MULTI-FREQUENCY FUSION PHASE-SHIFT FEED NETWORK AND BASE STATION ANTENNA

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of antennas, and provides a multi-band integrated phase-shift feed network and a base station antenna; the multi-band integrated phase-shift feed network comprises a plurality of phase-shift assemblies, wherein each of the plurality of phase-shift assemblies comprises a phase-shift circuit board and a sliding sheet assembly rotatably connected to the phase-shift circuit board, and a phase-shift circuit is provided in each phase-shift circuit board; the plurality of phase-shift circuit boards is divided into a first phase-shift circuit board and a second phase-shift circuit board, wherein a combination circuit is provided in the first phase-shift circuit board.and the phase-shift output ports of the phase-shift circuit on the first phase-shift circuit board and the phase-shift circuit on the second phase-shift circuit board are connected, respectively, to the combination input ports of the combination circuit; by means of the integrated multi-band phase-shift feed network and the base station antenna provided by the present application, independent multi-frequency phase shifting and fusion output can be carried out, there is no need to arrange a combiner separately, facilitating the reduction of antenna space occupation, simplifying the arrangement and reducing wire soldering joints; the phase-shift feed network has good phase-shift stability and good consistency and is easy to assemble.

Description

A multi-frequency fusion phase-shift feeding network and base station antenna

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed on January 4, 2022, with application number 202210002185.4, entitled “A Multi-Frequency Fusion Phase-Shifted Feed Network and Base Station Antenna”, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of antenna technology, and in particular to a multi-frequency fusion phase-shift feeding network and a base station antenna. Background Art

[0004] With the development of mobile communication technology, the number of mobile users is increasing, and the demand for communication quality and capacity is becoming increasingly higher. To meet the growing demand for mobile networks, operators have introduced a variety of communication network standards. To save site and antenna resources and reduce operating costs, co-located multi-frequency antennas have become the preferred choice for network construction.

[0005] To improve base station utilization and coverage, base station antennas form different beam directions for different frequency bands. These beam directions are adjusted for different users to precisely cover their target users, significantly improving service quality and communication efficiency. This requires a multi-frequency converged feed network with independent electrical adjustments for different frequency bands.

[0006] The existing solution primarily involves placing a combiner below the radiating element. Each frequency band is electrically adjusted through a phase shifter, then connected to the combiner for combining and then connected to the radiating element. The existing feed network occupies a large antenna space, has a complex layout, and has numerous cable solder joints, a high risk of intermodulation, and poor performance consistency.

[0007] Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present application provides a multi-frequency fusion phase-shifted feeding network and a base station antenna to solve the problems of existing feeding networks such as large antenna space occupation, complex layout, multiple cable welding points, high intermodulation risk, and poor indicator consistency.

[0009] The present application provides a multi-frequency fusion phase-shifting feeding network, comprising a plurality of phase-shifting components, each of the phase-shifting components comprising a phase-shifting circuit board and a slider component rotatably connected to the phase-shifting circuit board, a phase-shifting circuit being provided on the phase-shifting circuit board at a position corresponding to the slider component, the plurality of phase-shifting circuit boards being divided into a first phase-shifting circuit board and a second phase-shifting circuit board, a combining circuit being provided on the first phase-shifting circuit board, and phase-shifting output ports of the phase-shifting circuit on the first phase-shifting circuit board and the phase-shifting circuit on the second phase-shifting circuit board being respectively connected to combining input ports of the combining circuit.

[0010] According to the multi-frequency fusion phase-shift feeding network provided in the present application, the combining circuit is connected to the phase-shift output port on the first phase-shift circuit board via a microstrip line, and the combining circuit is connected to the phase-shift output port on the second phase-shift circuit board via a cable.

[0011] According to the multi-frequency fusion phase-shift feeding network provided in the present application, the combining circuit is distributed at both ends of the first phase-shift circuit board. At either end of the first phase-shift circuit board, the combining input port and the combining output port connecting the combining circuit to the second phase-shift circuit board are both provided at the end of the phase-shift circuit board.

[0012] According to the multi-frequency fusion phase-shift feeding network provided in the present application, the first phase-shift circuit board is connected to the first support board, and line cards are respectively provided at both ends of the first support board, and the line cards are provided with cable card slots.

[0013] According to the multi-frequency fusion phase-shift feeding network provided in the present application, a step portion is provided at the end of the first support plate, and the line clip is provided at the step portion.

[0014] According to the multi-frequency fusion phase-shift feeding network provided in the present application, a plurality of the phase-shift circuit boards are stacked up and down, and two adjacent phase-shift circuit boards are connected via a support member.

[0015] According to the multi-frequency fusion phase-shifting feeding network provided in the present application, the slide assembly includes a coupling slide and a rotating shaft, the rotating shaft passes through one end of the coupling slide and the phase-shifting circuit board in sequence, the end of the rotating shaft passing through the phase-shifting circuit board is detachably connected to a fastener, the coupling slide is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft, and the rotating shaft and the phase-shifting circuit board are fixedly connected as a whole through the fastener.

[0016] According to the multi-frequency fusion phase-shifting feeding network provided in the present application, the fastener is a fastening nut, and the portion where the rotating shaft passes through the phase-shifting circuit board is provided with an external thread matching the fastening nut; and an elastic arm is provided on the side of the fastening nut facing the phase-shifting circuit board.

[0017] According to the multi-frequency fusion phase-shifting feeding network provided in the present application, a positioning structure is further provided between the fastening nut and the phase-shifting circuit board; the positioning structure includes a protrusion provided on the side of the fastening nut facing the phase-shifting circuit board, and a positioning hole provided on the first support plate and matching the protrusion.

[0018] The present application also provides a base station antenna, comprising the above-mentioned multi-frequency fusion phase-shift feeding network, and also comprising a plurality of radiating elements, wherein the plurality of radiating elements are connected to the combining output ports of the plurality of combining circuits in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0019] The present application provides a multi-frequency fusion phase-shift feeding network and base station antenna, which are equipped with multiple phase-shifting components to achieve independent phase shifting of different frequency bands. At the same time, the phase-shifting output ports of the multiple phase-shifting components are all connected to the combining circuit of the first phase-shifting circuit board. The different frequency bands are combined through the combining circuit to achieve multi-frequency independent phase shifting and fusion output; the combining circuit is integrated on the first phase-shifting circuit board, and there is no need to set up a separate combiner, which can be easily connected, which is conducive to reducing the antenna space occupied, simplifying the layout, and reducing cable soldering points; the phase-shifting component includes a phase-shifting circuit board and a slider component, which has a simple structure and is conducive to reducing installation space; the phase-shifting feeding network has good phase change stability, good consistency and is easy to assemble. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the present application or the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0021] FIG1 is an overall exploded schematic diagram of a multi-frequency fusion phase-shift feeding network provided by the present application;

[0022] FIG2 is an exploded schematic diagram of a first phase shift circuit board arrangement provided by the present application;

[0023] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a first phase shift circuit board provided by the present application;

[0024] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a second phase shifting circuit board provided by the present application;

[0025] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of a first support plate provided in the present application;

[0026] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a line card provided in this application;

[0027] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of a support member provided in the present application;

[0028] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of the rotating shaft provided by the present application;

[0029] FIG9 is a first schematic diagram of a fastening nut provided in the present application;

[0030] FIG10 is a second schematic diagram of a fastening nut provided in the present application;

[0031] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of a fixing clip provided in the present application;

[0032] Reference numerals:

[0033] 101: first phase-shifting circuit board; 102: second phase-shifting circuit board; 201: first support board;

[0034] 202: Second support plate; 2011: Step portion; 2012: Mounting slot;

[0035] 2013: Opening hole; 2014: Assembly hole; 2015: Positioning hole;

[0036] 3: Slide assembly; 301: Coupling slide; 302: Rotating shaft;

[0037] 303: Fastening nut; 304: Fixing clamp; 3021: Stop platform;

[0038] 3022: cut surface; 3023: external thread; 3031: threaded hole;

[0039] 3032: elastic arm; 3033: bump; 3041: round hole;

[0040] 3042: elastic element; 4: phase shift circuit; 5: combining circuit;

[0041] 501: Combiner input port; 502: Combiner output port; 503: Solder pad;

[0042] 6: Support member; 601: Mounting hole; 602: Positioning column;

[0043] 7: Line card; 701: Cable slot; 702: Mounting clip. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application more clear, the technical solutions in this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0045] The following describes a multi-frequency fusion phase-shift feeding network and a base station antenna of the present application with reference to FIG1 to FIG11.

[0046] Referring to Figure 1, this embodiment provides a multi-frequency converged phase-shift feed network comprising multiple phase-shift assemblies. Each phase-shift assembly comprises a phase-shift circuit board and a slider assembly 3 rotatably connected to the phase-shift circuit board. A phase-shift circuit 4 is provided on the phase-shift circuit board at a location corresponding to the slider assembly 3. The slider assembly 3 is rotatable relative to the phase-shift circuit board, and the phase-shift circuit 4 can be located within the rotational range of the slider assembly 3. The phase-shift assembly rotates the slider assembly 3 relative to the phase-shift circuit board to change the phase difference between each port, thereby achieving downtilt of the base station antenna beam.

[0047] The multiple phase-shifting circuit boards are divided into a first phase-shifting circuit board 101 and a second phase-shifting circuit board 102. The first phase-shifting circuit board 101 is provided with a combining circuit 5. The phase-shifting output ports of the phase-shifting circuit 4 on the first phase-shifting circuit board 101 and the phase-shifting circuit 4 on the second phase-shifting circuit board 102 are respectively connected to the combining input port 501 of the combining circuit 5.

[0048] In this embodiment, the phase-shifting circuit board equipped with the combiner circuit 5 is referred to as the first phase-shifting circuit board 101, and the phase-shifting circuit board without the combiner circuit 5 is referred to as the second phase-shifting circuit board 102. Specifically, in this embodiment, the combiner circuit 5 is integrated onto the first phase-shifting circuit board 101; the phase-shifting output ports of multiple phase-shifting circuit boards are simultaneously connected to the combiner input port 501 of the combiner circuit 5, thereby combining the signals through the combiner circuit 5 for output. Multiple phase-shifting circuit boards can respond to antenna signals in multiple frequency bands, thereby achieving multi-frequency combined output via the combiner circuit 5.

[0049] This embodiment provides a multi-frequency fusion phase-shifting feeding network, in which multiple phase-shifting components are provided to achieve independent phase shifting in different frequency bands. At the same time, the phase-shifting output ports of the multiple phase-shifting components are all connected to the combining circuit 5 of the first phase-shifting circuit board 101. The combining circuit 5 combines the different frequency bands to achieve multi-frequency independent phase shifting and fusion output. The combining circuit 5 is integrated on the first phase-shifting circuit board 101, eliminating the need for a separate combiner, facilitating connection, reducing antenna space occupation, simplifying layout, and reducing cable soldering points. The phase-shifting component includes a phase-shifting circuit board and a slider assembly 3, having a simple structure, which helps reduce installation space. The phase-shifting feeding network has good phase change stability, good consistency, and is easy to assemble.

[0050] Specifically, the number of phase-shift output ports on each phase-shift circuit board is the same as the number of combiner circuits 5. The number of combiner input ports 501 on each combiner circuit 5 is the same as the number of phase-shift circuit boards. Each combiner circuit 5 is equipped with a combiner output port 502. The corresponding phase-shift output ports on multiple phase-shift circuit boards are connected one-to-one with the multiple combiner input ports 501 of a combiner circuit 5, and the combined signals are output.

[0051] For example, referring to Figures 1 and 2 , in this embodiment, a first phase-shifting circuit board 101 and a second phase-shifting circuit board 102 are provided. The first phase-shifting circuit board 101 has one phase-shifted input port and seven phase-shifted output ports, while the second phase-shifting circuit board 102 also has one phase-shifted input port and seven phase-shifted output ports. Combiner circuits 5 are provided at locations corresponding to the seven phase-shifted output ports on the first phase-shifting circuit board 101, i.e., seven combiner circuits 5 are provided on the first phase-shifting circuit board 101. Each combiner circuit 5 has two combiner input ports 501 and one combiner output port 502. One of the two combiner input ports 501 of each combiner circuit 5 is connected to the phase-shifted output port on the first phase-shifting circuit board 101, and the other is connected to the corresponding phase-shifted output port on the second phase-shifting circuit board 102. Thus, a corresponding set of phase-shifted output ports on the first phase-shifting circuit board 101 and the second phase-shifting circuit board 102 are connected to one combiner circuit 5, and output is combined.

[0052] In other embodiments, the number of phase-shift output ports on each phase-shift circuit board may be different, and the number of corresponding combiner circuits 5 may also be different, without specific limitation. The number of phase-shift circuit boards may also be three or more to achieve combined outputs in more different frequency bands, without specific limitation.

[0053] Further, based on the above embodiment, referring to FIG1 , the combining circuit 5 is connected to the phase-shifted output port on the first phase-shifting circuit board 101 via a microstrip line. Since the combining circuit 5 is provided on the first phase-shifting circuit board 101, a microstrip line can be directly provided to connect the phase-shifted output port on the first phase-shifting circuit board 101 with the combining input port 501, thereby reducing the number of cables and solder points and facilitating connection. The combining circuit 5 is connected to the phase-shifted output port on the second phase-shifting circuit board 102 via a cable. Specifically, the cable connection can be achieved by soldering.

[0054] Based on the above embodiment, further referring to FIG3 , the combining circuit 5 is distributed at both ends of the first phase-shifting circuit board 101. At either end of the first phase-shifting circuit board 101, the combining input port 501 and the combining output port 502 for connecting the combining circuit 5 to the second phase-shifting circuit board 102 are both located at the ends of the phase-shifting circuit board. This embodiment distributes the combining circuit 5 at both ends of the first phase-shifting circuit board 101, facilitating the distribution of the various connection ports of the combining circuit 5 at the ends of the first phase-shifting circuit board 101, thereby facilitating the connection and configuration of the combining circuit 5. Furthermore, the phase-shifting circuit is located in the middle of the first phase-shifting circuit board 101, facilitating the configuration of the slider assembly 3.

[0055] Specifically, the combiner input port 501 and the combiner output port 502 connecting the combiner circuit 5 to the second phase-shifting circuit board 102 are arranged in a row. This orderly arrangement of the ports facilitates orderly connection and facilitates cable setup. Furthermore, the connection ports of the phase-shifting circuit on the second phase-shifting circuit board 102 can also be distributed at both ends, enabling orderly connection.

[0056] Furthermore, referring to Figure 3 , solder pads 503 are provided at the combiner input port 501 and the combiner output port 502, where the combiner circuit 5 connects to the second phase-shifting circuit board 102. These are used for soldering connections to cables. The solder pads 503 can be arranged in a row at either end of the first phase-shifting circuit board 101, enabling orderly connections and facilitating soldering. Referring to Figure 4 , solder pads 503 can also be provided at each connection port of the phase-shifting circuit 4 on the second phase-shifting circuit board 102 for soldering connections to cables.

[0057] Based on the above embodiment, further referring to Figure 2 , the first phase-shifting circuit board 101 is connected to a first support plate 201. The first support plate 201 supports and secures the first phase-shifting circuit board 101, facilitating its supported installation. Line clips 7 are also provided at each end of the first support plate 201, each with a cable slot 701. At both ends of the first phase-shifting circuit board 101, cables connected to the connection ports of the combiner circuit 5 are secured and supported by the cable slots 701 on the line clips 7, enabling orderly cable arrangement.

[0058] Furthermore, the first phase-shifting circuit board 101 and the first support plate 201 can be fixedly connected using rivets or other methods, and the specific connection method is not limited. Referring to Figure 1 , the second phase-shifting circuit board 102 is connected to the second support plate 202. The second support plate 202 can support and fix the second phase-shifting circuit board 102, facilitating the support and installation of the second phase-shifting circuit board 102. Furthermore, line clips 7 can be provided at each end of the second support plate 202 to secure cables. The specific configuration is similar to that of the line clips 7 on the first support plate 201 and will not be further described.

[0059] Based on the above embodiment, further referring to FIG5 , a stepped portion 2011 is provided at the end of the first support plate 201, and the line card 7 is mounted on the stepped portion 2011, so that its surface is flush with the lower surface of the first phase-shifting circuit board 101. The end of the first support plate 201 can be integrally bent to form the stepped portion 2011, so that the surface of the end portion is lower than the surface of the middle portion. As a result, when the line card 7 is mounted on the stepped portion 2011, the upper surface of the line card 7 is flush with the surface of the first phase-shifting circuit board 101, facilitating cable securement to the line card 7.

[0060] Referring to Figures 5 and 6 , the upper and lower surfaces of the line card 7 are each provided with a cable slot 701. The first support plate 201 has openings 2013 corresponding to the cable slots 701 on the lower surface of the line card 7. The cable slots 701 on the lower surface of the line card 7 pass through the openings 2013 on the first support plate 201 to secure the cable. A mounting clip 702 is provided on the lower surface of the line card 7. The first support plate 201 has mounting slots 2012 that mate with the mounting clip 702. The mounting clip 702 on the line card 7 mates with the mounting slots 2012 on the first support plate 201, securing the line card 7 to the first support plate 201. Figure 5 only illustrates the structural arrangement of the openings 2013 and mounting slots 2012 and does not limit the specific location or number of the openings 2013 and mounting slots 2012.

[0061] Based on the above embodiment, further referring to FIG1 , multiple phase-shifting circuit boards are stacked one above the other, with adjacent phase-shifting circuit boards connected via a support member 6. The stacked structure of the phase-shifting assembly in this embodiment facilitates cable connection and provides a compact structure, thereby reducing installation space.

[0062] Further, referring to FIG7 , mounting holes 601 are provided at the top and bottom of the support member 6, respectively. The phase-shifting circuit board is detachably connected to the support member 6 at the mounting holes 601; the detachable connection can be achieved by screws or the like. A matching positioning structure is also provided between the support member 6 and the phase-shifting circuit board. Specifically, in this embodiment, the support member 6 can be I-shaped, with the upper and lower surfaces being used to connect to adjacent phase-shifting circuit boards; the support member 6 can also have other structures, which are not specifically limited. Positioning posts 602 can be provided at the top and bottom of the support member 6, respectively. Matching through-holes can be provided on the phase-shifting circuit board. Positioning can be achieved by plugging the positioning posts 602 into the through-holes, facilitating installation.

[0063] Based on the above embodiment, further referring to FIG2 , the slide assembly 3 includes a coupling slide 301 and a rotating shaft 302. The rotating shaft 302 passes through one end of the coupling slide 301 and the phase-shifting circuit board in sequence. The end of the rotating shaft 302 that passes through the phase-shifting circuit board is detachably connected to a fastener. The coupling slide 301 is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft 302, and the rotating shaft 302 and the phase-shifting circuit board are integrally fixedly connected via the fastener. The end of the rotating shaft 302 that passes through the phase-shifting circuit board is connected to the fastener, achieving an integral connection with the phase-shifting circuit board, i.e., the rotating shaft 302 is non-rotatably connected relative to the phase-shifting circuit board. A coupling circuit is provided on the coupling slide 301, and the coupling slide 301 is rotatable relative to the rotating shaft 302. Phase shift adjustment can be achieved by rotating the coupling slide 301.

[0064] Furthermore, the phase-shifting circuit board is provided with an assembly hole 2014 for the shaft 302 to pass through. The assembly hole 2014 is a non-circular hole 3041, and the portion of the shaft 302 corresponding to the phase-shifting circuit board mates with the non-circular hole 3041. Referring to Figure 8, a cut surface 3022 can be provided on the sidewall of the shaft 302, giving the shaft 302 a partially non-circular cross-section, which mates with the assembly hole 2014 on the phase-shifting circuit board, thereby preventing the shaft 302 from rotating relative to the phase-shifting circuit board. Furthermore, the support plate (including the first support plate 201 or the second support plate 202) can also be provided with an assembly hole 2014 corresponding to the shaft 302. The assembly hole 2014 is a non-circular hole 3041, which mates with the shaft 302 to achieve a non-rotatable connection between the shaft 302 and the support plate. The assembly hole 2014 can be a D-shaped hole.

[0065] Referring to Figures 2 and 8 , a stopper 3021 is provided at one end of the rotating shaft 302 where it passes through the coupling slide 301. The cross-sectional dimensions of the stopper 3021 are larger than those of the rotating shaft 302. The stopper 3021 is provided at one end of the rotating shaft 302, while the other end passes through the coupling slide 301 and the phase-shifting circuit board in sequence and is connected to a fastener. The stopper 3021 is used to prevent the rotating shaft 302 from sliding off the coupling slide 301 and the phase-shifting circuit board. The stopper 3021 is provided with an anti-mock structure. The anti-mock structure is used to identify the correct matching position of the rotating shaft 302 and the assembly hole 2014, facilitating smooth passage of the rotating shaft 302 through the assembly hole 2014 and achieving smooth connection with the phase-shifting circuit board. Specifically, the anti-mock structure can be a shape indicator of the stopper 3021, that is, the stopper 3021 can be set to a non-centrally symmetrical structure to indicate the assembly direction. The anti-mock structure can also take other forms, which are not specifically limited.

[0066] Based on the above embodiment, further referring to Figures 8 and 9 , the fastener is a fastening nut 303. The fastening nut 303 has a threaded hole 3031. The portion of the rotating shaft 302 that passes through the phase-shifting circuit board is provided with external threads 3023 that mate with the fastening nut 303. The rotating shaft 302 and fastening nut 303 are threadably connected. Furthermore, the fastening nut 303 is provided with an elastic arm 3032 on the side facing the phase-shifting circuit board. The elastic arm 3032 is an elastic structure. When the fastening nut 303 is connected to the rotating shaft 302, it abuts against the phase-shifting circuit board or the support plate, securing the rotating shaft 302.

[0067] Specifically, referring to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 , in this embodiment, a plurality of elastic arms 3032 may be provided on the fastening nut 303 along the circumferential direction, and the specific number of the elastic arms 3032 is not limited.

[0068] In addition to the above embodiment, a positioning structure is further provided between the fastening nut 303 and the phase-shifting circuit board. Referring to Figures 5 and 9 , the positioning structure includes a protrusion 3033 provided on the side of the fastening nut 303 facing the phase-shifting circuit board, and a positioning hole 2015 provided on the first support plate 201 that matches the protrusion 3033. When the rotating shaft 302 and the fastening nut 303 are connected in place, the protrusion 3033 on the fastening nut 303 fits into the corresponding positioning hole 2015 on the first support plate 201, thereby defining the position of the fastening nut 303 and ensuring a secure connection.

[0069] Furthermore, referring to Figure 5 , multiple positioning holes 2015 are provided, distributed in a circular pattern. This allows the fastening nut 303 to have multiple circumferential positioning positions, improving installation flexibility and applicability. Furthermore, the connection between the fastening nut 303 and the second support plate 202 is similar to that for the first support plate 201 and will not be further described.

[0070] Referring to Figure 2 , the slider assembly 3 also includes a fixing clamp 304. The fixing clamp 304 is provided on the side of the coupling slider 301 facing away from the phase-shifting circuit board. The fixing clamp 304 is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft 302 at its first end and has a slot at its second end for the coupling slider 301 to pass through. The coupling slider 301 passes through the slot to achieve an integral, rotatable connection with the fixing clamp 304. The first end of the fixing clamp 304 may be provided with a circular hole 3041 for the rotating shaft 302 to rotate through, achieving a rotatable connection with the rotating shaft 302. A support structure is provided between the fixing clamp 304 and the coupling slider 301. This support structure is used to apply a supporting force to the coupling slider 301 toward the phase-shifting circuit board, thereby maintaining a stable gap between the coupling slider 301 and the phase-shifting circuit board and improving phase-shifting stability.

[0071] Further, referring to Figure 11 , the support structure includes an elastic member 3042 disposed on the fixing clamp 304. The elastic member 3042 is disposed on the side of the fixing clamp 304 facing the coupling slide 301, and is configured to abut between the fixing clamp 304 and the coupling slide 301, exerting an elastic support force on the coupling slide 301. The elastic member 3042 is elastic and can be a resilient block, spring, or elastic bump, without limitation. Figures 2 and 11 primarily illustrate the arrangement of the circular hole 3041, slot, and support structure on the fixing clamp 304, and are not intended to limit other configurations.

[0072] On the basis of the above embodiments, further, this embodiment provides a base station antenna, which includes the multi-frequency fusion phase-shift feeding network described in any of the above embodiments, and also includes multiple radiating elements, and the multiple radiating elements are connected one-to-one with the multiple combining output ports 502 of the combining circuits 5.

[0073] Based on the above embodiments, this embodiment further addresses the problem that existing phase shifters and combiners are independently placed inside the base station antenna, occupying a large space inside the base station antenna and resulting in a complex layout. Furthermore, multiple frequency bands are connected to each other via cable terminals, resulting in numerous solder joints, a high risk of intermodulation, and poor indicator consistency. A multi-frequency fusion independent phase-shifting feeding network is provided that integrates the phase-shifting circuit with the combining circuit 5. The phase-shifting feeding network comprises: a phase-shifting circuit, a combining circuit 5, a coupling circuit, a supporting fixed structure, and a rotating structure; the rotating structure rotates to drive the coupling circuit to rotate closely around the rotating shaft 302 against the phase-shifting circuit, achieving independent phase shifting of different frequency bands. At the same time, the different frequency bands are combined through cable connections to achieve phase shifting and combining output, thereby achieving multi-frequency independent phase shifting and fusion output. This embodiment has good phase change stability, and has the advantages of simple structure, low cost, good consistency, and ease of assembly.

[0074] Specifically, the phase-shifting circuit, combining circuit 5, and coupling circuit include: a phase-shifting circuit board (PCB), which is fixed to a sheet metal support plate; the combining circuit 5 is integrated on a phase-shifting circuit board; and the coupling circuit is provided on a coupling slide 301. The supporting and rotating structures include a fixing clamp 304, a first support plate 201, a second support plate 202, high-temperature-resistant retaining rivets, a wire clip 7, a rotating shaft 302 (i.e., a fixing screw), and a fastening nut 303. The slide is held in place by the fixing clamp 304 and the fixing screw, which passes through the fixing clamp 304, the slide, the PCB, and the sheet metal support plate. The fixing screw, with its limiting features, allows it to be fixed to the sheet metal support plate. The fixing clamp 304 and the slide are rotatably connected to the fixing screw via threads and the fastening nut 303.

[0075] The fastening nut 303 has a standard nut feature, namely a threaded hole 3031, and can be used with a torque tool to achieve automated assembly. The fastening nut 303 has a nut deadlock position, namely a protrusion 3033, which can achieve a deadlock effect after being fixed with the above-mentioned fixing screw. It also has an elastic arm 3032 feature. After cooperating with the above-mentioned fixing screw, the elastic arm 3032 feature can provide a suitable clamping force to ensure that the sliding PCB and the PCB board between the fastening nut 303 and the fixing screw fit tightly. The sheet metal support plate has a fastening nut 303 positioning hole 2015, which can ensure that the nut is clamped in the positioning hole 2015 after being fixed to prevent loosening. The sheet metal support plate has a bending feature and a line card 7 fixing hole feature. The bending feature is consistent with the thickness of the line card 7, which can ensure that the upper surface of the line card 7 can be flush with the lower surface of the main PCB substrate after being fixed.

[0076] The first and second PCBs are equipped with several evenly distributed curved slow-wave microstrip line structures, or phase-shifting circuits, with the curved slow-wave microstrip line structures sharing the same center. A combiner circuit 5 is provided on the first PCB, with both ends of the curved slow-wave microstrip line structures connected to it via microstrip circuits. The first and second PCBs are connected via several coaxial cables.

[0077] The first phase-shifting network consists of a slider PCB, secured to the first PCB by a retaining clamp 304, rotating about a fixing screw. The signal passes through the slider PCB and a curved slow-wave microstrip line structure to achieve specific power distribution and phase shifting. The second phase-shifting network, also secured to the second PCB by a retaining clamp 304, achieves independent phase shifting in the same manner as the first phase-shifting network. The first phase-shifting network and the combining network are located on the same main PCB and connected via microstrip lines. The second phase-shifting network is connected to the combining network via a cable, and the cable outputs the independent phase-shifting network, combining different frequencies.

[0078] The cable clip 7 features a snap-on design and is secured to the sheet metal support plate. Once secured, it supports the solder points on the PCB substrate, ensuring no stress is applied between the cable and the PCB after soldering. Multiple I-shaped supports 6 securely support the first and second phase-shifting networks.

[0079] This embodiment integrates a phase shifting and combining network on the first PCB board, greatly improving the integration of the feeding network. The entire feeding network is smaller in size, has better performance consistency, and realizes independent phase shifting, thereby reducing the size of the communication base station while improving communication efficiency.

[0080] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A multi-frequency fusion phase-shifting feed network, comprising a plurality of phase-shifting assemblies, each of the phase-shifting assemblies comprising a phase-shifting circuit board and a slider assembly rotatably connected to the phase-shifting circuit board, a phase-shifting circuit being provided on the phase-shifting circuit board at a position corresponding to the slider assembly, the plurality of phase-shifting circuit boards being divided into a first phase-shifting circuit board and a second phase-shifting circuit board, a combining circuit being provided on the first phase-shifting circuit board, and phase-shifting output ports of the phase-shifting circuit on the first phase-shifting circuit board and the phase-shifting circuit on the second phase-shifting circuit board being respectively connected to a combining input port of the combining circuit.

2. The multi-frequency fusion phase-shift feeding network according to claim 1, wherein the combining circuit is connected to the phase-shift output port on the first phase-shift circuit board via a microstrip line, and the combining circuit is connected to the phase-shift output port on the second phase-shift circuit board via a cable.

3. The multi-frequency fusion phase-shift feeding network according to claim 1, wherein the combining circuit is distributed at both ends of the first phase-shift circuit board, and at either end of the first phase-shift circuit board, the combining input port and the combining output port connecting the combining circuit with the second phase-shift circuit board are both provided at the end of the phase-shift circuit board.

4. The multi-frequency fusion phase-shift feeding network according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first phase-shift circuit board is connected to the first support board, and line cards are respectively provided at both ends of the first support board, and the line cards are provided with cable card slots. 5 . The multi-frequency fusion phase-shift feeding network according to claim 4 , wherein a step portion is provided at an end portion of the first support plate, and the line clamp is provided at the step portion.

6. The multi-frequency fusion phase-shift feeding network according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a plurality of the phase-shift circuit boards are stacked up and down, and two adjacent phase-shift circuit boards are connected via a support member.

7. The multi-frequency fusion phase-shifting feed network according to claim 4, wherein the slider assembly includes a coupling slider and a rotating shaft, the rotating shaft passes through one end of the coupling slider and the phase-shifting circuit board in sequence, the end of the rotating shaft passing through the phase-shifting circuit board is detachably connected to a fastener, the coupling slider is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft, and the rotating shaft and the phase-shifting circuit board are fixedly connected as a whole through the fastener.

8. The multi-frequency fusion phase-shifting feeding network according to claim 7, wherein the fastener is a fastening nut, and the portion of the rotating shaft passing through the phase-shifting circuit board is provided with an external thread matching the fastening nut; and an elastic arm is provided on the side of the fastening nut facing the phase-shifting circuit board.

9. The multi-frequency fusion phase-shifting feeding network according to claim 8, wherein a positioning structure is further provided between the fastening nut and the phase-shifting circuit board; the positioning structure comprises a protrusion provided on the side of the fastening nut facing the phase-shifting circuit board, and a positioning hole provided on the first support plate and matching the protrusion.

10. A base station antenna, comprising the multi-frequency fusion phase-shift feeding network according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and further comprising a plurality of radiating elements, wherein the plurality of radiating elements are connected to the combining output ports of the plurality of combining circuits in a one-to-one correspondence.

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