Small cell base station antenna device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a small cell base station antenna device, in particular, comprising: a radio unit (RU); the at least one antenna module is arranged to be capable of inclining and steering relative to the wireless unit; and a multi-function connector intervening in the setting of each antenna module with respect to the wireless unit. Wherein the multifunctional connector includes a male connector electrically connected to a female connector disposed in the antenna module and the wireless unit, thereby improving operability of indoor installation, and providing an advantage of easy construction of a small cell base station.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a small cell base station antenna device, and more particularly, to a small cell base station antenna device that prevents the appearance of cables from being exposed, easily constructs an indoor small cell, and partitions a portion of an antenna module to cover different frequency bands or enables multiple antenna modules to cover different frequency bands respectively, thereby realizing dual-band beamforming. Background Art

[0002] In order to meet the increasing demand for wireless data communications after the commercialization of 4G communication systems, efforts are being made to develop improved 5G communication systems or pre-5G communication systems. For this reason, 5G communication systems or pre-5G communication systems are called communication systems after 4G networks (beyond 4G networks) or systems after LTE systems (Post LTE). In order to achieve high data transmission rates, 5G communication systems are being considered to be implemented in ultra-high frequency (mmWave) bands (e.g., 60GHz). In order to reduce the radio wave path loss in the ultra-high frequency band and increase the transmission distance of radio waves, beamforming, massive array multiple input and output (massive MIMO), full-dimensional multiple input and output (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, and massive antenna technology are being discussed in 5G communication systems.

[0003] In particular, various technologies for improving frequency efficiency can be applied to future 5G cellular networks that require higher capacity than the current capacity. Small cell network (SCN) technology, one of the candidate technologies, can improve channel availability by reducing the size of cells, increase cell density, improve frequency efficiency, and increase capacity.

[0004] Small cells are small cell base stations with low transmission power and narrow coverage, which are different from existing macro cells with high transmission power and large coverage. The scope of small cells is a general term for small power base station equipment below 10W, pico cells, femto cells, wireless networks (Wi-Fi), etc. The advantage of small cells is that compared with macro cells, they have low construction costs and small sizes, so they can improve space efficiency.

[0005] If such small cells are overlapped in public places, densely populated areas, and indoor areas such as large shopping malls or airport buildings, the capacity per unit area can be increased. This also has the advantage of reducing the power consumed by a macro cell base station and the installation cost. Using only small cell base stations can achieve 1,000 times the capacity of existing LTE, so it is predicted that small cells will become the basic technology connecting 4G and 5G.

[0006] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a base station antenna device according to a conventional embodiment.

[0007] like Figure 1 As shown, the structure of the antenna device for a base station according to the existing embodiment is as follows: an antenna module 10 is installed on a vertical pole 11 set outdoors through fixing brackets 30 and 31, a wireless unit 12 is installed on the lower side of the antenna module 10 through fixing brackets 32 and 33, and the antenna module 10 and the wireless unit 12 are electrically connected by a plurality of cables 14. The fixing brackets 30 and 31 are respectively arranged at the upper and lower ends of the antenna module 10 to be fixed to the pole 11, and are respectively arranged at the upper and lower ends of the wireless unit 12 to be fixed to the pole 11. The fixing brackets 30-33 play a role in fixing using fastening tools such as bolts, screws, nuts, etc.

[0008] However, the existing base station antenna device has a limited structure that must be installed outdoors (outside a building) through a pole 11, and an antenna module 10 is installed on the relatively upper side of the pole 11, and a wireless unit 12, such as an RRH (remote radio head) is installed on the relatively lower side, and then connected using a cable 14. Due to this structure, there is a problem that the cable 14 is exposed to the outside and hinders the appearance.

[0009] As mentioned above, when the small cell base station is set up indoors, there is a problem of reduced appearance due to the complex cable connection between the wireless unit (RRH) and the antenna module. At the same time, each wireless unit is only equipped with one antenna module, so it is actually difficult to cover the dual frequency bands. Summary of the invention

[0010] (Problem to be solved)

[0011] The present invention is proposed to solve the above technical problems, and its purpose is to provide a small cell base station antenna device that can easily build a small cell base station in public places, densely populated areas, and places such as large shopping malls or airport buildings.

[0012] At the same time, another object of the present invention is to provide a small cell base station antenna device that can be adjusted in direction without exposing various cables electrically connecting a wireless unit and an antenna module to the outside, thereby preventing a decrease in aesthetics (appearance aesthetics).

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a small cell base station antenna device that can partition a portion of an antenna module to cover different frequency bands or use a plurality of antenna modules to cover different frequency bands, thereby achieving dual-band operation in various locations.

[0014] In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a small cell base station antenna device as follows: a multifunctional connector is involved in the configuration of multiple antenna modules for wireless units, and a wide range of directional adjustment angles can be ensured through each multifunctional connector.

[0015] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0016] (Methods of solving the problem)

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an antenna device for a base station includes: a wireless unit (RU); at least one antenna module, which is configured to be tiltable and steerable with respect to the wireless unit; and a multi-function connector, which intervenes in the configuration of each antenna module with respect to the wireless unit; wherein the multi-function connector includes a male connector, and the male connector is electrically connected to a female connector configured on the antenna module and the wireless unit.

[0018] Here, the multifunctional connector also includes: a fixing portion, which is open on one side and fixed to the wireless unit; and a spherical joint portion, a portion of which is accommodated and combined with the internal space of the fixing portion, and adjusts the direction of the antenna module by tilting or turning; the male connector can be connected to one end and the other end of multiple coaxial cables accommodated in the fixing portion and the spherical joint portion.

[0019] In addition, the multifunctional connector may further include a cable containing tube; the cable containing tube is connected to the wireless unit at one end and connected to the fixing part at the other end, so as to contain and conceal the multiple coaxial cables from the outside.

[0020] In addition, the male connector may include: a male terminal block connected to one end and the other end of the coaxial cable; and a plurality of terminal pins extending from the coaxial cable and protruding from the male terminal block toward the female connector.

[0021] In addition, the male connector may further include: a plurality of guide pins protruding from the male terminal module toward the female connector side; and a fixing nut to maintain the electrical connection force of the plurality of terminal pins to the female connector.

[0022] In addition, the fixing nut can maintain the connection force by being tightened to the nut tightening end arranged on the female connector.

[0023] In addition, the male connector may further include a guide ring that surrounds the plurality of terminal pins and the plurality of guide pins and protrudes in a ring shape toward the female connector side.

[0024] In addition, the plurality of terminal pins and the plurality of guide pins may protrude to a size that allows them to be inserted into a plurality of terminal grooves and a plurality of guide grooves formed in the female connector.

[0025] In addition, the antenna module is a plurality of antenna sub-arrays covering dual frequency bands arranged on one antenna board, and antenna beamforming is realized with different frequency bands within the same direction of the antenna module set by the multi-functional connector.

[0026] In addition, the antenna module is a module that arranges a plurality of antenna sub-arrays to cover different frequency bands respectively, and the directions can be set in different directions through the multi-functional connector.

[0027] In addition, the antenna module may be configured to be used in a small cell base station.

[0028] In addition, the wireless unit can be installed at any location of a pole, a wall or a ceiling in the room.

[0029] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an antenna device for a small cell base station includes: a wireless unit (RU); at least one antenna module, which is configured to be tiltable and turnable for the wireless unit; and a multifunctional connector, which is involved in the configuration of each antenna module for the wireless unit. The multifunctional connector includes: a central body; a first fixing part, which is connected between the two ends of the central body and the antenna module; a second fixing part, which is connected between the two ends of the central body and the wireless unit; a first ball joint part, in which a part of either end of the two ends is accommodated and combined with the internal space of the first fixing part, and the other end of the two ends is connected to the antenna module, so that the direction of the antenna module can be adjusted by tilting or turning; a second ball joint part, in which a part of either end of the two ends is accommodated and combined with the internal space of the second fixing part, and the other end of the two ends is connected to a cable receiving tube involved in the connection with the wireless unit, so that the direction of the antenna module can be additionally adjusted.

[0030] Here, the multifunctional connector may further include a male connector electrically connected to a female connector disposed on the antenna module and the wireless unit.

[0031] In addition, the small cell base station antenna device may further include a male connector electrically connected to a female connector disposed on the antenna module and the cable housing tube.

[0032] In addition, the male connector may be connected to one end and the other end of a plurality of coaxial cables accommodated inside the first spherical joint portion, the first fixing portion, the central body, the second fixing portion, and the second spherical joint portion.

[0033] In addition, the male connector can be connected to one end and the other end of a plurality of coaxial cables accommodated inside the first spherical joint part, the first fixing part, the central body, the second fixing part, the second spherical joint part and the cable containing tube.

[0034] In addition, in the interior of the cable containing tube connected to the second spherical joint part, a number of fixed cables corresponding to the multiple coaxial cables are contained inside; a side cable connector forming the same structure as the female connector is arranged at one end of the cable containing tube connected to the multiple coaxial cables; and another side cable connector forming the same structure as the male connector can be arranged at the other end of the cable containing tube connected to the wireless unit.

[0035] In addition, the cable housing tube accommodates and conceals multiple coaxial cables from the outside, and one end is connected to the wireless unit and the other end is connected to the fixing part; the male connector can be connected to one end and the other end of the coaxial cable.

[0036] In addition, the male connector may include: a male terminal module connected to one end and the other end of the multiple coaxial cables; a plurality of guide pins protruding from the male terminal module toward the female connector side; a plurality of terminal pins extending from the coaxial cables and protruding from the male terminal module toward the female connector side; and a fixing nut to maintain the electrical connection force of the multiple terminal pins to the female connector.

[0037] In addition, the multifunctional connector may further include an anti-over-rotation locking portion, which is used to prevent the first spherical joint portion or the second spherical joint portion from excessively rotating relative to the first fixing portion or the second fixing portion.

[0038] In addition, the anti-over-rotation locking portion may include: a pair of locking protrusions, which are arranged on the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion, and are fixed in the internal space corresponding to between the first fixing portion and the first spherical joint portion or between the second fixing portion and the second spherical joint portion, and protrude in directions facing each other in the internal space; and a pair of locking plates, which are arranged on the first spherical joint portion and the second spherical joint portion, and extend toward the central body to engage with the pair of locking protrusions at least within the rotation radius.

[0039] (Effects of the Invention)

[0040] The base station antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention can produce the following various effects.

[0041] First, by using a multifunctional connector, the direction of the antenna module can be easily adjusted in a narrow space, and it is easy to build a small cell base station.

[0042] Secondly, the various cables electrically connecting the wireless unit and the antenna module are arranged so that their directions are not exposed to the outside and the direction can be adjusted, thereby having the effect of preventing the appearance (appearance) from being deteriorated.

[0043] Thirdly, the multifunctional connector can be angle-adjusted by means of ball joints at two locations at both ends with the central body as the center, thereby ensuring that the angles of multiple antenna modules can be adjusted in a wide range of directions for the wireless unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a small cell base station antenna device according to the prior art;

[0045] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a small cell base station antenna device according to the present invention;

[0046] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Exploded stereogram of

[0047] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A front view and a cross-sectional view taken along AA;

[0048] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 side profile of;

[0049] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 2 A side view of an inclined configuration of an antenna module in a structure of FIG.

[0050] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 2 A perspective view of an embodiment of a wireless unit of different specifications in a structure;

[0051] Figure 8 is a conceptual diagram showing beamforming for two frequency bands of CBRS and DoD within one antenna module;

[0052] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A plan view of the physical antenna device;

[0053] Fig.10a and Fig.10b As implementation examples of dual bands for each antenna module, the front view shows various implementation examples of a pole-mounted type and a wall-mounted type;

[0054] Fig.11is a perspective view of the appearance of a small cell base station antenna device (pole-coupled type) according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Fig.12 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a small cell base station antenna device (wall-mounted type) according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Fig.13 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a small cell base station antenna device (ceiling mounted type) according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Fig.14 and Fig.15 The invention discloses a three-dimensional diagram of a short type (a) and a long type (b) of a multifunctional connector for connecting a wireless unit and an antenna module, and a three-dimensional diagram of a cut surface (a, b);

[0058] Fig.16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 10 ;

[0059] Fig.17 It is shown Fig.14 and Fig.15 (b) an exploded perspective view of a long type of a multifunctional connector;

[0060] Fig.18 is a perspective view of a small cell base station antenna device showing a modified example to which a multifunctional connector is applied;

[0061] Fig.19a and Fig.19b yes Fig.18 Exploded perspective views of the front and rear sides of the device;

[0062] Fig. 20 is based on Fig.18 An exploded perspective view of a multifunctional connector according to a modified example;

[0063] Fig.21 It shows that according to Fig.18 A cross-sectional view of the male and female joint portion of the multifunctional connector of a modified example;

[0064] Fig. 22 is based on Fig.18 A cross-sectional view of a multifunctional connector according to a modified example;

[0065] Fig.23 It shows that according to Fig.18 A cross-sectional view of a male connector of a multifunctional connector according to a modified example;

[0066] Fig.24 is based on Fig.18 An exploded perspective view of a multifunctional connector according to a modified example;

[0067] Fig.25 yes Fig.24 Stereoscopic cut-away image;

[0068] Fig.26 yes Fig.24 sectional view of

[0069] Fig. 27 In reference Figure 24 to Figure 26 A cut-out stereoscopic view of the anti-over-rotation locking portion;

[0070] Fig.28 It is shown Fig. 27 An internal front view of the operating condition of the anti-over-rotation locking portion;

[0071] Fig.29 It shows that according to Fig.18 A cross-sectional view, a cut-away perspective view and an enlarged view of the portion of the cable housing tube in the structure of the multifunctional connector of the modified example;

[0072] Fig.30 It is used to explain the Fig.18 A projection plan view of the effect of the multifunctional connector of the modified example.

[0073] (Explanation of Reference Numerals)

[0074] 100: Base station antenna device 110: Antenna module

[0075] 111: Antenna housing 113: Radome

[0076] 115: Antenna board 117: Patch component

[0077] 118: Antenna subarray 119: Radiating element module

[0078] 120: Wireless unit 121: Mounting panel

[0079] 122: rear housing 123: front housing

[0080] 150: Female connector 151: Female terminal module

[0081] 152: Guide groove 153: Terminal groove

[0082] 154: Ring receiving groove 155: Prevent foreign matter from entering the ring

[0083] 200: Multifunctional connector 205: Center body

[0084] 200 ′: Multifunctional connector of modified example 210: Fixing portion

[0085] 210A: first fixing portion 210B: second fixing portion

[0086] 217: Assembly bolt 220: Ball joint

[0087] 220A: first spherical joint portion 220B: second spherical joint portion

[0088] 225: Action locking part 230: Cable storage tube

[0089] 240: Coaxial cable 250: Male connector

[0090] 251: Male terminal module 252: Guide pin

[0091] 253: Terminal pin 254: Guide ring

[0092] 256: Fixing nut 257: C ring DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0093] Hereinafter, a small cell base station antenna device according to various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0094] In attaching reference numerals to components of the various drawings, it should be noted that for identical components, even if they are shown in different drawings, they should have the same reference numerals as much as possible. In addition, when describing the embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that the detailed description of the relevant known structure or function hinders the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0095] When describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention, the terms first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. Such terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components, and the nature or order of the components shall not be limited by the terms. In addition, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by ordinary technicians in the field to which the present invention belongs. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as consistent with the meaning in the relevant technical articles and shall not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless clearly defined in this application.

[0096] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a small cell base station antenna device according to the present invention; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Exploded stereogram of Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A front view and a cross-sectional view taken along AA; Figure 5 yes Figure 2 side profile of; Figure 6 It is shown Figure 2 A side view of the tilted configuration of the antenna module in the structure.

[0097] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, a small cell base station antenna device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a wireless unit 120 and an antenna module 110 installed at a predetermined location. Here, the predetermined location where the small cell base station antenna device 100 according to the present invention is installed refers to a public place, a densely populated area, and a place such as a large shopping mall or an airport building, so as to perform the function of a small cell base station. As described below, it can be a structure suitable for installation in a building (indoors), such as a pole-combined type (refer to the following description). Fig.11 ) and wall-mounted type (see below Fig.12 ) and ceiling combination type (see below Fig.13 ).

[0098] The antenna module 110 may refer to an antenna module having at least one frequency band. In addition, the wireless unit 120 (RU) is connected to the antennas of each frequency band provided in the antenna module 110, and refers to a device for transmitting and receiving between the antenna and the base station. As an example of the wireless unit 120, an RRH (remote radio head) that remotely separates a part of the wireless unit from the base station equipment can be cited. The wireless unit 120 is a relay device that receives a weakened signal between the base station of the mobile communication system and the mobile communication terminal, amplifies it, and then transmits it, or shapes the distorted waveform and adjusts the time, etc.

[0099] like Figure 3 As shown, a small cell base station antenna device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is to first install a wireless unit 120 on a structure such as a pole, wall, and ceiling indoors (in a house), and then install an antenna module 110 in front of the wireless unit 120 so that it can be tilted and steered through an antenna clamping unit 200 described later.

[0100] However, if Figures 2 to 5 As shown, it is not necessary to first install the wireless unit 120 on the indoor structure (pole, wall and ceiling), and it can also be as described later. Figures 11 to 13 As shown, the wireless unit 120 may be first installed with the antenna module 110 and then installed in each room.

[0101] like Figure 4 As shown, the antenna module 110 may include: an antenna housing 111 ; and a radome 113 configured to cover the front of the antenna housing 111 and form a predetermined space between the antenna housing 111 and the radome 113 .

[0102] An antenna board 115 in the form of a printed circuit board is installed in a predetermined space of the antenna housing 111, and a plurality of radiating elements can be installed and arranged in front of the antenna board 115. The radiating elements installed and arranged on the antenna board 115 may vary depending on the type of antenna, but in one embodiment of the present invention, patch-type elements (patch elements 117) are used.

[0103] On the other hand, Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the base station antenna device 100 according to the present invention may further include a multifunctional connector 200 interposed in the connection with the front of the wireless unit 120 .

[0104] In more detail, Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the wireless unit 120 includes a rear housing 122 and a front housing 123, wherein the rear housing 122 is provided with a mounting panel portion (see Fig.11 The front shell 123 is installed on any one of the poles P, the wall W and the ceiling C arranged indoors, and the front shell 123 forms a predetermined space between the rear shell 122, wherein various internal components can be installed in the predetermined space.

[0105] Although not shown, internal components installed inside the wireless unit 120 may include a main board, two power amplifying units (PAUs), and a power supply unit (PSU).

[0106] In the wireless unit 120, a plurality of heat dissipation fins 125 are integrally formed on the front of the front housing 123, and heat generated in a predetermined space can be dissipated to the outside through the plurality of heat dissipation fins 125. In the small cell base station antenna device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of heat dissipation fins 125 are formed only on the front housing 123 in the wireless unit 120 for explanation, but it is not necessarily limited thereto, and similarly to another embodiment of the present invention described later, a plurality of heat dissipation fins 125 may also be formed on the rear housing 122.

[0107] On the other hand, the front of the front housing 123 has a mounting groove 127 formed by removing a portion of the plurality of heat dissipation fins 125 to form a quadrilateral surface, and the multifunctional connector 200 can be connected to the mounting groove 127 by a plurality of assembly bolts 217. However, it is not necessary to configure the mounting groove 127 formed by removing a quadrilateral surface on the front of the front housing 123 in order to install the multifunctional connector 200. As described later, Figures 11 to 13 Referring to the embodiments 100A, 100B, and 100C, the multifunctional connector 200 can be connected to the side portion of the wireless unit 120 (ie, including the concept of the upper side, lower side, left side, and right side forming the front and rear thickness portions).

[0108] Here, the multifunctional connector 200 may include: a fixing portion 210, which is configured as a cylindrical shape with a portion opened to one side, and a cable containing tube 230 to be described later is inserted on the other side, or is directly connected to the wireless unit 120 without the cable containing tube 230; a spherical joint portion 220, a portion of one end of which is inserted into and set to one side of the opening of the fixing portion 210, and is combined with the antenna module 110 at the other end.

[0109] For an embodiment in which the fixing portion 210 is connected to the wireless unit 120 via the cable receiving tube 230, the following will be described. Figures 11 to 13 The first to third embodiments will be described in more detail. In particular, the multifunctional connector 200 including the cable receiving tube 230 is basically configured to perform the function of connecting the wireless unit 120 to the antenna module 110, and the cable receiving tube 230 is preferably formed of a rigid material that can perform a part of the function of the pole.

[0110] The ball joint part 220 accommodated and installed inside the fixing part 210 is roughly formed into a spherical shape with a part of one end opened, and can be arranged to be stuck by the end of one side of the opening of the fixing part 210 and cannot be separated to the outside (especially, the front). Here, the part of the opening of one end of the ball joint part 220 is formed to penetrate and set a plurality of coaxial cables 240 described later.

[0111] In addition, the spherical joint part 220 is hollow in the portion provided at the fixed part 210 and the portion provided at the antenna module 110, and is therefore connected to the internal space of the fixed part 210. A coaxial cable 240 for performing electrical connection between the wireless unit 120 and the antenna module 110 can be set in the internal space connected between the fixed part 210 and the spherical joint part 220.

[0112] Here, the coaxial cable 240 is preferably made of a flexible material so that the antenna module 110 can perform the tilting and rotating actions described below, and at least does not interfere with the movement of the ball joint portion 220 relative to the fixing portion 210 .

[0113] Antenna-side male connectors (see below) are provided at one end and the other end of the coaxial cable 240. Fig.15 250A) and the wireless unit side male connector (see below) Fig.15 250B), an antenna side female connector for connecting to the antenna side connector 250A or the wireless unit side connector 250B may be respectively configured on the back side of the antenna module 110 and the outer side of the wireless unit 120 (refer to the following Fig.16 150A) and the wireless unit side female connector (see below) Fig.16 The specific description of this will be described in more detail later.

[0114] As described above, the small cell base station antenna device 100 according to the present invention hides the plurality of coaxial cables 240 electrically connecting the wireless unit 120 and the antenna module 110 from the outside without being tangled, thereby preventing a decrease in aesthetics.

[0115] The ball joint part 220 can perform tilting and steering movements to maintain a predetermined angle in all directions including up and down or left and right directions with respect to the fixing part 210. Here, the term "tilting movement" refers to the concept of including all movements of the upper end and the lower end of the antenna module 110 swinging in the front and rear directions; the term "steering movement" refers to the concept of including all movements of the left end and the right end of the antenna module 110 swinging in the left and right directions. In the small cell base station antenna device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the ball joint part 220 can be configured to perform not only one of the tilting movement and the steering movement of the antenna module 110, but to perform both the tilting movement and the steering movement at the same time.

[0116] In more detail, the ball joint 220 can be tilted and turned at a predetermined angle in all directions including up and down or left and right directions with an arbitrary reference point at one end portion accommodated in the fixing portion 210 as the center. As the ball joint 220 is tilted and turned, the antenna module 110 coupled to the ball joint 220 can also be tilted and turned, and the direction of the antenna module 110 can be adjusted in the direction desired by the designer.

[0117] Here, the ball joint part 220 can perform tilting and turning actions while generating a certain amount of friction with the inner surface of the fixing part 210. For this purpose, a friction pad (or friction member; not shown) that generates a predetermined friction force between the inner surface of the fixing part 210 or a part of the inserted outer surface of the ball joint part 220 can also be configured.

[0118] On the other hand, Figure 5 As shown, the antenna clamping unit 200 may further include an action locking portion 225, which fixes the spherical joint portion 220 to the fixing portion 210 at an action fixing point after the spherical joint portion 220 tilts and turns at a predetermined angle relative to the fixing portion 210.

[0119] The action locking portion 225 may be any tool as long as it is a structure for fixing the ball joint portion 220 to the fixing portion 210. For example, locking may be achieved by a fixing bolt 219, which passes through a fixing bolt through hole 218 formed by passing through the outside of the fixing portion 210 that accommodates the ball joint portion 220, and the fixing bolt 219 interferes with a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the ball joint portion 220. Here, the fixing bolt 219 is configured as a headless bolt that is not exposed outside the fixing bolt through hole 218, which can prevent the appearance from being deteriorated.

[0120] As described above, according to the small cell base station antenna device 100 of the present invention, the multi-functional connector 200 is used to prevent the multiple coaxial cables 240 connecting the wireless unit 120 and the antenna module 110 from being exposed to the outside, thereby preventing the aesthetics from being reduced. Moreover, only the antenna module 110 is tilted and turned, and the wireless unit 120 is not tilted and turned, thereby having the advantage of maximizing space utilization.

[0121] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown, the small cell base station antenna device 100 according to the present invention is configured to be tiltable and swivelable in front of the wireless unit 120 through the multi-function connector 200 (in Figure 6 Only the tilting action is shown), thereby providing the advantage of customized directional adjustment for densely populated or multiple demand spaces regardless of the installation location in indoor or outdoor spaces.

[0122] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 2 A perspective view of an embodiment of a wireless unit of different specifications in a structure; Figure 8 is a conceptual diagram showing beamforming for two frequency bands of CBRS and DoD within one antenna module; Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A plan view of the physical antenna device; Fig.10a and Fig.10b As implementation examples of dual bands for each antenna module, the following are front views showing various implementation examples of a pole-mounted type and a wall-mounted type.

[0123] like Figure 7 As shown, the antenna module 110 is the same specification as the patch antenna element, but only the specification of the wireless unit 120 may be different. Figures 2 to 6 The wireless unit 120, referring to Figure 7The wireless unit 120 may be configured to have a relatively narrower width in the left-right direction but a relatively longer length in the up-down direction. In this case, the installation position of the antenna module 110 is preferably set at an appropriate position considering the weight, tilting and turning movements of the antenna module 110.

[0124] However, in the small cell base station antenna device 100 according to the present invention, it is not necessarily the case that only the wireless unit 120 can be adapted to different specifications.

[0125] That is, Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, a radiation element module 119 may be disposed in front of the antenna module 110 . The radiation element module 119 arranges a plurality of patch elements 117 for forming a beamforming for a specific frequency band to form a plurality of antenna sub-arrays 118 .

[0126] The plurality of radiating element modules 119 are a format for establishing a frequency band corresponding to a small cell base station, and can be implemented by an antenna board 115 in one antenna module 110. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, it is also possible to realize a configuration in which one antenna panel 115 used in a macro base station is used to cover frequency bands corresponding to DoD (Department of Defense) and CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service).

[0127] In more detail, Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, multiple radiation element modules 119 are arranged on the upper front side of the antenna board 115 for the macro base station through multiple patch elements 117 to achieve a gain of 17.5dBi for the DoD channel in the 3450-3550MHz band in the dual-band; multiple antenna subarrays 118 can be arranged on the lower front side of the antenna board 115 for the macro base station through multiple patch elements 117 to achieve a gain of 15.5dBi for the CBRS channel in the 3550-3700MHz band in the dual-band.

[0128] like Figure 8 As shown, as described above, in order to cover the dual frequency bands, multiple radiating element modules 119 are constructed, so that the DoD and CBRS channels can all form antenna beams with an H-beam width having a value of 55° to 90°, and can also form different antenna beams, with a V-beam width of 7.5° in the DoD channel and 14.6° in the CBRS channel.

[0129] That is, as described above, the antenna module 110 can be implemented to form an antenna beamforming covering the frequency band for the macro base station and the frequency band for the small cell within one antenna board 115. In addition, even when the direction of adjusting the antenna module 110 is the same, the advantage of maximizing UL (uplink) coverage can be provided due to the separation of TRx and antenna subarrays 118 for each frequency band.

[0130] However, it is not necessary to arrange the antenna sub-arrays 118 so that one antenna board 115 can cover two frequency bands. Fig.10a and Fig.10b As shown, of course, two or more antenna modules 110A, 110B that can cover the inherent frequency band can be configured in a wireless unit 120 through a multi-function connector 200, and the multi-function connector 200 can be used to adjust each antenna module 110A, 110B in the direction of strong coverage requirements to achieve dual-band coverage.

[0131] If, for example, it is configured as a pole-mounted type Fig.10a (a) and configured as a wall-bound type Fig.10b As shown in (a), the two antenna modules 110A and 110B configured in a dual-band form can be oriented in the same direction (front) for direction adjustment; Fig.10a (b) and configured as a wall-bound type Fig.10b As shown in (b), the antenna modules 110A and 110B can be oriented in opposite directions or in the left and right directions and the right direction respectively; as shown in (c) of 10a configured as a pole-combined type and as a wall-combined type Fig.10b As shown in (c), the directions of the antenna modules 110A and 110B can be adjusted so that one 110A faces the front and the other 110B faces the side.

[0132] At this time, each radiation element module 119 of the antenna modules 110A and 110B is configured to be suitable for the specifications of a small cell base station rather than a macro base station. The maximum gain rate is respectively configured to be able to reach any one of 15dBi, 13dBi and 11dBi, and the direction is adjusted in the desired direction. Therefore, the effect of the small cell base station can of course be maximized.

[0133] Fig.11 is a perspective view of the appearance of a small cell base station antenna device (pole-coupled type) according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Fig.12 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a small cell base station antenna device (wall-mounted type) according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Fig.13 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a small cell base station antenna device (ceiling mounted type) according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Fig.14 and Fig.15 The invention discloses a three-dimensional diagram of a short type (a) and a long type (b) of a multifunctional connector for connecting a wireless unit and an antenna module, and a three-dimensional diagram of a cut surface (a, b); Fig.16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 10 ; Fig.17 It is shown Fig.14 and Fig.15 (b) An exploded perspective view of the long type (b) multi-functional connector of the multi-functional connector.

[0134] like Figures 11 to 13 As shown, the small cell base station antenna device 100 according to the present invention is that by installing the panel part 121, the rear shell 122 of the wireless unit 120 can be fixedly or concealedly installed on any one of the indoor pole P, wall W and ceiling C, and through the multi-function connector 200, at least one (2 in this embodiment) antenna module 110A, 110B can be combined with the wireless unit 120 in a tiltable or rotatable manner.

[0135] Reference Fig.11 A pole P for installing the base station antenna device 100 according to this embodiment can be configured indoors in a large building, etc. The small cell base station antenna device 100A according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be installed and configured as a pole-combined type. The pole P can be fixed in the direction of the rear shell 122 corresponding to the back part of the wireless unit 120 according to a set direction.

[0136] For example, the rear shell 122 of the wireless unit 120 can be combined with the pole P by installing the panel part 121, and the direction can be adjusted and firmly fixed in the direction required to be covered, and then the specific direction can be adjusted through the multi-function connector 200 described later.

[0137] In addition, refer to Fig.12 The small cell base station antenna device 100B according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be installed and configured as a wall-mounted type, and the rear housing 122 equivalent to the back part of the wireless unit 120 can be tightly fixed to the indoor wall W equivalent to a large building.

[0138] In this case, the mounting panel portion 121 does not need to be coupled to the rear housing 122 . Instead, the wireless unit 120 may be mounted on the wall W before being coupled to the rear housing 122 or the front housing 123 and then coupled to the mounting panel portion 121 .

[0139] At the same time, refer to Fig.13According to the third embodiment of the present invention, the small cell base station antenna device 100C can be installed and configured as a ceiling-integrated type, and the rear shell 122 equivalent to the back part of the wireless unit 120 can be tightly fixed to the indoor ceiling C equivalent to a large building, or the wireless unit 120 can be concealedly fixed to the inside of the ceiling C.

[0140] However, although not shown in the drawings, the wireless unit 120 is not necessarily installed on the ceiling C or the lower part of the ceiling surface through the installation panel part 121, but can of course be fixed to a separate holding pole provided on the ceiling C.

[0141] Here, the wireless unit 120 and each antenna module 110A, 110B are appropriately configured according to different surrounding environments, such as the installation location and the interference with the surrounding structure for adjusting the direction of the antenna module 110A, 110B. Fig.14 and Fig.15 The multifunctional connector 200 can connect electrical signals using either a short multifunctional connector (hereinafter referred to as "short connector 200S") or a long multifunctional connector (hereinafter referred to as "long connector 200L").

[0142] like Fig.14 and Fig.15 As shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 1 , the short connector 200S and the long connector 200L are configured to have the same specifications in structure and function, and are distinguished by whether the length of the cable housing tube 230 that houses the plurality of coaxial cables 240 is relatively shorter or longer. Generally, the length of the cable housing tube 230 refers to the spacing distance between the connection portion with the wireless unit 120 and the fixing portion 210 of the multifunctional connector 200. When the spacing distance is long, the long connector 200L is preferably configured, and when the spacing distance is short, the short connector 200S is preferably configured.

[0143] Reference Figures 14 to 17 In the small cell base station antenna device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the multifunctional connector 200 may include: the above-mentioned fixing part 210, the spherical joint part 220, the cable containing tube 230, and a plurality of coaxial cables 240.

[0144] At the same time, the multi-function connector 200 is configured at the end of each of the multiple coaxial cables 240. An antenna side male connector 250, 250A is also configured at one end of the multiple coaxial cables 240 for electrical connection to the antenna module 110, and a wireless unit side male connector 250, 250B is also configured at the other end of the multiple coaxial cables 240 for electrical connection to the wireless unit 120.

[0145] like Fig.15As shown, the antenna side male connector 250A is configured so that the guide pin 252 and the terminal pin 253 described later in the convex shape are exposed at the antenna side end of the ball joint portion 220; Fig.15 As shown, the wireless unit side male connector 250B may be arranged so that a guide pin 252 and a terminal pin 253 described later in a protruding shape are exposed at the end of the cable housing tube 230 .

[0146] Hereinafter, the antenna side male connector 250A and the wireless unit side male connector 250B differ only in the mounting position and have the same basic structure, and therefore are collectively referred to as "male connector 250" for description.

[0147] At the same time, the antenna module 110 and the wireless unit 120 may also be configured with antenna-side female connectors 150 , 150A and wireless unit-side female connectors 150 , 150B for connecting to the male connector 250 , respectively.

[0148] like Figures 11 to 13 and Fig.15 As shown, the antenna side female connector 150A is configured so that the concave shape of the guide groove 152 and the terminal groove 153 described later are exposed on the back side of the antenna module 110; the wireless unit side female connector 150B can also be configured so that the concave shape of the guide groove 152 and the terminal groove 153 described later are exposed on the side portion of the wireless unit 120.

[0149] Hereinafter, the antenna-side female connector 150A and the wireless unit-side female connector 150B differ only in their installation positions and have the same basic structures, and therefore are collectively referred to as “female connectors 150 ” for explanation.

[0150] The plurality of coaxial cables 240 are arranged so that four of them transmit electrical signals respectively, and are housed inside the cable housing tube 230 , and one end and the other end of each of the coaxial cables 240 can be connected to the male connector 250 .

[0151] The male connector 250 also includes a male terminal module 251, which is combined with one end of the four coaxial cables 240 and inserted into a connection with multiple terminal pins 252 respectively; the female connector 150 can also include a female terminal module 151, which is processed to form the above-mentioned guide groove 152 and terminal groove 153.

[0152] In the male terminal module 251 , four guide pins 252 are protrudingly arranged at intervals of 90 degrees, and four terminal pins 253 are protrudingly arranged at intervals of 90 degrees within a range not overlapping with the four guide pins 252 .

[0153] In addition, in the female terminal module 151, the four guide grooves 152 and the four terminal grooves 153 can be located at corresponding positions, and the four guide grooves 152 are respectively inserted into and accommodate the four guide pins 252 of the male terminal module 251, and the four terminal grooves 153 can be inserted into and connected to the four terminal pins 253 of the male terminal module 251.

[0154] At the same time, the male terminal module 251 may be provided with a guide ring 254, which is configured to surround the four guide pins 252 and the four terminal pins 253 and protrude in a ring shape toward the female connector 150. In addition, the female terminal module 151 may be provided with a ring receiving groove 154, into which the guide ring 254 of the male terminal module 251 is inserted. Here, a foreign matter prevention ring 155 may be provided inside the ring receiving groove 154 to prevent foreign matter from entering from the outside.

[0155] The four guide pins 252, guide rings 254 and four terminal pins 253 configured in the male connector 250 are respectively inserted into the four guide grooves 152, ring accommodating grooves 154 and four terminal grooves 153 configured in the female connector 150, and at the same time, the multi-function connector 200 can realize the electrical connection of the antenna module 110 and the wireless unit 120.

[0156] On the other hand, Figures 15 to 17 As shown, the multi-function connector 200 may further include a fixing nut 256 , which provides a predetermined retaining force to maintain the electrical connection between the male connector 250 and the female connector 150 .

[0157] A female thread 256a is formed on the inner circumference of the fixing nut 256, and a nut fastening end 156 is formed on the outer circumference of the female terminal module 151 of the female connector 150. A male thread 156a is formed on the outer circumference of the nut fastening end 156, and the female thread 256a of the fixing nut 256 is fastened at the nut fastening end 156, thereby forming the above-mentioned predetermined holding force.

[0158] Here, a C ring 257 may be inserted at the end of the male terminal module 151 to limit the tightening force of the fixing nut 256 .

[0159] As described above, the small cell base station antenna device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention realizes the electrical connection between the wireless unit 120 and the plurality of antenna modules 110 through the multifunctional connector 200, and enables each antenna module 110 to be tilted or turned, providing the advantage of being able to realize a simpler and more convenient installation operation on site. In particular, the four coaxial cables 240 are accommodated and concealedly arranged inside the fixing portion 210, the ball joint portion 220, and the cable receiving tube 230, and cannot be seen from the outside, thereby providing the advantage of preventing the appearance from being degraded.

[0160] Furthermore, the male connector 250 and the female connector 150 are formed symmetrically with each other, and the four terminal pins 253 and the four terminal slots 153 can be connected in any direction, thereby providing advantages such as further improving the diversity of directional design of the antenna module 110.

[0161] Fig.18 is a perspective view of a small cell base station antenna device showing a modified example to which a multifunctional connector is applied; Fig.19a and Fig.19b yes Fig.18 Exploded perspective views of the front and rear sides of the device; Fig. 20 is based on Fig.18 An exploded perspective view of a multifunctional connector according to a modified example.

[0162] like Figures 18 to 20 As shown, the small cell base station antenna device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a multi-function connector 200 ′ according to a modified example.

[0163] The multifunctional connector 200' according to the modified example is as follows: Figures 5 to 7 and Figures 11 to 17 The multifunctional connector 200 described above (hereinafter referred to as "ordinary multifunctional connector") is different from Fig.18 As shown, the fixing portion 210 is divided into two (210A, 210B), and the central body 205 is arranged between the two fixing portions 210A, 210B. The two fixing portions 210A, 210B can be orthogonally connected to the central body 205.

[0164] For the sake of convenience, the fixing portion 210A and 210B connected to the antenna module 110 is referred to as the first fixing portion 210A, and the fixing portion 210A and 210B connected to the cable containing tube 230 is referred to as the second fixing portion 210B.

[0165] That is, unlike the above-mentioned ordinary multi-function connector 200, which only has a fixing part 210 and a spherical joint part 220 connected to the antenna module 110 side so that the tilt and turning direction of the antenna module 110 can be adjusted at only one place, the multi-function connector 200' according to the modified example is different in that it not only has a first fixing part 210A and a first spherical joint part 220A connected to the antenna module 110 side, but also has a second fixing part 210B and a second spherical joint part 220B on the cable containing tube 230 side for intervening additional connection.

[0166] In more detail, Figures 18 to 20As shown, the multifunctional connector 200' according to the modified example may include: a central body 205; a first fixing portion 210A, connected between the two ends of the central body 205 and the antenna module 110; a second fixing portion 210B, connected between the two ends of the central body 205 and the cable containing tube 230; a first spherical joint portion 220A, a portion of either end of the two ends can be accommodated and combined with the internal space of the first fixing portion 210A, and the other end of the two ends is connected to the antenna module 110, and the direction of the antenna module 110 is adjusted by tilting or turning; a second spherical joint portion 220B, a portion of either end of the two ends can be accommodated and combined with the internal space of the second fixing portion 210B, and the other end of the two ends is connected to the cable containing tube 230 involved in the connection with the wireless unit 120, and the direction of the antenna module 110 can be additionally adjusted.

[0167] Fig.21 It shows that according to Fig.18 A cross-sectional view of the male and female joint portion of the multifunctional connector of a modified example; Fig. 22 is based on Fig.18 A cross-sectional view of a multifunctional connector according to a modified example; Fig.23 It shows that according to Fig.18 A cross-sectional view of a male connector of a multifunctional connector according to a modified example; Fig.24 is based on Fig.18 An exploded perspective view of a multifunctional connector according to a modified example; Fig.25 yes Fig.24 Stereoscopic cut-away image; Fig.26 yes Fig.24 sectional view of Fig. 27 In reference Figure 24 to Figure 26 A cutout stereoscopic view of the anti-over-rotation locking portion; Fig.28 It is shown Fig. 27 An internal front view of the operating condition of the anti-over-rotation locking portion; Fig.29 It shows that according to Fig.18 A cross-sectional view, a cut-away stereoscopic view and an enlarged view of the portion of the cable containing tube in the structure of a multifunctional connector of a modified example.

[0168] like Fig.21 As shown, in the multifunctional connector 200' according to the modified example, the male connector 250 arranged at the end of the first spherical joint portion 220A or the second spherical joint portion 220B can be coupled to the female connector 150 arranged in the antenna module 110 or the wireless unit 120 by a concave-convex coupling action.

[0169] In more detail, the guide ring 254 of the male connector 250 is accommodated inside the ring accommodating groove 154 formed in the female terminal module 151 of the female connector 150, and is in contact with the anti-foreign matter entry ring 155 intervened on the inner side of the ring accommodating groove 154 to perform waterproofing. At the same time, the guide pin 252 and the terminal pin 253 of the male connector 250 can be inserted into the guide groove 152 and the terminal groove 153 of the female connector 150 and electrical connection can be achieved.

[0170] Here, if Fig.21 As shown, a grounding gasket 258 may be further configured between the female connector 150 and the male connector 250. The grounding gasket 258 is fixed to a gasket mounting groove (refer to Fig.25 Referring to the figure mark "258h", when the male connector 250 is engaged with the female connector 150 in a concave-convex manner, the grounding (GND) function can be performed while guiding the contact between the male terminal module 251 of the male connector 250 and the female terminal module 151 of the female connector 150.

[0171] The male connector 250 as described above is a part in which the male terminal module 251 can be inserted and fixed on the front end side of the first ball joint part 220A or the second ball joint part 220B.

[0172] Here, the male connector 250 is fixed by at least one headless bolt 259 so as not to be rotated relative to the first spherical joint part 220A or the second spherical joint part 220B.

[0173] In more detail, Figure 22 to Figure 24 As shown, bolt through holes 259h-1 are formed at two locations spaced 180 degrees apart in the front end portion of the first spherical joint portion 220A or the second spherical joint portion 220B, and bolt fastening holes 259h-2 for fastening the headless bolts 259 can be correspondingly formed on the outer peripheral surface of the male terminal module 251 of the male connector 250.

[0174] A tool groove 259T is formed on the outer side of the headless bolt 259 for inserting the front end of a fastening tool (not shown) having a quadrilateral cross-section. The male connector 250 can be easily fixed by the fastening tool through the tool groove 259T without exposing the headless bolt 259 to the outside.

[0175] As described above, the headless bolt 259 is used to insert and fix the male connector 250 at the front end of the first spherical joint part 220A or the second spherical joint part 220B, and at the same time, the male connector 250 is clamped in the rotation direction, thereby preventing the male connector 250 from rotating arbitrarily with respect to the first spherical joint part 220A or the second spherical joint part 220B, thereby preventing the terminal pin 253 or the guide pin 252 from changing its connection direction with respect to the terminal groove 153 or the guide groove 152 of the female connector 150.

[0176] On the other hand, the outer peripheral surface of the first spherical joint part 220A or the second spherical joint part 220B is pre-assembled with the fixing nut 256 pre-inserted, and then the electrical connection of the male connector 250 to the female connector 150 is completed as described above, so that the fixing nut 256 can be fastened to the male thread (without figure mark) formed on the outer peripheral surface of the female terminal module 151 of the female connector 150 and can be firmly fixed.

[0177] At this time, a C-ring fastening groove 257h is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first spherical joint part 220A or the second spherical joint part 220B. When the C-ring 257 is fastened in the C-ring fastening groove 257h, the rotational force when fastening the fixing nut 256 is limited, thereby preventing damage to parts due to excessive assembly of the fixing nut 256.

[0178] On the other hand, Figure 25 to Figure 28 As shown, the multifunctional connector 200' according to the modified example may also be provided with an anti-over-rotation locking portion 226A to prevent the first spherical joint portion 220A or the second spherical joint portion 220B from excessively rotating relative to the first fixing portion 210A or the second fixing portion 210B.

[0179] The over-rotation prevention locking portion 226A has a pair of locking protrusions 226A-1, which are arranged on the first fixing portion 210A and the second fixing portion 210B, and are fixed in the corresponding internal space between the first fixing portion 210A and the first spherical joint portion 220A or between the second fixing portion 210B and the second spherical joint portion 220B, and protrude in the internal space in the directions facing each other. That is, in the over-rotation prevention locking portion 226A, the pair of locking protrusions 226A-1 are arranged approximately at intervals of 180 degrees in the direction, and can extend toward the internal space by a predetermined length.

[0180] On the other hand, a pair of clamping plates 228 may be formed, which are disposed inside the first spherical joint portion 220A or the second spherical joint portion 220B and extend toward the central body 205 to engage with a pair of locking protrusions 226A-1 at least within the rotation radius.

[0181] like Fig.28As shown, the pair of clamping plates 228 of the first spherical joint portion 220A or the second spherical joint portion 220B are located such that the angles spaced apart from the pair of locking protrusions 226A-1 in the rotation direction are 90 degrees respectively when no tilting or turning action is performed (refer to Fig.28 (a)), so when the first spherical joint portion 220A or the second spherical joint portion 220 is rotated in one direction or the other direction for tilting or turning, the pair of clamping plates 228 can limit the rotation angle in each direction to 90 degrees.

[0182] This is to prevent the plurality of coaxial cables 240 from becoming tangled in the internal space due to excessive rotation of the first spherical joint portion 220A or the second spherical joint portion 220B.

[0183] The first spherical joint portion 220A is connected to the female connector 150 of the antenna module 110 through the male connector 250, and the second spherical joint portion 220B is connected to the upper end of the cable containing tube 230 vertically arranged vertically above and below through the male connector 250. Therefore, theoretically, if the anti-over-rotation locking portion 226A is not configured, the left and right turning angle of the antenna module 110 is 360 degrees and there is no limit.

[0184] However, the rotation angle of the second ball joint 220B with respect to the upper end of the cable housing tube 230 is limited to 90 degrees by the anti-over-rotation locking portion 226A, so the rotation can be limited to the physical maximum rotation limit angle a of the second ball joint 220B to one side and the other side plus 90 degrees. For example, when the maximum rotation limit angle a described later is 40 degrees, the maximum turning rotation angle of the antenna module 110 is limited to 130 degrees to one side or the other side.

[0185] On the other hand, Fig.29 As shown, in the structure of the multifunctional connector 200' according to the modified example, the cable containing tube 230 is a cable connector 230A on one side and a cable connector 230B on the other side which form the same structure as the male connector 250 and the female connector 150 mentioned above can be respectively configured at both ends; the interior of the cable containing tube 230 corresponding to the cable connector 230A on one side and the cable connector 230B on the other side can accommodate a fixed cable 240'.

[0186] That is, the multiple fixed cables 240' fixed inside the cable containing tube 230 are configured in a non-movable fixed form, different from the multiple coaxial cables 240 configured outside the cable containing tube 230. Moreover, a side cable connector 230A having the same structure as the above-mentioned female connector 150 is configured at one end of the cable containing tube 230 to connect with the male connector 250 exposed on the outside of the second spherical joint portion 220B, and another side cable connector 230B having the same structure as the above-mentioned male connector 250 can be configured at the other end of the cable containing tube 230 to connect with the female connector 150B of the wireless unit 120.

[0187] Therefore, the cable connector 230A may be formed with a plurality of terminal grooves 233A and a plurality of guide grooves (not shown) and a ring receiving groove 234A similar to the above-mentioned female connector 150 on one side of the cable receiving tube 230, and a male thread 231A-s for fastening the fixing nut 256 may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the female terminal module 231A. In addition, a foreign matter-preventing ring 235A may be inserted inside the ring receiving groove 234A.

[0188] At the same time, the cable connector 230B on the other side of the cable housing tube 230 can form a plurality of terminal pins 233B and a plurality of guide pins 232B and a guide ring 234B similar to the male connector 250 described above, and a grounding washer 238B can be arranged in the middle of the plurality of terminal pins 233B. In addition, a C-ring fastening groove 237B-h can be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the male terminal module 231B, and a C-ring 237B is arranged in the C-ring fastening groove 237B-h to prevent the fixing nut 256 of the wireless unit 120 from being over-assembled.

[0189] Here, the multiple coaxial cables 240 are different from the coaxial cables 240 arranged inside the central body 205, the first fixed part 210A, the second fixed part 210B, the first spherical joint part 220A and the second spherical joint part 220B. They are made of flexible materials to move in conjunction with the tilting or turning movement of the antenna module 110. Instead, they do not need to move in the cable containing tube 230, and therefore can be made of strong materials, or can be firmly fixed without moving in the cable containing tube 230.

[0190] At the same time, in order to distinguish the installation direction, at the two ends of the cable containing tube 230, the portion combined with the male connector 250 of the second spherical joint portion 220B is configured as a cable connector 230A on one side in the form of a female connector, and the portion combined with the female connector 150 of the wireless unit 120 can be configured as a cable connector 230B on the other side in the form of a male connector.

[0191] Fig.30 It is used to explain the Fig.18A projection plan view of the effect of the multifunctional connector of the modified example.

[0192] like Fig.30 As shown, the multifunctional connector 200 ′ according to the modified example as constructed above increases the tilting or turning movement of the antenna module 110 compared to the ordinary multifunctional connector 200 , and can additionally adjust the direction of the antenna module 110 .

[0193] In more detail, the coaxial cables 240 generally housed in the cable housing tube 230 may be arranged in two pieces when the antenna module 110 constructs a 2T2R transmission channel, and may be arranged in four pieces when the antenna module 110 constructs a 4T4R transmission channel.

[0194] Here, according to the ordinary multi-function connector 200, there are the following limitations: when the cable containing tube 230 at one end is fixed to the female connector 150 of the antenna module 110 using the male connector 250, and then the antenna module 110 is turned in the direction of the arrow (including both one direction and the other direction), the turning action is only performed within the range of the maximum rotation angle a in the left and right horizontal directions of the spherical joint part 220.

[0195] In particular, when the two coaxial cables 240 are accommodated in the cable accommodating tube 230, although not shown in the drawings, the terminal grooves 153 and the terminal pins 253 in the female connector 150 and the male connector 250 for electrically connecting the two coaxial cables 240 to the wireless unit 120 are formed at the 3 o'clock direction and the 9 o'clock direction respectively with reference to the ground, so the direction of the antenna module 110 cannot be adjusted by turning more than 90 degrees in one direction or the other direction. This is because the connection direction of the two coaxial cables 240 to the female connector 150 of the wireless unit 120 is set to the 3 o'clock direction and the 9 o'clock direction.

[0196] For the reasons described above, when two coaxial cables 240 are configured, it is impossible to accurately set the direction of the antenna module 110 in the left-right direction at 90 degrees in the front of the wireless unit 120 within the limit of less than 90 degrees in the left or right direction in the maximum rotation angle a in the left-right horizontal direction (this is also impossible when the connection position of the terminal pin 253 to the terminal groove 153 is changed after the female connector 150 and the male connector 250 are separated and reassembled). In order to make it possible, the terminal groove 153 of the female connector 150 combined with the line unit 120 must be changed. In this case, there is still a limitation that it is impossible to set the direction at 90 degrees in either direction.

[0197] However, if Fig.30 As shown, the above-mentioned limitation is alleviated when four coaxial cables 240 are accommodated in the cable accommodating tube 230, because the terminal grooves 153 and the terminal pins 253 in the female connector 150 and the male connector 250 for electrically connecting the four coaxial cables 240 to the wireless unit 120 are formed at four locations at intervals of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction. In this case, there is no need to separate and reassemble the female connector 150 in the wireless unit 120, but the direction adjustment of the front of the wireless unit 120 in the left and right direction can be performed by simply disconnecting the female connector 150 and the male connector 250 and then reconnecting the terminal pins 253 and the terminal grooves 153 in a direction designed to achieve the desired direction of the designer.

[0198] In contrast, according to the modified example, the multifunctional connector 200' is configured such that the first fixing portion 210A and the first spherical joint portion 220A are configured to be orthogonal to the two ends of the second fixing portion 210B and the second spherical joint portion 220B with the center body 205 as the reference. Furthermore, in an embodiment in which two coaxial cables 240 are accommodated in the cable containing tube 230, when the antenna module 110 is rotated to one side or the other side by turning to adjust the direction, the second fixing portion 210B and the second spherical joint portion 220B that can be turned 360 degrees with the vertical axis are configured in the two fixing portions 210A, 210B and the two spherical joint portions 220A, 220B, and the maximum limiting turning angle a is eliminated. Therefore, 360-degree omnidirectional direction adjustment can be achieved without the need to separate the wireless unit 120 from and re-combine the female connector 150. Of course, as described above, when the rotation of the second spherical joint portion 220B is limited to 90 degrees by the anti-rotation locking portion 226A for the second fixed portion 210B, the same result can be derived from the point of view that the rotation limit on one side or the other side of the antenna module 110 is expanded to 90 degrees for the above-mentioned maximum limited steering angle a.

[0199] That is, according to the multifunctional connector 200' of the modified example, the restriction range of the turning movement of the antenna module 110 based on the wireless unit 120 is eliminated due to the addition of the second fixing portion 210B and the second spherical joint portion 220B. Therefore, when the direction is readjusted, it is not required to separate and re-combine the female connector 150 with the wireless unit 120, but the direction of the antenna module 110 can be easily adjusted on site.

[0200] For reference, when the antenna module 110 is tilted, Fig.30As shown in the figure mark "a", it can have a maximum tilt limit angle in the up and down direction. Therefore, for the maximum tilt limit angle a of the antenna module 110 combined by the multi-function connector 200' according to the modified example, the central body 205 is used as the standard, and two fixing parts 210A, 210B and two spherical joint parts 220A, 220B are arranged at both ends, thereby creating the advantage of doubling 2a.

[0201] The small cell base station antenna device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not necessarily limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, but a person skilled in the art of the present invention can certainly make various modifications and implement them within the same scope. Therefore, the true scope of the present invention should be defined by the claims.

[0202] Industrial Applicability

[0203] The present invention provides a small cell base station antenna device, which is easy to construct a small cell base station in public places, densely populated areas and places such as large shopping malls or airport buildings; it is configured so that the direction can be adjusted without exposing various cables electrically connecting the wireless unit and the antenna module to the outside, thereby preventing the aesthetics (appearance aesthetics) from being reduced; a part of an antenna module is divided to cover different frequency bands or a plurality of antenna modules are used to cover different frequency bands respectively, thereby achieving frequency bandization in various places; a wide range of direction adjustment angles can be ensured by interposing a multifunctional connector for the wireless unit in the plurality of antenna modules.

Claims

1. A small cell base station antenna device, comprising: Radio Unit (RU); at least one antenna module configured to be tiltable and swivelable relative to the wireless unit; and A multifunctional connector is involved in the configuration of each antenna module for the wireless unit; The multifunctional connector includes a male connector, and the male connector is electrically connected to a female connector configured on the antenna module and the wireless unit.

2. The small cell base station antenna device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multifunctional connector further comprises: a fixing portion having an opening at one side and fixed to the wireless unit; and A spherical joint part, a part of which is accommodated and combined with the internal space of the fixing part, and adjusts the direction of the antenna module by tilting or turning; The male connector is connected to one end and the other end of a plurality of coaxial cables accommodated inside the fixing portion and the ball joint portion.

3. The small cell base station antenna device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The multifunctional connector further comprises a cable receiving tube, The cable housing tube has one end connected to the wireless unit and the other end connected to the fixing portion, and houses and conceals the plurality of coaxial cables from the outside.

4. The small cell base station antenna device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The male connector comprises: A male terminal module connected to one end and the other end of the coaxial cable; and A plurality of terminal pins extend from the coaxial cable and protrude from the male terminal block toward the female connector.

5. The small cell base station antenna device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The male connector also includes: a plurality of guide pins protruding from the male terminal module toward the female connector side; and The fixing nut maintains the electrical connection force of the plurality of terminal pins to the female connector.

6. The small cell base station antenna device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The fixing nut maintains the connection force by being tightened to a nut tightening end arranged on the female connector.

7. The small cell base station antenna device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The male connector further includes a guide ring that surrounds the plurality of terminal pins and the plurality of guide pins and protrudes in a ring shape toward the female connector side.

8. The small cell base station antenna device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The plurality of terminal pins and the plurality of guide pins protrude to a size that allows them to be inserted into a plurality of terminal grooves and a plurality of guide grooves formed in the female connector.

9. The small cell base station antenna device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The antenna module is: Arrange multiple antenna sub-arrays covering dual frequency bands on one antenna panel. Antenna beamforming is achieved in different frequency bands within the same direction of the antenna module set by the multi-function connector.

10. The small cell base station antenna device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The antenna module is: Arrange multiple antenna sub-arrays to cover different frequency bands respectively. The directions are set in different directions respectively through the multifunctional connector.

11. The small cell base station antenna device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The antenna module is configured for use in a small cell base station.

12. The small cell base station antenna device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wireless unit is arranged at any one of a pole, a wall and a ceiling in the room.

13. A small cell base station antenna device, comprising: Radio Unit (RU); at least one antenna module configured to be tiltable and swivelable relative to the wireless unit; and A multifunctional connector is involved in the configuration of each antenna module for the wireless unit; Wherein, the multifunctional connector comprises: Central subject; A first fixing portion connected between the two ends of the central body and the antenna module; A second fixing portion connected between the two ends of the central body and the wireless unit; A first spherical joint portion, wherein a portion of any one of the two ends is accommodated and combined with the internal space of the first fixing portion, and the other end of the two ends is connected to the antenna module to adjust the direction of the antenna module by tilting or turning action; and The second spherical joint part, either end portion of which is partially accommodated and combined in the internal space of the second fixed portion, and the other end portion of the two ends is connected to the cable containing tube involved in the connection with the wireless unit, so that the direction of the antenna module can be additionally adjusted.

14. The small cell base station antenna device according to claim 13, characterized in that: The multifunctional connector further comprises: The male connector is electrically connected to the female connector disposed on the antenna module and the wireless unit.

15. The small cell base station antenna device according to claim 13, characterized in that: The multifunctional connector further comprises: The male connector is electrically connected to the female connector disposed on the antenna module and the cable housing tube.

16. The small cell base station antenna device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that: The male connector is connected to one end and the other end of a plurality of coaxial cables accommodated inside the first spherical joint portion, the first fixing portion, the central body, the second fixing portion, and the second spherical joint portion.

17. The small cell base station antenna device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that: The male connector is connected to one end and the other end of a plurality of coaxial cables accommodated inside the first spherical joint portion, the first fixing portion, the central body, the second fixing portion, the second spherical joint portion, and the cable accommodating tube.

18. The small cell base station antenna device according to claim 16, characterized in that: In the interior of the cable housing tube connected to the second spherical joint portion, a number of fixed cables corresponding to the plurality of coaxial cables are housed inside; A side cable connector having the same structure as the female connector is arranged at one end of the cable housing tube connected to the plurality of coaxial cables; The other end of the cable housing tube connected to the wireless unit is provided with another cable connector having the same structure as the male connector.

19. The small cell base station antenna device according to claim 13, characterized in that: The cable containing tube is: A plurality of coaxial cables are accommodated and concealed from the outside, and one end of the coaxial cables is connected to the wireless unit and the other end is connected to the second ball joint portion of the second fixing portion; The male connector is connected to one end and the other end of the coaxial cable.

20. The small cell base station antenna device according to claim 16, characterized in that: The male connector comprises: A male terminal module connected to one end and the other end of the plurality of coaxial cables; a plurality of guide pins protruding from the male terminal module toward the female connector side; a plurality of terminal pins extending from the coaxial cable and projecting from the male terminal module toward the female connector; and The fixing nut maintains the electrical connection force of the plurality of terminal pins to the female connector.

21. The small cell base station antenna device according to claim 13, characterized in that: The multifunctional connector further includes an anti-over-rotation locking portion, which is used to prevent the first spherical joint portion or the second spherical joint portion from excessively rotating relative to the first fixing portion or the second fixing portion.

22. The small cell base station antenna device according to claim 21, characterized in that: The anti-over-rotation locking portion comprises: a pair of locking protrusions, which are arranged on the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion, and are fixed in the internal space corresponding to between the first fixing portion and the first spherical joint portion or between the second fixing portion and the second spherical joint portion, and protrude in directions facing each other in the internal space; and A pair of clamping plates are arranged on the first spherical joint part and the second spherical joint part and extend toward the central body so as to be engaged with the pair of locking protrusions at least within a rotation radius.

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