Shroud for a base station antenna

Abstract

This disclosure discloses a protective cover for a base station antenna. The cover includes a housing and a support. The housing spans over the radiator of the base station antenna and includes a front wall, a first side wall and a second side wall extending rearward from the front wall, and a first rear flange and a second rear flange extending inward from the respective first and second side walls. The support includes a body and a first mounting flange and a second mounting flange extending forward from the body. The first and second mounting flanges mate with the corresponding first and second rear flanges of the housing to connect the housing to the support. The housing provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance and reduces the possibility of screws loosening due to lateral wind forces.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to the field of base station antennas. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a protective cover for a base station antenna. Background Technology

[0002] In outdoor environments, base station antennas are mounted on communication towers using antenna mounts. To protect the radiators of the base station antennas from the harsh outdoor environment, protective covers are typically placed on the radiators. Currently, there are two main types of protective covers: open covers and closed covers.

[0003] Figure 1A and 1B Cross-sectional and side views of the existing open-type protective enclosure 1' are shown respectively. The enclosure 1' includes a housing 11' and a bracket 12'. The bracket 12' is used to fix the housing 11' to an antenna mounting piece 2' on a communication tower (not shown). The side walls 111' of the housing 11' and the connecting wall 121' of the bracket 12' partially overlap and are fastened together by screws 13', thereby mounting the housing 11' to the bracket 12'. Numerous screws 13' are distributed on the side walls 111' of the housing 11', thus affecting the aesthetics of the enclosure 1'. Furthermore, the enclosure 1' is susceptible to lateral wind forces, which can easily cause the screws to loosen, thereby affecting the protective function of the enclosure 1'.

[0004] Figure 2A and 2B Cross-sectional and side views of an existing enclosed enclosure 1” are shown. Enclosure 1” also includes a housing 11” and a bracket 12”, with the bracket 12” used to secure the housing 11” to an antenna mount 2 on a communication tower (not shown). The housing 11” and the bracket 12” can be formed as a single unit, thereby securing the housing 11” to the bracket 12. Since the housing 11” cannot be removed from the bracket 12”, it is inconvenient to replace the radiator inside the housing 11”. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to provide a shield for a base station antenna that can overcome at least one defect in the prior art.

[0006] A first aspect of this disclosure relates to a shroud for a base station antenna. The shroud includes a shroud body and a support. The shroud body spans the radiator of the base station antenna and includes a front wall, a first side wall and a second side wall extending rearward from the front wall, and a first rear flange and a second rear flange extending inward from the respective first and second side walls. The support includes a body and a first mounting flange and a second mounting flange extending forward from the body. The first and second mounting flanges mate with the respective first and second rear flanges of the shroud body to connect the shroud body to the support.

[0007] In one embodiment, the rear portion of the first sidewall, the first rear flange, and the first support plate form a longitudinally extending first compartment inside the first sidewall.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first rear flange includes a hole for connection to the first mounting flange of the bracket by a screw.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first end of the first support plate is directly connected to the free end of the first rear flange, while the second end is directly connected to the first sidewall of the cover.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first support plate has one or more bends between its first end and its second end.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first support plate is either arc-shaped or straight.

[0012] In one embodiment, the longitudinally extending first compartment includes a reinforcing plate stacked on the first rear flange.

[0013] In one embodiment, the reinforcing plate includes a rear wall and side walls extending forward from opposite ends of the rear wall, wherein the rear wall of the reinforcing plate overlaps the rear flange, and at least one side wall of the reinforcing plate abuts against a first side wall of the cover.

[0014] In one embodiment, a nut is secured to the rear wall of the reinforcing plate to connect the cover to the first mounting flange of the bracket by cooperating with a screw.

[0015] In one embodiment, the cross-section of the support body is L-shaped and includes a first plate and a second plate perpendicular to each other.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first mounting flange extends outward from the first plate of the bracket body.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first mounting flange includes an engagement arm extending parallel to the first plate and a connecting arm connecting the first plate and the engagement arm.

[0018] In one embodiment, the connecting arm has a hole for connection to the first rear flange of the housing via a screw.

[0019] In one embodiment, the connecting arms have different lengths to accommodate radiators of different lengths.

[0020] In one embodiment, the bracket body is connected to an antenna mount on a communication tower.

[0021] In one embodiment, two or more supports are arranged on the cover along the longitudinal direction of the cover and spaced apart from each other.

[0022] In one embodiment, the cover has a longitudinally elongated integral shape and a cross-section that is shaped like a door, an arch, a semicircle, or a triangle.

[0023] In one embodiment, the cover is made of a thermosetting material.

[0024] In one embodiment, the support is made of a metal material.

[0025] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a base station antenna. The base station antenna includes the aforementioned protective cover to cover the radiator of the base station antenna.

[0026] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a protective cover for a base station antenna. The cover includes a housing, a support, a first fastener, and a second fastener. The housing includes a front wall, a first side wall and a second side wall extending rearward from the front wall, and longitudinally extending first and second compartments positioned within the respective first and second side walls. The support includes a body, and a first mounting flange and a second mounting flange extending forward from the body. The first fastener extends through the first mounting flange into the longitudinally extending first compartment. The second fastener extends through the second mounting flange into the longitudinally extending second compartment.

[0027] In one embodiment, a longitudinally extending first reinforcing plate is installed in a longitudinally extending first compartment, and a longitudinally extending second reinforcing plate is installed in a longitudinally extending second compartment.

[0028] In one embodiment, both the first reinforcing plate and the second reinforcing plate include a rear wall and a first side wall and a second side wall extending forward from opposite ends of the rear wall.

[0029] In one embodiment, the first sidewall of the first reinforcing plate abuts against the first sidewall of the cover.

[0030] In one embodiment, a nut is fixed to the rear wall of the first reinforcing plate to connect the cover to the first mounting flange of the bracket by cooperating with a screw. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Many aspects of this disclosure will be better understood after reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1A and 1B These are the cross-sectional view and side view of the existing open-type protective cover;

[0033] Figure 2A and 2B These are the cross-sectional view and side view of the existing enclosed protective cover;

[0034] Figure 3A and 3BCross-sectional and side views of the shield according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown respectively;

[0035] Figure 4 Showing includes Figure 3A and 3B A partial cross-sectional view of the longitudinally extending compartment within the protective enclosure;

[0036] Figure 5 The illustration may include Figure 4 A perspective view of the reinforcing plates in the longitudinally extending compartments of the protective cover;

[0037] Figure 6A and 6B A perspective view of a bracket according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0038] Figure 7 Cross-sectional views of supports of different heights according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure can be presented in many different ways and is not limited to the embodiments described below; in fact, the embodiments described below are intended to make the disclosure more complete and to fully illustrate the scope of protection of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should also be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein can be combined in various ways to provide further additional embodiments.

[0040] It should be understood that the same reference numerals denote the same elements in all the accompanying drawings. For clarity, the dimensions of certain features may be modified in the drawings.

[0041] It should be understood that the terminology used in this specification is for describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. All terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms) have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art unless otherwise defined. For the sake of brevity and / or clarity, well-known functions or structures may not be described in detail.

[0042] Unless otherwise specified, the singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in this specification include the plural forms. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “containing” used in this specification indicate the presence of the claimed feature but do not exclude the presence of one or more other features. The term “and / or” used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items. The terms “between X and Y” and “between approximately X and Y” used in this specification should be interpreted as including both X and Y. The term “between approximately X and Y” used in this specification means “between approximately X and approximately Y,” and the term “from approximately X to Y” used in this specification means “from approximately X to approximately Y.”

[0043] In the specification, when an element is described as being "on," "attached," "connected," "coupled," or "in contact" with another element, the element can be directly located on, attached to, connected to, coupled to, or in contact with the other element, or there may be intermediate elements present. Conversely, when an element is described as being "directly" located on, directly attached to, directly connected to, directly coupled to, or directly in contact with another element, no intermediate elements are present. In the specification, the description of a feature being arranged "adjacent" to another feature can mean that a feature has a portion overlapping with the adjacent feature or a portion located above or below the adjacent feature.

[0044] In the specification, spatial relation terms such as "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," "back," "high," and "low" describe the relationship between one feature and another in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that spatial relation terms include not only the orientation shown in the drawings but also the different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, when the device in the drawings is inverted, a feature previously described as "below" other features can now be described as "above" other features. The device can also be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), in which case the relative spatial relationships will be explained accordingly.

[0045] Figure 3A and 3B Cross-sectional and side views of the protective cover 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown respectively. The protective cover 1 includes a cover 11 and a bracket 12 connected to each other. The cover 11 is used to cover the radiator 3 of the base station antenna, while the bracket 12 is used to mount the cover 11 to an antenna mounting member 2 on a communication tower (not shown). The cover 11 may be made of thermosetting materials such as plastic or fiberglass. The bracket 12 may be made of any suitable metal material.

[0046] The enclosure 11 has a longitudinally elongated integral shape. The enclosure 11 may include a front wall 112, first and second side walls 111, and first and second rear flanges 114 extending inwardly from the respective first and second side walls. The front wall 112 and the first and second side walls 111 are collectively referred to herein as the “walls” of the enclosure 11. The walls of the enclosure 11 may have a generally uniform thickness and may span across the radiator 3 of the base station antenna. In one exemplary embodiment, the cross-section of the walls of the enclosure 11 may be U-shaped and include a flat front wall 112 and two side walls 111 that are generally parallel to each other and extend perpendicularly from opposite ends of the front wall 112. In other embodiments, the cross-section of the walls of the enclosure 11 may also be arched, semi-circular, triangular, or other suitable shapes, provided that the enclosure 11 can span across the radiator 3 and connect to the support 12.

[0047] The first and second rear flanges 114 can be used to connect the cover 11 to the bracket 12. The first and second rear flanges 114 can extend inwardly from the rear edges of the respective first and second sidewalls 111. Each rear flange 114 may include one or more holes that can receive screws for connecting the cover 11 to the bracket 12.

[0048] In some embodiments, first and second support plates 115 may be provided to enhance the structural strength of the sidewalls 111 and rear flanges 114 against lateral wind forces. A first end 115A of each support plate 115 is connected to the free end of a corresponding rear flange 114, while a second end 115B of the support plate 115 is connected to a corresponding sidewall 111 of the enclosure 11. Each support plate 115 may have one or more bends 115C between its first end 115A and its second end 115B. In other embodiments, the support plates 115 may also have other shapes, such as arcuate or straight.

[0049] like Figure 4 As best shown, the rear edge of the first sidewall 111, the first rear flange 114, and the first support plate 115 together form a first compartment 113. In some embodiments, the first compartment 113 may extend longitudinally over the entire length of the shroud. The rear edge of the second sidewall 111, the second rear flange 114, and the second support plate 115 may together form a longitudinally extending second compartment 113.

[0050] In some embodiments, reinforcing plates 116 may be installed within each longitudinally extending compartment 113 to enhance the structural strength of the sidewalls 111 and rear flange 114 against lateral wind forces. Figure 5As shown, the reinforcing plate 116 may be generally U-shaped and may include a rear wall 116A and two side walls 116B and 116C extending vertically from opposite ends of the rear wall 116A. The rear wall 116A of each reinforcing plate 116 is stacked on a corresponding rear flange 114, and the two side walls 116B and 116C abut against a corresponding support plate 115 and a corresponding side wall 111 of the cover 11, respectively. In other embodiments, each reinforcing plate 116 may be L-shaped and may include a rear wall stacked on a corresponding rear flange 114 and a side wall abutting against a corresponding side wall 111 of the cover 11.

[0051] return Figure 3A and 3B Nut 14 and screw 13 engage to connect cover 11 to bracket 12. In some embodiments, nut 14 may be fixed to the rear wall 116A of reinforcing plate 116 by any mechanical means (e.g., welding, snapping, etc.). Each screw 13 is screwed sequentially through a hole in bracket 12, a hole in rear flange 114, a hole in rear wall 116A of reinforcing plate 116, and nut 14 to connect cover 11 to bracket 12.

[0052] like Figure 6A As shown, two or more spaced-apart brackets 12 can be provided along the longitudinal direction of the housing 11 to connect the housing 11 to the antenna mounting component 2 of the communication tower. Figure 6B As shown, each bracket 12 may include a bracket body 121 and first and second mounting flanges 122 extending forward from opposite ends of the bracket body 121. The first and second mounting flanges 122 are used to connect the cover 11 to the bracket 12.

[0053] Each bracket body 121 can be formed by bending a plate, and its cross-section can be L-shaped. The bracket body 121 includes a first plate 121A and a second plate 121B that can be perpendicular to each other. The first plate 121A supports the first and second mounting flanges 122, while the second plate 121B can be used to connect the bracket 12 to the antenna mount 2 of the communication tower. Holes can be provided on the first plate 121A and the second plate 121B to reduce the weight of the plates while maintaining their strength.

[0054] First and second mounting flanges 122 extend forward from the first plate 121A of the bracket body 121 and include corresponding engaging arms 122A parallel to the first plate 121A, and connecting arms 122B connecting the first plate 121A and the corresponding engaging arms 122A. Engaging arms 122A are used to connect the cover 11 to the bracket 12 and may include one or more holes corresponding to one or more holes provided in the rear flange 114. Therefore, screws 13 can pass through the engaging arms 122A, the rear flange 114, the reinforcing plate 116, and the nut 14 to connect the cover 11 to the bracket 12.

[0055] See Figure 7 As shown, connecting arms 122B of different lengths can be provided depending on the extent to which the radiator 3 extends forward. Figure 7 As shown in (a), the connecting arm 122B is shorter and can accommodate a smaller radiator 3; while as shown in (b), the connecting arm 122B is longer and can accommodate a larger radiator 3.

[0056] In the enclosure 1 according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the rear flange 114 and the longitudinally extending compartment 113 are located at the rear of the base station antenna, thus avoiding the screws from being visible from the outside, ensuring the aesthetic appearance of the enclosure 1, and reducing the possibility of the screws loosening due to lateral wind forces. Each longitudinally extending compartment 113 is provided with a reinforcing plate 116, which enhances the structural strength of the sidewalls 111 and the rear flange 114 against lateral wind forces. In addition, by using brackets 12 that extend forward at different distances, the enclosure 11 can be adapted to radiators 3 that extend forward at different distances. Furthermore, the enclosure 11 and the brackets 12 can be separated by loosening the screws 13, thereby facilitating the replacement of the radiator 3 of the base station antenna.

[0057] While exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Therefore, all changes and modifications are included within the scope of protection of this disclosure as defined by the claims. This disclosure is defined by the appended claims, and equivalents of those claims are also included.

Claims

1. A protective cover for a base station antenna, characterized in that, The protective cover includes: A cover, which spans the radiator of the base station antenna, comprising: Front wall; A first side wall and a second side wall extending rearward from the front wall, wherein the first side wall and the second side wall are connected only through the front wall; A first rear flange and a second rear flange extending inward from the corresponding first and second sidewalls; and A first support plate and a second support plate, wherein the first support plate has a first end directly connected to a free end of a first rear flange and an opposing second end directly connected to a first sidewall to form a longitudinally extending first compartment within the first sidewall; wherein the second support plate has a first end directly connected to a free end of a second rear flange and an opposing second end directly connected to a second sidewall to form a longitudinally extending second compartment within the second sidewall; and The bracket includes a body and a first mounting flange and a second mounting flange extending forward from the body, wherein the first mounting flange and the second mounting flange cooperate with corresponding first rear flanges and second rear flanges of the cover to connect the cover to the bracket.

2. The protective cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first rear flange includes a hole for connection to the first mounting flange of the bracket by means of a screw.

3. The protective cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first support plate has one or more bends between its first end and its second end.

4. The protective cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first support plate is either curved or straight.

5. The protective cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The longitudinally extending first compartment includes a reinforcing plate stacked on the first rear flange.

6. The protective cover according to claim 5, characterized in that, The reinforcing plate includes a rear wall and side walls extending forward from opposite ends of the rear wall, wherein the rear wall of the reinforcing plate overlaps the first rear flange, and at least one side wall of the reinforcing plate abuts against the first side wall of the cover.

7. The protective cover according to claim 6, characterized in that, Nuts are fixed to the rear wall of the reinforcing plate to connect the cover to the first mounting flange of the bracket by engaging with screws.

8. The protective cover according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The cross-section of the support body is L-shaped and includes a first plate and a second plate that are perpendicular to each other.

9. The protective cover according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first mounting flange extends outward from the first plate of the bracket body.

10. The protective cover according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first mounting flange includes a joining arm extending parallel to the first plate and a connecting arm connecting the first plate and the joining arm.

11. The protective cover according to claim 10, characterized in that, The connecting arm has a hole for connection to the first rear flange of the housing via screws.

12. The protective cover according to claim 10, characterized in that, The connecting arms have different lengths to accommodate radiators of different lengths.

13. The protective cover according to claim 8, characterized in that, The main body of the bracket is connected to the antenna mounting component on the communication tower.

14. The protective cover according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, Two or more supports are arranged on the cover along the longitudinal direction of the cover and are spaced apart from each other.

15. The protective cover according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The cover has a longitudinally elongated overall shape, and its cross-section is in the shape of a door, an arch, a semicircle, or a triangle.

16. The protective cover according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The cover is made of thermosetting material.

17. The protective cover according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The support is made of metal.

18. A base station antenna, characterized in that, The base station antenna includes a shroud according to any one of claims 1-17 to cover the radiator of the base station antenna.

19. A protective cover for a base station antenna, characterized in that, The protective cover includes: The cover body includes: Front wall; A first side wall and a second side wall extending rearward from the front wall, wherein the first side wall and the second side wall are connected only through the front wall; Longitudinally extending first and second compartments are positioned within corresponding first and second sidewalls, wherein the first compartment includes a first rear flange and a first support plate, wherein the first support plate has a first end directly connected to a free end of the first rear flange and an opposite second end directly connected to the first sidewall, and the second compartment includes a second rear flange and a second support plate, wherein the second support plate has a first end directly connected to a free end of the second rear flange and an opposite second end directly connected to the second sidewall; The bracket includes a body, and a first mounting flange and a second mounting flange extending forward from the body; A first fastener, the first fastener extending through a first mounting flange into a longitudinally extending first compartment; and The second fastener extends through the second mounting flange into the longitudinally extending second compartment.

20. The protective cover according to claim 19, characterized in that, A longitudinally extending first reinforcing plate is installed in a longitudinally extending first compartment, and a longitudinally extending second reinforcing plate is installed in a longitudinally extending second compartment.

21. The protective cover according to claim 20, characterized in that, Both the first reinforcing plate and the second reinforcing plate include a rear wall and a first side wall and a second side wall extending forward from opposite ends of the rear wall.

22. The protective cover according to claim 21, characterized in that, The first side wall of the first reinforcing plate abuts against the first side wall of the cover.

23. The protective cover according to claim 22, characterized in that, Nuts are fixed to the rear wall of the first reinforcing plate to connect the cover to the first mounting flange of the bracket by cooperating with screws.

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