Phase shifter and antenna

Abstract

The utility model discloses a phase shifter and antenna belong to antenna technical field. Phase shifter includes cavity and the phase shift subassembly in the cavity. The surface of cavity is equipped with its integrated raised connecting portion, and the raised connecting portion is equipped with the cable through -hole that communicates with the inside of cavity. The outer conductor of transmission cable is electrically connected with the raised connecting portion, and the inner conductor enters the inside of cavity through the cable through -hole and is electrically connected with the phase shift subassembly. Through setting up the raised connecting portion structure that is integrated with cavity with the outer surface of cavity, to be connected with transmission cable, have the advantages such as simplified structure, controllable cost, precision and stability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of antenna technology, and in particular to a phase shifter and an antenna having the phase shifter. Background Technology

[0002] Phase shifters are core components for achieving controllable adjustment of signal phase and are key components for modern base stations to improve coverage, capacity, and anti-interference performance. Phase shifters need to be connected to transmission cables during use. Currently, the connection between phase shifters and transmission cables mainly adopts the following schemes: (1) Terminal connection scheme, that is, welding metal terminals on the cavity of the phase shifter. (2) Wiring groove scheme, that is, forming wiring grooves on the cavity of the phase shifter through pultrusion and CNC machining. (3) Electroplating scheme, that is, electroplating the entire cavity of the phase shifter.

[0003] However, the aforementioned prior art has significant drawbacks, specifically: In terms of structure, welding terminal connections require additional independent terminal parts, wiring channel structures require adding wiring channels to the cavity, and electroplating solutions require overall electroplating, resulting in relatively complex connection structures. In terms of cost: The increased material costs due to the addition of new components in welded terminal connections. The increased complexity and workload of the wiring trough structure due to pultrusion molding and CNC machining, leading to higher processing costs. The significantly larger electroplated area in the overall electroplating connection resulted in a surge in costs. In terms of precision and efficiency, the welding of terminals and wiring channels is affected by part size errors and machining errors, resulting in poor welding precision and difficulty in achieving automated welding, leading to low production efficiency. In terms of space utilization, the welding terminals and wiring channel structure increase the overall volume of the cavity phase shifter, limiting the layout of high-density components within a limited space; Regarding strength and stability: The welding quality of the terminals in the welded terminal connections is unstable and the connection strength is poor. The poor visibility of the solder joints inside the wiring trough makes inspection difficult, resulting in relatively difficult determination of the welding quality.

[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 and antenna that can solve the problems of the existing cavity phase shifter and transmission cable electrical connection scheme in terms of complexity, cost, accuracy, space and reliability.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, an embodiment of this utility model provides a phase shifter that can be electrically connected to a transmission cable, the transmission cable including an inner conductor and an outer conductor sleeved outside the inner conductor, characterized in that the phase shifter includes: Cavities, including hollow cavities; Phase-shifting assembly, assembled in the cavity; The outer surface of the cavity is provided with at least one protruding connecting part for electrical connection between the cavity and the outer conductor, and the protruding connecting part is integrally formed with the cavity; The protruding connecting portion is provided with a cable through hole for the inner conductor to pass through and electrically connect with the phase shifting component, and the cable through hole communicates with the cavity.

[0007] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, at least a portion of the protruding connecting portion is configured as an electroplated region electrically connected to the outer conductor.

[0008] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the surface on which the protruding connecting portion is electrically connected to the outer conductor is a plane.

[0009] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the height difference between the top plane of the protruding connecting portion and the outer surface of the cavity is less than 3mm.

[0010] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the outer surface of the cavity is provided with two protruding connecting portions, and the two protruding connecting portions are arranged side by side.

[0011] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the cavity is provided with an operation hole that facilitates the electrical connection between the inner conductor and the phase shifting component, and the operation hole communicates with the cavity.

[0012] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a cable fixing member for fixing the transmission cable is further included, the cable fixing member being detachably assembled to the outside of the cavity.

[0013] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the cable fixing member includes a cavity holding part for engaging with the cavity and a cable holding part for holding the transmission cable, wherein the cavity holding part is connected to the cable holding part.

[0014] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the phase-shifting assembly includes a phase-shifting circuit and a phase-shifting medium movable relative to the phase-shifting circuit, and a support member for limiting the phase-shifting circuit is provided in the cavity.

[0015] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, an insulating medium is provided between the inner wall of the cable through hole and the inner conductor.

[0016] In one or more embodiments of this utility model, the insulating medium is an insulating layer located between the inner conductor and the outer conductor in the transmission cable.

[0017] An embodiment of this utility model provides an antenna, including the phase shifter described in any one of the above claims. Compared with the prior art, the phase shifter according to the present invention has the following advantages by providing a protruding connecting part structure integrally formed with the cavity on the outer surface of the cavity for connection with the transmission cable: (1) Improve structural strength and connection stability. That is, by setting a protruding connecting part integrally formed with the cavity on the outer surface of the cavity to connect the transmission cable, the weak points of the split connection structure are effectively avoided, and the overall structural strength and production consistency of the product are significantly improved. At the same time, the protruding connecting part and the cavity are an integrated structure, which enhances the mechanical stability of the connection between the transmission cable and the cavity and reduces the risk of connection loosening. (2) Reduce production costs and simplify processes. There is no need to set up additional auxiliary structures such as welding connection terminals or wiring troughs. Cable connection can be achieved directly through the raised connection part, which reduces the number of parts and reduces material procurement and assembly costs. At the same time, it eliminates the need for terminal welding, wiring trough processing and other processes, which simplifies the production process. (3) Improve production efficiency and dimensional accuracy. The protruding connecting part and the cavity are integrally formed, eliminating assembly errors caused by additional parts and ensuring the overall dimensional accuracy of the product. Furthermore, the weld points of the connecting parts are directly exposed on the outer surface, providing good visibility and facilitating positioning operations of automated welding equipment. This effectively improves welding efficiency and welding quality stability. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along the AA direction; Figure 3 This is a top view of a phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Explanation of key figure labels: 10-Cavity, 10a-First mating part, 10b-Second mating part, 11-Cavity, 12-Operating hole, 20-Phase shifting assembly, 21-Phase shifting circuit, 22-Phase shifting medium, 30-Protruding connecting part, 30a-First protruding connecting part, 30b-Second protruding connecting part, 31-Cable through hole, 40-Cable fixing part, 41-Cavity holding part, 41a-First elastic snap-fit ​​part, 41b-Second elastic snap-fit ​​part, 42-Cable holding part, 42a-Recessed part, 42b-First elastic clamping part, 42c-Second elastic clamping part, T-Transmission cable, T1-Outer conductor, T2-Insulation layer. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the scope of protection of this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments.

[0021] Unless otherwise expressly stated, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprising" or its variations such as "including" or "comprises" shall be understood to include the stated elements or components without excluding other elements or other components.

[0022] Existing methods for electrically connecting cavity phase shifters to transmission cables have significant shortcomings in terms of complexity, cost, accuracy, space, and reliability, making it difficult to meet the technical requirements of modern communication equipment for phase shifters. However, the phase shifter disclosed in this invention employs a method for electrically connecting to transmission cables that offers advantages such as simplified structure, controllable cost, and good accuracy and stability. The transmission cable T here includes an inner conductor (not shown in the figure), an outer conductor T1 sleeved outside the inner conductor, and an insulating layer T2 located between the inner conductor and the outer conductor T1.

[0023] Specifically, in combination Figures 1-3 As shown, the phase shifter includes a cavity 10 and a phase shifting assembly 20. The cavity 10 is a hollow structure that houses the phase shifting assembly 20. The phase shifting assembly 20 is assembled within the cavity 11 of the cavity 10 and can be used to adjust the phase of a signal. The phase shifting assembly 20 includes, but is not limited to, a phase shifting circuit 21 and a phase shifting medium 22 movable relative to the phase shifting circuit 21. By controlling the movement of the phase shifting medium 22, the signal phase can be adjusted.

[0024] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the outer surface of the cavity 10 is provided with a protruding connecting portion 30, which is used for electrical connection with the outer conductor T1 of the transmission cable T. The protruding connecting portion 30 is integrally formed with the cavity 10. In specific implementations, the protruding connecting portion 30 and the cavity 10 can be integrally formed by a pultrusion process. Meanwhile, the electrical connection between the protruding connecting portion 30 and the outer conductor T1 of the transmission cable T is preferably welded.

[0025] Furthermore, the protruding connecting part 30 is provided with a cable through hole 31, which is connected to the cavity 11. The cable through hole 31 is used to allow the inner conductor of the transmission cable T to enter the cavity 11 so as to make an electrical connection with the phase shifting circuit 21 in the cavity 11.

[0026] Furthermore, to facilitate electrical connection between the inner conductor and the phase-shifting assembly 20, the cavity 10 is provided with an operating hole 12 communicating with the cavity 11. By providing the operating hole 12 on the cavity 10, it is convenient to electrically connect the inner conductor with the phase-shifting circuit 21 in the phase-shifting assembly 20. Here, the phase-shifting circuit 21 and the inner conductor are preferably electrically connected by welding.

[0027] In this embodiment, when the phase shifter is connected to the transmission cable T, an insulating medium is provided between the inner conductor and the wall of the cable through-hole 31 to prevent the inner conductor from contacting the cavity 10. Preferably, the insulating medium is the insulating layer T2 of the transmission cable T. That is, when the inner conductor passes through the cable through-hole 31 into the cavity 11, the insulating layer T2 covering the inner conductor is placed inside the cable through-hole 31 to provide insulation and prevent contact between the inner conductor and the cavity 10. Of course, in other embodiments, an insulating medium can also be provided separately inside the cable through-hole 31, such as an insulating layer on the wall of the cable through-hole 31, to provide insulation. This can be done according to actual needs.

[0028] The phase shifter described in this utility model has the following advantages: It features a protruding connecting portion 30 integrally formed with the cavity 10 on its outer surface for connection to the transmission cable T. (1) Improve structural strength and connection stability. That is, by setting a protruding connecting part 30 integrally formed with the cavity 10 on the outer surface of the cavity 10 to connect the transmission cable T, the weak points of the split connection structure are effectively avoided, and the overall structural strength and production consistency of the product are significantly improved. At the same time, the protruding connecting part 30 and the cavity 10 are an integrated structure, which enhances the mechanical stability of the connection between the transmission cable T and the cavity 10 and reduces the risk of connection loosening. (2) Reduce production costs and simplify processes. There is no need to set up additional auxiliary structures such as welding connection terminals or wiring troughs. Cable connection can be achieved directly through the protruding connection part 30, which reduces the number of parts and reduces material procurement and assembly costs. At the same time, it eliminates the need for terminal welding, wiring trough processing and other processes, which simplifies the production process. (3) Improve production efficiency and dimensional accuracy. The protruding connecting part 30 and the cavity 10 are integrally formed without the assembly error of additional parts, which ensures the overall dimensional accuracy of the product. Moreover, the weld points of the connecting part are directly exposed on the outer surface, which has good visibility and facilitates the positioning operation of automated welding equipment, effectively improving welding efficiency and welding quality stability.

[0029] like Figure 3 As shown, at least a portion of the raised connecting portion 30 is electroplated; that is, the raised connecting portion 30 is partially electroplated to connect with the outer conductor T1. Figure 3 The area M shown is a localized electroplating area. By using localized electroplating on the protruding connection 30, the electroplating area is drastically reduced compared to electroplating the entire cavity 10, significantly reducing the consumption of electroplating materials (such as metal plating) and the cost of the electroplating process, thus achieving cost reduction and efficiency improvement. At the same time, compared to electroplating the entire cavity 10, the reduced electroplating area correspondingly lowers the emissions of pollutants such as wastewater and exhaust gas containing heavy metals generated during the electroplating process, mitigating negative environmental impacts and improving the environmental friendliness of the production process. Importantly, the localized electroplating area precisely covers the connection between the protruding connection 30 and the outer conductor T1, ensuring the conductivity and connection stability between the protruding connection 30 and the outer conductor T1 while reducing the electroplating area, meeting the product's electrical connection requirements.

[0030] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, the end face of the protruding connecting part 30 that contacts the outer conductor T1 is flat, which facilitates welding and improves welding accuracy. At the same time, the flat contact structure allows the outer conductor T1 to fit more tightly with the protruding connecting part 30, reducing signal loss or the risk of loose connection due to poor contact, and enhancing the stability of the mechanical connection.

[0031] In this embodiment, the protruding connecting portion 30 is a boss structure with a small height and a flat end face. The height difference between its top plane and the outer surface of the cavity is preferably less than 3mm. This structure of the protruding connecting portion 30 can reduce the space occupied by the cavity 10. The protruding connecting portion 30 preferably adopts a first protruding connecting portion 30a and a second protruding connecting portion 30b arranged side by side, so as to connect to the outer conductors T1 of the two transmission cables T respectively. The inner conductors of the two transmission cables T enter the cavity 10 through the corresponding cable through holes 31 to be electrically connected to the corresponding phase shifting circuit 21.

[0032] Combination Figures 1-3 As shown, to secure the transmission cable T, a cable fixing member 40 is provided on the cavity 10. The cable fixing member 40 is detachably connected to the cavity 10 via a snap-fit ​​structure. Of course, in other embodiments, the cable fixing member 40 can also be detachably connected to the cavity 10 via other means (such as bolts).

[0033] Specifically, the cable fixing component 40 includes a cavity retaining part 41 and a cable retaining part 42. The cavity retaining part 41 is used to engage with the cavity 10 to fix the cable fixing component 40 to the cavity 10, and the cable retaining part 42 is used to engage with the transmission cable to fix the transmission cable T, so that the transmission cable T can be kept fixed relative to the cavity 10, thereby improving the connection stability.

[0034] In this embodiment, the cavity retaining portion 41 includes a first elastic engaging portion 41a and a second elastic engaging portion 41b disposed opposite to each other. The cavity 10 is provided with a first mating portion 10a and a second mating portion 10b that respectively engage with the first elastic engaging portion 41a and the second elastic engaging portion 41b. Preferably, the first elastic engaging portion 41a and the second elastic engaging portion 41b are first elastic slot portions and second elastic slot portions. The sides of the cavity 10 are respectively provided with a first protrusion that engages with the first elastic slot portion and a second protrusion that engages with the second elastic slot portion. In specific implementation, the cavity 10 is placed between the first elastic slot portion and the second elastic slot portion, and a further force is applied to push the cable fixing member 40 towards the cavity 10. When it moves into position, the first elastic slot portion engages with the first protrusion, and the second elastic slot portion engages with the second protrusion, ultimately fixing the cable fixing member 40 to the cavity 10.

[0035] Of course, in other embodiments, the cable fixing member 40 may also include a first elastic protrusion and a second elastic protrusion disposed opposite to each other. The cavity 10 has a first slot portion that mates with the first elastic protrusion and a second slot portion that mates with the second elastic protrusion on both sides.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, the cable holding part 42 includes a recessed part 42a that mates with the transmission cable, and a first elastic clamping part 42b and a second elastic clamping part 42c located on both sides of the recessed part 42a. In a specific implementation, the transmission cable T is placed between the first elastic clamping part 42b and the second elastic clamping part 42c, and a force is applied to the transmission cable T to move it into the recessed part 42a. After it moves into place, the first elastic clamping part 42b and the second elastic clamping part 42c can hold and fix the transmission cable.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the phase-shifting circuit 21 of the cavity 10 is installed and fixed inside the cavity 10 by an insulating structural component 50, such as a plastic bolt. After the phase-shifting circuit 21 is installed inside the cavity 10, in order to prevent it from moving, a support component 60 is provided inside the cavity 10 to support and limit it, so that it can be stably fixed inside the cavity 10.

[0038] This invention also discloses an antenna comprising the phase shifter described above. Because the phase shifter has the aforementioned advantages, the antenna also possesses the aforementioned advantages.

[0039] The foregoing description of specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention is for illustrative and explanatory purposes. These descriptions are not intended to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and it will be apparent that many changes and variations can be made in accordance with the foregoing teachings. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the specific principles of the present invention and its practical application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to implement and utilize various different exemplary embodiments of the present invention, as well as various different choices and variations. The scope of the present invention is intended to be defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A phase shifter, electrically connectable to a transmission cable, said transmission cable comprising an inner conductor and an outer conductor sleeved outside the inner conductor, characterized in that, The phase shifter includes: Cavities, including hollow cavities; Phase-shifting assembly, assembled in the cavity; The outer surface of the cavity is provided with at least one protruding connecting part for electrical connection between the cavity and the outer conductor, and the protruding connecting part is integrally formed with the cavity; The protruding connecting portion is provided with a cable through hole for the inner conductor to pass through and electrically connect with the phase shifting component, and the cable through hole communicates with the cavity.

2. The phase shifter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, At least a portion of the protruding connection is configured as an electroplated area electrically connected to the outer conductor.

3. The phase shifter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The surface on which the protruding connecting part is electrically connected to the outer conductor is a plane.

4. The phase shifter as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The height difference between the top plane of the protruding connector and the outer surface of the cavity is less than 3mm.

5. The phase shifter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer surface of the cavity is provided with two protruding connecting parts, which are arranged side by side.

6. The phase shifter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cavity is provided with an operation hole that facilitates the electrical connection between the inner conductor and the phase shifting component, and the operation hole communicates with the cavity.

7. The phase shifter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a cable fastener for securing the transmission cable, the cable fastener being detachably mounted to the outside of the cavity.

8. The phase shifter as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The cable fastener includes a cavity holding part for engaging with the cavity and a cable holding part for holding the transmission cable, wherein the cavity holding part is connected to the cable holding part.

9. The phase shifter as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The phase-shifting assembly includes a phase-shifting circuit and a phase-shifting medium movable relative to the phase-shifting circuit. A support member for limiting the position of the phase-shifting circuit is provided inside the cavity.

10. The phase shifter as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, An insulating medium is provided between the inner wall of the cable through hole and the inner conductor.

11. The phase shifter as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The insulating medium is the insulating layer located between the inner conductor and the outer conductor in the transmission cable.

12. An antenna, characterized in that, Includes the phase shifter as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

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