Flat panel antenna and communication device

Abstract

A flat panel antenna (10), comprising a plate-shaped structure (1) and a phase shifter (2). The plate-shaped structure (1) is provided with a radiation surface (11), a feed source surface (12), and a contour surface (13). The plate-shaped structure (1) is further provided with a radiation cavity (14), a feed source cavity (15), and a first slot (16). The phase shifter (2) is located in the first slot (16). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an integrated structure having the radiation cavity (14) and the feed source cavity (15) is implemented by means of the plate-shaped structure (1), so that alignment deviation between the radiation cavity (14) and the feed source cavity (15) can be avoided. Accordingly, when the phase shifter (2) is mounted, only the alignment of the phase shifter (2) and the radiation cavity (14) or the feed source cavity (15) needs to be ensured, thereby simplifying the assembly process of the flat panel antenna (10) while reducing alignment errors during assembly and ensuring the antenna performance of the flat panel antenna (10).

Description

Flat panel antennas and communication equipment Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of antenna technology, and in particular to a flat panel antenna and communication equipment. Background Art

[0002] At present, phased array antennas are a key component of new satellite communication ground equipment. With the popularization of satellite applications, the demand for phased array antennas with continuously adjustable beams is also increasing.

[0003] A liquid crystal flat panel antenna is a planar antenna based on liquid crystal material, with a liquid crystal phase shifter as its core component. This antenna also includes a feed layer and a radiating layer located on either side of the liquid crystal phase shifter. Typically, these layers are fabricated using printed circuit boards (PCBs), which are then assembled to the liquid crystal phase shifter using a lamination process. However, assembling the feed and radiating PCBs with the liquid crystal phase shifter requires two alignment steps, increasing the complexity of the assembly process.

[0004] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the above background technology section is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of the present disclosure, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to ordinary technicians in the field.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide a flat panel antenna and communication equipment, which can simplify the assembly process and improve the antenna effect.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a flat panel antenna, comprising:

[0008] A plate-like structure having a radiation surface and a feed surface facing each other, and a contour surface located between the radiation surface and the feed surface, the plate-like structure further having a radiation cavity with an opening located on the radiation surface, a feed cavity with an opening located on the feed surface, and a first slot located between the radiation cavity and the feed cavity and with a notch located on the contour surface;

[0009] A phase shifter is located in the first slot, and is used to shift the phase of the electromagnetic signal transmitted between the feed cavity and the radiation cavity.

[0010] According to any one of the flat panel antennas of the present disclosure, the flat panel antenna comprises a plurality of the phase shifters;

[0011] The plate-like structure has a plurality of first slots located between the radiation cavity and the feed cavity. The plurality of first slots are distributed in a direction perpendicular to the radiation surface and correspond one-to-one to the plurality of phase shifters. Each phase shifter is located in a corresponding first slot.

[0012] According to any one of the flat panel antennas described in the present disclosure, the plate-shaped structure has two first slots, and the flat panel antenna includes an adjustment phase shifter and a polarization phase shifter respectively located in the two first slots.

[0013] According to any of the flat panel antennas described in the present disclosure, the adjustment phase shifter is located on a side of the polarization phase shifter close to the feed cavity.

[0014] According to any one of the planar antennas described in the present disclosure, the polarization phase shifter includes a plurality of phase shift regions, and the plurality of phase shift regions correspond one-to-one to the plurality of radiation cavities included in the plate-like structure;

[0015] Each of the phase shifting zones includes a first phase shifting unit and a second phase shifting unit, wherein the first phase shifting unit is used to perform phase shifting on one of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals, and the second phase shifting unit is used to perform phase shifting on the other of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals, and the phase difference between the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals after phase shifting is -90 degrees or 90 degrees.

[0016] According to any one of the planar antennas described in the present disclosure, the polarization phase shifter includes a plurality of phase shift regions, and the plurality of phase shift regions correspond one-to-one to the plurality of radiation cavities included in the plate-like structure;

[0017] Each of the phase shifting zones includes a first phase shifting unit and a second phase shifting unit, wherein the first phase shifting unit is used to perform phase shifting on one of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals, and the second phase shifting unit is used to perform phase shifting on the other of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals, and the phase difference between the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals after phase shifting is 0 degrees.

[0018] According to any one of the planar antennas of the present disclosure, the planar antenna further comprises a functional layer;

[0019] The plate-shaped structure further has a second slot located between the radiation cavity and the feed cavity, and the functional layer is located in the second slot.

[0020] According to any of the flat panel antennas described in the present disclosure, the functional layer is a guiding layer.

[0021] According to any one of the planar antennas of the present disclosure, the planar antenna comprises a first functional layer and a second functional layer;

[0022] The plate-shaped structure has two second slots located between the radiation cavity and the feed cavity, and the first functional layer and the second functional layer are respectively located in the two second slots.

[0023] According to any of the flat panel antennas described in the present disclosure, the flat panel antenna further includes a positioning structure, and the positioning structure is fixedly connected to the phase shifter and the plate-shaped structure.

[0024] According to any one of the flat panel antennas of the present disclosure, the positioning structure comprises a positioning pin;

[0025] The plate-like structure has a fixing hole extending from the first slot in a direction perpendicular to the radiation surface, the phase shifter has a positioning hole, and the positioning pin passes through the fixing hole and the positioning hole in sequence.

[0026] According to any one of the flat panel antennas of the present disclosure, the positioning structure comprises a positioning bolt;

[0027] The plate-like structure has a threaded hole whose opening is located on the contour surface and communicates with the first slot. The positioning bolt is screwed into the threaded hole and abuts against a side surface of the phase shifter.

[0028] According to any of the flat panel antennas described in the present disclosure, the plate-like structure has an observation hole extending from the first slot to the direction perpendicular to the radiation surface, and the edge of the phase shifter has a first alignment mark exposed at the observation hole.

[0029] According to any of the flat antennas described in the present disclosure, a slot wall of the first slot has a second alignment mark, and the first alignment mark and the second alignment mark have an overlapping area in a direction perpendicular to the radiation surface.

[0030] According to any of the flat panel antennas described in the present disclosure, the flat panel antenna further includes a substrate and a radiation unit, the substrate is fixed on the radiation surface of the plate-like structure, the radiation unit is arranged on the surface of the substrate facing away from the plate-like structure, and the radiation unit is coupled to the radiation cavity.

[0031] According to any of the planar antennas described in the present disclosure, the radiating unit is a microstrip line.

[0032] According to any of the flat panel antennas described in the present disclosure, the radiation cavity has a cylindrical structure.

[0033] According to any of the flat panel antennas described in the present disclosure, the radiation cavity has a horn-shaped structure, and the small-diameter end of the radiation cavity is far away from the radiation surface.

[0034] According to any of the flat panel antennas described in the present disclosure, the plate-like structure is a metal flat plate.

[0035] According to any of the planar antennas described in the present disclosure, the plate-like structure is a non-metallic planar plate, and the inner surface of the radiation cavity and the inner surface of the feed cavity have a metal coating.

[0036] According to any of the flat panel antennas described in the present disclosure, an outer surface of the phase shifter is covered with a buffer layer.

[0037] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, including the flat panel antenna described in the above aspect.

[0038] The embodiments of the present disclosure include at least the following technical effects:

[0039] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, an integrated design of the radiation cavity and the feed cavity is realized by a plate-like structure, so that the alignment of the radiation cavity and the feed cavity can be ensured when the radiation cavity and the feed cavity are manufactured. Then, when the phase shifter is installed along the slot, it is only necessary to ensure the alignment of the phase shifter with the radiation cavity or the feed cavity. That is, compared with the flat antenna in the related art, the flat antenna of the present disclosure only needs to achieve the alignment of the phase shifter with the radiation cavity or the feed cavity during assembly (that is, only one alignment is required), thereby simplifying the assembly process of the flat antenna, while reducing the alignment error during assembly, and ensuring the antenna effect of the flat antenna.

[0040] It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The accompanying drawings are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present disclosure, and together with the specification, are used to explain the principles of the present disclosure. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present disclosure, and those skilled in the art can derive other drawings based on these drawings without inventive effort.

[0042] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional structure of a flat panel antenna provided by the related art.

[0043] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of a flat panel antenna provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a top view of the structure of a phase shifter provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional structure of a liquid crystal phase shifter provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of another flat panel antenna provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of another flat panel antenna provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of another flat panel antenna provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of another flat panel antenna provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of another flat panel antenna provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of the planar antenna shown in FIG9 .

[0052] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of another flat panel antenna provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of another flat panel antenna provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of a process of converting circular polarization to linear polarization provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of another process of converting circular polarization to linear polarization provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] FIG15 is a schematic diagram of a process for converting the rotation direction of circular polarization provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] FIG16 is a schematic diagram of another process of converting the rotation direction of circular polarization provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] FIG17 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of another flat panel antenna provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] Figure numerals: 10, flat antenna; 1, plate-like structure; 2, phase shifter; 3, radiation layer; 4, feed layer; 5, functional layer; 6, buffer layer; 7, positioning pin; 8, positioning bolt; 11, radiation surface; 12, feed surface; 13, contour surface; 14, radiation cavity; 15, feed cavity; 16, first slot; 17, second slot; 18, fixing hole; 19, threaded hole; 110, observation hole; 111, second alignment mark; 151, feed main port; 152, power splitter port; 21, first substrate; 22, second substrate; 23, liquid crystal layer; 24, rubber frame; 25, spacer; 26, phase shift region; 27, positioning hole; 28, first alignment mark; 211, first electrode; 221, second electrode; 261, phase shift unit; 262, first phase shift unit; 263, second phase shift unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the example embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the concepts of the example embodiments to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals in the figures represent identical or similar structures, and thus their detailed descriptions will be omitted. Furthermore, the figures are merely schematic illustrations of the present disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0061] Although relative terms such as "upper" and "lower" are used in this specification to describe the relationship of one illustrated component to another, these terms are used herein for convenience only, such as in accordance with the orientation of the illustrations in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that if the illustrated device were flipped upside down, the component described as "upper" would become the component "lower." When a structure is referred to as "on" another structure, this may mean that the structure is integrally formed with the other structure, that the structure is "directly" disposed on the other structure, or that the structure is "indirectly" disposed on the other structure via the other structure.

[0062] The terms "a", "an", "the", "said" and "at least one" are used to indicate the presence of one or more elements / components / etc.; the terms "including" and "having" are used to express open-ended inclusion and mean that additional elements / components / etc. may be present in addition to the listed elements / components / etc.; the terms "first", "second" and "third" etc. are used only as labels and are not intended to limit the quantity of their objects.

[0063] In the related art, as shown in FIG1 , a flat panel antenna 10 typically includes a radiating layer 3 and a feed layer 4, and a phase shifter 2 positioned between the radiating layer 3 and the feed layer 4, with the radiating layer 3 and the feed layer 4 bonded to either side of the phase shifter 2. The radiating layer 3 includes multiple radiating elements, the feed layer 4 includes multiple feeding elements, and the phase shifter 2 includes multiple phase shifting elements 261. The multiple radiating elements, the multiple feeding elements, and the multiple phase shifting elements 261 correspond one to one. Thus, when a signal is fed through the multiple feeding elements, the coupling between the feeding elements and the phase shifting elements 261 allows the multiple phase shifting elements 261 to phase shift the electromagnetic signal transmitted by each feeding element to meet the desired electromagnetic signal. Furthermore, the coupling between the phase shifting elements 261 and the radiating elements allows the electromagnetic signal, after phase shifting by the multiple phase shifting elements 261, to be radiated outward along the multiple radiating elements, thereby achieving the antenna function of the flat panel antenna 10.

[0064] When assembling the flat panel antenna 10, to ensure the antenna effect of the flat panel antenna 10, it is necessary to align the corresponding radiating elements, feeding elements, and phase shifting elements 261 to ensure coupling. Specifically, when bonding the radiating layer 3 and the feed layer 4 to either side of the phase shifter 2, the radiating elements of the radiating layer 3 and the feeding elements of the feed layer 4 must be aligned with the phase shifting elements 261 of the phase shifter 2 to ensure electromagnetic signal coupling. This multiple alignment and bonding steps when bonding the radiating layer 3 and the feed layer 4 to the phase shifter 2 not only increase the process complexity but also easily lead to alignment errors, affecting the antenna effect of the flat panel antenna 10.

[0065] FIG2 illustrates a schematic structural diagram of a planar antenna 10 provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG2 , planar antenna 10 comprises a plate-like structure 1 and a phase shifter 2. The plate-like structure 1 has a radiating surface 11 and a feed surface 12 facing each other, and a contour surface 13 located between the radiating surface 11 and the feed surface 12. The plate-like structure 1 further comprises a radiating cavity 14 with an opening located on the radiating surface 11, a feed cavity 15 with an opening located on the feed surface 12, and a first slot 16 located between the radiating cavity 14 and the feed cavity 15 and with a notch located on the contour surface 13. The phase shifter 2 is located within the first slot 16 and is configured to shift the phase of the electromagnetic signal transmitted between the feed cavity 15 and the radiating cavity 14.

[0066] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the integrated design of the radiation cavity 14 and the feed cavity 15 is realized by the plate-like structure 1, so that the alignment of the radiation cavity 14 and the feed cavity 15 can be ensured while the radiation cavity 14 and the feed cavity 15 are manufactured. Then, when the phase shifter 2 is installed along the slot, it is only necessary to ensure the alignment of the phase shifter 2 with the radiation cavity 14 or the feed cavity 15. That is, compared with the flat-panel antenna 10 in the related art, the flat-panel antenna 10 of the present disclosure only needs to align the phase shifter 2 with the radiation cavity 14 or the feed cavity 15 during assembly (that is, only one alignment is required), thereby simplifying the assembly process of the flat-panel antenna 10, while reducing the alignment error during assembly, and ensuring the antenna effect of the flat-panel antenna 10.

[0067] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the phase shifter 2 may be a liquid crystal phase shifter or other types of phase shifters, as long as the phase adjustment of the electromagnetic signal can be achieved.

[0068] The phase shifter 2 has multiple phase shifting regions 26 distributed in an array, each of which has one or more phase shifting units 261. As shown in FIG3 , the multiple phase shifting regions 26 are distributed in a matrix. Of course, the multiple phase shifting regions 26 included in the phase shifter 2 can also be distributed in a triangular array, etc., which can be determined in combination with the distribution of the radiation cavity 14 included in the flat antenna 10, or the distribution of the power splitter ports 152 included in the feed cavity 15 (see the description of the feed cavity 15 below for details), and this disclosure is not limited to this.

[0069] As shown in FIG3 , for the multiple phase shift zones 26 arranged in a matrix, the spacing d between adjacent phase shift zones 26 is generally 0.3 to 0.8 wavelengths of the operating frequency band. This reduces the mutual coupling between adjacent phase shift zones 26 and improves the antenna performance of the planar antenna 10. For example, the spacing d between adjacent phase shift zones 26 is generally 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, or 0.8 wavelengths of the operating frequency band.

[0070] Taking the phase shifter 2 as an example, a liquid crystal phase shifter, as shown in Figure 4, comprises a first substrate 21, a second substrate 22, and a liquid crystal layer 23. The first substrate 21 and the second substrate 22 are arranged opposite each other and fixedly connected by a plastic frame 24. The first substrate 21, the second substrate 22, and the plastic frame 24 define a liquid crystal receiving cavity, and the liquid crystal layer 23 is located within the liquid crystal receiving cavity. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the liquid crystal phase shifter 2 also includes spacers 25 positioned within the liquid crystal receiving cavity to provide support between the first substrate 21 and the second substrate 22. This ensures the stability of the first and second substrates 21, 22 fixed by the plastic frame 24 and prevents the first and second substrates 21, 22 from sagging toward the liquid crystal receiving cavity.

[0071] As shown in FIG4 , a first electrode 211 is provided on the first substrate 21, and a second electrode 221 is provided on the second substrate 22. The first electrode 211 and the second electrode 221 constitute a phase shift unit 261 within the phase shift region 26. The first electrode 211 and the second electrode 221 are respectively configured to apply different voltages to drive the liquid crystal molecules between the first electrode 211 and the second electrode 221 to deflect, thereby adjusting the phase of the electromagnetic signal. For example, a common voltage (e.g., a ground voltage) can be applied to the first electrode 211, and an electrode voltage can be applied to the second electrode 221.

[0072] At least one of the first electrodes 211 and the second electrodes 221 is arranged in an array to facilitate control of the phase shifting units 261 within the multiple phase shifting regions 26 included in the liquid crystal phase shifter 2. Continuing with the above example, the first substrate 21 has a whole layer of metal electrodes, and the whole layer of metal electrodes serves as the first electrodes 211 of the multiple phase shifting units 261. The second substrate 22 has a plurality of second electrodes 221 arranged in an array, so that the multiple phase shifting units 261 are formed by the plurality of second electrodes 221 and the whole layer of metal electrodes; or the first substrate 21 has a plurality of first electrodes 211 arranged in an array, and the second substrate 22 has a plurality of second electrodes 221 arranged in an array, so that the plurality of first electrodes 211 correspond to the plurality of second electrodes 221 one-to-one, so that a phase shifting unit 261 is formed by a corresponding first electrode 211 and a corresponding second electrode 221.

[0073] Furthermore, the phase shifter 2 is located within the first slot 16. To prevent damage to the phase shifter 2 caused by hard contact between the phase shifter 2 and the slot wall of the first slot 16, the outer surface of the phase shifter 2 can be coated with a buffer layer 6, as shown in FIG5 . This buffer layer 6 provides a buffer between the phase shifter 2 and the slot wall of the first slot 16, thereby extending the service life of the phase shifter 2.

[0074] The buffer layer 6 may only wrap the two surfaces of the phase shifter 2 that are perpendicular to the thickness direction of the planar antenna 10, or may also wrap the entire outer surface of the phase shifter 2, thereby forming a buffer for the phase shifter 2 in the thickness direction of the planar antenna 10 and in the depth direction of the first slot 16.

[0075] The buffer layer 6 can be made of an elastic material capable of elastic deformation under external force. Furthermore, the buffer layer 6 can be made of an elastic material with a certain hardness to provide both cushioning and protection for the phase shifter 2. For example, the buffer layer 6 can be made of a material such as polymethacrylimide.

[0076] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the radiation cavity 14 and the feed cavity 15 of the plate-like structure 1 are both waveguide cavities surrounded by metal structures in order to ensure the transmission of electromagnetic signals in the radiation cavity 14 and the feed cavity 15 .

[0077] Optionally, the plate-like structure 1 is a metal flat plate. In this case, the radiation cavity 14 and the feed cavity 15 can be formed by directly processing the cavity structure on the metal flat plate, thereby ensuring that the radiation cavity 14 and the feed cavity 15 on the plate-like structure 1 are both waveguide cavities surrounded by metal structures; or the plate-like structure 1 is a non-metallic flat plate (such as plastic, etc.). In this case, the cavity structure can be first processed on the non-metallic flat plate, and then a metal layer can be formed on the cavity wall of the cavity structure by evaporation and coating, thereby forming the radiation cavity 14 and the feed cavity 15 by the metal layer, thereby ensuring that the radiation cavity 14 and the feed cavity 15 on the plate-like structure 1 are both waveguide cavities surrounded by metal structures.

[0078] Among them, the radiation cavity 14 on the plate-like structure 1 can be a tubular structure (such as a square cylinder, a circular cylinder, etc.) as shown in Figure 2 or Figure 5, so as to realize that the flat antenna 10 has the effect of a square waveguide antenna, a circular waveguide antenna, a ridge waveguide antenna, etc.; it can also be an inverted truncated cone structure (i.e., a horn-shaped structure) as shown in Figure 6, and the small diameter end of the radiation cavity 14 is away from the radiation surface 11, so as to realize that the flat antenna 10 has the effect of a horn antenna; of course, the radiation cavity 14 on the plate-like structure 1 can also be a structure of other shapes, and further, the cavity wall, cavity bottom, etc. of the radiation cavity 14 can also be structurally adjusted so that the flat antenna 10 has the effect of a metal-based antenna such as a waveguide probe antenna, a leaky wave antenna, or a dipole antenna, and the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0079] The plate-like structure 1 may have one radiation cavity 14, in which case the flat antenna 10 may form a single antenna. Of course, the plate-like structure 1 may also have multiple radiation cavities 14 as shown in FIG5 or FIG6, in which case the flat antenna 10 may form an array antenna.

[0080] The multiple radiation cavities 14 of the plate-like structure 1 correspond one-to-one to the multiple phase shift regions 26 included in the phase shifter 2, and a corresponding radiation cavity 14 and a corresponding phase shift region 26 at least partially overlap in the thickness direction of the flat antenna 10, so that electromagnetic signals can be coupled between the corresponding radiation cavity 14 and the phase shift region 26, thereby ensuring the transmission effect of the electromagnetic signal.

[0081] Among them, the feed cavity 15 of the plate-like structure 1 can be a power splitting network. Optionally, as shown in Figure 2 or Figure 5, the feed cavity 15 can be a one-port multi-port power splitting structure, that is, the feed cavity 15 has a feed main port 151 with an opening located at the feed surface 12, and a plurality of power splitting ports 152 connected to the feed main port 151 and facing the radiation surface 11. The feed main port 151 is used to feed electromagnetic signals, specifically, it can be fed through a feed line electrically connected to the feed main port 151, or it can be fed through a transmission structure coupled to the feed main port 151; as shown in Figure 2 or Figure 5, the multiple power splitting ports 152 included in the feed cavity 15 correspond one-to-one to the multiple radiation cavities 14 mentioned above.

[0082] The multiple power splitting ports 152 of the plate-like structure 1 correspond one-to-one to the multiple phase shifting zones 26 of the phase shifter 2, and there is an overlapping area between a corresponding power splitting port 152 and a corresponding phase shifting zone 26 in the thickness direction of the flat antenna 10, so that electromagnetic signals can be coupled between the corresponding power splitting ports 152 and the phase shifting zones 26, thereby ensuring the transmission effect of the electromagnetic signals.

[0083] In the disclosed embodiment, the phase shifter 2 inserted into the first slot 16 can be sealed at the slot of the first slot 16 using a sealing member. This prevents the phase shifter 2 from falling out of the first slot 16 while also preventing foreign matter from entering through the slot of the first slot 16 and affecting the transmission of electromagnetic signals between the power splitter port 152 and the phase shift region 26, and between the phase shift region 26 and the radiation cavity 14. For example, the slot of the first slot 16 can be sealed using a rubber strip.

[0084] The size of the phase shifter 2 can be the same as the size of the first slot 16. That is, after the phase shifter 2 is inserted into the first slot 16 and abuts against the bottom and wall of the first slot 16, the alignment of the phase shifting region 26 on the phase shifter 2 and the radiation cavity 14 can be ensured, while preventing the phase shifter 2 from shaking in the first slot 16. Of course, process errors are inevitable during the processing of the first slot 16 and the phase shifter 2. To ensure that the phase shifter 2 can be inserted into the first slot 16, the size of the phase shifter 2 is slightly smaller than the inner dimension of the first slot 16. After the phase shifter 2 is inserted into the first slot 16, the buffer layer 6 described above fills the gap between the phase shifter 2 and the wall of the first slot 16, thereby preventing the phase shifter 2 from shaking in the thickness direction of the flat-panel antenna 10. However, in the depth direction (i.e., perpendicular to the sidewalls of the notch of the first slot 16) and the width direction (i.e., parallel to the sidewalls of the notch of the first slot 16 and perpendicular to the thickness direction of the flat-panel antenna 10) of the first slot 16, if the phase shifter 2 abuts the bottom of the first slot 16, the phase shift region 26 of the phase shifter 2 may be misaligned with the radiation cavity 14.

[0085] Thus, in the case where the size of the phase shifter 2 is slightly smaller than the inner dimension of the first slot 16, to ensure that the phase shifter 26 on the phase shifter 2 is accurately aligned with the radiation cavity 14 after the phase shifter 2 is inserted into the first slot 16, a positioning structure can be used to position the phase shifter 2 after the phase shifter 2 is inserted into the first slot 16. This ensures that the phase shifter 26 is aligned with the radiation cavity 14 and secures the phase shifter 2 within the first slot 16. In other words, the planar antenna 10 further includes a positioning structure that fixedly connects the plate-like structure 1 and the phase shifter 2.

[0086] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG7 or FIG8 , the positioning structure includes a positioning pin 7. The plate-like structure 1 has a fixing hole 18 extending perpendicularly to the radiating surface 11 and extending to the first slot 16. The phase shifter 2 has a positioning hole 27. The positioning pin 7 sequentially passes through the fixing hole 18 and the positioning hole 27. In this manner, after the phase shifter 2 is inserted into the first slot 16, the positions of the fixing hole 18 and the positioning hole 27 can be adjusted to ensure that the positioning pin 7 can be sequentially inserted into the fixing hole 18 and the positioning hole 27, thereby positioning the phase shifter 2. Specifically, the phase shifter 2 is aligned with the radiating cavity 14, and the plate-like structure 1 and the phase shifter 2 are simultaneously secured.

[0087] Among them, for the fixing hole 18 on the plate-like structure 1, the fixing hole 18 can be located near the left side wall of the plate-like structure 1 (that is, the side wall on the plate-like structure 1 opposite to the side wall where the notch of the first slot 16 is located), or the fixing hole 18 can be located near the right side wall of the plate-like structure 1 (that is, the side wall where the notch of the first slot 16 on the plate-like structure 1 is located). Of course, the fixing hole 18 can also be located near both the left and right sides of the plate-like structure 1 as shown in Figure 7 or Figure 8.

[0088] The fixing hole 18 of the plate-like structure 1 can be extended along the radiating surface 11 to the first slot 16 as shown in FIG7 , or can be extended along the feed surface 12 to the first slot 16. Of course, it can also be extended along the radiating surface 11 to the feed surface 12 and pass through the first slot 16 as shown in FIG8 . When the fixing hole 18 on the plate-like structure 1 is a blind hole (i.e., extending from the radiating surface 11 or the feed surface 12 to the first slot 16), the positioning hole 27 on the phase shifter 2 can be a blind hole or a through hole. When the fixing hole 18 on the plate-like structure 1 is a through hole extending from the radiating surface 11 to the feed surface 12, the positioning hole 27 on the phase shifter 2 is also a through hole, and when inserting the limit pin along the radiating surface 11, the position of the positioning hole 27 on the phase shifter 2 can be observed on the feed surface 12, thereby improving the assembly efficiency of the plate-like structure 1 and the phase shifter 2.

[0089] The fixing hole 18 of the plate-like structure 1 and the positioning hole 27 of the phase shifter 2 can be cylindrical, elliptical, or prismatic holes, among others. To ensure a secure connection between the stop pin and the plate-like structure 1 or phase shifter 2, portions of the stop pin can have external threads, while the walls of the fixing hole 18 or positioning hole 27 have internal threads. This allows the stop pin to be secured within the fixing hole 18 or positioning hole 27 via a threaded connection. For example, the end of the stop pin has external threads, while the end of the fixing hole 18 near the radiating surface 11 or feed surface 12 has internal threads. After the stop pin passes through the fixing hole 18 and positioning hole 27, it can be screwed into the fixing hole 18 via a threaded connection, achieving a secure connection with the plate-like structure 1.

[0090] When the fixing holes 18 of the plate-like structure 1 and the positioning holes 27 of the phase shifter 2 are both cylindrical holes, the plate-like structure 1 and the phase shifter 2 have a one-to-one correspondence of multiple fixing holes 18 and multiple positioning holes 27. This ensures the stability of the fixation between the plate-like structure 1 and the phase shifter 2 while preventing rotational displacement of the phase shifter 2 relative to the plate-like structure 1 within the first slot 16. For example, assuming that both the plate-like structure 1 and the phase shifter 2 are square structures, the four corners of the plate-like structure 1 have fixing holes 18, and the four corners of the phase shifter 2 have positioning holes 27. In this case, four limiting pins can be used to position the phase shifter 2 within the first slot 16 while also securing the plate-like structure 1 and the phase shifter 2.

[0091] When the fixing holes 18 of the plate-like structure 1 and the positioning holes 27 of the phase shifter 2 are both elliptical cylinder holes or prismatic holes, there is no limit on the number of fixing holes 18 and positioning holes 27 of the plate-like structure 1 and the phase shifter 2, as long as the fixing stability of the plate-like structure 1 and the phase shifter 2 is guaranteed and rotational displacement of the phase shifter 2 relative to the plate-like structure 1 is avoided within the first slot 16.

[0092] It should be noted that, while both the fixing hole 18 of the plate-like structure 1 and the positioning hole 27 of the phase shifter 2 are cylindrical holes, the plate-like structure 1 can also have one fixing hole 18 and one positioning hole 27, and in this case, the stop pin can be inserted into the fixing hole 18 and the positioning hole 27 to be fixedly connected to the plate-like structure 1 and the phase shifter 2, respectively. For example, the walls of the fixing hole 18 and the positioning hole 27 can each have internal threads, and the outer wall of the stop pin can have external threads. The stop pin can be screwed into the fixing hole 18 and the positioning hole 27 to position the phase shifter 2 and simultaneously secure the plate-like structure 1 and the phase shifter 2. Alternatively, the side walls of the stop pin can have an adhesive to securely connect them to the walls of the fixing hole 18 and the positioning hole 27, respectively, by bonding.

[0093] In yet other embodiments, as shown in Figures 9 and 10 , the positioning structure includes a positioning bolt 8. The plate-like structure 1 has a threaded hole 19 that opens onto the contoured surface 13 and communicates with the first slot 16. The positioning bolt 8 is tightened within the threaded hole 19 and abuts against the side surface of the phase shifter 2. Thus, after the phase shifter 2 is inserted into the first slot 16, the abutment between the positioning bolt 8 and the phase shifter 2 allows the phase shifter 2 to be positioned and secured within the first slot 16.

[0094] Among them, the plate-like structure 1 has a circle of contour surface 13 located between the radiation surface 11 and the feed surface 12, and the plate-like structure 1 has multiple threaded holes 19 distributed along the circumferential direction, so that multiple positioning bolts 8 are tightened in the multiple threaded holes 19 respectively. After the multiple positioning bolts 8 are in contact with the phase shifter 2, the position of the phase shifter 2 in the first slot 16 is adjusted from multiple directions, ensuring the accuracy of the alignment of the phase shifting region 26 of the phase shifter 2 and the radiation cavity 14, while achieving the stability of the phase shifter 2 fixed in the first slot 16.

[0095] For example, taking the plate-like structure 1 and the phase shifter 2 as square structures, the contour surface 13 of the plate-like structure 1 includes four sub-contour surfaces, and each of the four sub-contour surfaces has a pair of threaded holes 19, so that the position of the phase shifter 2 in the first slot 16 can be adjusted from four directions through the abutment of eight positioning bolts 8 with the phase shifter 2, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the alignment of the phase shifting region 26 of the phase shifter 2 with the radiation cavity 14, and at the same time achieving the stability of the phase shifter 2 fixed in the first slot 16.

[0096] Furthermore, regarding the threaded hole 19 of the plate-like structure 1, when the threaded hole 19 and the notch of the first slot 16 are located on different sidewalls of the contour surface 13, the diameter of the threaded hole 19 can be smaller than the thickness of the first slot 16 (i.e., the dimension along the thickness direction of the planar antenna 10), or the diameter of the threaded hole 19 can be larger than the thickness of the first slot 16. When the threaded hole 19 and the notch of the first slot 16 are located on the same sidewall of the contour surface 13, the diameter of the threaded hole 19 is larger than the thickness of the first slot 16 to ensure that the locating bolt 8 can be tightened to the plate-like structure 1.

[0097] In the case where the diameter of the threaded hole 19 is larger than the thickness of the first slot 16, in order to ensure that the positioning bolt 8 tightened in the threaded hole 19 can effectively adjust the position of the phase shifter 2 in the first slot 16, the depth of the threaded hole 19 is greater than the distance between the bottom and wall of the first slot 16 and the sub-contour surfaces of the corresponding plate-like structure 1.

[0098] Regarding the aforementioned positioning of the phase shifter 2 by the positioning bolt 8, in some embodiments, the distance between the edge of the phase shifter 2 and the contour surface 13 of the plate-like structure 1 can be predetermined after the phase shifting region 26 on the phase shifter 2 is aligned with the radiation cavity 14. The positioning bolt 8 is then screwed into the threaded hole 19 to a depth equal to the distance between the edge of the phase shifter 2 and the contour surface 13 of the plate-like structure 1. At this point, after the phase shifter 2 is inserted into the first slot 16, the alignment of the phase shifting region 26 on the phase shifter 2 with the radiation cavity 14 is ensured.

[0099] In other embodiments, as shown in Figures 9 and 10 , the plate-like structure 1 may have an observation hole 110 extending perpendicular to the radiating surface 11 and extending to the first slot 16. The edge of the phase shifter 2 may have a first alignment mark 28 exposed at the observation hole 110. Thus, when the phase shifter 2 is inserted into the first slot 16, the first alignment mark 28 can be observed through the observation hole 110 to ensure proper alignment of the phase shift region 26 on the phase shifter 2 with the radiating cavity 14.

[0100] Among them, the first alignment mark 28 can be located on the side of the phase shifter 2 close to the observation hole 110 as shown in Figure 10; of course, the first substrate 21 and the second substrate 22 included in the phase shifter 2 can also be made of a light-transmitting material (for example, glass), in which case the first alignment mark 28 is located on the side of the phase shifter 2 away from the observation hole 110.

[0101] Among them, for the observation hole 110 on the plate-like structure 1, the observation hole 110 can be located near the left side wall of the plate-like structure 1 (that is, the side wall on the plate-like structure 1 opposite to the side wall where the notch of the first slot 16 is located) as shown in Figure 9, or the observation hole 110 can be located near the right side wall of the plate-like structure 1 (that is, the side wall where the notch of the first slot 16 on the plate-like structure 1 is located). Of course, it is also possible that the observation hole 110 is provided near both the left and right sides of the plate-like structure 1 as shown in Figure 11.

[0102] Among them, the observation hole 110 on the plate-like structure 1 can extend along the radiation surface 11 to the first slot 16, or extend along the feed surface 12 to the first slot 16. The observation hole 110 can be a light-transmitting hole or a blind hole (through to the first slot 16), etc.

[0103] Furthermore, in the case where the phase shifter 2 has a first alignment mark 28, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the wall of the first slot 16 may have a second alignment mark 111, with the first alignment mark 28 and the second alignment mark 111 overlapping in a direction perpendicular to the radiating surface 11. In this way, when the phase shifter 2 is inserted into the first slot 16, the alignment of the first alignment mark 28 on the phase shifter 2 and the second alignment mark 111 on the wall of the first slot 16 can be confirmed through the observation hole 110, thereby further ensuring the alignment of the phase shift region 26 on the phase shifter 2 with the radiating cavity 14.

[0104] When the observation hole 110 extends along the radiating surface 11 to the first slot 16, the second alignment mark 111 is located on the wall of the first slot 16 near the feed surface 12. When the observation hole 110 extends along the feed surface 12 to the first slot 16, the second alignment mark 111 is located on the wall of the first slot 16 near the radiating surface 11. Furthermore, to facilitate observation of the alignment effect between the first alignment mark 28 and the second alignment mark 111, the first and second substrates 21, 22 of the phase shifter 2 are made of a light-transmitting material (e.g., glass).

[0105] It should be noted that the above two methods can be used alone or in combination, as long as the phase shifting region 26 of the phase shifter 2 and the radiation cavity 14 can be aligned, and the phase shifter 2 can be fixed in the first slot 16. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0106] In the present disclosure, the planar antenna 10 may include one or more phase shifters 2 .

[0107] In the case of a single phase shifter 2, the phase shifter 2 can be secured within the first slot 16 using the method described above. In the case of multiple phase shifters 2, the plate-like structure 1 has multiple first slots 16 located between the radiation cavity 14 and the feed cavity 15. The multiple first slots 16 are distributed in a direction perpendicular to the radiation plane 11 and correspond one-to-one to the multiple phase shifters 2, with each phase shifter 2 located within a corresponding first slot 16. The securing of the multiple phase shifters 2 within their respective first slots 16 can be similar to the securing of a single phase shifter 2 within a first slot 16 described above.

[0108] For example, the contoured surface 13 of the plate-like structure 1 has threaded holes 19 that communicate with each first slot 16. Positioning bolts 8 tightened in the threaded holes 19 adjust the position of the phase shifter 2 within the first slot 16, thereby simultaneously securing the phase shifter 2 within the first slot 16. Alternatively, the plate-like structure 1 has fixing holes 18 extending along the radiating surface 11 to the feed surface 12. Each phase shifter 2 has a positioning hole 27, and the centerline of the fixing hole 18 coincides with the centerlines of the plurality of positioning holes 27.

[0109] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, regarding the type of the phase shifter 2 , when the planar antenna 10 includes one phase shifter 2 , the phase shifter 2 may be an adjustment phase shifter or a polarization phase shifter.

[0110] Taking the phase shifter 2 included in the flat antenna 10 as an adjustment phase shifter as an example, each phase shift area 26 of the adjustment phase shifter has a phase shift unit 261, and the phase shift phase of the phase shift unit 261 for the electromagnetic signal (circularly polarized electromagnetic signal or linearly polarized electromagnetic signal) can be any phase within 0 degrees to 360 degrees, so as to achieve all-round adjustment of the phase of the electromagnetic signal, and thus achieve adjustment of the radiation direction.

[0111] Taking the phase shifter 2 included in the flat antenna 10 as a polarization phase shifter as an example, each phase shift area 26 of the polarization phase shifter includes a first phase shift unit 262 and a second phase shift unit 263. The first phase shift unit 262 is used to shift the phase of one of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals, and the second phase shift unit 263 is used to shift the phase of the other of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals. The phase difference between the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals after phase shifting can be 0 degrees, so as to realize circularly polarized electromagnetic signals (including two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals). The invention relates to switching of a circularly polarized electromagnetic signal from a left-handed or right-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic signal to a horizontally polarized electromagnetic signal, or switching of a left-handed or right-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic signal to a vertically polarized electromagnetic signal; or, the phase difference between the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals after phase shifting may also be -90 degrees or 90 degrees, so as to realize switching of the rotation direction of the circularly polarized electromagnetic signal, for example, switching of a left-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic signal to a right-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic signal, and switching of a right-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic signal to a left-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic signal.

[0112] For switching of linear polarization, for example, the first phase shifter 262 can control the phase shift of one of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals to be 90 degrees, and the second phase shifter 263 can control the phase shift of the other of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals to be 0 degrees; or the first phase shifter 262 can control the phase shift of one of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals to be 0 degrees, and the second phase shifter 263 can control the phase shift of the other of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals to be 90 degrees; or the first phase shifter 262 can control the phase shift of one of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals to be 100 degrees, and the second phase shifter 263 can control the phase shift of the other of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals to be 10 degrees; or the first phase shifter 262 can control the phase shift of one of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals to be 10 degrees, and the second phase shifter 263 can control the phase shift of the other of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals to be 100 degrees. In this way, the phase difference between the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals after phase shifting is 0 degrees, so that the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals are switched to linearly polarized electromagnetic signals with the same phase (horizontally polarized electromagnetic signal, vertically polarized electromagnetic signal, 45 negative polarized electromagnetic signal, -45 degree polarized electromagnetic signal).

[0113] In conjunction with the conversion of circularly polarized electromagnetic signals into linearly polarized electromagnetic signals, taking the flat antenna 10 as an example of a receiving antenna, for example, the polarization phase shifter includes a first phase shifter 262 and a second phase shifter 263. The flat antenna 10 receives a left-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic signal through the radiation cavity 14 and decomposes it into a first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal and a second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal, wherein the first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal leads the second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal by 90 degrees in phase. The first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal is phase-shifted by the first phase shifter 262, and the second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal is phase-shifted by the second phase shifter 263. After phase shifting by the above-described phase shifting method, the first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal and the second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal have the same phase. At this time, the phase-shifted first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal and the second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal are coupled to obtain a linearly polarized electromagnetic signal.

[0114] Alternatively, the planar antenna 10 receives a right-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic signal through the radiation cavity 14 and decomposes it into a first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal and a second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal, which are orthogonal. The first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal lags the second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal in phase by 90 degrees. The first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal is phase-shifted by the first phase shifter 262, and the second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal is phase-shifted by the second phase shifter 263. After phase shifting by the above-described phase shifting method, the first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal and the second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal have the same phase. At this time, the phase-shifted first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal and the second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal are coupled to obtain a linearly polarized electromagnetic signal.

[0115] For switching of the rotation direction, for example, the first phase shifter 262 can control the phase shift of one of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals by 90 degrees, and the second phase shifter 263 can control the phase shift of the other of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals by -90 degrees or 270 degrees; alternatively, the first phase shifter 262 can control the phase shift of one of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals by 0 degrees, and the second phase shifter 263 can control the phase shift of the other of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals by 0 degrees or 180 degrees; alternatively, the first phase shifter 262 can control the phase shift of one of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals by 10 degrees, and the second phase shifter 263 can control the phase shift of the other of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals by 10 degrees or 190 degrees; alternatively, the first phase shifter 262 can control the phase shift of one of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals by 10 or 190 degrees, and the second phase shifter 263 can control the phase shift of the other of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals by 10 degrees. In this way, the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals are adjusted from a 90-degree phase difference before the phase shift to a -90-degree phase difference after the phase shift, or from a -90-degree phase difference before the phase shift to a 90-degree phase difference after the phase shift, thereby switching the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals from left-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic signals to right-hand circularly polarized signals, or from right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic signals to left-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic signals.

[0116] In conjunction with the conversion of the rotation direction of the circularly polarized electromagnetic signal, taking the flat antenna 10 as a receiving antenna as an example, the polarization phase shifter includes a first phase shifter 262 and a second phase shifter 263. The flat antenna 10 receives the left-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic signal through the radiation cavity 14 and decomposes it into a first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal and a second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal, wherein the first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal leads the second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal by 90 degrees in phase. The first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal is phase-shifted by the first phase shifter 262, and the second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal is phase-shifted by the second phase shifter 263. After phase shifting by the above-described phase shifting method, the first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal lags the second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal by 90 degrees in phase. At this time, the phase-shifted first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal and the second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal are coupled to obtain a right-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic signal.

[0117] Alternatively, the planar antenna 10 receives a right-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic signal through the radiation cavity 14 and decomposes it into a first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal and a second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal that are orthogonal, and the first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal lags the second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal in phase by 90 degrees. The first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal is phase-shifted by the first phase shifter 262, and the second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal is phase-shifted by the second phase shifter 263. After phase shifting by the above-described phase shifting method, the first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal leads the second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal in phase by 90 degrees. At this time, the first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal and the second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal after phase shifting are coupled to obtain a left-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic signal.

[0118] When the flat panel antenna 10 includes two phase shifters 2, as shown in FIG12 , the plate-like structure 1 has two first slots 16, and the two phase shifters 2 are respectively located in the two first slots 16. The two phase shifters 2 can be adjustment phase shifters and polarization phase shifters. In this way, by including adjustment phase shifters and polarization phase shifters in the flat panel antenna 10, polarization switching (for example, switching from circular polarization to linear polarization, or switching circular polarization between left-handed and right-handed) can be achieved while adjusting the phase of the electromagnetic signal.

[0119] The adjustable phase shifter may be located on the side of the polarization phase shifter close to the feed cavity 15 or on the side of the polarization phase shifter close to the radiation cavity 14, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0120] Among them, for the adjustable phase shifter, each phase shifting area 26 of the adjustable phase shifter has a phase shifting unit 261, and the phase shifting phase of the phase shifting unit 261 for the electromagnetic signal (circularly polarized electromagnetic signal or linearly polarized electromagnetic signal) can be any phase within 0 degrees to 360 degrees, so as to achieve all-round adjustment of the phase of the electromagnetic signal, and thus achieve adjustment of the radiation direction.

[0121] In particular, for the polarization phase shifter, each phase shifting region 26 of the polarization phase shifter includes a first phase shifting unit 262 and a second phase shifting unit 263. The first phase shifting unit 262 is used to phase shift one of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals, and the second phase shifting unit 263 is used to phase shift the other of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals. The phase difference between the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals after phase shifting can be 0 degrees to achieve switching from a circularly polarized electromagnetic signal (including the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals) to a linearly polarized electromagnetic signal; alternatively, the phase difference between the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals after phase shifting can also be -90 degrees or 90 degrees to achieve switching of the rotation direction of the circularly polarized electromagnetic signal.

[0122] Specifically, for switching of linear polarization, for example, the first phase shifter 262 can control the phase shift of one of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals to be 90 degrees, and the second phase shifter 263 can control the phase shift of the other of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals to be 0 degrees; or the first phase shifter 262 can control the phase shift of one of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals to be 0 degrees, and the second phase shifter 263 can control the phase shift of the other of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals to be 90 degrees; or the first phase shifter 262 can control the phase shift of one of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals to be 100 degrees, and the second phase shifter 263 can control the phase shift of the other of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals to be 10 degrees; or the first phase shifter 262 can control the phase shift of one of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals to be 10 degrees, and the second phase shifter 263 can control the phase shift of the other of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals to be 100 degrees. In this way, the phase difference between the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals after phase shifting is 0 degree, so that the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals are switched to linearly polarized electromagnetic signals with the same phase.

[0123] In combination with the conversion of circularly polarized electromagnetic signals to linearly polarized electromagnetic signals and the phase adjustment, taking the flat antenna 10 as a receiving antenna as an example, the adjustment phase shifter includes a phase shift unit 261, and the polarization phase shifter includes a first phase shift unit 262 and a second phase shift unit 263. As shown in Figure 13, the flat antenna 10 receives the left-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic signal through the radiation cavity 14 and decomposes it into an orthogonal first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal X11 and a second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal Y11. The first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal X11 leads the second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal Y11. The phase of the first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal X11 is 90 degrees. The first phase shifter 262 performs phase shifting on the first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal X11, and the second phase shifter 263 performs phase shifting on the second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal Y11. After the phase shifting, the first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal X12 is synchronized with the second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal Y12. The phase-shifted first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal X12 and the second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal Y12 are then coupled to obtain the linearly polarized electromagnetic signal Z1. The coupled linearly polarized electromagnetic signal Z1 is then phase-adjusted by adjusting the phase shifter 261. The linearly polarized electromagnetic signal Z1 can be a horizontally polarized electromagnetic signal, a vertically polarized electromagnetic signal, a 45° negative polarized electromagnetic signal, a -45° polarized electromagnetic signal, or the like.

[0124] Alternatively, as shown in FIG14 , the planar antenna 10 receives a right-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic signal through the radiation cavity 14 and decomposes it into a first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal X21 and a second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal Y21, which are orthogonal to each other. The first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal X21 lags the second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal Y21 in phase by 90 degrees. The first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal X21 is phase-shifted by the first phase shifter 262, and the second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal Y21 is phase-shifted by the second phase shifter 263. After the phase shift, the first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal X22 is synchronized with the second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal Y22. At this time, the first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal X22 and the second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal Y22 are coupled to obtain a linearly polarized electromagnetic signal Z2. The coupled linearly polarized electromagnetic signal Z2 is then phase-adjusted by adjusting the phase shifter 261.

[0125] Specifically, for switching the rotation direction, for example, the first phase shifter 262 can control one of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals to shift the phase by 90 degrees, and the second phase shifter 263 can control the other of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals to shift the phase by -90 degrees or 270 degrees; or, the first phase shifter 262 can control one of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals to shift the phase by 0 degrees, and the second phase shifter 263 can control the other of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals to shift the phase by 0 degrees or 180 degrees; or, the first phase shifter 262 can control the phase shift of one of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals by 10 degrees, and the second phase shifter 263 can control the phase shift of the other of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals by 10 degrees or 190 degrees; or, the first phase shifter 262 can control the phase shift of one of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals by 10 degrees or 190 degrees, and the second phase shifter 263 can control the phase shift of the other of the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals by 10 degrees. In this way, the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals are adjusted from a 90-degree phase difference before the phase shift to a -90-degree phase difference after the phase shift, or from a -90-degree phase difference before the phase shift to a 90-degree phase difference after the phase shift, thereby switching the two orthogonal linearly polarized electromagnetic signals from left-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic signals to right-hand circularly polarized signals, or from right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic signals to left-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic signals.

[0126] In combination with the conversion of the rotation direction of the circularly polarized electromagnetic signal and the adjustment of the phase, taking the flat antenna 10 as the receiving antenna as an example, the adjustment phase shifter includes a phase shift unit 261, and the polarization phase shifter includes a first phase shift unit 262 and a second phase shift unit 263. As shown in Figure 15, the flat antenna 10 receives the left-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic signal through the radiation cavity 14 and decomposes it into an orthogonal first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal X11 and a second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal Y11, and the first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal X11 leads the second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal Y11 by 90 degrees. ; The first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal X11 is phase-shifted by the first phase shifter unit 262, and the second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal Y11 is phase-shifted by the second phase shifter unit 263. After the phase shift, the phase of the first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal X13 lags behind the second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal Y13 by 90 degrees. At this time, the first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal X13 and the second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal Y13 after the phase shift are coupled to obtain a right-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic signal Z3; the right-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic signal Z3 obtained by coupling is then phase-adjusted by adjusting the phase shifter unit 261.

[0127] Alternatively, as shown in FIG16 , the planar antenna 10 receives a right-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic signal through the radiation cavity 14 and decomposes the signal into a first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal X21 and a second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal Y21, wherein the first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal X21 lags the second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal Y21 in phase by 90 degrees. The first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal X21 is phase-shifted by the first phase shifter 262, and the second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal Y21 is phase-shifted by the second phase shifter 263. After the phase shift, the first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal X23 leads the second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal Y23 in phase by 90 degrees. At this time, the first linearly polarized electromagnetic signal X23 and the second linearly polarized electromagnetic signal Y23 are coupled to obtain a left-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic signal Z4. The phase of the coupled left-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic signal Z4 is then adjusted by adjusting the phase shifter 261 of the phase shifter.

[0128] In some embodiments, the planar antenna 10 further includes a substrate and a radiating element. The substrate is fixed to the radiating surface 11 of the plate-like structure 1. The radiating element is disposed on a surface of the substrate facing away from the plate-like structure 1. The radiating element is coupled to the radiating cavity 14. Thus, the coupling between the radiating element and the radiating cavity 14 enables electromagnetic signals to be radiated along the radiating element.

[0129] Alternatively, the radiating element may be a microstrip line or a stripline. In the case where the radiating element is a microstrip line, planar antenna 10 constitutes a microstrip line antenna. Furthermore, in conjunction with the aforementioned case where planar structure 1 has multiple radiating cavities 14, planar antenna 10 includes multiple microstrip lines corresponding one to each of the multiple radiating cavities 14. Each microstrip line at least partially overlaps with the corresponding radiating cavity 14 in the thickness direction of the substrate to ensure coupling between the microstrip line and the radiating cavity 14.

[0130] Alternatively, the radiating element may be a metal sheet having apertures, in which case planar antenna 10 constitutes a slot antenna. In conjunction with the aforementioned case where plate-like structure 1 has multiple radiating cavities 14, planar antenna 10 comprises a single metal sheet having multiple apertures corresponding to the multiple radiating cavities 14. Each aperture at least partially overlaps with the corresponding radiating cavity 14 in the thickness direction of the substrate to ensure coupling between the aperture and the radiating cavity 14.

[0131] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG17 , the planar antenna 10 further includes a functional layer 5. The plate-like structure 1 further includes a second slot 17 located between the radiation cavity 14 and the feed cavity 15. The functional layer 5 is located within the second slot 17. Thus, the provision of the functional layer 5 can adjust the electromagnetic signal, further improving the antenna effect of the planar antenna 10.

[0132] The second slot 17 may be located between the first slot 16 and the radiation cavity 14 or between the first slot 16 and the feed cavity 15. When the plate-like structure 1 includes multiple first slots 16, the second slot 17 may also be located between two adjacent first slots 16.

[0133] Among them, as for the spacing between the second slot 17 and the first slot 16, on the one hand, it is necessary to ensure that the size between the slot wall of the first slot 16 and the slot wall of the second slot 17 is greater than or equal to the first thickness to ensure the stability of the plate structure 1; on the other hand, combined with the role played by the specifically inserted functional layer 5, it is necessary to ensure that the size between the slot wall of the first slot 16 and the slot wall of the second slot 17 is less than or equal to the second thickness to ensure the coupling effect between the functional layer 5 and the phase shifter 2 in the first slot 16.

[0134] The functional layer 5 can be constructed as a single-layer dielectric substrate or a multi-layer dielectric substrate, and the dielectric substrate can be a glass substrate, a PCB substrate, or the like. The securing of the functional layer 5 to the plate-like structure 1 can be similar to the securing of the phase shifter 2 to the plate-like structure 1 described above. For example, a threaded hole 19 can be provided on the plate-like structure 1, located on the contour surface 13 and connected to the second slot 17. Positioning bolts 8 can then be used to position the functional layer 5 within the second slot 17 and secure the functional layer 5 therein.

[0135] Optionally, the functional layer 5 is a guiding layer to improve the coupling effect of the electromagnetic signal through the guiding effect of the guiding layer. The guiding layer can be arranged between the phase shifter 2 and the radiation cavity 14, or between the phase shifter 2 and the feed cavity 15.

[0136] Among them, the guiding layer includes a dielectric substrate and a plurality of guiding patches arranged on the dielectric substrate. The plurality of guiding patches correspond one-to-one to the plurality of feeding units, so that the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the corresponding feeding unit is guided by each guiding patch, the transmission direction of the electromagnetic signal is adjusted, and the antenna effect of the flat antenna 10 is ensured.

[0137] Optionally, the planar antenna 10 includes multiple functional layers 5. In this case, the plate-like structure 1 has multiple second slots 17 located between the radiation cavity 14 and the feed cavity 15. The multiple second slots 17 correspond one-to-one to the multiple functional layers 5, and each functional layer 5 is located in a corresponding second slot 17. In this way, the provision of multiple functional layers 5 further improves the transmission effect of electromagnetic signals between the feed cavity 15 and the radiation cavity 14.

[0138] Among them, when the plate-like structure 1 has a first slot 16, multiple second slots 17 can be located on the same side of the first slot 16, or can be distributed on both sides of the first slot 16; and when the plate-like structure 1 has multiple first slots 16, multiple second slots 17 and multiple first slots 16 can be distributed alternately, and of course can also be distributed in other ways, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0139] The securing of the multiple functional layers 5 within the multiple second slots 17, combined with the aforementioned securing of the multiple phase shifters 2 within the multiple first slots 16, can be accomplished by providing the plate-like structure 1 with securing holes 18 extending from the radiating surface 11 to the feed surface 12. Each functional layer 5 can also have a positioning through-hole, with the centerline of the securing hole 18 coinciding with the centerline of the positioning hole 27 on the phase shifter 2 and the centerline of the positioning through-hole on the functional layer 5. This simplifies the securing of the multiple phase shifters 2 within each first slot 16 and the securing of the multiple functional layers 5 within each second slot 17, thereby improving the assembly efficiency of the planar antenna 10.

[0140] Taking the planar antenna 10 including the first functional layer and the second functional layer as an example, the plate-like structure 1 has two second slots 17 located between the radiation cavity 14 and the feed cavity 15 , and the first functional layer and the second functional layer are respectively located in the two second slots 17 .

[0141] The first functional layer and the second functional layer may have the same function or different functions.

[0142] When the first functional layer and the second functional layer have the same function, optionally, the flat antenna 10 has two layers of phase shifters 2, and the first functional layer and the second functional layer are alternately distributed with the two layers of phase shifters 2. In this case, the first functional layer and the second functional layer can both be guiding layers. In this way, the electromagnetic signals transmitted by the two layers of phase shifters 2 can be guided by the first functional layer and the second functional layer respectively, thereby improving the transmission effect of the electromagnetic signal.

[0143] When the first functional layer and the second functional layer have different functions, optionally, the first functional layer can be a guide layer, and the second functional layer can be a transmission line layer. The guide layer can be located between the phase shifter 2 and the radiation cavity 14, and the transmission line layer can be located between the phase shifter 2 and the feed cavity 15.

[0144] The present disclosure also provides a communication device including the flat panel antenna 10 described in the above embodiment. The flat panel antenna 10 described above can improve the communication performance of the communication device while reducing assembly errors of the flat panel antenna 10.

[0145] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate other embodiments of the present disclosure after considering the specification and practicing the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present disclosure that follow the general principles of the present disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The description and examples are to be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure being indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A planar antenna, wherein, it includes: a plate-like structure having opposite radiation surface and feed surface, and a contour surface between the radiation surface and the feed surface, the plate-like structure further having a radiation cavity with an opening on the radiation surface, a feed cavity with an opening on the feed surface, and a first slot located between the radiation cavity and the feed cavity and having a notch on the contour surface; a phase shifter located in the first slot, the phase shifter being configured to shift the phase of an electromagnetic signal transmitted between the feed cavity and the radiation cavity.

2. The planar antenna according to claim 1, wherein, the planar antenna includes a plurality of the phase shifters; the plate-like structure has a plurality of the first slots located between the radiation cavity and the feed cavity, the plurality of first slots are distributed in a direction perpendicular to the radiation surface, and correspond one-to-one with the plurality of phase shifters, and each phase shifter is located in a corresponding one of the first slots.

3. The planar antenna according to claim 2, wherein, the plate-like structure has two of the first slots, and the planar antenna includes an adjustment phase shifter and a polarization phase shifter respectively located in the two first slots.

4. The planar antenna according to claim 3, wherein, the adjustment phase shifter is located on a side of the polarization phase shifter closer to the feed cavity.

5. The planar antenna according to claim 3, wherein, the polarization phase shifter includes a plurality of phase shift regions, the plurality of phase shift regions corresponding one-to-one with the plurality of radiation cavities included in the plate-like structure; each phase shift region includes a first phase shift unit and a second phase shift unit, the first phase shift unit being configured to shift the phase of one of two orthogonally polarized electromagnetic signals, the second phase shift unit being configured to shift the phase of the other of the two orthogonally polarized electromagnetic signals, and the phase difference between the two orthogonally polarized electromagnetic signals after phase shift is -90 degrees or 90 degrees.

6. The planar antenna according to claim 3, wherein, the polarization phase shifter includes a plurality of phase shift regions, the plurality of phase shift regions corresponding one-to-one with the plurality of radiation cavities included in the plate-like structure; each phase shift region includes a first phase shift unit and a second phase shift unit, the first phase shift unit being configured to shift the phase of one of two orthogonally polarized electromagnetic signals, the second phase shift unit being configured to shift the phase of the other of the two orthogonally polarized electromagnetic signals, and the phase difference between the two orthogonally polarized electromagnetic signals after phase shift is 0 degrees.

7. The planar antenna according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein, the planar antenna further includes a functional layer; the plate-like structure further has a second slot located between the radiation cavity and the feed cavity, and the functional layer is located in the second slot.

8. The planar antenna according to claim 7, wherein, the functional layer is a director layer.

9. The planar antenna according to claim 7, wherein, the planar antenna includes a first functional layer and a second functional layer; the plate-like structure has two of the second slots located between the radiation cavity and the feed cavity, and the first functional layer and the second functional layer are respectively located in the two second slots.

10. The planar antenna according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein, the planar antenna further includes a positioning structure, and the positioning structure is fixedly connected to the phase shifter and the plate-like structure.

11. The planar antenna according to claim 10, wherein, the positioning structure includes a positioning pin; the plate-like structure has a fixing hole penetrating through to the first slot along a direction perpendicular to the radiation surface, the phase shifter has a positioning hole, and the positioning pin sequentially passes through the fixing hole and the positioning hole.

12. The planar antenna according to claim 10, wherein, the positioning structure includes a positioning bolt; the plate-like structure has a threaded hole with an opening located on the profile surface and communicating with the first slot, and the positioning bolt is screwed into the threaded hole and abuts against the side surface of the phase shifter.

13. The planar antenna according to claim 12, wherein, the plate-like structure has an observation hole penetrating through to the first slot along a direction perpendicular to the radiation surface, an edge of the phase shifter has a first alignment mark, and the first alignment mark is exposed at the observation hole.

14. The planar antenna according to claim 13, wherein, the wall of the first slot has a second alignment mark, and there is an overlapping area between the first alignment mark and the second alignment mark in a direction perpendicular to the radiation surface.

15. The planar antenna according to claim 1, wherein, the planar antenna further includes a substrate and a radiation unit, the substrate is fixed on the radiation surface of the plate-like structure, the radiation unit is arranged on a surface of the substrate facing away from the plate-like structure, and the radiation unit is coupled to the radiation cavity.

16. The planar antenna according to claim 15, wherein, the radiation unit is a microstrip line.

17. The planar antenna according to claim 1, wherein, the radiation cavity has a cylindrical structure.

18. The planar antenna according to claim 1, wherein, the radiation cavity has a horn-like structure, and a small-diameter end of the radiation cavity is away from the radiation surface.

19. The planar antenna according to claim 1, wherein, the plate-like structure is a metal plate.

20. The planar antenna according to claim 1, wherein, the plate-like structure is a non-metal plate, and inner surfaces of the radiation cavity and the feed cavity have metal coatings.

21. The planar antenna according to claim 1, wherein, an outer surface of the phase shifter is coated with a buffer layer.

22. A communication device, wherein, it includes the planar antenna according to any one of claims 1-21.

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