Multifunction link assembly for small base station antenna equipment

Abstract

Provided is a multi-function link assembly for a small base station antenna device that enables easy construction of a small cell base station. 【Solution means】The multi-function link assembly for a small base station antenna device includes a rotating housing having an internal space that is open in the front-rear direction, a steering ball joint portion that is coupled to the internal space at the rear of the rotating housing that is open, and that guides the steering to be rotatable in the left-right direction with respect to an arbitrary rotation center point in the internal space of the rotating housing, and a tilting ball joint portion that is coupled to the internal space at the front of the rotating housing that is open, and the front end to which the antenna module is coupled tilts and rotates in the vertical direction while receiving the guide of the rotating housing with respect to an arbitrary rotation center point in the internal space, and a plurality of coaxial cables provided for electrical connection between the radio unit (RRH) and the antenna module.

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 of cables from being exposed, facilitating the construction of an indoor small cell, and being capable of beamforming to enable multi-band by partitioning a part of one antenna module to cover different frequency bands or providing a plurality of antenna modules to cover different frequency bands respectively.

Background Art

[0002] In order to meet the increasing demand for wireless data traffic 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 ultra-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 ultra-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, future 5G cellular networks, which will require far higher capacities than current ones, will allow for the application of a variety of technologies to improve frequency efficiency. One such technology candidate is Small Cell Network (SCN) technology, which can increase capacity by reducing the size of cells to improve channel utility, increasing cell density, and thus improving frequency efficiency.

[0004] Unlike macrocells, which have high transmission power and wide coverage, small cells are small base stations with low transmission power and narrow coverage. The category of small cells generally includes low-power base station equipment of 10W or less, picocells, femtocells, and Wi-Fi devices. The advantages of small cells are that they have lower construction costs and are smaller in size, allowing for greater space efficiency compared to macrocells.

[0005] By superimposing these small cells in public spaces, densely populated areas, and indoor spaces such as large shopping malls and airport terminals, the capacity per unit area can be increased. This also has the advantage of reducing the power consumption and installation costs of a single macrocell base station. Small cell base stations alone can achieve 1000 times the capacity of existing LTE, and small cells are expected to become a foundational technology bridging the gap between 4G and 5G.

[0006] Conventional base station antenna devices are installed outdoors, and consist of an antenna module mounted on an upright support pole by a fixing bracket, a wireless unit (e.g., RRH: Remote Radio Head) mounted below the antenna module by a fixing bracket, and a structure in which the antenna module and the wireless unit are electrically connected using multiple cables.

[0007] However, conventional base station antenna equipment has a structure that is always limited to outdoor installation via a support pole. On the other hand, the antenna module is attached to the relatively upper part of the support pole, and the wireless unit, such as an RRH, is attached to the relatively lower part, and then connected with a cable. This structure has the problem that the cable is exposed to the outside and detracts from the aesthetics.

[0008] Thus, when installing small cell base stations indoors, there are problems such as the aesthetic appearance being diminished due to the complex cable connections between the radio unit (RRH) and the antenna module, and the fact that each radio unit (RRH) is equipped with only one antenna module, making it practically difficult to cover the dual-band frequency range. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

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

[0010] In addition, another objective of the present invention is to provide a multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device that allows for directional adjustment of various cables electrically connecting the wireless unit and the antenna module without exposing them to the outside, thereby preventing a deterioration in aesthetics (appearance).

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a multifunction link assembly for a compact base station antenna device that enables dual-band operation in various locations by either partitioning a portion of one antenna module to cover different frequency bands, or by arranging multiple antenna modules to each cover different frequency bands.

[0012] Furthermore, another objective of the present invention is to provide a multifunction link assembly for a compact base station antenna device that mediates the installation of multiple antenna modules on a wireless unit and can secure a wide range of directional adjustment angles.

[0013] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to those 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 problem]

[0014] A multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a rotating housing having an internal space open in the front-rear direction, a steering ball joint portion coupled to the rear internal space of the rotating housing and guiding the rotating housing to steer in the left-right direction with respect to an arbitrary rotation center point (hereinafter referred to as the "steering rotation point") within the internal space, a tilting ball joint portion coupled to the front internal space of the rotating housing and guiding the front end to which the antenna module is coupled to tilt and rotate in the up-down direction with respect to an arbitrary rotation center point (hereinafter referred to as the "tilting rotation point") within the internal space while being guided by the rotating housing, and a plurality of coaxial cables provided for the electrical connection between a radio unit (RRH; Remote Radio Head) and the antenna module, wherein the plurality of coaxial cables are connected from the radio unit through the rotating housing, the steering ball joint portion and the tilting ball joint portion to the antenna module.

[0015] Here, the steering rotation point and the tilting rotation point can be set to the same position in the internal space.

[0016] Furthermore, the steering ball joint and the tilting ball joint can be arranged so as not to interfere with each other in the internal space during steering rotation and tilting rotation.

[0017] Furthermore, the steering ball joint portion is formed to have at least a portion of a circular outer surface concentric with the inner surface of the rotating housing, and the outer surface can be centered on the steering rotation point when the rotating housing steers in the left-right direction.

[0018] Furthermore, the tilting ball joint portion is formed to have at least a portion of a circular outer surface concentric with the inner surface of the rotating housing, and the outer surface may be centered on the tilting rotation point when the tilting ball joint portion tilts and rotates vertically relative to the rotating housing.

[0019] Furthermore, the antenna module may be adjusted for steering rotation in conjunction with the left-right steering rotation angle of the rotating housing, and for tilt rotation in conjunction with the up-down tilt rotation angle of the tilting ball joint portion relative to the rotating housing.

[0020] Furthermore, the tilting ball joint portion and the steering ball joint portion each include an inner joint housed in the internal space of the rotating housing, the inner joint being able to contact the inner surface of the rotating housing with a frictional force that allows rotation only in response to additional external forces provided after the antenna module has been adjusted to the steering rotation angle and tilting rotation angle relative to the rotating housing.

[0021] Furthermore, at least one friction seal member can be interposed between the inner joint and the rotating housing.

[0022] Further, the friction seal member may include at least one waterproof seal provided at a front tilting inlet of the rotating housing where the inner joint is inserted in front of the opened front of the rotating housing and at a rear steering inlet portion of the rotating housing behind the opened rear of the rotating housing, and at least one friction roller that rolls in the rotation direction of the inner joint.

[0023] Also, upper and lower drain portions for discharging internal moisture in communication with the internal space may be provided on the outer peripheral surfaces of the upper and lower ends of the rotating housing.

[0024] Further, the upper and lower drain portions may have moisture discharge ports formed horizontally, and shielding ends for shielding the moisture discharge ports in the vertical direction may be formed.

[0025] Furthermore, a cable housing pipe may be further included, with one end connected to the wireless unit and the other end connected to the steering ball joint portion so that the plurality of coaxial cables are housed, penetrate, and are concealed.

[0026] Also, the steering ball joint portion includes a steering outer support portion with one end connected to the cable housing pipe and the other end bent at a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction and extending toward the rear steering inlet portion side of the rotating housing, and a steering inner joint housed in the internal space of the rotating housing and having an outer peripheral surface that extends from the other end of the steering outer support portion and curves so that the left and right tip portions are centered on an arbitrary steering rotation point formed in the rotating housing. The left and right tips of the steering inner joint may extend to a position exceeding 180 degrees centered on at least the arbitrary steering rotation point.

[0027] Further, the tilting ball joint portion includes a tilting outer support portion having one end connected to a female connector formed on the back surface of the antenna module and the other end extending to the front tilting inlet portion side of the rotating housing, and a tilting inner joint that extends from the other end of the tilting outer support portion and has an outer peripheral surface curved and extending such that upper and lower tip portions thereof are centered on an arbitrary tilting rotation point formed in the rotating housing and is accommodated in the internal space of the rotating housing. The upper and lower tips of the tilting inner joint may be extended and formed up to a position exceeding 180 degrees at least centered on the arbitrary tilting rotation point.

[0028] Further, it further includes at least one fixing means that is fixed through the rotating housing and is arranged so as to interfere with the rotation path of the steering inner joint or the tilting inner joint. The at least one fixing means may be a blind bolt provided such that an outer end thereof does not protrude outside the rotating housing.

[0029] Further, a part of the steering outer support portion is provided as a coupling panel that is separately manufactured and then coupled for internal installation of the plurality of coaxial cables. The coupling panel may be coupled by any one of an adhesive coupling method and a welding coupling method.

Advantages of the Invention

[0030] According to the multi-functional link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the following various effects can be derived.

[0031] 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.

[0032] Secondly, the various cables electrically connecting the wireless unit and the antenna module are provided in a way that allows for directional adjustment without exposing them to the outside, thus preventing a decrease in aesthetic appeal (visual appearance).

[0033] Thirdly, the tilting ball joint and steering ball joint can be installed compactly without requiring additional installation space, and by making the angle adjustable via each ball joint, a wide range of directional adjustment angles for multiple antenna modules relative to the wireless unit can be secured. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the installation of an antenna module on a wireless unit using a multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to the present invention. [Figure 2A] This is a front perspective view of the configuration shown in Figure 1, excluding the wireless unit. [Figure 2B] This is a rear perspective view of the configuration shown in Figure 1, excluding the wireless unit. [Figure 3A] Figure 2A is an exploded perspective view. [Figure 3B] Figure 2B is an exploded perspective view. [Figure 4] Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view along line BB. [Figure 5] Figure 2A shows perspective views of the anterior and posterior incisions along the BB line. [Figure 6A] This is an exploded perspective view showing a multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] This is an exploded perspective view showing a multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7A] This is a vertical cross-sectional view of a multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7B]This is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8A] Figure 7A is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the state of the antenna module after tilting. [Figure 8B] Figure 7B is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the state of the antenna module after steering rotation. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention, including multifunction link assemblies for small base station antenna devices, will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. When assigning reference numerals to the components in each drawing, it should be noted that, as far as possible, identical components should have the same reference numeral even if they are shown in other drawings. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a specific description of such known configurations or functions would hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0036] In describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as First, Second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used. Such terms are merely for distinguishing a component from other components, and do not limit the nature, order, or procedure of that component. Furthermore, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms as defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and not in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0037] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the installation of an antenna module on a wireless unit using the multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to the present invention. Figures 2A and 2B are perspective views of the front and rear parts of the configuration in Figure 1, excluding the wireless unit.

[0038] A multifunction link assembly 100 for a small base station antenna device according to one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 1 to 2B, plays a role in mediating the physical coupling and electrical connection between the radio unit (RRH: Remote Radio Head) and the antenna module A in the configuration of a small base station antenna device installed in a predetermined location.

[0039] 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 a place such as a large shopping mall or airport building, in order to function as a small cell base station, and depending on the type of installation, it may be a structure suitable for in-building (indoor) installation, such as a pole-mounted type, a wall-mounted type, or a ceiling-mounted type.

[0040] Antenna module A may refer to an antenna module having at least one frequency band. A radio unit (RRH) may refer to a device connected to each frequency band antenna provided to antenna module A, which transmits / receives between the antenna and the base station. The radio unit (RRH) is a relay device that performs functions such as receiving weakened signals, amplifying or retransmitting them, shaping distorted waveforms, and readjusting timing between a base station and a mobile communication terminal in a mobile communication system.

[0041] As shown in Figure 1, the radio unit (RRH) of the small base station antenna device can be mounted on structures such as support poles, walls, and ceilings inside a building (house) via a mounting bracket 10.

[0042] For this purpose, the mounting bracket 10 can be firmly attached to the aforementioned structure or the like beforehand, and can be fixed to multiple locations on both the left and right ends of the wireless unit (RRH) using fixing screws 13 via screw fastening grooves 12 formed on the screw fastening ends 11 that are bent forward to the left and right.

[0043] On the other hand, multiple heat sink fins 15 are integrally formed on the front of the front housing (not specified in the drawing) or the back of the rear housing (not specified in the drawing) of the wireless unit (RRH), allowing heat generated in a predetermined space to be dissipated to the outside through the multiple heat sink fins 15.

[0044] The multifunction link assembly 100 for a small base station antenna device according to the present invention plays a role in mediating the coupling of at least one antenna module A to a radio unit (RRH), as shown in Figures 1 to 2B.

[0045] More specifically, at least one female connector 50A, 50R may be provided on any one part of the wireless unit (RRH) and on any one part of each of the one or more antenna modules A, respectively, to mediate connection with a multifunction link assembly 100 for a small base station antenna device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Here, the female connector 50R provided on the wireless unit (RRH) can be positioned not only in the area where some of the multiple heat sink fins 15 integrally formed on the front or back of the wireless unit (RRH) have been removed, but also on any of the left and right sides and the bottom surface.

[0047] However, in the multifunction link assembly 100 for a small base station antenna device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the female connector 50R is positioned on the upper surface of the radio unit (RRH) as shown in Figures 1 to 2B, and this will be described accordingly.

[0048] Figures 3A and 3B are exploded perspective views of Figures 2A and 2B, Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 2A along line BB, Figure 5 is a dissected perspective view of the front and rear sections along line BB of Figure 2A, and Figures 6A and 6B are exploded perspective views showing a multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] A multifunction link assembly 100 for a small base station antenna device according to one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 3A to 6B, includes a rotating housing 110 that is rotatable parallel to at least one face of a radio unit (RRH) and has an internal space through which a plurality of coaxial cables 160 provided for electrical connection between the radio unit (RRH) and at least one antenna module A are housed in the front-rear direction and pass through; a steering ball joint portion 140 coupled to the rear of the rotating housing 110 and providing a steering pivot center for the rotating housing 110 in the left-right direction; and a tilting ball joint portion 130 coupled to the front of the rotating housing 110 and coupled to the rotating housing 110 so as to be tiltable in the front-rear direction.

[0050] Here, the rotating housing 110 may have an internal space 112 that opens in the front-rear direction. Hereinafter, the front opening that communicates with the internal space 112 of the rotating housing 110 will be referred to as the "front tilting inlet 111U-T, 111D-T", and the rear opening that communicates with the internal space 112 of the rotating housing 110 will be referred to as the "rear steering inlet 111U-S, 111D-S".

[0051] On the other hand, the steering ball joint portion 140 is connected to the internal space 112 via the rear steering inlets 111U-S and 111D-S located behind the opening of the rotating housing 110, and can play a role in guiding the rotating housing 110 so that it can steer in the left-right direction with respect to any pivot center point SC (hereinafter referred to as the "steering rotation point") within the internal space 112.

[0052] Furthermore, the tilting ball joint portion 130 may be connected to the internal space 112 via the open front tilting inlets 111U-T and 111D-T of the rotating housing 110, and the front end to which the antenna module A is connected may be configured to tilt and rotate vertically while being guided by the rotating housing 110 with respect to an arbitrary rotation center point TC (hereinafter referred to as the "tilting rotation point") in the internal space 112.

[0053] The steering rotation point SC and the tilting rotation point TC can be set to the same position in the internal space 112 of the rotation housing 110.

[0054] More specifically, the steering ball joint portion 140 is formed to have at least a portion of a circular outer surface concentric with the inner surface of the rotating housing 110, and the outer surface of the steering ball joint portion 140 is formed to have a steering rotation point SC centered when the rotating housing 110 rotates in the left-right steering direction. The tilting ball joint portion 130 is formed to have at least a portion of a circular outer surface concentric with the inner surface of the rotating housing 110, and the outer surface of the tilting ball joint portion 130 is formed to have a tilting rotation point TC centered when the tilting ball joint portion 130 rotates in the up-down tilting direction relative to the rotating housing 110.

[0055] Here, at least one antenna module A may be adjusted for steering rotation in conjunction with the left-right steering rotation angle of the rotating housing 110, and for tilt rotation in conjunction with the front-rear tilt rotation angle of the tilting ball joint portion 130 relative to the rotating housing 110.

[0056] In other words, when adjusting the steering rotation of antenna module A, the rotating housing 110 rotates relative to the fixed steering ball joint portion 140, and at the same time, the tilting ball joint portion 130 located at the front can be rotated in conjunction with it.

[0057] Furthermore, when adjusting the tilt rotation of antenna module A, the tilting ball joint portion 130 is rotated relative to the fixed rotating housing 110 after the steering rotation adjustment is completed, thereby adjusting the tilt rotation of the antenna module A which is coupled to the front.

[0058] Here, the rotating housing 110 plays the role of forming an internal space 112 so as to accommodate a part of the components of the tilting ball joint portion 130 and the steering ball joint portion 140 (the tilting inner joint 132 and the steering inner joint 142, which will be described later), as shown in Figures 3A and 3B, and may include an upper housing 110U located at the top and a lower housing 110D located at the bottom.

[0059] The above-described internal space is formed between the upper housing 110U and the lower housing 110D, and a part of the tilting ball joint portion 130 (tilting inner joint 132) is inserted and housed in the front part of the boundary portion where the upper housing 110U and the lower housing 110D are interconnected, and the front tilting inlets 111U-T and 111D-T are formed, respectively, which provide the tilting rotation range of the tilting ball joint portion 130. A part of the steering ball joint portion 140 (steering inner joint 142) is inserted and housed in the rear part of the boundary portion where the upper housing 110U and the lower housing 110D are interconnected, and the rear steering inlets 111U-S and 111D-S are formed, respectively, which provide the steering rotation range of the steering ball joint portion 140.

[0060] Herein, a multifunction link assembly 100 for a small base station antenna device according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a plurality of coaxial cables 160 provided for the electrical connection between the radio unit (RRH) and the antenna module A.

[0061] Multiple coaxial cables 160 can be connected to the antenna module A by passing through the rotating housing 110, the steering ball joint section 140, and the tilting ball joint section 130 from the wireless unit (RRH).

[0062] On the other hand, a multifunction link assembly 100 for a small base station antenna device according to one 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 steering ball joint portion 140, so that multiple coaxial cables 160 are housed and passed through it for concealed installation, as shown in Figures 3A to 6B.

[0063] Here, the steering ball joint portion 140 may include a steering outer support portion 141, one end of which is connected to a cable housing pipe 150 and the other end which is bent at a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction and extends toward the rear steering inlets 111U-S and 111D-S of the rotating housing 110, and a steering inner joint 142, which extends from the other end of the steering outer support portion 141 and has outer peripheral surfaces that are curved so that the left and right ends of each have the same center as any steering rotation point SC formed within the rotating housing 110, and is housed in the internal space 112 of the rotating housing 110.

[0064] Preferably, the left and right ends of the steering inner joint 142 are formed to extend to a position exceeding 180 degrees around at least the arbitrary steering rotation point SC.

[0065] Here, a portion of the steering outer support section 141 is provided as a coupling panel 144 that is manufactured separately and then joined for the internal installation of multiple coaxial cables 160. The coupling panel 144 may be joined by either an adhesive bonding method or a welding method after the internal installation of the coaxial cables 160.

[0066] In this configuration, the ends of multiple coaxial cables 160 are each connected by soldering to male connectors 170A and 170R, which are slightly larger in diameter, to facilitate electrical connection with female connectors 50A fixed to the back of antenna module A and female connectors 50R fixed to the wireless unit (RRH). However, to facilitate insertion and installation into the bent portion of the steering outer support section 141, a coupling panel 144 is manufactured separately before the connectors are attached.

[0067] In addition, the tilting ball joint portion 130 may include a tilting outer support portion 131, one end of which is connected to a female connector 50A formed on the back of the antenna module A and the other end which extends toward the front tilting inlets 111U-T and 111D-T of the rotating housing 110, and a tilting inner joint 132, which extends from the other end of the tilting outer support portion 131 and has outer peripheral surfaces that curve so that the upper and lower ends of the tilting inner joint 132 are centered on any tilting rotation point TC formed within the rotating housing 110, and is housed in the internal space 112 of the rotating housing 110.

[0068] Preferably, the upper and lower ends of the tilting inner joint 132 are extended to a position exceeding 180 degrees around at least one of the arbitrary tilting rotation points TC.

[0069] In other words, the tilting ball joint portion 130 and the steering ball joint portion 140 may each include a tilting inner joint 132 and a steering inner joint 142 housed in the internal space 112 of the rotating housing 110.

[0070] However, the tilting ball joint portion 130 and the steering ball joint portion 140 can be positioned so as not to interfere with each other in the internal space 112 of the rotating housing 110 during steering rotation and tilting rotation, even when the tips of the tilting inner joint 132 and the steering inner joint 142, respectively, extend to a position exceeding 180 degrees around the tilting rotation point TC and the steering rotation point SC.

[0071] Here, the tilting inner joint 132 and the steering inner joint 142 can be coupled to the inner surface of the rotating housing 110 with a frictional force that allows rotation only against additional external forces provided after the antenna module A has been adjusted to the steering rotation angle and tilting rotation angle relative to the rotating housing 110.

[0072] This is to provide a pre-stop function that prevents arbitrary rotation of antenna module A, including its own load, when an operator is performing steering or tilting adjustment work, unless an additional external force is applied.

[0073] For this purpose, at least one or more friction sealing members 133, 134, 143a, and 143b can be interposed between the tilting inner joint 132 and the steering inner joint 142 and the rotating housing 110.

[0074] Here, the friction sealing member (such as 133) may include at least one waterproof seal 133, 143a, 143b provided at the front tilting inlets 111U-T, 111D-T and the rear steering inlets 111U-S, 111D-S of the rotating housing 110 into which the tilting inner joint 132 and the steering inner joint 142 are inserted, and at least one friction roller 134, 117 that rolls in the rotational direction of the tilting inner joint 132 and the steering inner joint 142.

[0075] Of the friction rollers 134 and 117, the friction roller 134 interposed in the tilting inner joint 132 may be provided in a rod shape that rolls in the tilting rotation direction on the outer circumferential surface of the tilting inner joint 132, and the friction roller 117 interposed in the steering inner joint 142 of the friction rollers 134 and 117 can be inserted and installed in friction member installation grooves 116U and 116D formed on the inner edges of the upper housing 110U and the lower housing 110D. Here, the friction roller 117 may be made of Teflon® material and filled with rubber material inside.

[0076] In addition, a multifunction link assembly 100 for a small base station antenna device according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include at least one fixing means 119a, 119b that penetrates and is fixed to the rotating housing 110 and is positioned to interfere with the rotation path of the steering inner joint 142 or the tilting inner joint 132.

[0077] Here, at least one of the fastening means 119a, 119b can be a headless bolt provided so that its outer end does not protrude outside the rotating housing 110.

[0078] Therefore, the operator can stably adjust the orientation of the antenna module A using the tilting inner joint 132 and steering inner joint 142 coupled within the rotating housing 110 to have a press-top function, and then finally complete the orientation adjustment of the antenna module A using the fixing means 119a and 119b provided with headless bolts.

[0079] Here, at least one fixing means 119a, 119b may include a tilting fixing portion 119a provided to contact or interfere with the outer circumferential surface of a tilting inner joint 132 housed in the internal space 112 of the rotating housing 110, and a steering fixing portion 119b provided to contact or interfere with the outer circumferential surface of a steering inner joint 142 housed in the internal space 112 of the rotating housing 110.

[0080] In addition, in a multifunction link assembly 100 for a small base station antenna device according to one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 3A to 6B, the upper and lower outer peripheral surfaces of the rotating housing 110 may be further provided with an upper drain portion 120U and a lower drain portion 120D that communicate with the internal space 112 and discharge internal moisture.

[0081] The upper drain section 120U and the lower drain section 120D are designed so that the water outlet (not shown in the drawing reference numerals), through which moisture (water) is actually discharged, is formed horizontally, and a shielding end (not shown in the drawing reference numerals) is formed to shield the water outlet vertically. This makes it difficult for moisture such as rainwater to flow into the rotating housing 110 from the outside, while moisture that has entered the rotating housing 110 can be easily discharged through the water outlet that opens horizontally.

[0082] Figures 7A and 7B are vertical and horizontal cross-sectional views of a multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figures 8A and 8B are vertical and horizontal cross-sectional views showing the state of the antenna module after tilting rotation in Figure 7A and after steering rotation in Figure 7B, respectively.

[0083] A brief description of the tilting rotation and steering rotation operations of the antenna module A using the multifunction link assembly 100 for a small base station antenna device according to one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above is as follows.

[0084] First, as shown in Figures 7A and 8A, the antenna module A is connected via a tilting ball joint 130, which is fixed to the internal space 112 of the rotating housing 110 via a fixing means 119a. When a field worker releases the fixing state of the tilting ball joint 130 via the fixing means 119a to adjust the tilt of the antenna module A, and then applies an external force to the antenna module A in either the vertical or vertical direction, the front end of the tilting ball joint 130 tilts and rotates vertically while being guided by the internal space 112 of the rotating housing 110.

[0085] After the on-site worker adjusts the antenna module A to the desired tilting angle, the tilting rotation adjustment can be completed by using the fixing means 119a again to ensure that the tilting ball joint portion 130 is stably fixed inside the rotating housing 110.

[0086] Next, as shown in Figures 7B and 8B, with the rotating housing 110 fixed via the steering ball joint portion 140, when a field worker releases the rotating housing 110 via the fixing means 119b to adjust the steering of the antenna module A, and then applies an external force to the antenna module A in either the left or right direction, the rotating housing 110 rotates in the left or right direction while being guided by the steering ball joint portion 140.

[0087] Similarly, after the on-site worker has adjusted the antenna module A to the desired steering angle, the steering rotation adjustment can be completed by using the fixing means 119b again to fix the rotating housing 110 to the steering ball joint portion 140.

[0088] Thus, the multifunction link assembly 100 for a small base station antenna device according to one embodiment of the present invention is compactly arranged in the internal space 112 of the rotating housing 110 so that the tilting inner joint 132 of the tilting ball joint section 130 and the steering inner joint 142 of the steering ball joint section 140 do not interfere with each other's rotation, and is provided to be stably fixed via fixing means 119a and 119b after each steering rotation adjustment and tilting rotation adjustment, thereby providing the advantage of improving workability as well as preventing a deterioration in appearance.

[0089] A multifunction link assembly 100 for a small base station antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the attached drawings. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not necessarily limited to those described above, and it goes without saying that various modifications and equivalent implementations are possible by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. Therefore, the true scope of the present invention is defined by the claims described later. [Industrial applicability]

[0090] The present invention provides a multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device that facilitates the construction of small cell base stations in public places, densely populated areas, and locations such as large shopping malls and airport buildings. It prevents a decrease in aesthetics by providing a directional adjustment mechanism for various cables electrically connecting the wireless unit and antenna module without exposing them to the outside. Dual-band operation is possible in a variety of locations by dividing a portion of one antenna module to cover different frequency bands, or by arranging multiple antenna modules to cover different frequency bands, and a wide range of directional adjustment angles can be secured. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] A: Antenna module, RRH: Radio unit 100: Multifunction link assembly, 110: Rotating housing 130: Tilting ball joint section, 131: Tilting outer support section 132: Tilting inner joint, 140: Steering ball joint section 141: Steering outer support section, 142: Steering inner joint 150: Cable housing pipe, 160: Coaxial cable 170A, 170R: Male connector, TC: Tilting rotation point SC: Steering rotation point

Claims

1. A rotating housing having an internal space that opens in the front-to-back direction, A steering ball joint portion is connected to the open rear internal space of the rotating housing and guides the rotating housing so that it can steer in the left-right direction with respect to an arbitrary pivot point (hereinafter referred to as the "steering rotation point") within the internal space, A tilting ball joint portion is connected to the open front internal space of the rotating housing, and the front end to which the antenna module is connected tilts and rotates vertically with respect to an arbitrary pivot point (hereinafter referred to as the "tilting pivot point") within the internal space, while being guided by the rotating housing. It includes a plurality of coaxial cables provided for the electrical connection between the wireless unit (RRH; Remote Radio Head) and the antenna module, The aforementioned multiple coaxial cables are connected from the wireless unit through the rotating housing, the steering ball joint section, and the tilting ball joint section to the antenna module, forming a multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device.

2. The multifunction link assembly for a compact base station antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the steering rotation point and the tilting rotation point are set at the same position in the internal space.

3. The steering ball joint portion and the tilting ball joint portion are A multifunction link assembly for a compact base station antenna device according to claim 1, which is arranged so as not to interfere with each other in the internal space during the steering rotation and tilting rotation.

4. The steering ball joint portion is It is formed to have at least a portion of a circular outer surface that is concentric with the inner surface of the rotating housing, The outer circumferential surface is formed such that it has the steering rotation point as the rotating housing steers in the left-right direction, as described in claim 1, for a multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device.

5. The tilting ball joint portion is formed to have at least a portion of a circular outer surface concentric with the inner surface of the rotating housing, The outer circumferential surface is formed such that it has the tilting rotation point as the tilting ball joint portion tilts and rotates vertically relative to the rotating housing, as described in claim 1, for a multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device.

6. The multifunction link assembly for a compact base station antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the antenna module is adjusted for steering rotation in conjunction with the left-right steering rotation angle of the rotating housing, and for tilt rotation in conjunction with the up-down tilt rotation angle of the tilting ball joint portion relative to the rotating housing.

7. The tilting ball joint portion and the steering ball joint portion each include an inner joint housed in the internal space of the rotating housing, The multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the inner joint contacts the inner surface of the rotating housing with a frictional force that allows rotation only to additional external forces provided after the antenna module has been adjusted to a steering rotation angle and a tilting rotation angle relative to the rotating housing.

8. The multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to claim 7, wherein at least one friction seal member is interposed between the inner joint and the rotating housing.

9. The multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to claim 8, wherein the friction seal member includes at least one waterproof seal provided at the front tilting inlet of the rotating housing, which is open in front of the rotating housing and into which the inner joint is inserted, and at the rear steering inlet portion of the rotating housing, which is open behind the rotating housing, and at least one friction roller that rolls in the rotational direction of the inner joint.

10. The multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the upper and lower outer peripheral surfaces of the rotating housing are provided with an upper drain section and a lower drain section that communicate with the internal space and discharge internal moisture.

11. The multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to claim 10, wherein the upper drain section and the lower drain section have horizontally formed water outlets and shielding ends that vertically shield the water outlets.

12. The multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to claim 1, further comprising a cable housing pipe, one end of which is connected to the wireless unit and the other end of which is connected to the steering ball joint, so that the plurality of coaxial cables are housed, passed through, and installed in a concealed manner.

13. The steering ball joint portion is One end is connected to the cable housing pipe, and the other end is bent at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal direction and extends toward the rear steering inlet portion of the rotating housing, The steering inner joint extends from the other end of the steering outer support portion and has outer peripheral surfaces that curve so that the left and right ends of each portion have the same center as any steering rotation point formed within the rotating housing, and is housed in the internal space of the rotating housing, The multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to claim 12, wherein the left and right ends of the steering inner joint are extended to a position exceeding 180 degrees around at least the arbitrary steering rotation point.

14. The aforementioned tilting ball joint portion is One end is connected to a female connector formed on the back of the antenna module, and the other end is a tilting outer support portion that extends toward the front tilting inlet portion of the rotating housing, The tilting inner joint extends from the other end of the tilting outer support portion and has outer peripheral surfaces that curve so that the upper and lower ends of each portion are centered on an arbitrary tilting rotation point formed within the rotation housing, and is housed in the internal space of the rotation housing, The multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to claim 12, wherein the upper and lower ends of the tilting inner joint are extended to a position exceeding 180 degrees around at least the arbitrary tilting rotation point.

15. The invention further includes at least one fixing means that penetrates and is fixed to the rotating housing and is positioned to interfere with the rotation path of the steering inner joint, The multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to claim 13, wherein the at least one fixing means is a headless bolt provided such that its outer end does not protrude outside the rotating housing.

16. Further comprising at least one fixing means that penetrates and is fixed to the rotating housing and is positioned to interfere with the rotation path of the tilting inner joint, The multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to claim 14, wherein the at least one fixing means is a headless bolt provided such that its outer end does not protrude outside the rotating housing.

17. A portion of the steering outer support section is provided as a coupling panel that is manufactured separately and then joined for the internal installation of the multiple coaxial cables. The multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to claim 13, wherein the connecting panels are joined by either an adhesive bonding method or a welding bonding method.

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