Antenna, antenna assembly, communication device, and communication system

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications, and provides an antenna, an antenna assembly, a communication device, and a communication system, for use in solving the technical problem of poor compatibility between different antennas. The antenna provided by the present application comprises a reflecting plate and a plurality of vibrators; the reflecting plate comprises at least two areas, patterns in the at least two areas are different, and the at least two areas may move into or out of a plane area; and the plurality of vibrators are distributed on one side of the plane area at intervals, and the vertical projection of at least one vibrator on the plane area is located within at least one area. In the antenna provided by the present application, the reflecting plate comprises at least two areas, and the at least two areas may move into the plane area, such that the areas can implement different degrees of reflection or transmission of electromagnetic waves generated by the vibrators, thereby effectively changing the operation performance of the antenna, and effectively improving the use flexibility and application range of the antenna.

Description

Antenna, antenna assembly, communication device and communication system

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on March 30, 2024, with application number 202410396133.9 and application name "An antenna, antenna assembly, communication equipment and communication system", the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to an antenna, an antenna assembly, a communication device, and a communication system. Background Art

[0004] With the advancement of wireless communication technology, base stations are supporting more and more frequency bands, and the number of antennas mounted on poles is also increasing. However, due to limited antenna mounting space on poles, some poles cannot accommodate more antennas. Therefore, effectively integrating different antennas is becoming a trend. For example, one current integration method allows a new antenna to be installed on top of an existing antenna, effectively integrating the two antennas. Furthermore, to prevent the newly added antenna from adversely affecting the performance of the existing antenna, the reflector of the new antenna must be properly configured to allow the wireless signal generated by the existing antenna to radiate outward through the reflector. However, the current structural design of these new antennas still has many shortcomings, significantly limiting their widespread application. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides an antenna, an antenna assembly, a communication device, and a communication system with good flexibility of use and scope of application.

[0006] In the first aspect, the present application provides an antenna comprising a reflector and a plurality of vibrators. The reflector comprises at least two regions, and different regions have different reflection properties and transmission properties. The regions can be moved into or out of the plane region. A plurality of vibrators are spaced apart on one side of the plane region, and the vertical projection of at least one vibrator in the plane region is located in at least one region. That is, the region in the reflector can be moved to the bottom of at least one vibrator, so that the electromagnetic waves generated by the vibrator can be effectively reflected or transmitted. In the antenna provided in the present application, the reflector comprises at least two regions, and at least two regions can be moved into the plane region, so that the regions can reflect or transmit the electromagnetic waves generated by the vibrators to different degrees, thereby effectively changing the working performance of the antenna and effectively improving the flexibility of use and scope of application of the antenna.

[0007] In a specific configuration, the patterns of the at least two regions are different, so that different regions have different reflection properties and transmission properties.

[0008] Alternatively, the frequency bands of the electromagnetic waves reflected by the at least two regions are different. Alternatively, the frequency bands of the electromagnetic waves transmitted by the at least two regions are different.

[0009] In a specific configuration, the reflector may include two, three, or more regions. Furthermore, a region may be larger than, equal to, or smaller than the planar area. Alternatively, when the reflector is moved, one region may be positioned within the planar area, or two or more regions may be positioned simultaneously within the planar area, providing greater flexibility.

[0010] In one example, one of the at least two regions is a fully reflective region, a fully transmissive region, or a frequency selective region. The fully reflective region is configured to reflect electromagnetic waves. The fully transmissive region is configured to transmit electromagnetic waves. The frequency selective region is configured to reflect electromagnetic waves in a first frequency band and to transmit electromagnetic waves in a second frequency band. The first frequency band and the second frequency band are different, and the frequency band of the electromagnetic waves generated by the oscillator is within the first frequency band.

[0011] In one example, the reflector is in the form of a flexible strip, with at least two regions arranged sequentially along the length of the reflector. When the reflector is moved along its length, the corresponding regions can be moved into the flat area. Furthermore, the flexible strip-shaped reflector is easily stored, reducing the space occupied by the reflector.

[0012] In one example, the reflective plate includes a flexible dielectric substrate and a metal pattern layer, and the metal pattern layer is located on one or both surfaces of the flexible dielectric substrate.

[0013] In one example, the reflector includes at least two flexible substrates, which are stacked. In addition, the metal pattern layer can be a single layer or multiple layers.

[0014] In one example, the antenna includes a first reel, a second reel, and a drive member. The first reel and the second reel are arranged relative to each other, with one end of the reflector being windable on the first reel and the other end of the reflector being windable on the second reel. The drive member is in transmission connection with the first reel and / or the second reel, and is configured to drive the first reel and / or the second reel to rotate. The rotation of the first reel and the second reel allows the reflector to be wound or released, thereby moving an area within the reflector to a planar area.

[0015] In one example, the reflector plate may be a foldable plate. The antenna further includes a folding mechanism connected to the reflector plate and configured to fold or unfold the reflector plate so that a desired area is unfolded into a planar area.

[0016] In one example, the antenna includes at least two reflectors, and the at least two reflectors are stacked in a direction perpendicular to the planar area. That is, in the direction perpendicular to the planar area, the areas of the at least two reflectors can effectively overlap, thereby achieving more diverse reflection and transmission performance, and providing better ease of use.

[0017] In one example, the antenna includes at least two reflectors, and the at least two reflectors are spaced apart and parallel to the planar region. Alternatively, it can be understood that each of the at least two reflectors includes a region, and each region can be moved into the planar region, which provides greater ease of use.

[0018] In one example, the antenna further includes a fixed reflector that is parallel to the planar region. A vertical projection of at least one of the plurality of oscillators on the fixed reflector is located within the fixed reflector. Alternatively, it can be understood that by providing the aforementioned movable reflector, electromagnetic waves generated by a portion of the oscillators can be effectively reflected or transmitted, while electromagnetic waves generated by another portion of the oscillators can be effectively reflected or transmitted by the fixed reflector, thereby providing improved ease of use.

[0019] In one example, the antenna further includes an insulating plate, with multiple vibrators fixed on one side of the insulating plate, and a reflector located on the other side of the insulating plate. The insulating plate effectively fixes the vibrators, allowing them to be better used in the antenna.

[0020] On the second aspect, the present application also provides an antenna assembly, including a first antenna and a second antenna, wherein the first antenna is the antenna described above, and the second antenna can be a conventional antenna. The first antenna is arranged in the radiation direction of the second antenna, which can avoid the first antenna from occupying an additional installation position. In addition, the first antenna and the second antenna can also be effectively decoupled, which can avoid the first antenna from adversely affecting the radiation performance of the second antenna. In addition, since the first antenna is equipped with a movable reflector, when combined with the second antenna, the corresponding area in the reflector can be moved to a planar area according to the operating frequency band of the second antenna, which has good ease of use and adaptability.

[0021] In a specific configuration, when at least one area of ​​the reflector is a frequency-selective region, the frequency-selective region is configured to reflect electromagnetic waves within a first frequency band and to transmit electromagnetic waves within a second frequency band, the first frequency band being different from the second frequency band. The frequency band of the electromagnetic waves generated by the oscillator in the first antenna is within the first frequency band, such that the frequency-selective region can effectively reflect the electromagnetic waves generated by the oscillator in the first antenna. The frequency band of the electromagnetic waves generated by the oscillator in the second antenna is within the second frequency band, such that the frequency-selective region can effectively transmit the electromagnetic waves generated by the oscillator in the second antenna.

[0022] In one example, the first antenna further includes a first radome, and the second antenna further includes a second radome. The first radome and the second radome are independent of each other, facilitating installation and removal of the first and second antennas. Alternatively, the first and second radomes are integrally structured, thereby enhancing the overall integration of the antenna assembly.

[0023] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising a radio frequency processing unit and the above-mentioned antenna assembly, wherein the radio frequency processing unit is connected to the feed network in the first antenna and the second antenna. The radio frequency processing unit can be used to perform frequency selection, amplification, and down-conversion processing on the signals received by the first antenna and the second antenna. Alternatively, the radio frequency processing unit can be used to send radio frequency signals to the first antenna and the second antenna, thereby realizing functions such as signal transmission and reception of the first antenna and the second antenna. By applying the above-mentioned antenna assembly, the signal transmission and reception performance of the communication device can be effectively improved. In addition, it is also helpful to configure more first antennas and second antennas in the limited space of the communication device.

[0024] In one example, the communication device further includes a baseband processing unit connected to the RF processing unit. The RF processing unit may be configured to perform frequency selection, amplification, and down-conversion processing on signals received by the antenna assembly, converting the signals into intermediate frequency signals or baseband signals and transmitting them to the baseband processing unit. Alternatively, the RF processing unit may be configured to convert intermediate frequency signals emitted by the baseband processing unit into wireless signals through the antenna assembly after up-conversion and amplification, and then transmit the signals.

[0025] Fourthly, this application also provides a communication system comprising a terminal and the aforementioned communication device, wherein the communication device is communicatively connected to the terminal to implement wireless communication functionality. In the communication system provided in this application, by being equipped with the aforementioned communication device, the signal transceiver performance and adaptive flexibility of the communication system can be effectively improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of an antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] FIG2 is a simplified structural diagram of a base station provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] FIG3 is a simplified schematic diagram of the structure of an antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of two antenna fusion provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] FIG5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a structure in which two antennas are fused, provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of an antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a planar structure of an antenna provided by an embodiment of the present application after a reflector is unfolded;

[0033] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional structure of an antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of another antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of a reflector in an antenna provided by an embodiment of the present application when it is in a certain active position;

[0036] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of a reflector in an antenna provided by an embodiment of the present application when it is in another active position;

[0037] FIG12 is a schematic structural diagram of a reflector in an antenna provided by an embodiment of the present application when it is in another active position;

[0038] FIG13 is a schematic structural diagram of a reflector in an antenna provided by an embodiment of the present application when it is in another active position;

[0039] FIG14 is a schematic side view of the structure of a reflector in an antenna provided by an embodiment of the present application when it is in a certain active position;

[0040] FIG15 is a schematic side view of the structure of a reflector in an antenna provided by an embodiment of the present application when it is in another active position;

[0041] FIG16 is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of a reflector provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG17 is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of another reflector provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] FIG18 is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of another reflector provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] FIG19 is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of another reflector provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] FIG20 is a schematic diagram of a planar structure of an antenna provided by an embodiment of the present application after a reflector is unfolded;

[0046] FIG21 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of another antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] FIG22 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of another antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] FIG23 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of another antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] FIG24 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of another antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] FIG25 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of another antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] FIG26 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional structure of an antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] FIG27 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an antenna assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] FIG28 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 29 is a structural diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application clearer, this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] To facilitate understanding of the antenna provided in the embodiments of the present application, the following first introduces its application scenarios.

[0057] The antenna provided in the embodiments of the present application can be used in communication equipment such as base stations and radars to realize wireless communication functions.

[0058] As shown in Figure 1, the application scenario may include a base station and a terminal. Wireless communication can be achieved between the base station and the terminal. The base station can be located in a base bastion subsystem (BBS), a terrestrial radio access network (UMTS terrestrial radio access network, UTRAN) or an evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRAN), and is used to provide cell coverage of wireless signals to enable communication between terminal devices and wireless networks. Specifically, the base station 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. Alternatively, the base station may also be a relay station, an access point, a vehicle-mounted 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.

[0059] The antenna in this application can also be used in access network equipment, which is sometimes also referred to as an access node. The access network equipment has wireless transceiver functions and is used to communicate with the terminal. Access network equipment includes but is not limited to base stations (base stations) in the above-mentioned communication systems, evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs), transmission reception points (TRPs), next-generation base stations (next generation NodeBs, gNBs) in 5G mobile communication systems, next-generation base stations in sixth-generation (6G) mobile communication systems, access network equipment or modules of access network equipment in open access network ORAN (open RAN, ORAN) systems, base stations in future mobile communication systems, or access nodes in WiFi systems, etc. The access network equipment can also be a module or unit that can implement some functions of a base station. For example, the access network equipment 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), etc., as described below. Among them, in the ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU, DU can also be called open (open, O)-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CUP-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. The access network device can be a macro base station, a micro base station or an indoor station), a relay node or a donor node, or a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. Optionally, the access network device can also be a server, a wearable device, or a vehicle-mounted device. For example, the access network device in the vehicle to everything (V2X) technology can be a road side unit (RSU). Multiple access network devices in the communication system can be base stations of the same type or different types. The base station can communicate with the terminal, or it can communicate with the terminal through a relay station. The terminal can communicate with multiple base stations in different access technologies.

[0060] As shown in Figure 2, a base station provided in an embodiment of the present application includes a base station antenna feed system. In practical applications, the base station antenna feed system primarily comprises an antenna 01, a feeder line 02, and a grounding device 03. Antenna 01 is typically mounted on a mast 04, and its downtilt angle can be adjusted using an antenna adjustment bracket 05 to adjust the signal coverage range of antenna 01 to a certain extent.

[0061] In addition, the base station may further include a radio frequency processing unit 06 and a baseband processing unit 20. For example, the radio frequency processing unit 06 may be used to perform frequency selection, amplification, and down-conversion processing on the signal received by the antenna 01, and convert it into an intermediate frequency signal or a baseband signal and send it to the baseband processing unit 20, or the radio frequency processing unit 06 may be used to convert the intermediate frequency signal sent by the baseband processing unit 20 into a wireless signal through the antenna 01 after up-conversion and amplification processing. The baseband processing unit 20 may be connected to the feed network of the antenna 01 through the radio frequency processing unit 06. In some embodiments, the radio frequency processing unit 06 may also be referred to as a remote radio unit (RRU), and the baseband processing unit 20 may also be referred to as a baseband unit (BBU).

[0062] As shown in FIG2 , in one possible embodiment, the RF processing unit 06 may be integrated with the antenna 01, while the baseband processing unit 20 is located at the remote end of the antenna 01. The RF processing unit 06 and the baseband processing unit 20 may be connected via a feeder 02. In another embodiment, the RF processing unit 06 and the baseband processing unit 20 may be both located at the remote end of the antenna 01.

[0063] Referring to Figures 2 and 3 , antenna 01 used in a base station may also include a radome 011, a reflector 012 located within radome 011, and a feed network 013. Reflector 012 may also be referred to as a base plate. The primary function of feed network 013 is to feed signals to oscillator 014 at a predetermined amplitude and phase, or to transmit wireless signals received by oscillator 014 at a predetermined amplitude and phase to the baseband processing unit 20 of the base station. It is understood that, in a specific implementation, feed network 013 may include at least one of a phase shifter, a combiner, a transmission or calibration network, or a filter. This application does not limit the components, types, or functions that feed network 013 can perform.

[0064] Of course, the above-mentioned antenna 01 can also be applied to various other types of communication devices, and this application does not limit the application scenarios of the antenna 01.

[0065] The radome 011 has excellent electrical properties, such as good electromagnetic wave penetration, which does not affect the normal transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves between the vibrator 014 and the outside world. In terms of mechanical properties, the radome 011 has excellent stress resistance and oxidation resistance, allowing it to withstand the erosion of harsh external environments.

[0066] Diopter 014, also known as the radiator, is the basic unit of the antenna structure, effectively transmitting or receiving electromagnetic waves. In specific applications, diopter 014 can be divided into single-polarization and dual-polarization types. When configuring, the type of diopter 014 can be appropriately selected based on actual needs.

[0067] With the continuous development of mobile communication technology and the widespread adoption of fifth-generation mobile communication technology (5G), the number of antennas 01 installed on masts 04 is increasing. Due to limited mounting space on masts 04 for antennas 01, some masts 04 cannot accommodate more antennas 01. Therefore, effectively integrating different antennas is becoming a trend.

[0068] For example, as shown in Figure 4, in one current fusion method, a new antenna 10 can be installed on the existing antenna 01, thereby achieving effective fusion between the two antennas. Furthermore, to prevent the newly added antenna 10 from adversely affecting the performance of the existing antenna 01, the reflector of the new antenna 10 needs to be properly configured to allow the wireless signal generated by the existing antenna 01 to radiate outward through the new antenna 10. However, the current structural configuration of the new antenna 10 still has many shortcomings, which significantly limits its widespread application.

[0069] For example, as shown in Figure 5, when configuring reflector 11 in antenna 10, not only the operating frequency band of antenna 10 itself must be considered, so that reflector 11 can effectively reflect the electromagnetic waves generated by vibrator 12 in antenna 10. Furthermore, the operating frequency band of antenna 01 must also be considered, so that the electromagnetic waves generated by vibrator 014 in antenna 01 can propagate outward through reflector 11. However, currently, reflector 11 in antenna 10 is fixed. Therefore, if the operating frequency band of vibrator 014 in antenna 01 is adjusted, the electromagnetic waves generated by vibrator 014 cannot propagate outward through reflector 11, resulting in significant limitations.

[0070] To this end, an embodiment of the present application provides an antenna 10 with good flexibility of use and scope of application.

[0071] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application clearer, this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0072] As shown in Figure 6, in an example provided in the present application, the antenna 10 includes a reflector 11 and a plurality of vibrators 12, and the plurality of vibrators 12 are spaced apart and distributed on one side of a plane area 100 (such as the upper side in Figure 6). The reflector 11 includes at least two areas. Among them, the area in the reflector 11 can be moved into or out of the plane area 100, and the vertical projection of the plurality of vibrators 12 on the plane area 100 is located in at least one area. That is, the area in the reflector 11 can be moved to the bottom of the plurality of vibrators 12 to effectively reflect or transmit the electromagnetic waves generated by the vibrators 12.

[0073] For more details, please refer to Figures 6 and 7 . In the example provided herein, six transducers 12 are arranged in a matrix on the same side of a planar region 100. The reflector 11 has four regions: region 111, region 112, region 113, and region 110. Each of the four regions has a different pattern, exhibiting different reflective and transmissive properties.

[0074] As shown in Figure 6, at this time, the area 110 moves into the plane area 100, and the shape outline of the area 110 is slightly larger than the plane area 100. It should be noted that the above-mentioned plane area 100 is a virtual area in space (also understood as the area where the vibrator 12 is located), and the plane area 100 is only used to facilitate the description of the relative positions of the vibrator 12 and the areas in the reflector 11. In the antenna 10 provided in the embodiment of the present application, the reflector 11 may include four areas, and the patterns of the four areas are different. When different areas are moved to one side of the vibrator 12, they can produce different degrees of reflection or transmission of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the vibrator 12, thereby effectively changing the working performance of the antenna 10 and effectively improving the flexibility and scope of application of the antenna 10.

[0075] For example, as shown in FIG8 , in actual application, the radiation direction of the antenna 10 can be effectively controlled by moving the area of ​​the reflector 11. Specifically, the electromagnetic waves emitted by the vibrator 12 include electromagnetic waves that propagate toward the reflector 11 and electromagnetic waves that propagate away from the reflector 11. When the electromagnetic waves propagating toward the reflector 11 reach the area 110 of the reflector 11, the area 110 of the reflector 11 can reflect or transmit the electromagnetic waves, thereby effectively controlling the radiation direction of the antenna 10. For example, when the area 110 is a total reflection area, the area 110 can effectively reflect the electromagnetic waves emitted by the vibrator 12. Alternatively, when the area 110 is a frequency selective area, the area 110 can effectively reflect electromagnetic waves in a first frequency band and effectively transmit electromagnetic waves in a second frequency band, wherein the first frequency band is different from the second frequency band. Specifically, when the electromagnetic waves emitted by vibrator 12 are within the first frequency band, region 110 can effectively reflect the electromagnetic waves emitted by vibrator 12. Furthermore, when other vibrators 110 are present in the space, if the electromagnetic waves generated by vibrator 014 are within the second frequency band, the electromagnetic waves generated by vibrator 014 can propagate through region 110.

[0076] In practical applications, the number and position layout of the oscillators 12 included in the antenna 10 can be varied. In addition, the operating frequency bands of different oscillators 12 (ie, the frequency bands of the electromagnetic waves generated by the oscillators 12) can be the same or different.

[0077] To facilitate understanding of the technical solution of the present application, in the following examples, an example will be given in which the antenna 10 includes six oscillators 12 arranged in a matrix, and the operating frequency bands of each oscillator 12 are substantially the same.

[0078] Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, in the example provided herein, antenna 10 further includes an insulating plate 13. Insulating plate 13 is a rectangular plate structure, and each of the six oscillators 12 is secured to one side of insulating plate 13. The provision of insulating plate 13 effectively secures the oscillators 12 and ensures the relative positions of the oscillators 12.

[0079] In addition, in practical applications, the reflective plate 11 may have various structural types.

[0080] For example, as shown in Figure 7, in one embodiment provided herein, the unfolded reflector 11 is in the form of a long strip and is capable of flexible deformation. The reflector 11 includes four regions, namely, region 111, region 112, region 113, and region 114. The four regions are sequentially arranged along the length of the reflector 11.

[0081] In addition, please refer to Figures 6, 7 and 10. The antenna 10 also includes two scrolls, namely a first scroll 14 and a second scroll 15. The first scroll 14 and the second scroll 15 are arranged opposite to each other. In the length direction of the reflector 11, the two ends of the reflector 11 are connected to the first scroll 14 and the second scroll 15 respectively, so that the reflector 11 can be wound on the outer circumference of the first scroll 14 and the second scroll 15. When the first scroll 14 and the second scroll 15 are rotating, different areas of the reflector 11 can be moved to the plane area 100. In addition, after the reflector 11 is wound on the outer surface of the first scroll 14 or the second scroll 15, it can also form an effective storage function for the reflector 11, which has good convenience in use.

[0082] 10 , at this time, the region 111 is moved between the first reel 14 and the second reel 15 , that is, the region 111 is moved into the plane region 100 . The other regions are wound around the outer peripheral surface of the second reel 15 .

[0083] As shown in FIG11 , when the first reel 14 and the second reel 15 rotate counterclockwise, region 112 moves between the first reel 14 and the second reel 15 , that is, region 112 is moved into the planar region 100 . Region 111 is wound around the outer circumference of the first reel 14 , and regions 113 and 114 are wound around the outer circumference of the second reel 15 .

[0084] Alternatively, as shown in FIG12 , when the first reel 14 and the second reel 15 continue to rotate counterclockwise, the region 113 moves between the first reel 14 and the second reel 15, that is, the region 113 is moved into the planar region 100. The regions 111 and 112 are wound around the outer circumference of the first reel 14, and the region 114 is wound around the outer circumference of the second reel 15.

[0085] Alternatively, as shown in FIG13 , when the first reel 14 and the second reel 15 continue to rotate counterclockwise, the region 114 moves between the first reel 14 and the second reel 15 , that is, the region 114 is moved into the planar region 100 . The regions 111 , 112 , and 113 are wound around the outer circumference of the first reel 14 .

[0086] It should be noted that, in a specific configuration, the antenna 10 may further include a fixing frame and other structures (not shown in the figure), to which the first and second reels 14, 15 may be fixed, thereby effectively securing the first and second reels 14, 15, and reflector 11 within the antenna 10. Furthermore, the fixing frame may also ensure the relative position of the first and second reels 14, 15. In specific applications, the specific structural shape of the fixing frame may be appropriately configured based on actual needs, and this application does not impose any restrictions thereon.

[0087] The first reel 14 and the second reel 15 can be driven manually or electrically. For example, the antenna 10 can be equipped with a driving element such as a motor.

[0088] When the antenna 10 includes a motor, the output shaft of the motor can be in driving connection with the first reel 14 to drive the first reel 14 to rotate. Alternatively, the output shaft of the motor can also be in driving connection with the second reel 15 to drive the second reel 15 to rotate. Alternatively, the output shaft of the motor can be in driving connection with both the first reel 14 and the second reel 15 to drive the first reel 14 and the second reel 15 to rotate.

[0089] Alternatively, when the antenna 10 includes two motors, the output shaft of one of the motors can be connected to the first reel 14 to drive the first reel 14 to rotate. The output shaft of the other motor can be connected to the second reel 15 to drive the second reel 15 to rotate.

[0090] Alternatively, as shown in FIG14 , in another example provided herein, the reflector 11 can be moved by folding. For example, in actual use, the sub-region 111 of the reflector 11 can be moved to the plane region 100, and the regions 112, 113, and 114 can be folded and stored on one side.

[0091] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 15 , the region 112 in the reflective plate 11 may be moved to the plane region 100 , the region 111 may be folded and stored on one side, and the regions 113 and 114 may be folded and stored on the other side.

[0092] In a specific configuration, antenna 10 also includes a folding mechanism connected to reflector 11 for folding or unfolding reflector 11. Specifically, the folding mechanism can be a connecting rod, a rope, or the like. In a specific configuration, the folding mechanism can be selected and configured according to currently used types and will not be described in detail here.

[0093] It is understandable that, in actual application, the reflector 11 may be moved by, for example, sliding, telescoping or rotating, so as to move the required area to the plane area 100, which will not be described in detail here.

[0094] As shown in FIG16 , in a specific configuration, the reflector 11 may include a flexible dielectric substrate 115 and a metal pattern layer 116. The metal pattern layer 116 may be located on one surface of the flexible dielectric substrate 115. Specifically, the flexible dielectric substrate 115 may be a polyimide or polyester film. Alternatively, it may be another insulating plate or film capable of bending. Specifically, the metal pattern layer 116 may be a metal layer formed by directly molding a highly conductive material such as copper or aluminum onto the surface of the flexible dielectric substrate 115. Alternatively, the metal pattern layer 116 may be a separate metal plate, etc., which may be adhered to the surface of the flexible dielectric substrate 115 using materials such as glue.

[0095] In practical applications, the reflector 11 may include a single-layer flexible dielectric substrate 115 or a metal pattern layer 116 , or may include multiple layers of flexible dielectric substrates 115 or metal pattern layers 116 .

[0096] For example, as shown in FIG. 16 , in an example provided in the present application, the reflective plate 11 includes a flexible dielectric substrate 115 , and the metal pattern layer 116 can be located on any surface of the flexible dielectric substrate 115 .

[0097] Alternatively, as shown in FIG17 , in another example provided herein, the reflector 11 includes two metal pattern layers, namely a metal pattern layer 116 a and a metal pattern layer 116 b. The metal pattern layer 116 a is located on one surface of the flexible dielectric substrate 115 (the upper surface in the figure), and the metal pattern layer 116 b is located on the other surface of the flexible dielectric substrate 115 (the lower surface in the figure).

[0098] Alternatively, as shown in FIG18 , in another example provided herein, the reflector 11 includes two flexible dielectric substrates and a metal pattern layer 116. The two flexible dielectric substrates are a flexible dielectric substrate 115a and a flexible dielectric substrate 115b, respectively, and the metal pattern layer 116 is located between the flexible dielectric substrate 115a and the flexible dielectric substrate 115b.

[0099] Alternatively, as shown in FIG19 , in another example provided herein, the reflector 11 includes two flexible dielectric substrates and two metal pattern layers. The two flexible dielectric substrates are flexible dielectric substrate 115a and flexible dielectric substrate 115b, and the two metal pattern layers are metal pattern layer 116a and metal pattern layer 116b. Metal pattern layer 116b is located between flexible dielectric substrates 115a and 115b, and metal pattern layer 116a is located on the upper surface of flexible dielectric substrate 115a.

[0100] In summary, in practical applications, the reflector 11 may include at least one flexible dielectric substrate 115 and a metal pattern layer 116. Alternatively, it can be understood that a region of the reflector 11 (such as region 111) may be composed of a single metal pattern layer 116. Alternatively, a region of the reflector 11 (such as region 111) may be composed of multiple stacked metal pattern layers 116. The specific number of flexible dielectric substrates 115 and metal pattern layers 116 can be appropriately set based on actual needs and is not detailed here.

[0101] In addition, in actual applications, the specific functions or types of the areas included in the reflective plate 11 may also be diverse.

[0102] For example, as shown in FIG. 20 , in an example provided in the present application, the reflective plate 11 includes four regions, namely, region 111 , region 112 , region 113 and region 114 .

[0103] Region 111 and region 112 are both frequency selective regions, wherein both regions 111 and 112 include a metal pattern layer 116 , and the specific patterns of the metal pattern layer 116 are different, so that region 111 and region 112 have different reflection and transmission properties.

[0104] Specifically, the metal pattern layer 116 in region 111 includes a rectangular hollow pattern. The metal pattern layer 116 in region 112 includes a cross-shaped hollow pattern. The metal pattern layers 116 in regions 111 and 112 can also be considered as frequency selective surfaces (FSS).

[0105] Region 113 is a fully transparent region that can transmit electromagnetic waves of all frequency bands. In practical applications, the fully transparent region may only include the flexible dielectric substrate 115 without the metal pattern layer, thereby effectively transmitting electromagnetic waves of all frequency bands.

[0106] Region 114 is a total reflection region, which can effectively reflect electromagnetic waves of all frequency bands. In practical applications, the total reflection region may include a full metal layer, which can effectively reflect electromagnetic waves of all frequency bands.

[0107] It should be noted that the above example is based on an example in which the reflector 11 includes four regions. In actual applications, the reflector 11 may include two regions, or three or more regions. In addition, the areas or shapes of the different regions may be the same or different.

[0108] In addition, the area or shape outline of the region and the plane region 100 may be the same or different.

[0109] In actual applications, the area of ​​the reflective plate 11 can be larger than, equal to, or smaller than the planar area 100. Alternatively, it can be understood that when the reflective plate 11 is moved, one area can be located within the planar area 100, or two or more areas can be located within the planar area 100 simultaneously. For example, one area of ​​the reflective plate 11 can be located within the planar area 100 and cover the planar area 100. Alternatively, two areas of the reflective plate 11 can be located within the planar area 100 simultaneously, and the two areas can jointly cover the planar area 100.

[0110] In addition, in actual applications, the antenna 10 may include one reflector 11 or two or more reflectors 11. When the antenna 10 includes two or more reflectors 11, different reflectors 11 may be used in combination.

[0111] For example, as shown in FIG21 , in one example provided herein, the antenna 10 includes a reflector 11, one end of which is connected to a first reel 14, and the other end of which is connected to a second reel 15. When the first reel 14 and the second reel 15 rotate, they can wind or release the reflector 11, thereby moving the corresponding area of ​​the reflector 11 to the plane area 100.

[0112] Alternatively, as shown in FIG22 , in an example provided in the present application, the antenna 10 includes two reflectors, namely, reflector 11a and reflector 11b. Reflector 11a and reflector 11b are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the plane area 100. Specifically, the plane area 100 can be divided into two different areas, namely, area 101 and area 102. Area 101 corresponds to vibrators 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d, and area 102 corresponds to vibrators 12e and 12f. In other words, the vertical projections of vibrators 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d in the plane area 100 are located in area 101. The vertical projections of vibrators 12e and 12f in the plane area 100 are located in area 102.

[0113] After the area in the reflector 11 a moves to the area 101 , it can reflect or transmit the electromagnetic waves emitted by the vibrators 12 a , 12 b , 12 c , and 12 d .

[0114] After the area in the reflector 11 b moves to the area 102 , it can reflect or transmit the electromagnetic waves emitted by the vibrators 12 e and 12 f .

[0115] In summary, by using two reflective plates, the electromagnetic waves emitted by different oscillators can be reflected or transmitted to the same or different degrees.

[0116] In practical applications, the types and numbers of the regions in the reflective plate 11 a and the reflective plate 11 b may be the same or different, and this application does not impose any limitation thereto.

[0117] In the above example, four reels are included: a first reel 14a, a second reel 15a, a first reel 14b, and a second reel 15b. All four reels are parallel to each other. The first reel 14a and the second reel 15a are positioned opposite each other and are used to drive the reflector 11a. The first reel 14b and the second reel 15b are positioned opposite each other and are used to drive the reflector 11b.

[0118] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 23 , in another example provided in the present application, the reflective plate 11 a and the reflective plate 11 b may also be stacked.

[0119] Specifically, the reflective plate 11a and the reflective plate 11b are stacked in a direction perpendicular to the planar area 100. The area of ​​the reflective plate 11a can be moved into the planar area 100, and the area of ​​the reflective plate 11b can be moved to the area corresponding to the perpendicular projection of the planar area 100. The areas of the reflective plate 11a and the reflective plate 11b can be superimposed to produce superimposed reflection or transmission properties.

[0120] In summary, after the reflective plates 11a and 11b are stacked in a direction perpendicular to the plane area 100, the areas in the reflective plates 11a and 11b can be superimposed, so that the reflection ability and transmission ability of electromagnetic waves can be adjusted more flexibly.

[0121] In the above example, the moving directions of the reflecting plate 11 a and the reflecting plate 11 b are parallel to each other.

[0122] In other examples, the moving directions of the reflective plate 11 a and the reflective plate 11 b may also be non-parallel.

[0123] For example, as shown in Figure 24, in another example provided herein, a first reel 14a and a second reel 15a are disposed relative to each other, for driving the reflector 11a to move. A first reel 14b and a second reel 15b are disposed relative to each other, for driving the reflector 11b to move. Furthermore, the first reel 14a and the first reel 14b are perpendicular to each other, and the second reel 15a and the second reel 15b are perpendicular to each other. In other words, the movement directions of the reflector 11a and the reflector 11b are relatively perpendicular.

[0124] It should be noted that in the above examples, the antenna 10 includes one or two movable reflectors, and the reflectors include two or more regions. In other examples, the antenna 10 may include three or more reflectors, and each reflector may be movably provided in the antenna 10.

[0125] Alternatively, in other examples, the antenna 10 may further include at least one fixed reflector.

[0126] For example, as shown in FIG25 , in another example provided in the present application, the antenna 10 includes the above-mentioned movable reflector 11 and a fixed reflector 16. The fixed reflector 16 and the reflector 11 are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the plane area 100. Specifically, the plane area 100 can be divided into two different areas, namely area 101 and area 102. Among them, area 101 corresponds to the vibrator 12a, vibrator 12b, vibrator 12c and vibrator 12d, and area 102 corresponds to the vibrator 12e and vibrator 12f. In other words, the vertical projections of the vibrator 12a, vibrator 12b, vibrator 12c and vibrator 12d in the plane area 100 are located in area 101. The vertical projections of the vibrator 12e and vibrator 12f in the plane area 100 are located in area 102.

[0127] The fixed reflection plate 16 can reflect or transmit the electromagnetic waves emitted by the vibrators 12 a , 12 b , 12 c , and 12 d .

[0128] After the area in the reflector 11 moves to the area 102 , it can reflect or transmit the electromagnetic waves emitted by the vibrator 12 e and the vibrator 12 f .

[0129] In a specific configuration, the fixed reflector 16 can be a full metal plate, thereby effectively reflecting electromagnetic waves. Alternatively, the fixed reflector 16 can include a frequency-selective surface, enabling the fixed reflector 16 to effectively reflect electromagnetic waves in certain frequency bands and effectively transmit electromagnetic waves in other frequency bands. Alternatively, the fixed reflector 16 can include multiple different regions, each of which can have different reflection and transmission properties for electromagnetic waves.

[0130] Alternatively, in some examples, the fixed reflective plate 16 and the reflective plate 11 may also be stacked in a direction perpendicular to the plane area 100 .

[0131] In specific configuration, the number and type of the fixed reflective plates 16 included in the antenna 10 and the relative positions between the fixed reflective plates 16 and the reflective plates 11 can be flexibly configured, which will not be described in detail herein.

[0132] In addition, as shown in Figure 26, in actual application, the antenna 10 may also include components such as a radome 17 and a feed network 18. The feed network 18, reflector 11, and vibrator 12 can be located within the radome 17, so that the radome 17 can effectively protect the feed network 18, reflector 11, and vibrator 12. In the example provided in this application, the reflector 11 can be located on the side of the feed network 18 away from the vibrator 12. Of course, in other examples, the reflector 11 can also be located between the feed network 18 and the vibrator 12. In specific configurations, the relative positions of the reflector 11, the feed network 18, and the vibrator 12 can be appropriately set according to actual needs, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this. In addition, in specific configurations, the antenna 10 may also include components such as a controller. When the antenna 10 includes a driver such as a motor, the controller can be signal-connected to the driver, and the controller can send control signals to the driver, causing the driver to drive the reflector 11 to move, thereby moving the desired area into the planar area.

[0133] In practical applications, the antenna 10 can be used independently in a communication device such as a base station, or can be used in combination with other antennas.

[0134] For example, as shown in Figure 27, an embodiment of the present application further provides an antenna assembly, including a first antenna 10 and a second antenna 01, wherein the first antenna 10 is the antenna 10 shown in Figure 26. The second antenna 01 can be a currently commonly used antenna.

[0135] For example, in one example provided herein, the second antenna 01 may include a fixed reflector 012 and a vibrator 014 located on one side of the fixed reflector 012. Furthermore, the second antenna 01 may include an antenna cover 011, in which the fixed reflector 012 and the vibrator 014 may be fixed.

[0136] The first antenna 10 can be fixed in the radiation direction of the second antenna 01, and the electromagnetic waves generated by the vibrator 014 in the second antenna 01 can be radiated outward through the first antenna 10. That is, the first antenna 10 will not adversely affect the radiation performance of the second antenna 01.

[0137] Please refer to Figures 20 and 27 in conjunction. In actual applications, when area 113 of reflector 11 moves into planar area 100, the electromagnetic waves emitted by vibrator 014 in second antenna 01 can propagate outward through area 111 of reflector 11. Alternatively, when area 111 of reflector 11 moves into planar area 100, the electromagnetic waves emitted by vibrator 014 in second antenna 01 can propagate outward through area 111 of reflector 11. Furthermore, reflector 11 can also reflect the electromagnetic waves generated by vibrator 12 in first antenna 10, preventing them from propagating into vibrator 014 and thereby reducing its radiation performance.

[0138] In actual applications, the operating frequency bands of the oscillator 014 in the second antenna 01 can be substantially the same or different. In actual applications, the area of ​​the reflector 11 in the first antenna 10 can be appropriately set based on the operating frequency band of the oscillator 014 in the second antenna 01 to prevent the reflector 11 in the first antenna 10 from adversely affecting the radiation performance of the second antenna 01.

[0139] Alternatively, it is understood that, in practical applications, the first antenna 10 can be an active antenna or a passive antenna, and the second antenna 01 can be an active antenna or a passive antenna. This application does not limit the specific types of the first antenna 10 and the second antenna 01.

[0140] In addition, in actual application, the antenna assembly may include a first antenna 10 or a second antenna 01, or may include multiple first antennas 10 or second antennas 01. This application does not limit the specific number of the first antenna 10 and the second antenna 01.

[0141] It should also be noted that in the above example, the first antenna 10 and the second antenna 01 are each equipped with a separate radome. However, in other examples, the radomes of the first antenna 10 and the second antenna 01 can also be an integrated structure. That is, the first antenna 10 and the second antenna 01 can share a radome, which can effectively improve the integration of the antenna assembly.

[0142] It should be noted that, in actual application, the above antenna assembly can be used in various types of communication equipment such as base stations.

[0143] For example, as shown in Figure 28, the communication device is a base station. The base station includes a mast 04 and an adjustment bracket 05. Antenna 01 can be fixedly mounted on mast 04 using adjustment bracket 05, and antenna 10 can be mounted on antenna 01. In summary, configuring antenna 01 and antenna 10 in the base station effectively improves base station bandwidth and other performance. Furthermore, antenna 10 does not occupy the mounting space on mast 04, facilitating the configuration of more antennas 01 and 10 in the base station.

[0144] In addition, since the reflector in the antenna 10 is movable, the antenna 10 can be effectively adapted to antennas 01 of more different operating frequency bands, which can reduce the development cost of the antenna 10 and facilitate the wide application of the antenna 10.

[0145] Of course, in actual applications, the base station may also include a feeder 02, a grounding device 03, a radio frequency processing unit 06, and a baseband processing unit 20. In simple terms, the radio frequency processing unit 06 may be used to perform frequency selection, amplification, and down-conversion processing on the signal received by the antenna 01, and convert it into an intermediate frequency signal or a baseband signal and send it to the baseband processing unit 20, or the radio frequency processing unit 06 may be used to convert the intermediate frequency signal emitted by the baseband processing unit 20 into a wireless signal through the antenna 01 after up-conversion and amplification processing. The baseband processing unit 20 can be connected to the feed network of the antenna 01 through the radio frequency processing unit 06. In some embodiments, the radio frequency processing unit 06 may also be referred to as a remote radio unit (RRU), and the baseband processing unit 20 may also be referred to as a baseband unit (BBU).

[0146] In addition, as shown in Figure 29, an embodiment of the present application also provides a communication system, including a communication device and a terminal. The communication device is in communication connection with the terminal. The terminal can specifically be a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, or other terminal with wireless communication capabilities. In specific applications, the type of terminal is not limited.

[0147] In the various embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0148] In this application, "plurality" refers to two or more. "and / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural.

[0149] It is understood that the various numbers used in the embodiments of this application are merely for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the sequence numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not necessarily imply a specific order of execution; the order of execution of the processes should be determined by their functions and inherent logic.

Claims

1. An antenna, characterized in that: including a reflector and a plurality of vibrators; The reflective plate includes at least two areas; wherein the at least two areas are movable into or out of the plane area; The plurality of vibrators are distributed at intervals on one side of the planar region, and a vertical projection of at least one of the vibrators on the planar region is located within at least one of the regions.

2. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein The patterns of the at least two regions are different.

3. The antenna according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The at least two regions reflect electromagnetic waves in different frequency bands.

4. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that One of the at least two regions is a total reflection region, a total transmission region or a frequency selective region; The total reflection area is used to reflect electromagnetic waves; The fully transparent area is used to transmit electromagnetic waves; The frequency selective area is used to reflect electromagnetic waves in a first frequency band and to transmit electromagnetic waves in a second frequency band. The first frequency band is different from the second frequency band. The frequency band of the electromagnetic waves generated by the vibrator is within the first frequency band.

5. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The reflective plate is in the shape of a flexible strip, and the at least two regions are sequentially arranged along the length direction of the reflective plate.

6. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The reflective plate includes a flexible dielectric substrate and a metal pattern layer; The metal pattern layer is located on at least one surface of the flexible dielectric substrate.

7. The antenna according to claim 6, characterized in that The reflection plate includes at least two flexible substrates, and the at least two flexible substrates are stacked.

8. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The antenna includes a first reel, a second reel and a driving member; The first reel and the second reel are arranged opposite to each other, one end of the reflector can be wound around the first reel, and the other end of the reflector can be wound around the second reel; The driving member is in driving connection with the first reel and / or the second reel, and is used to drive the first reel and / or the second reel to rotate.

9. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The reflective plate is a foldable plate; The antenna further includes a folding mechanism connected to the reflector plate and configured to fold or unfold the reflector plate.

10. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The antenna includes at least two reflecting plates, and the at least two reflecting plates are stacked in a direction perpendicular to the plane area.

11. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that The antenna includes at least two reflecting plates, and the at least two reflecting plates are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the planar area.

12. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The antenna further includes a fixed reflector, wherein the reflector is parallel to the planar area; A vertical projection of at least one vibrator among the plurality of vibrators on the fixed reflective plate is located within the fixed reflective plate.

13. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that The antenna further includes an insulating plate, the plurality of vibrators are fixed on one side of the insulating plate, and the reflector is located on the other side of the insulating plate.

14. An antenna assembly, characterized in that: comprising a first antenna and a second antenna, wherein the first antenna is the antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 13; The first antenna is arranged in a radiation direction of the second antenna.

15. The antenna assembly according to claim 14, wherein: At least one area of ​​the reflector is a frequency selective area, the frequency selective area is used to reflect electromagnetic waves in a first frequency band and to transmit electromagnetic waves in a second frequency band, the first frequency band and the second frequency band being different; The frequency band of the electromagnetic wave generated by the vibrator in the first antenna is within the first frequency band, and the frequency band of the electromagnetic wave generated by the vibrator in the second antenna is within the second frequency band.

16. The antenna assembly according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that: The first antenna further comprises a first antenna cover, and the second antenna further comprises a second antenna cover; The first radome and the second radome are independent of each other, or the first radome and the second radome are an integrated structure.

17. A communication device, characterized in that: The antenna assembly comprises a radio frequency processing unit and the antenna assembly according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the radio frequency processing unit is connected to the feeding networks in the first antenna and the second antenna.

18. The communication device according to claim 17, wherein: The communication device further includes a baseband processing unit, which is connected to the radio frequency processing unit.

19. A communication system, characterized in that: The device comprises a terminal and the communication device according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the communication device is communicatively connected with the terminal.

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