Phase shifter and antenna

Abstract

The utility model discloses a phase shifter and an antenna. The phase shifter comprises a feed network, a first phase shifting medium, a second phase shifting medium and a transmission assembly. A power division circuit of the feed network comprises N stages of power dividers, the output end of the Nth stage of power divider is used for being connected to a radiation unit, and each stage of power divider comprises a phase shift section. And the first phase shifting medium is arranged corresponding to the phase shifting section of any stage of power divider from the first stage to the (N-1) th stage. And the second phase-shifting medium is arranged corresponding to the phase-shifting section of the Nth-stage power divider. The transmission assembly is connected with the at least one first phase shifting medium and the at least one second phase shifting medium and can drive the first phase shifting medium and the second phase shifting medium which are connected with the transmission assembly to move in the same direction or in opposite directions. According to the utility model, the transmission assembly can simultaneously drive the phase shift media of different levels to move so as to accurately change the phase, so that the phase difference between the radiation units is more flexible and stable, and the sidelobe suppression effect and gain of the antenna are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of mobile communication technology, specifically relating to a phase shifter and antenna. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of mobile communication technology, it is necessary to maximize the overall gain of antennas within a limited space, thereby increasing the coverage of radiated signals and reducing the cost of site and network layout.

[0003] One type of sliding dielectric phase shifter primarily achieves phase shifting by moving its internal phase-shifting medium, thereby altering the signal propagation rate within the shifter and creating a continuous phase difference in the output signal. However, this type of phase shifter suffers from poor inter-stage coordination between phase-shifting media. Often, only one stage of the phase-shifting medium can be moved independently. This results in a fixed phase difference between adjacent radiating elements or within a group (composed of multiple radiating elements), leading to insufficient flexibility in phase adjustment between radiating elements, poor sidelobe suppression, and limitations on antenna coverage efficiency and gain.

[0004] The information disclosed in this background section is intended only to enhance the understanding of the overall background of this utility model and should not be construed as an admission or in any way implying that the information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a phase shifter that solves the problem that existing phase shifters cannot flexibly adjust the phase difference of antenna radiating elements.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, a specific embodiment of this utility model provides a phase shifter, which includes a power supply network, at least one first phase-shifting medium, at least one second phase-shifting medium, and a transmission assembly. The power supply network includes a power divider circuit, which includes N cascaded power dividers. The output of the Nth power divider is connected to a radiating unit, and each power divider includes a phase-shifting segment. The first phase-shifting medium is controllably movable and corresponds to the phase-shifting segment of any one of the power dividers from the 1st to the (N-1)th stage. The second phase-shifting medium is controllably movable and corresponds to the phase-shifting segment of the Nth power divider. The transmission assembly connects at least one first phase-shifting medium and at least one second phase-shifting medium, and can drive the first and second phase-shifting media connected to it to move in the same direction or in opposite directions.

[0007] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the transmission assembly includes a first connector directly or indirectly connected to at least one first phase-shifting medium, a second connector directly or indirectly connected to at least one second phase-shifting medium, and a transmission mechanism directly or indirectly connected to the first connector and the second connector. The transmission mechanism can controllably drive the first connector and the second connector to move in the same direction or in opposite directions.

[0008] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the first phase-shifting medium and the second phase-shifting medium extend along a first direction and are arranged parallel to each other along a second direction. The first connecting member and the second connecting member extend along the first direction and are arranged parallel to each other along the second direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. The transmission mechanism can controllably drive the first connecting member and the second connecting member to move in the same direction or in opposite directions along the first direction.

[0009] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the transmission mechanism includes a third connecting member, the two ends of which are respectively connected to a first connecting member and a second connecting member, and the first connecting member and the second connecting member can be controlled to move in the same direction and at the same speed along a first direction.

[0010] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the third connector extends along the second direction.

[0011] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the third connector is fixedly connected to the first connector and the second connector.

[0012] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the transmission mechanism includes a rotating member that can be controlled to rotate about a rotation axis, the rotation axis being perpendicular to a first direction and a second direction. The rotating member is connected to a first connecting member and a second connecting member through a motion conversion mechanism, which can convert the rotational motion of the rotating member into linear motion of the first connecting member and the second connecting member along the first direction.

[0013] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the motion conversion mechanism includes a first slot formed on a first connector and extending along a second direction, a second slot formed on a second connector and extending along a second direction, a first insertion part disposed on a rotating member and inserted into the first slot, and a second insertion part disposed on the rotating member and inserted into the second slot. In the first direction, the diameter of the first slot is greater than the length of the first insertion part, and the diameter of the second slot is greater than the length of the second insertion part.

[0014] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the first slot passes through the first connector, and the second slot passes through the second connector.

[0015] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the motion conversion mechanism includes a first transmission groove formed on the rotating member along the axial direction of the rotation axis and a second transmission groove formed on the rotating member along the axial direction of the rotation axis, wherein both the first transmission groove and the second transmission groove extend along the extension direction of the rotating member.

[0016] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the motion conversion mechanism further includes a first extension portion disposed on the first connector and extending into the first transmission groove, and a second extension portion disposed on the second connector and extending into the second transmission groove.

[0017] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the rotating shaft is located between the first connector and the second connector, and the rotating component can drive the first connector and the second connector to move in opposite directions along a first direction.

[0018] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the rotating shaft is located on the side of the first connector away from the second connector, or on the side of the second connector away from the first connector, and the rotating component can drive the first connector and the second connector to move in the same direction along a first direction.

[0019] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the transmission mechanism includes a first rack that can be directly or indirectly connected to a first connecting member, and a second rack that is directly or indirectly connected to a second connecting member, wherein the first rack and the second rack extend along a first direction.

[0020] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the transmission mechanism further includes a gear set meshing with the first rack and the second rack, the gear set being controllably able to drive the first rack and the second rack to move in the same or opposite directions along a first direction.

[0021] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the gear set includes a first gear meshing with a first rack and a second gear meshing with a second rack, wherein the first gear and the second gear are directly or indirectly connected for transmission.

[0022] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the teeth of the first rack and the second rack are arranged opposite to each other along a second direction, and the rotation directions of the first gear and the second gear are the same or different.

[0023] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the first rack and the second rack move at the same or different speeds.

[0024] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the gear set further includes a third gear, one of the first gear and the second gear being coaxially arranged with the third gear, and the other gear meshing with the third gear.

[0025] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the teeth of the first rack and the second rack are arranged opposite to each other along a second direction, and the transmission mechanism further includes a fourth gear that meshes with the first rack and the second rack.

[0026] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the phase shifter further includes a metal cavity, a first phase shifting medium and a second phase shifting medium are disposed in the metal cavity, and a first connector and a second connector are at least partially disposed in the metal cavity.

[0027] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the first direction is the length direction of the metal cavity, and the second direction is the height direction of the metal cavity.

[0028] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, a first limiting groove and a second limiting groove are formed on the cavity wall of the metal cavity, arranged along a second direction. The openings of the first limiting groove and the second limiting groove are parallel to a third direction, which is the width direction of the metal cavity. A first connecting member is inserted into the first limiting groove, and a second connecting member is inserted into the second limiting groove.

[0029] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, a plurality of first phase-shifting media are provided, and the plurality of first phase-shifting media are simultaneously configured to correspond one-to-one with all phase-shifting segments of the power divider from the first stage to the (N-1)th stage. The transmission component is connected to at least one first phase-shifting medium.

[0030] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the transmission assembly is connected to all the first phase-shifting media.

[0031] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, a plurality of second phase-shifting media are provided, and the plurality of second phase-shifting media are configured in one-to-one correspondence with all phase-shifting segments of the Nth stage power divider. The transmission component is connected to at least one second phase-shifting medium.

[0032] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the transmission component is simultaneously connected to all the second phase-shifting media.

[0033] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the transmission component can drive the first phase-shifting medium and the second phase-shifting medium connected thereto to move at the same speed or at different speeds along a first direction.

[0034] In another aspect, this utility model also provides an antenna that includes the aforementioned phase shifter.

[0035] Compared with the prior art, this invention can simultaneously drive the phase-shifting medium of different stages through the transmission component to accurately change the phase, making the phase difference between the radiating elements more flexible and stable, and improving the sidelobe suppression effect and gain of the antenna. Attached Figure Description

[0036] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a front view of the phase shifter in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a side view of the metal cavity in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a side view of the phase shifter in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the power supply network in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a front view of the phase shifter in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0042] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the transmission component in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0043] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the transmission component in Embodiment 3 of this utility model;

[0044] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the transmission component in Embodiment 4 of this utility model;

[0045] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the transmission component in Embodiment 5 of this utility model;

[0046] Figure 10 This is a front view of the phase shifter in Embodiment Six of this utility model;

[0047] Figure 11 This is an exploded structural diagram of the transmission component in Embodiment Six of this utility model;

[0048] Figure 12 This is a transmission relationship diagram of the transmission components in Embodiment 7 of this utility model;

[0049] Figure 13 This is a transmission relationship diagram of the transmission components in Embodiment 8 of this utility model;

[0050] Figure 14 This is a transmission relationship diagram of the transmission component in Embodiment 9 of this utility model;

[0051] Figure 15 This is a transmission relationship diagram of the transmission components in Embodiment 10 of this utility model;

[0052] Figure 16 This is a small-angle radiation pattern under the action of a phase shifter in the prior art;

[0053] Figure 17 This is a small-angle orientation diagram under the action of the phase shifter in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0054] Figure 18 This is a large-angle radiation pattern under the action of a phase shifter in the existing technology;

[0055] Figure 19 This is a large-angle orientation diagram under the action of the phase shifter in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0056] Key reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Metal cavity; 11. First limiting groove; 12. Second limiting groove; 2. Power supply network; 3. First phase shifting medium; 4. Second phase shifting medium; 5. Transmission assembly; 501. First connector; 5011. First slot; 5012. First extension; 502. Second connector; 5021. Second slot; 5022. Second extension; 503. Third connector; 504. Rotating component; 5041. Main body; 5042. First insertion part; 5043. Second insertion part; 5044. First transmission groove; 5045. Second transmission groove; 505. Rotating shaft; 506. First rack; 507. Second rack; 508. First gear; 509. Second gear; 510. Third gear; 511. Fourth gear; 6. Phase shifting circuit board; 7. Radiation unit. Detailed Implementation

[0057] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of this utility model, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0058] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "top", "bottom", "upper", "lower", "forward", "reverse", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0059] Secondly, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0060] In addition, in the following embodiments, "direct connection" and "direct transmission" of two parts generally mean that the two parts are in direct contact, while "indirect connection" and "indirect transmission" of two parts generally mean that the two parts are not in direct contact, but are connected or transmitted through other parts.

[0061] With the rapid development of mobile communication technology, it is necessary to maximize the overall gain of antennas within a limited space to improve the coverage of radiated signals and reduce the cost of site and network deployment. The fixed phase difference design of radiating elements results in insufficient flexibility in phase adjustment between elements, poor sidelobe suppression, and limitations on antenna coverage efficiency and gain.

[0062] Considering that existing technologies mainly rely on phase shifters to adjust the phase difference of radiating elements, sliding dielectric phase shifters are widely used in various application scenarios due to their low cost, high reliability, passive operation, and environmental robustness. Sliding dielectric phase shifters adjust the phase by the mechanical displacement of the internal phase-shifting medium; therefore, it is possible to flexibly adjust the phase of the radiating element by adjusting the linkage relationship between the various stages of the phase-shifting medium within the phase shifter.

[0063] Based on the above ideas, this utility model proposes an improved phase shifter, which precisely changes the phase by simultaneously driving different stages of phase shifting media, making the phase difference between radiating elements more flexible and stable, and improving the sidelobe suppression effect and gain of the antenna.

[0064] The following describes various embodiments of a phase shifter proposed in this utility model.

[0065] Example 1

[0066] Reference Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this embodiment provides a phase shifter, which includes a metal cavity 1, a power supply network 2, a plurality of first phase shifting media 3, a plurality of second phase shifting media 4, and a transmission assembly 5. The power supply network 2, the first phase shifting media 3, and the second phase shifting media 4 are disposed inside the metal cavity 1, and the transmission assembly 5 is at least partially disposed inside the metal cavity 1 to facilitate connection between the first phase shifting media 3 and the second phase shifting media 4.

[0067] Specifically, the power supply network 2 includes a power divider circuit, which comprises N cascaded power dividers. The output of the Nth power divider is connected to the radiating unit 7. Each power divider includes a certain number of phase-shifting segments. Multiple first phase-shifting media 3 can be controlled to move and are configured one-to-one with the phase-shifting segments of any power divider from the 1st to the (N-1)th stage. That is, a first phase-shifting medium 3 can be configured to correspond to the phase-shifting segment of the 1st stage power divider, the 2nd stage power divider, or the (N-1)th stage power divider. Second phase-shifting media 4 can be controlled to move and are configured one-to-one with the phase-shifting segments of the Nth stage power divider. A transmission assembly 5 connects at least one first phase-shifting medium 3 and at least one second phase-shifting medium 4. The transmission assembly 5 can drive the first phase-shifting medium 3 and the second phase-shifting medium 4 connected to it to move in the same direction or in opposite directions.

[0068] Reference Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the first phase-shifting medium 3 and the second phase-shifting medium 4 extend along the first direction (i.e., the length direction of the metal cavity 1) and are arranged along the second direction (i.e., the height direction of the metal cavity 1).

[0069] The transmission assembly 5 includes a first connector 501 and a second connector 502. Both the first connector 501 and the second connector 502 extend along a first direction and are arranged opposite to each other and parallel to each other along a second direction. The first connector 501 is directly or indirectly connected to one or more first phase-shifting media 3, and moves synchronously with the first phase-shifting media 3 to which it is directly or indirectly connected. The second connector 502 is directly or indirectly connected to one or more second phase-shifting media 4, and moves synchronously with the second phase-shifting media 4 to which it is directly or indirectly connected.

[0070] The wall of the metal cavity 1 has a first limiting groove 11 and a second limiting groove 12 arranged along the second direction. The openings of the first limiting groove 11 and the second limiting groove 12 are parallel to the third direction (i.e. the width direction of the metal cavity 1). The first connecting member 501 is inserted into the first limiting groove 11 and the second connecting member 502 is inserted into the second limiting groove 12 to restrict the first connecting member 501 and the second connecting member 502 to move only along the first direction.

[0071] Optionally, two first limiting slots 11 are provided, and they are arranged opposite each other along a third direction. Similarly, two second limiting slots 12 are provided, and they are also arranged opposite each other along a third direction.

[0072] Optionally, two metal cavities 1 are provided, arranged in a third direction and separated by a partition. Each metal cavity 1 is provided with a corresponding power supply network 2, a first phase-shifting medium 3, a second phase-shifting medium 4, and a transmission assembly 5.

[0073] Reference Figure 1 As shown, the transmission assembly 5 also includes a transmission mechanism, which is used to synchronize the movement states of the first connector 501 and the second connector 502, so that the first connector 501 and the second connector 502 can only move in the same direction and at the same speed along the first direction.

[0074] Furthermore, the transmission mechanism includes a third connector 503, which is directly or indirectly fixedly connected to the first connector 501 and the second connector 502. The third connector 503, together with the first connector 501 and the second connector 502, forms a C-shaped frame structure.

[0075] Optionally, the first connector 501 and the second connector 502 are configured as plate-like structures or sheet-like structures.

[0076] Optionally, the third connector 503 is configured as a plate-like structure, a sheet-like structure, a block-like structure, or a rod-like structure.

[0077] Optionally, the third connector 503 extends along the second direction.

[0078] Optionally, the fixed connection between the third connector 503 and the first connector 501 and the second connector 502 can be achieved by welding, plugging, snap-fitting, interference fit and threaded connection, etc. The connection relationship of the three can ensure that the first connector 501 and the second connector 502 can move in the same direction and at the same speed.

[0079] Reference Figure 1 As shown, multiple first phase-shifting media 3 are provided, and each of the multiple first phase-shifting media 3 is simultaneously set to correspond one-to-one with all phase-shifting segments of the power divider from stage 1 to stage N-1, satisfying X = X1 + X2 ... X N-1 Where X is the number of the first phase-shifting medium 3, X1 is the number of phase-shifting segments of the first-stage power divider, and so on, X N-1 This represents the number of phase shifting segments in the (N-1)th stage power divider.

[0080] Optionally, the first connector 501 of the transmission assembly 5 can be connected to any one or more first phase-shifting media 3.

[0081] Reference Figure 1 As shown, multiple second phase-shifting media 4 are provided, and multiple second phase-shifting media 4 are simultaneously set to correspond one-to-one with all phase-shifting segments of the Nth stage power divider, satisfying Y = Y N Where Y is the quantity of the second phase-shifting medium 4, Y N This represents the number of phase shifting segments in the Nth stage power divider.

[0082] Optionally, the second connector 502 of the transmission assembly 5 can be connected to any one or more second phase-shifting media 4.

[0083] Reference Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the first-stage power divider of the power supply network 2 is a 1-to-3 power divider, and the remaining power dividers are 1-to-2 power dividers. In addition to connecting to the next stage power divider, each stage power divider is also connected to the Nth stage power divider.

[0084] It should be understood that the above-described structure of the power supply network 2 is illustrative and does not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application. In addition to the above example, the power supply network 2 may also use other types of structural designs, and the power divider of each stage of the power supply network 2 is not limited to a 1-to-2 power divider or a 1-to-3 power divider.

[0085] Reference Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the phase shifter also includes a phase shifting circuit board 6 disposed within the metal cavity 1. The power supply network 2, the first phase shifting medium 3, and the second phase shifting medium 4 are all disposed on both sides of the phase shifting circuit board 6 along the thickness direction. The first connector 501 and the second connector 502 both span the phase shifting circuit board 6 along the thickness direction. The fact that the first connector 501 and the second connector 502 span the phase shifting circuit board 6 means that the size of the first connector 501 in a third direction is larger than the size of the phase shifting circuit board 6, such that at least a portion of the first connector 501 and the second connector 502 extend to the left side of the phase shifting circuit board 6 and at least a portion of the second connector 502 extends to the right side of the phase shifting circuit board 6, so that the first connector 501 can simultaneously connect to the first phase shifting medium 3 on both sides of the phase shifting circuit board 6, and the second connector 502 can simultaneously connect to the second phase shifting medium 4 on both sides of the phase shifting circuit board 6.

[0086] Example 2

[0087] Reference Figures 5 to 6 As shown, this embodiment provides a phase shifter, which differs from the first embodiment in that: the transmission component 5 in this embodiment is used to drive the first phase shifting medium 3 and the second phase shifting medium 4 to move in opposite directions along the first direction.

[0088] Specifically, the transmission mechanism of the transmission assembly 5 includes a rotating member 504, which can be controlled to rotate around a rotating shaft 505. The rotating shaft 505 is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, that is, the rotating shaft 505 is parallel to the third direction. The rotating shaft 505 is located between the first connecting member 501 and the second connecting member 502.

[0089] The rotating component 504 is connected to the first connecting component 501 and the second connecting component 502 through a motion conversion mechanism. The motion conversion mechanism can convert the rotational motion of the rotating component 504 into linear motion of the first connecting component 501 and the second connecting component 502 along a first direction. The motion conversion mechanism includes, but is not limited to, screw mechanisms, crank-slider mechanisms, cam mechanisms, gear and rack mechanisms, connecting rod mechanisms, ball screw mechanisms, hydraulic / pneumatic piston mechanisms, belt mechanisms, and chain mechanisms.

[0090] Considering the limited size of the phase shifter in practical applications, the motion conversion mechanism in this embodiment includes a first slot 5011 formed on the first connector 501 and extending along the second direction, a second slot 5021 formed on the second connector 502 and extending along the second direction, a first insertion part 5042 provided on the rotating member 504 and inserted into the first slot 5011, and a second insertion part 5043 provided on the rotating member 504 and inserted into the second slot 5021.

[0091] In the first direction, the diameter of the first slot 5011 is larger than the length of the first insertion portion 5042, so as to provide space for the first insertion portion 5042 to move in the first direction during the rotation of the rotating member 504, and to provide the rotating member 504 with a certain range of rotation. Similarly, in the first direction, the diameter of the second slot 5021 is larger than the length of the second insertion portion 5043.

[0092] Optionally, the first insertion part 5042 and the second insertion part 5043 are respectively provided at both ends of the rotating member 504.

[0093] Optionally, the rotating member 504 further includes a main body portion, with a first insertion portion 5042 and a second insertion portion 5043 respectively disposed at both ends of the main body portion 5041. The width of the main body portion 5041 is greater than the width of the first insertion portion 5042 and the second insertion portion 5043. During the rotation of the rotating member 504, there is no interference between the main body portion 5041 and the first connecting member 501 and the second connecting member 502, thus preventing the rotating member 504 from jamming.

[0094] Optionally, the first slot 5011 extends through the first connector 501 along the second direction, and the second slot 5021 extends through the second connector 502 along the second direction.

[0095] Reference Figure 6As shown, the rotating member 504 is constructed as a straight rod structure, and the rotating shaft 505 is offset from the center of the rotating member 504. The rotating shaft 505 is relatively close to the first connecting member 501. When the rotating member 504 rotates, the first insertion part 5042 and the second insertion part 5043 have different angular velocities, which makes the first phase shifting medium 3 and the second phase shifting medium 4 have different moving speeds when they move in opposite directions along the first direction, so that the first phase shifting medium 3 and the second phase shifting medium 4 can achieve a more flexible phase adjustment effect when they are linked.

[0096] It should be understood that the position of the rotation axis 505 described above is illustrative and does not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application. In addition to the above example, the rotation axis 505 may also be relatively close to the second connector 502.

[0097] Example 3

[0098] Reference Figure 7 As shown, this embodiment provides a phase shifter, which differs from Embodiment 2 in that: the transmission component 5 in this embodiment can drive the first phase shifting medium 3 and the second phase shifting medium 4 to move in opposite directions and at the same speed along the first direction.

[0099] Specifically, the rotating shaft 505 of the transmission assembly 5 is located at the center of the rotating member 504. When the rotating member 504 rotates, the first insertion part 5042 and the second insertion part 5043 have the same angular velocity, thereby making the first phase shifting medium 3 and the second phase shifting medium 4 have the same moving speed when moving in opposite directions along the first direction.

[0100] Example 4

[0101] Reference Figure 8 As shown, this embodiment provides a phase shifter, which differs from Embodiment 2 in that: the transmission component 5 in this embodiment can drive the first phase shifting medium 3 and the second phase shifting medium 4 to move in the same direction but at different speeds along the first direction.

[0102] Specifically, the rotation shaft 505 of the transmission assembly 5 is located on the side of the second connector 502 away from the first connector 501, and the rotating member 504 can drive the first connector 501 and the second connector 502 to move in the same direction along the first direction. Furthermore, the first insertion part 5042 and the second insertion part 5043 have different angular velocities, thereby causing the first phase shifting medium 3 and the second phase shifting medium 4 to have different moving speeds.

[0103] It should be understood that the position of the rotating shaft 505 described above is illustrative and does not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application. In addition to the above example, the rotating shaft 505 may also be located on the side of the first connector 501 away from the second connector 502, which can also make the first phase shifting medium 3 and the second phase shifting medium 4 move in the same direction but at different speeds.

[0104] Example 5

[0105] Reference Figure 9 As shown, this embodiment provides a phase shifter, which differs from Embodiment 2 in that the motion conversion mechanism of this embodiment is different from that of Embodiment 2.

[0106] Specifically, the motion conversion mechanism of this embodiment includes a first transmission groove 5044 and a second transmission groove 5045 formed on the rotating member 504. The first transmission groove 5044 and the second transmission groove 5045 are distributed along the extension direction of the rotating member 504 and both extend a certain distance along the extension direction of the rotating member 504.

[0107] Furthermore, the motion conversion mechanism also includes a first extension 5012 provided on the first connector 501 and a second extension 5022 provided on the second connector 502. The first extension 5012 extends into the first transmission groove 5044, and the second extension 5022 extends into the second transmission groove 5045.

[0108] According to the above structural design, when the rotating component 504 rotates, the first phase-shifting medium 3 and the second phase-shifting medium 4 also move in opposite directions along the first direction. By controlling the distance between the rotating shaft 505 and the first connecting component 501 and the second connecting component 502, the moving speed of the first connecting component 501 and the second connecting component 502 can also be adjusted, thereby adjusting the moving speed of the first phase-shifting medium 3 and the second phase-shifting medium 4.

[0109] It should be understood that when the above structural design is adopted, the position of the rotating shaft 505 can also be similar to the position of the rotating shaft 505 in Embodiment 3, that is, the rotating shaft 505 is located on the side of the first connector 501 away from the second connector 502, or on the side of the second connector 502 away from the first connector 501, so as to realize that the first phase shifting medium 3 and the second phase shifting medium 4 move in the same direction but at different speeds.

[0110] Example 6

[0111] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, this embodiment provides a phase shifter, which differs from the first embodiment in that the transmission component 5 in this embodiment adopts a gear and rack mechanism to realize the first phase shifting medium 3 and the second phase shifting medium 4 moving in the same direction along the first direction.

[0112] Specifically, the transmission mechanism of the transmission assembly 5 includes a first rack 506 and a second rack 507 arranged opposite to each other in the tooth direction. Both the first rack 506 and the second rack 507 extend along a first direction. The first rack 506 is directly or indirectly connected to the first connector 501, and the second rack 507 is directly or indirectly connected to the second connector 502.

[0113] The transmission mechanism also includes a gear set, which includes a first gear 508, a second gear 509, and a third gear 510. The first gear 508 meshes with the first rack 506, the second gear 509 meshes with the second rack 507, and the third gear 510 is coaxially arranged with the first gear 508 and rotates at the same speed. The third gear 510 also meshes with the second gear 509. At this time, the rotation directions of the first gear 508 and the second gear 509 are different. However, since the tooth directions of the first rack 506 and the second rack 507 are different, the first rack 506 and the second rack 507 can eventually move in the same direction, thereby causing the first phase-shifting medium 3 and the second phase-shifting medium 4 to move in the same direction along the first direction.

[0114] It should be understood that the positions and meshing relationships of the first gear 508, the second gear 509, and the third gear 510 described above are illustrative and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application. In addition to the above examples, the third gear 510 may also be coaxially arranged with the second gear 509 and mesh with the first gear 508.

[0115] Secondly, it should be understood that the positional relationship between the first rack 506 and the second rack 507 is illustrative and does not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application. In addition to the above example, the teeth of the first rack 506 and the second rack 507 may also be arranged opposite each other, in the same direction, facing a third direction, or facing other directions, as long as it ensures that the first rack 506 moves synchronously with the first connecting member 501, the second rack 507 moves synchronously with the second connecting member 502, the first rack 506 meshes with the first gear 508, the second rack 507 meshes with the second gear 509, and there is a transmission relationship between the first gear 508 and the second gear 509.

[0116] Furthermore, the moving speeds of the first phase-shifting medium 3 and the second phase-shifting medium 4 depend on the moving speeds of the first rack 506 and the second rack 507. The formula for calculating the rack moving speed is v = ω * R, where ω is the gear angular velocity and R is the pitch circle radius of the gear. The gear angular velocity ω = (π * N) / 30, where N is the gear rotational speed. Therefore, the formula for calculating the rack moving speed is v = (π * N * R) / 30, indicating that the rack moving speed depends on the gear rotational speed N and the gear pitch circle radius R.

[0117] Therefore, when the product of the rotational speed N1 of the first gear 508 and its pitch circle radius R1 is equal to the product of the rotational speed N2 of the second gear 509 and its pitch circle radius R2, i.e., N1*R1=N2*R2, the first rack 506 and the second rack 507 have the same moving speed. When N1*R1≠N2*R2, the first rack 506 and the second rack 507 have different moving speeds.

[0118] Example 7

[0119] Reference Figure 12 As shown, this embodiment provides a phase shifter, which differs from Embodiment Six in that the first gear 508 and the second gear 509 in this embodiment directly mesh to establish a transmission relationship.

[0120] Furthermore, the first gear 508 and the second gear 509 are gears with the same structure, so that the first rack 506 and the second rack 507 move in the same direction and at the same speed along the first direction, thereby causing the first phase-shifting medium 3 and the second phase-shifting medium 4 to move in the same direction and at the same speed along the first direction.

[0121] Example 8

[0122] Reference Figure 13 As shown, this embodiment provides a phase shifter, which differs from Embodiment 7 in that the first gear 508 and the second gear 509 in this embodiment are different in size, wherein the size of the first gear 508 is larger than the size of the second gear 509.

[0123] It should be noted that the rack moving speed depends on the gear rotation speed N and the gear pitch circle radius R. In this embodiment, the rotation speed N1 of the first gear 508 is significantly less than the rotation speed N2 of the second gear 509, and the pitch circle radius R1 of the first gear 508 is significantly greater than the pitch circle radius R2 of the second gear 509. Therefore, in this embodiment, the moving speed of the first rack 506 and the moving speed of the second rack 507 can theoretically be the same or different. In actual application, it can be set according to the requirements.

[0124] Example 9

[0125] Reference Figure 14 As shown, this embodiment provides a phase shifter, which differs from Embodiment Six in that: in this embodiment, the first gear 508 and the second gear 509 are used to drive the first phase shifting medium 3 and the second phase shifting medium 4 to move in opposite directions along the first direction. The first gear 508 and the second gear 509 maintain indirect transmission, and the first gear 508 and the second gear 509 establish a transmission relationship through other gears or racks.

[0126] As an example, an odd number of sequentially meshing gears are provided on the transmission path between the first gear 508 and the second gear 509. At this time, the first gear 508 and the second gear 509 rotate in the same direction, but the first rack 506 and the second rack 507 move in different directions.

[0127] As another example, an even number of sequentially meshing gears are provided on the transmission path between the first gear 508 and the second gear 509. In this case, the rotation directions of the first gear 508 and the second gear 509 are different, but the movement directions of the first rack 506 and the second rack 507 are the same.

[0128] It should be understood that the transmission relationship between the first gear 508 and the second gear 509 in Embodiments 6 to 9 is illustrative and does not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application. Besides the above examples, the first gear 508 and the second gear 509 can also use other gear transmission mechanisms to establish the transmission relationship, as long as it ensures that the first gear 508 and the second gear 509 are on the same transmission path. The aforementioned gear transmission mechanisms include, but are not limited to, spur gear transmission mechanisms, bevel gear transmission mechanisms, and rack and pinion transmission mechanisms.

[0129] Example 10

[0130] Reference Figure 15 As shown, this embodiment provides a phase shifter, which differs from Embodiment Six in that: in this embodiment, the transmission mechanism uses a single gear that simultaneously meshes with the first rack 506 and the second rack 507.

[0131] Specifically, the transmission mechanism includes a fourth gear 511 that meshes with the first rack 506 and the second rack 507, and the first rack 506 and the second rack 507 move in opposite directions and at the same speed in the first direction.

[0132] It should be understood that in Embodiments 1 to 10, the transmission assembly 5 can simultaneously drive the first connector 501 and the second connector 502 to move under the drive of a single power source (e.g., a motor), reducing the number of power sources and lowering the manufacturing cost of the phase shifter. In other embodiments, two power sources can also be provided, and the first connector 501 and the second connector 502 can be controlled independently by the two power sources respectively.

[0133] Secondly, in embodiments one through ten, the transmission mechanism of the transmission assembly 5 can directly or indirectly establish a transmission relationship with the power source to transmit power to the first connector 501 and the second connector 502. Alternatively, the first connector 501 can also directly or indirectly establish a transmission relationship with the power source and transmit power to the second connector 502 through the transmission mechanism. Alternatively, the second connector 502 can also directly or indirectly establish a transmission relationship with the power source and transmit power to the first connector 501 through the transmission mechanism.

[0134] Example 11

[0135] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 10 As shown, this embodiment provides an antenna, which includes a phase shifter from any one or more of the embodiments from Embodiment 1 to Embodiment 10. The antenna also includes a plurality of radiating elements 7, which are connected to the output terminal of the feed network 2 of the phase shifter.

[0136] When the phase shifter in any of the above embodiments of this utility model is applied to an antenna, the phase of the radiating element can be accurately changed, making the phase difference between the radiating elements more flexible and stable, thus solving the problem of rigid phase adjustment in traditional technology.

[0137] Furthermore, referring to Figure 17 and Figure 19 As shown, the phase shifter in any of the above embodiments of this utility model can also improve the antenna sidelobe suppression effect. In the small-angle direction, dynamic phase difference adjustment can reduce the sidelobe level to below -20dB, and in the large-angle direction, dynamic phase difference adjustment can reduce the sidelobe level to below -17dB. (Refer to...) Figure 16 and Figure 18 As shown, for existing phase shifters, the sidelobe level is around -16dB in the small angle direction and around -12dB in the large angle direction. The sidelobe suppression effect of the phase shifter in this embodiment is significantly better than that of existing phase shifters.

[0138] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims be included within this invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0139] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style of the specification is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A phase shifter, characterized in that, The phase shifter includes: The power supply network (2) includes a power divider circuit, which includes N-stage power dividers arranged in cascade. The output of the Nth stage power divider is used to connect to the radiation unit (7). Each stage of the power divider includes a phase shifting segment. At least one first phase-shifting medium (3) is controllably movable and corresponding to the phase-shifting segment of any one of the power dividers from the first stage to the (N-1)th stage; At least one second phase-shifting medium (4) is controllably movable and corresponding to the phase-shifting section of the Nth stage power divider; A transmission component (5) is connected to at least one first phase-shifting medium (3) and at least one second phase-shifting medium (4). The transmission component (5) can drive the first phase-shifting medium (3) and the second phase-shifting medium (4) connected thereto to move in the same direction or in opposite directions.

2. The phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission assembly (5) includes a first connector (501) directly or indirectly connected to at least one first phase-shifting medium (3), a second connector (502) directly or indirectly connected to at least one second phase-shifting medium (4), and a transmission mechanism that directly or indirectly connects the first connector (501) and the second connector (502). The transmission mechanism can controllably drive the first connector (501) and the second connector (502) to move in the same direction or in opposite directions.

3. The phase shifter according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first phase-shifting medium (3) and the second phase-shifting medium (4) extend along the first direction and are arranged along the second direction. The first connector (501) and the second connector (502) extend along the first direction and are arranged along the second direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. The transmission mechanism can controllably drive the first connector (501) and the second connector (502) to move in the same direction or in opposite directions along the first direction.

4. The phase shifter according to claim 3, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism includes a third connector (503), the two ends of which are connected to a first connector (501) and a second connector (502) respectively. The first connector (501) and the second connector (502) can move in the same direction and at the same speed in a controlled manner along a first direction.

5. The phase shifter according to claim 4, characterized in that, The third connector (503) extends along the second direction; and / or, The third connector (503) is fixedly connected to the first connector (501) and the second connector (502).

6. The phase shifter according to claim 3, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism includes a rotating component (504) that can be controlled to rotate about a rotating shaft (505), the rotating shaft (505) being perpendicular to a first direction and a second direction. The rotating component (504) is connected to a first connecting component (501) and a second connecting component (502) through a motion conversion mechanism. The motion conversion mechanism can convert the rotational motion of the rotating component (504) into linear motion of the first connecting component (501) and the second connecting component (502) along the first direction.

7. The phase shifter according to claim 6, characterized in that, The motion conversion mechanism includes a first slot (5011) formed on the first connector (501) and extending in a second direction, a second slot (5021) formed on the second connector (502) and extending in a second direction, a first insertion part (5042) disposed on the rotating member (504) and inserted into the first slot (5011), and a second insertion part (5043) disposed on the rotating member (504) and inserted into the second slot (5021). In the first direction, the diameter of the first slot (5011) is greater than the length of the first insertion part (5042), and the diameter of the second slot (5021) is greater than the length of the second insertion part (5043).

8. The phase shifter according to claim 7, characterized in that, The rotating member (504) also includes a main body (5041) that connects the first plug-in part (5042) and the second plug-in part (5043). During the rotation of the rotating member (504), the main body (5041) does not interfere with the first connector (501) and the second connector (502).

9. The phase shifter according to claim 7, characterized in that, The motion conversion mechanism includes a first transmission groove (5044) formed on the rotating member (504) along the axial direction of the rotating shaft (505), and a second transmission groove (5045) formed on the rotating member (504) along the axial direction of the rotating shaft (505), wherein the first transmission groove (5044) and the second transmission groove (5045) both extend along the extension direction of the rotating member (504). The motion conversion mechanism further includes a first extension (5012) disposed on the first connector (501) and extending into the first transmission groove (5044), and a second extension (5022) disposed on the second connector (502) and extending into the second transmission groove (5045).

10. The phase shifter according to claim 7, characterized in that, The rotating shaft (505) is located between the first connector (501) and the second connector (502), and the rotating member (504) can drive the first connector (501) and the second connector (502) to move in opposite directions along a first direction.

11. The phase shifter according to claim 7, characterized in that, The rotating shaft (505) is located on the side of the first connector (501) away from the second connector (502), or on the side of the second connector (502) away from the first connector (501); The rotating component (504) can drive the first connecting component (501) and the second connecting component (502) to move in the same direction along the first direction.

12. The phase shifter according to claim 3, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism includes a first rack (506) that can be directly or indirectly connected to a first connector (501) and a second rack (507) that can be directly or indirectly connected to a second connector (502), wherein the first rack (506) and the second rack (507) extend along a first direction; The transmission mechanism further includes a gear set that meshes with the first rack (506) and the second rack (507), the gear set being capable of controlling the first rack (506) and the second rack (507) to move in the same or opposite directions along a first direction.

13. The phase shifter according to claim 3, characterized in that, The phase shifter further includes a metal cavity (1), the first phase shifting medium (3) and the second phase shifting medium (4) are disposed in the metal cavity (1), the first connector (501) and the second connector (502) are at least partially disposed in the metal cavity (1), the first direction is the length direction of the metal cavity (1), and the second direction is the height direction of the metal cavity (1).

14. The phase shifter according to claim 13, characterized in that, The metal cavity (1) has a first limiting groove (11) and a second limiting groove (12) arranged along a second direction on its cavity wall. The openings of the first limiting groove (11) and the second limiting groove (12) are parallel to a third direction, which is the width direction of the metal cavity (1). The first connector (501) is inserted into the first limiting groove (11), and the second connector (502) is inserted into the second limiting groove (12).

15. The phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first phase-shifting medium (3) is provided in multiple ways, and the multiple first phase-shifting media (3) are simultaneously set to correspond one-to-one with all the phase-shifting segments of the power divider from the first stage to the N-1th stage. The transmission component (5) is connected to all the first phase-shifting media (3).

16. The phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second phase-shifting medium (4) is provided in multiple ways, and the multiple second phase-shifting media (4) are arranged one-to-one with all the phase-shifting segments of the Nth stage power divider. The transmission component (5) is connected to all the second phase-shifting media (4) at the same time.

17. The phase shifter according to claim 13, characterized in that, The phase shifter also includes a phase shifting circuit board (6) disposed in the metal cavity (1). The power supply network (2), the first phase shifting medium (3) and the second phase shifting medium (4) are all disposed on both sides of the phase shifting circuit board (6) along the thickness direction. The first connector (501) and the second connector (502) both span the phase shifting circuit board (6) along the thickness direction.

18. The phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission component (5) can drive the first phase-shifting medium (3) and the second phase-shifting medium (4) connected thereto to move at the same speed or at different speeds along the first direction.

19. An antenna, characterized in that, The antenna includes a phase shifter as described in any one of claims 1 to 18.

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