Base station antenna and communication device

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present application are a base station antenna and a communication device. The base station antenna comprises at least one antenna array comprising a stripline and at least one radiating element. The stripline comprises a stripline inner conductor and a cavity for accommodating the stripline inner conductor. The at least one radiating element is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the cavity. The cavity in the at least one antenna array is used for receiving a driving force output by a driver, and when the cavity receives the driving force, the antenna array corresponding to the cavity rotates around an axis of rotation parallel to the direction of length of the stripline. The base station antenna and the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application can flexibly adjust the azimuth angle of the antenna array to meet usage requirements.

Description

Base station antennas and communication equipment

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on September 21, 2023, with application number 202311228976.X and application name “Base Station Antenna and Communication Equipment”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of antenna technology, and in particular to a base station antenna and a communication device. Background Art

[0003] In mobile communications, electromagnetic signal coverage is achieved by installing a base station antenna at the base station and ensuring that the antenna's beam covers that area. However, if the geographic characteristics or user distribution of that area change, the base station antenna's beam radiation direction must be adjusted to restore electromagnetic signal coverage to the changed area. Related technologies employ a mechanical device installed on the mounting bracket supporting the base station antenna to mechanically rotate the entire base station antenna horizontally, thereby changing the antenna's physical position and, consequently, its azimuth.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a base station antenna and a communication device that can flexibly adjust the azimuth angle of the antenna array to meet usage requirements.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present application, a base station antenna is provided, comprising at least one antenna array, wherein at least one of the antenna arrays comprises a strip line and at least one radiating unit; the strip line comprises an inner conductor of the strip line and a cavity for accommodating the inner conductor of the strip line; the at least one radiating unit is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the cavity; the cavity in at least one of the antenna arrays is used to receive a driving force output by a driving member, and when the cavity receives the driving force, the antenna array corresponding to the cavity rotates around a rotation axis parallel to the length direction of the strip line.

[0007] In the base station antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application, the cavity of at least one antenna array receives the driving force output by the driving component, so that a single antenna array can be rotated independently around the rotation axis, and the azimuth angle of a single antenna array can be adjusted independently, which can meet the usage requirements.

[0008] In one possible embodiment, at least one of the radiation units includes a radiation portion for electrically connecting to the conductor inside the stripline and the cavity, respectively, and the radiation portion includes a plurality of layer structures arranged side by side and at intervals along a first direction, and the plurality of layer structures are used to directionally radiate electromagnetic signals along the first direction back to the stripline; wherein the first direction intersects with and does not overlap with the length direction of the stripline.

[0009] The radiating part of the radiating unit in the base station antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application is composed of a plurality of layer structures, which can not only radiate the electromagnetic signal directionally to the corresponding area along the first direction, but also reduce the weight of the base station antenna to achieve a lightweight design.

[0010] In one possible embodiment, at least one of the antenna arrays includes a plurality of the radiating units, wherein: in the same antenna array, the plurality of the radiating units are arranged side by side and at intervals along the length direction of the strip line; or, in the same antenna array, along the length direction of the strip line, the plurality of the radiating units are arranged side by side, and two adjacent layer structures are an integral structure, and the two adjacent layer structures respectively belong to two adjacent radiating units of at least two of the radiating units.

[0011] In the base station antenna provided in the embodiments of the present application, any two radiating elements within the same antenna array that do not share the same layer structure, or at least some of the radiating elements share the same layer structure, can still radiate electromagnetic signals to the corresponding area, meeting usage requirements. However, if the radiating elements of at least two radiating elements within the same antenna array are independent of each other, the weight of the base station antenna can be further reduced, thereby achieving an extremely lightweight design.

[0012] In a possible embodiment, at least one of the radiation units further includes a feeding portion, a first end of the feeding portion is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the cavity, and the radiation portion is fixedly connected to the second end of the feeding portion and is electrically connected to the stripline inner conductor and the cavity respectively through the feeding portion.

[0013] The radiating portion of the base station antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application is connected to the strip line through the feeding portion, which not only allows the radiating portion to be fixedly connected to the outer surface of the cavity, thereby simplifying the structure of the antenna array, but also allows the radiating portion to be electrically connected to the cavity and the inner conductor of the strip line, respectively, thereby reducing losses.

[0014] In one possible embodiment, the feeding portion includes a feeding inner core and a feeding outer conductor, the first end of the feeding outer conductor is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the cavity and electrically connected to the cavity, the radiating portion is connected to the second end of the feeding outer conductor and electrically connected to the feeding outer conductor, and the radiating portion is electrically connected to the stripline inner conductor through the feeding inner core.

[0015] The feeding part in the base station antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application is composed of a feeding outer conductor and a feeding inner core, which not only fixes the radiating part to the outer surface of the cavity, but also electrically connects the radiating part to the stripline inner conductor and the cavity respectively, thereby achieving a low-loss design.

[0016] In one possible embodiment, the cavity in at least one of the antenna arrays includes a plurality of accommodating cavity segments extending along the length direction of the strip line, wherein: in the same cavity, along the length direction of the strip line, the radial cross-sections of at least two of the accommodating cavity segments have different areas; wherein the radial cross-sections of the accommodating cavity segments are perpendicular to the length direction of the strip line.

[0017] The base station antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application is composed of at least two accommodating cavity sections with different radial cross-sectional areas, so that the weight of the cavity is reduced, thereby reducing the weight of the antenna array and further reducing the weight of the base station antenna.

[0018] In one possible embodiment, the cavity in at least one of the antenna arrays is used to define at least one accommodating cavity, and the stripline of the at least one antenna array includes at least one stripline inner conductor, wherein: in the same antenna array, the at least one accommodating cavity corresponds one-to-one to the at least one stripline inner conductor, and the stripline inner conductor is arranged inside the corresponding accommodating cavity; when the cavity defines a plurality of accommodating cavities, the plurality of accommodating cavities are arranged side by side along a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the stripline, and two adjacent accommodating cavities share a side wall.

[0019] The cavity in the base station antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application defines an accommodating cavity that corresponds one-to-one with at least one stripline inner conductor, so that the stripline can be electrically connected to a radiation unit having at least one polarization direction.

[0020] In one possible embodiment, the strip line of at least one of the antenna arrays further includes at least one movable part, and the at least one movable part corresponds one-to-one to the at least one accommodating cavity, and each of the movable parts is arranged inside the corresponding accommodating cavity, wherein: the movable part includes a dielectric part for sliding relative to the conductor inside the strip line along the length direction of the strip line; or, the movable part includes a metal part for sliding along the length direction of the strip line part and for coupling and connecting with the conductor inside the strip line.

[0021] The base station antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application is configured such that a movable part is arranged in a receiving cavity and moves along the length direction of the strip line. When the movable part is located at different positions in the receiving cavity along the length direction of the strip line, the phase of the electromagnetic signal radiated by the radiating unit can be changed, thereby changing the maximum direction of the electromagnetic signal radiated by the radiating unit, and further adjusting the downtilt angle of the antenna array.

[0022] In a possible embodiment, the radiating unit is a single-polarization radiating unit or a dual-polarization radiating unit, wherein: when the radiating unit is the single-polarization radiating unit, the single-polarization radiating unit is used to be electrically connected to the cavity and one of the stripline inner conductors respectively; or, when the radiating unit is the dual-polarization radiating unit, the dual-polarization radiating unit is used to be electrically connected to the cavity and two of the stripline inner conductors respectively.

[0023] In a possible implementation, the base station antenna includes a plurality of antenna arrays, the rotation axes of any two antenna arrays are parallel to each other, and at least two antenna arrays have the same rotation direction.

[0024] The rotation directions of at least two antenna arrays in the base station antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application are the same, which can ensure that a single antenna array meets the corresponding usage requirements.

[0025] In a possible implementation, the base station antenna includes a plurality of antenna arrays, wherein: at least two of the antenna arrays rotate simultaneously; or the plurality of antenna arrays do not rotate simultaneously.

[0026] In the base station antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application, multiple antenna arrays do not rotate at the same time or at least two antenna arrays rotate at the same time, and the azimuth angles of the corresponding antenna arrays can be adjusted according to usage requirements.

[0027] In a possible implementation, the base station antenna includes a plurality of antenna arrays, wherein: at least two of the antenna arrays have different operating frequency bands; or the plurality of antenna arrays have the same operating frequency band.

[0028] The base station antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application has multiple antenna arrays with the same operating frequency band or at least two antenna arrays with different operating frequency bands, which can meet the user's usage needs.

[0029] In a possible embodiment, the base station antenna further includes a plurality of first transmission members, the plurality of first transmission members corresponding one-to-one to the plurality of antenna arrays, and the first transmission members are used to transmit and connect the driving member and the corresponding cavity of the antenna array.

[0030] The base station antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application transmits the driving force output by the driving member to multiple antenna arrays through the first transmission member, which not only allows at least one antenna array to rotate individually to adjust the azimuth angle of a single antenna array, but also controls when a single antenna array rotates to meet usage requirements.

[0031] In a possible implementation, the base station antenna further includes a driving member, which is transmission-connected to the cavity of at least one of the antenna arrays, and is used to drive the at least one antenna array to rotate around the rotation axis.

[0032] In a possible implementation, the base station antenna includes multiple antenna arrays, which are arranged side by side and at intervals along a second direction, and the second direction intersects and does not overlap with any one of the first direction and the length direction of the strip line.

[0033] According to a second aspect of the present application, there is provided a base station antenna, comprising at least one antenna array, at least one of the antenna arrays comprising a strip line and at least one radiating unit; the at least one radiating unit being fixedly connected to the outer surface of the strip line; at least one of the radiating units comprising a radiating portion electrically connected to the strip line, the radiating portion comprising a plurality of layer structures arranged side by side and at intervals along a first direction, the plurality of layer structures being used to directionally radiate electromagnetic signals along the first direction away from the strip line; wherein the first direction intersects with and does not overlap with the length direction of the strip line.

[0034] The radiating portion of the radiating unit of the base station antenna provided in the embodiments of the present application is constructed using a multi-layer structure. This allows the radiating portion to receive electromagnetic signals transmitted by the stripline and then radiate them directionally to a corresponding area. In other words, the electromagnetic signals radiated by the radiating portion do not come into contact with the stripline. Therefore, by using a radiating portion constructed using a multi-layer structure to radiate electromagnetic signals, the base station antenna eliminates the need for a separate reflector, thereby reducing the weight of the base station antenna and achieving a lightweight design.

[0035] In a possible embodiment, the stripline includes a cavity and a stripline inner conductor arranged inside the cavity and extending along the length direction of the stripline; in the same antenna array, at least one of the radiating units is connected to the outer surface of the cavity, and the radiating part of at least one of the radiating units is electrically connected to the cavity and the stripline inner conductor, respectively.

[0036] The radiating part of the radiating unit in the base station antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application is electrically connected to the inner conductor of the strip line and the cavity, respectively, which can reduce losses and ensure antenna performance.

[0037] In one possible embodiment, at least one of the antenna arrays includes a plurality of the radiating units, wherein: in the same antenna array, the plurality of the radiating units are arranged side by side and at intervals along the length direction of the strip line; or, in the same antenna array, along the length direction of the strip line, the plurality of the radiating units are arranged side by side, and two adjacent layer structures are an integral structure, and the two adjacent layer structures respectively belong to two adjacent radiating units of at least two of the radiating units.

[0038] In the base station antenna provided in the embodiments of the present application, any two radiating elements within the same antenna array that do not share the same layer structure, or at least some of the radiating elements share the same layer structure, can still radiate electromagnetic signals to the corresponding area, meeting usage requirements. However, if the radiating elements of at least two radiating elements within the same antenna array are independent of each other, the weight of the base station antenna can be further reduced, thereby achieving an extremely lightweight design.

[0039] In one possible embodiment, the cavity of at least one of the antenna arrays is used to receive the driving force output by the driving member, wherein: when the cavity receives the driving force, the antenna array corresponding to the cavity rotates around a rotation axis parallel to the length direction of the strip line.

[0040] The base station antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application receives the driving force output by the driving component through the cavity, so that the single antenna array rotates individually, thereby adjusting the azimuth angle of the single antenna array to meet the usage requirements.

[0041] In a possible embodiment, at least one of the radiation units further includes a feeding portion, a first end of the feeding portion is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the cavity, and the radiation portion is fixedly connected to the second end of the feeding portion and is electrically connected to the stripline inner conductor and the cavity respectively through the feeding portion.

[0042] The radiating portion of the base station antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application is connected to the strip line through the feeding portion, which not only allows the radiating portion to be fixedly connected to the outer surface of the cavity, thereby simplifying the structure of the antenna array, but also allows the radiating portion to be electrically connected to the cavity and the inner conductor of the strip line, respectively, thereby reducing losses.

[0043] In one possible embodiment, the feeding portion includes a feeding inner core and a feeding outer conductor, the first end of the feeding outer conductor is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the cavity and electrically connected to the cavity, the radiating portion is connected to the second end of the feeding outer conductor and electrically connected to the feeding outer conductor, and the radiating portion is electrically connected to the stripline inner conductor through the feeding inner core.

[0044] The feeding part in the base station antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application is composed of a feeding outer conductor and a feeding inner core, which not only fixes the radiating part to the outer surface of the cavity, but also electrically connects the radiating part to the stripline inner conductor and the cavity respectively, thereby achieving a low-loss design.

[0045] In one possible embodiment, the cavity in at least one of the antenna arrays includes a plurality of accommodating cavity segments extending along the length direction of the strip line, wherein: in the same cavity, along the length direction of the strip line, the radial cross-sections of at least two of the accommodating cavity segments have different areas; wherein the radial cross-sections of the accommodating cavity segments are perpendicular to the length direction of the strip line.

[0046] The base station antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application is composed of at least two accommodating cavity sections with different radial cross-sectional areas, so that the weight of the cavity is reduced, thereby reducing the weight of the antenna array and further reducing the weight of the base station antenna.

[0047] In one possible embodiment, the cavity in at least one of the antenna arrays is used to define at least one accommodating cavity, and the stripline of the at least one antenna array includes at least one stripline inner conductor, wherein: in the same antenna array, the at least one accommodating cavity corresponds one-to-one to the at least one stripline inner conductor, and the stripline inner conductor is arranged inside the corresponding accommodating cavity; when the cavity defines a plurality of accommodating cavities, the plurality of accommodating cavities are arranged side by side along a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the stripline, and two adjacent accommodating cavities share a side wall.

[0048] The cavity in the base station antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application defines an accommodating cavity that corresponds one-to-one with at least one stripline inner conductor, so that the stripline can be electrically connected to a radiation unit having at least one polarization direction.

[0049] In one possible embodiment, the strip line of at least one of the antenna arrays further includes at least one movable part, and the at least one movable part corresponds one-to-one to the at least one accommodating cavity, and each of the movable parts is arranged inside the corresponding accommodating cavity, wherein: the movable part includes a dielectric part for sliding relative to the conductor inside the strip line along the length direction of the strip line; or, the movable part includes a metal part for sliding along the length direction of the strip line part and for coupling and connecting with the conductor inside the strip line.

[0050] The base station antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application is configured such that a movable part is arranged in a receiving cavity and moves along the length direction of the strip line. When the movable part is located at different positions in the receiving cavity along the length direction of the strip line, the phase of the electromagnetic signal radiated by the radiating unit can be changed, thereby changing the maximum direction of the electromagnetic signal radiated by the radiating unit, and further adjusting the downtilt angle of the antenna array.

[0051] In a possible embodiment, the radiating unit is a single-polarization radiating unit or a dual-polarization radiating unit, wherein: when the radiating unit is the single-polarization radiating unit, the single-polarization radiating unit is used to be electrically connected to the cavity and one of the stripline inner conductors respectively; or, when the radiating unit is the dual-polarization radiating unit, the dual-polarization radiating unit is used to be electrically connected to the cavity and two of the stripline inner conductors respectively.

[0052] In a possible implementation, the base station antenna includes a plurality of antenna arrays, the rotation axes of any two antenna arrays are parallel to each other, and at least two antenna arrays have the same rotation direction.

[0053] In a possible implementation, the base station antenna includes a plurality of antenna arrays, wherein: at least two of the antenna arrays rotate simultaneously; or the plurality of antenna arrays do not rotate simultaneously.

[0054] In a possible implementation, the base station antenna includes a plurality of antenna arrays, wherein: at least two of the antenna arrays have different operating frequency bands; or the plurality of antenna arrays have the same operating frequency band.

[0055] In a possible embodiment, the base station antenna further includes a plurality of first transmission members, the plurality of first transmission members corresponding one-to-one to the plurality of antenna arrays, and the first transmission members are used to transmit and connect the driving member and the corresponding cavity of the antenna array.

[0056] The base station antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application transmits the driving force output by the driving member to multiple antenna arrays through the first transmission member, which not only allows at least two antenna arrays to rotate separately to adjust the azimuth angle of a single antenna array, but also controls when a single antenna array rotates to meet usage requirements.

[0057] In a possible implementation, the base station antenna further includes a driving member, which is transmission-connected to the cavity of at least one of the antenna arrays, and is used to drive the at least one antenna array to rotate around the rotation axis.

[0058] In a possible implementation, the base station antenna includes multiple antenna arrays, which are arranged side by side and at intervals along a second direction, and the second direction intersects and does not overlap with any one of the first direction and the length direction of the strip line.

[0059] A third aspect of the present application provides a communication device, which includes the base station antenna as described in the first aspect or the second aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a base station antenna in the related art;

[0061] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] FIG3 is a cross-sectional view of a first base station antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a second base station antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0064] FIG5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the single antenna array in FIG4 in cooperation with the driving member;

[0065] FIG6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the antenna array in FIG5;

[0066] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of a base station antenna with multiple operating frequency bands provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0067] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a second structure of transmission connection between a driving member and an antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application, which is different from FIG5 ;

[0068] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a third structure of transmission connection between a driving member and multiple antenna arrays provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0069] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of a fourth structure of transmission connection between a driving member and multiple antenna arrays provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0070] FIG11 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a cavity in FIG5 ;

[0071] FIG12 is a transverse cross-sectional view of another cavity provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0072] FIG13 is a schematic structural diagram of an antenna array of a third base station antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0073] FIG14 is a schematic structural diagram of a first antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application, which is different from that shown in FIG5 ;

[0074] FIG15 is a schematic structural diagram of a second antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application, which is different from that shown in FIG5 ;

[0075] FIG16 is a schematic structural diagram of a third antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application, which is different from that shown in FIG5 .

[0076] Explanation of the accompanying drawings: 100, antenna array; 10, stripline; 11, stripline inner conductor; 12, cavity; 121, accommodating cavity; 122, cavity segment; 13, movable part; 20, radiating unit; 21, radiating part; 211, layer structure; 22, feeding part; 221, feeding inner core; 222, feeding outer conductor; 23, first radiating unit; 24, second radiating unit; 25, third radiating unit; 26, fourth radiating unit; 27, fifth radiating unit; 30, second antenna cover; 41, first transmission member; 411, transmission shaft; 412, driving gear; 413, driven gear; 42, second transmission member; 43, third transmission member; 50, driving member; 60, first antenna cover; 200, communication equipment; 210, base station antenna; 220, holding pole; 230, antenna adjustment bracket. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] The terms used in the implementation section of this application are only used to explain the specific embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0078] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a base station antenna in related art. As shown in Figure 1, the base station antenna includes a reflector 120, a phase shifter 110, and multiple array antennas 130. Each array antenna 130 includes multiple radiating elements 131. The phase shifters 110 and array antennas 130 are located on opposite sides of the reflector 120. The phase shifters 110 are electrically connected to the radiating elements 131 via coaxial cables. The phase shifters 110 can be used to adjust the phase of the radiating elements 131 to achieve beam downtilt, thereby adjusting the downtilt angle. The reflector 120 reflects the electromagnetic signals radiated by the radiating elements 131, achieving directional radiation.

[0079] However, the base station antenna is relatively heavy due to the limitations of reflector 120. Furthermore, the high dielectric loss of the coaxial cable degrades the overall performance of the base station antenna. Furthermore, the azimuth angle of each individual array antenna 130 cannot be adjusted through mechanical rotation, making it unsuitable for practical applications.

[0080] In view of this, an embodiment of the present application provides a base station antenna 210 and a communication device 200 that can individually adjust the azimuth angle of a single antenna array 100 in the base station antenna 210. Furthermore, by removing the reflector, the radiating element 20 can radiate directionally, which not only meets the requirements of use but also reduces the weight of the base station antenna 210, thereby achieving a lightweight design. Furthermore, the radiating element 20 in the base station antenna 210 is electrically connected to the cavity 12 and the inner conductor 11 of the stripline 10, respectively, which can reduce losses and ensure the overall performance of the base station antenna 210.

[0081] The communication device 200 provided in the embodiment of the present application may include but is not limited to a radar, a RAN node, etc. In the embodiment of the present application, the RAN node is taken as the above-mentioned communication device 200 as an example for explanation. The RAN node may be located in a base station subsystem (BBS), a UMTS terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN), or an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN), and is used to provide cell coverage of wireless electromagnetic signals to achieve communication between terminal devices and wireless networks. Specifically, the RAN node can be a base transceiver station (BTS) in a global system for mobile communication (GSM) or a (code division multiple access, CDMA) system, or a node B (NB) in a wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system, or an evolved node B (eNB or eNodeB) in a long term evolution (LTE) system, or a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario, or an open radio access network (open RAN, O-RAN or ORAN) architecture. Alternatively, the RAN node can also be a relay station, an access point, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device, a g node (gNodeB or gNB) in a new radio (NR) system, or a base station in a future evolved network, etc., and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0082] In one possible scenario, a RAN node may be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a next-generation base station in a sixth-generation (6G) mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. A RAN node may be a macro base station (such as 110a in Figure 1 ), a micro base station or an indoor station (such as 110b in Figure 1 ), a relay node or a donor node, or a wireless controller in a CRAN scenario. Alternatively, a RAN node may be a server, a wearable device, a vehicle, or an onboard device. For example, the access network device in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology may be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0083] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, and different RAN nodes respectively implement part of the functions of the base station. For example, the RAN node can be a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU). The CU and DU can be set separately, or they can be included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in a radio frequency device or radio frequency unit, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0084] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in the ORAN system, CU may also be called O-CU (Open CU), DU may also be called O-DU, CU-CP may also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP, and RU may also be called O-RU. For the convenience of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU and RU as examples for description. Any unit of CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0085] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 2, the communication device 200 provided in an embodiment of the present application includes a base station antenna 210, a mast 220, and an antenna adjustment bracket 230. One end of the base station antenna 210 is connected to the mast 220, and the other end of the base station antenna 210 is connected to the first end of the antenna adjustment bracket 230. The second end of the antenna adjustment bracket 230 is connected to the mast 220. The antenna adjustment bracket 230 can be used to adjust the downtilt angle of the entire base station antenna 210 to adjust the electromagnetic signal coverage range of the base station antenna 210.

[0086] The base station antenna 210 provided in the embodiment of the present application includes at least one antenna array 100 , and the at least one antenna array 100 includes at least one radiation unit 20 .

[0087] For example, as shown in FIG3 , a base station antenna 210 includes three antenna arrays 100, each of which includes five radiating elements 20. Of course, the number of antenna arrays 100 included in the base station antenna 210 may be more or less than three, and the number of radiating elements 20 included in at least one antenna array 100 may be less than or greater than five. FIG3 is a cross-sectional view of the first base station antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0088] When the base station antenna 210 includes an antenna array 100 , the antenna array 100 may include one or more radiation units 20 .

[0089] When the base station antenna 210 includes multiple antenna arrays 100 , each antenna array 100 may include multiple radiation units 20 , or a portion of the multiple antenna arrays 100 may include multiple radiation units 20 and another portion may include one radiation unit 20 .

[0090] In which, when the base station antenna 210 includes multiple antenna arrays 100 and each antenna array 100 includes multiple radiation units 20, the number of radiation units 20 of the multiple antenna arrays 100 can be the same, or the number of radiation units 20 of at least two antenna arrays 100 in the multiple antenna arrays 100 can be different.

[0091] When the base station antenna 210 includes multiple antenna arrays 100 , the operating frequency bands of the multiple antenna arrays 100 may be the same, or the operating frequency bands of at least two antenna arrays 100 may be different.

[0092] In the embodiment of the present application, the radiation unit 20 may also be referred to as an antenna element, an element, etc. It is a basic unit constituting the antenna array 100 and can effectively radiate or receive electromagnetic signals.

[0093] 3 , the base station antenna 210 may further include a first radome 60, and at least one antenna array 100 is disposed inside the first radome 60. The first radome 60 may protect the antenna array 100 from the external environment.

[0094] The following describes the implementation of the base station antenna 210 provided in the embodiment of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0095] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of the second base station antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application, and FIG5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a single antenna array in FIG4 in cooperation with a driving member. The base station antenna 210 provided in an embodiment of the present application includes at least one antenna array 100. For example, as shown in FIG4 , the base station antenna 210 includes four antenna arrays 100. Of course, the number of antenna arrays 100 may be more or less than four. The multiple antenna arrays 100 are arranged side by side and spaced apart along the second direction (such as the Z direction in FIG4 ). At least one antenna array 100 includes a stripline 10 and at least one radiating element 20. For example, as shown in FIG4 and FIG5 , the four antenna arrays 100 each include a stripline 10 and ten radiating elements 20. Of course, the number of antenna arrays 100 having a stripline 10 and at least one radiating element 20 may be more or less than four, and the number of radiating elements 20 in at least one antenna array 100 may be less than or more than ten. In the same antenna array 100, the multiple radiating elements 20 are arranged side by side and spaced apart along the length direction of the stripline 10 (such as the X direction in FIG4 ).

[0096] The second direction intersects and does not overlap with any one of the first direction (such as the Y direction in FIG4 ) and the length direction of the stripline 10 (such as the X direction in FIG4 ). In the embodiment of the present application, the first direction, the second direction, and the length direction of the stripline 10 are perpendicular to each other.

[0097] In the embodiment of the present application, the base station antenna 210 includes multiple antenna arrays 100, and each antenna array 100 includes a stripline 10. However, in some possible implementations, some of the multiple antenna arrays 100 of the base station antenna 210 include striplines 10. For example, the base station antenna 210 includes four antenna arrays 100, and two of the four antenna arrays 100 include striplines 10. Of course, the number of antenna arrays 100 including striplines 10 may also be less than or greater than two.

[0098] Continuing with Figures 4 and 5 , at least one antenna array 100 further includes at least one second antenna cover 30. For example, as shown in Figures 4 and 5 , each of the four antenna arrays 100 includes ten second antenna covers 30. Of course, the number of antenna arrays 100 including second antenna covers 30 may be less than or greater than four, and at least one of the four antenna arrays 100 may also include more than or less than ten second antenna covers 30. In the same antenna array 100, multiple second antenna covers 30 correspond one-to-one to multiple radiating elements 20. Each second antenna cover 30 has an opening facing and connected to the cavity 12, and each radiating element 20 is disposed within a corresponding second antenna cover 30. The second antenna covers 30 protect the radiating elements 20 from the external environment.

[0099] The specific structure of the second antenna cover 30 is not limited here. For example, as shown in FIG4 , the second antenna cover 30 is a rectangular parallelepiped and cylindrical in shape, with the opening of the cylindrical structure facing the strip line 10 .

[0100] In one embodiment, each antenna array 100 of the base station antenna 210 may also remove the second antenna cover 30 (not shown in the figure).

[0101] In one embodiment, when the base station antenna 210 has a first radome 60 (not shown), the second radome 30 of at least one antenna array 100 may also be disposed inside the first radome 60. Of course, when the second radome 30 is removed from the antenna array 100, the radiating element 20 of at least one antenna array 100 may also be disposed inside the first radome 60.

[0102] In the embodiment of the present application, referring to FIG5 , the base station antenna 210 further includes a driving member 50 , which is transmission-connected to the cavity 12 of the strip line 10 and is used to output a driving force to drive the antenna array 100 to rotate around a rotation axis parallel to the length direction of the strip line 10 .

[0103] Of course, in a possible implementation, the base station antenna 210 may not include the driving component 50 . In this case, the driving component 50 and the base station antenna 210 are both two parallel components in the communication device 200 .

[0104] There is no limitation on the specific structure of the driving member 50. For example, the driving member 50 may include a driving motor configured to output a driving force for driving the antenna array 100 to rotate.

[0105] Continuing with FIG5 , the driver 50 is in transmission connection with the cavity 12 of the stripline 10. However, the driver 50 may also be indirectly in transmission connection with the cavity 12 of the stripline 10 via the second antenna cover 30. Specifically, the second antenna cover 30 is configured to receive the driving force output by the driver 50 and transmit the driving force to the cavity 12, so that the cavity 12 drives the radiating element 20 disposed therein and the second antenna cover 30 to rotate together about the rotation axis.

[0106] FIG6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the antenna array in FIG5 . Referring to FIG6 and FIG5 , the stripline 10 of at least one antenna array 100 includes a stripline inner conductor 11 and a cavity 12, wherein the stripline inner conductor 11 is disposed within the cavity 12. In the same antenna array 100 , a plurality of radiation units 20 are fixedly connected to the outer surface of the cavity 12. The cavity 12 is configured to be transmission-connected to the driver 50 and receive the driving force output by the driver 50. When the cavity 12 receives the driving force, the antenna array 100 corresponding to the cavity 12 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis parallel to the length direction of the stripline 10, and the azimuth angle of the antenna array 100 can be adjusted individually.

[0107] As can be seen from FIG. 4 , the plurality of antenna arrays 100 are arranged side by side and at intervals along the second direction, so that the rotation axes of any two antenna arrays 100 are parallel to each other.

[0108] As can be seen from FIG4 above, there are multiple antenna arrays 100, and the cavity 12 of at least one antenna array 100 is used to receive driving force, so that the azimuth angle of a single antenna array 100 can be adjusted. For example, the cavities 12 of multiple antenna arrays 100 are all used to receive driving force, and the azimuth angle of any antenna array 100 can be flexibly adjusted. Alternatively, the cavities 12 of some of the multiple antenna arrays 100 of the base station antenna 210 are used to receive driving force. For example, in one embodiment, the base station antenna 210 includes four antenna arrays 100, wherein the cavity 12 of one antenna array 100 is used to receive driving force, and the cavities 12 of the remaining three antenna arrays 100 do not receive driving force.

[0109] In one possible implementation, as shown in FIG4 , the rotation directions of multiple antenna arrays 100 can be the same. For example, all of the antenna arrays 100 can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise about the rotation axis. Alternatively, some of the multiple antenna arrays 100 can have the same rotation direction. For example, two of the antenna arrays 100 in FIG4 have the same rotation direction, while the remaining two antenna arrays 100 have different rotation directions from the two antenna arrays 100. This configuration can meet specific usage requirements.

[0110] In one possible implementation, as shown in FIG4 , at least two antenna arrays 100 in the base station antenna 210 rotate simultaneously. For example, in FIG4 , two of the antenna arrays 100 rotate simultaneously, while the remaining two antenna arrays 100 rotate independently of the two of the antenna arrays 100. Of course, the multiple antenna arrays 100 in the base station antenna 210 may also rotate independently, that is, independently. Simultaneous rotation can be understood as multiple antenna arrays 100 rotating at the same time. Alternatively, non-simultaneous rotation can be understood as only one antenna array 100 rotating at the same time. This configuration allows the azimuth angle of the corresponding antenna array 100 to be adjusted according to usage requirements.

[0111] In one possible implementation, at least two of the multiple antenna arrays 100 of the base station antenna 210 operate in different frequency bands. For example, as shown in Figure 7, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a base station antenna with multiple operating frequency bands according to an embodiment of the present application, two antenna arrays 100A of the three antenna arrays 100 operate in a first frequency band, while the remaining antenna array 100B operates in a second frequency band, where the first and second frequency bands are different. Of course, the multiple antenna arrays 100 of the base station antenna 210 operate in the same frequency band.

[0112] To sum up, the multiple antenna arrays 100 in the base station antenna 210 provided in the embodiment of the present application can rotate simultaneously or at least two rotate simultaneously, and / or the rotation directions of at least two antenna arrays 100 are the same, and / or the working frequency bands of at least two antenna arrays 100 are different or the working frequency bands of multiple antenna arrays 100 are the same to meet user needs.

[0113] In the embodiment of the present application, there is no limitation on how the driving member 50 drives the multiple antenna arrays 100 to rotate.

[0114] For example, in combination with Figures 4 and 5 above, the base station antenna 210 may further include multiple first transmission members 41. The multiple first transmission members 41 correspond one-to-one to the multiple antenna arrays 100, and the first transmission members 41 are used to transmission-connect the driving member 50 and the cavity 12 of the corresponding antenna array 100. By using multiple first transmission members 41 to achieve transmission connection between the driving member 50 and the multiple antenna arrays 100, not only can a single antenna array 100 be rotated individually to flexibly adjust the azimuth angle of the single antenna array 100, but it can also control when the single antenna array 100 rotates to meet usage requirements. In addition, it can also reduce the difficulty of controlling whether multiple antenna arrays 100 rotate simultaneously.

[0115] There is no limit to the number of driving members 50. In one embodiment, one driving member 50 may correspond to one antenna array 100, with each driving member 50 driving the corresponding antenna array 100 to rotate. Alternatively, in one embodiment, one driving member 50 may correspond to at least two antenna arrays 100, for example, one driving member 50 driving two antenna arrays 100 to rotate.

[0116] Among them, the specific structure of the first transmission member 41 is not limited here. For example, referring to Figures 4 and 5, each first transmission member 41 includes a transmission shaft 411, a driving gear 412 and a driven gear 413. Among them, the driving gear 412 is sleeved on one end of the transmission shaft 411 and meshes with the driven gear 413, and the driven gear 413 is sleeved on the outer wall of the cavity 12. The axis of the transmission shaft 411 is parallel to the length direction of the strip line 10. The axis of the transmission shaft 411 can be located below or above the cavity 12 along the first direction. Of course, the axis of the transmission shaft 411 can also be set on one side of the cavity 12 along the second direction. The driving member 50 is connected to the transmission shaft 411 for transmission. The driving member 50 drives the transmission shaft 411 to rotate, so that the driving gear 412 drives the driven gear 413 to rotate, and the driven gear 413 drives the cavity 12 to rotate, so that the antenna array 100 rotates.

[0117] It should be noted that, in addition to using gear transmission to connect the cavity 12 and the driving member 50 , the first transmission member 41 may also use chain transmission, belt transmission, rack transmission, etc.

[0118] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a second structure of transmission connection between a driving member and an antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application, which is different from Figure 5. The difference between Figure 8 and Figure 5 is that the base station antenna 210 can also include a second transmission member 42 and a plurality of third transmission members 43. Among them, the plurality of third transmission members 43 correspond one-to-one to the cavities 12 of the plurality of antenna arrays 100, and each third transmission member 43 is connected to the cavity 12 of the corresponding antenna array 100. Along the direction perpendicular to the length direction of the strip line 10, two adjacent third transmission members 43 are transmission-connected. The second transmission member 42 is transmission-connected between the driving member 50 and the cavity 12 of one of the antenna arrays 100 in the plurality of antenna arrays 100. For example, as shown in Figure 8, there are three third transmission members 43, and each antenna array 100 corresponds to one third transmission member 43. The cavity 12 of one of the three antenna arrays 100 is transmission-connected to the driving member 50 through the second transmission member 42.

[0119] It should be noted that in addition to being in transmission connection with the cavity 12, the second transmission member 42 can also be in transmission connection with one of the multiple third transmission members 43. Furthermore, the multiple antenna arrays 100 can rotate simultaneously or at different times, without limitation. Furthermore, the structures of the multiple third transmission members 43 can be the same or different, without limitation. The transmission connection between two adjacent third transmission members 43 can include, but is not limited to, gear transmission, chain transmission, belt transmission, etc.

[0120] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a third structure of a drive member and a plurality of antenna arrays provided in an embodiment of the present application in a transmission connection. FIG9 differs from FIG8 in that the base station antenna 210 may further include a second transmission member 42 and at least one third transmission member 43. One end of the second transmission member 42 is transmission-connected to the drive member 50, and the second and third ends of the second transmission member 42 are respectively transmission-connected to the cavities 12 of two of the antenna arrays 100 in the plurality of antenna arrays 100. The cavity 12 of each of the remaining antenna arrays 100 in the plurality of antenna arrays 100 is transmission-connected to the cavity 12 of any one of the two antenna arrays 100 via a third transmission member 34. For example, as shown in FIG9, the second transmission member 42 is transmission-connected to the drive member 50 and the cavities 12 of two of the antenna arrays 100, and the cavity 12 of the remaining antenna array 100 is transmission-connected to the cavity 12 of one of the two antenna arrays 100 via a third transmission member 43.

[0121] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a fourth structure of a drive member and a plurality of antenna arrays provided in an embodiment of the present application in a transmission connection. The difference between Figure 10 and Figure 8 is that the base station antenna 210 may include a plurality of second transmission members 42 and a plurality of third transmission members 43. Among them, the multiple antenna arrays 100 are divided into at least two groups, each group includes a plurality of antenna arrays 100, and each group corresponds to a second transmission member 42. In the same group, along the second direction, the cavities 12 of two adjacent antenna arrays 100 are transmission-connected by a third transmission member 43. The cavity 12 of an antenna array 100 in each group is transmission-connected to the drive member 50 through a corresponding second transmission member 42.

[0122] It should be noted that, in addition to being transmission-connected to the cavity 12 , the second transmission member 42 may also be indirectly transmission-connected to the cavity 12 via the third transmission member 43 .

[0123] FIG11 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a cavity in FIG5 . In one possible embodiment, as shown in FIG11 , the cavity 12 in at least one antenna array 100 includes a plurality of cavity segments 122 extending along the length of the stripline 10. Within the same cavity 12, at least two cavity segments 122 have different radial cross-sectional areas along the length of the stripline 10. The radial cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity segment 122 is perpendicular to the length of the stripline 10. Because the cavity 12 is formed by at least two cavity segments 122 having different radial cross-sectional areas, the weight of the cavity 12 is reduced, thereby reducing the weight of the antenna array 100 and, in turn, the weight of the base station antenna 210.

[0124] In the embodiment of the present application, the different radial cross-sectional areas of at least two cavity segments 122 can be understood as different wall thicknesses of at least two cavity segments 122, or can also be understood as different inner diameters and / or outer diameters of at least two cavity segments 122.

[0125] There is no limitation on the specific number of antenna arrays 100 that include cavities 12 with multiple cavity segments 122. In one embodiment, the cavity 12 of each antenna array 100 includes at least two cavity segments 122 with different radial cross-sectional areas. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the cavities 12 of some antenna arrays 100 within the plurality of antenna arrays 100 include at least two cavity segments 122 with different radial cross-sectional areas.

[0126] Of course, in addition to being composed of multiple cavity segments 122 with different radial cross-sectional areas, the cavity 12 can also be composed of multiple cavity segments 122 with the same radial cross-sectional area. For example, as shown in Figure 12, the cavity 12 is composed of two cavity segments 122. Figure 12 is a transverse cross-sectional view of another cavity provided in an embodiment of the present application. It is understood that the cavity 12 composed of multiple cavity segments 122 with the same radial cross-sectional area can be understood as a cavity structure with the same inner diameter and / or outer diameter along the length direction of the cavity 12.

[0127] In some embodiments, the multiple cavity segments 122 of the cavity 12 may be an integral structure, or in some embodiments, the cavity 12 may be formed by splicing the multiple cavity segments 122 .

[0128] In one possible implementation, as shown in FIG6 , the cavity 12 of at least one antenna array 100 is configured to define at least one accommodating cavity 121. For example, as shown in FIG4 , the cavities 12 of the four antenna arrays 100 each define multiple accommodating cavities 121. Of course, the number of antenna arrays 100 having multiple accommodating cavities 121 may be less than or greater than four. The stripline 10 of at least one antenna array 100 includes at least one stripline inner conductor 11. Within the same antenna array 100, at least one accommodating cavity 121 corresponds one-to-one with at least one stripline inner conductor 11, with each stripline inner conductor 11 disposed within a corresponding accommodating cavity 121. Within the same antenna array 100, when the cavity 12 defines multiple accommodating cavities 121, the multiple accommodating cavities 121 are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the length of the stripline 10, with adjacent cavities 121 sharing a common sidewall. This arrangement allows the stripline 10 to be electrically connected to a radiating element 20 having at least one polarization direction. In addition, when there are multiple accommodating cavities 121 , two adjacent accommodating cavities 121 are separated by side walls, which can avoid electromagnetic interference when transmitting electromagnetic signals and improve the effect of transmitting electromagnetic signals.

[0129] The accommodating cavity 121 is connected at opposite ends along the length of the stripline 10. In other words, the accommodating cavity 121 can be similar to the interior of a tube with both ends connected, that is, the accommodating cavity 121 has a hollow structure. Alternatively, the cavity 12 can be understood as a tubular structure with both ends connected.

[0130] It should be noted that when there are multiple antenna arrays 100, in addition to the cavity 12 of each antenna array 100 defining multiple accommodating cavities 121, in some possible implementations, the cavities 12 of some antenna arrays 100 in the multiple antenna arrays 100 may define multiple accommodating cavities 121, while the cavities 12 of another portion of the antenna arrays 100 define one accommodating cavity 121. Alternatively, in some possible implementations, the cavity 12 of each antenna array 100 in the multiple antenna arrays 100 defines one accommodating cavity 121.

[0131] In some possible implementations, the number of accommodating cavities 121 defined by the cavity 12 may be determined according to the polarization direction of the radiation unit 20 , which is not limited here.

[0132] In one embodiment, when the radiating element 20 is a single-polarized radiating element, the cavity 12 of the antenna array 100 having the single-polarized radiating element is used to define a receiving cavity 121, and a stripline inner conductor 11 is disposed within the receiving cavity 121. The first end and the second end of the single-polarized radiating element are electrically connected to the cavity 12 and the stripline inner conductor 11, respectively, as shown in Figure 6.

[0133] Alternatively, in one embodiment, when the radiating element 20 is a dual-polarized radiating element, the cavity 12 of the antenna array 100 having the dual-polarized radiating element is used to define two accommodating cavities 121. The two accommodating cavities 121 are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the stripline 10, and the two accommodating cavities 121 share a side wall. In other words, the cavity 12 of at least one antenna array 100 defines two accommodating cavities 121 separated by an inner wall. In the same antenna array 100, a stripline inner conductor 11 is arranged inside each accommodating cavity 121. The first and second ends of the dual-polarized radiating element are respectively electrically connected to the cavity 12, and the third and fourth ends of the dual-polarized radiating element are respectively electrically connected to the two stripline inner conductors 11 arranged inside the two accommodating cavities 121, as shown in Figure 13. Figure 13 is a structural schematic diagram of the antenna array of the third base station antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0134] The dual polarization of the dual polarization radiation unit may include but is not limited to horizontal and vertical, ±45°, etc. In addition, in the embodiment of the present application, the dual polarization radiation unit is described as the radiation unit 20 .

[0135] It should be noted that, when there are multiple antenna arrays 100, the polarization directions of the radiation elements 20 of the multiple antenna arrays 100 may be the same or different. In addition, when the antenna array 100 includes multiple radiation elements 20, the polarization directions of the multiple radiation elements 20 may be the same or different.

[0136] In one possible implementation, the strip line 10 of at least one antenna array 100 may further include a movable part 13 (not shown in the figure), which is arranged inside the cavity 12 and is used to move along the length direction of the strip line 10 relative to the strip line inner conductor 11 to change the phase of the electromagnetic signal radiated by the strip radiation unit 20, thereby realizing a phase adjustment function, and further adjusting the downtilt angle of the antenna array 100.

[0137] There is no limitation on the specific number of antenna arrays 100 having movable elements 13. For example, in the embodiments of the present application, the strip lines 10 of each antenna array 100 include movable elements 13, allowing for flexible adjustment of the downtilt angle of any of the multiple antenna arrays 100. Alternatively, in some embodiments, some of the multiple antenna arrays 100 include movable elements 13.

[0138] Since the cavity 12 is used to define at least one accommodating cavity 121 for accommodating the stripline inner conductor 11, the stripline 10 includes at least one movable member 13. The at least one movable member 13 corresponds one-to-one with the at least one accommodating cavity 121, and each movable member 13 is disposed within a corresponding accommodating cavity 121. Exemplarily, the stripline 10 of at least one antenna array 100 among the multiple antenna arrays 100 includes two accommodating cavities 121 and two movable members 13, and each movable member 13 is disposed within a corresponding accommodating cavity 121.

[0139] The specific structure of the movable member 13 is not limited here. In one embodiment, the movable member 13 includes a dielectric member that slides along the length of the stripline 10 relative to the stripline inner conductor 11, thereby changing the equivalent dielectric constant between the stripline inner conductor 11 and the cavity 12 to achieve phase shifting. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the movable member 13 includes a metal member that slides along the length of the stripline 10 and is coupled to the stripline inner conductor 11, thereby changing the transmission path length of the electromagnetic signal to achieve phase shifting.

[0140] In the embodiment of the present application, referring to FIG6 , at least one radiating element 20 in the same antenna array 100 includes a radiating portion 21 and a feeding portion 22. For example, as shown in FIG4 , in the same antenna array 100, ten radiating elements 20 each include a radiating portion 21 and a feeding portion 22. Of course, the number of radiating elements 20 including radiating portions 21 and feeding portions 22 may be less than or greater than ten. The first end of the feeding portion 22 is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the cavity 12, and the radiating portion 21 is fixedly connected to the second end of the feeding portion 22 and electrically connected to the stripline inner conductor 11 and the cavity 12, respectively, through the feeding portion 22. This configuration not only allows the radiating portion 21 to be fixedly connected to the outer surface of the cavity 12, thereby simplifying the structure of the antenna array 100, but also allows the radiating portion 21 to be electrically connected to the cavity 12 and the stripline inner conductor 11, respectively, thereby reducing losses.

[0141] In an embodiment of the present application, each of the multiple radiating units 20 of the antenna array 100 includes a radiating portion 21 and a feeding portion 22. However, in some possible implementations, some of the multiple radiating units 20 of the antenna array 100 may also include a radiating portion 21 and a feeding portion 22. For example, two of the four radiating units 20 of the antenna array 100 include a radiating portion 21 and a feeding portion 22.

[0142] In the embodiment of the present application, the specific structure of the radiation portion 21 is not limited here.

[0143] For example, referring to FIG6 , the radiating portion 21 includes multiple layer structures 211 arranged side by side and spaced apart along a first direction. The multiple layer structures 211 are used to directionally radiate electromagnetic signals along the first direction, away from the stripline 10. The first direction intersects and does not overlap with the length of the stripline 10. The radiating portion 21, composed of multiple layer structures 211, radiates electromagnetic signals directionally to the corresponding area, not only meeting usage requirements but also eliminating the reflector used in related art, thereby reducing the weight of the base station antenna 210 and achieving a lightweight design.

[0144] When the reflector is removed, there are no restrictions on how the radiating portion 21 achieves directional radiation. In one embodiment, one of the multiple layer structures 211 of the radiating portion 21 that is closest to the stripline 10 can be used to reflect electromagnetic signals radiated by the remaining layer structures 211. In other words, the layer structure 211 closest to the stripline 10 functions as a reflector. In one embodiment, each layer structure 211 in the radiating portion 21 is used to radiate electromagnetic signals. The electromagnetic signals radiated by all the layer structures 211 are superimposed on each other, resulting in a directionally radiated electromagnetic signal from the radiating portion 211.

[0145] In the same radiation portion 21, the structures of all layer structures 211 may be the same or different, which is not limited here. In addition, the specific structure of the layer structure 211 is not limited here either.

[0146] It should be noted that when the antenna array 100 includes multiple radiating parts 21, in addition to including multiple layer structures 211, in some possible implementations, part of the multiple radiating parts 21 may also include multiple layer structures 211. In other words, in the same antenna array 100, there are at least two structures of the radiating parts 21.

[0147] Continuing with FIG5 , at least one antenna array 100 includes multiple radiating elements 20. For example, as shown in FIG4 , each of the four antenna arrays 100 includes multiple radiating elements 20. Of course, the number of antenna arrays 100 including multiple radiating elements 20 may be more or less than four. In the same antenna array 100, the multiple radiating elements 20 are arranged side by side and spaced apart along the length of the stripline 10. In other words, in the same antenna array 100, there is a gap between two adjacent radiating elements 20 along the length of the stripline 10. Consequently, there is a gap between the layer structures 211 of the two adjacent radiating elements 20, and the layer structures 211 of the two adjacent radiating elements 20 are independent of each other.

[0148] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first antenna array, different from that shown in FIG5 , provided in an embodiment of the present application. In one possible implementation, when at least one antenna array 100 includes multiple radiating elements 20, within the same antenna array 100, the multiple radiating elements 20 are arranged side by side along the length of the stripline 10, and two adjacent layer structures 211 form an integral structure, and the two adjacent layer structures 211 respectively belong to two adjacent radiating elements 20 of the at least two radiating elements 20.

[0149] 13 , each of the two adjacent layer structures 211 is the layer structure 211 closest to the stripline 10 in the radiating portion 21 along the first direction. However, in some embodiments, each of the two adjacent layer structures 211 may also be located on the side of the layer structure 211 closest to the stripline 10 in the radiating portion 21 along the first direction facing away from the stripline 10.

[0150] 14 , two adjacent layer structures 211 are disposed at the same height relative to the stripline 10 along the first direction. However, the two adjacent layer structures 211 may also be disposed at non-equal height relative to the stripline 10 along the first direction.

[0151] Continuing with FIG14 , the fact that two adjacent layer structures 211 are an integrated structure can be understood as the radiating portions 21 of two adjacent radiating elements 20 sharing the same layer structure 211. Furthermore, in the same antenna array 100, the number of radiating elements 20 sharing the same layer structure 211 can be all (as shown in FIG14 ) or part (e.g., FIG15 or FIG16 ).

[0152] In one embodiment, the antenna array 100 includes five radiating elements 20 , and the five radiating elements 20 share the same layer structure 211 , as shown in FIG. 14 .

[0153] FIG15 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second antenna array according to an embodiment of the present application, which is different from that shown in FIG5 . In one embodiment, as shown in FIG15 , the antenna array 100 includes five radiating elements 20 , including a first radiating element 23 , a second radiating element 24 , a third radiating element 25 , a fourth radiating element 26 , and a fifth radiating element 27 . The first radiating element 23 and the second radiating element 24 share a layer structure 211 , and the third radiating element 25 , the fourth radiating element 26 , and the fifth radiating element 27 share the same layer structure 211 .

[0154] FIG16 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a third antenna array according to an embodiment of the present application, different from that shown in FIG5 . In one embodiment, as shown in FIG16 , antenna array 100 includes five radiating elements, including a first radiating element 23, a second radiating element 24, a third radiating element 25, a fourth radiating element 26, and a fifth radiating element 27. The first radiating element 23 and the second radiating element 24 share a layer structure 211.

[0155] In summary, in the same antenna array 100, multiple radiating elements 20 arranged in an alternating pattern, or the radiating portions 21 of at least two radiating elements 20 sharing the same layer structure 211, can both radiate electromagnetic signals to the corresponding area, meeting usage requirements. However, if the radiating portions 21 of at least two radiating elements 20 in the same antenna array 100 are independent of each other, the weight of the base station antenna 210 can be further reduced, thereby achieving an extremely lightweight design.

[0156] In the embodiment of the present application, referring again to FIG6 , the feed portion 22 includes a feed inner core 221 and a feed outer conductor 222. The first end of the feed outer conductor 222 is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the cavity 12 and electrically connected to the cavity 12. The radiating portion 21 is connected to the second end of the feed outer conductor 222 and electrically connected to the feed outer conductor 222. The radiating portion 21 is electrically connected to the stripline inner conductor 11 via the feed inner core 221. This arrangement not only secures the radiating portion 21 to the outer surface of the cavity 12 but also electrically connects the radiating portion 21 to the stripline inner conductor 11 and the cavity 12, thereby achieving a low-loss design.

[0157] It should be noted that the electrical connection between the feed core 221 and the radiating portion 21 can be an electrical connection with physical contact or a coupling connection without physical contact. In other words, the feed core 221 can be directly electrically connected or coupled to the radiating portion 21.

[0158] There is no limitation on the specific structure of the feed outer conductor 222. In one embodiment, the feed outer conductor 222 may be hollow, and the feed inner core 221 is disposed inside the feed outer conductor 222, which can improve the compactness of the radiation unit 20.

[0159] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to a fixed connection, an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, internal communication between two components, or an interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of this application based on specific circumstances.

[0160] In the embodiments of the present application, any device or element referred to or implied must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the embodiments of the present application. In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the meaning of "plurality" is two or more, unless otherwise specifically specified.

[0161] The terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. (if any) in the specification and claims of the embodiments of the present application and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequential order. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchangeable where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the embodiments of the present application described herein can, for example, be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any of their variations are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, for example, a process, method, system, product or device comprising a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0162] The term "plurality" in this document refers to two or more. The term "and / or" in this document simply describes a relationship between related objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent: A alone, A and B together, or B alone. Furthermore, the character " / " in this document generally indicates an "or" relationship between the related objects; in a formula, the character " / " indicates a "division" relationship between the related objects.

[0163] It will be understood that the various numerical numbers involved in the embodiments of the present application are merely distinctions for the convenience of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0164] It can be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A base station antenna, characterized in that: comprising at least one antenna array, at least one of the antenna arrays comprising a stripline and at least one radiating element; The stripline includes a stripline inner conductor and a cavity for accommodating the stripline inner conductor; The at least one radiation unit is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the cavity; The cavity in at least one of the antenna arrays is used to receive a driving force output by a driving member. When the cavity receives the driving force, the antenna array corresponding to the cavity rotates around a rotation axis parallel to the length direction of the strip line.

2. The base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one of the radiation units includes a radiation portion for electrically connecting to the conductor inside the stripline and the cavity respectively, and the radiation portion includes a plurality of layer structures arranged side by side and at intervals along a first direction, and the plurality of layer structures are used to directionally radiate electromagnetic signals along the first direction away from the stripline; wherein the first direction intersects with and does not overlap with the length direction of the stripline.

3. A base station antenna, characterized in that: comprising at least one antenna array, at least one of the antenna arrays comprising a stripline and at least one radiating element; The at least one radiation unit is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the strip line; At least one of the radiation units includes a radiation portion electrically connected to the strip line, and the radiation portion includes a plurality of layer structures arranged side by side and at intervals along a first direction, and the plurality of layer structures are used to directionally radiate electromagnetic signals along the first direction away from the strip line; wherein the first direction intersects and does not overlap with the length direction of the strip line.

4. The base station antenna according to claim 3, characterized in that: The stripline includes a cavity and a stripline inner conductor disposed inside the cavity and extending along the length direction of the stripline; In the same antenna array, at least one of the radiation units is connected to the outer surface of the cavity, and the radiation part of at least one of the radiation units is electrically connected to the cavity and the inner conductor of the strip line, respectively.

5. The base station antenna according to claim 4, characterized in that: The cavity of at least one of the antenna arrays is used to receive the driving force output by the driving member, wherein: When the cavity receives the driving force, the antenna array corresponding to the cavity rotates around a rotation axis parallel to the length direction of the strip line.

6. The base station antenna according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: At least one of the antenna arrays comprises a plurality of the radiating elements, wherein: In the same antenna array, a plurality of the radiation units are arranged side by side and at intervals along the length direction of the strip line; or, In the same antenna array, along the length direction of the strip line, a plurality of the radiation units are arranged side by side, two adjacent layer structures are an integral structure, and the two adjacent layer structures respectively belong to two adjacent radiation units of at least two radiation units.

7. The base station antenna according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 and 5, characterized in that: At least one of the radiation units further comprises a feeding part, a first end of the feeding part is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the cavity, and the radiation part is fixedly connected to the second end of the feeding part and is electrically connected to the stripline inner conductor and the cavity respectively through the feeding part.

8. The base station antenna according to claim 7, characterized in that: The feeding portion includes a feeding inner core and a feeding outer conductor, wherein a first end of the feeding outer conductor is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the cavity and is electrically connected to the cavity, and the radiating portion is connected to the second end of the feeding outer conductor and is electrically connected to the feeding outer conductor, and the radiating portion is electrically connected to the stripline inner conductor through the feeding inner core.

9. The base station antenna according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 and 8, characterized in that: The cavity in at least one of the antenna arrays comprises a plurality of accommodating cavity segments extending along the length direction of the strip line, wherein: In the same cavity, along the length direction of the strip line, the radial cross-sections of at least two of the accommodating cavity segments have different areas; wherein the radial cross-sections of the accommodating cavity segments are perpendicular to the length direction of the strip line.

10. The base station antenna according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4, 5, 7-9, characterized in that: The cavity of at least one of the antenna arrays is used to define at least one accommodating cavity, and the strip line of at least one of the antenna arrays includes at least one strip line inner conductor, wherein: In the same antenna array, the at least one accommodating cavity corresponds to the at least one stripline inner conductor in a one-to-one manner, and the stripline inner conductor is arranged inside the corresponding accommodating cavity; When the cavity defines a plurality of the accommodating cavities, the plurality of the accommodating cavities are parallel to each other along a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the strip line. The accommodating chambers are arranged in a row, and two adjacent accommodating chambers share a side wall.

11. The base station antenna according to claim 10, characterized in that: The strip line of at least one of the antenna arrays further comprises at least one movable element, the at least one movable element corresponds to the at least one accommodating cavity one by one, and each of the movable elements is arranged inside the corresponding accommodating cavity, wherein: The movable member includes a dielectric member for sliding relative to the inner conductor of the strip line along the length direction of the strip line; or, The movable member includes a metal member for sliding along the length direction of the strip line member and for coupling and connecting with the inner conductor of the strip line.

12. The base station antenna according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: The radiation unit is a single-polarization radiation unit or a dual-polarization radiation unit, wherein: When the radiation unit is the single-polarization radiation unit, the single-polarization radiation unit is used to be electrically connected to the cavity and one of the stripline inner conductors respectively; or, When the radiation unit is the dual-polarization radiation unit, the dual-polarization radiation unit is used to be electrically connected to the cavity and the two stripline inner conductors respectively.

13. The base station antenna according to claim 1, 2 or 5, characterized in that: The base station antenna includes a plurality of antenna arrays, the rotation axes of any two antenna arrays are parallel to each other, and the rotation directions of at least two antenna arrays are the same.

14. The base station antenna according to claim 1, 2, 5 or 13, characterized in that: The base station antenna comprises a plurality of antenna arrays, wherein: At least two of the antenna arrays rotate simultaneously; or, The plurality of antenna arrays do not rotate simultaneously.

15. The base station antenna according to claim 1, 2, 5, 13 or 14, characterized in that: The base station antenna comprises a plurality of antenna arrays, wherein: At least two of the antenna arrays have different operating frequency bands; or, The operating frequency bands of the multiple antenna arrays are the same.

16. The base station antenna according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that: The base station antenna also includes a plurality of first transmission members, each of which corresponds to each of the plurality of antenna arrays. The first transmission member is used for transmission connection between the driving member and the corresponding cavity of the antenna array.

17. The base station antenna according to claim 16, characterized in that: The base station antenna further comprises a driving member, which is drivingly connected to the cavity of at least one of the antenna arrays, and is used to drive the at least one antenna array to rotate around the rotation axis.

18. The base station antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that: The base station antenna includes a plurality of antenna arrays, which are arranged side by side and at intervals along a second direction, and the second direction intersects and does not overlap with any one of the first direction and the length direction of the strip line.

19. A communication device, characterized in that: Comprising the base station antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

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