Multi-Function Link Assembly for Small Base Station Antenna Device

Abstract

Provided is a multi-functional link assembly for a small base station antenna device that facilitates the construction of a small cell base station while improving the workability of indoor installation. 【Solution means】 The multi-functional link assembly for a small base station antenna device includes a fixed housing having an internal space that is open in one side direction and the other side direction, and a directivity adjustment means that is movably coupled to the internal space of the fixed housing or an external space corresponding to the outside thereof. The directivity adjustment means is coupled in such a manner that it is locked and prevented from detachment when the antenna module provided at the front end with respect to the fixed housing rotates in left and right steering or tilts up and down.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-functional link assembly for a small cell base station antenna apparatus, and more particularly, to preventing the appearance exposure of cables, facilitating the construction of an indoor small cell, and covering different frequency bands by partitioning a part of one antenna module or covering different frequency bands with a plurality of antenna modules respectively, so as to be capable of realizing beamforming for multi-band in a multi-functional link assembly for a small cell base station antenna apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In order to meet the increasing demand for wireless data traffic that has been on the rise since the commercialization of the 4G communication system, efforts have been made to develop an improved 5G communication system or pre-5G communication system. For this reason, the 5G communication system or pre-5G communication system is called a communication system after the 4G network (Beyond 4G Network) or a system after the LTE system (Post LTE). In order to achieve a high data transmission rate, the 5G communication system is considered to be realized in the extremely high frequency (mmWave) band (such as the 60 giga (60 GHz) band). In order to mitigate the path loss of radio waves and increase the transmission distance of radio waves in the extremely high frequency band, in the 5G communication system, beamforming, massive multiple-input multiple-output (massive MIMO), full-dimensional multiple-input multiple-output (Full Dimensional MIMO: FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, and large scale antenna technologies are being discussed.

[0003] In particular, in future 5G cellular networks where capacities much higher than current ones are required, various techniques for enhancing frequency efficiency can be applied. One of the various technical candidates, Small Cell Network (SCN) technology, can increase the channel utility by miniaturizing the cell size, increase the cell density to enhance frequency efficiency, and increase the capacity.

[0004] Different from macro cells that have high transmission power and wide coverage, small cells are small base stations with low transmission power and narrow coverage. The scope of small cells generally refers to small output base station devices below 10W, pico cells, femto cells, Wi-Fi, etc. The advantages of small cells are that they have lower construction costs compared to macro cells, are smaller in size, and can enhance space efficiency.

[0005] If such small cells are superimposed and configured in public places, densely populated areas, and indoors such as large shopping malls and airport buildings, the capacity per unit area can be increased. Another advantage is that this can reduce the power consumption and installation costs of one macro cell base station. A small cell base station alone can achieve a capacity 1000 times that of the existing LTE, and small cells are expected to become the underlying technology connecting 4G and 5G.

[0006] The antenna device for a base station according to the conventional embodiment is installed outdoors, where the antenna module is mounted on an upright support pole by a fixing bracket, and a radio unit (for example, Remote Radio Head (RRH)) is mounted on the lower side of the antenna module by a fixing bracket, and is electrically connected between the antenna module and the radio unit using a plurality of cables.

[0007] However, while conventional base station antennas necessarily have a structure limited to outdoor (outdoor) installation via a support pole, after mounting an antenna module on the relatively upper side of the support pole and mounting a radio unit, e.g., an RRH, on the relatively lower side, and then connecting them using cables, there is a problem that the cables are exposed to the outside and the aesthetics are impaired.

[0008] Thus, when installing a small cell base station indoors, there is a problem that the appearance beauty deteriorates due to the complicated cable connection between the radio unit (RRH) and the antenna module. On the other hand, only one antenna module is provided for each radio unit (RRH), and there is a problem that it is difficult to actually cover a dual-band frequency band.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] The present invention has been made to solve the above technical problems, and an object thereof is to provide a multi-function link assembly for a small base station antenna device that facilitates the construction of a small cell base station for public places, densely populated areas, and places such as large shopping malls and airport buildings.

[0010] At the same time, another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function link assembly for a small base station antenna device that is provided with adjustable directivity without exposing various cables that electrically connect the radio unit and the antenna module to the outside, and can prevent the deterioration of aesthetics (appearance beauty).

[0011] Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function link assembly for a small base station antenna device that can be dual-band in various places by providing a part of one antenna module to cover different frequency bands or by providing a plurality of antenna modules to cover different frequency bands respectively.

[0012] Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function link assembly for a small base station antenna device that can ensure a wide range of directivity adjustment angles by mediating the installation of a plurality of antenna modules for a wireless unit.

[0013] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0014] A multi-function link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a fixed housing having an internal space opened in one side direction and the other side direction, and a directivity adjustment means movably coupled to the internal space of the fixed housing or an external space corresponding to the outside thereof, and the directivity adjustment means is coupled in a form that is locked and prevented from being detached when the antenna module provided at the front end with respect to the fixed housing rotates left and right or tilts up and down.

[0015] Here, an antenna module is coupled in one side direction of the fixed housing via the directivity adjustment means, and a wireless unit can be coupled via a cable accommodation pipe in which a plurality of coaxial cables are concealed and accommodated in the other side direction of the fixed housing.

[0016] Further, the outer configuration provided relatively outside of the fixed housing and the directivity adjustment means may include a pair of housing covers manufactured and coupled in a form that surrounds the inner configuration.

[0017] Further, the directivity adjusting means is moved around an arbitrary tilting rotation center point (hereinafter abbreviated as "tilting rotation point") and an arbitrary steering rotation center point (hereinafter abbreviated as "steering rotation point") formed in the internal space of the fixed housing, and the front surface of the antenna module can be fixed at a predetermined angle with respect to the wireless unit.

[0018] Further, the directivity adjusting means includes at least any one of a steering means for steering and adjusting the antenna module while steering left and right around the steering rotation point provided in the vertical direction via the fixed housing, and a tilting means for tilting and adjusting the antenna module while tilting back and forth around the tilting rotation point provided in the left and right direction via the fixed housing.

[0019] Further, the directivity adjusting means includes the steering means and the tilting means, and the steering means and the tilting means may be integrally provided by a ball joint portion that is partially inserted and rotated between a one-side housing cover and an other-side housing cover of the two manufactured fixed housings.

[0020] Further, between the one-side housing cover and the other-side housing cover, a friction stopper ring can be interposed to prevent detachment of the ball joint portion and to be in close contact with a friction seal member formed on the outer peripheral surface of the ball joint portion.

[0021] Further, the directivity adjusting means includes the tilting means, and the tilting means may include an inner joint that is partially inserted and rotated between a one-side housing cover and an other-side housing cover of the two manufactured fixed housings.

[0022] Further, one side housing cover of the fixed housing may be an upper housing cover located relatively at the upper part, and the other side housing cover of the fixed housing may be a lower housing cover located relatively at the lower part.

[0023] Further, one end of the cable accommodation pipe is connected orthogonally to the rear end of the fixed housing, the other end of the cable accommodation pipe is connected to the wireless unit, and the front end of the fixed housing may be connected so as to be steerable and rotatable in the left - right direction with reference to the center of the cable accommodation pipe.

[0024] Further, the directivity adjustment means includes the steering means and the tilting means. The steering means includes a steering attachment portion provided to steer and rotate in the left - right direction with reference to the steering rotation point in the internal space of the fixed housing, and a steering rotation portion extending from the steering attachment portion to the external space outside the fixed housing. The tilting means may include a one - side tilting housing cover provided to cover the steering rotation portion from one side to the other side, and an other - side tilting housing cover that shields the open other side of the one - side tilting housing cover.

[0025] Further, the directivity adjustment means further includes a steering friction force forming pad disposed between the steering attachment portion and the fixed housing among the steering means, and a tilting friction force forming pad disposed between the one - side tilting housing cover among the tilting means and the steering rotation portion among the steering means. A plurality of friction ribs radially extending a predetermined length may be protrudingly formed on the inner surface of the fixed housing, the outer surface of the steering attachment portion, the inner surface of the one - side tilting housing cover among the tilting means, and the outer surface of the steering rotation portion in contact with both surfaces of the steering friction force forming pad and the tilting friction force forming pad, with reference to the steering rotation point and the tilting rotation point.

[0026] Also, a plurality of coaxial cables for electrically connecting the wireless unit and the antenna module are provided so as to be disposed in an internal space between the rear end of the steering mounting portion and the front end of the steering rotating portion. A steering guide hole through which the plurality of coaxial cables penetrate and that limits the steering angle in the left-right direction of the steering means is formed at the front end portion of the fixed housing. A tilting guide hole through which the plurality of coaxial cables penetrate and that limits the tilting angle in the front-rear direction of the tilting means may be formed at the rear end portion of the one-side tilting housing cover among the tilting means.

[0027] Also, after the steering angle is adjusted within the range of the steering guide hole, the steering means can be fixed by a steering fixing bolt fastened to the fixed housing.

[0028] Also, after the tilting angle is adjusted within the range of the tilting guide hole, the tilting means can be fixed by a tilting fixing bolt fastened to the one-side tilting housing cover.

Advantages of the Invention

[0029] According to the multi-function link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the following various advantages can be derived.

[0030] First, since the directivity of the antenna module can be easily adjusted even in a narrow space, there is an effect that it is easy to construct a small cell base station.

[0031] Second, since it is provided so that the directivity can be adjusted without exposing various cables for electrically connecting the wireless unit and the antenna module to the outside, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent the aesthetic appearance (external appearance beauty) from deteriorating.

[0032] Third, the tilting ball joint and the steering ball joint can be compactly installed without securing additional installation space, and by enabling angle adjustment through each ball joint, it has the effect of ensuring a wide range of directional adjustment angles for a plurality of antenna modules with respect to the wireless unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033]

Figure 1

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 4

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9A

Figure 9B

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0034] Hereinafter, a multi - function link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] When attaching reference numerals to the components in each drawing, it should be noted that for the same components, as far as possible, they have the same reference numerals even if they are shown on other drawings. Also, when describing the embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a specific description of such a known configuration or function hinders the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0036] When describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. can be used. Such terms are only for distinguishing the components from other components, and the essence, order, or procedure of the components are not limited by such terms. Also, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the related art, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless clearly defined in the present application.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the installation state of an antenna module with respect to a radio unit using a multi - function link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 2A and 2B are front and rear perspective views of the configuration of FIG. 1 excluding the radio unit. FIGS. 3A and 3B are exploded perspective views of FIGS. 2A and 2B. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line B - B of FIG. 2A and an opened perspective view.

[0038] The multi - function link assemblies 100 to 300 for a small base station antenna device according to embodiments of the present invention can serve to mediate the physical connection between a radio unit (RRH, Remote Radio Head) and at least one (or more) antenna module A coupled thereto in the configuration of the small base station antenna device provided at a predetermined location.

[0039] Also, the radio unit (RRH) and the plurality of antenna modules A can be electrically connected via a plurality of coaxial cables 160, 260, 360 provided so as to be concealed by the multi - function link assemblies 100 to 300 for a small base station antenna device according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] Here, the predetermined location where the small base station antenna device according to the present invention is installed means a public place, a densely populated area, and places such as a large shopping mall or an airport building so as to perform the function as a small cell base station, and depending on the type of its installation, it may be a structure suitable for in - building (indoor) installation such as a pole - mounted type, a wall - mounted type, and a ceiling - mounted type.

[0041] The antenna module A can refer to an antenna module having at least one frequency band. Also, the radio unit (RRH) can be connected to the respective frequency - band - specific antennas provided to the antenna module A and can mean a device for transmitting and receiving between the antenna and the base station. The radio unit (RRH) is a relay device that performs functions such as receiving a weakened signal between the base station of the mobile communication system and the mobile communication terminal, amplifying or re - transmitting it, shaping a distorted waveform, and readjusting timing.

[0042] Among the components of the small base station antenna device, the radio unit (RRH) can be mounted via a mounting bracket 10 on structures such as poles, walls, and ceilings in a room (house) as shown in FIG. 1.

[0043] For this purpose, the mounting bracket 10 can be fixed to multiple locations at both left and right ends of the radio unit (RRH) using the fixing screw 13 through the screw fastening groove 12 formed in the screw fastening end 11 that is bent and protruded forward to the left and right while being firmly coupled to the above-described structure or the like in advance.

[0044] On the other hand, a plurality of heat sink fins 15 are integrally formed on the front surface of the front housing (not shown in the drawing code) or the back surface of the rear housing (not shown in the drawing code) of the radio unit (RRH), and the heat generated in a predetermined space can be radiated to the outside through the plurality of heat sink fins 15.

[0045] As described above, the multi-function link assemblies 100 to 300 for the small base station antenna device according to the embodiments of the present invention serve to mediate the coupling of at least one antenna module A to the radio unit (RRH).

[0046] That is, at least one or more female connectors 50A and 50R that respectively mediate the connection with the multi-function link assembly 100 for the small base station antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention may be provided at any one part of the radio unit (RRH) and any one part of each of one or more antenna modules A.

[0047] Here, the female connector 50R provided in the radio unit (RRH) can be arranged at a part where a part of the plurality of heat sink fins 15 integrally formed on the front or back surface of the radio unit (RRH) is deleted, and of course, can also be arranged on any of the left and right side surfaces and the lower surface.

[0048] However, in the multi-function link assembly 100 for the small base station antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 2B, the description will be made assuming that the female connector 50R is arranged on the upper surface of the radio unit (RRH).

[0049] On the one hand, the multi-function link assemblies 100 to 300 for the small base station antenna device according to the embodiments of the present invention can include a fixed housing 110 disposed between a radio unit (RRH) and an antenna module A, and a moving housing movably coupled to the inside or outside of the fixed housing 110 and moved around a tilting pivot point or a steering pivot point to fix the front surface of the antenna module A at a predetermined angle with respect to the radio unit (RRH).

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the fixed housing 110 may be formed to have an internal space with openings in one side direction (for example, the front where the antenna module A is provided) and the other side direction (for example, the rear where the radio unit (RRH) is provided).

[0051] On the other hand, the directivity adjustment means 120 may be movably coupled to the internal space of the fixed housing 110 or an external space corresponding to the outside thereof.

[0052] In this case, the directivity adjustment means 120 can be coupled in a form that is locked and prevented from detachment when the left and right steering rotation or the up and down tilting rotation of the antenna module A provided at the front end with respect to the fixed housing 110.

[0053] On one side direction of the fixed housing 110, the antenna module A can be coupled through the directivity adjustment means 120. Also, on the other side direction of the fixed housing 110, as will be described later, the radio unit (RRH) can be coupled through a cable accommodation pipe 150 in which a plurality of coaxial cables 160 are concealed and accommodated.

[0054] The directional adjustment means 120 having such a configuration can be moved around an arbitrary tilting rotation center point (hereinafter abbreviated as "tilting rotation point") and an arbitrary steering rotation center point (hereinafter abbreviated as "steering rotation point") formed in the internal space of the fixed housing 110, and the front surface of the antenna module A can be fixed at a predetermined angle with respect to the radio unit (RRH).

[0055] Here, the outer configuration provided relatively outside among the fixed housing 110 and the directional adjustment means 120 includes a pair of housing covers (for example, 110A and 110B in the case of the first embodiment, 210D and 210U in the case of the second embodiment, 330 and 333 and 340 and 343 in the case of the third embodiment) which are manufactured and coupled in a form surrounding the inner configuration.

[0056] Hereinafter, the multi - function link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to the present invention will be described in detail in the order of the embodiments.

[0057] The multi - function link assembly 100 for a small base station antenna device according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a directional adjustment means 120 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0058] Here, the directional adjustment means 120 includes the above - described steering means and tilting means, and the steering means and the tilting means may be integrally provided by a ball joint portion 130 which is partially inserted and rotated between one housing cover 110A and the other housing cover 110B of the fixed housing 110 manufactured in two parts.

[0059] For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a portion corresponding to the inner joint 132 of the ball joint portion 130 is locked to the front end portion of the internal space of the fixed housing 110, and an outer support portion 131 that extends from the front end of the inner joint 132 and is connected to the antenna module A is formed in the internal space of the fixed housing 110. It adjusts the directivity of the antenna module A while rotating around the tilting rotation point or the steering rotation point.

[0060] In this way, when the ball joint portion 130 is provided in the internal space of the fixed housing 110, the portion corresponding to the inner joint 132 is coupled in a form that is locked and prevented from coming off during left-right steering rotation or up-down tilting rotation.

[0061] The fixed housing 110 is bent and provided so as to have a substantially "reverse L" shaped internal space, and can include a first housing cover 110A that forms the right side appearance on the drawing surface and a second housing cover 110B that forms the left side appearance on the drawing surface.

[0062] At each edge end of the first housing cover 110A and the second housing cover 110B, a plurality of assembly screw through holes 113A-h and assembly screw fastening holes 113B-h through which a plurality of fixed housing assembly screws 115 are penetrated and fastened are formed at intervals, and a plurality of fixed housing assembly screws 115 are respectively formed. When the first housing cover 110A and the second housing cover 110B form an internal space while being fastened through the plurality of assembly screw through holes 113A-h and the assembly screw fastening holes 113B-h, a plurality of coaxial cables 160 can be penetrated and arranged through the internal space.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 4, at the front end of both ends of a plurality of coaxial cables 160, an antenna-side male connector 170A that is electrically connected to an antenna-side female connector 50A provided on the back surface of the antenna module A is provided. At the rear end (lower end) of both ends of the plurality of coaxial cables 160, a radio unit-side male connector 170R that is electrically connected to a radio unit-side female connector 50R provided in a radio unit (RRH) may be provided.

[0064] Here, the plurality of coaxial cables 160 are arranged such that the radio unit-side male connector 170R is connected and coupled to the radio unit-side female connector 50R, and the antenna-side male connector 170A is connected and coupled to the antenna-side female connector 50A, and penetrate through the internal space of the fixed housing 110 and the internal space of the directivity adjustment means 120 provided in the ball joint portion 130, so that they can be concealed and arranged without being exposed to the outside at all.

[0065] On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the multi-function link assembly 100 for a small base station antenna device according to the first embodiment of the present invention may further include a cable housing pipe 150, one end of which is connected to a radio unit (RRH) and the other end of which is connected to a fixed housing 110, so that a plurality of coaxial cables 160 are housed and penetrate through and are concealed and installed.

[0066] Here, the radio unit-side male connector 170R among the plurality of coaxial cables 160 is fixed inside one end of the cable housing fiber 150, and the antenna-side male connector 170A among the plurality of coaxial cables 160 can be fixed to the tip side of the outer supporter portion 131 in the configuration of the ball joint portion 130.

[0067] Here, at least one or more antenna modules A may be steered and rotated in conjunction with the steering rotation angle in the left-right direction of the ball joint portion 130 with respect to the fixed housing 110, and may be tilted and rotated in conjunction with the tilting rotation angle in the front-rear direction of the ball joint portion 130 with respect to the fixed housing 110.

[0068] On one hand, between one housing cover 110A and the other housing cover 110B of the fixed housing 110, a friction stopper (not shown in the drawing reference) that can prevent the detachment of the inner joint 132 in the structure of the ball joint portion 130 and that adheres to a friction seal member (not shown in the drawing reference) formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner joint 132 in the structure of the ball joint portion 130 can be interposed.

[0069] When the assembling force using the fixed housing assembling screw 115 is transmitted to the one housing cover 110A and the other housing cover 110B, the friction stopper adheres so that a predetermined frictional force is formed on the friction seal member formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner joint 132, and after the adjustment of the direction adjusting means 120 provided in the ball joint portion 130, it plays a role of preventing the antenna module A from flowing due to natural external forces such as wind.

[0070] For example, the friction seal member is a friction pad made of a silicone material applied and adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the inner joint 132. When the one housing cover 110A and the other housing cover 110B are in close contact with each other due to the assembling force by the fixed housing assembling screw 115, the inner surface of the friction stopper is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the friction seal member.

[0071] A ball joint gasket ring 185A is interposed at the tip of the outer support portion 131 of the ball joint portion 130, and a waterproof function can be performed toward the antenna-side female connector 50A when the nut is assembled by the antenna-side fastening nut 180A.

[0072] At the same time, a pipe lower gasket ring 185R is interposed at the lower end of the cable accommodation pipe 150, and a waterproof function can be performed on the side of the wireless unit side female connector 50R when the nut is assembled by the wireless unit side fastening nut 180R. Similarly, a pipe upper gasket ring 185B is interposed at the upper end of the cable accommodation pipe 150, and a waterproof function can be performed on the connecting portion of the cable accommodation pipe 150 to the fixed housing 110.

[0073] Figures 5A and 5B are front and rear perspective views showing a multi-function link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, Figures 6A and 6B are exploded perspective views of Figures 5A and 5B, and Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of Figure 5A and a cutaway perspective view.

[0074] As shown in Figures 5A to 7, the multi-function link assembly 200 for a small base station antenna device according to the second embodiment of the present invention can include a directivity adjustment means 220 composed only of a tilting means 230.

[0075] More specifically, the tilting means 230 can include an inner joint 232 that is partially inserted and rotated between a one-side housing cover 210U and an other-side housing cover 210D of two manufactured fixed housings 210, and an outer supporter portion 231 that extends from the inner joint 232 and is connected to an antenna-side female connector 50A provided on the back side of the antenna module A.

[0076] Here, the one-side housing cover 210U of the fixed housing 210 may be an upper housing cover located relatively above, and the other-side housing cover 210D of the fixed housing 210 may be a lower housing cover located relatively below.

[0077] Here, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the fixed housing 210 can serve to form an internal space so that the inner joint 232 of the tilting means 230 is accommodated within the configuration of the tilting means 230.

[0078] An internal space as described above is formed between the upper housing cover which is the one - side housing cover 210U and the lower housing cover which is the other - side housing cover 210D, and the inner joint 132 is inserted and accommodated at the front part of the boundary site where the one - side housing cover 210U and the other - side housing cover 210D are mutually coupled. Tilting inlets 211U - T, 211D - T which provide the tilting rotation range of the tilting means 230 may be respectively formed.

[0079] Here, the multi - function link assembly 200 for a small base station antenna device according to the second embodiment of the present invention has been described by limiting the configuration of the directivity adjustment means 220 to only the tilting means 230. However, in the second embodiment 200, a cable accommodation pipe 250 can be further included. In this case, by adjusting the fixed position of the fixed housing 210 with respect to the pipe connection end 218 extended downward from the other - side housing cover 210D of the fixed housing 210 connected to the cable accommodation pipe 250, a substantial function such as a steering means among the directivity adjustment means 220 can be realized.

[0080] More specifically, the multi - function link assembly 200 for a small base station antenna device according to the second embodiment of the present invention can further include a cable accommodation pipe 260 through which a plurality of coaxial cables 260 are penetrated and arranged. One end (upper end) is coupled to the pipe connection end 218 extending downward from the other - side housing cover 210D of the fixed housing 210, and the other end (lower end) is coupled to the radio unit - side female connector 50R provided in the radio unit (RRH).

[0081] Here, a pipe upper gasket ring 285B is interposed at the upper end of the cable accommodation pipe 260. When the cable accommodation pipe 260 is waterproofly fastened to a nut fastening end 218s having a male thread form on the outer peripheral surface of the pipe connection end 218 using a pipe fastening nut 280B, by adjusting the fixing position of the fixed housing 210, the antenna module A can be rotationally adjusted and fixed in the left - right direction substantially like a steering means.

[0082] For reference, a pipe lower gasket ring 285R is interposed at the lower end of the cable accommodation pipe 260, and it may also be possible to waterproofly fasten it to a female connector 50R of the radio unit (RRH) using a radio unit side fastening nut 280R.

[0083] On the other hand, it is preferable that the upper and lower tips of the inner joint 232 in the configuration of the tilting means 230 extend to a position exceeding 180 degrees around the arbitrary tilting rotation point located at least in the internal space of the fixed housing 210.

[0084] Here, the inner joint 232 can be in contact with and coupled to the inner surface of the fixed housing 210 with a frictional force that allows rotation only with respect to an additional external force provided after being adjusted to the designed tilting rotation angle with respect to the fixed housing 210 in a state where the antenna module A is mounted.

[0085] This is to perform a pre - stop function to prevent arbitrary rotation as long as no additional external force is provided during the tilting rotation adjustment operation by the operator, including all the self - weights of the antenna module A.

[0086] For this purpose, although not shown in the drawings, at least one or more friction seal members can be interposed between the inner joint 232 and the fixed housing 210.

[0087] Here, the friction seal member can include at least one waterproof seal (not shown) provided at the tilting inlet 211U-T and 211D-T portions of the fixed housing 210 into which the inner joint 232 is inserted.

[0088] At the same time, the multi-function link assembly 200 for a small base station antenna device according to the second embodiment of the present invention can further include at least one fixing means 219 that is fixed through one side housing cover 210U of the fixed housing 210 and is arranged so as to interfere with the rotation path of the inner joint 232.

[0089] Here, at least one fixing means 219 can be adopted as a countersunk head bolt provided so that the outer end does not protrude outside the one side housing cover 210U of the fixed housing 210.

[0090] Therefore, after the operator stably adjusts the direction of the antenna module A using the inner joint 232 coupled in the fixed housing 210 so as to have a press stop function, the fixing state can be finally maintained in a state where the direction adjustment of the antenna module A is completed by using the fixing means 219 provided with the countersunk head bolt.

[0091] At the same time, in the multi-function link assembly 200 for a small base station antenna device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 5A to 7, an upper drain portion 220U and a lower drain portion 220D that communicate with the internal space 212 and discharge internal moisture may be further provided on the outer peripheral surface of the upper end and the outer peripheral surface of the lower end of the fixed housing 210.

[0092] In the upper drain part 220U and the lower drain part 220D, the water discharge port (not shown in the drawing code) where moisture (water) is actually discharged is formed horizontally, and a shielding end (not shown in the drawing code) that shields the water discharge port in the vertical direction is formed, so that it is difficult for moisture such as rainwater to flow from the outside to the inside of the fixed housing 210. On the other hand, once the moisture that has flowed into the inside of the fixed housing 210 can be easily discharged through the horizontally opened water discharge port.

[0093] The upper drain part 220U may be fixedly installed in the upper drain mounting hole 220U-h formed in one side housing cover 210U of the fixed housing 210, and the lower drain part 220D may be fixedly installed in the lower drain mounting hole (not shown in the drawing code) formed in the other side housing cover 210D of the fixed housing 210.

[0094] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a multi-function link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 9A and 9B are exploded perspective views of FIG. 8.

[0095] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 9B, the multi-function link assembly 300 for a small base station antenna device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the directivity adjustment means 320 can include a steering means 340 and a tilting means 330.

[0096] Here, the steering means 340 can include a steering mounting portion 340S-1 provided to rotate horizontally in the left-right direction with respect to the steering rotation point in the internal space of the fixed housing 310, and a steering rotation portion 340S-2 extending from the steering mounting portion 340S-1 to the external space (not shown in the drawing code) outside the fixed housing 310.

[0097] As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the fixed housing 310 includes one-side housing covers 311 and 312 in which an internal space having a substantially circular horizontal cross-section is formed and which are open downward to communicate with the internal space, and the other-side housing cover 313 that shields the other open sides of the one-side housing covers 311 and 312.

[0098] The one-side housing covers 311 and 312 are coupled so as to cover the steering mounting portion 340S-1 from above to below, and a plurality of cover assembly screws 319 can be assembled to each other by penetrating and fastening to the through holes 348b and the fastening holes 348a formed along the edge portions of the one-side housing covers 311 and 312 and the other-side housing cover 313.

[0099] Here, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the one-side housing covers 311 and 312 can include a fixed housing main body 311 having an internal space with a circular horizontal cross-section, and a pipe coupling end 312 that is integrally formed so as to extend rearward of the fixed housing main body 311 and is coupled to a cable accommodation pipe (not shown).

[0100] A steering guide hole 317 may be provided at the front end portion of the fixed housing main body 311, which is formed by incision so as to allow an extension protrusion in front of the steering rotation portion 340S-2 of the steering means 340.

[0101] On the other hand, the steering mounting portion 340S-1 of the steering means 340 is formed in a thin cylindrical shape having a center point in the left-right horizontal direction (hereinafter referred to as "steering rotation point"), and the steering rotation portion 340S-2 of the steering means 340 is formed in a thin cylindrical shape having a center point in the vertical direction (hereinafter referred to as "tilting rotation point"), and the steering mounting portion 340S-1 and the steering rotation portion 340S-2 may be formed so as to be integrally connected in the front-rear direction.

[0102] Here, between the rear end of the steering mounting portion 340S-1 and the front end of the steering rotating portion 340S-2, it may be provided so as to communicate with each other through an internal space, and a plurality of coaxial cables 360 for electrically connecting the wireless unit (RRH) and the antenna module A through the communicated internal space may be provided so as to be deployable.

[0103] At this time, the plurality of coaxial cables 360 are arranged through the pipe connection portion 312 of the fixed housing 310, and are arranged so as to be hidden front and back through the rear cable mounting hole 343S-1 formed by cutting at the rear end portion of the steering mounting portion 340S-1 and the front cable mounting hole 343S-2 formed by cutting at the front end portion of the steering rotating portion 340S-2.

[0104] On the other hand, at the front end portion 310S of the fixed housing main body 311 of the fixed housing 310, a steering guide hole 347 may be formed through which a plurality of coaxial cables 360 penetrate and which limits the steering angle in the left-right direction of the steering means 340.

[0105] Similarly, the tilting means 330 can be coupled to the steering rotating portion 340S-2 so as to tilt and rotate in the vertical direction with respect to the tilting rotation point.

[0106] More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the tilting means 330 includes one-side tilting housing covers 331 and 332 provided so as to cover the steering rotating portion 340S-2 of the steering means 340 from one side (from the left side in the drawing) to the other side (to the right side in the drawing), and the other-side tilting housing cover 333 that shields the open other side of the one-side tilting housing covers 331 and 332.

[0107] Here, one-side tilting housing covers 331 and 332 of the tilting means 330 may have an internal space with a substantially circular vertical cross-section and may be formed such that the internal space communicates with an opening on the other side, or the other-side tilting housing cover 333 may be coupled to shield the opening on the other side of the one-side tilting housing covers 331 and 332.

[0108] The one-side tilting housing covers 331 and 332 are coupled to cover the steering rotation part 340S-2 of the steering means 340 from one side to the other side, and a plurality of cover assembly screws 339 can be mutually assembled by passing through and fastening through holes 338b formed along the edge parts of the one-side tilting housing covers 331 and 332 and the other-side tilting housing cover 333 and fastening through fastening holes 338a.

[0109] Here, the one-side tilting housing covers 331 and 332 of the tilting means 330 can include a cover part 331 and an outer support part 332 that extends forward from the cover part 331 and is connected to the back surface of the antenna module A.

[0110] On the other hand, at the rear end parts of the one-side tilting housing covers 331 and 332 of the tilting means 330, a plurality of coaxial cables 360 may pass through and tilting guide holes 337 that limit the tilting angle in the vertical direction of the tilting means 330 may be formed.

[0111] A plurality of coaxial cables 360 arranged through the internal space of the steering means 340 have one end connected to the antenna module A while being concealed from the outside through the outer support portion 332 among the configurations of the one-side tilting housing covers 331 and 332 and the tilting guide holes 337 of the one-side tilting housing covers 331 and 332, and the other end connected to the radio unit (RRH) while being concealed from the outside through the steering guide hole 317 formed in the fixed housing 310 and the pipe connection portion 312 among the configurations of the fixed housing main bodies 311 and 312 of the fixed housing 310.

[0112] On the other hand, the tilting means 330 is coupled so as to be surrounded by one-side tilting housing covers 331 and 332 separately manufactured into two on the outside of the steering rotation part 340S-2 and the other-side tilting housing cover 333, and can tilt and rotate the antenna module A while rotating in the vertical direction around the tilting rotation point located in the internal space of the steering rotation part 340S-2 within the range of the above-described tilting guide hole 337.

[0113] At the same time, the steering means 340 is coupled so as to be surrounded by the fixed housing main bodies 311 and 312 of the fixed housing 310 separately manufactured into two on the outside of the steering mounting part 340S-1 and the other-side housing cover 343, and can steer and rotate the antenna module A while rotating in the horizontal direction around the steering rotation point located in the internal space of the fixed housing 310 within the range of the above-described steering guide hole 317.

[0114] On the one hand, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the multi-function link assembly 300 for a small base station antenna device according to the third embodiment of the present invention further includes a steering friction force forming pad 350S disposed between the steering mounting portion 340S-1 of the steering means 340 and the inner surface of the fixed housing 310, and a tilting friction force forming pad 350T disposed between the inner surfaces of the one-side tilting housing covers 331 and 332 of the tilting means 330 and the outer surface of the steering rotating portion 340S-2 of the steering means 340.

[0115] Here, among the configurations of the steering means 340 facing the steering friction force forming pad 350S, on the outer surface of the steering mounting portion 340S-1, and among the configurations of the fixed housing 310, on the inner surfaces of the fixed housing main bodies 311 and 312, and among the configurations of the steering means 340 facing the tilting friction force forming pad 340T, on the outer surface of the steering rotating portion 340S-2 and on the inner surfaces of the one-side tilting housing covers 331 and 332 of the tilting means 330, a plurality of friction ribs 336 extending radially by a predetermined length with reference to the steering rotation point and the tilting rotation point may be protrudingly formed respectively.

[0116] Here, after the steering angle is adjusted within the range of the steering guide hole 313S, the steering means 340 can be fixed by a steering fixing bolt 340S-B fastened to the fixed housing main bodies 311 and 312 constituting the fixed housing 310.

[0117] More specifically, in the fixed housing main bodies 311 and 312, while the steering fixing bolt 340S-B passes through the fixed housing through hole 345 and is fastened to the housing fastening hole 315S-B formed at the center of the upper surface of the steering mounting portion 340S-1, by increasing the frictional force between the steering friction force forming pad 350S and a plurality of friction ribs (not shown), it is possible to prevent the steering from rotating by any external force (for example, strong wind, etc.) other than the working force of the operator.

[0118] Further, after the tilting angle is adjusted within the range of the tilting guide hole 313T, the tilting means 330 is fixed by a tilting fixing bolt 330T-B fastened to one-side tilting housing covers 331 and 332 constituting the tilting means 330.

[0119] More specifically, a tilting fixing bolt 330T-B penetrates through a cover part through hole 335 and is fastened to a cover part fastening hole (not shown) formed at the center of the left side surface of the steering rotating part 340S-2 while being fastened to one-side tilting housing covers 331 and 332 of the tilting means 330, thereby increasing the frictional force between a tilting frictional force forming pad 350T and a plurality of friction ribs 336, and preventing tilting rotation by any external force (for example, strong wind, etc.) other than the operator's working force.

[0120] Thus, the multi-function link assemblies 100 to 300 for the small base station antenna device according to the embodiments of the present invention are provided such that the outer configurations provided relatively outside among the fixed housings 110 to 310 and the directivity adjusting means 120 to 320 are manufactured and coupled in a form surrounding the inner configuration, thereby providing an advantage that realization in various embodiments is possible.

[0121] In particular, not only can a plurality of coaxial cables 160 to 360 be concealedly installed so as not to be exposed to the outside in the internal space of the fixed housings 110 to 310, but also it provides an advantage that a plurality of antenna modules A can be installed such that various directivity adjustments can be made with respect to a radio unit (RRH).

[0122] The unillustrated drawing symbols "213D-h" and "213U-h" are assembly screw through-holes for screwing and fastening the one-side housing cover 210U and the other-side housing cover 210D. "219ha" is a fixing means mounting hole for inserting the fixing means 219. "280A", "380A", and "380R" are one of the antenna-side fastening nuts and the wireless unit-side fastening nuts.

[0123] As described above, the small base station antenna devices 100 to 300 according to the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that various modifications and implementations within an equivalent scope can be made by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. Therefore, the true scope of the rights of the present invention is defined by the scope of the claims described below.

Industrial Applicability

[0124] The present invention provides a multi-function link assembly for a small base station antenna device that facilitates the construction of small cell base stations for public places, densely populated areas, and places such as large shopping malls and airport buildings.

Explanation of Signs

[0125] A: Antenna module, RRH: Radio unit 10: Mounting bracket, 12: Screw fastening groove 13: Fixing screw, 15: Heat sink fin 100: First embodiment, 110: Fixed housing 110A, 110B: Housing cover, 113A-h: Assembly screw through-hole 113B-h: Assembly screw fastening hole, 115: Assembly screw 130: Ball joint part, 131: Outer support part 132: Inner joint, 140: Friction stopper ring 150: Cable accommodation pipe, 160: Multiple coaxial cables 180A: Antenna-side fastening nut, 180R: Wireless unit-side fastening nut 200: Second embodiment, 300: Third embodiment

Claims

1. A fixed housing having an internal space that opens in one side direction and the other side direction, and Directional adjustment means movably coupled to the internal space of the fixed housing or an external space corresponding to the outside thereof, and includes The directional adjustment means is coupled in a form that is locked and prevented from disengaging when the antenna module provided at the front end with respect to the fixed housing rotates left and right or tilts up and down, a multi-function link assembly for a small base station antenna device.

2. An antenna module is coupled to the one side direction of the fixed housing via the directional adjustment means, and A radio unit is coupled to the other side direction of the fixed housing via a cable accommodation pipe in which a plurality of coaxial cables are concealed and accommodated. The multi-function link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to claim 1.

3. The outer configuration provided relatively outside of the fixed housing and the directional adjustment means includes a pair of housing covers manufactured and coupled in a form that surrounds the inner configuration. The multi-function link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to claim 2.

4. The directional adjustment means is moved around an arbitrary tilting rotation center point (hereinafter abbreviated as "tilting rotation point") and an arbitrary steering rotation center point (hereinafter abbreviated as "steering rotation point") formed in the internal space of the fixed housing, and the front surface of the antenna module is fixed at a predetermined angle with respect to the radio unit. The multi-function link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to claim 3.

5. The directional adjustment means includes Steering means for adjusting the steering rotation of the antenna module while steering rotation left and right around the steering rotation point provided in the vertical direction via the fixed housing, and Tilting means for adjusting the tilting rotation of the antenna module while tilting rotation back and forth around the tilting rotation point provided in the horizontal direction via the fixed housing. The multi-function link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to claim 4, including at least any one of them.

6. The directional adjustment means includes the steering means and the tilting means, The steering means and the tilting means are integrated with a ball joint portion that is partially inserted and rotated between one housing cover and the other housing cover of the two manufactured fixed housings, and the multi-function link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to claim 5.

7. Between the one housing cover and the other housing cover, a friction stopper ring is interposed to prevent detachment of the ball joint portion and to be in close contact with a friction seal member formed on the outer peripheral surface of the ball joint portion, and the multi-function link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to claim 6.

8. The directivity adjustment means includes the tilting means, The tilting means includes an inner joint that is partially inserted and rotated between one housing cover and the other housing cover of the two manufactured fixed housings, and the multi-function link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to claim 5.

9. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The tilting means includes a one-side tilting housing cover provided to cover the steering rotating part from one side to the other side, and the other-side tilting housing cover that shields the open other side of the one-side tilting housing cover. The multi-function link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to claim 5.

12. The directivity adjusting means includes a steering friction force forming pad disposed between the steering mounting part and the fixed housing among the steering means, and further includes a tilting friction force forming pad disposed between the one-side tilting housing cover among the tilting means and the steering rotating part among the steering means. On the inner surface of the fixed housing, the outer surface of the steering mounting part, the inner surface of the one-side tilting housing cover among the tilting means, and the outer surface of the steering rotating part that are in contact with both sides of the steering friction force forming pad and the tilting friction force forming pad, a plurality of friction ribs protruding radially by a predetermined length are formed based on the steering rotation point and the tilting rotation point. The multi-function link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to claim 11.

13. A plurality of coaxial cables for electrically connecting the radio unit and the antenna module are provided so as to be disposed in the internal space between the rear end of the steering mounting part and the front end of the steering rotating part. At the front end of the fixed housing, a steering guide hole is formed through which the plurality of coaxial cables pass and that limits the steering angle in the left-right direction of the steering means. At the rear end of the one-side tilting housing cover among the tilting means, a tilting guide hole is formed through which the plurality of coaxial cables pass and that limits the tilting angle in the front-rear direction of the tilting means. The multi-function link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to claim 11.

14. The steering means is fixed by a steering fixing bolt fastened to the fixed housing after the steering angle is adjusted within the range of the steering guide hole. The multi-function link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to claim 13.

15. The tilting means is fixed by a tilting fixing bolt fastened to the one-side tilting housing cover after the tilting angle is adjusted within the range of the tilting guide hole, and the multi-function link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to claim 13.

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