Antenna installation device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an antenna mounting device, which is configured to mount multiple base station antennas on the same pole. The antenna mounting device comprises: a bracket (1), which defines a central recess (4) in an installed state, wherein the central recess (4) is configured to loosely receive a pole (3); a fastening device (2), which is configured to fasten the bracket (1) to the pole (3); and multiple connecting members (5), each connecting member being configured to be connected to at least one of the multiple base station antennas (6), and each connecting member having a predetermined relative position on the bracket. By means of the antenna mounting device, multiple base station antennas can be mounted on the same pole in relatively precise relative positions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of base station antennas, and more particularly, to an antenna mounting device configured to mount a plurality of base station antennas on a same pole. Background Art

[0002] In mobile communication networks, base station antennas must be configured appropriately based on network coverage requirements, traffic distribution, anti-interference requirements, and other practical considerations. In some application scenarios, three or more base station antennas must be installed around the same communication tower pole.

[0003] Figure 1 A prior art antenna mounting device is described, comprising two half-rings R1 and R2 that together encircle a mast (e.g., a single pole) and are secured to each other at their ends, firmly clamping the mast and thereby securing the two half-rings to the mast. Multiple connecting elements C1, C2, and C3 can be secured to the two half-rings R1 and R2, each configured to connect to a base station antenna. To ensure the two half-rings are securely clamped to the mast, a gap S is defined at their ends. During installation, ensuring the uniformity of the gaps S is difficult. Due to the unevenness of the gaps S and the deformation of the half-rings R1 and R2 during the clamping process, the actual relative positions of the connecting elements C1, C2, and C3 often deviate from a predetermined ideal relative position. Consequently, the actual relative positions of the base station antennas deviate undesirably from the predetermined ideal relative positions. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to realize an antenna mounting device, which is used to mount multiple base station antennas on the same pole. With the help of the antenna mounting device, a more accurate relative position of the multiple base station antennas can be achieved.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by an antenna mounting device, which is configured to mount multiple base station antennas on the same pole. The antenna mounting device includes:

[0006] a bracket, the bracket defining a central recess in an installed state, the central recess being configured such that the central recess loosely receives the mast;

[0007] A fastening device configured to fasten the bracket to a mast; and

[0008] A plurality of connecting members are provided, each connecting member being configured to be connected to at least one base station antenna among the plurality of base station antennas, and each connecting member having a predetermined relative position on the bracket.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, an antenna mounting device is proposed, wherein the antenna mounting device is configured to collectively mount a plurality of base station antennas on a pole, the antenna mounting device comprising:

[0010] a bracket defining a central recess configured to loosely receive the mast;

[0011] a fastening device connected to the bracket and configured to fasten the bracket to a mast located in the central recess; and

[0012] a plurality of connecting members, each connecting member being configured to connect to at least one base station antenna among the plurality of base station antennas, each connecting member being mounted to a bracket;

[0013] The fastening device includes at least one fastening component, which is respectively installed to one of the connecting members so that the position of the at least one fastening component can be adjusted relative to the corresponding connecting member. Adjustment of the position of the at least one fastening component enables the fastening device to engage with the pole and fasten the antenna mounting device to the pole.

[0014] In some embodiments, the bracket may include a bracket plate.

[0015] In some embodiments, the bracket may include an upper bracket plate and a lower bracket plate, each bracket plate may have a central recess, and the central recesses of the bracket plates collectively define the central recess of the bracket.

[0016] In some embodiments, the upper support plate and the lower support plate may be one integrally connected component or two separate components.

[0017] In some embodiments, the central recesses of the upper support plate and the lower support plate may respectively have side openings, and the side openings may be configured to allow a holding pole to pass through.

[0018] In some embodiments, the bracket may include a plurality of bracket plates, and the plurality of bracket plates may be directly or indirectly connected to each other in a circumferential direction.

[0019] In some embodiments, each connecting member can be fixed to the bracket as a separate component.

[0020] In some embodiments, the bracket may have a plurality of prefabricated holes, and each connecting member is fixed to the bracket by a fastening element passing through one of the holes.

[0021] In some embodiments, the single connecting member may be configured as a U-shaped component having a bottom edge and two side edges.

[0022] In some embodiments, the U-shaped component may have a connecting element extending from the bottom edge in a direction away from the two side edges for connecting to the at least one base station antenna.

[0023] In some embodiments, the fastening arrangement may include a plurality of separate fastening components.

[0024] In some embodiments, the fastening device can be connected to Figure 1 The two half-rings shown are of similar design, with the support being connected to the two half-rings.

[0025] In some embodiments, a single fastening assembly may include an engagement element and a pressing element configured to press the engagement element against the mast.

[0026] In some embodiments, the engagement element may be configured as a U-shaped member having a bottom edge and two side edges.

[0027] In some embodiments, each side may have an engagement section for engaging with a pole.

[0028] In some embodiments, the pressing element can act on the bottom edge.

[0029] In some embodiments, the engagement element may have a guide element configured to guide the engagement element during its movement.

[0030] In some embodiments, the compression element may be a screw.

[0031] In some embodiments, the engagement element may have a recess for receiving a free end of the screw.

[0032] In some embodiments, the fastening device may include a plurality of separate fastening components, and a single fastening component and a single connecting member may constitute a structural unit.

[0033] In some embodiments, the fastening assembly may be captively received between two sides of the connecting member.

[0034] In some embodiments, the fastening assembly may include an engaging element and a pressing element, wherein the pressing element is configured to press the engaging element against the holding pole. The engaging element may be configured as a second U-shaped component having a bottom edge and two side edges, each side edge of the engaging element having an engaging section for engaging with the holding pole, and the pressing element can act on the bottom edge of the engaging element.

[0035] In some embodiments, the engagement element may have a guide element, and the connecting member may have a corresponding guide element, and the guide element and the corresponding guide element may cooperate to guide the engagement element during movement of the engagement element.

[0036] In some embodiments, the guide element may be a plurality of finger-shaped elements parallel to each other, and the corresponding guide element may be a plurality of holes.

[0037] In some embodiments, the pressing element may be a screw, the connecting member may have a threaded hole, and the screw may be received in the threaded hole.

[0038] In some embodiments, the antenna mounting device may be configured to mount three, four, or more base station antennas on the same pole.

[0039] In some embodiments, each connecting member may include a fastening assembly mounted thereto, each fastening assembly being mounted to a corresponding connecting member such that a position of each fastening assembly can be adjusted relative to the corresponding connecting member, thereby enabling each fastening assembly to engage with the pole.

[0040] In some embodiments, the at least one fastening assembly and the corresponding connecting member may be configured such that the at least one fastening assembly is movable relative to the corresponding connecting member in directions toward and away from the mast.

[0041] The technical features mentioned above and the technical features explained below can be combined with one another as desired, as long as this is technically appropriate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings with the aid of specific embodiments. The schematic drawings are briefly described as follows:

[0043] Figure 1 is a schematic top view of an antenna mounting device for a base station antenna according to the prior art;

[0044] Figure 2 is a schematic top view of an antenna mounting device in an installed state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figures 3A to 3D Is used to describe Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of an installation process of an antenna installation device;

[0046] Figure 4A is a schematic perspective view of a structural unit of an antenna mounting device consisting of a single connecting member and a single fastening assembly;

[0047] Figure 4B Yes Figure 4A Exploded diagram of the structural unit;

[0048] Figure 4C Yes Figure 4A A longitudinal sectional view of a structural unit;

[0049] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a bracket plate of an antenna mounting device according to another embodiment;

[0050] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of a bracket plate of an antenna mounting device according to another embodiment;

[0051] Figure 7 is a schematic top view of an antenna mounting device according to another embodiment in an installed state; and

[0052] Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of a base station antenna system according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Figure 2 is a schematic top view of the antenna mounting device 10 in an installed state according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figures 3A to 3D Is used to describe Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of the installation process of the antenna mounting device.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, the antenna mounting device 10 is configured to mount three base station antennas 6 on a common mast 3. Each base station antenna 6 is shown schematically. The antenna mounting device includes a bracket 1 defining a central recess 4 that loosely receives the mast 3. In other words, the central recess 4 is larger than the mast 3, allowing limited radial movement of the bracket 1 relative to the mast 3. The mast 3 typically has a circular cross-section.

[0055] exist Figure 2 and Figures 3A to 3DIn the embodiment shown, the support 1 includes an upper support plate 11 and a lower support plate 12, each of which has a central recess 4a, 4b, which together define the central recess 4 of the support. The central recesses 4a, 4b have side openings 4c, 4d, respectively, which are configured to allow the holding rod 3 to pass through. The support plates 11 and 12 can be constructed in the same manner. A plurality of connecting members 5 are fixedly connected to the support plates 11, 12 between the support plates 11, 12. The support plates 11, 12 and the connecting members 5 can each have a plurality of prefabricated holes that receive corresponding fastening elements 7 for fixedly connecting the connecting members 5 to the support plates 11, 12. The side openings 4c, 4d can be closed by one of the connecting members 5. The prefabricated holes in the support make it possible to more accurately predetermine the relative positions of the connecting members 5 on the support 1.

[0056] Refer to the following Figures 3A to 3D Instructions Figure 2 The installation process of the antenna mounting device.

[0057] First, if Figure 3A As shown, the support plates 11, 12 and the two connecting members 5 can be preassembled into a preassembled unit 1a, which has a side opening defined by the side openings 4c, 4d of the support plates 11, 12. Figure 3B As shown, the pre-assembly unit 1a is inserted into the mast 3 through its side opening until the mast 3 is in the central recess 4 of the pre-assembly unit 1a. Figure 3C As shown, a further connecting member 5 is connected to the pre-assembly unit, wherein the connecting member 5 closes the side opening of the pre-assembly unit 1a. Finally, the fastening device 2 is tightened so that the bracket 1 is firmly fixed to the holding pole 3.

[0058] Next, refer to Figures 4A to 4C Some embodiments of the connecting member 5 and the fastening device 2 are described. Figure 4A is a schematic perspective view of a structural unit of an antenna mounting device consisting of a single connecting member 5 and a single fastening assembly 20, Figure 4B Yes Figure 4A An exploded view of the structural units, and Figure 4C Yes Figure 4A A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a structural unit.

[0059] The single connecting member 5 can be configured as a U-shaped component having a base 5a and two side edges 5b, 5c. The two side edges 5b, 5c can each have two prefabricated holes for receiving the fastening element 7. The U-shaped component can have a connecting element 5d extending from the base 5a in a direction away from the two side edges 5b, 5c for connecting to the base station antenna.

[0060] The connecting member 5 may be configured as a receiving and guiding device for the fastening assembly 20. The fastening assembly 20 may be received in the connecting member 5, more specifically, between the two side edges 5b, 5c of the connecting member 5.

[0061] The fastening assembly 20 may include an engagement element 21 and a pressing element 22. The pressing element 22 is configured to press the engagement element 21 against the mast 3. The engagement element 21 may be configured as a U-shaped component having a base 21a and two side edges 21b and 21c. Each side edge 21b and 21c may have an engagement section 21e for engaging with the mast 3. The pressing element 22 can act on the base 21a. The engagement element 21 may have a guide element 21d, and the connecting member 5 may have a corresponding guide element 24. The guide element 21d and the corresponding guide element 24 cooperate to guide the engagement element 21 during movement. The guide element 21d may be a finger-shaped element, and the corresponding guide element 24 may be a hole. The engagement element 21 may be captively retained on the connecting member 5 by a latch 23.

[0062] In some other embodiments, the guide element 21d can be a hole, and the corresponding guide element 24 can be a finger-shaped element. In this case, the corresponding guide element 24 can extend from the bottom edge 5a toward the coupling element 21, and the guide element 21d can be set in the bottom edge 21a of the coupling element 21.

[0063] The pressing element 22 may be a screw, and the connecting member 5 may have a threaded hole 25 in which the screw 22 can be received. The engaging element 21 may have a recess 26 for receiving the free end of the screw 22. When the screw 22 is screwed into the threaded hole 25, it pushes the pole 3 toward the engaging element 21, pressing the engaging element 21 against the pole 3. When the screw 22 is screwed out of the threaded hole 25, the engaging element 21 is released, allowing it to be loosened relative to the pole 3. In addition, a lock nut 27 may be provided to prevent the screw 22 from accidentally loosening when tightened.

[0064] In the embodiment shown, the connecting member 5 and the fastening assembly 20 jointly form a structural unit. However, it is also conceivable that the connecting member 5 and the fastening assembly 20 can be formed as separate units, for example, they can be installed adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the bracket 1 in the bracket 1.

[0065] In principle, three fastening assemblies 20 can fasten the bracket 1 to the pole 3. When the number of connecting members 5 is greater than three, at least one connecting member 5 may not be provided with a fastening assembly 20.

[0066] In the embodiment shown, the connecting member 5 and the bracket 1 are separate components and are connected to each other via the fastening element 7. However, it is also conceivable that the connecting member 5 can be an integral component of the bracket 1; or that the connecting member 5 and the bracket 1 are separate components and then formed into an integral component by welding.

[0067] Figure 5 : is a schematic perspective view of a bracket plate of an antenna mounting device according to another embodiment. Figure 5 Only two bracket plates 11 and 12 of the antenna mounting device are described in the figure, wherein the other components of the antenna mounting device can be the same as those in the figure. Figure 2 The upper support plate 11 and the lower support plate 12 can be constructed in the same manner. In the installed state of the antenna mounting device, the upper support plate 11 can be twisted relative to the lower support plate 12, for example, by 120°.

[0068] Figure 6 : is a schematic perspective view of a bracket plate of an antenna mounting device according to another embodiment. Figure 6 Only two bracket plates 11 and 12 of the antenna mounting device are described, which are connected into one piece by a connecting plate 13, wherein the other components of the antenna mounting device can be connected with the Figure 2 The support plates 11, 12 and the connecting plate 13 can be pressed from a metal sheet.

[0069] Figure 7 FIG1 is a schematic top view of an antenna mounting device 10 according to another embodiment in an installed state. The antenna mounting device is configured for mounting four base station antennas (not shown) on a common mast 3. The antenna mounting device includes a bracket 1, which, when installed, defines a central recess 4 that loosely receives the mast 3, allowing limited movement of the bracket 1 relative to the mast 3 in a radial direction thereof when the fastening device 2 is loosened.

[0070] exist Figure 7In the embodiment shown, the antenna mounting device has four connecting members 5 and four fastening assemblies 20, which together form the fastening device 2. The connecting members 5 have an angular spacing of 90° on the support 1.

[0071] exist Figure 7 In the embodiment shown, the bracket 1 has two bracket plates 14 and 15 on both sides of the pole 3, wherein the two bracket plates 14 on one side of the pole 3, namely an upper bracket plate and a lower bracket plate (on the Figure 7 (not visible in the figure), can be composed of two separate parts or a part connected into one piece; and the two bracket plates 15 on the other side of the pole 3, namely an upper bracket plate and a lower bracket plate (in Figure 7 The bracket plate 14 and the bracket plate 15 may be connected indirectly at both ends via the connecting member 5. In some embodiments not shown, the bracket plate 14 and the bracket plate 15 may also be directly connected at both ends. Each connecting member 5 may be installed between the two upper bracket plates 14, 15 and the two lower bracket plates 14, 15. The bracket plates 14, 15 and the connecting members 5 may each have a plurality of prefabricated holes, which receive corresponding fastening elements 7 for fixedly connecting each connecting member 5 to the bracket plates 14, 15. The prefabricated holes on the bracket plates can be used to more accurately determine the relative positions of the connecting members 5 on the bracket 1. Figure 7 In the embodiment shown, the connecting member 5 and the fastening device 2 can be connected with the Figure 2 The embodiments of the present invention may be configured identically, similarly or differently.

[0072] In the illustrated embodiment, a single connecting member 5 is configured to connect a single base station antenna. However, it is also conceivable that a single connecting member 5 can be configured to connect multiple base station antennas, such as small cell antennas. If the base station antenna is relatively tall, two or more antenna mounting devices can be sequentially arranged on the mast in the height direction of the mast. Each base station antenna can be secured to the mast via a connecting member of each antenna mounting device.

[0073] Figure 8 1 is a schematic perspective view of a base station antenna system, wherein a plurality of base station antennas 6 are mounted on a mast 3 via an upper and a lower antenna mounting device 10. These antenna mounting devices can be constructed according to the aforementioned embodiment.

[0074] Compared to existing antenna mounting devices, the antenna mounting device of the present invention can be easily and securely mounted on a pole, ensuring precise relative positioning of base station antennas. Furthermore, the adjustable fastening mechanism allows for precise and easy adjustment of the antenna mounting device's relative position to the pole.

[0075] In this application, the terms "upper", "lower" and "side" are defined with reference to a vertically oriented mast. The mast may also be oriented tilted or horizontally, wherein the above terms are to be understood in a relative sense.

[0076] It should be noted that the terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific aspects only and are not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a" and "the one" shall include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be understood that the terms "include" and "comprise" and other similar terms, when used in the application documents, specify the presence of the stated operations, elements and / or parts, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other operations, elements, parts and / or combinations thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes all arbitrary combinations of one or more related enumerated items. In the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals always represent similar elements.

[0077] The thickness of the elements in the accompanying drawings can be exaggerated for the sake of clarity. It will also be understood that if an element is referred to as being on, coupled to, or connected to another element, then the element can be formed directly on, coupled to, or connected to the other element, or one or more intervening elements can be present between them. On the contrary, if the expressions "directly on...", "directly coupled to...", and "directly connected to..." are used herein, then there is no intervening element. Other words used to illustrate the relationship between elements should be interpreted similarly, such as "between..." and "directly between...", "attached to," and "directly attached to," "adjacent to," and "directly adjacent to," etc.

[0078] Terms such as "top," "bottom," "above," "below," "upper," "below," etc., are used herein to describe the relationship of one element, layer, or region to another element, layer, or region as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that these terms are intended to encompass orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

[0079] It will be understood that although the terms "first," "second," and the like may be used herein to describe different elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, a first element may be referred to as a second element without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

[0080] It is also conceivable that all exemplary embodiments disclosed herein can be combined with one another in any desired manner.

[0081] Finally, it should be pointed out that the above embodiments are only used to understand the present invention and do not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, modifications can be made based on the above embodiments, and these modifications do not depart from the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An antenna installation device, configured to install multiple base station antennas on the same pole, characterized in that: The antenna installation device comprises: A bracket (1) which, in an installed state, defines an open central recess (4), the central recess being configured such that the central recess (4) loosely receives a mast (3); A fastening device (2) configured to fasten the bracket (1) to a holding pole (3); and A plurality of connecting members (5), each connecting member being configured to be connected to at least one base station antenna among the plurality of base station antennas (6), each connecting member having a predetermined relative position on the bracket, a first connecting member among the connecting members being connected to the bracket to close the open central recess, and a fastening device being connected to the first connecting member.

2. The antenna mounting device according to claim 1, wherein: The bracket (1) comprises a bracket plate.

3. The antenna mounting device according to claim 2, wherein: The support (1) comprises an upper support plate (11) and a lower support plate (12), each support plate having a central recess, and the central recesses of the support plates jointly define the central recess (4) of the support.

4. The antenna mounting device according to claim 3, wherein: The upper support plate (11) and the lower support plate (12) are one integrally connected component or two separate components.

5. The antenna mounting device according to claim 1, wherein: The support (1) comprises a plurality of support plates (14, 15), which are directly or indirectly connected to each other in a circumferential direction.

6. The antenna mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: Each connecting member (5) is fixed on the bracket as a separate component.

7. The antenna mounting device according to claim 6, wherein: The bracket (1) has a plurality of prefabricated holes, and each connecting member (5) is fixed to the bracket (1) via a fastening element (7) passing through one of the holes.

8. The antenna mounting device according to claim 6, wherein: The individual connecting member (5) is constructed as a U-shaped component having a bottom edge (5a) and two side edges (5b, 5c).

9. The antenna mounting device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The U-shaped component has a connecting element (5d) protruding from the bottom edge (5a) in a direction away from the two side edges (5b, 5c) for connecting to the at least one base station antenna.

10. The antenna mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The fastening device (2) comprises a plurality of separate fastening components (20).

11. The antenna mounting device according to claim 10, wherein: A single fastening assembly (20) comprises an engaging element (21) and a pressing element (22), wherein the pressing element is configured to press the engaging element (21) onto the holding pole (3).

12. The antenna mounting device according to claim 11, wherein: The engaging element (21) is configured as a U-shaped component having a bottom edge (21a) and two side edges (21b, 21c), each side edge having a engaging section (21e) for engaging with a holding pole (3), and the extruding element (22) can act on the bottom edge (21a).

13. The antenna mounting device according to claim 11, wherein: The engaging element (21) has a guide element (21d) which is configured to guide the engaging element (21) during a movement of the engaging element (21).

14. The antenna mounting device according to claim 11, wherein: The pressing element (22) is a screw.

15. The antenna mounting device according to claim 14, wherein: The engagement element (21) has a recess (26) for receiving the free end of the screw.

16. The antenna mounting device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The fastening device (2) comprises a plurality of separate fastening assemblies (20), wherein a single fastening assembly (20) and a single connecting member form a structural unit.

17. The antenna mounting device according to claim 16, wherein: The fastening assembly (20) is captively received between two side edges (5b, 5c) of the connecting member (5).

18. The antenna mounting device according to claim 17, wherein: The fastening assembly (20) includes a joining element (21) and a pressing element (22), wherein the pressing element is configured to press the joining element (21) onto the holding pole (3), the joining element (21) is configured as a second U-shaped component, and the second U-shaped component has a bottom edge (21a) and two side edges (21b, 21c), each side edge of the joining element (21) has a joining section (21e) for joining with the holding pole (3), and the pressing element (22) can act on the bottom edge (21a) of the joining element (21).

19. The antenna mounting device according to claim 18, wherein: The engaging element (21) has a guide element (21d), and the connecting member (5) has a corresponding guide element (24). The guide element (21d) and the corresponding guide element (24) act together to guide the engaging element (21) during movement of the engaging element (21).

20. The antenna mounting device according to claim 19, wherein: The guide elements (21d) are a plurality of finger-shaped elements parallel to each other, and the corresponding guide elements (24) are a plurality of holes.

21. The antenna mounting device according to claim 18, wherein: The pressing element (22) is a screw, and the connecting member (5) has a threaded hole (25) in which the screw is received.

22. The antenna mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The antenna mounting device is configured to mount three, four or more base station antennas on the same pole.

Images