Patent Description:
A remote electrical tilt antenna of a base station implements down tilt adjustment of a beam of the base station antenna using a phase shifter, which makes the network coverage more flexible. The phase shifter is a core component of the base station antenna, and the performance of the phase shifter directly affects the overall performance of the antenna. Currently, a mainstream phase shifter in the industry changes a signal propagation rate by changing a dielectric constant around a feeder inside the phase shifter, to change a phase shift amount. Due to machining tolerances of various components in the phase shifter, there are differences in the coordination between the various components in the phase shifter, resulting in unstable performance of an antenna. <CIT> discloses a miniaturization single step mode phase shifter including a lower earth plate, a upper earth plate which is installed to the lower, and a first phase shift power division network and a second phase shift power division network that are installed between the lower earth plate and the upper earth plate. The first phase shift power division network and the second phase shift power division network transversely displaced along the lower earth plate and arranged horizontally along the lower earth plate. <CIT> discloses a phase shifter comprising two dielectric plates which are arranged in such a way that they are movable in a selected direction inside a metallic box and clamp a main metallic segment in order to form a dephasing cell whose terminals are situated on the extremities thereof. The main segment is provided with two conductive sections which are arranged in parallel to each other, transversally and longitudinally spaced from each other with respect to the selected direction and provided with a conductive link. The dielectric plates are provided with orifices which determine mobile windows, detecting in a variable manner the sections according to the motion of the dielectric plates in the box. <CIT> discloses a phase shifting apparatus comprising a feeder and a movable dielectric element neighboring to at least one side of the feeder. The dielectric element comprises two or more separated interactive dielectric sections with certain dielectric constants. The interactive dielectric sections are dynamically overlapped with the feeder. The area of each of the interactive dielectric sections decreases along the direction of inserting into the feeder. Shapes and sizes of the interactive dielectric sections are the same. <CIT> discloses a dielectric phase shifter comprising a cavity having an elongated receiving space, a phase shifting circuit disposed inside the receiving space, and a dielectric element slidably mounted in the receiving space and parallel with the phase shifting circuit. A rail is disposed on an inner wall of the cavity for preventing contact between the movable dielectric element and the phase shifting circuit.

In the following, parts of the description and drawings referring to former embodiments which do not necessarily comprise all features to implement embodiments of the claimed invention are not represented as embodiments of the invention but as examples useful for understanding the embodiments of the invention. Embodiments of this application provide a phase shifter, to better ensure stability of an electrical performance of an antenna.

The phase shifter includes a metal stripline, a first dielectric plate, and a second dielectric plate. The metal stripline includes a main body and a transmission section connected to the main body, and the metal stripline is clamped between the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate. The first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate slide relative to the transmission section of the metal stripline along a length direction of the metal stripline. A limiting protrusion protrudes along the length direction on a surface of the first dielectric plate and/or the second dielectric plate facing the metal stripline. The limiting protrusion is located on a side portion of the metal stripline, and the limiting protrusion is configured to limit displacement of the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate relative to the metal stripline when the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate slide.

In this application, a limiting protrusion is disposed on the first dielectric plate and/or the second dielectric plate, so as to limit displacement of the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate relative to the metal stripline when the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate slide. Therefore, the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate can slide along a width direction of the metal stripline without deviation, thereby realizing accurate control of phase change by the phase shifter.

In an embodiment of this application, when the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate slide relative to the metal stripline, the limiting protrusion moves along the side portion of the metal stripline, and an extension direction of the side portion is the same as the length direction.

In this embodiment, the limiting protrusion moves along the side portion of the metal stripline as the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate slide, and plays a guiding role for the movement of the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate, allowing the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate to slide along the side portion of the metal stripline, that is, the length direction of the metal stripline.

The limiting protrusion limits displacement of the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate relative to the metal stripline in the width direction, and the width direction is perpendicular to the length direction.

When the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate deviate relative to the metal stripline in the width direction, the limiting protrusion plays a blocking role, keeping the first dielectric plate always sliding along the length direction of the metal stripline, and avoiding deviating from the metal stripline in the width direction. In this way, the phase shifter can accurately implement phase change, and stability of electrical performance is not affected by differences in coordination of various components in the phase shifter.

In an implementation, the limiting protrusion protrudes on the first dielectric plate, the limiting protrusion includes a body connected to the first dielectric plate and a limiting body located at an end portion of the body, the limiting body protrudes on one side of the body and extends towards the width direction, and the limiting body is located on a surface of the metal stripline facing away from the first dielectric plate. It may be understood that the metal stripline is stuck between the first dielectric plate and the limiting body in a height direction. The body defines a deviation of the first dielectric plate in the width direction, and the limiting body defines a deviation of the first dielectric plate in the height direction relative to the metal stripline.

In an implementation, a distance between the limiting protrusion and the side portion of the metal stripline is greater than <NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM>. In this way, there is a distance between the limiting protrusion and the side portion of the metal stripline, that is, the first dielectric plate is not in contact with the metal stripline, allowing the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate to slide smoothly along the metal stripline. In addition, the distance between the limiting protrusion and the side portion of the metal stripline is not too large, avoiding that the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate do not deviate relative to the metal stripline in the width direction when sliding.

Further, a plurality of limiting protrusions are provided, and the plurality of limiting protrusions are located on one side of the first dielectric plate and/or the second dielectric plate and disposed at intervals along the length direction. Alternatively, a plurality of limiting protrusions are located on two opposite sides of the first dielectric plate and/or the second dielectric plate and disposed in pairs. Alternatively, the plurality of limiting protrusions are located on two opposite sides of the first dielectric plate and/or the second dielectric plate and disposed in a staggered manner. In an implementation, a plurality of limiting protrusions are provided, and the plurality of limiting protrusions are located on two opposite sides of the first dielectric plate and/or the second dielectric plate and are disposed at intervals along the length direction, and are located on two opposite sides of the metal stripline. In this embodiment, the first dielectric plate and/or the second dielectric plate are provided with a plurality of limiting protrusions on two opposite sides of the metal stripline, that is, the metal stripline is located between the limiting protrusions of the two sides, so that neither the first dielectric plate nor the second dielectric plate deviates in a direction toward the two opposite sides in a width direction, which further limits deviation in a width direction of the first dielectric plate and/or the second dielectric plate relative to the metal stripline.

In an implementation, the limiting protrusion protrudes on the first dielectric plate, a groove is provided on a surface of the second dielectric plate opposite to the first dielectric plate, the first dielectric plate is connected to the second dielectric plate, and the limiting protrusion extends into the groove and is held and fastened in the groove, or the limiting protrusion is a hook, the limiting protrusion protrudes on the first dielectric plate, a slot is provided on a surface of the second dielectric plate opposite to the first dielectric plate, the first dielectric plate is connected to the second dielectric plate, and the hook is held in the slot.

In an implementation, the metal stripline includes a signal input terminal and a signal output terminal, the metal stripline is fastened in the cavity, and the transmission section is suspended in the cavity. The signal input terminal and the signal output terminal are configured to electrically connect to a cable outside the cavity, and the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate are disposed in the cavity and are movable relative to the transmission section of the metal stripline.

In this embodiment, a signal that needs to be radiated out is transmitted to the cavity via the signal input terminal, and is transmitted to the signal output terminal along the direction of the metal stripline via a medium in the cavity. When the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate slide relative to the metal stripline, an equivalent dielectric constant of a medium in a transmission section between the signal input terminal and the signal output terminal changes, so that the signal changes in a phase of a signal transmitted from the signal output terminal. Therefore, the radiated signal can be made to have a required phase by moving the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate.

In an implementation, the transmission section includes a first transmission section and a second transmission section, a gap extending along the length direction is formed between the first transmission section and the second transmission section, and the gap is provided with an opening in the length direction. A buckle is disposed on the first dielectric plate, a slot is provided at a position of the second dielectric plate relative to the buckle, the buckle passes through the gap and is held in the slot, and the buckle slides in the gap, so that the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate slide in a same direction relative to the metal stripline. The first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate are relatively fastened by disposing a buckle structure, so as to limit displacement in a height direction of the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate. The structure is simple and can conveniently control changes of displacement in a height direction of the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate relative to the metal stripline. It is important that a gap generated by the metal stripline is directly used as a guide groove for sliding the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate. The buckle can slide in the gap and play a guiding role, the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate can be guided without changing any structure for the strip line of irregular structure. Compared to existing technologies, the machining precision is improved, the structural complexity is reduced, the consistency and stability of the electrical performance are ensured, the performance of the phase shifter is further ensured, and the gap includes an opening, which is also very convenient in assembly.

In an implementation, the first dielectric plate includes a first side surface and a second side surface, the second dielectric plate includes a third side surface and a fourth side surface, an abutting protrusion protrudes on each of the first side surface and the third side surface, the cavity includes two opposite cavity walls, the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate slide in the cavity, and the abutting protrusions slide along the cavity walls. A sliding trajectory of the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate in the cavity can be limited through the abutting protrusions, and a structure is simple, which can better ensure the performance of the phase shifter.

In an implementation, the cavity includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall, opposite to each other and extending along the length direction of the metal stripline, two guide grooves are provided on each of the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and two opposite sides of the first dielectric plate are slidably mounted in one of the guide grooves on the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and two opposite sides of the second dielectric plate are slidably mounted in another guide groove on the first sidewall and the second sidewall. It may be understood that the guide groove is provided in the cavity, and the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate are mounted in the guide groove, so that the guide groove may play both a guiding role on the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate, and a limiting role on the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate.

The remote electrical tilt antenna includes a radiating element and the phase shifter, the radiating element is connected to the phase shifter, and an electromagnetic wave signal transmitted by the phase shifter is radiated out through the radiating element. Because the phase shifter provided in this application can perform phase shift control more accurately, the remote electrical tilt antenna has higher stability.

The phase shifter provided in this application is provided with a limiting protrusion on the first dielectric plate and/or the second dielectric plate of the phase shifter, which can limit displacement in a vertical sliding direction during the sliding process of the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate, and implement a guiding function of the sliding direction. Further, the consistency and stability of the electrical performance can be better ensured.

This application provides a remote electrical tilt antenna. The remote electrical tilt antenna includes a phase shifter <NUM> shown in <FIG> and a radiating element connected to the phase shifter <NUM> in a radio frequency manner. A signal that needs to be radiated out via the radiating element is changed to a required phase via the phase shifter <NUM>, and then is radiated out via the radiating element. The radio frequency connection includes an electrical connection, a coupling connection, or the like. There may be one or more radiating elements, and a plurality of radiating elements are connected to a signal output port of the phase shifter <NUM> in a radio frequency manner. In this embodiment, the phase shifter <NUM> is in a long strip-shaped. In this embodiment, the radiating element is a radiating antenna. Further, the remote electrical tilt antenna may include one or more independent phase shifters <NUM>, so as to meet an actual use requirement. The following explains the phase shifter <NUM> in this application by using a specific embodiment.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in embodiments of this application, the phase shifter <NUM> includes a metal stripline <NUM>, a first dielectric plate <NUM>, and a second dielectric plate <NUM>. The metal stripline <NUM> includes a main body <NUM> and a transmission section (not shown) connected to the main body <NUM>. The metal stripline <NUM> is clamped between the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM>, and the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> may slide relative to the transmission section of the metal stripline <NUM> along a length direction of the metal stripline <NUM>. At least one limiting protrusion <NUM> protrudes along the length direction on a surface of the first dielectric plate <NUM> and/or the second dielectric plate <NUM> facing the metal stripline <NUM>. At least one of the limiting protrusions <NUM> is opposite to a side portion <NUM> of the metal stripline <NUM>. At least one of the limiting protrusions <NUM> is configured to limit displacement of the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> relative to the metal stripline <NUM> when the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> slide. In a first embodiment of this application, a plurality of limiting protrusions <NUM> are disposed on the first dielectric plate <NUM>. The length direction refers to an extension direction of the metal stripline <NUM> or a sliding direction of the first dielectric plate <NUM>, specifically an X direction. A direction perpendicular to the length direction and on a same plane is a width direction, specifically a Y direction. A direction is perpendicular to the X and Y directions is a height direction Z. For details, refer to the following embodiments.

The signal is transmitted from one end of the metal stripline <NUM> to the other end of the metal stripline <NUM>. The first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> may slide relative to the transmission section of the metal stripline <NUM> along the length direction of the metal stripline <NUM>, so as to change an area of the metal stripline <NUM> covered by the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM>. In this way, an equivalent dielectric constant of a medium in a transmission section through which the signal passes is changed, thereby changing power and a phase of a signal output from the metal stripline <NUM>. The "transmission section through which the signal passes" refers to a signal transmission path of the signal on the metal stripline <NUM>. The limiting protrusion <NUM> may limit positions of the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> relative to the metal stripline <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to a sliding direction, so that the dielectric plate can slide accurately in the length direction without width deviation. In addition, the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> can be guided, thereby realizing stability of the phase shifter <NUM> to a phase change.

Specifically, refer to <FIG>. The metal stripline <NUM> is a metal stripline structure of an irregular structure formed by processing a metal piece such as a metal wire or a metal plate. The metal stripline <NUM> includes an upper surface <NUM>, a lower surface <NUM> opposite to the upper surface <NUM>, and two opposite side portions <NUM>. An extension direction of the side portion <NUM> is the same as the length direction of the metal stripline <NUM>. The metal stripline <NUM> includes a plurality of transmission sections disposed at intervals. The plurality of transmission sections are connected via the main body <NUM>, and the main body <NUM> may be an unconnected irregular sheet-like member. The transmission section is a portion that can output a signal, and the main body <NUM> is configured to fasten the transmission section and connect the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM>. The transmission section is a curved structure, for example, in a wave shape or a zigzag shape, formed by processing a metal wire or a metal plate. In this embodiment, by setting the metal stripline <NUM> as the curved structure, when a length of the metal line forming the metal stripline <NUM> is fastened, a length of the phase shifter <NUM> is shortened as much as possible, so that a volume of the phase shifter <NUM> can be reduced as much as possible, while a fine phase shift control can be implemented. It is convenient to integrate the phase shifter <NUM> with other structures. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the transmission sections of the metal stripline <NUM> are a first partial transmission section <NUM>, a second partial transmission section <NUM>, and a third partial transmission section <NUM> that are arranged along the length direction. The side portions <NUM> of the first partial transmission section <NUM>, the second partial transmission section <NUM>, and third partial transmission section <NUM> jointly form the side portions <NUM> of the metal stripline <NUM>. Upper surfaces and lower surfaces of the first partial transmission section <NUM>, the second partial transmission section <NUM>, and the third partial transmission section <NUM> jointly form the upper surface <NUM> and the lower surface <NUM>.

Continuing to refer to <FIG>, both the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> are strip-shaped plate structures. The first dielectric plate <NUM> includes a first surface <NUM> and a second surface <NUM> opposite to the first surface <NUM>, and the first surface <NUM> is disposed opposite to the lower surface <NUM>. The second dielectric plate <NUM> includes a third surface <NUM> and a fourth surface <NUM> opposite to the third surface <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> together, in this embodiment, the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> are connected via a buckle structure, and the metal stripline <NUM> is located between the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM>. The first surface <NUM> of the first dielectric plate <NUM> faces the lower surface <NUM> of the metal stripline <NUM>, and the third surface <NUM> of the second dielectric plate <NUM> faces the upper surface <NUM> of the metal stripline <NUM>.

In this embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the plurality of limiting protrusions <NUM> protrude on the first surface <NUM> of the first dielectric plate <NUM>, and the plurality of limiting protrusions <NUM> are disposed at intervals along the length direction on a same side of the first surface <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The limiting protrusion <NUM> is located on a side portion <NUM> of the metal stripline <NUM>, that is, the limiting protrusion <NUM> is located on a side of the first dielectric plate <NUM> close to the side portion <NUM> of the metal stripline <NUM>. Specifically, the plurality of limiting protrusions <NUM> are located on the side portions <NUM> of the first partial transmission section <NUM>, the second partial transmission section <NUM>, and the third partial transmission section <NUM>, so that sliding displacement of the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> relative to the transmission section can be accurately limited. A surface of the limiting protrusion <NUM> facing the side portion <NUM> has a distance from the side portion <NUM>, which can ensure that the limiting protrusion <NUM> does not affect sliding smoothness of the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM>, also ensure that the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> are limited in the width direction when sliding.

Still referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, further, when the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> slide relative to the metal stripline <NUM>, the plurality of limiting protrusions <NUM> move along the side portion <NUM> of the metal stripline <NUM>, and the plurality of limiting protrusions <NUM> limit displacement of the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> relative to the metal stripline <NUM> in the width direction. Specifically, when the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> slide along the transmission section of the metal stripline <NUM>, and in the length direction, that is, in the sliding direction, when the first dielectric plate <NUM> deviates in the width direction relative to the metal stripline <NUM>, the plurality of limiting protrusions <NUM> can prevent the first dielectric plate from deviating from the metal stripline <NUM> in the width direction, so that the phase shifter <NUM> can accurately implement a phase change.

The plurality of limiting protrusions <NUM> move with the movement of the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM>. Because the limiting protrusions <NUM> can limit the displacement of the first dielectric plate <NUM> relative to the metal stripline <NUM> in the width direction, the limiting protrusions <NUM> do not deviate from the side portion <NUM> of the metal stripline <NUM>. In this way, the limiting protrusions <NUM> move along with the first dielectric plate <NUM> along the side portion <NUM> of the metal stripline <NUM>, so as to guide the movement of the first dielectric plate <NUM>, so that the first dielectric plate <NUM> can slide along the metal stripline <NUM> within a tolerance range. It should be noted that when the first dielectric plate <NUM> slides, the second dielectric plate <NUM> slides along with the first dielectric plate <NUM> in the same direction, and the limiting protrusion <NUM> also limits the second dielectric plate <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the displacement of the first dielectric plate <NUM> relative to the metal stripline <NUM> during sliding is limited by disposing the limiting protrusion <NUM> on the first dielectric plate <NUM>, so that the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> can accurately slide on the metal stripline <NUM> without deviation. In this way, relative positions of the metal stripline <NUM> and the two dielectric plates can be controlled and a phase shift function can be implemented while guiding of the dielectric plates and limiting of the dielectric plates in the width direction are implemented. An over-fit gap generated between the dielectric plates and an over-fit gap between the dielectric plate and the metal stripline <NUM> due to a tolerance are reduced, and consistency and stability of electrical performance of the phase shifter <NUM> can be ensured. A plurality of limiting protrusions <NUM> are provided, and the plurality of limiting protrusions <NUM> are disposed along a side of the first dielectric plate <NUM>, so that when the first dielectric plate <NUM> slides along the length direction of the metal stripline <NUM>, the limiting protrusions <NUM> can simultaneously limit the first dielectric plate <NUM> at a plurality of positions, which further strengthens the limit of the displacement of the first dielectric plate <NUM> relative to the metal stripline <NUM> by the limiting protrusion <NUM>. Certainly, there may alternatively be one limiting protrusion <NUM>, and the limiting protrusion protrudes at a middle position of the first dielectric plate <NUM>.

Further, a distance between the limiting protrusion <NUM> and the side portion <NUM> of the metal stripline <NUM> is greater than <NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM>. In this embodiment, the distance between the limiting protrusion <NUM> and the side portion <NUM> of the metal stripline <NUM> is <NUM>. In another embodiment, the distance between the limiting protrusion <NUM> and the side portion <NUM> of the metal stripline <NUM> may alternatively be greater than <NUM> and less than <NUM>, or greater than <NUM> and less than <NUM>. In this way, there is a distance between the limiting protrusion <NUM> and the side portion <NUM> of the metal stripline <NUM>, that is, the first dielectric plate <NUM> is not in contact with the metal stripline <NUM>, allowing the first dielectric plate <NUM> to slide smoothly along the metal stripline <NUM>. In addition, the distance between the limiting protrusion <NUM> and the side portion <NUM> of the metal stripline <NUM> is not too large, avoiding that a deviation distance between the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the metal stripline <NUM> in the width direction is too large when the first dielectric plate slides.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in an implementation of this embodiment, the plurality of limiting protrusions <NUM> protrude on two opposite sides of the first surface <NUM> of the first dielectric plate <NUM> and are disposed at intervals along the length direction, and are located at relative positions of the two opposite side portions <NUM> of the metal stripline <NUM>. The metal stripline <NUM> is located between the limiting protrusions <NUM> on two sides. That is, the plurality of limiting protrusions <NUM> are disposed on the first surface <NUM> in pairs, and each pair of limiting protrusions <NUM> is respectively located on two sides of the first surface <NUM>. The transmission section of the metal stripline <NUM> is located between a pair of limiting protrusions <NUM>. When the first dielectric plate <NUM> slides relative to the metal stripline <NUM> in the length direction, the limiting protrusions <NUM> are in directions of the two opposite side portions <NUM> of the metal stripline <NUM>, to limit the first dielectric plate <NUM>. This enables the first dielectric plate <NUM> to slide exactly along the length direction of the metal stripline <NUM>, and a deviation of the first dielectric plate <NUM> in the width direction relative to the metal stripline <NUM> is further limited.

Referring to <FIG>, in another implementation of this embodiment, the plurality of limiting protrusions <NUM> are distributed on two sides of the first surface <NUM>, and are disposed in a staggered manner. In this way, a quantity of limiting protrusions <NUM> can be reduced, and displacement consistency of the first dielectric plate <NUM> can be ensured in an entire sliding process, thereby ensuring the stability of the phase shifter <NUM>.

Further, when the transmission section of the metal stripline <NUM> is of a wavy structure (not shown), the wavy transmission section includes a plurality of convex portions and a plurality of concave portions, and the convex portions and the concave portion are disposed at intervals. The concave portion includes an opening, located between two convex portions adjacent to the concave portion. A size of the limiting protrusion <NUM> along the length direction is greater than a size of the opening along the length direction, so that the limiting protrusion <NUM> does not fall into the concave portion when the first dielectric plate <NUM> slides relative to the metal stripline <NUM>, avoiding affecting sliding of the first dielectric plate in the length direction.

In an implementation of this application, the limiting protrusion <NUM> may alternatively be of a continuous strip-shaped structure (not shown), and the strip-shaped limiting protrusion <NUM> is disposed on the first dielectric plate <NUM> along the length direction. When the first dielectric plate <NUM> deviates from the metal stripline <NUM> in the width direction at any sliding position, the limiting protrusion <NUM> can limit a further deviation of the first dielectric plate <NUM> in time, and correct the first dielectric plate <NUM> to an original sliding track. In this way, the first dielectric plate <NUM> can slide along the length direction of the metal stripline <NUM> without deviation in the width direction. The limiting protrusion <NUM> is not limited to the shape described in this embodiment. The shape of the limiting protrusion can be changed, for example, a trapezoidal block or a ball, provided that performance and sliding of the dielectric plate are not affected.

Referring to <FIG>, in an implementation, the limiting protrusion <NUM> protrudes on the first dielectric plate <NUM>, a groove <NUM> is provided on a surface of the second dielectric plate <NUM> opposite to the first dielectric plate <NUM>, and the first dielectric plate <NUM> is connected to the second dielectric plate <NUM>. The limiting protrusion <NUM> extends into the groove <NUM> and is held and fastened in the groove <NUM>. In another implementation, the limiting protrusion is a hook, the limiting protrusion protrudes on the first dielectric plate, a slot is provided on a surface of the second dielectric plate opposite to the first dielectric plate, the first dielectric plate is connected to the second dielectric plate, and the hook is held in the slot. The limiting protrusion is disposed on the first dielectric plate and extends into the second dielectric plate, so that the displacement of the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate in the width direction can be limited, and relative displacement between the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate and height displacement of the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate can be limited, thereby further ensuring sliding accuracy and achieving the stability of the electrical performance of the phase shifter.

A second embodiment of this application is not shown in the figure. A difference from the foregoing embodiment lies in that the plurality of limiting protrusions <NUM> protrudes on the third surface <NUM> of the second dielectric plate <NUM> along the length direction, and the plurality of limiting protrusions <NUM> are located on the side portion <NUM> of the metal stripline <NUM>. The limiting protrusion <NUM> is configured to limit displacement of the second dielectric plate <NUM> relative to the metal stripline <NUM> when the second dielectric plate <NUM> slides. The second dielectric plate <NUM> slides relative to the metal stripline <NUM> along the length direction. When the second dielectric plate <NUM> deviates relative to the metal stripline <NUM> in the width direction, the limiting protrusion <NUM> plays a blocking role, so that the second dielectric plate <NUM> always slides along the length direction of the metal stripline <NUM> without deviation in width. When no limiting protrusion <NUM> is disposed on the first dielectric plate <NUM>, the second dielectric plate <NUM> drives the first dielectric plate <NUM> to slide, which can also ensure a sliding trajectory of the first dielectric plate <NUM>.

Specifically, the plurality of limiting protrusions <NUM> are disposed on a side of the second dielectric plate <NUM> at intervals along the length direction. That is, the plurality of limiting protrusions <NUM> may be located on a side of the second dielectric plate <NUM> close to a first side portion <NUM>, or may be located on a side of the first dielectric plate <NUM> close to a second side portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the plurality of limiting protrusions <NUM> may alternatively be located on two opposite sides of the second dielectric plate <NUM> and disposed at intervals along the length direction, and are located on two opposite sides of the metal stripline <NUM>. The metal stripline <NUM> is located between the limiting protrusions <NUM> on two sides, and the limiting protrusions can limit the second dielectric plate <NUM>, so that the second dielectric plate <NUM> can accurately slide along the length direction of the metal stripline <NUM>, to further avoid a deviation of the second dielectric plate <NUM> in the width direction relative to the metal stripline <NUM>.

In a third embodiment of this application (not shown), a difference from the foregoing embodiment lies in that the limiting protrusions <NUM> are disposed on both the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM>. That is, the limiting protrusions <NUM> protrude on both the first surface <NUM> of the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the third surface <NUM> of the second dielectric plate <NUM> along the length direction, and the limiting protrusion <NUM> is located on the side portion <NUM> of the metal stripline <NUM>. The limiting protrusion <NUM> is configured to limit displacement of the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> relative to the metal stripline <NUM> when the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> slide. Specifically, the limiting protrusion <NUM> limits the displacement of the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> relative to the metal stripline <NUM> in the width direction. The first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> slide relative to the metal stripline <NUM> in the length direction. When the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> deviate relative to the metal stripline <NUM> in the width direction, the limiting protrusion <NUM> plays a blocking role, so that the metal stripline <NUM> is always located between the limiting protrusions <NUM> on two sides, and the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> do not deviate from the metal stripline <NUM> in width.

In this embodiment, when the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> slide relative to the metal stripline <NUM>, the limiting protrusion <NUM> moves along the side portion <NUM> of the metal stripline <NUM>. As the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> move along the side portion <NUM> of the metal stripline <NUM>, the limiting protrusion <NUM> can guide the movement of both the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM>, so that the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> can smoothly slide along the length direction of the metal stripline <NUM>.

Specifically, the plurality of limiting protrusions <NUM> may protrude on one side or two sides of the first surface <NUM> of the first dielectric plate <NUM>, or may protrude on one side or two sides of the third surface <NUM> of the second dielectric plate <NUM>. Alternatively, the limiting protrusions <NUM> on the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> may be located on two sides of the metal stripline <NUM>. In some embodiments, the plurality of limiting protrusions <NUM> are located on two opposite sides of the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> and are disposed at intervals along the length direction, and are located on two opposite sides of the metal stripline <NUM>. That is, the plurality of limiting protrusions <NUM> are disposed on the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> near the two side portions <NUM>, and the metal stripline <NUM> is located between the limiting protrusions <NUM> on two sides. When both the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> are provided with the plurality of limiting protrusions <NUM> on the two sides of the metal stripline <NUM>, the limiting protrusions <NUM> can limit both the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> in an X-axis positive direction and an X-axis negative direction, so that both the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> can accurately slide along the length direction of the metal stripline <NUM>. This further limits deviations of the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> relative to the metal stripline <NUM> in the width direction.

In an embodiment of this application, the limiting protrusion <NUM> includes a body and a limiting body (not shown) located at an end portion of the body. The limiting body protrudes on one side of the body and extends towards the width direction. The limiting body is located on a surface of the metal stripline <NUM> facing away from the first dielectric plate <NUM>.

Specifically, the first embodiment in which the limiting protrusion <NUM> is disposed on the first dielectric plate <NUM> is used as an example. The limiting protrusion <NUM> protrudes on the second surface <NUM> of the first dielectric plate <NUM>, the body protrudes on the second surface <NUM>, and the other end is connected to the limiting body. The limiting body is away from one side of the body and located on the lower surface <NUM> of the metal stripline <NUM>. That is, the metal stripline <NUM> is stuck between the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the limiting body in a height direction. When the first dielectric plate <NUM> slides along the length direction of the metal stripline <NUM>, the limiting body prevents the first dielectric plate <NUM> from deviating in the height direction and displacing in the width direction relative to the metal stripline <NUM>. This further enables the first dielectric plate <NUM> to slide along the length direction of the metal stripline <NUM> more accurately. The "height direction" herein refers to a direction perpendicular to the surface of the metal stripline <NUM>.

It may be understood that the limiting protrusion <NUM> in this embodiment may be further disposed on the second dielectric plate <NUM>, or may be disposed on both the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM>. When the limiting protrusion <NUM> is disposed on the second dielectric plate <NUM>, the body is connected to the second dielectric plate <NUM>, and the limiting body is located on a surface of the metal stripline <NUM> facing away from the second dielectric plate <NUM>. That is, the limiting body is away from one side of the body and located on the upper surface <NUM> of the metal stripline <NUM>, and the metal stripline <NUM> is stuck between the second dielectric plate <NUM> and the limiting body in the height direction. The body of the limiting protrusion <NUM> limits a deviation of the second dielectric plate <NUM> in the width direction, and the limiting body limits a deviation of the second dielectric plate <NUM> relative to the metal stripline <NUM> in the height direction. When the limiting protrusions <NUM> are disposed on both the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM>, the limiting protrusion <NUM> on the first dielectric plate <NUM> simultaneously limits deviations of the first dielectric plate <NUM> relative to the metal stripline <NUM> in the width direction and the height direction. The limiting protrusion <NUM> on the second dielectric plate <NUM> simultaneously limits deviations of the second dielectric plate <NUM> relative to the metal stripline <NUM> in the width direction and the height direction.

Referring to <FIG>, and <FIG>, in an implementation of this application, the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> are connected via a buckle <NUM> and may slide relative to the metal stripline <NUM>. The first partial transmission section <NUM> of the transmission section includes a first transmission section <NUM> and a second transmission section <NUM>, a gap <NUM> extending along the length direction is formed between the first transmission section <NUM> and the second transmission section <NUM>. The buckle <NUM> is disposed on the first dielectric plate <NUM>. A slot <NUM> is provided at a position of the second dielectric plate <NUM> opposite to the buckle <NUM>. The buckle <NUM> passes through the gap <NUM> and is held in the slot <NUM>. The buckle <NUM> slides in the gap <NUM>, so that the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> slide relative to the metal stripline <NUM> in the same direction. In this embodiment, the gap <NUM> is provided with an opening in the length direction, and during assembly, the opening facilitates assembly of the buckle <NUM> and the metal stripline <NUM>. Specifically, the buckle <NUM> protrudes at an end portion of the first dielectric plate <NUM>. In this embodiment, the buckle <NUM> at one end is used for description. The buckle <NUM> includes two buckle bodies (not shown). Each of the buckle bodies includes a connection section and a hook protruding from the connection section. The two buckle bodies are disposed adjacently and the buckle <NUM> has opposite orientations. The connection section has elasticity, to facilitate mounting in the slot <NUM> of the second dielectric plate <NUM>. The connection section passes through the gap <NUM> of the metal stripline <NUM> and extends into the slot <NUM> and is held in the slot <NUM>. When the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> slide, the connection section slides in the gap <NUM> to implement sliding displacement of the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM>. In this embodiment, the first dielectric plate <NUM> is fastened through the buckle <NUM>, and sliding is implemented via a structure of the metal stripline <NUM>, which saves the assembly structure, saves the process without changing any structure, and does not affect the performance of the metal stripline <NUM>.

Further, a single buckle body also protrudes on one side of the first dielectric plate <NUM>, and a side edge of the second dielectric plate <NUM> corresponding to the buckle body forms an opening groove toward the inside of the dielectric plate. The buckle body is buckled on the opening groove and does not interfere with the metal stripline <NUM>. Disposition of the buckle <NUM> and the buckle body can fasten the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM>, and in particular, can define a consistency between a length direction and a height direction.

Referring to <FIG>, the phase shifter <NUM> includes a cavity <NUM>, the metal stripline further includes a signal input terminal (not shown) and a signal output terminal (not shown), the metal stripline <NUM> is fastened in the cavity <NUM>, and the transmission section is suspended in the cavity <NUM>. The signal input terminal and the signal output terminal are configured to electrically connect to a cable outside the cavity, and the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> are disposed in the cavity <NUM> and are movable relative to the transmission section of the metal stripline <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> is a hollow rectangle, and two ends of the cavity are provided with openings. A pull rod <NUM> is further disposed at an end portion of the first dielectric plate <NUM> or the second dielectric plate <NUM>, and is configured to pull the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> to slide. It should be noted that the cable passes through the cavity from the outside and is connected to the cavity, the cable includes an inner conductor and an outer conductor, the outer conductor is welded to a hole of the cavity, the inner conductor is configured to electrically connect to a corresponding signal input terminal and a corresponding signal output terminal, and the cable is configured to output and input a signal.

Specifically, a signal that needs to be radiated out is transmitted to the cavity <NUM> via the signal input terminal, and is transmitted to the signal output terminal along the direction of the metal stripline <NUM> via a medium in the cavity <NUM>. The medium in the cavity <NUM> includes the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> that are laminated on a surface of the metal stripline <NUM>, and air around the metal stripline <NUM>. When the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> move along the metal stripline <NUM>, an equivalent dielectric constant of a medium in a transmission section between the signal input terminal and the signal output terminal changes, so that a phase of a signal transmitted from the signal output terminal changes. For example, before the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> move, the medium in the transmission section includes only air between the metal stripline <NUM> and the cavity <NUM>. After the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> move by a distance, the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> move to the transmission section. Therefore, the medium in the transmission section includes the first dielectric plate <NUM>, the second dielectric plate <NUM>, and air between the metal stripline <NUM> and the cavity <NUM> in the transmission section, so that the equivalent dielectric constant of the medium in the transmission section changes, and the phase of the signal output by the signal output terminal changes. In addition, when the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> are continuously moved, areas of the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> in the transmission section change continuously, even if the equivalent dielectric constant of the medium in the transmission section changes, and finally the phase of the signal output by the signal output terminal can be continuously changed. Therefore, in this application, the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> can be moved by a distance based on an actual requirement, so that a radiated signal has a required phase.

Further, in this embodiment, the transmission section of the metal stripline <NUM> is suspended in the cavity <NUM>, and the metal stripline <NUM> does not need to be disposed on a substrate, thereby reducing signal energy loss caused by the substrate and increasing a gain of the remote electrical tilt antenna. In addition, heat generated due to the signal energy loss can be reduced, thereby lowering a requirement of the phase shifter <NUM> for heat dissipation and heat resistance performance of an internal structural part, and enhancing temperature resistance reliability of each structure in the remote electrical tilt antenna.

As shown in <FIG>, further, the first dielectric plate <NUM> includes a first side surface <NUM> and a second side surface <NUM>, the second dielectric plate <NUM> includes a third side surface <NUM> and a fourth side surface <NUM>. An abutting protrusion <NUM> (<NUM>) protrudes on each of the first side surface <NUM> and the third side surface <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> includes two opposite cavity walls. The first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> slide in the cavity <NUM>, and the abutting protrusion <NUM> (<NUM>) slides along the cavity wall. It may be understood that the abutting protrusion <NUM> (<NUM>) is just in contact with the cavity wall of the cavity <NUM> without affecting sliding, and sliding accuracy of the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> can be ensured.

In an implementation, as shown in <FIG>, the cavity <NUM> includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall (not shown) that are opposite to each other and that extend along the length direction of the metal stripline <NUM>. Two guide grooves <NUM> and <NUM> are provided on both the first sidewall and the second sidewall. Two opposite sides of the first dielectric plate <NUM> are slidably mounted in one guide groove <NUM> on the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and two opposite sides of the second dielectric plate <NUM> are slidably mounted in the other guide groove <NUM> on the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The guide grooves can guide the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> mounted inside the guide grooves, so that the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> can slide along the guide grooves without deviation. In addition, the guide grooves can also limit the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM>, so that both the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> can only deviate within the guide grooves in the height direction and the width direction. The deviations of the first dielectric plate <NUM> and the second dielectric plate <NUM> relative to the metal stripline <NUM> in the height direction and the width direction are small, which can further enhance accurate control of the phase change by the phase shifter <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A phase shifter (<NUM>), comprising a metal stripline (<NUM>), a first dielectric plate (<NUM>), and a second dielectric plate (<NUM>), wherein the metal stripline (<NUM>) comprises a main body (<NUM>) and a transmission section (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) connected to the main body, the metal stripline (<NUM>) is clamped between the first dielectric plate (<NUM>) and the second dielectric plate (<NUM>), the first dielectric plate (<NUM>) and the second dielectric plate (<NUM>) slide relative to the metal stripline (<NUM>) along a length direction of the metal stripline (<NUM>), at least one limiting protrusion (<NUM>) protrudes along the length direction on a surface of the first dielectric plate (<NUM>) and/or the second dielectric plate (<NUM>) facing the metal stripline (<NUM>), at least one of the limiting protrusions (<NUM>) is opposite to a side portion of the metal stripline (<NUM>), and at least one of the limiting protrusion (<NUM>) is configured to limit displacement of the first dielectric plate (<NUM>) and the second dielectric plate (<NUM>) relative to the metal stripline (<NUM>) when the first dielectric plate (<NUM>) and the second dielectric plate (<NUM>) slide;
characterized in that
the transmission section (<NUM>) comprises a first transmission section (<NUM>) and a second transmission section (<NUM>), and a part of the first transmission section (<NUM>) connects to a part of the second transmission section (<NUM>) along a width direction, and the width direction is perpendicular to the length direction, a gap (<NUM>) extending along the length direction is formed between the rest part of the first transmission section (<NUM>) and the rest part of the second transmission section (<NUM>), a buckle (<NUM>) is disposed on the first dielectric plate (<NUM>), and a slot (<NUM>) is provided at a position of the second dielectric plate (<NUM>) relative to the buckle (<NUM>), and the buckle (<NUM>) passes through the gap (<NUM>) and is held in the slot (<NUM>), and the buckle (<NUM>) slides in the gap (<NUM>), so that the first dielectric plate (<NUM>) and the second dielectric plate (<NUM>) slide in a same direction relative to the metal stripline (<NUM>).