Phase conversion device

Abstract

This phase conversion device minimizes the impact on the antenna element by arranging the antenna element and dielectric material at a distance from each other, and also offers advantages in terms of manufacturing processes. [Solution] The phase conversion device includes: at least one base portion extending in the vertical direction and configured such that a first circuit pattern is formed on one surface; a pair of ground walls extending from both lateral sides of each of the at least one base portion in a direction parallel to the height direction perpendicular to the at least one base portion; a pair of pattern walls arranged to project from one surface of each of the at least one base portion in a direction parallel to the height direction, wherein a second circuit pattern electrically connected to the first circuit pattern is formed on at least one surface of each of the pair of pattern walls; and a pair of dielectrics configured to be movable in a direction parallel to the vertical direction, wherein at least a part of each pair of dielectrics is positioned between each of the pair of ground walls and each of the pair of pattern walls.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a phase conversion device.

Background Art

[0002] The content described in this section merely provides background information related to the present disclosure and does not constitute prior art.

[0003] Although it is most efficient for an antenna device to form a beam in the horizontal direction in terms of the coverage area, there are times when the beam angle in the vertical direction must be adjusted due to reasons such as interference and loss. In this case, the beam angle in the vertical direction of the antenna device is adjusted through a mechanical beam tilt method or an electrical beam tilt method.

[0004] The mechanical beam tilt method is a method of adjusting the beam angle by installing the antenna device so as to directly tilt it downward. Although it is a simple method, such a method has some troublesome disadvantages, such as the need for an operator to visit the site and power interruption during operation.

[0005] The electrical beam tilt method is a method based on a multi-line phase shifter (MLPS). Specifically, the electrical beam tilt method adjusts the beam angle by feeding signals with different phases to a plurality of radiating elements arranged vertically.

[0006] In order to implement the electrical beam tilting method, a phase conversion device may be provided in the antenna device. The phase conversion device appropriately delays the input signal so that a phase difference occurs between the input signal and the output signal. At this time, the delay of the input signal can be realized by changing the length of the transmission line or the signal transmission speed in the transmission line.

[0007] On the other hand, multiband frequency antenna equipment capable of serving a variety of frequency bands is now widely used as base stations and repeaters in mobile communication systems. Multiband antenna equipment requires individual adjustment of the phase of various frequency bands. Therefore, the number of phase converters that can be installed in the antenna equipment is even greater, and consequently, phase converters need to be made smaller and lighter.

[0008] In this situation, if a dielectric material is placed on top of a pattern on a PCB (Printed Circuit Board), as in conventional technology, the dielectric constant becomes very high, requiring the addition of materials such as ceramics. This has the problem of increasing the overall cost and weight of the device. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] Therefore, this disclosure aims to solve these problems and primarily aims to provide a phase conversion device that minimizes the influence on the antenna element by making full use of the ground plane of the antenna element and arranging the antenna element and dielectric so that they are far apart, thereby offering advantages in terms of manufacturing processes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure to achieve such objectives, a phase conversion device is provided comprising: at least one base portion extending in the vertical direction and configured to have a first circuit pattern formed on one surface; a pair of ground walls extending from both lateral sides of each of the at least one base portion in a direction parallel to the height direction perpendicular to the at least one base portion; a pair of pattern walls arranged to project from one surface of each of the at least one base portion in a direction parallel to the height direction, wherein a second circuit pattern electrically connected to the first circuit pattern is formed on at least one surface of each of the pair of pattern walls; and a pair of dielectrics configured to be movable in a direction parallel to the vertical direction, wherein at least a portion of each of the pair of dielectrics is a pair of dielectrics arranged between each of the pair of ground walls and each of the pair of pattern walls. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] As explained above, this embodiment makes full use of the ground plane of the antenna element and arranges the antenna element and dielectric material at a distance from each other, thereby minimizing the impact on the antenna element and offering advantages in terms of the manufacturing process. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] A coupled perspective view and an enlarged view of a part of the configuration of a phase conversion device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view showing a part of a phase conversion device disassembled according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the phase conversion device in Figure 1, cut in the direction of A-A'. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the phase conversion device in Figure 1, cut in the direction of B-B'. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Hereinafter, some embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail using illustrative drawings. When assigning reference numerals to the components in each drawing, it should be noted that, as far as possible, the same component will have the same reference numeral even if it is shown in other drawings. Furthermore, in describing this disclosure, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of this disclosure, such a detailed description will be omitted.

[0014] In describing the components of the embodiments relating to this disclosure, symbols such as 1st, 2nd, i)ii), a), b), etc., may be used. Such symbols are merely for distinguishing a component from other components, and do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the component in question. When a part of the specification is said to "include" or "encompass" a component, this does not mean that other components are excluded, unless explicitly stated otherwise, but rather that other components may be included.

[0015] Figure 1 is a coupled perspective view and an enlarged view of a part of the configuration of a phase conversion device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a portion of a phase conversion device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the phase conversion device shown in Figure 1, cut in the direction of A-A'.

[0018] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the phase conversion device shown in Figure 1, cut in the direction of B-B'.

[0019] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a phase shifter 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes all or part of at least one base portion 100, a pair of ground walls 120, at least one radiation element 140, a pair of pattern walls 150, a pair of dielectrics 160, at least one disengagement prevention unit 180, a drive unit 200, and a pair of guide units 250.

[0020] At least one base portion 100 extends in the longitudinal direction and is configured such that a first circuit pattern 105 is formed on one surface. Here, the longitudinal direction may mean, for example, a direction parallel to the X-axis in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0021] The first circuit pattern 105 can be connected to at least one input port (not shown) and a plurality of output ports (not shown). Also, the first circuit pattern 105 can transmit an antenna signal from an antenna cable and provide a movement path for the antenna signal.

[0022] In FIG. 2, an example of the formation of the first circuit pattern 105 on one surface of at least one base portion 100 is illustrated, but the shape of the first circuit pattern 105 is not necessarily limited to that shown in FIG. 2.

[0023] Also, in FIGS. 1 and 2, at least one base portion 100 is illustrated as including two base portions 100 spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, but at least one base portion 100 can also be composed of one or three or more.

[0024] Hereinafter, it is assumed that there is generally one or two base parts 100, at least. However, even when at least one base part 100 is composed of a plurality of three or more, the following content can be equally applied.

[0025] For example, when defining the two base parts 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as one group, several groups may be arranged in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. Here, the horizontal direction may mean a direction parallel to the Y-axis in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0026] A pair of ground walls 120 extend in a direction parallel to the height direction perpendicular to at least one base part 100 from both lateral sides of at least one base part 100 respectively. Here, the height direction may mean a direction parallel to the Z-axis in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0027] On the other hand, it is desirable that at least one base part 100 and a pair of ground walls 120 are integrally formed. In this case, the lateral thickness of the pair of ground walls 120 may be the same as the thickness in the height direction of at least one base part 100, but is not necessarily limited to this.

[0028] A pair of pattern walls 150 are arranged so as to project from one surface of at least one base part 100 respectively in a direction parallel to the height direction. A second circuit pattern 155 electrically connected to the first circuit pattern 105 may be formed on at least one surface of each of the pair of pattern walls 150.

[0029] For example, the pair of pattern walls 150 may be thin walls extending long in the vertical direction and having the same lateral thickness as the lateral thickness of the pair of ground walls 120, but is not necessarily limited to this.

[0030] Furthermore, the second circuit pattern 155 is electrically connected to the first circuit pattern 105 by forming a pair of pattern walls 150 on surfaces facing each other, in which case at least a portion of the second circuit pattern 155 may extend in the height direction, and at least another portion may extend lengthwise.

[0031] On the other hand, it is desirable that each of the at least one base portion 100 and the pair of pattern walls 150 be formed as a single unit. In this case, the pair of ground walls 120 and the pair of pattern walls 150 can all be formed together with each of the at least one base portion 100 as a single unit using the PEP (Plastic Electro-Plating) process.

[0032] When using the PEP process, circuit patterns can be formed using a plastic panel without the need for a separate PCB (Printed Circuit Board), and a three-dimensional structure can be injection-molded as a single unit. Therefore, the overall weight and unit cost of the phase conversion device 10 can be reduced.

[0033] At least one radiating element 140 is fixed to one surface of at least one base portion 100 and positioned between a pair of pattern walls 150. At least one radiating element 140 is capable of transmitting and receiving radio waves and radiating high-frequency and low-frequency signals.

[0034] At least one radiating element 140 includes a plurality of radiating elements 140, in which case the plurality of radiating elements 140 can be arranged vertically on each of at least one base portion 100 with the same spacing between them.

[0035] The pair of dielectrics 160 are configured to be movable in a direction parallel to the vertical direction. Here, at least a portion of each pair of dielectrics 160 is positioned between each of the pair of ground walls 120 and each of the pair of pattern walls 150.

[0036] A pair of pattern walls 150 are formed on their respective base portions 100, and at least a portion of each of the pair of dielectrics 160 can move vertically between each of the pair of ground walls 120 and each of the pair of pattern walls 150, thereby changing the contact position of the dielectric with respect to the circuit pattern. Through this, the electrical length of the transmission line through which the electrical signal passes can be reduced or increased, thereby adjusting the phase difference between signals.

[0037] Furthermore, since phase adjustment is possible without using a separate portable circuit board, the overall size of the phase conversion device 10 can be reduced from a structural standpoint.

[0038] On the other hand, for efficient phase difference adjustment, the pair of pattern walls 150 may be spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the lateral direction, and each of the pair of pattern walls 150 may be positioned adjacent to each of the pair of ground walls 120.

[0039] Furthermore, each of the pair of dielectrics 160 may be configured to surround at least a portion of each of the pair of pattern walls 150. In this case, when viewed from above in the height direction, at least a portion of the pair of pattern walls 150 may be obscured by the pair of dielectrics 160. Here, the pair of dielectrics 160 may be spaced apart from each of at least one base portion 100 in a direction parallel to the height direction.

[0040] In conventional technology, when the dielectric material is placed parallel to the base plane from the ground plane, the area occupied by the dielectric becomes large, leading to the problem of the element being affected by the dielectric. Furthermore, when the dielectric material is placed on top of a pattern on a PCB, the dielectric constant becomes quite high, requiring the addition of a ceramic material. This, however, increases the overall cost and weight of the phase conversion device.

[0041] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the phase conversion device 10 has the base portion 100 and the pair of dielectrics 160 further separated, and the dielectrics 160 are not placed on the ground wall 120, thus solving the problems of the prior art.

[0042] On the other hand, referring to Figure 3, with respect to each of the pair of pattern walls 150, each of the pair of dielectrics 160 may be configured such that at least a portion of the first free end 162 on the longitudinal side adjacent to each of the pair of ground walls 120 is adjacent to the second free end 164 on the longitudinal side by at least one base portion 100.

[0043] More specifically, at least a portion of the first free end 162 may be positioned at a height corresponding to the height at which the second circuit pattern 155 is formed, and the second free end 164 may be positioned above the second circuit pattern 155 in the height direction. This prevents interference with the dielectric contacts with respect to the circuit pattern.

[0044] Furthermore, at least one detachment prevention portion 180 is fixed to one surface of at least one base portion 100 and positioned between the pair of dielectrics 160. Here, at least a portion of the at least one detachment prevention portion 180 is positioned above the pair of dielectrics 160 in the height direction to prevent the pair of dielectrics 160 from separating in the height direction.

[0045] It is desirable that at least one detachment prevention portion 180 is fixed to one side of each of at least one base portion 100 so as not to overlap with the first circuit pattern 105.

[0046] On the other hand, referring to Figures 2 and 4, the drive unit 200 is positioned on one side in the vertical direction of at least one base unit 100, and the pair of guide units 250 are spaced apart in the lateral direction and configured to reciprocate in a direction parallel to the vertical direction by the drive of the drive unit 200.

[0047] In this case, each of the pair of dielectrics 160 is connected to each of the pair of guides 250, and the movement of the pair of guides 250 can enable reciprocating motion in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction. Therefore, at least a portion of each of the pair of dielectrics 160 can be stably moved in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction between each of the pair of ground walls 120 and the pair of pattern walls 150.

[0048] More specifically, the drive unit 200 may include a motor 202 configured to rotate on its motor shaft in a direction parallel to the lateral direction, and at least one pinion gear unit 204 configured to rotate on its central axis in a direction parallel to the motor shaft by the rotation of the motor 202.

[0049] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the phase conversion device 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is configured such that a pair of guide sections 250, which receive driving force from a single motor 202, move a pair of dielectrics 160. Therefore, it is not necessary to excavate at least one base section 100 and a pair of ground walls 120 to secure a movement path for the pair of dielectrics 160.

[0050] In Figures 2 and 4, at least one pinion gear section 204 is composed of two pinion gear sections 204 spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction. However, the number of pinion gear sections 204 is not necessarily limited to this, and it is also possible for it to be composed of a single pinion gear section 204.

[0051] Here, each of the pair of guide sections 250 may include a rack gear unit 254 formed at the bottom in the height direction, which converts the rotational motion of at least one pinion gear section 204 into linear motion. Thus, the pair of guide sections 250 can move in a direction parallel to the vertical direction by the rotational motion of the motor 202, and the pair of dielectrics 160 can also move in a direction parallel to the vertical direction.

[0052] Furthermore, for stable coupling between each of the pair of guide portions 250 and each of the pair of dielectrics 160, each of the pair of dielectrics 160 may include at least one coupling protrusion 165, and each of the pair of guide portions 250 may include at least one coupling hole 255 formed to couple with at least one coupling protrusion 165.

[0053] In this case, at least one coupling projection 165 may be formed on the upper surface in the height direction of each of the pair of dielectrics 160, and at least one coupling hole 255 may be formed on at least one longitudinal side of each of the pair of guide portions 250.

[0054] Here, it is desirable that the number of at least one binding projection 165 and the number of at least one binding pore 255 are the same. For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the at least one binding projection 165 and the at least one binding pore 255 may each consist of three, but the number is not necessarily limited to this.

[0055] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, if at least one base portion 100 includes multiple base portions 100 spaced apart in the vertical direction, the drive unit 200 can be positioned between the multiple base portions 100. Also, the pair of guide portions 250 can extend long in a direction parallel to the vertical direction and be spaced apart from one surface of the multiple base portions 100 in a direction parallel to the height direction so as not to affect the first circuit pattern 105.

[0056] In this case, when viewed from one side in the lateral direction, at least a portion of the pair of guide sections 250 may be obstructed by the pair of ground walls 120 included in each of the multiple base sections 100.

[0057] The pair of guide sections 250 are configured to be adjacent to but not interfere with the pair of ground walls 120. In this case, the vertical extension length of the pair of pattern walls 150 may be smaller than the vertical extension length of the pair of ground walls 120 in order to ensure that the pair of guide sections 250 can move in a direction parallel to the vertical direction.

[0058] On the other hand, since the pair of guide portions 250 are configured to guide the movement of the pair of dielectrics 160, it is desirable that they be made of a material that does not have any electrical effect on the circuit pattern or the dielectrics.

[0059] Furthermore, if the phase conversion device 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of base portions 100 that are spaced apart in the vertical direction, the phase conversion device 10 may further include an upper portion connecting unit 300 configured to connect the plurality of base portions 100 to each other.

[0060] For example, the upper connecting portion 300 is connected to the upper surface in the height direction of each of the pair of guide portions 250 so as to be detachable from each other, and when the upper connecting portion 300 is attached to the upper surface in the height direction of each of the pair of guide portions 250, the multiple base portions 100 can form a single phase conversion device group. In this case, moving and replacing parts of the phase conversion device 10 can be made easier.

[0061] On the other hand, when multiple base units 100 form a single group, it goes without saying that multiple phase conversion device groups can be arranged so as to be aligned vertically and horizontally.

[0062] For example, referring to Figures 3 and 4, it can be seen that even without the illustrated phase conversion device 10, additional phase conversion devices 10 can be arranged on both sides in the lateral direction.

[0063] In one example where the phase conversion devices 10 are arranged in the positive Y-axis direction, the illustrated base portion 100 is positioned deflected in the negative Y-axis direction with respect to the center of the pinion gear portion 204, so other base portions 100 can be positioned on the side deflected in the positive Y-axis direction. In this case, the number of pinion gear portions 204 can be increased, and the position of the motor 202 can be moved further in the positive Y-axis direction.

[0064] On the other hand, if multiple phase conversion device groups are added in the vertical direction, a drive unit 200, a pair of guide units 250, and an upper connecting unit 300 may be added to one or both sides in the vertical direction of the two base units 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0065] The above description is merely illustrative of the technical concept of this embodiment, and any person with ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs can make various modifications and variations as long as they do not deviate from the essential characteristics of this embodiment. Therefore, this embodiment is for illustrative purposes only, not to limit the technical concept of this embodiment, and the scope of the technical concept of this embodiment is not limited by such embodiment. The scope of protection of this embodiment should be interpreted by the claims, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included in the scope of rights of this embodiment.

[0066] [Cross-reference to related application] This patent application claims priority to patent application no. 10-2023-0055220, filed in Korea on 27 April 2023, which is included herein by reference in its entirety. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0067] 10 Phase conversion device 100 Base section 105 First circuit pattern 120 Ground wall 140 radiating elements 150 patterned walls 155 Second circuit pattern 160 Dielectric 162 First free end 164 Second free end 165 Connecting projection 180 Detachment prevention part 200 Drive unit 202 Motor 204 Pinion gear section 250 Guide section 254 Rack gear section 255 Coupling hole 300 Upper connection part

Claims

1. A base portion that extends vertically and is configured such that a first circuit pattern is formed on one surface, A pair of ground walls extending from both lateral sides of each of the at least one base portion in a direction parallel to the height direction perpendicular to the at least one base portion, A pair of pattern walls arranged to protrude from one surface of each of the at least one base portion in a direction parallel to the height direction, wherein a second circuit pattern electrically connected to the first circuit pattern is formed on at least one surface of each of the pair of pattern walls, A pair of dielectrics configured to be movable in a direction parallel to the vertical direction, wherein at least a portion of each of the pair of dielectrics is a pair of dielectrics disposed between each of the pair of ground walls and each of the pair of pattern walls, A phase conversion device characterized by including the following:

2. The pair of pattern walls are spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the lateral direction. The phase conversion device according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the pair of pattern walls is arranged adjacent to each of the pair of ground walls.

3. The pair of dielectrics are spaced apart from each of the at least one base portion in a direction parallel to the height direction. The phase conversion device according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the pair of dielectrics is configured to surround at least a portion of each of the pair of pattern walls.

4. The phase conversion device according to claim 3, characterized in that, with respect to each of the pair of pattern walls, each of the pair of dielectrics is configured such that at least a portion of the first free end on the side adjacent to each of the pair of ground walls in the vertical direction is closer to the second free end on the other side in the vertical direction by at least one base portion.

5. At least a portion of the first free end is positioned to a height corresponding to the height at which the second circuit pattern is formed. The phase conversion device according to claim 4, characterized in that the second free end is positioned above the second circuit pattern in the height direction.

6. The phase conversion apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the pair of ground walls and the pair of pattern walls are integrally formed together with each of the at least one base portions using a PEP (Plastic Electro-Plating) process.

7. Furthermore, a drive unit is provided, which is located on one side of the vertical direction of at least one base portion, A pair of guide units, spaced apart in the lateral direction and configured to reciprocate in a direction parallel to the vertical direction by the drive unit, Includes, The phase conversion device according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the pair of dielectrics is connected to each of the pair of guide portions, and is configured to reciprocate in a direction parallel to the vertical direction by the movement of the pair of guide portions.

8. The aforementioned drive unit is A motor configured to rotate on its motor shaft in a direction parallel to the aforementioned lateral direction, and At least one pinion gear unit configured to rotate around its central axis in a direction parallel to the motor shaft by the rotation of the motor, Includes, The phase conversion device according to claim 7, characterized in that each of the pair of guide sections is formed at the lower part in the height direction and includes a rack gear unit that converts the rotational motion of at least one pinion gear section into linear motion.

9. Each of the pair of dielectrics includes at least one coupling protrusion formed on its upper surface in the height direction, The phase conversion device according to claim 7, characterized in that each of the pair of guide portions includes at least one coupling hole formed to connect with the at least one coupling projection on at least one side in the longitudinal direction.

10. The at least one base portion includes a plurality of base portions spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction, The drive unit is positioned between the plurality of base units. The phase conversion device according to claim 7, characterized in that the pair of guide portions extend long in a direction parallel to the vertical direction and are spaced apart from one surface of the plurality of base portions in a direction parallel to the height direction.

11. The phase conversion device according to claim 10, further characterized by including an upper portion connecting unit which is detachably attached to the upper surface in the height direction of each of the pair of guide portions and is configured to connect the plurality of base portions to each other.

12. Furthermore, it includes at least one disengagement prevention unit fixed to one surface of each of the at least one base portions and positioned between the pair of dielectrics, The phase conversion device according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of each of the at least one detachment prevention portion is located at the upper part of the pair of dielectrics in the height direction and is configured to prevent the pair of dielectrics from detaching in the height direction.

13. The phase conversion device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one radiation element fixed to one surface of each of the at least one base portion and positioned between the pair of pattern walls.

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