Array antenna and base station system

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present application are an array antenna and a base station system, which are used for solving the technical problem of there being signal interference among a plurality of communication units in a communication area covered by an array antenna. The array antenna comprises an antenna housing, a radiation unit, a first reflector, a second reflector and a third reflector, wherein the radiation unit, the first reflector, the second reflector and the third reflector are all arranged in an accommodating cavity; the radiation unit is electrically connected to the first reflector; and the first reflector, the second reflector and the third reflector are arranged spaced apart in a first direction, the first reflector and the second reflector define a first choke structure, and the second reflector and the third reflector define a second choke structure. In this way, a plurality of choke structures are formed in a first direction, such that the front-to-back ratio of an array antenna is improved, thereby solving the problem of there being signal interference among a plurality of communication units in a communication area covered by the array antenna.

Description

Array antenna and base station system

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on May 24, 2023, with application number 202310598065.X and application name “An Array Antenna, Base Station System”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of wireless communications, and in particular to an array antenna and a base station system. Background Art

[0003] Base station systems, as a crucial component of radio communication systems, utilize array antennas to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves. These antennas convert electrical signals into spatial electromagnetic waves for transmission, and also convert received electromagnetic waves into electrical signals for reception.

[0004] The communication area covered by the array antenna includes multiple communication units. In order to avoid strong signal interference between the multiple communication units, improving the front-to-back ratio of the array antenna has become an urgent problem to be solved.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The embodiments of the present application provide an array antenna and a base station system for solving the technical problem of signal interference between multiple communication units in a communication area covered by the array antenna.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of the present application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0008] In the first aspect, an array antenna is provided, which includes: an antenna cover, a radiating unit, a first reflector, a second reflector and a third reflector; a accommodating cavity is provided in the antenna cover; the radiating unit, the first reflector, the second reflector and the third reflector are all arranged in the accommodating cavity; the radiating unit is electrically connected to the first reflector; the first reflector, the second reflector and the third reflector are arranged at intervals along the first direction; the first reflector and the second reflector are arranged to form a first choke structure, and the second reflector and the third reflector are arranged to form a second choke structure.

[0009] Based on the above description of the structure of the array antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application, it can be known that the array antenna includes a plurality of reflectors, namely a first reflector, a second reflector and a third reflector. The first reflector, the second reflector and the third reflector are spaced apart along the first direction, the first reflector and the second reflector are arranged to form a first choke structure, and the second reflector and the third reflector are arranged to form a second choke structure. In this way, a plurality of choke structures are formed in the first direction, and the current will be attenuated or offset in the process of flowing in the first choke structure and the second choke structure, and will not radiate out, thereby achieving the purpose of suppressing the radiation of the back current and then improving the front-to-back ratio. The array antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application solves the problem of signal interference between multiple communication units in the communication area covered by the array antenna.

[0010] In addition, the array antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application does not need to add a back panel or side panel on the reflector (first reflector, second reflector and third reflector) to improve the front-to-back ratio while improving the front-to-back ratio. The structure is simple and does not increase the volume of the array antenna.

[0011] In a feasible implementation of the first aspect, the first reflector includes a first base plate and a first side plate; the first base plate extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the first base plate has a first edge and a second edge relative to each other in the direction perpendicular to the first direction; a first side plate is provided on both the first edge and the second edge; the first side plate and the radiation unit are located on the same side of the first base plate; a first groove is provided on the third edge of the first side plate away from the first base plate and extends in a direction close to the first base plate.

[0012] By providing the first groove, the first reflector can form a strong inductance, which is beneficial for the second reflector to generate an induced current, thereby improving the communication performance of the array antenna.

[0013] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the second reflector and the third reflector are connected in direct current.

[0014] In a feasible implementation of the first aspect, the second reflector includes a second base plate, a second side plate and a third side plate; the second base plate extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the second base plate has a fourth edge and a fifth edge relative to each other in the direction perpendicular to the first direction; a second side plate is provided on the fourth edge; a third side plate is provided on the fifth edge; the second side plate and the third side plate both extend in a direction close to the radiation unit; the second side plate has a first surface facing the third side plate, and a second groove extending in a direction away from the third side plate is provided on the first surface; the first reflector, the second base plate and the second groove are arranged to form a first choke structure.

[0015] A choke structure is formed on both sides of each independent reflector, which can further optimize the front-to-back ratio of the array antenna.

[0016] In a feasible implementation of the first aspect, the second reflector includes a second side panel and a third side panel; the second side panel and the first side panel located at the first edge are arranged on the same side of the radiation unit; the third side panel and the first side panel located at the second edge are arranged on the same side of the radiation unit; a conductive layer is provided on the inner wall of the antenna cover; the second side panel is fixedly connected to the conductive layer, and the third side panel is fixedly connected to the conductive layer.

[0017] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the first reflector and the second reflector are connected in direct current.

[0018] In a feasible implementation of the first aspect, the array antenna further includes a first conductive plate; the first conductive plate is disposed between the first reflector and the second reflector, and is connected to both the first reflector and the second reflector.

[0019] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the first reflector is symmetrical about the axis of the first conductive plate.

[0020] In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the first reflector and the second reflector are coupled to each other.

[0021] In a feasible implementation of the first aspect, the array antenna also includes a fourth reflector; along the first direction, the fourth reflector is arranged on the side of the third reflector away from the second reflector; the fourth reflector includes a third base plate and a fourth side plate; the third base plate extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction; the fourth side plate is arranged at the edge of the third base plate, and the fourth side plate extends in a direction close to the third reflector; the third reflector and the fourth reflector are arranged to form a third choke structure.

[0022] By adding a fourth reflector and a three-stage choke structure, a wider frequency range is covered, achieving good communication performance in all frequency intervals within the frequency range. This allows the array antenna to support a wider bandwidth.

[0023] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, along the first direction, a height of the fourth reflector is greater than a height of the second reflector.

[0024] By setting different heights, the array antenna can adapt to different frequency intervals within the frequency range.

[0025] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, along the first direction, a height of the third reflector is greater than a height of the second reflector.

[0026] By setting different heights, the array antenna can adapt to different frequency intervals within the frequency range.

[0027] In a feasible implementation of the first aspect, a plurality of radiation units are provided, and the plurality of radiation units are arranged at intervals on the first reflector along the second direction; the antenna cover, the plurality of radiation units, the first reflector, the second reflector and the third reflector form an array unit; wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0028] The frequencies of multiple radiating units can be the same or different to accommodate a wider bandwidth.

[0029] In a feasible implementation of the first aspect, a plurality of array units are provided; the plurality of array units are arranged in an array along a third direction; and along the third direction, a center distance between every two adjacent array units is less than or equal to 0.6 wavelengths.

[0030] Compared with the existing array antenna that sets multiple columns of radiation units on the same reflector, the setting of multiple array units can achieve the effect of reducing wind resistance.

[0031] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, along the third direction, a width of the first reflector ranges from 0.2 wavelengths to 0.3 wavelengths.

[0032] By reducing the width of the first reflector, the wind resistance can be reduced.

[0033] In a feasible implementation of the first aspect, the radiation unit includes a radiator and a feeder; the feeder is disposed between the radiator and the first reflector; and the radiator is electrically connected to the first reflector via the feeder.

[0034] In a feasible implementation of the first aspect, the length of the first choke structure is half a wavelength or a quarter of a wavelength.

[0035] In this way, when the current flows through the first choke structure, it will be attenuated or offset when it travels a quarter wavelength or a half wavelength, and will not radiate out, thereby achieving the purpose of curbing the radiation of the back current and improving the front-to-back ratio.

[0036] In a feasible implementation of the first aspect, the length of the second choke structure is half a wavelength or a quarter of a wavelength.

[0037] In this way, when the current flows through the second choke structure, it will be attenuated or offset when it travels a quarter wavelength or a half wavelength, and will not radiate out, thereby achieving the purpose of curbing the radiation of the back current and improving the front-to-back ratio.

[0038] In a second aspect, a base station system is provided, comprising: an array antenna and a pole as described in the first aspect; the array antenna is fixedly connected to the pole.

[0039] By setting up the array antenna provided by the first aspect, the base station system can achieve good communication effects in the communication areas covered by the radio communication network, and the problem of signal interference between multiple communication units can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a base station system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an array antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an array antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of an array antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an array antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] FIG6 is a front view of the array antenna shown in FIG5 ;

[0046] FIG7 is a front view of the array antenna shown in FIG5 ;

[0047] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an array antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an array antenna in the prior art;

[0049] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an array antenna in the prior art;

[0050] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an array antenna in the prior art;

[0051] FIG12 is a schematic structural diagram of a reflector in the array antenna shown in FIG5 ;

[0052] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an array antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an array antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] FIG15 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an array antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] FIG16 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an array antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] FIG17 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the array antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0057] Figures: 1-array antenna, 10-radome, 11-accommodating cavity, 20-radiating element, 21-radiator, 22-feeder, 30-reflector, 31-first reflector, 311-first bottom plate, 311a-first edge, 311b-second edge, 312-first side plate, 313-first groove, 32-second reflector, 321-second bottom plate, 321a-fourth edge, 321b-fifth edge, 322-second side plate, 323-third side plate, 324-second groove, 33-third reflector, 34-fourth reflector, 341-third bottom plate, 342-fourth side plate, 41-first choke structure, 42-second choke structure, 43-third choke structure, 51-first conductive plate, 52-second conductive plate, 101 - array unit, 101a - first array unit, 101b - second array unit, 2 - pole, 4 - connector, 5 - grounding device, 001 - first area, 002 - second area, 003 - third area, 300 - reflector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Among them, in the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, " / " indicates that the objects associated before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B; "and / or" in the present application is only a description of the association relationship of the associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In addition, in the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" refers to two or more than two. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, c can be single or multiple. In addition, in order to facilitate the clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, words such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish between identical or similar items with substantially the same functions and effects. Those skilled in the art will understand that words such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity and execution order, and words such as "first" and "second" do not necessarily limit differences. At the same time, in the embodiments of the present application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present application should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a concrete way for easy understanding.

[0059] To facilitate the description of the technical solution of the present application, before introducing the electronic device in the embodiments of the present application in detail, some concepts involved in the present application are first described.

[0060] DC connection can be understood as a direct connection, for example, A and B are fixedly connected through structural parts.

[0061] Coupling connection: can be understood as direct coupling and / or indirect coupling, and "coupling connection" can be understood as direct coupling connection and / or indirect coupling connection. Direct coupling can also be called "electrical connection", which is understood as physical contact and electrical conduction between components; it can also be understood as a form of connection between different components in a circuit structure through physical lines such as printed circuit board (PCB) copper foil or wires that can transmit electrical signals; "indirect coupling" can be understood as two conductors being electrically conductive in an air-spaced / non-contact manner. In one embodiment, indirect coupling can also be called capacitive coupling, for example, signal transmission is achieved by forming an equivalent capacitance through coupling between the gaps between two conductive parts. An embodiment of the present application provides a base station system, which may be a base station antenna feed system. The base station antenna feed system includes an antenna system and a feeder system, and the antenna in the antenna system can radiate electromagnetic waves to the surrounding space, thereby achieving information exchange.

[0062] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a base station system provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 1, in some embodiments, the base station system includes an array antenna 1 and a mast 2. The array antenna 1 is fixedly connected to the mast 2 in various ways, such as via fasteners or a height-adjustable antenna bracket 3. In one implementation, the mast 2 is positioned perpendicular to the ground.

[0063] The array antenna 1 is capable of radiating electromagnetic waves into the surrounding space, thereby enabling information exchange. As shown in Figure 1, in some embodiments, the array antenna 1 includes a housing 110, which can be a cubic structure. The housing 110 protects the other components of the array antenna 1 disposed within the housing 110. As shown in Figure 2, in some embodiments, the array antenna 1 also includes a radome 10, radiating elements 20, and a reflector 30. The radome 10, radiating elements 20, and reflector 30 are all disposed within the housing 110. Multiple radiating elements 20 can be provided, arranged in an array on the reflector 30. As shown in Figure 2, in some embodiments, in addition to the radome 10, radiating elements 20, and reflector 30, the array antenna 1 also includes a transmission or calibration network, a phase shifter, a combiner, or a filter. After being processed by the transmission or calibration network, the phase shifter, the combiner, or the filter, the signal is transmitted to the connector 4.

[0064] It should be understood that FIG2 merely illustrates one radome 10. Within radome 10 is disposed a housing 11. Radiating elements 20 and reflectors 30 are disposed within housing 11. For ease of description, radome 10 and the components disposed therein are referred to as an array element 101.

[0065] As shown in FIG3 , in some embodiments, a plurality of array units 101 may be disposed within a housing 110. The plurality of array units 101 are spaced apart. For example, as shown in FIG3 , two array units 101 are provided, comprising a first array unit 101a and a second array unit 101b. In other words, when the array antenna provided in the embodiments of the present application has a plurality of array units 101, each radome 10 is independent, and the reflector 30 disposed within each radome 10 is independent.

[0066] In one implementation, the center-to-center distance H2 between the first array element 101a and the second array element 101b is greater than the width H1 of the reflector 30 in the first array element 101a. The width H1 of the reflector 30 in the first array element 101a can be equal to the width H3 of the reflector 30 in the second array element 101b. This creates a gap of width H4 between the first array element 101a and the second array element 101b, reducing wind resistance. In one example, the center-to-center distance H2 can be the distance between a line o-o' connecting the centers of the radiating elements 20 in the first array element 101a and a line m-m' connecting the centers of the radiating elements 20 in the second array element 101b.

[0067] In one implementation, the array unit 101 receives or transmits radio frequency signals through its own feeding network (including modules such as phase shifters, combiners, filters, etc. for expanding performance). The feeding network can achieve different radiation beam pointing through transmission components. The feeding network can be connected to a calibration network to obtain the calibration signal required by the base station system. As shown in Figure 3, in some embodiments, multiple radiation units 20 can be set in each array unit 101. The frequency of each radiation unit 20 can be the same or different. In one example, the multiple radiation units 20 set on the reflector 30 are arranged in a single row, that is, the multiple radiation units 20 are arranged in an array along one direction. This will be described in detail in subsequent embodiments.

[0068] Please continue to refer to Figure 1.

[0069] In some embodiments, the base station system further includes a connector 4 and a grounding device 5, and the array antenna 1 is electrically connected to the grounding device 5 through the connector 4. The signal of the array antenna 1 can be transmitted to the connector 4. In one implementation, each connection of the base station system, such as the connection between the array antenna 1 and the connector 4, and the connection between the connector 4 and the grounding device 5, is provided with a joint seal to ensure the stability of the connection. The joint seal can be an insulating sealing tape or a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) insulating tape. This application does not limit the implementation form of the joint seal.

[0070] It will be understood that FIG1 merely illustrates some components of the base station system provided in the embodiment of the present application, and the actual shape, size, position and structure of these components are not limited to FIG1 .

[0071] The base station system provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applied in a radio communication system using a cellular coverage method. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of the array antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0072] As shown in Figure 4, in some embodiments, the entire communication area is divided into several areas, such as a first area 001, a second area 002, and a third area 003. The first area 001, the second area 002, and the third area 003 are adjacent to each other. Specifically, the first area 001 includes a first sub-area 001a and a second sub-area 001b that are adjacent to each other. The second area 002 includes a third sub-area 002a and a fourth sub-area 002b that are adjacent to each other, and the third sub-area 002a is adjacent to the first sub-area 001a. The third area 003 includes a fifth sub-area 003a and a sixth sub-area 003b that are adjacent to each other, the fourth sub-area 002b is adjacent to the fifth sub-area 003a, and the second sub-area 001b is adjacent to the sixth sub-area 003b. Each area is an independent communication unit, that is, the first area 001 is an independent communication unit, the second area 002 is an independent communication unit, and the third area 003 is an independent communication unit. Due to limited frequency resources, to increase communication capacity, frequency sharing can be used for areas a certain distance apart, using the same frequency for network coverage. For example, the first, second, and third areas 003 can use the same frequency for network coverage. Signals on the same frequency can interfere strongly with each other. For example, if the area in front of array antenna 1 is first area 001, the area behind array antenna 1 includes fifth sub-area 003a, which is opposite first sub-area 001a of first area 001, and fourth sub-area 002b, which is opposite second sub-area 001b of first area 001. Fifth sub-area 003a belongs to third area 003, and fourth sub-area 002b belongs to second area 002. This means that array antenna 1 generates backward radiation toward portions of second area 002 and third area 003, causing mutual interference between signals from first area 001, second area 002, and third area 003. To suppress co-channel interference, the antenna's backward radiation can be reduced, meaning its front-to-back ratio is improved. Illustratively, the smaller the backward radiation of the array antenna 1, that is, the radiation to the fifth sub-area 003a or the fourth sub-area 002b, the higher the front-to-back ratio of the array antenna 1, which can suppress co-channel interference signals and obtain better communication performance.

[0073] The array antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application reduces the antenna's backward radiation by setting a choke structure, improves the antenna's front-to-back ratio, reduces interference from adjacent cells, and improves communication capacity. The array antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0074] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the array antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG5 , in some embodiments, the reflector 30 includes a first reflector 31, a second reflector 32, and a third reflector 33. The first reflector 31, the second reflector 32, and the third reflector 33 are all arranged in the accommodating cavity 11 (as shown in FIG2 ). Along the first direction A, the first reflector 31, the second reflector 32, and the third reflector 33 are arranged at intervals. In one implementation, the first direction A may be a direction parallel to the ground. As shown in FIG6 , the first reflector 31 and the second reflector 32 are arranged to form a first choke structure 41. The strong current in the first reflector 31 causes an induced current to be generated in the second reflector 32. The direction indicated by the arrow in FIG6 is the direction of current flow, and the current is confined to the first choke structure 41. As shown in FIG7 , the second reflector 32 and the third reflector 33 are arranged to form a second choke structure 42. The direction indicated by the arrow in FIG7 is the direction of current flow, and the current is confined to the second choke structure 42. The first reflector 31 , the second reflector 32 and the third reflector 33 may be responsible for different frequency bands within the bandwidth respectively.

[0075] By setting up multiple choke structures, namely the first choke structure 41 and the second choke structure 42, the current will be attenuated or offset when flowing in the first choke structure 41 and the second choke structure 42, and will not radiate out, thereby achieving the goal of suppressing the radiation of the back current, which can improve the front-to-back ratio and optimize the communication capacity.

[0076] As shown in Figure 6, in one implementation, the length of the first choke structure 41 is one-half wavelength or one-quarter wavelength. Thus, as the current flows through the first choke structure 41, it travels a quarter wavelength or one-half wavelength, causing attenuation or cancellation, and thus preventing radiation. This achieves the purpose of suppressing the radiation of the back current and improving the front-to-back ratio. Exemplarily, the length of the first choke structure 41 is the sum of the first width W1, the second width W2, the third width W3, the fourth width W4, and the fifth width W5. In one example, the second reflector 32 is axisymmetric about the axis n-n' of the radiating element 20.

[0077] As shown in Figure 7, in one implementation, the length of the second choke structure 42 is one-half wavelength or one-quarter wavelength. Thus, as the current flows through the second choke structure 42, it travels a quarter wavelength or one-half wavelength, causing attenuation or cancellation, and thus preventing radiation. This achieves the purpose of suppressing the radiation of the back current and improving the front-to-back ratio. Exemplarily, the length of the second choke structure 42 is the sum of the sixth width Y1, the seventh width Y2, the eighth width Y3, the ninth width Y4, and the tenth width Y5. In one example, the third reflector 33 is axisymmetric about the axis n-n' of the radiating element 20.

[0078] The radiating unit 20 is electrically connected to the first reflector 31. As shown in Figure 5, in one implementation, the radiating unit 20 includes a radiator 21 and a feeder 22. The feeder 22 is disposed between the radiator 21 and the first reflector 31. The radiator 21 is electrically connected to the first reflector 31 via the feeder 22. In one example, the radiating unit 20 may be a plurality of single-polarization or dual-polarization radiators.

[0079] As shown in Figure 8 , in one implementation, multiple radiating units 20 are provided, spaced apart on the first reflector 31 along the second direction B. The radiating units 20 are arranged in a single row. In conjunction with Figures 3 and 8 , the geometric centers of the radiating units 20 lie on the same straight line. This reduces the width H5 of the first reflector 31 along the third direction C, helping to reduce wind resistance.

[0080] In one implementation, the second direction B is perpendicular to the first direction A. Exemplarily, when the first direction A is parallel to the ground, the second direction B is perpendicular to the ground.

[0081] In one implementation, the first direction A, the second direction B, and the third direction C are perpendicular to each other.

[0082] As shown in FIG8 , in one implementation, the width H5 of the first reflector 31 along the third direction C ranges from 0.2 wavelengths to 0.3 wavelengths. In conjunction with FIG3 and FIG8 , in one implementation, the distance H2 between the geometric centers of every two adjacent array units 101 along the third direction is less than or equal to 0.6 wavelengths.

[0083] In one example, the center distance H2 between the two array units 101 (the first array unit 101a and the second array unit 101b) can be equal to 0.6 wavelengths, the width range H5 of the first reflector 31 in the array unit 101 can be 0.21 wavelengths, and the width H4 between the first array unit 101a and the second array unit 101b can reach more than 0.3 wavelengths, which can reduce wind resistance.

[0084] In other words, the array antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application includes multiple columns of radiating elements, each column of radiating elements includes multiple radiating elements, each column of radiating elements corresponds to a reflector, and each column of radiating elements corresponds to a radome. Compared to the existing array antenna shown in Figure 9, which places multiple columns of radiating elements on the same reflector 300, the array antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application includes a single column of radiating elements within the radome, resulting in a smaller array element width, which can reduce wind resistance by over 35%.

[0085] In the embodiment of the present application, a plurality of reflectors are provided, and every two adjacent reflectors are arranged to form a choke structure. When the width of the first reflector is narrow, the front-to-back ratio requirement can also be met.

[0086] Compared to the conventional array antenna shown in Figures 10 and 11 , which adds a back plate to the back of the reflector 300 of the antenna device and side plates to the side, the array antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application does not require the addition of a back plate and side plates, has a simple structure, does not increase the volume of the antenna device, and significantly improves the front-to-back ratio of the antenna device, effectively improving the front-to-back ratio of the antenna device.

[0087] Several feasible implementations of the reflector provided in the embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0088] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the reflector structure in the array antenna shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 12, in one implementation, the first reflector 31 includes a first base plate 311 and a first side plate 312. The first base plate 311 extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction A and has a first edge 311a and a second edge 311b that are opposite to each other in the direction perpendicular to the first direction A. A first side plate 312 is provided on each of the first edge 311a and the second edge 311b. The first side plate 312 and the radiating element 20 are located on the same side of the first base plate 311. A first groove 313 is defined on the third edge 312a of the first side plate 312, which faces away from the first base plate 311 and extends toward the first base plate 311. The provision of the first groove 313 enables the first reflector 31 to form a strong inductance, which facilitates the generation of an induced current by the second reflector 32 and improves the communication performance of the array antenna. As shown in FIG12 , in one implementation, the first side plate 312 has a first wall surface 312 c and a second wall surface 312 d perpendicular to the first direction A. The first groove 313 extends from the first wall surface 312 c to the second wall surface 312 d. In other words, the first groove 313 passes through the first side plate 312 .

[0089] As shown in FIG12 , in one implementation, the second reflector 32 includes a second base plate 321, a second side plate 322, and a third side plate 323. The second base plate 321 extends perpendicular to the first direction A and has a fourth edge 321a and a fifth edge 321b that are opposite each other. The second side plate 322 is disposed on the fourth edge 321a. The third side plate 323 is disposed on the fifth edge 321b. Both the second side plate 322 and the third side plate 323 extend toward the radiation unit 20. The second side plate 322 has a first surface 322a facing the third side plate 323. The first surface 322a defines a second groove 324 extending away from the third side plate 323. Taken together with FIG6 and FIG12 , the first reflector 31, the second base plate 321, and the second groove 324 enclose a first choke structure 41. 7 and 12 , in one implementation, the second bottom plate 321 , the second side plate 322 and the third side plate 323 are an integrated structure.

[0090] In this way, choke structures are formed on both sides of each independent reflector, which can further optimize the front-to-back ratio of the array antenna.

[0091] To accommodate different frequency ranges, in some embodiments, along the first direction A, a height L1 of the first reflector 31 is greater than a height L2 of the second reflector 32 .

[0092] As shown in FIG. 12 , the shape of the third reflector 33 can refer to the shape of the second reflector 32 , and will not be described in detail here.

[0093] To accommodate different frequency ranges, in some embodiments, along the first direction A, a height L3 of the third reflector 33 is greater than a height L2 of the second reflector 32 .

[0094] Two adjacent reflectors can be connected in direct current or in coupling connection, which will be explained below respectively.

[0095] As shown in Figures 5 and 12, the first reflector 31 and the second reflector 32 are DC-connected. In one implementation, the array antenna further includes a first conductive plate 51. The first conductive plate 51 is disposed between the first reflector 31 and the second reflector 32 and is connected to both the first reflector 31 and the second reflector 32. In one example, the first reflector 31 is axially symmetrical about the first conductive plate 51. Similar to the first reflector 31 and the second reflector 32, in one implementation, as shown in Figures 5 and 12, the second reflector 32 and the third reflector 33 are DC-connected via the second conductive plate 52.

[0096] In another implementation, the first reflector 31 and the second reflector 32 are coupled to each other.

[0097] As shown in Figure 13, in one implementation, the first reflector 31 includes a first base plate 311 and a first side plate 312. The second reflector 32 includes a second base plate 321, a second side plate 322, and a third side plate 323. The first base plate 311 and the second base plate 321 are arranged opposite each other. The first side plate 312 and the second side plate 322 located on the first edge 311a are arranged opposite each other. The first side plate 312 and the third side plate 323 located on the second edge 311b are arranged opposite each other. The structural arrangement of the third reflector 33 and its positional relationship with the second reflector 32 can be found in the implementation of the first reflector 31 and the second reflector 32, and will not be described in detail here.

[0098] As shown in Figures 14 and 15 , in another implementation, the second reflector 32 includes a second side panel 322 and a third side panel 323. The second side panel 322 and the first side panel 312 located at the first edge 311a are disposed on the same side of the radiating element 20. The third side panel 323 and the first side panel 312 located at the second edge 311b are disposed on the same side of the radiating element 20. A conductive layer 11a is disposed on the inner wall 111 of the radome 10. The second side panel 322 is fixedly connected to the conductive layer 11a, and the third side panel 323 is fixedly connected to the conductive layer 11a. It will be appreciated that the conductive layer 11a can be implemented in a variety of ways. For example, it can be provided as separate sheets at different locations on the inner wall 111 of the radome 10, or it can be provided as a single sheet. The second reflector 32 does not include the second base panel 321 shown in Figure 13 . In one example, the radiating element 20 is located at the geometric center Q of the first base panel 311. The second side panel 322 and the third side panel 323 are located on opposite sides of the radiation unit 20 in a direction parallel to the first base panel 311. In one example, the second side panel 322 and the third side panel 323 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the radiation unit 20. In one implementation, when the reflector 30 includes only the first reflector 31, the second reflector 32, and the third reflector 33, the second reflector 32 and the third reflector 33 may be coupled to each other. Unlike the second reflector 32, which is not provided with the second base panel 321 as shown in FIG. 13 , the third reflector 33, as the reflector farthest from the first reflector 31, includes a fourth base panel 331 extending perpendicular to the first direction A.

[0099] In order to cover more frequency ranges and ensure that each frequency interval within the frequency range has good communication performance, the array antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application can also be provided with a third choke structure in addition to the first choke structure and the second choke structure, which is explained below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0100] FIG16 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the array antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG16 and FIG17 , the array antenna further includes a fourth reflector 34. Along the first direction A, the fourth reflector 34 is disposed on a side of the third reflector 33 facing away from the second reflector 32.

[0101] The fourth reflector 34 includes a third base plate 341 and a fourth side plate 342. The third base plate 341 extends perpendicular to the first direction A. The fourth side plate 342 is disposed at the edge of the third base plate 341 and extends toward the third reflector 33. The third reflector 33 and the fourth reflector 34 enclose a third choke structure 43. This allows the array antenna to support a wider bandwidth.

[0102] In one implementation, the third bottom plate 341 has a sixth edge 341a and a seventh edge 341b that are opposite each other. A fourth side plate 342 is disposed on each of the sixth edge 341a and the seventh edge 341b. The fourth side plate 342 located at the sixth edge 341a and the first side plate 312 located at the first edge 311a are disposed on the same side of the radiation unit 20. The fourth side plate 342 located at the seventh edge 341b and the first side plate 312 located at the second edge 311b are disposed on the same side of the radiation unit 20.

[0103] To accommodate different frequency ranges, in some embodiments, along the first direction A, the height L4 of the fourth reflector 34 is greater than the height L2 of the second reflector 32 . In some embodiments, along the first direction A, the height L4 of the fourth reflector 34 may be equal to the height L3 of the third reflector 33 .

[0104] It can be understood that the connection mode between the fourth reflector 34 and the third reflector 33 can refer to the connection mode between the first reflector 31 and the second reflector 32 shown in Figures 12, 13 and 14, and will not be repeated here.

[0105] In some embodiments, when each adjacent two reflectors in the plurality of reflectors are coupled together as shown in FIG15 , the reflector farthest from the first reflector 31 includes a base plate. As shown in FIG17 , in one implementation, when a first reflector 31, a second reflector 32, a third reflector 33, and a fourth reflector 34 are provided, the fourth reflector 34 is the reflector farthest from the first reflector 31. Neither the second reflector 32 nor the third reflector 33 has a base plate extending perpendicular to the first direction A. However, the fourth reflector 34 has a third base plate 341 extending perpendicular to the first direction A.

[0106] The array antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application can also form a fourth choke structure and a fifth choke structure by setting a fifth reflector and a sixth reflector to form more levels of choke structures and optimize the communication structure.

[0107] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are intended only to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that they may modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments or substitute equivalent features for some of the technical features. However, such modifications or substitutions do not deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. An array antenna, characterized in that: include: A radome having a receiving cavity therein; A radiation unit, a first reflector, a second reflector and a third reflector, wherein the radiation unit, the first reflector, the second reflector and the third reflector are all arranged in the accommodating cavity; The radiation unit is electrically connected to the first reflector; Along the first direction, the first reflector, the second reflector and the third reflector are arranged at intervals; the first reflector and the second reflector are arranged to form a first choke structure, and the second reflector and the third reflector are arranged to form a second choke structure.

2. The array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first reflector includes a first bottom plate and a first side plate; The first bottom plate extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, and has a first edge and a second edge opposite to each other in the direction perpendicular to the first direction; the first side plate is disposed on both the first edge and the second edge; The first side plate and the radiation unit are located on the same side of the first bottom plate; A first groove extending toward the first bottom plate is formed on a third edge of the first side plate away from the first bottom plate.

3. The array antenna according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The second reflector includes a second bottom plate, a second side plate and a third side plate; The second bottom plate extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, and has a fourth edge and a fifth edge opposite to each other in the direction perpendicular to the first direction; the second side plate is arranged on the fourth edge; the third side plate is arranged on the fifth edge; the second side plate and the third side plate both extend in a direction close to the radiation unit; The second side plate has a first surface facing the third side plate, and a second groove extending in a direction away from the third side plate is formed on the first surface; the first reflector, the second bottom plate and the second groove are arranged to form the first choke structure.

4. The array antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second reflector includes a second side plate and a third side plate; The second side panel and the first side panel located at the first edge are arranged on the same side of the radiation unit; The third side panel and the first side panel located at the second edge are arranged on the same side of the radiation unit; A conductive layer is provided on the inner wall of the radome; The second side plate is fixedly connected to the conductive layer, and the third side plate is fixedly connected to the conductive layer.

5. The array antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The first reflector and the second reflector are connected in direct current.

6. The array antenna according to claim 5, characterized in that: The array antenna also includes a first conductive plate; The first conductive plate is disposed between the first reflector and the second reflector, and is connected to both the first reflector and the second reflector.

7. The array antenna according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first reflector is symmetrical about the first conductive plate axis.

8. The array antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The first reflector and the second reflector are coupled to each other.

9. The array antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The array antenna also includes a fourth reflector; Along the first direction, the fourth reflector is arranged on a side of the third reflector away from the second reflector; The fourth reflector includes a third bottom plate and a fourth side plate; The third bottom plate extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction; the fourth side plate is arranged at an edge of the third bottom plate, and the fourth side plate extends in a direction close to the third reflector; The third reflector and the fourth reflector are arranged to form a third choke structure.

10. The array antenna according to claim 9, characterized in that: Along the first direction, a height of the fourth reflector is greater than a height of the second reflector.

11. The array antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: Along the first direction, a height of the third reflector is greater than a height of the second reflector.

12. The array antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The radiation units are provided in plurality, and along the second direction, the plurality of radiation units are arranged on the first reflector at intervals; the radome, the plurality of radiation units, the first reflector, the second reflector and the third reflector form an array unit; The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

13. The array antenna according to claim 12, characterized in that: The array unit is provided in plurality; The plurality of array units are arranged in an array along a third direction; Along the third direction, the center distance between any two adjacent array units is less than or equal to 0.6 wavelength.

14. The array antenna according to claim 13, characterized in that: Along the third direction, the width of the first reflector ranges from 0.2 wavelengths to 0.3 wavelengths.

15. The array antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that: The radiation unit includes a radiator and a feeder; The feeder is arranged between the radiator and the first reflector; The radiator is electrically connected to the first reflector through the feeder.

16. The array antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that: The length of the first choke structure is half a wavelength or a quarter of a wavelength.

17. A base station system, characterized in that: include: The array antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 16; A pole, the array antenna is fixedly connected to the pole.

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