Base station antenna

By utilizing the electrical coupling between the reflector and the radiating element and the metal contact of the phase shifter in the base station antenna, the electroplating and welding problems of traditional base station antennas are solved, achieving stable common ground connection and green low-carbon design, and improving antenna performance.

CN121602017APending Publication Date: 2026-03-03WUHAN HONGXIN TELECOMM TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202610047137.5
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2026-01-14
Publication Date
2026-03-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional base station antennas require overall electroplating and welding of the radiating element, which makes it difficult to meet green and low-carbon requirements. Furthermore, the coupling between the outer conductor of the vibrator and the gap of the phase shifter cavity is unstable, which can easily lead to problems such as resonance.

Method used

Using a reflector as a medium, reliable electrical coupling is formed between the protruding structure of the radiating unit and the limiting recess and the first opening groove of the reflector, avoiding resonance. The metal cavity of the phase shifter contacts the metal of the reflector to achieve a common ground connection, eliminating the need for electroplating and welding.

Benefits of technology

A stable common ground connection between the radiating element and the reflector was achieved, avoiding resonance, reducing network loss, improving antenna gain, and meeting the requirements of green and low-carbon design.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of antennas, and provides a base station antenna, which comprises a radiation assembly, a reflecting plate and a phase shifter, and is characterized in that the radiation assembly and the phase shifter are respectively located at two sides of the reflecting plate; the radiation assembly comprises a radiation unit and a base, the bottom of the radiation unit is provided with a protruding structure, the base is fixed to the bottom of the radiation unit, the base is provided with a limiting concave part used for containing and limiting the protruding structure, the limiting concave part protrudes in the direction away from the radiation unit, and part of the limiting concave part is hollowed out; the base is fixedly connected with the reflecting plate, a first open slot is formed in the reflecting plate, the limiting concave part and the convex structure are embedded in the first open slot, and the convex structure is electrically coupled with the first open slot so as to realize common ground connection of the radiating unit and the reflecting plate; the phase shifter comprises a metal cavity, and the metal cavity is in metal contact with the reflecting plate, so that common-ground connection of the metal cavity and the reflecting plate is achieved. Therefore, common ground of the radiation unit and the phase shifter is realized by taking the reflecting plate as a medium, electroplating and welding are not needed, and resonance and other conditions are avoided.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of antenna technology, and more particularly to a base station antenna. Background Technology

[0002] Green and low-carbon development is an important direction for base station antennas. In traditional base station antennas, the radiating element needs to be electroplated as a whole. The radiating element is electrically connected to the phase shifter via a coaxial line. Specifically, the balun of the radiating element is welded to the outer conductor of the coaxial line to achieve common grounding, and the feed plate in the balun cavity is welded to the core wire of the coaxial line to achieve signal transmission. The electroplating and welding operations are not conducive to the green and low-carbon requirements of base station antennas.

[0003] To achieve green and low-carbon goals, related technologies have proposed wireless solutions for base station antennas. For example, patent CN116247424A provides an antenna vibrator and an antenna unit. The antenna vibrator includes an outer conductor fixing member, which is disposed between the outer conductor and the phase shifter cavity. It is configured to fix the outer conductor and realize the coupling between the outer conductor and the phase shifter cavity. The outer conductor fixing member is provided with a pressure part. The pressure part and the coupling part of the inner conductor of the vibrator together form a clamping assembly for clamping the feed network, so as to realize the coupling part of the inner conductor of the vibrator and the feed network in the phase shifter cavity to achieve electrical connection.

[0004] However, in this scheme, the coupling between the outer conductor of the oscillator and the phase shifter cavity is achieved by relying on the fixing effect of the outer conductor fixing component. The coupling gap is difficult to guarantee and is prone to cause resonance and other problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, or at least partially solve them, this application provides a base station antenna that uses a reflector as a medium to achieve a common ground between the radiating element and the phase shifter, eliminating the need for electroplating and welding. Furthermore, the limiting recess of the base ensures that the protruding structure at the bottom of the radiating element forms a reliable electrical coupling with the first opening slot of the reflector, thus avoiding resonance and other issues.

[0006] This application provides a base station antenna, including a radiating component, a reflector, and a phase shifter, wherein the radiating component and the phase shifter are respectively located on both sides of the reflector; The radiation assembly includes a radiation unit and a base. The bottom of the radiation unit is provided with a protruding structure. The base is fixed to the bottom of the radiation unit. The base is provided with a limiting recess for accommodating and limiting the protruding structure. The limiting recess protrudes in a direction away from the radiation unit and has a partially hollowed-out area. The base is fixedly connected to the reflector. The reflector is provided with a first opening groove. The limiting recess and the protruding structure are embedded in the first opening groove. The protruding structure forms an electrical coupling with the first opening groove to realize the common ground connection between the radiation unit and the reflector. The phase shifter includes a metal cavity. The metal cavity is in metal contact with the reflector to realize the common ground connection between the metal cavity and the reflector.

[0007] In some embodiments, the protrusion structure is elongated, and the limiting recess is adapted to the shape of the protrusion structure; The limiting recess protrudes from both ends along the length direction away from the radiation unit to form a receiving portion for accommodating and limiting the protruding structure. The middle region of the limiting recess along the length direction is hollowed out so that the protruding structure can form an electrical coupling with the first opening groove.

[0008] In some embodiments, the protruding structure forms a gap coupling with the first opening groove.

[0009] In some embodiments, the base is provided with a first buckle extending protruding toward the radiation unit, and the radiation unit is provided with a first slot, wherein the first buckle engages with the first slot. The base is provided with a second buckle that protrudes toward the reflector, and the reflector is provided with a second slot, the second buckle engaging with the second slot.

[0010] In some embodiments, the radiating unit includes a radiating arm, a balun, and a feed plate. The top of the balun is connected to the radiating arm, the protruding structure is disposed at the bottom of the balun, the balun has a balun cavity, the first end of the feed plate is coupled to the radiating arm for power feeding, and the second end of the feed plate extends out of the balun cavity and is bent twice to form a power feeding connection portion. The phase shifter includes a signal board disposed in the metal cavity. The signal board has a signal line terminal. The reflector has a second opening slot. The signal line terminal passes through the second opening slot and is electrically connected to the power supply connection part.

[0011] In some embodiments, the power supply connection portion is provided with a plug-in positioning groove, the signal line terminal is inserted through the plug-in positioning groove, and the signal line terminal is electrically connected to the power supply connection portion by welding.

[0012] In some embodiments, the feed connection portion formed by the second end of the feed sheet being bent twice is parallel to the radiation surface of the radiation arm; The base has a base pad for supporting the power supply connection, and the base pad is located between the power supply connection and the reflector.

[0013] In some embodiments, the radiating unit includes two feed plates, which are orthogonally arranged and assembled and fixed by feed clips to form a feed assembly; The radiating arm includes a pair of orthogonal half-wave dipoles, and the balun has a balun cavity in the direction of the line connecting the half-wave dipoles. The two feed plates are respectively inserted into the corresponding balun cavities to form a coupled feed to the radiating arm.

[0014] In some embodiments, the radiating arm and the balun are both die-cast metal parts and are free from electroplating, the feed plate is a sheet metal part, and the feed connection portion of the feed plate is electroplated to form an electroplated layer.

[0015] In some embodiments, the metal cavity has an opening on the side facing the reflector, and a ground plane is formed at the opening. The ground plane has at least two raised planes spaced apart at positions corresponding to the radiation component. The raised planes are in metal contact with the reflector. A first metal threaded hole is provided on the raised plane. A first mounting hole is provided on the reflector. The reflector is connected to the raised planes by a first metal screw passing through the first mounting hole and the first metal threaded hole.

[0016] In some embodiments, the ground plane includes a first ground plane, a second ground plane, and an intermediate ground plane, the intermediate ground plane being located between the first ground plane and the second ground plane, and the protruding plane being disposed on the intermediate ground plane.

[0017] In some embodiments, an insulating pad is provided between the first ground plane and the reflector, and between the second ground plane and the reflector. A second metal threaded hole is provided on both the first ground plane and the second ground plane. A second mounting hole is provided on the reflector. An mounting through hole corresponding to the second metal threaded hole is provided on the insulating pad. The reflector is connected to the first ground plane and the second ground plane by a second metal screw passing through the second mounting hole, the mounting through hole and the second metal threaded hole.

[0018] In some embodiments, the metal cavity is a pultruded metal part that is free from electroplating.

[0019] In some embodiments, the number of radiation components is multiple, and they are spaced apart on the reflector. The phase shifter includes a signal board disposed in the metal cavity. The signal board is provided with multiple signal line terminals, which pass through the reflector and are electrically connected to the radiation unit of the corresponding radiation component.

[0020] The technical solution provided in this application has the following advantages compared with the prior art: The base station antenna provided in this application includes a radiating element and a base located at the bottom of the radiating element. The bottom of the radiating element has a protruding structure, and the base has a limiting recess for accommodating and limiting the protruding structure. The reflector has a first opening slot, and the limiting recess and the protruding structure housed therein are embedded in the first opening slot of the reflector. The limiting recess ensures the stable assembly of the protruding structure in the first opening slot, thereby enabling the protruding structure to form a stable and reliable electrical coupling with the first opening slot. This achieves a good common ground connection between the radiating element and the reflector, avoiding resonance and other issues. The metal cavity of the phase shifter is in metal contact with the reflector to achieve a common ground connection between the metal cavity and the reflector. Thus, the radiating element and the phase shifter are grounded through the reflector, eliminating the need for electroplating and welding, which is beneficial for achieving the green and low-carbon goals of the base station antenna. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the antenna provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded view of the radiating components of the antenna shown. Figure 3 for Figure 2 A second-view exploded structural diagram of the radiating component shown. Figure 4 for Figure 2 The exploded view of the radiation component shown is a schematic diagram. Figure 5 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the radiating unit of the radiating component shown; Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the radiating unit from a second perspective; Figure 7 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the assembly process of the radiating unit shown. Figure 8 for Figure 2A schematic diagram of the base of the radiation component shown; Figure 9 for Figure 8 A structural schematic diagram of the base shown from a second perspective; Figure 10 for Figure 2 A top view of the assembled radiating components. Figure 11 for Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the AA direction; Figure 12 for Figure 11 A magnified schematic diagram of a portion of section B in the middle; Figure 13 for Figure 1 The diagram shows an exploded view of the antenna's radiating components and reflector. Figure 14 for Figure 13 The diagram shows the structure of the radiation assembly and reflector after assembly. Figure 15 for Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the upward structure after the radiating component and reflector are assembled; Figure 16 for Figure 1 An exploded view of the phase shifter and reflector of the antenna shown. Figure 17 for Figure 16 A top view of the assembled phase shifter and reflector. Figure 18 for Figure 17 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the CC direction; Figure 19 for Figure 1 A top view of the antenna after the radiating element, reflector, and phase shifter are assembled. Figure 20 for Figure 19 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the DD direction; Figure 21 for Figure 20 A magnified schematic diagram of a portion of the structure in section E.

[0024] Among them, 1. Radiation assembly; 10. Radiation unit; 11. Radiation arm; 12. Balun; 121. Protruding structure; 122. First slot; 13. Feed plate; 131. First feed plate; 1311. First end of feed plate; 1312. Second end of feed plate; 1313. Feed connection part; 1314. Insertion positioning groove; 132. Second feed plate; 14. Feed clip; 15. Base; 151. Limiting recess; 1511. Accommodating part; 1512. Hollowed-out part; 152. First buckle; 153. Second buckle; 154. Base pad; 2. Reflector; 21. First opening slot; 22. Second slot; 23. Second opening slot; 24. First mounting hole; 25. Second mounting hole; 3. Phase shifter; 31. Metal cavity; 310. Opening; 311. First ground plane; 312. Intermediate ground plane; 313. Second ground plane; 314. Raised surface; 315. First metal threaded hole; 316. Opening cavity; 317. Second metal threaded hole; 32. Signal board; 321. Signal line terminal; 33. Dielectric board; 4. Metal screw; 41. First metal screw; 42. Second metal screw; 5. Welded seams. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application, the solution of this application will be further described below. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0026] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of this application, but this application may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein; obviously, the embodiments in the specification are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0027] Reference Figures 1 to 21 As shown, some embodiments of this application provide a base station antenna, including a radiating component 1, a reflector 2, and a phase shifter 3, with the radiating component 1 and the phase shifter 3 located on opposite sides of the reflector 2.

[0028] Among them, reference Figures 1 to 15 As shown, the radiation assembly 1 includes a radiation unit 10 and a base 15. The bottom of the radiation unit 10 has a protruding structure 121. The base 15 is fixed to the bottom of the radiation unit 10. The base 15 has a limiting recess 151 for accommodating and limiting the protruding structure 121. The limiting recess 151 protrudes in a direction away from the radiation unit 10 and has a partially open area. The base 15 is fixedly connected to a reflector 2. The reflector 2 has a first opening slot 21. The limiting recess 151 and the protruding structure 121 are embedded in the first opening slot 21. The protruding structure 121 and the first opening slot 21 form an electrical coupling to achieve a common ground connection between the radiation unit 10 and the reflector 2. (Refer to...) Figures 16 to 21 As shown, the phase shifter 3 includes a metal cavity 31, which is in metal contact with the reflector 2 to achieve a common ground connection between the metal cavity 31 and the reflector 2.

[0029] The base station antenna provided in this application embodiment has a radiating component 1 including a radiating element 10 and a base 15 disposed at the bottom of the radiating element 10. The bottom of the radiating element 10 is provided with a protruding structure 121. The base 15 is provided with a limiting recess 151 for accommodating and limiting the protruding structure 121. The reflector 2 is provided with a first opening slot 21. The limiting recess 151 and the protruding structure 121 housed therein are embedded in the first opening slot 21 of the reflector 2, so that the limiting recess 151 ensures that the protruding structure 121 is within the limiting recess. The stable assembly within the first opening slot 21 ensures a stable and reliable electrical coupling between the protruding structure 121 and the first opening slot 21, thereby achieving a good common ground connection between the radiating unit 10 and the reflector 2 and avoiding resonance and other issues. The metal cavity 31 of the phase shifter 3 is in metal contact with the reflector 2 to achieve a common ground connection between the metal cavity 31 and the reflector 2. Thus, the radiating unit 10 and the phase shifter 3 are grounded through the reflector 2, eliminating the need for electroplating and welding, which is beneficial for achieving the green and low-carbon goals of the base station antenna.

[0030] In a specific implementation, the radiating unit 10 may include a radiating arm 11, a balun 12, and a feed plate 13. The top of the balun 12 is connected to the radiating arm 11, and the balun 12 has a balun cavity. The first end of the feed plate 13 is coupled to the radiating arm 11 for power supply, and the second end of the feed plate 13 extends out of the balun cavity and is used for electrical connection with the signal line terminal 321 of the phase shifter 3. Specifically, a protruding structure 121 may be provided at the bottom of the balun 12. The protruding structure 121 is embedded in the first opening slot 21 of the reflector 2, and the protruding structure 121 and the first opening slot 21 are electrically coupled.

[0031] It should be noted that the base 15 can be made of non-metallic material, such as plastic. The protruding structure 121 at the bottom of the radiating unit 10 is accommodated and confined within the limiting recess 151 of the base 15. The limiting recess 151 and the protruding structure 121 are tightly fitted together to form an adhesive-coated structure covering the outside of the protruding structure 121. This adhesive-coated structure is embedded in the first opening groove 21 of the reflector 2 and is tightly fitted with the groove wall of the first opening groove 21 to ensure the stability and reliability of the protruding structure 121 assembled in the first opening groove 21. At the same time, a portion of the limiting recess 151 is hollowed out so that the protruding structure 121 can form an electrical coupling with the first opening groove 21 through the hollowed-out area, thereby realizing the common ground connection between the radiating unit 10 and the reflector 2.

[0032] In some embodiments, refer to Figures 2 to 4 , Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the protruding structure 121 is elongated, and the limiting recess 151 is adapted to the shape of the protruding structure 121. The two ends of the limiting recess 151 along the length direction protrude in the direction away from the radiation unit 10 to form a receiving portion 1511 for accommodating and limiting the protruding structure 121. The middle region of the limiting recess 151 along the length direction is hollowed out to form a hollow portion 1512 so that the protruding structure 121 and the first opening groove 21 can form an electrical coupling.

[0033] This configuration allows the receiving portions 1511 at both ends of the limiting recess 151 to receive and limit the protruding structure 121, thereby achieving a stable assembly of the protruding structure 121 within the limiting recess 151. At the same time, the central region of the protruding structure 121 along its length can be exposed to the outside of the limiting recess 151 through the hollow portion 1512, so that the protruding structure 121 can form an electrical coupling with the first opening groove 21 through the hollow portion 1512.

[0034] Of course, in specific implementations, it is not limited to providing receiving portions 1511 at both ends of the limiting recess 151. Receiving portions 1511 can also be provided at other positions along the length direction of the limiting recess 151 as needed, as long as the receiving portion 1511 can be used to receive and limit the protruding structure 121.

[0035] It should be noted that the protrusion structure 121 at the bottom of the radiating unit 10 can be a cuboid structure, and the length of the protrusion structure 121 can be flexibly adjusted as needed to suppress harmful resonances in the operating frequency band of the radiating unit 10.

[0036] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 15 As shown, the protruding structure 121 forms a gap coupling with the first opening groove 21.

[0037] It should be understood that the outer surface of the protruding structure 121 and the groove wall of the first opening groove 21 can be separated by the side wall of the limiting recess 151 of the base 15, thereby forming a gap between the outer surface of the protruding structure 121 and the groove wall of the first opening groove 21, rather than a direct contact state. The protruding structure 121 and the first opening groove 21 form a gap coupling. The limiting recess 151 can ensure the uniformity and tightness of the coupling gap between the protruding structure 121 at the bottom of the radiation unit 10 and the first opening groove 21 of the reflector 2, while avoiding the third-order intermodulation problem caused by direct metal contact between the protruding structure 121 and the first opening groove 21.

[0038] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 , Figures 13 to 15As shown, the base 15 is snapped onto the bottom of the radiating unit 10 to form the radiating assembly 1, and the radiating assembly 1 is snapped onto the reflector 2. This configuration allows for screwless assembly between the radiating unit 10 and the reflector 2 using the base 15. Compared to traditional metal radiating units that require screws to be fastened to the reflector, this effectively reduces the number of metal connection points between the radiating unit 10 and the reflector 2, thereby effectively suppressing third-order intermodulation problems and contributing to achieving good third-order intermodulation performance for the base station antenna.

[0039] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 2 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 12 As shown, the base 15 is provided with a first buckle 152 protruding towards the radiation unit 10, and the radiation unit 10 is provided with a first slot 122, the first buckle 152 engaging with the first slot 122; see reference. Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figures 13 to 15 As shown, the base 15 is provided with a second buckle 153 that protrudes toward the reflector 2, and the reflector 2 is provided with a second slot 22. The second buckle 153 and the second slot 22 are engaged and cooperated.

[0040] With this configuration, the base 15 is integrated with the radiation unit 10 via its first snap fastener 152 to form a radiation assembly 1. The radiation assembly 1 is then mounted onto the reflector 2 via the second snap fastener 153 of the base 15. Thus, the base 15 is used to assemble the radiation unit 10 onto the reflector 2. This configuration is simple to assemble, easy to operate, and has high production efficiency.

[0041] In specific implementation, multiple first buckles 152 can be arranged circumferentially on the base 15, and multiple first slots 122 can be arranged circumferentially on the outer circumferential surface of the radiation unit 10, so that the multiple first buckles 152 can be engaged with the corresponding first slots 122 to ensure the stability and reliability of the assembly between the base 15 and the radiation unit 10. Multiple second buckles 153 can be arranged circumferentially on the base 15, and second slots 22 corresponding to the multiple second buckles 153 can be arranged on the reflector 2, so that the multiple second buckles 153 can be engaged with the corresponding second slots 22 to ensure the stability and reliability of the assembly between the radiation component 1 and the reflector 2.

[0042] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the radiating unit 10 includes a radiating arm 11, a balun 12, and a feed plate 13. The top of the balun 12 is connected to the radiating arm 11, and a protruding structure 121 is provided at the bottom of the balun 12. The balun 12 is provided with a balun cavity. The first end of the feed plate 13 is coupled to the radiating arm 11 for power supply, and the second end of the feed plate 13 extends out of the balun cavity and is bent twice to form a power supply connection part 1313.

[0043] Reference Figures 19 to 21 As shown, the phase shifter 3 includes a signal board 32, which is disposed in a metal cavity 31. The signal board 32 is provided with a signal line terminal 321. The reflector 2 is provided with a second opening slot 23. The signal line terminal 321 passes through the second opening slot 23 and is electrically connected to the power supply connection part 1313.

[0044] This configuration allows for the direct electrical connection of the signal line terminal 321 to the feed connection 1313 by extending the second end of the feed piece 13 out of the balun cavity and bending it twice. Simultaneously, the signal line terminal 321 of the signal board 32 passes through the second opening slot 23 on the reflector 2 and extends to the side of the reflector 2 where the radiating element 10 is located. This enables the signal line terminal 321 to be directly electrically connected to the feed connection 1313 of the feed piece 13, thereby achieving a direct electrical connection between the radiating element 10 and the phase shifter 3 without the need for a cable transition connection, reducing network loss and thus improving antenna gain.

[0045] It should be noted that, in order to enable the signal line terminal 321 on the signal board 32 to pass through the second opening slot 23 on the reflector plate 2, the metal cavity 31 of the phase shifter 3 can be opened on the side facing the reflector plate 2. That is, an opening 310 is provided on the side of the metal cavity 31 facing the reflector plate 2. The signal line terminal 321 on the signal board 32 extends out of the metal cavity 31 through the opening 310 and passes through the second opening slot 23 on the reflector plate 2 to the side of the reflector plate 2 where the radiation unit 10 is located, so as to realize the direct electrical connection between the signal line terminal 321 and the feed connection part 1313 formed by the second bending of the feed piece 13 of the radiation unit 10.

[0046] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the power supply connection part 1313 is provided with a plug-in positioning groove 1314, the signal line terminal 321 is inserted through the plug-in positioning groove 1314, and the signal line terminal 321 is electrically connected to the power supply connection part 1313 by welding.

[0047] This configuration facilitates the insertion and positioning of the signal line terminal 321 on the power supply connection portion 1313, enabling subsequent soldering operations between the signal line terminal 321 and the power supply connection portion 1313 and ensuring the reliability of the soldered connection. Specifically, refer to... Figure 20 and Figure 21As shown, the signal line terminal 321 and the power supply connection part 1313 can be electrically connected by a fillet weld, and a weld seam 5 is formed between the signal line terminal 321 and the power supply connection part 1313.

[0048] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 7 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the feed connection portion 1313, formed by a double bend at the second end of the feed plate 13, is parallel to the radiation surface of the radiation arm 11. It should be noted that the radiation arm 11 forms its radiation surface through its physical surface, and the radiation surface of the radiation arm 11 is usually parallel to the reflector 2. By setting the feed connection portion 1313 to be parallel to the radiation surface of the radiation arm 11, the feed connection portion 1313 is made parallel to the reflector 2.

[0049] It should be understood that the main body of the feed plate 13 is usually perpendicular to the reflector 2. In order to make the feed connection portion 1313, formed by the second end of the feed plate 13 through a double bend, parallel to the reflector 2, the bending angle of the feed connection portion 1313 relative to the main body of the feed plate 13 is approximately 90 degrees. That is, the feed connection portion 1313 and the main body of the feed plate 13 are set at approximately a 90-degree angle.

[0050] However, it should be noted that the radiating element 10 typically includes two orthogonally arranged feed plates 13, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the two feed plates 13 are the first feed plate 131 and the second feed plate 132, respectively. Before bending, the second ends of the two feed plates 13 are not on the same plane but are set at a certain angle. If the second ends of the two feed plates 13 are directly bent at 90 degrees, interference may occur between the two feed connection portions 1313 formed after bending. Therefore, during actual bending, the bending line cannot be parallel to the radiation surface of the radiation arm 11; it needs to have a certain angle relative to the radiation surface. Specifically, the second ends of the feed plates 13 can be twisted at a certain angle while bending, so that the two feed connection portions 1313 formed after bending are approximately parallel. This avoids interference between the two feed connection portions 1313 formed after bending and ensures that both feed connection portions 1313 are approximately parallel to the reflector 2.

[0051] It should be understood that the limitations of relative positional relationships such as "parallel" and "perpendicular" in the above embodiments are all relatively preferred implementation methods. In specific implementation, deviations within a certain angular range are allowed.

[0052] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, the base 15 has a base pad 154 for supporting the power supply connection 1313, and the base pad 154 is located between the power supply connection 1313 and the reflector 2. This arrangement is to support the power supply connection 1313 with the base pad 154 and prevent the power supply connection 1313 from deforming.

[0053] It should be understood that, in order not to affect the electrical connection between the signal line terminal 321 and the power supply connection 1313, a portion of the power supply connection 1313 extends out of the base plate 154 to facilitate electrical connection with the signal line terminal 321.

[0054] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 7 As shown, the radiating unit 10 includes two feed plates 13, which are orthogonally arranged and assembled and fixed by feed clips 14 to form a feed assembly. The feed clips 14 are made of non-metallic material, and the feed assembly is fixed to the balun 12 of the radiating unit 10 by the feed clips 14.

[0055] Continue to refer to Figure 7 As shown, the radiating arm 11 includes a pair of orthogonal half-wave dipoles. A balun 12 has a balun cavity along the line connecting the half-wave dipoles. Two feed plates 13 are respectively inserted into their corresponding balun cavities, forming a coupled feed to the radiating arm 11. Specifically, the vertical portions of the two feed plates 13 are concentrically arranged with their corresponding balun cavities, forming a coupled feed to the radiating arm 11.

[0056] Specifically, refer to Figure 7 As shown, the feed plate 13 can be an asymmetric U-shaped structure. The shorter end of the feed plate 13 is the first feed plate end 1311, which is vertically oriented and has an open-circuit stub. The vertical length of the first feed plate end 1311 is λ / 8-λ / 4, where λ is the wavelength corresponding to the center frequency of the radiating unit 10. The longer end of the feed plate 13 is the second feed plate end 1312, which is vertically oriented. At the end of the second feed plate end 1312, there is a feed connection part 1313 formed by a secondary bend, and the feed connection part 1313 has an insertion positioning groove. Each radiating unit 10 includes two feed plates 13, namely a first feed plate 131 and a second feed plate 132, which have similar structures.

[0057] In some embodiments, the radiating arm 11 and the balun 12 are both die-cast metal parts and are free from electroplating, the feed plate 13 is a sheet metal part, and the feed connection portion 1313 of the feed plate 13 is electroplated to form an electroplated layer.

[0058] In other words, the radiating arm 11 and balun 12 of the radiating element 10 are both electroplating-free parts, and the feed plate 13 is only electroplated at the feed connection part 1313. This can greatly reduce the electroplating of the radiating element 10, which is conducive to the green and low-carbon requirements of base station antennas.

[0059] In some embodiments, refer to Figures 16 to 21 As shown, the metal cavity 31 has an opening 310 on the side facing the reflector 2, and a ground plane is formed at the opening 310. At least two raised planes 314 are provided at intervals at the ground plane corresponding to the position of the radiation component 1. The raised planes 314 are in metal contact with the reflector 2. A first metal threaded hole 315 is provided on the raised plane 314. A first mounting hole 24 is provided on the reflector 2. The reflector 2 is connected to the raised plane 314 by a first metal screw 41 passing through the first mounting hole 24 and the first metal threaded hole 315.

[0060] This configuration ensures that the entire surface of the ground plane is in metal contact with the reflector 2, but only the raised surface 314 on it is in metal contact with the reflector 2. The reflector 2 is then secured to the phase shifter 3 by a first metal screw 41 passing through the reflector 2 and the raised surface 314. This ensures good metal contact between the raised surface 314 and the reflector 2, guaranteeing a good common ground connection between the metal cavity 31 and the reflector 2. It prevents poor contact due to an excessively large contact area between the ground plane and the reflector 2, which could lead to intermodulation problems. Furthermore, the first metal screw 41 not only secures the reflector 2 to the phase shifter 3, but also supplements the common ground connection between the reflector 2 and the ground plane through the contact between the nut and the reflector 2, and the contact between the screw and the first metal threaded hole 315.

[0061] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 16 and Figure 18 As shown, the metal cavity 31 has two openings 316, each containing a dielectric plate 33 and a signal plate 32. The dielectric plate 33 is disposed between the signal plate 32 and the sidewall of the opening 316, and the signal plate 32 has signal lines. The two openings 316 correspond to the two polarizations of the radiation unit 10, respectively. Specifically, the metal cavity 31 has a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a middle sidewall, with the middle sidewall disposed between the first and second sidewalls to divide the internal space of the metal cavity 31 into two openings 316. The first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the middle sidewall all form ground planes on the side facing the reflector 2, namely a first ground plane 311, a second ground plane 313, and a middle ground plane 312, respectively.

[0062] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 16As shown, the ground plane includes a first ground plane 311, a second ground plane 313, and an intermediate ground plane 312, with the intermediate ground plane 312 located between the first ground plane 311 and the second ground plane 313. A raised surface 314 is provided on the intermediate ground plane 312. That is, the intermediate ground plane 312 has at least two raised surfaces 314 spaced apart at positions corresponding to the radiating component 1. The raised surfaces 314 are in metal contact with the reflector 2, and each raised surface 314 has a first metal threaded hole 315.

[0063] With this configuration, the first metal screw 41 passes through the first mounting hole 24 on the reflector 2 and is screwed into the first metal threaded hole 315 on the raised surface 314, thereby locking the reflector 2 onto the phase shifter 3. The raised surface 314 on the intermediate ground plane 312 makes metal contact with the reflector 2, ensuring the reliability of the common ground connection between the intermediate ground plane 312 and the reflector 2, and preventing poor contact due to excessively large contact area between the intermediate ground plane 312 and the reflector 2, which could lead to intermodulation problems. Furthermore, the nut of the first metal screw 41 makes metal contact with the reflector 2, and the screw makes metal contact with the first metal threaded hole 315, supplementing the common ground connection between the reflector 2 and the intermediate ground plane 312.

[0064] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 16 As shown, insulating pads are provided between the first ground plane 311 and the reflector 2, and between the second ground plane 313 and the reflector 2. The first ground plane 311 and the second ground plane 313 are provided with second metal threaded holes 317. The reflector 2 is provided with a second mounting hole 25. The insulating pad is provided with a mounting through hole corresponding to the second metal threaded hole 317. The reflector 2 is connected to the first ground plane 311 and the second ground plane 313 through a second metal screw 42 passing through the second mounting hole 25, the mounting through hole and the second metal threaded hole 317.

[0065] This configuration, by placing an insulating pad between the first ground plane 311 and the reflector 2, avoids direct contact between the first ground plane 311 and the reflector 2. Instead, a second metal screw 42, passing through the insulating pad of the reflector 2 and the first ground plane 311, achieves a common ground connection between the reflector 2 and the first ground plane 311. This avoids poor contact and interlocking problems caused by an excessively large contact area between the first ground plane 311 and the reflector 2. Specifically, the nut of the second metal screw 42 makes metal contact with the reflector 2, and the screw makes metal contact with the second metal threaded hole 317, thus achieving a common ground connection between the reflector 2 and the first ground plane 311. In addition, the second metal screw 42 can be used to lock the reflector 2 to the first ground plane 311, ensuring the stability of the reflector 2 and the metal cavity 31.

[0066] Similarly, by placing an insulating pad between the second ground plane 313 and the reflector 2, direct contact between the second ground plane 313 and the reflector 2 is avoided. Instead, a second metal screw 42, passing through the insulating pad of the reflector 2 and the second ground plane 313, enables a common ground connection between the reflector 2 and the second ground plane 313. This prevents poor contact and interlocking problems caused by an excessively large contact area between the second ground plane 313 and the reflector 2. Specifically, the nut of the second metal screw 42 makes metal contact with the reflector 2, and the screw makes metal contact with the second metal threaded hole 317, thus achieving a common ground connection between the reflector 2 and the second ground plane 313. Furthermore, the second metal screw 42 can be used to lock the reflector 2 and the second ground plane 313, ensuring the stability of the reflector 2 and the metal cavity 31.

[0067] In some embodiments, the metal cavity 31 is a pultruded metal part and is free from electroplating. That is, the metal cavity 31 is a free-plating part, which is beneficial to the green and low-carbon requirements of base station antennas.

[0068] In practice, the phase shifter 3 can be first fastened to the reflector 2 using metal screws 4 (including the first metal screw 41 and the second metal screw 42), and then the radiation component 1 can be snapped onto the reflector 2, which facilitates the assembly operation. Alternatively, the radiation component 1 can be snapped onto the reflector 2 first, and then the phase shifter 3 can be fastened to the reflector 2 using metal screws 4.

[0069] In some embodiments, there are multiple radiation components 1, which are spaced apart on the reflector plate 2; the phase shifter 3 includes a signal board 32, which is disposed in a metal cavity 31. The signal board 32 is provided with multiple signal line terminals 321, which pass through the reflector plate 2 and are electrically connected to the radiation unit 10 of the corresponding radiation component 1.

[0070] It should be understood that a base station antenna typically includes multiple radiating elements 10, which can form a radiating element array. Each radiating element 10 has a base 15 at its bottom, and each radiating element 10 is mounted and fixed to the reflector 2 via its base 15. The signal board 32 of the phase shifter 3 has multiple signal line terminals 321 corresponding to the multiple radiating elements 10, so as to directly feed the radiating elements 10 through the corresponding signal line terminals 321. Each radiating element 10 is coupled to the reflector 2 and grounded, and the phase shifter 3 is metal-contactly grounded with the reflector 2, thereby realizing the electrical ground connection between the radiating elements 10 and the phase shifter 3.

[0071] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0072] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments described herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A base station antenna, characterized in that, It includes a radiation component, a reflector, and a phase shifter, wherein the radiation component and the phase shifter are located on opposite sides of the reflector, respectively; The radiation assembly includes a radiation unit and a base. The bottom of the radiation unit is provided with a protruding structure. The base is fixed to the bottom of the radiation unit. The base is provided with a limiting recess for accommodating and limiting the protruding structure. The limiting recess protrudes in a direction away from the radiation unit and has a partially hollowed-out area. The base is fixedly connected to the reflector. The reflector is provided with a first opening groove. The limiting recess and the protruding structure are embedded in the first opening groove. The protruding structure forms an electrical coupling with the first opening groove to realize the common ground connection between the radiation unit and the reflector. The phase shifter includes a metal cavity. The metal cavity is in metal contact with the reflector to realize the common ground connection between the metal cavity and the reflector.

2. The base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protruding structure is elongated, and the limiting recess is adapted to the shape of the protruding structure; The limiting recess protrudes from both ends along the length direction away from the radiation unit to form a receiving portion for accommodating and limiting the protruding structure. The middle region of the limiting recess along the length direction is hollowed out so that the protruding structure can form an electrical coupling with the first opening groove.

3. The base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protruding structure forms a gap coupling with the first opening groove.

4. The base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base is provided with a first buckle that protrudes toward the radiation unit, and the radiation unit is provided with a first slot, the first buckle engaging with the first slot. The base is provided with a second buckle that protrudes toward the reflector, and the reflector is provided with a second slot, the second buckle engaging with the second slot.

5. The base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radiating unit includes a radiating arm, a balun, and a feed plate. The top of the balun is connected to the radiating arm, the protruding structure is located at the bottom of the balun, and the balun has a balun cavity. The first end of the feed plate is coupled to the radiating arm for power feeding, and the second end of the feed plate extends out of the balun cavity and is bent twice to form a power feeding connection part. The phase shifter includes a signal board disposed in the metal cavity. The signal board has a signal line terminal. The reflector has a second opening slot. The signal line terminal passes through the second opening slot and is electrically connected to the power supply connection part.

6. The base station antenna according to claim 5, characterized in that, The power supply connection part is provided with a plug-in positioning groove, the signal line terminal is inserted through the plug-in positioning groove, and the signal line terminal is welded to the power supply connection part for electrical connection.

7. The base station antenna according to claim 5, characterized in that, The feed connection portion formed by the second end of the feed plate through a double bend is parallel to the radiation surface of the radiation arm. The base has a base pad for supporting the power supply connection, and the base pad is located between the power supply connection and the reflector.

8. The base station antenna according to claim 5, characterized in that, The radiating unit includes two feed plates, which are orthogonally arranged and connected and fixed by feed clips to form a feed assembly; The radiating arm includes a pair of orthogonal half-wave dipoles, and the balun has a balun cavity in the direction of the line connecting the half-wave dipoles. The two feed plates are respectively inserted into the corresponding balun cavities to form a coupled feed to the radiating arm.

9. The base station antenna according to claim 5, characterized in that, Both the radiating arm and the balun are die-cast metal parts and do not require electroplating. The feed plate is a sheet metal part, and the feed connection part of the feed plate is electroplated to form an electroplated layer.

10. The base station antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The metal cavity has an opening on the side facing the reflector, and a ground plane is formed at the opening. The ground plane has at least two raised planes spaced apart at positions corresponding to the radiation component. The raised planes are in metal contact with the reflector. A first metal threaded hole is provided on the raised plane. A first mounting hole is provided on the reflector. The reflector is connected to the raised planes by a first metal screw passing through the first mounting hole and the first metal threaded hole.

11. The base station antenna according to claim 10, characterized in that, The ground plane includes a first ground plane, a second ground plane, and an intermediate ground plane. The intermediate ground plane is located between the first ground plane and the second ground plane, and the protruding plane is disposed on the intermediate ground plane.

12. The base station antenna according to claim 11, characterized in that, An insulating pad is provided between the first ground plane and the reflector, and between the second ground plane and the reflector. A second metal threaded hole is provided on both the first ground plane and the second ground plane. A second mounting hole is provided on the reflector. A mounting through hole corresponding to the second metal threaded hole is provided on the insulating pad. The reflector is connected to the first ground plane and the second ground plane by a second metal screw passing through the second mounting hole, the mounting through hole and the second metal threaded hole.

13. The base station antenna according to claim 10, characterized in that, The metal cavity is a pultruded metal part and does not require electroplating.

14. The base station antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The number of radiation components is multiple, and they are spaced apart on the reflector. The phase shifter includes a signal board disposed in the metal cavity. The signal board is provided with multiple signal line terminals, which pass through the reflector and are electrically connected to the radiation unit of the corresponding radiation component.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Antenna element and antenna unit

    CN116247424A