An antenna and communication device

Abstract

The application provides an antenna, comprising: a radome, a radiation array, and a first bottom plate, the bottom of the radiation array and the first bottom plate are respectively fixedly connected with the inner surface of the radome, wherein the radiation array and the first bottom plate are located inside the radome along a first direction, and there is a gap between the bottom of the radiation array and the first bottom plate along the first direction. Based on the above technical scheme, the first bottom plate and the radiation array are respectively fixed inside the radome, so that they are independently arranged between each other, the first bottom plate can be prevented from supporting other components, so that when the first bottom plate is designed, the strength and rigidity of the first bottom plate for supporting other components do not need to be considered, thereby realizing overall lightweight design, and further meeting the demand for electromagnetic transparency of internal components of the antenna.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The internal structure of a traditional base station antenna includes components such as an antenna cover, a radiating array, a power supply network, and a reflector (also called a base plate). In order to give the reflector a certain strength and rigidity to support other components, the industry usually uses aluminum plates and then matches them with necessary bending, punching, riveting and other processes to ensure the connection between the reflector and the antenna cover, radiating array, power supply network and other components, as well as the overall structural strength and rigidity. Therefore, the weight of the entire antenna is relatively heavy.

[0003] With the development of electromagnetic transparency technology for base station antennas, conventional aluminum plates used as reflectors are not only heavy, but also cannot meet the design requirements for electromagnetic transparency of internal antenna components. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides an antenna that enables a lightweight antenna design and further meets the requirement for electromagnetic transparency of the antenna's internal components.

[0005] In a first aspect, an antenna is provided, comprising: an radome, a radiating array, and a first base plate, wherein the bottom of the first base plate and the bottom of the radiating array are respectively fixedly connected to the inner surface of the radome, wherein the radiating array and the first base plate are located inside the radome along a first direction, and there is a gap between the bottom of the radiating array and the first base plate along the first direction.

[0006] It should be noted that the base plate can also be called a reflector, which will not be discussed further below.

[0007] In the technical solution of this application, the first base plate and the radiating array are fixed inside the antenna radome respectively, so that the two are set independently. This avoids using the first base plate to support other components. In this way, when designing the first base plate, it is not necessary to consider that the first base plate must have the strength and rigidity to support other components, thereby achieving an overall lightweight design and further meeting the requirements for electromagnetic transparency of the internal components of the antenna.

[0008] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the inner surface of the radome includes N first protrusions, the N first protrusions are located on at least one side of the first base plate, N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and the first base plate is fixedly connected to the inner surface of the radome through the N first protrusions.

[0009] In the technical solution of this application, the first base plate and the inner surface of the radome are fixedly connected by the first protrusion, which can make full use of the strength and rigidity of the radome frame and achieve an overall lightweight design. Furthermore, the first base plate can slide into the radome through the first protrusion, which facilitates assembly.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first protrusion extends along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. The first base plate includes an opening structure, wherein the opening direction of the opening structure is opposite to the direction in which the first protrusion extends along the second direction, and the first protrusion is fixed to the first base plate through the opening structure. Based on the above technical solution, a lightweight antenna design can be achieved, and the requirement for electromagnetic transparency of internal antenna components can be further met.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the opening structure is formed by a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and an opening bottom. The projected length of the first protrusion on the first sidewall is greater than the distance from the end face of the first sidewall to the inner surface of the radome. The length of the first sidewall along the second direction is less than or equal to the length of the second sidewall along the second direction. Based on the above technical solution, a stable connection between the first base plate and the inside of the radome can be achieved.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first protrusion includes a first sub-protrusion and a second sub-protrusion. The first sub-protrusion extends along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. The second sub-protrusion extends along the first direction. The first sub-protrusion and the second sub-protrusion are fixedly connected. The first base plate includes an opening structure. The first protrusion is fixed to the first base plate through the opening structure. The opening direction of the opening structure extends along a third direction, which is opposite to the first direction, or the third direction is opposite to the second direction. Based on the above technical solution, a lightweight antenna design can be achieved, and the requirement for electromagnetic transparency of internal antenna components can be further met.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the opening structure includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, an opening bottom, a third sidewall connected to the first sidewall, and a fourth sidewall connected to the second sidewall. The projected length of the second sub-protrusion at the opening bottom is greater than the length between the end face of the third sidewall and the end face of the fourth sidewall. Based on the above technical solution, a stable connection between the first base plate and the inside of the radome can be achieved.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first protrusion includes a first sub-protrusion and a second sub-protrusion, the first sub-protrusion and the second sub-protrusion extending along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the first sub-protrusion and the second sub-protrusion have a gap along the first direction, and the first sub-protrusion and the second sub-protrusion fix the first base plate through the gap. Based on the above technical solution, a lightweight antenna design can be achieved, and the requirement for electromagnetic transparency of internal antenna components can be further met.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the projected length of the first base plate on the first sub-protrusion is greater than the length of the first base plate from the inner surface of the radome in the opposite direction to the second direction, wherein the length of the first sub-protrusion along the second direction is less than or equal to the length of the second sub-protrusion along the second direction. Based on the above technical solution, a stable connection between the first base plate and the interior of the radome can be achieved.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the inner surface of the radome further includes M second protrusions, each of which is located on at least one side of the bottom of the radiating array, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The bottom of the radiating array is fixedly connected to the inner surface of the radome via the M second protrusions. Based on the above technical solution, using the second protrusions to achieve a fixed connection between the bottom of the radiating array and the inner surface of the radome fully utilizes the strength and rigidity of the radome frame, achieving an overall lightweight design. Furthermore, the radiating array can slide into the radome through the first protrusions, facilitating assembly.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the bottom of the radiating array is fixed to the inner surface of the radome by at least one of the following methods: welding, binding, or mechanical means. Based on the above technical solution, a stable connection between the bottom of the radiating array and the inner surface of the radome can be achieved, fully utilizing the strength and rigidity of the radome frame to achieve an overall lightweight design.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the radiating array includes a radiating element and a feeding network, wherein the radiating element and the feeding network are connected via a first method, which does not include a cable connection. Based on the above technical solution, by designing a rigid, direct, cable-free connection between the radiating array and the feeding network, modular design and assembly of the feeding network can be achieved.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the ratio of the physical side length of the cross-section of the feed network to the operating wavelength of the antenna is a first value, and the first value ranges from [0.02, 0.15].

[0020] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first substrate includes any one of the following: a metal plate; a dielectric substrate, at least one side of which is covered with a metal film, and / or, at least one side of which is covered with a metal pattern array.

[0021] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first base plate is parallel to the plane containing the radiating oscillators in the radiating array.

[0022] In a second aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a mast, an adjustment bracket, and an antenna as described in the first aspect and any implementation thereof; the adjustment bracket is connected between the antenna cover and the mast.

[0023] For example, the communication device is a base station or a base station system.

[0024] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the communication device further includes a baseband processing unit connected to the antenna.

[0025] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the baseband processing unit is connected to the feed network; or, the antenna includes a radio frequency processing unit, and the baseband processing unit is connected to the feed network through the radio frequency processing unit.

[0026] For details regarding the second aspect and its beneficial effects, please refer to the relevant descriptions and beneficial effects of the first aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a base station 1 in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of an antenna 10 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of a radiation array 20 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of an antenna 10 provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of a first base plate provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram showing a first protrusion fixedly connected to a first base plate according to an embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic structural diagram showing a first protrusion fixedly connected to a first base plate, according to another embodiment of this application.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic structural diagram showing a first protrusion fixedly connected to a first base plate, according to another embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the communication equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] This application provides an antenna system and a base station. The antenna system may include, but is not limited to, any one or more of passive antennas, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna systems, and massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna systems.

[0038] It is understandable that a base station can be called an access network device or access node. It can be located in a base station subsystem (BBS), a UMTS terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN), or an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) to provide cell coverage for wireless signals so as to enable communication between terminal devices and wireless networks. Specifically, a base station can be a base transceiver station (BTS) in a Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, a Node B (NB) in a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, an Evolutionary Node B (eNB or eNodeB) in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, a Transmission Reception Point (TRP), a Next Generation Node B (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a Next Generation Base Station in a Future Mobile Communication System, an Access Network Equipment or a Module of an Access Network Equipment in an Open RAN (ORAN) system, a Base Station in a Future Mobile Communication System, or an Access Node in a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) system, etc. The base station can also be a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), as described below. In an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU, DU can be called open (O)-DU, CU-CP can be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can be called O-CUP-UP, and RU can be called O-RU. The base station in this application can be a macro base station, a micro base station, or an indoor station, a relay node or a donor node, or it can be a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario.Alternatively, the base station can be a server, in-vehicle equipment, wearable devices, g nodes (gNodeB or gNB) in new radio (NR) systems, access network equipment in future evolved networks, etc. For example, the base station in vehicle toeverything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). This application does not specifically limit this.

[0039] An exemplary structure of a base station is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a base station 1 according to an embodiment of this application is shown. (Reference) Figure 1 Base station 1 includes antenna system 01, antenna adjustment bracket 02, mounting bracket 03, cable 04, radio frequency processing unit 05, baseband processing unit 06, connector seal 07, and grounding device 08.

[0041] It should be noted that in practical applications, the pole 04, antenna adjustment and mounting bracket 05, and other equipment can be provided by the site provider. The antenna 01, radio frequency processing unit 06, and baseband processing unit 20 in the base station can be provided by the base station manufacturer. The base station in this embodiment may also exclude the antenna adjustment and mounting bracket 05; it only needs to include a bracket capable of mounting the antenna to the pole, and this bracket may not have an adjustment function.

[0042] Specifically, the antenna system 01 can be mounted on the mounting bracket 03 via the antenna adjustment bracket 02 to facilitate the reception or transmission of signals by the antenna system 01. For example, the mounting bracket 03 can be a pole or a tower, etc. In some other embodiments, the antenna system 01 can also be directly mounted on the mounting bracket 03.

[0043] The antenna system 01 may include a radome 12. The radome 12 typically houses various components, such as a radiator 11 and a floor (not shown). The radome 12 possesses excellent electromagnetic wave penetration characteristics in terms of electrical performance and can withstand the effects of harsh external environments in terms of mechanical performance, thus protecting the components inside the radome 12 from external environmental influences.

[0044] The components located inside the radome 12 in the antenna system 01 can be connected to the radio frequency (RF) processing unit 05 via cable 04. The baseband processing unit 06 can be connected to the components located inside the radome 12 in the antenna system 01 via the RF processing unit 05. Thus, the RF processing unit 05 can perform frequency selection, amplification, and down-conversion processing on the signal received by the antenna system 01, converting it into an intermediate frequency (IF) signal or a baseband signal and sending it to the baseband processing unit 06; alternatively, the RF processing unit 05 can up-convert and amplify the baseband processing unit 06 or the IF signal, converting it into electromagnetic waves through the antenna system 01 and transmitting it.

[0045] In some embodiments of this application, the radio frequency processing unit 05 may also be referred to as a remote radio unit (RRU), and the baseband processing unit 06 may also be referred to as a baseband unit (BBU).

[0046] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, the radio frequency processing unit 05 can be integrated with the antenna system 01, and the baseband processing unit 06 is located at the far end of the antenna system 01. In this case, the radio frequency processing unit 05 and the antenna system 01 can be collectively referred to as an active antenna unit (AAU). It should be noted that... Figure 1 This is just one example of the positional relationship between the radio frequency processing unit 05 and the antenna system 01. In other embodiments of this application, the radio frequency processing unit 05 and the baseband processing unit 06 may also be located at the far end of the antenna system 01.

[0047] Grounding device 07 is installed on feeder 05. Grounding device 07 can perform functions such as electrical grounding, lightning protection, overvoltage protection, and maintenance of equipment performance, which helps to ensure the stability and safety of base station 1.

[0048] The connector seal 08 is provided at the connection between the antenna radome and the cable 04 of the antenna system 01 and the connection between the grounding device 08 and the cable 04 to provide insulation and sealing. The connector seal 08 can be at least one of insulating sealing tape or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) insulating adhesive. Of course, the connector seal 08 can also have other structures and is not limited to the form of tape.

[0049] It should be understood that the antenna system described above can also be called an antenna. For ease of description, the term "antenna" will be used uniformly in the following text.

[0050] As described in the background section, with the development of electromagnetic transparency technology for base station antennas, conventional reflectors can no longer meet the design requirements for electromagnetic transparency of internal antenna components. Therefore, this application aims to provide an antenna that enables a lightweight design while further meeting the requirements for electromagnetic transparency of internal antenna components.

[0051] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of an antenna 10 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, the antenna includes: an radome, a radiating array, and a first base plate. The bottom of the first base plate and the radiating array are respectively fixedly connected to the inner surface of the radome. That is, the first base plate is fixedly connected to the inner surface of the radome, and the radiating array is fixedly connected to the inner surface of the radome. It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the base plate can also be replaced by a "reflector", which will not be elaborated further below.

[0053] Specifically, the radiating array and the first base plate are located inside the radome along the first direction, and there is a gap between the bottom of the radiating array and the first base plate along the first direction. This gap can also be replaced with "slot," "gap," etc., and this application does not limit this. It should be understood that the gap between the bottom of the radiating array and the first base plate along the first direction can be interpreted as the radiating array and the first base plate being independently and separately disposed inside the radome.

[0054] Alternatively, in one possible implementation, the first direction can be Figure 2 Direction 1 is shown. That is to say, as shown... Figure 2 As shown, the bottom of the radiating array and the first base plate are located inside the radome along the direction shown in direction 1, and there is a gap between the bottom of the radiating array and the first base plate along the direction shown in direction 1.

[0055] Alternatively, in one possible implementation, the first direction can also be direction 2, and direction 2 and... Figure 2 Direction 1 is perpendicular to the direction shown in direction 2. That is to say, the bottom of the radiating array and the first base plate are located inside the radome along the direction shown in direction 2, and there is a gap between the bottom of the radiating array and the first base plate along the direction shown in direction 2.

[0056] For ease of understanding, in the embodiments shown below, the bottom of the radiating array and the first base plate are described as being located inside the radome along the direction shown in direction 1. For related embodiments and descriptions of the bottom of the radiating array and the first base plate being located inside the radome along the direction shown in direction 2, please refer to the relevant embodiments and descriptions in this document, which will not be repeated here.

[0057] See also Figure 3 , Figure 3This is a schematic structural diagram of a radiation array 20 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown, the radiating array includes radiating elements and a feeding network. The radiating array consists of at least one column of radiating subarrays, each subarray comprising radiating elements and a feeding network. Specifically, multiple radiating elements are arranged in a column via an array frame and fixedly connected to the feeding network, forming a column of radiating subarrays. Further, one or more columns of radiating subarrays are connected by an array frame to form the radiating array. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the array frame can be understood as the bottom of the radiating array, and will not be described further below. In other words, in this embodiment, there is a gap between the array frame and the first base plate.

[0059] It should be noted that the radiating element and the feed network are connected via a first method, which does not include cable connections. For example, the first method can have the following variations:

[0060] For example, in one possible implementation, there is a rigid connection between the radiating element and the feed network. This rigid connection can be understood as a direct connection between the radiating element and the feed network without the need for cables.

[0061] For example, the connection can be made by welding, riveting, tenon joint, or adhesive bonding. It should be understood that the above are merely illustrative examples and this application does not impose any limitations.

[0062] It should also be understood that the rigid connection between the radiating oscillator and the feed network can also be described as the radiating oscillator and the feed network being integrated together.

[0063] For example, in one possible implementation, the radiating oscillator and the feeding network can also be an integrated structure. For instance, the radiating oscillator and the feeding network can be directly fabricated as a single structure by casting.

[0064] It should be noted that the feed network has a miniaturized physical size, and the length of a single side of its cross-section is 0.02 to 0.05 times the operating wavelength of the antenna. That is to say, the ratio of the length of a single side of the feed network's cross-section to the operating wavelength of the antenna is a first value, where the range of the first value is [0.02, 0.15]. It should be understood that the physical size of the feed network is only for illustrative purposes, and the embodiments of this application do not impose any limitations on it.

[0065] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the first base plate and the inner surface of the radome are fixedly connected, which can be understood as the first base plate being fixed to the inner surface of the radome in at least one of the following ways.

[0066] Alternatively, in one possible implementation, the first base plate can be fixed to the inner surface of the radome by welding.

[0067] Alternatively, in one possible implementation, the first base plate can be fixed to the inner surface of the radome by binding.

[0068] Alternatively, in one possible implementation, the first base plate can be mechanically fixed to the inner surface of the radome, for example, the mechanical method includes but is not limited to at least one of the following: riveting connection, bolting connection, tenon connection.

[0069] Alternatively, in one possible implementation, the first base plate can be fixed to the inner surface of the radome via the first protrusion.

[0070] See Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of an antenna 10 provided in another embodiment of this application. It should be understood that in this embodiment, N first protrusions are located on at least one side of the first base plate, including the following examples:

[0071] Example 1: All N first protrusions are located on one side of the first base plate.

[0072] Example 2: N first convex parts are located on two sides of the first base plate.

[0073] For example, in one possible implementation, the two sides are opposite sides, that is, the N first protrusions are located on two opposite sides of the first base plate.

[0074] For example, in one possible implementation, the two sides are adjacent sides, that is, the N first protrusions are located on two adjacent sides of the first base plate.

[0075] Example 3: N first convex parts are located on three of the sides of the first base plate.

[0076] Example 4: N first convex parts are located on the four sides of the first base plate.

[0077] It should be noted that, in the cases of Examples 2 to 4 above, in one possible implementation, the number of first protrusions located on different sides may be equal; or, in another possible implementation, the number of first protrusions located on different sides may be unequal.

[0078] For example, the number of first protrusions on different sides is not equal.

[0079] For example, the number of first protrusions on different sides is not exactly equal. Taking Example 4 as an example, in one case, the number of first protrusions on opposite sides is equal, while the number of first protrusions on adjacent sides is unequal. Or, in another case, the number of first protrusions on opposite sides is unequal, while the number of first protrusions on adjacent sides is equal.

[0080] It should be understood that the above are merely illustrative examples and this application does not impose any limitations on them.

[0081] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the first base plate can slide into the interior of the radome along the first protrusion, and the side of the first base plate is fixedly connected to the inner surface of the radome through the first protrusion.

[0082] It should also be noted that the protrusions mentioned above can be replaced with "protrusion", "rib", "rib", etc., and it should be understood that this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0083] It should be understood that the base plate mentioned above may also be called a reflector or a base plate component, and this application does not limit it in this regard.

[0084] In one possible implementation, the first base plate can be a metal plate, such as a common aluminum plate, copper plate, etc.

[0085] Alternatively, in one possible implementation, the first substrate may also be at least one dielectric substrate covered with a thin metal film.

[0086] Specifically, the first base plate can be a dielectric substrate, at least one side of which is covered with a metal film. For example, the first base plate is a foam board with at least one side covered with a metal film. Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of a first base plate provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0087] Alternatively, in one possible implementation, the first substrate may also be a dielectric substrate with at least one side covered with a metal pattern array.

[0088] For example, at least one side of the first base plate is covered with a metallic pattern array, for example... Figure 5 As shown.

[0089] For scenarios where both active antenna unit (AAU antenna) and passive antenna (P) exist (hereinafter referred to as A+P scenario), the first substrate can be a combination structure of dielectric substrate and metal pattern, that is, the first substrate is a dielectric substrate, and at least one side of the dielectric substrate is covered with a metal pattern array.

[0090] It should be noted that the metal pattern array can be designed into a periodic metal pattern array structure, namely a frequency selective surface (FSS), according to the frequency band of the A module that needs to be transmitted and the frequency band of the P antenna that needs to be reflected. This can achieve the effect of simultaneously transmitting electromagnetic waves in the A module frequency band and reflecting electromagnetic waves in the P antenna frequency band forward.

[0091] Furthermore, depending on the specific combination of reflection and transmission in the frequency bands, the metallic pattern array can be designed as one or two layers. For example, as... Figure 5 As shown, in one possible implementation, the first surface of the dielectric substrate is covered with a metal pattern array; or, in another possible implementation, both the first and second surfaces of the dielectric substrate are covered with metal pattern arrays, and the first and second surfaces are opposite surfaces.

[0092] It should also be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the first base plate is parallel to the plane where the radiating oscillator in the radiating array is located.

[0093] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, the bottom of the radiating array and the inner surface of the radome are fixedly connected. This can be understood as the bottom of the radiating array being fixed to the inner surface of the radome in at least one of the following ways.

[0094] Alternatively, in one possible implementation, the bottom first base plate of the radiating array can be fixed to the inner surface of the radome by welding.

[0095] Alternatively, in one possible implementation, the bottom of the radiating array can be fixed to the inner surface of the radome by means of binding.

[0096] Alternatively, in one possible implementation, the bottom of the radiating array can be mechanically fixed to the inner surface of the radome, for example, the mechanical method includes but is not limited to at least one of the following: riveting connection, bolting connection, tenon connection.

[0097] Alternatively, in one possible implementation, the bottom of the radiating array can be fixed to the inner surface of the radome via a second protrusion. Specifically, as shown... Figure 4 As shown, the inner surface of the radome also includes M second protrusions, which are located on at least one side of the bottom of the radiating array. The bottom of the radiating array is fixedly connected to the inner surface of the radome through the second protrusions. It can be understood that since the radome includes the second protrusions, the second protrusions are used to fix the bottom of the radiating array and the inside of the radome, so that the bottom of the radiating array is fixed relative to the inside of the radome.

[0098] It should be noted that the radome described above includes a second protrusion, which can be referred to in the specific description of the radome including a first protrusion, which will not be repeated here.

[0099] It should also be noted that the relevant description of the M second convex parts located on at least one side of the radiation array can also refer to the relevant description of the N first convex parts located on at least one side of the first bottom plate in the foregoing text, which will not be elaborated here.

[0100] It should be noted that the setting manner between the second convex part and the bottom of the radiation array can refer to the setting manner between the first convex part and the first bottom plate. The following will illustrate the setting between the first convex part and the first bottom plate with specific drawings.

[0101] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram showing the fixed connection between a first convex part and a first bottom plate provided by an embodiment of the present application. Among them, Figure 6 (b) is the front view of the schematic structural diagram showing the fixed connection between the first convex part and the first bottom plate, Figure 6 (a) is Figure 6 the enlarged view of the partial A of (b).

[0102] As Figure 6 shown in (a) and (b), the first convex part extends along the second direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. Taking the first direction as the direction 1 described in the foregoing text as an example, the second direction can be direction 2. At this time, when the first convex part extends along direction 2, the first convex part can be regarded as having a "one" shape.

[0103] The position of the first bottom plate close to the first convex part includes an opening structure, and the opening direction of the opening structure is opposite to the direction in which the first convex part extends along direction 2. The first convex part fixes the first bottom plate through the opening structure. That is to say, in this case, the first convex part is fitted with the opening structure to achieve the effect of fixed connection.

[0104] It should be noted that, in this example, the opening structure is composed of a first side wall, a second side wall, and an opening bottom. For example, Figure 6 the shown opening structure is a concave-shaped structure. To fixedly connect the first bottom plate to the inner surface of the radome, the projection length of the first convex part on the first side wall needs to be greater than the length of the end face of the first side wall from the inner surface of the radome. For example, Figure 6 as shown in, length 1 needs to be greater than length 2. Among them, the length of the first side wall along direction 2 is less than or equal to the length of the second side wall along direction 2. That is to say, the first side wall is the side wall with a shorter length in direction 2.

[0105] It should be noted that, Figure 6 the shown concave-shaped opening structure is only an example. In a possible implementation manner, the opening structure can also be V-shaped, or it can also be U-shaped. It should be understood that the present application does not limit this.

[0106] Figure 7This is a schematic structural diagram illustrating a fixed connection between a first protrusion and a first base plate, as provided in another embodiment of this application. Figure 7 (b) is a front view of a schematic structural diagram showing the fixed connection between the first protrusion and the first base plate. Figure 7 (a) is Figure 7 (b) is a magnified view of part B.

[0107] like Figure 7 As shown in (a) and (b), the first protrusion includes a first sub-protrusion and a second sub-protrusion. The first sub-protrusion extends along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. Taking the first direction as direction 1 mentioned above as an example, the second direction can be direction 2. In this case, the first sub-protrusion extending along direction 2 can be considered as a "I" shape. The first sub-protrusion extends along the first direction, that is, the first sub-protrusion extends along direction 1. Since the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular, that is, the first sub-protrusion and the second sub-protrusion are perpendicular to each other. In this application, the first sub-protrusion and the second sub-protrusion are fixedly connected. Figure 7 As shown in (a) and (b), the first sub-protrusion and the second sub-protrusion are vertically connected, forming a "T" shape. It should be noted that the vertical connection of the first and second sub-protrusions can also form an "L" shape, or even a "Γ" shape. It should be understood that the above are merely examples, and this application does not impose any limitations on this. For ease of understanding, the following description uses the example of the first and second sub-protrusions forming a "T" shape in conjunction with a specific embodiment. Other possible implementations can be found in the following content and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0108] See also Figure 7 In (a) and (b), the first base plate includes an opening structure. In this application, the opening direction of the opening structure extends along a third direction. The first protrusion fixes the first base plate through the opening structure. That is to say, in this case, the first protrusion (the first sub-protrusion and the second sub-protrusion) is fitted with the opening structure to achieve the effect of fixed connection.

[0109] In one possible implementation, the third direction is opposite to the first direction mentioned above.

[0110] In one possible implementation, the third direction is opposite to the second direction mentioned above, such as... Figure 7 As shown in (a) and (b).

[0111] It should be noted that, in this example, the opening structure includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, an opening bottom, a third sidewall connected to the first sidewall, and a fourth sidewall connected to the second sidewall. To ensure that the first base plate is fixedly connected to the inner surface of the radome, the projected length of the second sub-protrusion at the opening bottom needs to be greater than the length between the end face of the third sidewall and the end face of the fourth sidewall.

[0112] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown in (a) and (b), length 1 is greater than length 2.

[0113] Figure 8 This is a schematic structural diagram showing a first protrusion fixedly connected to a first base plate, according to another embodiment of this application.

[0114] like Figure 8 As shown, the first protrusion includes a first sub-protrusion and a second sub-protrusion, which extend along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Taking the first direction as direction 1 as described above, the second direction can be direction 2. Since the first sub-protrusion and the second sub-protrusion extend along the second direction, it can be understood that the first sub-protrusion and the second sub-protrusion are parallel to each other. Furthermore, in this embodiment, there is a gap between the first sub-protrusion and the second sub-protrusion, and the first sub-protrusion and the second sub-protrusion fix the first base plate through the gap. The gap can also be replaced with "interval" or similar terms; it should be understood that this application does not limit this.

[0115] To ensure a secure connection between the first base plate and the inner surface of the radome, the projected length of the first base plate on the first sub-protrusion is greater than the distance of the first base plate from the inner surface of the radome in the opposite direction of the second direction. Specifically, the length of the first sub-protrusion along direction 2 is less than or equal to the length of the second sub-protrusion along direction 2. For example... Figure 8 As shown, length 1 is greater than length 2.

[0116] Furthermore, embodiments of this application also provide a communication device, such as... Figure 9 As shown, Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device. The communication device provides wireless access from user equipment to a network and includes one or more processors 910, one or more memories 920, one or more network interfaces 930, and one or more transceivers 940. Each transceiver 940 includes a receiver (Rx) and a transmitter (Tx), connected via a bus. One or more transceivers 940 are connected to the antenna 950 in the above embodiment. The one or more processors 910 include computer program code. The network interface 930 is connected to the core network via a link (e.g., a link to the core network) or to other communication devices via wired or wireless links.

[0117] For example, the communication device is a base station.

[0118] According to the technical solution provided in the embodiments of this application, the first base plate and the radiating array are fixed inside the antenna radome respectively, so that the two are set independently. This avoids using the first base plate to support other components. In this way, when designing the first base plate, it is not necessary to consider that the first base plate must have the strength and rigidity to support other components, thereby achieving an overall lightweight design and further meeting the requirements for electromagnetic transparency of the internal components of the antenna.

[0119] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0120] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0121] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0122] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0123] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0124] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0125] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An antenna, characterized in that, include: Antenna radome, radiating array, first base plate, The bottom of the first base plate and the bottom of the radiating array are respectively fixedly connected to the inner surface of the radome. The radiating array and the first base plate are located inside the radome along a first direction, and there is a gap between the bottom of the radiating array and the first base plate along the first direction.

2. The antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner surface of the radome includes N first protrusions, which are located on at least one side of the first base plate, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The first base plate is fixedly connected to the inner surface of the antenna cover through the N first protrusions.

3. The antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first protrusion extends along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction, and the first base plate includes an opening structure. Wherein, the opening direction of the opening structure is opposite to the direction in which the first protrusion extends along the second direction, and the first protrusion fixes the first base plate through the opening structure.

4. The antenna according to claim 3, characterized in that, The opening structure is formed by a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and an opening bottom. The projected length of the first protrusion on the first sidewall is greater than the distance from the end face of the first sidewall to the inner surface of the radome, wherein the length of the first sidewall along the second direction is less than or equal to the length of the second sidewall along the second direction.

5. The antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first protrusion includes a first sub-protrusion and a second sub-protrusion. The first sub-protrusion extends along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. The second sub-protrusion extends along the first direction. The first sub-protrusion and the second sub-protrusion are fixedly connected. The first base plate includes an opening structure, and the first protrusion fixes the first base plate through the opening structure. Wherein, the opening direction of the opening structure extends along a third direction, which is opposite to the first direction, or the third direction is opposite to the second direction.

6. The antenna according to claim 5, characterized in that, The opening structure includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, an opening bottom, a third sidewall connected to the first sidewall, and a fourth sidewall connected to the second sidewall. The projection length of the second sub-protrusion at the bottom of the opening is greater than the length between the end face of the third sidewall and the end face of the fourth sidewall.

7. The antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first protrusion includes a first sub-protrusion and a second sub-protrusion, the first sub-protrusion and the second sub-protrusion extending along a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction. Wherein, the first sub-protrusion and the second sub-protrusion have a gap along the first direction, and the first sub-protrusion and the second sub-protrusion fix the first base plate through the gap.

8. The antenna according to claim 7, characterized in that, The projected length of the first base plate on the first sub-protrusion is greater than the length of the first base plate from the inner surface of the radome in the opposite direction to the second direction. Wherein, the length of the first sub-protrusion along the second direction is less than or equal to the length of the second sub-protrusion along the second direction.

9. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The inner surface of the radome further includes M second protrusions, each of which is located on at least one side of the bottom of the radiating array, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The bottom of the radiating array is fixedly connected to the inner surface of the radome via the M second protrusions.

10. The antenna according to claim 1 or 9, characterized in that, The bottom of the radiating array is fixed to the inner surface of the radome by at least one of the following methods: Welding method, binding method, mechanical method.

11. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The radiating array includes radiating elements and a feeding network. The radiating oscillator and the power supply network are connected via a first method, which does not include cable connection.

12. The antenna according to claim 11, characterized in that, The ratio of the physical side length of the cross-section of the feed network to the operating wavelength of the antenna is a first value, and the first value ranges from [0.02, 0.15].

13. The antenna according to claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The first base plate includes any of the following: Metal sheet; A dielectric substrate, wherein at least one side of the dielectric substrate is coated with a metal thin film, and / or, at least one side of the dielectric substrate is coated with a metal pattern array.

14. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The first base plate is parallel to the plane containing the radiating oscillator in the radiating array.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a mast, an adjustment bracket, and an antenna as described in any one of claims 1 to 14; The adjustment bracket is connected between the radome and the mast.

16. The communication device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The communication device further includes a baseband processing unit, which is connected to the antenna.

17. The communication device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The baseband processing unit is connected to the feed network; or, the antenna includes a radio frequency processing unit, and the baseband processing unit is connected to the feed network through the radio frequency processing unit.

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