Beam switching device and antenna

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of mobile communication, and discloses a beam switching device and an antenna. The beam switching device comprises a support medium and a metasurface structure. The support medium is arranged above an antenna array in a movable manner. The metasurface structure is connected with the support medium, and the support medium can drive the metasurface structure to move to a position opposite to the antenna array in a vertical direction or a completely staggered position. The beam switching device and the antenna can switch the antenna array between multiple beams in the mode that the support medium drives the metasurface structure to move and adjust the position, thereby adapting to different service scenarios. Compared with a multi-beam antenna and a smart antenna, the antenna array only comprises one column of radiation units, and the effect of variable beams can be achieved, so that the product volume is small, and the cost is lower.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of mobile communication technology, and in particular to a beam switching device and antenna. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of mobile communication technology and the upgrading of communication systems, the service scenarios for antennas are becoming increasingly complex, and the site selection requirements for base stations are becoming more and more stringent. To adapt to the ever-changing service needs, the integration of antennas is also becoming higher and higher, requiring not only the development of multi-frequency antennas, but also antennas with switchable beams.

[0003] In multi-frequency antennas, the horizontal lobe width and pointing direction are fixed, so they cannot function effectively when switching beams between multiple services. Beam-switchable antennas will be used more and more widely.

[0004] The technologies used in beam-switching antennas in related fields generally fall into two categories. One type changes the beamwidth and direction by controlling the amplitude and phase of each radiating element in the array through circuitry. Typical examples include smart antennas, multi-beam antennas, and MIMO antennas, all of which belong to phased array antennas. These use multiple radiating elements to form an array, requiring at least two rows of elements distributed on the horizontal plane to change the horizontal beamwidth and direction. However, this approach suffers from problems such as excessive size and high cost. The other type uses lens antennas, adding lenses to the top of the radiating elements to change the beamwidth and direction. A typical example is the Lombo lens antenna. However, the Lombo lens antenna used in base stations is a sphere with a diameter of one meter, resulting in a large size. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a beam switching device and antenna that can achieve beam switching adjustment and reduce size, in order to address the shortcomings of the existing technology.

[0006] On one hand, this application provides a beam switching device, the beam switching device comprising:

[0007] A support medium for being movably disposed above the antenna array;

[0008] The metasurface structure is connected to the supporting medium, and the supporting medium can move the metasurface structure to a position opposite to or completely offset from the antenna array in the vertical direction.

[0009] In one embodiment, the metasurface structure is configured as a plurality of structures, all of which are arranged sequentially along the moving direction of the supporting medium, and the shapes and sizes of all the metasurface structures are not exactly the same or completely different.

[0010] In one embodiment, the supporting medium has a blank area, the blank area is not provided with the metasurface structure, and when the supporting medium moves, it can drive the blank area to a position opposite to the antenna array in the vertical direction or a position completely offset from it.

[0011] In one embodiment, the metasurface structure includes a plurality of metasurface units, which are sequentially disposed on the supporting medium and form a column. The arrangement direction of the metasurface units is perpendicular to the moving direction and the thickness direction of the supporting medium. A column of metasurface units in the metasurface structure corresponds one-to-one with a column of radiating units in the antenna array along the vertical direction.

[0012] In one embodiment, the metasurface structure includes a first metasurface structure; the metasurface unit of the first metasurface structure includes a plurality of first unit cells, all of which are arranged in a rectangular array. Each first unit cell includes two metal strips arranged orthogonally to each other, and the extension directions of the two metal strips are parallel to the two orthogonal polarization directions of the radiation unit. The size of the first unit cell gradually changes from the center to the periphery of the metasurface unit.

[0013] In one embodiment, arrows are provided at both ends of the metal strip, and the two arrows are positioned in opposite directions.

[0014] In one embodiment, all the first unit cells are arranged in an N*N square matrix, where N>1 and is an odd number.

[0015] In one embodiment, the size of the first unit body decreases or increases sequentially along the direction from the center to the periphery of the metasurface unit.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first metasurface structure is a centrally symmetric pattern.

[0017] In one embodiment, the metasurface structure includes a second metasurface structure, wherein the metasurface unit of the second metasurface structure includes two unit components arranged side by side, the two unit components having different shapes and sizes; one of the unit components includes two second unit bodies located on the same side and arranged in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the two unit components; the other unit component includes two third unit bodies located on the same side and arranged in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the two unit components.

[0018] In one embodiment, the second unit is a first metal sheet with a square outer perimeter; the third unit includes four second metal sheets and a connecting portion. The four second metal sheets are arranged in a 2x2 matrix and are arranged sequentially around the outer perimeter of the connecting portion. The four second metal sheets are connected to the connecting portion near their apex corners. The second metal sheets are provided with a plurality of strip-shaped perforations, which are arranged sequentially at intervals along a direction away from the connecting portion.

[0019] In one embodiment, the perforated hole is L-shaped or C-shaped; and / or, the spacing between adjacent perforated holes is equal.

[0020] In one embodiment, each of the unit components is an axisymmetric graphic.

[0021] In one embodiment, the support medium is a dielectric plate or dielectric film; and / or, the support medium is made of a flexible material.

[0022] In one embodiment, the metasurface structure is a metal patch or metal film disposed on the supporting medium.

[0023] In one embodiment, the beam switching device further includes a power component connected to the support medium, the power component being used to move and adjust the position of the support medium.

[0024] In one embodiment, the support medium is made of a flexible material, and the power assembly includes two spools and two first power components. Each spool is connected to a corresponding first power component. The first power component drives the corresponding spool to rotate. The two spools are arranged at a relative interval and are located on opposite sides of the antenna array. The support medium is wound around the two spools on opposite sides along its direction of movement.

[0025] In one embodiment, the support medium is made of a flexible material, the power assembly includes a second power component and a plurality of traction components, the second power component is connected to one of the traction components and drives one of the traction components to rotate; the support medium is disposed around the periphery of all the traction components and is in transmission cooperation with each of the traction components, and the support medium is also disposed around the periphery of the antenna array.

[0026] On the other hand, this application also provides an antenna, which includes the beam switching device, an antenna array, and a reflector, wherein the supporting medium is disposed above the antenna array and the reflector is disposed below the antenna array.

[0027] In one embodiment, the antenna array may include only one column of radiating elements or only two columns of radiating elements.

[0028] The aforementioned beam switching device and antenna allow the metasurface structure to alter the antenna array's beam when it moves to a position vertically opposite to the antenna array. Conversely, when the metasurface structure moves to a position completely offset vertically from the antenna array, the antenna array's beam remains unchanged. Therefore, by using a supporting medium to move and adjust the metasurface structure, the antenna array can switch between multiple beams to adapt to different service scenarios. Furthermore, compared to multi-beam antennas and smart antennas, the antenna array only requires a single column of radiating elements to achieve a variable beam, eliminating the need for two or more columns of radiating elements to change the beam, resulting in a smaller product size and lower cost. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an antenna according to an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The antenna shown is a side view.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a side view of an antenna according to another embodiment of this application.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram showing the alignment of a metasurface element and a radiating element in the vertical direction of an antenna according to an embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the first metasurface structure in a beam switching device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the first metasurface structure in a beam switching device according to another embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the first unit body in the first metasurface structure of an embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of the first unit body in the first metasurface structure of another embodiment of this application.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of the first unit body in the first metasurface structure of another embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of the second metasurface structure in a beam switching device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0039] Figure 11 This is a structural diagram of the third unit body in the second metasurface structure according to an embodiment of this application.

[0040] Figure 12 This is a structural diagram of the third unit body in the second metasurface structure of another embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure 13 This is a structural diagram of the second metasurface structure in a beam switching device according to another embodiment of this application.

[0042] Figure 14 For example Figure 5 The transmission phase versus frequency curve of the metasurface unit of the first metasurface structure in the diagram.

[0043] Figure 15 For example Figure 10 The transmission phase and frequency curves of the metasurface unit of the second metasurface structure in the figure.

[0044] Figure 16 For example Figure 10 The horizontal beam pattern pointing to the left 30° of the second metasurface structure is shown.

[0045] Figure 17 For example Figure 13 The horizontal beam pattern pointing to the right at 30° is shown for the second metasurface structure.

[0046] 10. Supporting medium; 20. Metasurface structure; 21. First metasurface structure; 22. Second metasurface structure; 23. Metasurface unit; 231. First unit body; 2311. Metal strip; 2312. Arrow; 2313. Adjustment part; 232. Second unit body; 233. Third unit body; 2331. Second metal sheet; 2332. Connecting part; 2333. Hole; 30. Antenna array; 31. Radiation unit; X, longitudinal; Y, transverse; 40. Power component; 41. Reel; 42. Traction component; 50. Reflector. Detailed Implementation

[0047] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0048] See Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 1 A structural diagram of an antenna according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The antenna shown is a side view. Figure 3 A side view of an antenna according to another embodiment of this application is shown. One embodiment of this application provides a beam switching device, which includes a support medium 10 and a metasurface structure 20. The support medium 10 is movably disposed above an antenna array 30. The support medium 10 can move along the longitudinal (X) direction, the transverse (Y) direction, or any other direction of the antenna array 30. The support medium 10 moves parallel to the antenna array 30, so that the distance between the metasurface structure 20 and the antenna array 30 in the vertical direction remains constant. Furthermore, to improve beam switching efficiency, the support medium 10 moves along the transverse (Y) direction of the antenna array 30, that is, along the arrangement direction of each column of the antenna. This allows for faster adjustment of the position of the metasurface structure 20 compared to moving along the longitudinal (X) direction of the antenna array 30.

[0049] The metasurface structure 20 is connected to the support medium 10. Optionally, the metasurface structure 20 is connected to the side of the support medium 10 facing away from the antenna array 30, or it can be connected to the side of the support medium 10 facing the antenna array 30, or metasurface structures 20 can be provided on both opposite sides of the support medium 10.

[0050] The metasurface structure 20 is made of a metallic material. Optionally, the metasurface structure 20 may include, but is not limited to, a metal patch or metal film disposed on the support medium 10.

[0051] The support medium 10 primarily serves to support the metasurface structure 20. It can be made of either a flexible or rigid material, without limitation. Furthermore, the support medium 10 may include, but is not limited to, a dielectric plate or a dielectric film. Optionally, the support medium 10 may be, for example, a flexible dielectric plate or a flexible dielectric film, which facilitates winding and reduces space requirements.

[0052] When the support medium 10 moves, it can drive the metasurface structure 20 to a position that is opposite to or completely offset from the antenna array 30 in the vertical direction.

[0053] The aforementioned beam switching device allows the metasurface structure 20 to change the beam of the antenna array 30 when it moves to a position vertically opposite to the antenna array 30; however, when it moves to a position completely offset vertically from the antenna array 30, the beam of the antenna array 30 remains unchanged. Therefore, by moving the metasurface structure 20 using the supporting medium 10, the antenna array 30 can switch between multiple beams to adapt to different service scenarios. Furthermore, compared to multi-beam antennas and smart antennas, the antenna array 30 only requires one row of radiating elements 31 to achieve a variable beam effect, eliminating the need for two or more rows of radiating elements 31 to change the beam, resulting in a smaller product size and lower cost.

[0054] In some embodiments, to achieve multi-frequency effects, the antenna array 30 in this application is not limited to including one column of radiating elements 31, but may also include two, three, or more columns of radiating elements 31; this is not a limitation. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 In this application, the antenna array 30 including two columns of radiating elements 31 is specifically used as an example. However, it should be noted that the radiating elements 31 can also be set to one column, three columns or other columns according to actual needs.

[0055] Please see Figures 1 to 3 Based on the aforementioned embodiments, the beam switching device further includes a power component 40. The power component 40 is connected to the support medium 10 and is used to move and adjust the position of the support medium 10. In this way, by adjusting the position of the support medium 10 through the power component 40, the metasurface structure 20 is positioned opposite or offset from the antenna array 30 in the vertical direction, thereby achieving beam switching with a high degree of automation.

[0056] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 Specifically, the power assembly 40 includes two spools 41 and two first power components. Each spool 41 is connected to a corresponding first power component. The first power component includes, but is not limited to, a motor, which drives the corresponding spool 41 to rotate. The two spools 41 are arranged at intervals relative to each other. The support medium 10 is wound around the two spools 41 on opposite sides along its direction of movement. When the power assembly 40 is working, the two first power components rotate in the same direction. When one spool 41 is winding up, the other spool 41 is unwinding synchronously, which allows the support medium 10 to move and adjust its position above the antenna array 30. Furthermore, the power assembly 40 occupies little space, resulting in a small overall size.

[0057] Optionally, the two scrolls 41 are located on opposite sides of the antenna array 30. That is, the distance between the two scrolls 41 is consistent with the width or length of the antenna array 30, so that the projection of the support medium 10 in the vertical direction covers the antenna array 30.

[0058] Please see Figure 3 In some embodiments, the power assembly 40 includes a second power component and multiple traction components 42. The second power component includes, but is not limited to, a motor. The traction components 42 include, but are not limited to, rollers, traction shafts, traction rollers, etc. A support medium 10 is arranged around the periphery of all the traction components 42 and is in transmission cooperation with each traction component 42. The multiple traction components 42 jointly support the support medium 10, so that the support medium 10 is in a tensioned state. The traction components 42 are arranged parallel to each other. The second power component is connected to one of the traction components 42 and drives one of the traction components 42 to rotate, and the remaining traction components 42 rotate passively. The support medium 10 is also arranged around the periphery of the antenna array 30. When the second power component drives the traction component 42 to rotate, the traction component 42 correspondingly drives the support component to move and adjust its position.

[0059] The number of traction members 42 may include, but is not limited to, 2, 3, 4, 5, or other numbers, and is not limited here. It can be flexibly adjusted and set according to actual needs. In this embodiment, four traction members 42 are preferably used. The four traction members 42 are respectively arranged at the four vertices of the rectangle. The projection of the support member along the axial direction of the traction member 42 is set as a rectangle, and one side of the rectangle is parallel to the antenna array 30.

[0060] In some embodiments, multiple metasurface structures 20 are provided, specifically two, three, four, five, six, or other numbers, which are not limited here and can be adjusted according to actual needs. All metasurface structures 20 are arranged sequentially along the moving direction of the support medium 10.

[0061] Furthermore, when all the metasurface structures 20 have completely different shapes and sizes, each metasurface structure 20, moved above the antenna array 30 by the support medium 10 and covering a column of radiating elements 31 of the antenna array 30, will generate different beams. That is, each metasurface structure 20 corresponds to a different beamforming effect. Thus, by moving and adjusting the support medium 10 to adjust the position of the metasurface structure 20, a beam switching effect can be achieved, and the number of different beams that can be switched is the same as the number of metasurface structures 20.

[0062] Of course, it is understandable that, as some alternatives, the shape and size of all metasurface structures 20 may not be exactly the same. That is, it is permissible for at least two metasurface structures 20 to have the same shape and size, while the remaining metasurface structures 20 have completely different shapes and sizes. Among them, for at least two metasurface structures 20 with the same shape and size, a row of radiating elements 31 that are moved above the antenna array 30 and cover the antenna array 30 will generate the same beam.

[0063] Based on the aforementioned embodiments, the support medium 10 has a blank area. The blank area does not have a metasurface structure 20, and when the support medium 10 moves, it can move the blank area to a position opposite to or completely offset from the antenna array 30 along the vertical direction. When the blank area is opposite to the antenna array 30 along the vertical direction—specifically, when the blank area is opposite to a column of radiating elements 31 of the antenna array 30 along the vertical direction—that is, when no metasurface structure 20 is provided above the antenna array 30, it does not produce a beamforming effect on the antenna array 30, and the beam of the antenna array 30 is a normal beam.

[0064] For example, each metasurface structure 20 includes multiple metasurface units 23. For the same metasurface structure 20, the shapes and sizes of all metasurface units 23 are identical. For metasurface structures 20 with different shapes and sizes, the shapes and sizes of the metasurface units 23 are completely different. Furthermore, all the metasurface units 23 of each metasurface structure 20 are sequentially arranged on the support medium 10 and form a row. The arrangement direction of the metasurface units 23 is perpendicular to the direction of movement and the thickness direction of the support medium 10. A row of metasurface units 23 of the metasurface structure 20 corresponds one-to-one with a row of radiating units 31 of the antenna array 30 in the vertical direction.

[0065] In some specific embodiments, the support medium 10 is a flexible medium. The support medium 10 includes multiple regions arranged sequentially along its direction of movement. The multiple regions include a first region, a second region, a third region, ... an nth region. The first region is a blank region without metasurface structures 20. The second to nth regions are respectively provided with n-1 different shapes / sizes of metasurface structures 20. When the support medium 10 moves, it can drive each region to move to a position corresponding to a column of radiating elements 31 of the antenna array 30 in the vertical direction.

[0066] The following will combine Figures 4 to 13 The specific shape of the metasurface structure 20 in one embodiment of this application will be described in detail. The metasurface structure 20 can be broadly classified into two categories, one of which is as follows: Figures 4 to 9 As shown, another type is as follows Figures 10 to 12 As shown.

[0067] Please see Figures 4 to 6 In some embodiments, the metasurface structure 20 includes a first metasurface structure 21. The metasurface units 23 of the first metasurface structure 21 include a plurality of first unit bodies 231. The shapes of each first unit body 231 are identical, or minor differences are allowed while maintaining a generally similar outline shape; specific differences will be described later. All first unit bodies 231 are arranged in a rectangular array. Each first unit body 231 includes two mutually orthogonal metal strips 2311. The extending directions of the two metal strips 2311 correspond one-to-one with the two mutually orthogonal polarization directions of the radiating unit 31 and are parallel to them. In other words, the extending direction of one metal strip 2311 is parallel to the first polarization direction of the radiating unit 31, and the extending direction of the other metal strip 2311 is parallel to the second polarization direction of the radiating unit 31. The size of the first unit body 231 gradually changes from the center to the periphery of the metasurface unit 23. Figure 14 As shown, the first unit cells 231 of different sizes transmit electromagnetic waves with different phases, and are arranged in a certain size combination to have a phase gradient, thereby changing the horizontal width of the beam, making it narrower or wider. For details, please refer to... Figure 5 When the size of the first unit cell 231 gradually decreases along the direction from the center to the periphery of the metasurface unit 23, that is, the size of the first unit cell 231 closer to the center of the metasurface unit 23 is larger, and the size of the first unit cell 231 farther from the center of the metasurface unit 23 is smaller, the transmission phase from the center to the periphery leads sequentially. According to the principle of antenna array 30, the beam will move closer to the center, thereby narrowing the lobe width and improving the gain to a certain extent; conversely, please refer to... Figure 6 When the size of the first unit 231 gradually increases along the direction from the center to the periphery of the metasurface unit 23, it plays the role of widening the lobe width.

[0068] As can be seen from the previous embodiments, the extending direction of the metal strip 2311 is parallel to the polarization direction of the radiating unit 31. Therefore, each metal strip 2311 is arranged as a straight strip. Please refer to [link to previous document]. Figures 7 to 9 .

[0069] In some embodiments, arrows 2312 are provided at both ends of the metal strip 2311, and the two arrows 2312 are arranged in opposite directions, such as... Figure 9 As shown. It can also be understood that the first unit body 231 is connected by four arrow-shaped tails 2312 and distributed at an included angle of 90°, with the arrows 2312 pointing in the same direction as the polarization.

[0070] Of course, as some alternative solutions, please refer to Figure 7 Arrows 2312 can be omitted at the opposite ends of the metal strip 2311; simulation tests show that this still achieves the same beam adjustment effect. Alternatively, please refer to... Figure 8 The metal strip 2311 has adjustment parts 2313 at both ends, for example, rectangular or other irregular shapes, and the beam width is further optimized by adjusting the outline of the adjustment parts 2313.

[0071] Please refer to Figure 5 or Figure 6 The shapes of each first unit body 231 of the metasurface unit 23 are completely consistent; for example, each metal strip 2311 has arrowheads 2312 at both ends. Of course, they may not be completely consistent, for example, in... Figure 5 or Figure 6 Based on this, it can be achieved by omitting arrow 2312 or by adding adjustment part 2313 and changing the outer contour of adjustment part 2313.

[0072] For example, all the first unit cells 231 are arranged in an N*N square matrix, where N>1 and is an odd number. Optionally, N includes, but is not limited to, 3, 5, 7, etc. In this embodiment, N is specifically, for example, 3, 5, or 7, which makes it easier to fabricate the metasurface structure 20 on the support medium 10 compared to odd numbers like N>7. Please refer to... Figures 4 to 6 As shown, in order to achieve good beamforming while facilitating manufacturing, this application will specifically use N=5 as an example. However, it is understood that N can also be set to 3, 7 or other values, and there is no limitation here.

[0073] When N=5, all first unit cells 231 can be divided into three different sizes. Specifically, there is one first unit cell 231 located at the center, and this central first unit cell 231 is designated as the first size unit cell; there are eight first unit cells 231 surrounding the first size unit cell, all of the same size, and these surrounding units are designated as the second size unit cells; there are sixteen first unit cells 231 surrounding the second size unit cell, all of the same size, and these surrounding units are designated as the third size unit cells. The dimensions of the first size unit cell, the second size unit cell, and the third size unit cell are as follows: Figure 5 The trend shown is decreasing, or as... Figure 6 The trend shown is increasing.

[0074] Similarly, when N=7, all first unit cells 231 will be divided into four different sizes, and each first unit cell 231 surrounding the third size unit cell will be designated as the fourth size unit cell.

[0075] In summary, all first unit cells 231 can be divided into N+1 / 2 different unit cells of different sizes.

[0076] Please refer to the following: Figure 5 For example, by adjusting the successive scaling ratios of various unit cells of different sizes, different beamwidth variations can be adjusted accordingly. For instance, a scaling ratio of 1:0.9:0.7 for three different unit cells can narrow the beamwidth from 80° to 70°; and a scaling ratio of 1:0.8:0.5 for three different unit cells can narrow the beamwidth from 80° to 60°.

[0077] In some embodiments, the first metasurface structure 21 includes, but is not limited to, a centrally symmetric pattern or an irregular pattern. When the first metasurface structure 21 is a centrally symmetric pattern, it can improve beamforming and enhance antenna performance.

[0078] In some embodiments, the metasurface structure 20 includes a second metasurface structure 22. The metasurface units 23 of the second metasurface structure 22 include two unit components arranged side-by-side. The two unit components have different shapes and sizes. One unit component includes two second unit bodies 232, which are located on the same side and arranged perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the two unit components. The other unit component includes two third unit bodies 233, which are located on the same side and arranged perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the two unit components. Thus, the two second unit bodies 232 and the two third unit bodies 233 are arranged in a grid pattern, which can also be understood as a 2x2 rectangular matrix arrangement. When the second metasurface structure 22 covers the radiating unit 31, as... Figure 15 As shown, the two sets of unit components have different transmission phases for electromagnetic waves, causing the beam to deflect to a certain extent in the horizontal plane.

[0079] Based on the aforementioned embodiments, the second unit 232 is a first metal sheet with a square outer perimeter. The third unit 233 includes four second metal sheets 2331 and a connecting portion 2332. The four second metal sheets 2331 are arranged in a 2x2 matrix, sequentially surrounding the outer periphery of the connecting portion 2332, and the apex corners of the four second metal sheets 2331 near the connecting portion 2332 are all connected to the connecting portion 2332. The second metal sheets 2331 are provided with multiple strip-shaped perforations 2333. Optionally, the number of perforations 2333 includes, but is not limited to, 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, etc., and can be flexibly adjusted and set according to actual needs. The multiple perforations 2333 are arranged sequentially at intervals along a direction away from the connecting portion 2332. Among them, the more perforations 2333 there are, the greater the phase difference and the greater the beam direction, thus forming different beam directions. Specifically, as the number of perforations 2333 increases, pointing angles of 45°, 30°, and 15° can be achieved. Furthermore, the phase of the unit component containing the third unit 233 is relatively lagging, causing the horizontal beam to deflect 30° toward the third unit 233.

[0080] Please see Figures 10 to 12 Based on the aforementioned embodiments, the shape of the perforated hole 2333 includes, but is not limited to, regular shapes such as L-shape or C-shape, as well as other irregular shapes.

[0081] Based on the aforementioned embodiments, the spacing between adjacent perforated holes 2333 may be equal or unequal, which is not limited here.

[0082] Based on the aforementioned embodiments, each unit component is an axisymmetric graphic.

[0083] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments, this application also provides an antenna, which includes the beam switching device of any of the above embodiments, and further includes an antenna array 30 and a reflector 50. The support medium 10 is disposed above the antenna array 30, and the reflector 50 is disposed below the antenna array 30.

[0084] The aforementioned antenna, since it includes a beam switching device, derives its technical effects from the beam switching device, and its beneficial effects include those of the beam switching device, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0085] Since the antenna array 30 in this application achieves a variable beam effect with only one column of radiating elements 31, based on the aforementioned embodiments, the antenna array 30 may include only one column of radiating elements 31 or only two columns of radiating elements 31. The number of radiating elements 31 in one column is not limited, and may include, but is not limited to, 5, 10, 15, 20, or other numbers, which can be flexibly adjusted and set according to actual needs. Compared to multi-beam antennas and smart antennas in related technologies, the antenna array 30, with only one column of radiating elements 31 or only two columns of radiating elements 31, results in a smaller product size and lower cost.

[0086] In one specific embodiment, the support medium 10 can be divided into four regions: a first region, a second region, a third region, and a fourth region. The first region is a blank region. The second region is configured as follows... Figure 5 The first metasurface structure 21 is shown. The third region is set as follows: Figure 10 The second metasurface structure 22 is shown. The fourth region is configured as follows: Figure 13 The second metasurface structure 22 shown is... Figure 13 The second metasurface structure 22 shown above and Figure 10 The second metasurface structure 22 shown is a mirror image. The supporting medium 10 moves each region, causing different beam effects when the corresponding region covers a column of radiating elements 31 of the antenna array 30 in the vertical direction, thus achieving beam switching. The first region is a normal beam. The second region is a narrow beam. The third region is a beam pointing horizontally at 30° to the left, such as... Figure 16 As shown; the third region is a beam pointing horizontally at 30° to the right, as... Figure 17 As shown.

[0087] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal X", "transverse Y", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0088] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0089] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0090] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0091] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0092] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0093] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A beam switching device, characterized in that, The beam switching device includes: A support medium, the support medium being movably disposed above the antenna array; and A metasurface structure is connected to a supporting medium, and the supporting medium can move the metasurface structure to a position opposite to or completely offset from the antenna array in the vertical direction; multiple metasurface structures are configured, and all metasurface structures are arranged sequentially along the moving direction of the supporting medium, and the shapes and sizes of all metasurface structures are not exactly the same or completely different.

2. The beam switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The supporting medium has a blank area, and the blank area is not provided with the metasurface structure. When the supporting medium moves, it can drive the blank area to a position opposite to the antenna array in the vertical direction or to a position completely offset from it.

3. The beam switching device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The metasurface structure includes multiple metasurface units, which are sequentially arranged on the supporting medium to form a column. The arrangement direction of the metasurface units is perpendicular to the moving direction and the thickness direction of the supporting medium. A column of metasurface units in the metasurface structure corresponds one-to-one with a column of radiating units in the antenna array along the vertical direction.

4. The beam switching device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The metasurface structure includes a first metasurface structure; the metasurface unit of the first metasurface structure includes a plurality of first unit bodies, all of which are arranged in a rectangular array. Each first unit body includes two metal strips arranged orthogonally to each other. The extension directions of the two metal strips correspond one-to-one with the two orthogonal polarization directions of the radiation unit and are arranged parallel to each other. The size of the first unit body gradually changes along the direction from the center to the periphery of the metasurface unit.

5. The beam switching device according to claim 4, characterized in that, Arrows are provided at both ends of the metal strip, and the two arrows point in opposite directions.

6. The beam switching device according to claim 4, characterized in that, All the first unit cells are arranged in an N*N square matrix, where N>1 and is an odd number.

7. The beam switching device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The size of the first unit cell decreases or increases sequentially along the direction from the center to the periphery of the metasurface unit.

8. The beam switching device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first metasurface structure is a centrally symmetric shape.

9. The beam switching device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The metasurface structure includes a second metasurface structure. The metasurface unit of the second metasurface structure includes two unit components arranged side by side, and the two unit components have different shapes and sizes. One of the unit components includes two second unit bodies, which are located on the same side and arranged in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the two unit components. The other unit component includes two third unit bodies, which are located on the same side and arranged in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the two unit components.

10. The beam switching device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second unit is a first metal sheet with a square outer contour; the third unit includes four second metal sheets and a connecting part. The four second metal sheets are arranged in a 2x2 matrix. The four second metal sheets are arranged sequentially around the outer periphery of the connecting part, and the four second metal sheets are connected to the connecting part near the top corner of the connecting part. The second metal sheets are provided with multiple strip-shaped hollow holes, and the multiple hollow holes are arranged sequentially at intervals along the direction away from the connecting part.

11. The beam switching device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The perforated holes are L-shaped or C-shaped; and / or, the spacing between adjacent perforated holes is equal.

12. The beam switching device according to claim 10, characterized in that, Each of the aforementioned unit components is an axisymmetric graphic.

13. The beam switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The supporting medium is a dielectric plate or dielectric film; the supporting medium is made of a flexible material.

14. The beam switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The metasurface structure is a metal patch or metal film disposed on the supporting medium.

15. The beam switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The beam switching device also includes a power component connected to the support medium, which is used to move and adjust the position of the support medium.

16. The beam switching device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The supporting medium is made of a flexible material. The power assembly includes two spools and two first power components. Each spool is connected to each of the first power components. The first power components drive the corresponding spools to rotate. The two spools are arranged at a distance from each other and are located on opposite sides of the antenna array. The supporting medium is wound around the two spools on opposite sides along its direction of movement.

17. The beam switching device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The supporting medium is made of a flexible material. The power assembly includes a second power component and multiple traction components. The second power component is connected to one of the traction components and drives one of the traction components to rotate. The supporting medium is arranged around the periphery of all the traction components and is in transmission cooperation with each of the traction components. The supporting medium is also arranged around the periphery of the antenna array.

18. An antenna, characterized in that, The antenna includes the beam switching device as described in any one of claims 1 to 17, and further includes an antenna array and a reflector, wherein the supporting medium is disposed above the antenna array and the reflector is disposed below the antenna array.

19. The antenna according to claim 18, characterized in that, The antenna array may consist of only one column of radiating elements or only two columns of radiating elements.

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