. When the antenna 21 adopts a multi - frequency design, due to the increase in frequency bands, the structural design of the feeding network 216 becomes more complex. In this case, the embodiments of the present application adopt the flat transmission line 260 as the main feeder or a part of the main feeder, and route a part of the flat transmission line 260 between the driving module 217 and the reflector 214, which can improve the space utilization rate inside the antenna 21, make the structure more compact, and thus help to reduce the volume of the antenna 21.

[0101] As Figure 2B and Figure 2C shown, in some embodiments of the present application, the transmission line may include at least two flat transmission lines 260 that extend in parallel and are used to transmit signals in different polarization directions. As shown in the figure, there are two flat transmission lines 260.

[0102] The direction of the electric field intensity formed when the antenna radiates is called the polarization direction of the antenna. When the antenna includes at least two polarization directions, signals in different polarization directions need to be transmitted through different flat transmission lines 260. For example, in some embodiments, the antenna 21 is a dual - polarization antenna, which includes two polarization directions of + 45° and - 45°. The transmission line includes two flat transmission lines 260 that extend in parallel. One flat transmission line 260 is used to transmit the signal in the + 45° polarization direction, and the other flat transmission line 260 is used to transmit the signal in the - 45° polarization direction. This embodiment of the present application supports the multi - polarization design of the antenna 21, so that the antenna 21 has higher signal transmission and reception efficiency. In other embodiments of the present application, if the antenna 21 adopts a single - polarization design, one flat transmission line 260 may also be used.

[0103] In some embodiments of the present application, as Figure 2A shown, the flat transmission line 260 can be fixed on at least one of the reflector 214, the driving module 217, or the phase shifter 261, etc. through connectors such as the insulating wire clip 607. In other embodiments of the present application, the flat transmission line 260 includes a plurality of insulating mounting parts ( Figure 2A(not shown in the figure), the plurality of insulating mounting portions are fixed to at least one of the reflector 214, the transmission module 217, the phase shifter 261, etc. For example, the plurality of insulating mounting portions may be protrusions protruding from the surface of the flat transmission line 260, and are fixedly connected to at least one of the reflector 214, the transmission module 217, the phase shifter 261, etc. through fasteners or adhesives. These embodiments can achieve reliable and simple installation of the flat transmission line 260, and it is easy to achieve precise routing of the flat transmission line 260.

[0104] In the embodiments of the present application, the structure of the flat transmission line 260 includes a signal transmission strip line and a ground plane spaced apart from the signal transmission strip line. Among them, the signal transmission strip line is used to transmit signals, and the ground plane serves as a ground reference plane for grounding and providing shielding protection for the signal transmission strip line. An insulating medium may be filled between the signal transmission strip line and the ground plane, or an air gap may be designed between the signal transmission strip line and the ground plane. When an air gap is designed between the signal transmission strip line and the ground plane, the volume proportion of the insulating medium in the structure of the flat transmission line 260 is relatively small, thereby reducing the loss of signal transmission.

[0105] In some embodiments of the present application, the width direction of the signal transmission strip line, which is also the width direction D2 of the flat transmission line 260 described above, may be set parallel to the reflector 214. In other embodiments of the present application, the thickness direction of the signal transmission strip line, which is also the thickness direction D3 of the flat transmission line 260 described above, may also be set parallel to the reflector 214.

[0106] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific type and structure of the flat transmission line 260. The flat transmission line 260 may adopt any one of a strip line, a microstrip line, a coplanar waveguide (CPW), etc. Some optional types of the flat transmission line 260 are illustrated below.

[0107] Combined with Figure 2B and Figure 3AAs shown, in some embodiments, the flat transmission line 260 employs a stripline 61, whose ground plane 651 includes two ground plates 6511 arranged in parallel with the signal transmission strip line 650. Among them, the signal transmission strip line 650 is located between the two ground plates 6511, and the signal transmission strip line 650 and the two ground plates 6511 are spaced apart by a plurality of insulating support structures 606. There are air gaps 652 respectively between the signal transmission strip line 650 and the two ground plates 6511. In this embodiment, the width direction of the signal transmission strip line 650 (which is also the width direction D2 of the flat transmission line 260) is parallel to the reflector 214. In other embodiments, the thickness direction of the signal transmission strip line 650 (which is also the thickness direction D3 of the flat transmission line 260) can also be set to be parallel to the reflector 214. In some embodiments, the surface of the signal transmission strip line 650 can be exposed in the air gaps 652 on both sides. In other embodiments, the surface of the signal transmission strip line 650 can also be covered with a dielectric film (not shown in the figure), such as a green oil anti-corrosion film, etc., so as to prevent the surface of the signal transmission strip line 650 from being directly exposed in the air gaps 652.

[0108] Combined with Figure 2B and Figure 3B As shown, in some embodiments, the flat transmission line 260 employs a stripline 61, whose ground plane 651 includes two ground plates 6511 arranged in parallel with the signal transmission strip line 650. Among them, the signal transmission strip line 650 is located between the two ground plates 6511, and an insulating dielectric 60 is filled between the signal transmission strip line 650 and the two ground plates 6511. In this embodiment, the width direction of the signal transmission strip line 650 (which is also the width direction D2 of the flat transmission line 260) is parallel to the reflector 214. In other embodiments, the thickness direction of the signal transmission strip line 650 (which is also the thickness direction D3 of the flat transmission line 260) can also be set to be parallel to the reflector 214. In these embodiments, the above-mentioned insulating support structures 606 can be set or not set according to the design requirements.

[0109] The stripline 61 has the advantages of small volume, light weight, wide bandwidth, high Q value (quality factor, the higher the Q value, the smaller the transmission loss), simple process, low cost, etc. When used as the flat transmission line 260 in the embodiments of the present application, it can reduce the transmission loss of the main feed and is convenient for wiring. When the stripline 61 is designed to have a structure with air gaps 652, the volume ratio of the insulating dielectric in its structure is relatively small, so that the transmission loss of the main feed can be further reduced.

[0110] Combined with Figure 2B and Figure 3CAs shown, in some embodiments, the flat transmission line 260 is a strip line 61, and its ground plane 651 includes a first wide-side surface 6512a and a second wide-side surface 6513a arranged in parallel, and a first narrow-side surface 6514a and a second narrow-side surface 6515a arranged in parallel. Among them, the first wide-side surface 6512a, the second wide-side surface 6513a, the first narrow-side surface 6514a, and the second narrow-side surface 6515a form a rectangular cavity, and the signal transmission strip line 650 is located in the rectangular cavity and is arranged parallel to the first wide-side surface 6512a and the second wide-side surface 6513a. There is an air gap 652 in the rectangular cavity. This embodiment can be regarded as Figure 3A a deformed structure of the strip line 61 shown. In this embodiment, the rectangular cavity formed by the first wide-side surface 6512a, the second wide-side surface 6513a, the first narrow-side surface 6514a, and the second narrow-side surface 6515a can provide better shielding protection for the signal transmission strip line 650, thus being beneficial to improving the stability of signal transmission. In some other embodiments, the rectangular cavity can also be filled with an insulating medium.

[0111] In some embodiments, when the transmission line includes at least two flat transmission lines 260 that extend in parallel and are used to transmit signals in different polarization directions (such as Figure 2B the two flat transmission lines 260 shown), the ground planes of the at least two flat transmission lines 260 can be designed to be integrally connected. Combining Figure 2B and Figure 3D As shown, in this embodiment, the flat transmission line 260 is a strip line 61, and the ground planes 651 of the two strip lines 61 are integrally connected and form two rectangular cavities, and the signal transmission strip lines 650 of the two strip lines 61 are located in the two rectangular cavities in a one-to-one correspondence. This embodiment can be regarded as Figure 3C a deformed structure of the strip line 61 shown. Combining Figure 2B and Figure 3E As shown, in this embodiment, the flat transmission line 260 is a strip line 61, and the ground planes 651 of the two strip lines 61 are integrally connected and form a rectangular cavity, and the signal transmission strip lines 650 of the two strip lines 61 are located in the rectangular cavity and are spaced apart from each other. This embodiment can also be regarded as Figure 3C a deformed structure of the strip line 61 shown. The designs of these embodiments can not only provide better shielding protection for the signal transmission strip line 650, but also be beneficial to reducing the size occupied by the flat transmission line 260 in the width direction and reducing its weight.

[0112] Combining Figure 2B and Figure 4AAs shown, in some embodiments, the flat transmission line 260 adopts a microstrip line 62, and its ground plane 651 includes a ground plane 6511 arranged in parallel with the signal transmission strip line 650, wherein the signal transmission strip line 650 and the one ground plane 6511 are separated by a plurality of insulating support structures 606, and an air gap 652 is provided between the signal transmission strip line 650 and the one ground plane 6511. In this embodiment, the width direction of the signal transmission strip line 650 (also the width direction D2 of the flat transmission line 260) is parallel to the reflector 214, and the signal transmission strip lines 650 of the two microstrip lines 62 are located one by one on the side of the ground plane 6511 of the two microstrip lines 62 away from the reflector 214. In other embodiments, as Figure 2C and Figure 4B As shown, the thickness direction of the signal transmission strip line 650 (also the thickness direction D3 of the flat transmission line 260) can also be set to be parallel to the reflector 214, and the signal transmission strip lines 650 of the two microstrip lines 62 are separated. In some embodiments, the surface of the signal transmission strip line 650 can be exposed to the air gap 652 and the air on the other side. In other embodiments, the surface of the signal transmission strip line 650 can also be covered with a dielectric film (not shown in the figure), such as a green oil anti-corrosion film, so as to avoid the surface of the signal transmission strip line 650 being directly exposed to the air gap 652 and the air on the other side.

[0113] In some implementations, the microstrip line 62 may not adopt the design including the air gap structure, but may fill an insulating medium between the ground plate 6511 and the signal transmission strip line 650. In these embodiments, the insulating support structure 606 may or may not be provided.

[0114] The microstrip line 62 has the advantages of small size, light weight, wide bandwidth, high reliability and low manufacturing cost. In addition, the microstrip line 62 has good anti-electromagnetic interference capability, high characteristic impedance and better transmission rate. The microstrip line 62 is used as the flat transmission line 260 of the embodiment of the present application, which can reduce the transmission loss of the main feed and facilitate wiring. When the microstrip line 62 is designed to have a structure with an air gap 652, the volume of the insulating medium in the structure accounts for a small proportion, thereby further reducing the transmission loss of the main feed.

[0115] Combination Figure 2B and Figure 4C As shown, in some embodiments, when the transmission line includes at least two microstrip lines 62 extending in parallel and used to transmit signals of different polarization directions, the ground plates 6511 of the at least two microstrip lines 62 can be designed to be connected as one. In this embodiment, when the width direction D2 of the flat transmission line 260 is parallel to the reflector 214, the ground plates 6511 of the two microstrip lines 62 can be coplanar and connected as one. Figure 2C andFigure 4D As shown, in some other embodiments, when the thickness direction D3 of the flat transmission line 260 is parallel to the reflector 214, the two microstrip lines 62 can share the same ground plane 6511, and the two microstrip lines 62 are respectively located on both sides of the ground plane 6511.

[0116] Combined with Figure 2B and Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the flat transmission line 260 adopts a coplanar waveguide 63, and its ground plane 651 includes a first wide-side surface 6512b and a second wide-side surface 6513b arranged in parallel, and a first narrow-side surface 6514b and a second narrow-side surface 6515b arranged in parallel. Among them, the first wide-side surface 6512b, the second wide-side surface 6513b, the first narrow-side surface 6514b and the second narrow-side surface 6515b form a rectangular cavity, and there is an air gap 652 in the rectangular cavity. The first wide-side surface 6512b has a strip-shaped opening 6516, and the signal transmission strip line 650 is located in the strip-shaped opening 6516. And the signal transmission strip line 650 is spaced from the second wide-side surface 6513b by a plurality of insulating support structures 606. In this embodiment, the width direction of the signal transmission strip line 650 (which is also the width direction D2 of the flat transmission line 260) is parallel to the reflector 214. In other embodiments, the thickness direction of the signal transmission strip line 650 (which is also the thickness direction D3 of the flat transmission line 260) can also be set to be parallel to the reflector 214. In some embodiments, the surface of the signal transmission strip line 650 can be exposed to the air in the air gap 652 and on the other side. In some other embodiments, the surface of the signal transmission strip line 650 can also be covered with a dielectric film (not shown in the figure), such as a green oil anti-corrosion film, etc., so as to prevent the surface of the signal transmission strip line 650 from being directly exposed to the air in the air gap 652 and on the other side.

[0117] In some implementations, the coplanar waveguide 63 may not adopt the above design including the air gap structure, but instead fill the rectangular cavity with an insulating dielectric. In these embodiments, the above insulating support structure 606 may or may not be provided.

[0118] In some embodiments, when the transmission line includes at least two coplanar waveguides 63 that extend in parallel and are used to transmit signals of different polarization directions, the ground planes 651 of the at least two coplanar waveguides 63 can be designed to be integrally connected. For example, the Figure 5 adjacent sides of the two coplanar waveguides 63 in the shown embodiment can be designed to be integrally connected, and the two coplanar waveguides 63 share one side. More deformation design schemes are not listed one by one here.

[0119] The coplanar waveguide 63 has the advantages of small volume, light weight, and being convenient for obtaining linear polarization, circular polarization, dual polarization, and multi-band operation. In addition, the coplanar waveguide 63 has a better shielding effect, so it is beneficial to achieve a thinner and lighter size design. The coplanar waveguide 63 is used as the flat transmission line 260 in the embodiments of the present application, which can reduce the transmission loss of the main feed and is convenient for wiring. When the coplanar waveguide 63 is designed to have a structure with an air gap 652, the volume proportion of the insulating medium in its structure is relatively small, thereby further reducing the transmission loss of the main feed.

[0120] In some embodiments of the present application, as Figure 6 shown, the reflector 214 is grounded, the width direction of the signal transmission strip line 650 of the flat transmission line 260 (which is also the width direction D2 of the flat transmission line 260) is parallel to the reflector 214, and at least a part of the ground plane 651 of the flat transmission line 260 can be integrated with the reflector 214. Since the reflector 214 is usually made of a metal material, in some embodiments, the reflector 214 can be grounded, so that the reflector 214 can be used as the ground plane 651 of the flat transmission line 260. In other embodiments, at least a part of the ground plane 651 of the flat transmission line 260 can also be made on the grounded reflector 214. The designs of these embodiments can simplify the structure of the flat transmission line 260, make it easier to process and manufacture, and make it easier to arrange the wiring. In this embodiment, the flat transmission line 260 can be any one of the above-mentioned strip line 61, microstrip line 62, and coplanar waveguide 63.

[0121] The above embodiments only describe some structural design forms of the flat transmission line 260. Based on the above structural design, its specific structural form can be appropriately designed and changed, and is not limited to that shown in the figure.

[0122] A phase shifter is an electronic device used to change the phase of a signal. It can delay or advance the phase of an input signal by a certain angle, thereby realizing the phase adjustment of the signal. In an antenna, a phase shifter is often used to adjust the phase difference between each radiation unit to realize the beam forming and direction control of the radiation unit array. The working principle of a phase shifter can be realized in various ways. For example, the phase change can be realized by changing the physical length of the signal transmission line. Such phase shifters are, for example, fan-shaped or arc-shaped slotted phase shifters, U-shaped slotted phase shifters, etc. In addition, the phase change can also be realized by changing the equivalent dielectric constant of the signal transmission space. Such phase shifters are, for example, dielectric sliding type phase shifters. The embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit the type of the phase shifter 261. For example, it can be selected from one of the fan-shaped or arc-shaped slotted phase shifters, U-shaped slotted phase shifters, or dielectric sliding type phase shifters, etc.

[0123] In some embodiments of the present application, for example Figure 2AAs shown, the flat transmission line 260 can be routed outside the phase shifter 261, and the routing method is simple, intuitive and easy to operate.

[0124] As Figure 7A shown, it is a simplified structural schematic diagram of the phase shifter 261 according to some embodiments of the present application. In these embodiments, a part or all of the signal transmission strip line 650 of the flat transmission line 260 can be routed inside the phase shifter 261. The above-mentioned ground plane 651 of the flat transmission line 260 and the phase shifter 261 can be integrally fabricated, that is, at least a part of the flat transmission line 260 and the phase shifter 261 are integrally designed. In this way, not only can the structure inside the antenna 21 be made more compact, but also it is beneficial to reduce the routing length of the flat transmission line 260. Since the length of the transmission line is also a factor affecting the transmission loss, therefore, integrating at least a part of the flat transmission line 260 with the phase shifter 261 is beneficial to further reduce the signal transmission loss.

[0125] As Figure 7A shown, in some embodiments, the structure of the phase shifter 261 includes an outer conductor cavity 2620 arranged grounded, and a phase shift circuit 2630 and a phase shift component 2640 arranged inside the outer conductor cavity 2620 (the phase shift circuit 2630 and the phase shift component 2640 adopt a simplified schematic drawing method and are not used to limit the actual structure). Among them, the phase shift circuit 2630 includes an input / output main path 2631. The signal transmission strip line 650 of the flat transmission line 260 is connected to the input / output main path 2631, and at least a part of the signal transmission strip line 650 of the flat transmission line 260 extends into the outer conductor cavity 2620. The ground plane 651 of the flat transmission line 260 is integrally connected to the outer conductor cavity 2620. The phase shift component 2640 is used to be driven by the aforementioned transmission module 217 to perform a phase shift action, for example, through the above implementation principle, the phase of the signal is adjusted by scribing and moving.

[0126] This embodiment integrates at least one section of the flat transmission line 260 with the phase shifter 261, and the signal transmission strip line 650 is connected to the input / output main path 2631 inside the phase shifter 261, which can not only reduce the signal transmission loss, but also simplify the internal structure of the antenna 21 and make the internal structure of the antenna 21 cleaner.

[0127] In the embodiments of the present application, the phase shift circuit 2630 can be made of strip lines. Its "input / output main path 2631" can be understood as that when the aforementioned connector 213 conveys signals to the phase shifter 261 through the flat transmission line 260, the "input / output main path 2631" can be used as the main input path, and when the phase shifter 261 conveys signals to the aforementioned connector 213 through the flat transmission line 260, the "input / output main path 2631" can be used as the main output path.

[0128] As shown Figure 7B in the figure, it schematically shows some embodiment solutions of the integrated design of the flat transmission line 260 and the phase shifter 261 inside the antenna. In this embodiment, the phase shifter 261 can be arranged on the second surface 42 of the reflector 214, and the above-mentioned width direction D4 of the phase shifter 261 (not schematically shown in the figure due to the viewing angle) is arranged parallel to the reflector 214. The flat transmission line 260 can be substantially in a "Z"-shaped broken line shape and is integrally designed with the phase shifter 261.

[0129] As shown Figure 7C in the figure, it is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the input / output main path 2631 of the phase shifter 261 and the flat transmission line 260 at Figure 7B P in the present application. This schematic diagram can be understood as the internal three-dimensional structure obtained by observing from the side of the phase shifter 261 away from the reflector 214. In order to schematically show the internal structure, a partial windowing perspective of the outer conductor cavity 2620 of the phase shifter 261 is shown. In Figure 7C it, the number of flat transmission lines 260 is shown as two and they extend in parallel.

[0130] As shown Figure 7C in the figure, the outer conductor cavity 2620 of the phase shifter 261 generally includes two relatively arranged metal plates 202 and a spacer structure 203 located between the two metal plates 202. The space between the two metal plates 202 is partitioned into a plurality of sub-cavities 201 by the spacer structure 203. Therefore, the outer conductor cavity 2620 of this phase shifter 261 contains a plurality of sub-cavities 201. Generally, the distance between the two metal plates 202 is defined as the "cavity height" of the phase shifter 261. The phase shifter 261 may or may not include a housing, and its width direction D4 is generally consistent with the direction of the "cavity height", that is, the width direction of the phase shifter 261 can be understood as the direction orthogonal to the two metal plates 202. In some embodiments, the outer conductor cavity 2620 can be integrally formed by profile processing to form a plurality of sub-cavities 201.

[0131] The cavity wall of the sub-cavity 201 can serve as the ground reference plane for the phase shift circuit 2630 and the signal transmission strip line 650 inside the sub-cavity 201 and provide shielding protection for them. The strip line of the phase shift circuit 2630 and the signal transmission strip line 650 of the flat transmission line 260 can both form equivalent structures of transmission lines such as strip lines, microstrip lines or coplanar waveguides with the cavity wall of the sub-cavity 201. In some embodiments, an insulating medium can be provided between the strip line of the phase shift circuit 2630 and the cavity wall.

[0132] In the embodiments of the present application, the signal transmission strip line 650 of the flat transmission line 260 and the input / output main path 2631 (i.e., the strip line that serves as the input / output main path 2631 of the phase shifter circuit 2630) can be connected by means such as welding, integral connection, or connection through a bridging member 204, and can be flexibly designed according to the specific routing of the signal transmission strip line 650 and the input / output main path 2631. The present application does not make specific limitations in this regard. For example, in some embodiments, the signal transmission strip line 650 of the flat transmission line 260 and the input / output main path 2631 can overlap each other, and in this case, the two can be connected by laser welding. For example, in some embodiments, the signal transmission strip line 650 of the flat transmission line 260 and the input / output main path 2631 can be integrally connected without later assembly. For example, in some embodiments, the signal transmission strip line 650 of the flat transmission line 260 and the input / output main path 2631 are spaced apart from each other, and in this case, the two can be connected by a bridging member 204.

[0133] In the embodiments of the present application, the portion of the signal transmission strip line 650 located within the outer conductor cavity 2620 can be in the same sub-cavity 201 as the input / output main path 2631 or in different sub-cavities 201.

[0134] As Figure 7C shown, in some embodiments, the portion of the signal transmission strip line 650 located within the outer conductor cavity 2620 is in the same sub-cavity 201 as the input / output main path 2631. In this embodiment, the portion of the signal transmission strip line 650 located within the outer conductor cavity 2620 and the input / output main path 2631 can be integrally connected (as shown in the figure) or connected together by laser welding. Such a design simplifies the structure and facilitates processing and manufacturing.

[0135] As Figure 7D shown, it is a schematic connection structure diagram of the input / output main path 2631 of the phase shifter 261 and the flat transmission line 260 at P in Figure 7B in some other embodiments of the present application. This schematic diagram can be understood as an internal three-dimensional structure obtained by observing from the side of the phase shifter 261 away from the reflector 214. For the purpose of schematically showing the internal structure, a partial windowing perspective view of the outer conductor cavity 2620 of the phase shifter 261 is shown. In Figure 7D it, the number of flat transmission lines 260 is schematically shown as two and extends in parallel.

[0136] In this embodiment, the portion of the signal transmission strip line 650 located within the outer conductor cavity 2620 is in a different sub-cavity 201 from the input / output main path 2631. The portion of the signal transmission strip line 650 located within the outer conductor cavity 2620 may be spaced apart from the input / output main path 2631, may be coplanar or non-coplanar, and the two may be connected together by a bridging member 204. Such a design can utilize the shielding effect of the wall of the sub-cavity 201 to reduce the resonance caused when the signal transmission strip line 650 and the input / output main path 2631 perform high-frequency signal transmission, thereby improving the working stability of the phase shifter circuit 2630. In this embodiment, the phase shifter 261 may be disposed on the second surface 42 of the above-mentioned reflector 214, and the width direction D4 of the phase shifter 261 is arranged parallel to the reflector 214, and the signal transmission strip line 650 is routed on the side of the phase shifter 261 away from the reflector.

[0137] As Figure 7E shown, it schematically shows some other embodiment solutions of the integrated design of the flat transmission line 260 and the phase shifter 261 inside the antenna. In this embodiment, the phase shifter 261 may be disposed on the second surface 42 of the reflector 214, and the width direction D4 of the phase shifter 261 (not schematically shown in the figure due to the viewing angle) is arranged parallel to the reflector 214, and the flat transmission line 260 may be generally in a "one" shape and integrated with the phase shifter 261.

[0138] As Figure 7F shown, it is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the input / output main path 2631 of the phase shifter 261 and the flat transmission line 260 at Q in Figure 7E of some embodiments of the present application. This schematic diagram can be understood as the internal three-dimensional structure obtained by observing from the side of the phase shifter 261 away from the reflector 214. For the purpose of schematically showing the internal structure, a partial windowing perspective view of the outer conductor cavity 2620 of the phase shifter 261 is shown. In Figure 7F , the number of flat transmission lines 260 is schematically shown as two and extending in parallel.

[0139] As Figure 7F shown, in some embodiments, the portion of the signal transmission strip line 650 located within the outer conductor cavity 2620 is in a different sub-cavity 201 from the input / output main path 2631. In this embodiment, the portion of the signal transmission strip line 650 located within the outer conductor cavity 2620 is parallel to the input / output main path 2631, and due to the mutual spacing, they can be connected together by a bridging member 204. Compared with Figure 7DThe principles of the illustrated embodiments are similar. With such a design, the shielding effect of the wall of the sub-cavity 201 can be utilized to reduce the resonance caused by the signal transmission strip line 650 and the input / output main path 2631 during high-frequency signal transmission, thereby improving the working stability of the phase shifter circuit 2630. In this embodiment, the phase shifter 261 can be disposed on the second surface 42 of the above-mentioned reflector 214, and the width direction D4 of the phase shifter 261 is arranged parallel to the reflector 214, and the signal transmission strip line 650 runs on the side of the phase shifter 261 orthogonal to the reflector 214.

[0140] In the embodiment of the present application, the end of the flat transmission line 260 far from the phase shifter 261 and the connector 213 can be directly connected (as Figure 2A shown) or indirectly connected through other intermediate components (as Figure 8 shown). For example, the end of the flat transmission line 260 far from the phase shifter 261 and the connector 213 can be connected by welding, plugging, connecting through fasteners, or connected through a flexible cable as Figure 8 shown. The flat transmission line 260 and the flexible cable 262 can be connected by welding. These connection methods occupy less space and are convenient for disassembly and assembly operations.

[0141] As Figure 9 shown, in some embodiments of the present application, the feeding network 216 further includes a function expansion device 263, and the function expansion device 263 can be disposed on the end cover 212 (as Figure 9 shown). In addition, it can also be disposed in the space between the end cover 212 and the drive module 217. The connector 213 is connected to the function expansion device 263, for example, through a flexible cable or a circuit board. The end of the flat transmission line 260 far from the phase shifter 261 can be connected to the function expansion device 263 by welding, plugging, connecting through fasteners, or connecting through a flexible cable.

[0142] The specific functional type of the function expansion device 263 is not limited. For example, it can be a coupler, a combiner, a splitter, or a filter, etc. The number of the function expansion devices 263 can be one or more. The circuit structure of this part of the feeding network 216 between the connector 213 and the flat transmission line 260 can be designed according to the product requirements of the antenna 21, and its specific structural form is not limited in the present application.

[0143] In some embodiments of the present application, the feeding network 216 may further include a function expansion device disposed between the flat transmission line 260 and the phase shifter 261. The function expansion device may be, for example, a combiner or a filter, etc., which is not shown in the figure. According to the definition of the main feed, the transmission line between the flat transmission line 260 and the function expansion device, and the transmission line between the function expansion device and the phase shifter 261 are also part of the main feed. Therefore, a structural design similar to the above-mentioned strip line 61, microstrip line 62 or coplanar waveguide 63 can also be adopted.

[0144] In an embodiment of the present application, the antenna 21 may include one or more connectors 213. According to the structural design of the feeding network 216, the number of flat transmission lines 260 and connectors 213 may be the same or different. For example, two flat transmission lines 260 may be connected to one connector 213, or may be connected to two connectors 213 in a one-to-one correspondence. Details are not enumerated here one by one.

[0145] As Figure 2A shown, in some embodiments of the present application, the driving module 217 is disposed opposite to one or more radiation units 2150 adjacent to the end cover 212 in the radiation unit array 215. That is, the orthographic projection of one or more radiation units 2150 adjacent to the end cover 212 in the radiation unit array 215 on the reflector 214 falls within the orthographic projection of the driving module 217 on the reflector 214. For example, the first radiation unit and the second radiation unit adjacent to the end cover 212 in the radiation unit array 215 may be disposed opposite to the driving module 217 on both sides of the reflector 214. Such a design can improve the compactness of the arrangement of the radiation unit array 215 on the reflector 214, facilitating the realization of the multi-frequency design of the antenna 21.

[0146] Continue to refer to Figure 2A shown, in some embodiments of the present application, one end of the flat transmission line 260 far from the phase shifter 261 extends in the longitudinal direction D1 between the end cover 212 and the first radiation unit 2150 adjacent to the end cover 212. Such a design can make one end of the flat transmission line 260 far from the phase shifter 261 as close as possible to the end cover 212. Thus, not only is it easier to connect and assemble the flat transmission line 260 with components such as the connector 213, but also the line length ratio of the flat transmission line 260 in the main feed can be increased as much as possible, thereby further reducing the transmission loss.

[0147] In some embodiments of the present application, one end of the flat transmission line 260 far from the phase shifter 261 may also extend in the longitudinal direction D1 between the first radiation unit and the second radiation unit adjacent to the end cover 212. The connection and assembly of the flat transmission line 260 with components such as the connector 213 are basically also convenient, and the flat transmission line 260 also has sufficient line length.

[0148] In the embodiments of the present application, the specific routing shape of the flat transmission line 260 is not limited. For example, the flat transmission line 260 can extend in a zigzag shape, a curved shape, or a straight shape in a plane, and can be flexibly selected and designed according to the structure of the feeding network 216. In some embodiments, the flat transmission line 260 with a certain shape can be prefabricated and then assembled in the antenna 21.

[0149] As described above, based on the basic structure of the phase shifter 261, the cavity height direction of the outer conductor cavity 2620 of the phase shifter 261 can be defined as the width direction D4 of the phase shifter 261. From Figure 2A And Figure 2B it can be seen that the size of the width direction D4 of the phase shifter 261 is smaller than the size of the height direction of the phase shifter 261 (in Figure 2A And Figure 2B the height direction of the phase shifter 261 is orthogonal to the reflector 214).

[0150] In the embodiments of the present application, the width direction D4 of the phase shifter 261 can be arranged parallel to the reflector 214 or orthogonal to the reflector 214. As Figure 2B shown, when the width direction D4 of the phase shifter 261 is arranged parallel to the reflector 214, since the size of the width direction D4 of the phase shifter 261 is relatively small, the size occupied by the phase shifter 261 in the width direction D4 is also relatively small. In some embodiments, when the width direction D4 of the phase shifter 261 is arranged orthogonal to the reflector 214, since the size of the width direction D4 of the phase shifter 261 is relatively small, the size occupied by the phase shifter 261 in the direction orthogonal to the reflector 214 is also relatively small. The phase shifter 261 can be flexibly arranged according to the design requirements of the antenna 21, and the present application does not make specific limitations on this.

[0151] In the embodiments of the present application, the phase shifter 261 can be arranged on the first surface 41 or the second surface 42 of the reflector 214, and the flat transmission line 260 can be flexibly designed based on the arrangement form of the phase shifter 261.

[0152] As Figure 2A And Figure 2BAs shown, in some embodiments, the phase shifter 261 may be disposed on the second surface 42 of the reflector 214, and the width direction D4 of the phase shifter 261 is arranged parallel to the reflector 214. In this embodiment, the phase shifter 261 includes a first portion 2611 and a second portion 2612 protruding from the first portion 2611, wherein the second portion 2612 extends between the transmission module 217 and the reflector 214. The flat transmission line 260 includes a first extension segment 601, a second extension segment 602, and a third extension segment 603 connected in sequence. Among them, the first extension segment 601 is located between the transmission module 217 and the second portion 2612 of the phase shifter 261, and the third extension segment 603 is located on the side of the first portion 2611 of the phase shifter 261 facing away from the reflector 214. The flat transmission line 260 is generally in a zigzag shape.

[0153] As mentioned above, compared with traditional round cables, the flat transmission line 260 is easier to implement a bent routing design, so it can be designed as a "Z" - shaped routing according to needs. The flat transmission line 260 can adopt the strip line 61, microstrip line 62, or coplanar waveguide 63 in the above - mentioned embodiments. The width direction D2 of the flat transmission line 260 can be parallel or orthogonal to the reflector 214. Regarding the selection and design of the flat transmission line 260, reference can be made to the foregoing embodiments, which will not be elaborated in detail here. In addition, in this embodiment, the flat transmission line 260 is shown as routing outside the phase shifter 261 using a wire clip 607. In some other embodiments of the present application, at least a part of the flat transmission line 260 can also be integrally designed with the phase shifter 261. For example, as shown in Figure 7B shown, the ground plane 651 of the flat transmission line 260 is integrally fabricated with the phase shifter 261, and at least a part of the above - mentioned signal transmission strip line 650 of the flat transmission line 260 is routed inside the above - mentioned outer conductor cavity 2620 of the phase shifter 261.

[0154] In this embodiment, the width direction D4 of the phase shifter 261 is arranged parallel to the reflector 214. Since the size of the width direction D4 of the phase shifter 261 is relatively small, the size occupied by the phase shifter 261 in this width direction D4 is also small. The second portion 2612 of the phase shifter 261 protrudes from the first portion 2611 and extends between the transmission module 217 and the reflector 214. Such a design, on the one hand, can minimize the length of this part of the transmission line between the phase shifter 261 and each radiation unit 2150, thereby minimizing the signal transmission loss; on the other hand, since the phase shifter 261 is closer to the end cover 212, this is beneficial to reducing the routing length of the flat transmission line 260, thereby also minimizing the signal transmission loss; on the other hand, it can also make the internal structure of the antenna 21 more compact. In some embodiments, the radiation unit 2150 can pass through the reflector 214 and be connected to the phase - shifting circuit of the phase shifter 261.

[0155] As Figure 10 shown, in some embodiments, the phase shifter 261 may be disposed on the second surface 42 of the reflector 214. The width direction D4 of the phase shifter 261 (not shown in the figure, which is the direction perpendicular to the paper surface) is arranged parallel to the reflector 214, and the flat transmission line 260 and the phase shifter 261 are arranged flat on the second surface 42 of the reflector 214.

[0156] The statement that "the flat transmission line 260 and the phase shifter 261 are arranged flat on the second surface 42 of the reflector 214" can be understood as that the orthographic projections of the flat transmission line 260 and the phase shifter 261 on the reflector 214 have almost no overlap, and the flat transmission line 260 can be routed along the outer side surface of the phase shifter 261 that is orthogonal to the reflector 214. When there are two flat transmission lines 260, the two flat transmission lines 260 can be routed along the two opposite outer side surfaces of the phase shifter 261 respectively (the figure shows the front view of the antenna 21, so only the flat transmission line 260 on one side is schematically shown). The flat transmission line 260 can be in a "one" shape or in other shapes in the plane parallel to the reflector 214. The present application does not make specific limitations on this.

[0157] In this embodiment, the width direction D4 of the phase shifter 261 is arranged parallel to the reflector 214. Since the size of the width direction D4 of the phase shifter 261 is relatively small, the size occupied by the phase shifter 261 in this width direction D4 is also small.

[0158] In this embodiment, the phase shifter 261 is located on the side of the drive module 217 away from the end cap 212. Some radiation units 2150 cannot be opposite to the phase shifter 261, and these radiation units 2150 can be connected to the phase shift circuit of the phase shifter 261 through a flexible cable (not shown in the figure) passing through the reflector 214. In some other embodiments, the design of the phase shifter 261 can also refer to Figure 2A , which includes a first part 2611 and a second part 2612 protruding from the first part 2611. Among them, the second part 2612 extends between the drive module 217 and the reflector 214. The flat transmission line 260 and the phase shifter 261 are arranged flat on the second surface 42 of the reflector 214.

[0159] The flat transmission line 260 can adopt the strip line 61, microstrip line 62 or coplanar waveguide 63 in the above embodiments. The width direction of the flat transmission line 260 can be parallel or orthogonal to the reflector 214. For the selection and design of the flat transmission line 260, reference can be made to the foregoing embodiments, and details are not described here again. In addition, in this embodiment, the flat transmission line 260 is shown as being routed outside the phase shifter 261 using a wire clip 607. In some other embodiments of the present application, reference can also be made to Figure 7EAs shown, at least a part of the flat transmission line 260 is integrally designed with the phase shifter 261.

[0160] As Figure 11 shown, in some embodiments, the phase shifter 261 may be disposed on the second surface 42 of the reflector 214, and the width direction D4 of the phase shifter 261 is orthogonally arranged with respect to the reflector 214. A part of the phase shifter 261 extends between the transmission module 217 and the reflector 214, and a part of the flat transmission line 260 is located between the transmission module 217 and the phase shifter 261. The flat transmission line 260 may be generally in a "one" shape, or may be in other shapes in a plane parallel to the reflector 214. The present application does not make specific limitations thereon.

[0161] In this embodiment, the width direction D4 of the phase shifter 261 is orthogonally arranged with respect to the reflector 214. Since the size of the width direction D4 of the phase shifter 261 is relatively small, the size occupied by the phase shifter 261 in the direction orthogonal to the reflector 214 is also relatively small. A part of the phase shifter 261 extends between the transmission module 217 and the reflector 214. Such a design, on the one hand, can minimize the length of this part of the transmission line between the phase shifter 261 and each radiation unit 2150, thereby minimizing the signal transmission loss; on the other hand, since the phase shifter 261 is closer to the end cap 212, this is beneficial to reducing the routing length of the flat transmission line 260, thereby also minimizing the signal transmission loss; on the other hand, it can also make the internal structure of the antenna 21 more compact. In some embodiments, the radiation unit 2150 may pass through the reflector 214 and be connected to the phase shift circuit of the phase shifter 261.

[0162] The flat transmission line 260 may adopt the strip line 61, microstrip line 62 or coplanar waveguide 63 in the above embodiments. The width direction of the flat transmission line 260 may be parallel or orthogonal to the reflector 214. For the selection and design of the flat transmission line 260, reference may be made to the foregoing embodiments, and details are not described herein again. In addition, in this embodiment, the flat transmission line 260 is shown as being routed outside the phase shifter 261 by using a wire clip 607. In some other embodiments of the present application, at least a part of the flat transmission line 260 may also be integrally designed with the phase shifter 261.

[0163] As Figure 12A and Figure 12BAs shown, in some embodiments, the phase shifter 261 is disposed on the first surface 41 of the reflector 214, and the width direction D4 of the phase shifter 261 is orthogonally arranged with respect to the reflector 214. The radiation element array 115 is located on the side of the phase shifter 261 facing away from the reflector 214. The flat transmission line 260 is connected to the phase shifter 261 through an electrical connection structure passing through the reflector 214. The reflector 214 may be provided with vias, and the electrical connection structure may be, for example, a wire passing through the via and insulated from the reflector 214, or a via metal disposed in the via and insulated from the reflector 214. The flat transmission line 260 may be generally in a "one" shape, or may be in other shapes in a plane parallel to the reflector 214, and the present application does not make specific limitations thereon.

[0164] The flat transmission line 260 may adopt the strip line 61, microstrip line 62 or coplanar waveguide 63 in the above embodiments. The width direction of the flat transmission line 260 may be parallel or orthogonal to the reflector 214. For the selection and design of the flat transmission line 260, reference may be made to the foregoing embodiments, and details are not described herein again.

[0165] In this embodiment, the width direction D4 of the phase shifter 261 is orthogonally arranged with respect to the reflector 214. Since the dimension of the width direction D4 of the phase shifter 261 is relatively small, the dimension occupied by the phase shifter 261 in the direction orthogonal to the reflector 214 is also relatively small. Moreover, in this embodiment, the phase shifter 261 is disposed on the first surface 41 of the reflector 214, and can be closer to the end cap 212. On the one hand, it is more convenient to connect to each radiation element 2150, and the transmission line between each radiation element 2150 is minimized as much as possible, thereby minimizing the signal transmission loss. On the other hand, it is also beneficial to reduce the routing length of the flat transmission line 260, thereby also minimizing the signal transmission loss. On the other hand, it can also make the internal structure of the antenna 21 more compact.

[0166] In the above embodiments, since a part of the flat transmission line 260 runs between the transmission module 217 and the reflector 214, the internal structure of the antenna 21 is relatively compact and tidy, which is convenient for the antenna 21 to achieve multi-band design. Moreover, compared with the traditional round cable, the application of the flat transmission line 260 can reduce the transmission loss of the main feed, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the antenna 21.

[0167] The embodiment of the present application also provides a phase shifter that can be applied to an antenna, which can be referred to Figure 7A As shown, it includes an outer conductor cavity 2620, a phase shift component 2640, a phase shift circuit 2630 and a flat transmission line 260, wherein the outer conductor cavity 2620 is grounded. The phase shift component 2640 is disposed in the outer conductor cavity 2620 and is used to be driven by a transmission module of the antenna (such as Figure 2AThe drive module 217) shown in the figure drives to perform a phase shift operation. The phase shift circuit 2630 is disposed in the outer conductor cavity 2620. The phase shift circuit 2630 includes an input / output main path 2631. The flat transmission line 260 includes a signal transmission strip line 650 and a ground plane 651 spaced apart from the signal transmission strip line 650. Among them, the signal transmission strip line 650 is connected to the input / output main path 2631, and at least a part of the signal transmission strip line 650 is located in the outer conductor cavity 2620. The ground plane 651 is integrally connected to the outer conductor cavity 2620.

[0168] In some embodiments, the signal transmission strip line 650 is welded to the input / output main path 2631, integrally connected (as Figure 7C shown), or connected by a bridging member 204 (as Figure 7E and Figure 7F shown).

[0169] In some embodiments, the outer conductor cavity 2620 includes a plurality of sub-cavities 201. Among them, at least a part of the signal transmission strip line 650 and the input / output main path 2631 are located in the same sub-cavity 201 (as Figure 7C shown); or at least a part of the signal transmission strip line 650 and the input / output main path 2631 are located in different sub-cavities 201 (as Figure 7E and Figure 7F shown).

[0170] In some embodiments, the flat transmission line 260 is one of a strip line, a microstrip line, or a coplanar waveguide. The specific structural design can refer to the description in the foregoing embodiments and will not be elaborated here.

[0171] Regarding the specific structure of the phase shifter 261, reference can be made to the description of the phase shifter 261 in the antenna 21 above and will not be elaborated here. The phase shifter 261 in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to an antenna, where the antenna is not limited to the antenna 21 described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0172] In the embodiments of the present application, the flat transmission line 260 of the phase shifter 261 can be used as the main feed of the antenna. Compared with the traditional round cable, its cross-sectional area can be designed to be larger, and the volume ratio of the insulating medium in its structure can be designed to be smaller. Therefore, the transmission loss is smaller, which is beneficial to improving the energy efficiency of the antenna. As Figure 2A shown, when the flat transmission line 260 runs between the drive module 217 and the reflector 214 of the antenna 21, the gap between the drive module 217 and the reflector 214 can be used to arrange the flat transmission line 260, which can make the internal structure of the antenna 21 more compact and tidy.

[0173] An embodiment of this application further provides a base station, which includes the antenna 21 in any of the foregoing embodiments. Based on the above beneficial effects of the antenna 21, the base station can also obtain corresponding beneficial effects, so that it has better network coverage performance.

[0174] The technical solutions of the foregoing embodiments of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Global System of Mobile Communication (GSM) system, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication system, 5th generation (5G) system, New Radio (NR) system, or future communication systems, etc., which are not limited herein.

[0175] The access network device described in the embodiments of this application is sometimes also referred to as an access node. The access network device has a wireless transceiver function and is used to communicate with a terminal. The access network device includes but is not limited to base stations (base station), evolved Node B (eNodeB), transmission reception points (TRP), next generation base stations (next generation NodeB, gNB) in the 5G mobile communication system, next generation base stations in the 6th generation (6G) mobile communication system, access network devices or modules of an Open RAN (ORAN) system, base stations in future mobile communication systems, or access nodes in a WiFi (wireless fidelity) system, etc.

[0176] In some embodiments, the access network device may be a module or unit capable of implementing some functions of a base station. For example, the access network device may be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), etc. In an ORAN system, the CU may also be referred to as an O (open, O)-CU, the DU may also be referred to as an O-DU, the CU-CP may also be referred to as an O-CU-CP, the CU-UP may also be referred to as an O-CU-UP, and the RU may also be referred to as an O-RU.

[0177] In some embodiments, the access network device may also be a macro base station, a micro base station, an indoor base station, a relay node, or a donor node, or a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario, etc. A macro base station may also be referred to as a macro cell base station, which can cover a relatively large area, such as a city, a rural area, etc. A macro base station generally has a relatively high transmission power and a relatively long communication distance, and can support a relatively large number of users to communicate simultaneously. A micro base station may also be referred to as a micro cell base station. Compared with a macro base station, its coverage area is relatively small, and it is usually used in densely populated areas such as cities, commercial areas, and indoors. A micro base station has a relatively small transmission power and a relatively short communication distance, and can usually provide a relatively high network capacity and better signal quality. An indoor base station is a base station that can be used in an indoor environment and can be installed in indoor places such as large buildings, shopping malls, airports, and subways to provide indoor wireless communication coverage.

[0178] In some embodiments, the access network device may also be a server, a wearable device, or a vehicle-mounted device, etc. For example, the access network device in vehicle to everything (V2X) technology may be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0179] In the embodiments of the present application, multiple access network devices in a communication system may be of the same type of base station or different types of base stations. The base station may communicate with a terminal or communicate with the terminal through a relay station. The terminal may communicate with multiple base stations in different access technologies. The present application does not make specific limitations on this.

[0180] The above is only the specific implementation manner of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present application can easily think of changes or substitutions, which should all be covered within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An antenna, characterized in that, comprising: a reflector, including a first surface and a second surface; a radiation element array disposed on the first surface of the reflector; an end cap disposed at one end in the longitudinal direction of the reflector; a connector disposed on the end cap; a feed network connected to the connector and the radiation element array, the feed network including a phase shifter and a transmission line, wherein the transmission line includes a flat transmission line for transmitting signals between the connector and the phase shifter; and a drive module disposed on the second surface of the reflector and adjacent to the end cap, the drive module being configured to drive the phase shifter to perform a phase shift operation, wherein a portion of the flat transmission line is located between the drive module and the reflector.

2. The antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, the flat transmission line includes a signal transmission strip line and a ground plane spaced apart from the signal transmission strip line, wherein the width direction of the signal transmission strip line is parallel to the reflector, or the thickness direction of the signal transmission strip line is parallel to the reflector.

3. The antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that, there is an air gap between the signal transmission strip line and the ground plane.

4. The antenna according to claim 3, characterized in that, the flat transmission line is a strip line, and the ground plane includes two ground plates arranged parallel to the signal transmission strip line, wherein the signal transmission strip line is located between the two ground plates, and the signal transmission strip line and the two ground plates are spaced apart by a plurality of insulating support structures, and there are the air gaps between the signal transmission strip line and the two ground plates respectively; or the flat transmission line is a microstrip line, and the ground plane includes one ground plate arranged parallel to the signal transmission strip line, wherein the signal transmission strip line and the one ground plate are spaced apart by a plurality of insulating support structures, and there is the air gap between the signal transmission strip line and the one ground plate; or the flat transmission line is a coplanar waveguide, and the ground plane includes a first wide-side surface and a second wide-side surface arranged in parallel, and a first narrow-side surface and a second narrow-side surface arranged in parallel, wherein the first wide-side surface, the second wide-side surface, the first narrow-side surface and the second narrow-side surface form a rectangular cavity, there is the air gap in the rectangular cavity, the first wide-side surface has a strip-shaped opening, the signal transmission strip line is located in the strip-shaped opening, and the signal transmission strip line and the second wide-side surface are spaced apart by a plurality of insulating support structures.

5. The antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that, the flat transmission line is a strip line, and the ground plane includes two ground plates arranged parallel to the signal transmission strip line, wherein the signal transmission strip line is located between the two ground plates, and an insulating medium is filled between the signal transmission strip line and the two ground plates; or the flat transmission line is a microstrip line, and the ground plane includes one ground plate arranged parallel to the signal transmission strip line, wherein an insulating medium is filled between the signal transmission strip line and the one ground plate; or The flat transmission line is a coplanar waveguide. The ground plane includes a first wide-side surface and a second wide-side surface arranged in parallel, and a first narrow-side surface and a second narrow-side surface arranged in parallel. Among them, the first wide-side surface, the second wide-side surface, the first narrow-side surface and the second narrow-side surface form a rectangular cavity, the rectangular cavity is filled with an insulating medium, the first wide-side surface has a strip-shaped opening, and the signal transmission strip line is located within the strip-shaped opening.

6. The antenna according to claim 2, wherein, the flat transmission line is a strip line. The ground plane includes a first wide-side surface and a second wide-side surface arranged in parallel, and a first narrow-side surface and a second narrow-side surface arranged in parallel. Among them, the first wide-side surface, the second wide-side surface, the first narrow-side surface and the second narrow-side surface form a rectangular cavity. The signal transmission strip line is located within the rectangular cavity and is arranged in parallel with the first wide-side surface and the second wide-side surface. The rectangular cavity is filled with an insulating medium or has an air gap within the rectangular cavity.

7. The antenna according to claim 2, wherein, the transmission line includes at least two of the flat transmission lines that extend in parallel and are used for transmitting signals in different polarization directions.

8. The antenna according to claim 7, wherein, the ground planes of at least two of the flat transmission lines are integrally connected.

9. The antenna according to claim 2, wherein, the reflector is grounded. The width direction of the signal transmission strip line is parallel to the reflector, and at least a part of the ground plane is integrated into the reflector.

10. The antenna according to claim 2, wherein, the phase shifter includes an outer conductor cavity grounded, and a phase-shifting component and a phase-shifting circuit arranged within the outer conductor cavity. Among them, the phase-shifting component is used to perform a phase-shifting action driven by the transmission module. The phase-shifting circuit includes an input / output main path. The signal transmission strip line is connected to the input / output main path, and at least a part of the signal transmission strip line is located within the outer conductor cavity. The ground plane is integrally connected to the outer conductor cavity.

11. The antenna according to claim 10, wherein, the signal transmission strip line is welded to, integrally connected to, or connected through a bridging member to the input / output main path.

12. The antenna according to claim 10, wherein, the outer conductor cavity includes a plurality of sub-cavities. Among them, at least a part of the signal transmission strip line and the input / output main path are located in the same sub-cavity; or at least a part of the signal transmission strip line and the input / output main path are located in different sub-cavities.

13. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein, the transmission module is disposed opposite to one or more radiation units adjacent to the end cap in the radiation unit array.

14. The antenna according to claim 13, wherein, one end of the flat transmission line far from the phase shifter extends in the longitudinal direction between the end cap and the first radiation unit adjacent to the end cap; or One end of the flat transmission line away from the phase shifter extends in the longitudinal direction between the first radiation unit and the second radiation unit adjacent to the end cap.

15. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein, the flat transmission line is fixed to at least one of the reflector, the transmission module, or the phase shifter by an insulating wire clip; or the flat transmission line includes a plurality of insulating mounting portions, and the plurality of insulating mounting portions are fixed to at least one of the reflector, the transmission module, or the phase shifter.

16. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein, one end of the flat transmission line away from the phase shifter is connected to the connector by welding, plugging, connecting by a fastener, or connecting by a flexible cable; or the feeding network further includes a function expansion device, the function expansion device is arranged on the end cap, or the function expansion device is arranged between the end cap and the transmission module, wherein the connector is connected to the function expansion device, and one end of the flat transmission line away from the phase shifter is connected to the function expansion device by welding, plugging, connecting by a fastener, or connecting by a flexible cable.

17. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein, the width direction of the phase shifter is arranged parallel or orthogonal to the reflector, wherein the phase shifter includes an outer conductor cavity grounded, and a phase shifter component and a phase shifter circuit arranged in the outer conductor cavity, wherein the cavity height direction of the outer conductor cavity is defined as the width direction of the phase shifter.

18. The antenna according to claim 17, wherein, the phase shifter is arranged on the second surface of the reflector, and the width direction of the phase shifter is arranged parallel to the reflector, the phase shifter includes a first part and a second part protruding from the first part, wherein the second part extends between the transmission module and the reflector; the flat transmission line includes a first extension section, a second extension section, and a third extension section connected in sequence, wherein the first extension section is located between the transmission module and the second part, and the third extension section is located on the side of the first part away from the reflector.

19. The antenna according to claim 17, wherein, the phase shifter is arranged on the second surface of the reflector, and the width direction of the phase shifter is arranged parallel to the reflector; the flat transmission line and the phase shifter are arranged flat on the second surface of the reflector.

20. The antenna according to claim 17, wherein, the phase shifter is arranged on the second surface of the reflector, and the width direction of the phase shifter is arranged orthogonal to the reflector; a part of the phase shifter extends between the transmission module and the reflector, and a part of the flat transmission line is located between the transmission module and the phase shifter.

21. The antenna according to claim 17, wherein, the phase shifter is arranged on the first surface of the reflector, and the width direction of the phase shifter is arranged orthogonal to the reflector; The radiation element array is located on the side of the phase shifter facing away from the reflector; The flat transmission line is connected to the phase shifter through an electrical connection structure penetrating the reflector.

22. A phase shifter, characterized in that, The phase shifter is applied to an antenna, and the phase shifter includes: An outer conductor cavity, which is grounded; A phase shifting component, arranged in the outer conductor cavity, and is used to be driven by a transmission module of the antenna to perform a phase shifting action; A phase shifting circuit, arranged in the outer conductor cavity, the phase shifting circuit includes an input / output main path; and A flat transmission line, including a signal transmission strip line and a ground plane spaced from the signal transmission strip line, wherein the signal transmission strip line is connected to the input / output main path, at least a part of the signal transmission strip line is located in the outer conductor cavity, and the ground plane is integrally connected to the outer conductor cavity.

23. The phase shifter according to claim 22, characterized in that, The signal transmission strip line is welded to, integrally connected to, or connected through a bridging member with the input / output main path.

24. The phase shifter according to claim 22, characterized in that, The outer conductor cavity includes a plurality of sub-cavities, wherein, At least a part of the signal transmission strip line and the input / output main path are located in the same sub-cavity; or At least a part of the signal transmission strip line and the input / output main path are located in different sub-cavities.

25. The phase shifter according to any one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that, The flat transmission line is one of a strip line, a microstrip line or a coplanar waveguide.

26. A base station, characterized in that, It includes the antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

Images