End cover and antenna cover assembly having the end cover

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an end cap and a radome assembly having the end cap, wherein the end cap defines an end cap plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the radome, wherein the end cap plane passes through the connection portion between the end cap and the radome, and the contour line of the cross section of the end cap includes: a first spline curve extending between a first end point and a first intermediate point and having at least one first curvature; and a second spline curve extending between a second and a third intermediate point and having at least one second curvature, the first and second intermediate points are not located in the end cap plane, the first and second intermediate points are at an equal distance from the end cap plane and are not less than the distance from any point on the cross section of the end cap to the end cap plane, and the average value of at least one first curvature is greater than the average value of at least one second curvature. The shape of the end cap is aerodynamically optimized, and after being assembled with the radome, it can significantly reduce the wind resistance of the base station antenna, thereby improving the reliability of the antenna installed on the tower.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of antennas, and more specifically to an end cover capable of reducing the wind resistance of an antenna and a radome assembly having the end cover. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the rapid development of science and technology, wireless mobile communication technology has been rapidly promoted around the world. In order to solve the contradiction between supply and demand of wireless mobile data, new spectrum bands, new cellular technologies (such as LTE) and multi-antenna technologies (such as MIMO) have emerged to meet the growing demand for mobile data. This will result in each base station antenna installation tower needing to mount more antennas, which will inevitably lead to larger antenna sizes, thereby increasing the wind resistance experienced by the antenna.

[0003] At present, the mainstream antenna cover is still a rectangular cross-section shape, which is a blunt body shape. When the wind flows over the surface of the antenna cover, eddy currents and fluid separation will be generated, thereby generating complex air forces, which will cause the base station antenna to vibrate. In addition, the mainstream construction model of most base station antennas is a single-tube communication tower with a steel structure. This tower has the disadvantages of low rigidity and excessive horizontal displacement of the tower top. Therefore, reducing the wind resistance of the antenna can not only improve the reliability of the antenna, but also reduce the installation and fixing costs of the base station antenna. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the profound understanding of the problems existing in the background technology, the inventor of the present disclosure proposes an end cap for a radome and a radome assembly including the end cap in the present case. Specifically, the first aspect of the present disclosure proposes an end cap, wherein the end cap defines an end cap plane which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the radome and passes through the connection portion between the end cap and the radome, and the contour line of the cross section of the end cap includes:

[0005] a first spline extending between a first endpoint and a first intermediate point and having at least a first curvature, wherein the first endpoint is located in the end cap plane; and

[0006] a second spline curve extending between a second midpoint and a third midpoint and having at least a second curvature, wherein the first midpoint and the second midpoint are not located in the end cap plane,

[0007] Wherein, the distance between the first middle point and the end cap plane is equal to the distance between the second middle point and the end cap plane and is not less than the distance between any point on the cross section of the end cap and the end cap plane, and the average value of the at least one first curvature is greater than the average value of the at least one second curvature.

[0008] Here, those skilled in the art should understand that a spline curve can have more than just one curvature. For example, a spline curve can have multiple curvatures. For example, the first spline curve can have multiple first curvatures. Similarly, the second spline curve can have multiple second curvatures. In the technical solution of the present disclosure, it is required that the average value of the at least one first curvature is greater than the average value of the at least one second curvature. Preferably, the smallest first curvature among the multiple first curvatures is greater than the largest second curvature among the multiple second curvatures. In other words, the first curvature corresponding to the portion with the smallest curvature in the first spline curve is also greater than the second curvature corresponding to the portion with the largest curvature in the second spline curve.

[0009] Therefore, the end cap according to the present disclosure can be aerodynamically optimized in shape, and when the end cap is assembled with the radome, the wind resistance of the entire antenna including the end cap, the radome, and the base station antenna accommodated in the radome can be significantly reduced, thereby improving the reliability of the antenna installed on the tower. In addition, while reducing the wind resistance of the antenna, the end cap and the radome will not increase the length of the base station antenna after being assembled.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first middle point and the second middle point coincide with each other. A person skilled in the art should understand that in the technical solution proposed according to the present disclosure, the first middle point may not coincide with the second middle point. In this way, the end cover is convex in front and concave in the back, which is convenient for guiding airflow and thus reducing the wind resistance of the antenna end cover.

[0011] In one embodiment according to the present disclosure, the third middle point is located in the plane of the end cap. In this way, the spline curve of the end cap proposed according to the present disclosure only includes the first spline curve and the second spline curve and the part that may exist between the first middle point and the second middle point, and its structure is simple, and the technical purpose of reducing wind resistance can be achieved.

[0012] In one embodiment according to the present disclosure, the cross section of the end cap further includes:

[0013] A third spline curve extending between a third intermediate point and a second endpoint and having at least one third curvature, wherein the third intermediate point is not located in the end cap plane and the second endpoint is located in the end cap plane, and wherein an average value of the at least one third curvature is greater than an average value of the at least one first curvature and an average value of the at least one second curvature.

[0014] In this way, the spline curve of the end cover proposed according to the present disclosure includes not only the first spline curve and the second spline curve, but also the third spline curve, by means of which the aerodynamic performance of the end cover can be further optimized and the wind resistance characteristics of the end cover can be further reduced.

[0015] As mentioned above, those skilled in the art should understand that a spline curve can have more than one curvature, and a spline curve can have multiple curvatures, for example. Similarly, for example, a third spline curve can have multiple third curvatures. Preferably, the smallest third curvature among the multiple third curvatures is greater than the largest first curvature among the multiple first curvatures and the largest second curvature among the multiple second curvatures. In other words, the third curvature corresponding to the portion with the smallest curvature in the third spline curve is also greater than the first curvature corresponding to the portion with the largest curvature in the first spline curve and the second curvature corresponding to the portion with the largest curvature in the second spline curve.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third distance between the third intermediate point and the end cap plane is within 90% of the first distance between the first intermediate point and the end cap plane, and preferably, the third distance between the third intermediate point and the end cap plane is between 60% and 70% of the first distance between the first intermediate point and the end cap plane. In this way, the aerodynamic performance of the end cap can be further optimized and the wind resistance characteristics of the end cap can be further reduced.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cross section of the end cap is smooth at the first midpoint and the second midpoint. Those skilled in the art should understand that smoothness here means that the curvature of the spline before and after the first midpoint and the second midpoint does not change suddenly.

[0018] In one embodiment according to the present disclosure, the end cap further includes: at least two side contour surfaces, and the at least two side contour surfaces and a top contour surface including the first spline curve and the second spline curve together constitute the end cap.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first length of a projection of the first spline curve on the end cap plane is less than a second length of a projection of the second spline curve on the end cap plane. Preferably, the first length is between 0.2 and 1 times the second length, and more preferably, the first length is between 0.5 and 0.6 times the second length.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the end cap is made of glass fiber composite material. In this way, the structural strength of the end cap proposed in the present disclosure can be enhanced, and its structural stability can be optimized, so that the end cap is not easily deformed when subjected to wind force, thereby providing a strong guarantee for optimizing its aerodynamic performance and thereby reducing the wind resistance of the end cap.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first spline curve, the portion between the first midpoint and the second midpoint, and the second spline curve included in the contour line of the cross section of the end cap together form a spline segment. In this way, the portion of the cross section of the entire end cap including the first spline curve, the portion between the first midpoint and the second midpoint, and the second spline curve is smooth and continuous, that is, there is no portion with excessive curvature change, and such a design is conducive to air diversion, thereby reducing the wind resistance of the end cap and the antenna including the end cap.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of grooves / protrusions, recesses and / or protrusions are provided on the outer surface of the end cap. Preferably, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of grooves has a circular arc, inverted trapezoid, rectangular and / or V-shaped cross-sectional shape, or each of the plurality of protrusions has a circular arc, trapezoid, rectangular and / or inverted V-shaped cross-sectional shape.

[0023] In one embodiment according to the present disclosure, the plurality of grooves are divided into a first groove group and a second groove group, the grooves in the first groove group are parallel to each other and the grooves in the second groove group are parallel to each other, and wherein the grooves in the first groove group and the grooves in the second groove group are not parallel and have a first angle, preferably, the first angle is in the range of 20 to 40 degrees. Further preferably, in one embodiment according to the present disclosure, the inner surface of the end cover has oblique ribs.

[0024] In addition, the second aspect of the present disclosure proposes an antenna cover assembly, which includes: an antenna cover, which has a first accommodating cavity for accommodating a vibrator; and the aforementioned end cover, which is installed at one end of the antenna cover to seal the first accommodating cavity; wherein the projection of the radiating arm of the vibrator on the plane of the end cover is located within the projection of the surface where the first spline curve is located on the plane of the end cover.

[0025] In one embodiment according to the present disclosure, the end cover has a second accommodating cavity communicated with the first accommodating cavity; and the radiating arm is at least partially located in the second accommodating cavity.

[0026] In summary, the end cap according to the present disclosure can be aerodynamically optimized in shape, and when the end cap is assembled with the radome, the wind resistance of the entire antenna including the end cap, the radome, and the base station antenna accommodated in the radome can be significantly reduced, thereby improving the reliability of the antenna installed on the tower. In addition, while reducing the wind resistance of the antenna, the end cap and the radome will not increase the length of the base station antenna after being assembled. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The embodiments are shown and explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are used to explain the basic principles, and only the aspects necessary for understanding the basic principles are shown. These drawings are not to scale. In the drawings, the same reference numerals represent similar features.

[0028] Figure 1 A perspective view of an end cap 100 for a radome according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0029] Figure 2 The content of this disclosure is shown Figure 1 A side view of an end cap 100 for a radome of the illustrated embodiment;

[0030] Figure 3 shows a side view of an end cap 200 for a radome according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 4 A perspective view of an end cap 400 for a radome according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0032] Figure 5 A perspective view of an end cap 500 for a radome according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0033] Figure 6 A bottom view of an end cap 600 for a radome according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0034] Figure 7 A perspective view of an end cap 700 for a radome according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0035] Figure 8 A perspective view of an end cap 800 for a radome according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0036] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram 900 showing the air flow performance of an end cap according to the present disclosure compared to a conventional end cap; and

[0037] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of a radome assembly 1000 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown.

[0038] Other features, characteristics, advantages and benefits of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] In the following specific description of preferred embodiments, reference will be made to the attached drawings that form a part of the present disclosure. The attached drawings show specific embodiments that can implement the present disclosure by way of example. The illustrative embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive of all embodiments according to the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural or logical modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the following specific description is not restrictive, and the scope of the present disclosure is limited by the attached claims.

[0040] At present, the main method to reduce the wind resistance of the antenna is to change the cross-sectional shape of the antenna cover so that the shape of the antenna cover is more in line with the fluid mechanics characteristics. However, in addition to providing reliable mechanical protection for the base station antenna, the cross-sectional design of the antenna cover also affects the electrical performance. For example, the Chinese utility model patent CN208272135U discloses that the cross-sectional design of the antenna cover is designed to be a semicircular arc. Although this design can reduce the wind resistance of the antenna to a certain extent, the drag reduction effect brought about by the optimization of the cross-sectional shape of the antenna cover is often restricted by the internal space layout of the antenna and cannot be well implemented.

[0041] Although the wind resistance optimization in the cross-sectional direction of the antenna is often limited, there is a lot of room for drag reduction optimization in the longitudinal direction of the antenna. However, this part of the optimization is rarely considered and optimized. The present disclosure provides an end cap for reducing the wind resistance of the antenna cover, thereby reducing the overall wind resistance of the antenna including the end cap.

[0042] In summary, the shape of the end cap is aerodynamically optimized, and after being assembled with the radome, it can significantly reduce the wind resistance of the base station antenna, thereby improving the reliability of the antenna installed on the tower. In addition, while the end cap can reduce the wind resistance of the antenna, the end cap and the radome will not increase the length of the antenna after being assembled.

[0043] In order to achieve the above technical effects, the end cover proposed in the present disclosure is streamlined in design, and fluids such as air can be well attached to the surface of the end cover when passing through the streamlined end cover, without causing separation of the fluid.

[0044] In addition to the streamlined design, preferably, certain grooves can be arranged on the end cap, and the arrangement of these grooves can further reduce the wind resistance of the antenna. In addition, alternatively or additionally, the end cap is convex on the radiation surface of the antenna, and the shape of the convexity is no longer a pure rounded corner, and the shape has more deformations. For example, the end cap is convex in front of the installation surface and concave in the back. This shape design can reasonably occupy a part of the internal space of the antenna, so as not to increase the length of the antenna.

[0045] Furthermore, the end cap proposed in the present disclosure has a simple shape, is easy to shape, easy to install, has good structural stability, and is easy to mass produce. Moreover, compared with the end cap of a full arc, the streamlined end cap proposed in the present disclosure has more variability in shape. For example, the ratio of the convex part and the retracted part can be adjusted according to the actual application, so that the end cap is more compatible, and there is no need to change the length and cross-sectional shape of the antenna, and the space utilization is better. In other words, as long as the end cap is in the form of "convex front and retracted rear", it is within the scope of protection required by the present disclosure.

[0046] The following is the attached Figures 1 to 8 The structural features of the end cap according to the present disclosure are described in detail.

[0047] Figure 1 FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an end cap 100 for a radome according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 It can be seen that the end cap 100 for the antenna cover defines an end cap plane 110 which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AA of the antenna cover and passes through the connection portion between the end cap 100 and the antenna cover. The end cap 100 includes a forward convex structure and a rearward retracted structure. In addition, the end cap 100 also includes two side surfaces 140.

[0048] In order to describe the end cap structure proposed according to the present disclosure in more detail, the following reference is made to Figure 2 and Figure 3 By means of the end cap being perpendicular to Figure 1 The structure of the end cap proposed according to the present disclosure is described by the outline of the cross section of the end cap in the direction BB. Figure 2 The content of this disclosure is shown Figure 1 A side view of an end cap 100 for a radome of the illustrated embodiment. Figure 2 It can be seen that from Figure 1 and Figure 2 It can be seen that Figure 2 For the direction perpendicular to Figure 1 The cross section of the end cap 100 in the direction BB. The contour line of the cross section of the end cap 100 includes:

[0049] a first spline curve 120, the first spline curve 120 extending between a first endpoint 121 and a first intermediate point 122 and having at least one first curvature, wherein the first endpoint 121 is located within the end cap plane 110; and

[0050] The second spline curve 130, the second spline curve 130 at the second intermediate point (at Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the second intermediate point coincides with the first intermediate point 122 and extends between the third intermediate point 123 and has at least one second curvature, wherein the first intermediate point 122 and the second intermediate point are not located in the end cap plane 110,

[0051] Wherein, the average value of the at least one first curvature is greater than the average value of the at least one second curvature, and the distance between the first midpoint 122 and the end cap plane 110 is equal to the distance between the second midpoint and the end cap plane 110 and is not less than the distance between any point on the cross section of the end cap 100 and the end cap plane 110. Figure 2 The above-mentioned convex and concave structure is shown, wherein the first length d1 of the projection of the first spline curve 120 on the end cover plane 110 is smaller than the second length d2 of the projection of the second spline curve 130 on the end cover plane 110, and the first length d1 is between 0.2 and 1 times of the second length d2, preferably, the first length d1 is 0.5 to 0.6 times of the second length d2. In this way, the aerodynamic performance of the end cover 100 can be further optimized, and the wind resistance characteristics of the end cover 100 can be further reduced.

[0052] Those skilled in the art should understand that Figure 2 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the first middle point 122 coincides with the second middle point. In other embodiments, the first middle point 122 may not coincide with the second middle point. In this case, Figure 2 When the end cap 100 is installed in the direction shown, the top end of the end cap has a horizontal surface.

[0053] In addition, from Figure 2 It can be seen that the third middle point 123 is located in the end cover plane 110. Of course, the third middle point 123 may not be located in the end cover plane 110, for example, it may be located in Figure 2 The end cap is above the plane 110 in the direction shown.

[0054] Furthermore, those skilled in the art should understand that Figure 2In the direction shown, the portion of the end cap 100 connected to the radome is a horizontal plane, which is only an example. In addition, the portion of the end cap 100 connected to the radome can also be, for example, an inclined plane, or even not a plane. However, no matter what shape the antenna end cap 100 is, it always has an end cap plane 110 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AA of the radome and passes through the connection portion between the end cap 100 and the radome. For example, when the end of the radome is a plane that is tangent to the angle rather than a horizontal plane, the end cap plane 110 can, for example, pass through a higher position of the connection portion between the end cap 100 and the radome.

[0055] Therefore, the end cap according to the present disclosure can be aerodynamically optimized in shape, and when the end cap is assembled with the radome, the wind resistance of the entire antenna including the end cap, the radome, and the base station antenna accommodated in the radome can be significantly reduced, thereby improving the reliability of the antenna installed on the tower. In addition, while reducing the wind resistance of the antenna, the end cap and the radome will not increase the length of the base station antenna after being assembled.

[0056] Here, those skilled in the art should understand that a spline curve can have more than just one curvature. A spline curve can have multiple curvatures, for example, the first spline curve 120 can have multiple first curvatures. Similarly, the second spline curve 130 can have multiple second curvatures. In the technical solution of the present disclosure, it is required that the average value of the at least one first curvature is greater than the average value of the at least one second curvature. Preferably, the smallest first curvature among the multiple first curvatures is greater than the largest second curvature among the multiple second curvatures. In other words, the first curvature corresponding to the smallest curvature portion of the first spline curve 120 is also greater than the second curvature corresponding to the largest curvature portion of the second spline curve 130.

[0057] According to the inventive concept of the present disclosure, the end cap can also include other parts, such as Figure 3 FIG. 2 shows a side view of an end cap 200 for a radome according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 It can be seen that according to the present disclosure, an end cap 200 for a radome is proposed, the end cap 200 defines an end cap plane 210 which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the radome and passes through the connection portion between the end cap 200 and the radome, and the contour line of the cross section of the end cap 200 includes: a first spline curve 220, the first spline curve 220 extends between a first endpoint 221 and a first midpoint 222 and has at least one first curvature, wherein the first endpoint 221 is located in the end cap plane 210; and a second spline curve 230, the second spline curve 230 is at a second midpoint (at Figure 3In the embodiment shown, the first intermediate point 222 and the second intermediate point 223 extend between the first intermediate point 222 and the third intermediate point 223 and have at least one second curvature. Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the first intermediate point 222 coincides with the first intermediate point 222) is not located in the end cap plane 210, wherein the distance between the first intermediate point 222 and the end cap plane 210 is equal to the distance between the second intermediate point and the end cap plane 210 and is not less than the distance between any point on the cross section of the end cap 200 and the end cap plane 210, and the average value of the at least one first curvature is greater than the average value of the at least one second curvature. For example, from Figure 3 It can be seen that the third distance h2 of the third intermediate point 223 from the end cap plane 210 is within 90% of the first distance h1 of the first intermediate point 222 from the end cap plane 210. Preferably, the third distance h2 of the third intermediate point 223 from the end cap plane 210 is 60% to 70% of the first distance h1 of the first intermediate point 222 from the end cap plane 210. In terms of specific dimensions, for example, the first distance h1 here can be higher than 10 mm. Those skilled in the art should understand that in Figure 3 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the first middle point 322 coincides with the second middle point. In other embodiments, the first middle point 322 may not coincide with the second middle point. In this case, Figure 2 When the end cap 100 is installed in the direction shown, the top end of the end cap has a horizontal surface.

[0058] In addition to the two spline curves mentioned above, Figure 3 In the example shown, the end cap 200 further includes a third spline curve 240, the third spline curve 240 extending between a third intermediate point 223 and a second end point 224 and having at least one third curvature, wherein the third intermediate point 223 is not located in the end cap plane 210 and the second end point 224 is located in the end cap plane 210, and wherein the average value of the at least one third curvature is greater than the average value of the at least one first curvature and the average value of the at least one second curvature. In this way, the spline curve of the end cap 200 proposed according to the present disclosure includes not only the first spline curve 220 and the second spline curve 230, but also the third spline curve 240, by means of which the aerodynamic performance of the end cap can be further optimized and the wind resistance characteristics of the end cap 200 can be further reduced.

[0059] Here, those skilled in the art should understand that a spline curve can have more than one curvature. For example, a spline curve can have multiple curvatures. For example, the first spline curve 220 can have multiple first curvatures. Similarly, the second spline curve 230 can have multiple second curvatures. In the technical solution of the present disclosure, it is required that the average value of the at least one first curvature is greater than the average value of the at least one second curvature. Preferably, the smallest first curvature among the multiple first curvatures is greater than the largest second curvature among the multiple second curvatures. In other words, the first curvature corresponding to the smallest curvature portion of the first spline curve 220 is also greater than the second curvature corresponding to the largest curvature portion of the second spline curve 230. In addition, similarly, for example, the third spline curve 240 can have multiple third curvatures. Preferably, the smallest third curvature among the multiple third curvatures is greater than the largest first curvature among the multiple first curvatures and the largest second curvature among the multiple second curvatures. That is, the third curvature corresponding to the portion with the smallest curvature in the third spline curve 240 is also greater than the first curvature corresponding to the portion with the largest curvature in the first spline curve 220 and the second curvature corresponding to the portion with the largest curvature in the second spline curve 230. In addition, the cross section of the end cap is smooth at the first intermediate point and the second intermediate point. The contour line of the cross section of the end cap includes the first spline curve 220, the first intermediate point 222 and the second intermediate point ( Figure 3 The portion between the first intermediate point 222 and the second spline curve 230 together form a spline segment.

[0060] In addition to the above-mentioned spline curves, the end cap according to the present disclosure can also include other parts. For example, the outer surface of the end cap 200 can include at least two side profile surfaces (not shown in the figure) in addition to the spline curves 220, 230 and 240, and the at least two side profile surfaces and the top profile surface including the first spline curve 220, the second spline curve 230 and the third spline curve 240 that may be included together constitute the end cap 200.

[0061] In one embodiment according to the present disclosure, the end caps 100, 200 can be made of glass fiber composite materials, for example. In this way, the structural strength of the end caps 100, 200 proposed in the present disclosure can be enhanced, and the structural stability thereof can be optimized, so that the end caps 100, 200 are not easily deformed or have only very small deformation when subjected to wind force, thereby providing strong guarantee for optimizing the aerodynamic performance thereof and thereby reducing the wind resistance of the end caps 100, 200. In one embodiment according to the present disclosure, the end caps 100, 200 are manufactured by a compression molding process. In this way, the end caps can be mass-produced by a simple process, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the end caps 100, 200. That is to say, the material of the end caps of the present disclosure can be, for example, glass fiber reinforced plastic material, and the strength of the end caps manufactured by compression molding is higher than that of ordinary plastic molding. The high-rigidity end caps will increase the constraint stiffness of the end of the antenna cover, which can increase the modal frequency of the antenna and reduce the deformation of the antenna when subjected to wind force, thereby also improving the overall wind resistance of the antenna. Of course, other materials and molding processes can also be used.

[0062] In the present disclosure, the first spline curve, the second spline curve and / or the third spline curve may be in the form of a small-radius arc, a straight line or a spline curve of an indefinite style, wherein the second spline curve may even be a structure similar to a straight line.

[0063] In addition to the above-mentioned spline features, in order to further optimize the wind resistance characteristics of the above-mentioned end cover, the end cover can also be designed with other features. Figures 4 to 8 In addition to the spline features, other design points are introduced. For example, some surface drag reduction features such as pits, convex humps, grooves and / or protrusions can be added to the end cap of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an end cap 400 for a radome according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 It can be seen that in Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of grooves 470 are disposed on the outer surface of the end cap 400, and each of the grooves 470 can have a cross-sectional shape of, for example, an arc, an inverted trapezoid, a rectangle and / or a V shape. Figure 4 As shown, the present disclosure arranges some drag-reducing grooves 470 on the surface of the end cover 400, and the shapes of these grooves 470 can be circular, inverted trapezoidal, rectangular, V-shaped, etc. Figure 4The grooves in the end cover 400 are, for example, semicircular grooves. The drag-reducing grooves are distributed in an "eight-shaped" shape, and the angle α between the grooves on both sides is, for example, 20°, and the spacing L between the grooves on the same side is, for example, 30 mm. The addition of these grooves 470 can reduce the suddenness of turbulence and increase the coherence of the flow when the fluid flows through the surface of the end cover 400, thereby reducing the turbulent kinetic energy of the flow. Studies have shown that the wind resistance of the end cover with drag-reducing grooves 470 is reduced by about 2% compared to the end cover without them. In addition, the addition of these grooves 470 will also increase the deformation resistance of the end cover, thereby enhancing the deformation resistance of the antenna cover that cooperates with the end cover 400. In addition, from Figure 4 It can be seen that the grooves 470 are not of equal length, and become shorter as they approach the longitudinal end edges. Figure 4 It can be seen that the lengths of these grooves are getting shorter along the direction from groove 471 to groove 476. However, those skilled in the art should understand that such an example is merely illustrative and not restrictive, and other arrangements, such as arranging the grooves to be of equal length, are also feasible.

[0065] Of course, it is also easy to imagine that these drag reduction grooves may not be grooves formed below the upper surface of the end cover, but may also be grooves formed by protrusions above the upper surface of the end cover, such as Figure 5 shown. Figure 5 FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an end cap 500 for a radome according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 It can be seen that in Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of protrusion bars 570 are provided on the outer surface of the end cap 500, and each of these protrusion bars 570 can have, for example, a circular arc, a trapezoidal, a rectangular and / or an inverted V-shaped cross-sectional shape. The present disclosure uses, for example, semicircular protrusion bars 570. The drag-reducing protrusion bars are distributed in an "eight-shaped" shape, and the angle β between the protrusion bars on both sides is, for example, 10°, and the spacing D between the protrusion bars on the same side is, for example, 20 mm. The addition of these protrusion bars 570 can reduce the suddenness of turbulence and increase the coherence of the flow when the fluid flows through the surface of the end cap 500, thereby reducing the turbulent kinetic energy of the flow. Studies have shown that the wind resistance of the end cap with the added drag-reducing protrusion bars 570 is reduced by about 3% compared to the end cap without the added protrusion bars. In addition, the addition of these protrusion bars 570 will also increase the deformation resistance of the end cap, thereby enhancing the deformation resistance of the antenna cover that cooperates with the end cap 500. In addition, from Figure 5 It can be seen that the protrusion bars 570 are all of equal length, that is, the protrusion bars 571 and the protrusion bars 576 can be of equal length. However, those skilled in the art should understand that such an example is merely illustrative and not restrictive, and other arrangements, such as arranging each protrusion bar 570 to be shorter as it is closer to the longitudinal end edge, are also feasible.

[0066] In summary, based on Figures 4 to 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of grooves are divided into a first groove group (eg Figure 4 The groove on the left side or Figure 5 The left groove formed by the protruding strip in the middle) and the second groove group (eg Figure 4 The groove on the right side or Figure 5 The grooves in the first groove group are parallel to each other and the spacing between these first grooves can be, for example, within 50 mm, the grooves in the second groove group are parallel to each other and the spacing between these second grooves can be, for example, within 50 mm, the depths of the first groove and the second groove can be, for example, within 5 mm, and the distance at the larger distance between the first groove in the first groove group closest to the second groove group and the second groove in the second groove group closest to the first groove group can be, for example, greater than 80 mm, and wherein the grooves in the first groove group and the grooves in the second groove group are not parallel and have a first angle (for example Figure 4 The angle α and Figure 5 The first angle is in the range of 10 to 60 degrees, preferably, the first angle is in the range of 20 to 40 degrees.

[0067] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 On this basis, the inventor of the present disclosure thought of further increasing the structural strength of the end cover proposed according to the present disclosure. To this end, it is thought of adding a certain number of oblique ribs on the inner surface of the end cover, so that the entire end cover can have good mechanical properties and enhance its structural strength. Figure 6 FIG. 6 shows a bottom view of an end cap 600 for a radome according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 As can be seen, there are oblique ribs 680 on the inner surface of the end cover 600. The extending direction of the oblique ribs 680 is different from the extending direction of the grooves or protrusions on the other surface.

[0068] In addition to the above-mentioned drag reduction features of grooves and protruding strips, other drag reduction features, such as convex parts or concave parts, can also be designed. Figure 7 FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an end cap 700 for a radome according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 It can be seen that, in addition to the common features mentioned above, the spline curve on the outer surface of the end cap 700 is evenly distributed with convex hulls 790. As an example, the diameter of the convex hull is within 5 cm, the height is within 1 cm, and the spacing between the convex hulls is within 10 cm. Figure 8 FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an end cap 800 for a radome according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8It can be seen that, in addition to the common features mentioned above, the spline curve on the outer surface of the end cap 800 is evenly distributed with pits 890. As an example, the diameter of the pit is within 5 cm, the depth is within 1 cm, and the spacing between the pits is within 10 cm. Those skilled in the art should understand that Figure 7 The distribution of the convex hull in Figure 8 The distribution of the dimples is merely exemplary and not restrictive. In fact, these dimples or convex humps may cover the entire surface of the end cap.

[0069] In order to clearly illustrate the technical effect of the end cap proposed according to the present disclosure, Fig. 9 A schematic diagram 900 is shown showing the air flow performance of the end cap proposed according to the present disclosure compared with the traditional end cap. In general, for a blunt body structure such as a base station antenna, the pressure difference resistance is an absolutely dominant resistance. Since the actual air fluid is viscous, the separation of the fluid will cause the pressure distribution on the surface of the object to be asymmetric, thereby forming the pressure difference resistance.

[0070] and Fig. 9 The upper part shows a conventional end cap compared to Fig. 9 The end caps shown in the middle part can delay the separation point 5 in the longitudinal direction of the antenna to the rear of the end caps, but the full arc end caps are not a perfect drag reduction solution, because after the fluid passes through the front arc, it extends straight backward and separates without the process of attaching to the end caps downwards. Fig. 9 The end cover proposed in the present disclosure as shown in the lower part has a "convex front and contracted rear" effect in form, and the end cover "contracts rearward" more gently, so the fluid has a tendency to be pressed downward after passing through the end cover, and can adhere to the end cover as much as possible, so the negative pressure area 6 at the rear of the antenna cover is lower, thereby achieving the purpose of further reducing drag.

[0071] In other words, from Fig. 9 It can be seen from the figure that the drag reduction end cap ( Fig. 9 The bottom end cap example) and the normal flat end cap ( Fig. 9 Compared with the top end cover example in the figure, the streamlined structure of the present disclosure allows the fluid to adhere well to the surface of the end cover, thereby delaying the separation point 5 in the longitudinal direction of the antenna to the rear of the end cover. The push back of the separation point 5 can reduce the negative pressure area 6 at the rear of the antenna cover, thereby achieving the purpose of drag reduction.

[0072] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of a radome assembly 1000 according to the present disclosure is shown. Fig.10It can be seen that the radome assembly 1000 includes a radome 1020, the radome 1020 main body defines a first accommodating cavity for accommodating an antenna including a vibrator 1030 and a reflector 1040; and the radome assembly 1000 also includes an end cap 1010 proposed according to the first aspect above, and the end cap 1010 can be installed at the end of the radome 1020. Fig.10 In the example, the end cap 1010 is installed at the upper end of the antenna cover 1020. Those skilled in the art should understand that other installation directions are also feasible, for example, the end cap 1010 can be installed at the lower end of the antenna cover 1020. Of course, it is also feasible that the end cap 1010 can be installed at the left end or the right end of the antenna cover 1020. Preferably, the projection of the radiating arm of the vibrator 1030 on the end cap plane of the end cap 1010 is located within the projection of the surface where the first spline of the end cap 1010 is located on the end cap plane. The end cap 1010 has a second accommodating cavity connected to the first accommodating cavity, and the radiating arm is at least partially located in the second accommodating cavity. This arrangement is to make full use of the internal space of the raised structure of the end cap 1010 in the main radiation direction, that is, the space surrounded by the surface where the first spline is located, thereby reducing the radiation of the antenna cover assembly 1000 in the direction AA (reference Figure 1 Length as shown).

[0073] In summary, the antenna including the end cap of the present disclosure is convex on the radiation surface of the antenna, and the shape of the convexity is no longer a pure rounded corner, because by adjusting the ratio of the front convex part and the rear retracted part, the shape of the end cap can be more variable, so it has good spatial compatibility and does not increase the length of the antenna. Since the front part of the end cap bulges outward, the antenna vibrator can be at least partially accommodated in the end cap, so that the internal space of the end cap can be reasonably utilized and the length of the antenna cover assembly can be reduced.

[0074] In summary, the end cap according to the present disclosure can be aerodynamically optimized in shape, and when the end cap is assembled with the radome, the wind resistance of the entire antenna including the end cap, the radome, and the base station antenna accommodated in the radome can be significantly reduced, thereby improving the reliability of the antenna installed on the tower. In addition, while reducing the wind resistance of the antenna, the end cap and the radome will not increase the length of the base station antenna after being assembled.

[0075] Although different exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that different changes and modifications can be made that can achieve one or some of the advantages of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other components that perform the same function may be appropriately replaced. It should be understood that the features explained herein with reference to specific figures may be combined with the features of other figures, even in those cases where this is not explicitly mentioned. In addition, the method of the present disclosure may be implemented in a software implementation using all appropriate processor instructions or in a hybrid implementation that utilizes a combination of hardware logic and software logic to obtain the same result. Such modifications to the scheme according to the present disclosure are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An end cap for a radome, the end cap defining an end cap plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the radome, wherein: The end cover plane passes through the connection portion between the end cover and the radome, and is characterized in that the contour line of the cross section of the end cover includes: a first spline curve extending between a first endpoint and a first intermediate point and having at least a first curvature; and a second spline curve extending between a second midpoint and a third midpoint and having at least a second curvature, wherein the first midpoint and the second midpoint are not located in the end cap plane, Wherein, the distance between the first middle point and the end cap plane is equal to the distance between the second middle point and the end cap plane and is not less than the distance between any point on the cross section of the end cap and the end cap plane, and the average value of the at least one first curvature is greater than the average value of the at least one second curvature; The outer surface of the end cover is provided with a plurality of grooves / protrusions, recesses and / or protrusions; The multiple grooves are divided into a first groove group and a second groove group, the grooves in the first groove group are parallel to each other and the grooves in the second groove group are parallel to each other, and wherein the grooves in the first groove group and the grooves in the second groove group are not parallel and have a first angle, and the first angle is in the range of 20 degrees to 40 degrees.

2. The end cap according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first midpoint coincides with the second midpoint.

3. The end cap according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The third intermediate point is located in the plane of the end cap.

4. The end cap according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The cross section of the end cap also includes: A third spline curve extending between a third intermediate point and a second endpoint and having at least one third curvature, wherein the third intermediate point is not located in the end cap plane and the second endpoint is located in the end cap plane, and wherein an average value of the at least one third curvature is greater than an average value of the at least one first curvature and an average value of the at least one second curvature.

5. The end cap according to claim 4, characterized in that: A third distance of the third midpoint from the end cap plane is within 90% of a first distance of the first midpoint from the end cap plane.

6. The end cap according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cross-section of the end cap is smooth at the first midpoint and the second midpoint.

7. The end cap according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end cap also includes: At least two side contour surfaces, the at least two side contour surfaces and a top contour surface including the first spline curve and the second spline curve together constitute the end cap.

8. The end cap according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first length of a projection of the first spline curve on the end cap plane is smaller than a second length of a projection of the second spline curve on the end cap plane.

9. The end cap according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first length is between 0.2 times and 1 times the second length.

10. The end cap according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end cap is made of glass fiber composite material.

11. The end cap according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first spline curve, the portion between the first middle point and the second middle point, and the second spline curve included in the contour line of the cross section of the end cap jointly form a spline segment.

12. The end cap according to claim 1, characterized in that Each of the plurality of grooves has a cross-sectional shape of an arc, an inverted trapezoid, a rectangle and / or a V shape.

13. The end cap according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner surface of the end cover is provided with oblique ribs.

14. The end cap according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first end point is located in the plane of the end cap.

15. The end cap according to claim 5, characterized in that: A third distance between the third middle point and the end cap plane is 60% to 70% of the first distance between the first middle point and the end cap plane.

16. The end cap according to claim 9, characterized in that The first length is 0.5 to 0.6 times the second length.

17. A radome assembly, characterized in that: The radome assembly comprises: A radome, the radome having a first accommodating cavity for accommodating the vibrator; and The end cap according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the end cap is mounted at one end of the radome to seal the first accommodating cavity; wherein The projection of the radiation arm of the vibrator on the end cover plane is located within the projection of the surface where the first spline curve is located on the end cover plane.

18. The radome assembly according to claim 17, wherein: The end cover has a second accommodating cavity communicated with the first accommodating cavity; the radiation arm is at least partially located in the second accommodating cavity.

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