Multifunction link assembly for small base station antenna equipment

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 of cables from being exposed, facilitating the construction of an indoor small cell, and enabling beamforming to achieve multi-band 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. The present invention relates to 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 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, for example, 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 beamforming, 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, the present invention aims 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 ensures 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 fixed housing having an internal space open in one direction and the other direction, and a directional adjustment means that is movably coupled to the internal space of the fixed housing or to an external space corresponding to the outside of the internal space, wherein the directional adjustment means is coupled to the fixed housing in such a manner that it is locked to the front end of the antenna module to prevent detachment when the antenna module is steered left or right or tilted up or down.

[0015] Here, an antenna module is coupled to one side of the fixed housing via the direction adjustment means, and a wireless unit can be coupled to the other side of the fixed housing via a cable housing pipe that conceals and houses multiple coaxial cables.

[0016] Furthermore, the outer configuration, which is provided relatively on the outside of the fixed housing and the direction adjustment means, may include a pair of housing covers that are manufactured in a manner that surrounds the inner configuration and are joined together.

[0017] Furthermore, the direction adjustment means can be moved around any tilting pivot point (hereinafter abbreviated as "tilting pivot point") and any steering pivot point (hereinafter abbreviated as "steering pivot point") formed in the internal space of the fixed housing, thereby fixing the front surface of the antenna module at a predetermined angle relative to the wireless unit.

[0018] Furthermore, the directional adjustment means may include at least one of the following: steering means for adjusting the steering rotation of the antenna module while steering it in the left-right direction around the steering rotation point provided vertically via the fixed housing; and tilting means for adjusting the tilt rotation of the antenna module while tilting it in the front-rear direction around the tilting rotation point provided horizontally via the fixed housing.

[0019] Furthermore, the directional adjustment means may include the steering means and the tilting means, and the steering means and the tilting means may be integrated and provided by a ball joint portion which is partially inserted and rotated between one housing cover and the other housing cover of two manufactured fixed housings.

[0020] Furthermore, a friction stopper ring can be interposed between the one-sided housing cover and the other-sided housing cover to prevent the ball joint from detaching and to make close contact with the friction seal member formed on the outer circumferential surface of the ball joint.

[0021] Furthermore, the directional adjustment means may include the tilting means, which may include an inner joint that is partially inserted and rotated between one housing cover and the other housing cover of two manufactured fixed housings.

[0022] Furthermore, one housing cover of the fixed housing may be an upper housing cover located relatively above, and the other housing cover of the fixed housing may be a lower housing cover located relatively below.

[0023] Furthermore, one end of the cable housing pipe may be connected perpendicularly to the rear end of the fixed housing, the other end of the cable housing pipe may be connected to the wireless unit, and the fixed housing may be connected such that its front end can be steered and rotated in the left-right direction with respect to the center of the cable housing pipe.

[0024] Furthermore, the direction adjustment means includes the steering means and the tilting means, the steering means includes a steering mounting portion provided to rotate in the left-right direction with respect to the steering rotation point within the internal space of the fixed housing, and a steering rotation portion extending from the steering mounting portion to the external space which is outside the fixed housing, and the tilting means may include a one-side tilting housing cover provided to cover the steering rotation portion from one side to the other, and a other-side tilting housing cover that shields the other open side of the one-side tilting housing cover.

[0025] Furthermore, the direction adjustment means further includes a steering friction force forming pad disposed between the steering mounting portion and the fixed housing of the steering means, and a tilting friction force forming pad disposed between the one-side tilting housing cover and the steering rotation portion of the steering means of the tilting means. A plurality of friction ribs extending radially for a predetermined length with respect to the steering rotation point and the tilting rotation point may be formed protruding from the inner surface of the fixed housing that contacts both sides of the steering friction force forming pad and the tilting friction force forming pad, the outer surface of the steering mounting portion, the inner surface of the one-side tilting housing cover and the outer surface of the steering rotation portion of the tilting means.

[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 pass 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 pass 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 multifunction 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 degrading.

[0032] 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]

[0033] [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 first embodiment of 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 shows a cross-sectional view and an incised perspective view of the BB line. [Figure 5A] This is a front perspective view showing a multifunction link assembly for a compact base station antenna device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] This is a rear perspective view showing a multifunction link assembly for a compact base station antenna device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] Figure 5A is an exploded perspective view. [Figure 6B] Figure 5B is an exploded perspective view. [Figure 7] Figure 5A shows a cross-sectional view and an incised perspective view along the CC line. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing a multifunction link assembly for a compact base station antenna device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9A] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view. [Figure 9B] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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 a multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to the first embodiment of 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. Figures 3A and 3B are exploded perspective views of Figures 2A and 2B. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view and a cutaway perspective view of Figure 2A, both along line BB.

[0038] The multifunction link assemblies 100 to 300 for a small base station antenna device according to embodiments of the present invention can play a role in mediating the physical coupling between a radio unit (RRH, Remote Radio Head) and at least one (or more) antenna modules A coupled thereto, which are part of the configuration of a small base station antenna device installed at a predetermined location.

[0039] Furthermore, the wireless unit (RRH) and the multiple antenna modules A can be electrically connected via multiple coaxial cables 160, 260, and 360, which are provided so as to be concealed by the multifunction link assemblies 100 to 300 for a small base station antenna device according to an embodiment 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 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] Thus, the multifunction link assemblies 100 to 300 for small base station antenna devices according to embodiments of the present invention play a role in mediating the coupling of at least one antenna module A to a radio unit (RRH).

[0046] In other words, 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 the multifunction link assembly 100 for a small base station antenna device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] 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.

[0048] However, in the multifunction link assembly 100 for a small base station antenna device according to one embodiment of the present invention, it will be explained assuming that a female connector 50R is located on the upper surface of the radio unit (RRH), as shown in Figures 1 to 2B.

[0049] On the other hand, the multifunction link assemblies 100 to 300 for small base station antenna devices according to embodiments of the present invention may include a fixed housing 110 positioned between a radio unit (RRH) and an antenna module A, and a directional adjustment means 120 that is movably coupled to the inside or outside of the fixed housing 110 and moves around a tilting or steering pivot point to fix the front surface of the antenna module A to the radio unit (RRH) at a predetermined angle.

[0050] The fixed housing 110 may be formed to have an internal space that is open on one side (for example, the front where the antenna module A is provided) and on the other side (for example, the rear where the radio unit (RRH) is provided), as shown in Figures 3A and 3B.

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

[0052] In this case, the direction adjustment means 120 can be coupled to the fixed housing 110 in such a manner that it is locked in place to prevent detachment when the antenna module A, which is provided at the front end, is rotated left or right for steering or tilted up or down.

[0053] An antenna module A can be connected to one side of the fixed housing 110 via a direction adjustment means 120. On the other side of the fixed housing 110, a wireless unit (RRH) can be connected via a cable housing pipe 150 in which multiple coaxial cables 160 are concealed, as will be described later.

[0054] The directional adjustment means 120, having this configuration, is moved around an arbitrary tilting pivot point (hereinafter abbreviated as "tilting pivot point") and an arbitrary steering pivot point (hereinafter abbreviated as "steering pivot point") formed in the internal space of the fixed housing 110, thereby fixing the front surface of the antenna module A at a predetermined angle relative to the radio unit (RRH).

[0055] Here, the outer configuration, which is provided relatively on the outside of the fixed housing 110 and the direction adjustment means 120, may include a pair of housing covers (for example, 110A and 110B in the first embodiment, 210D and 210U in the second embodiment, and 330 and 333 and 340 and 343 in the third embodiment) which are manufactured in a manner that surrounds the inner configuration and are joined together.

[0056] The multifunction link assembly for a compact base station antenna device according to the present invention will be described in detail below in the order of the embodiments.

[0057] A multifunction link assembly 100 for a small base station antenna device according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a direction adjustment means 120, as shown in Figures 1 to 4.

[0058] Here, the direction adjustment means 120 includes the steering means and tilting means described above, and the steering means and tilting means may be integrated and 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 two manufactured fixed housings 110.

[0059] For example, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, the portion of the ball joint portion 130 corresponding to the inner joint 132 is locked to the front end of the internal space of the fixed housing 110, and the outer support portion 131, which extends from the front end of the inner joint 132 and is connected to the antenna module A, rotates around a tilting rotation point or steering rotation point formed in the internal space of the fixed housing 110 to adjust the direction of the antenna module A.

[0060] Thus, 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 connected in such a manner that it is locked in place during left-right steering rotation or up-down tilting rotation to prevent detachment.

[0061] The fixed housing 110 is provided by being bent to have an internal space that is roughly in the shape of an "inverted L," and may include one housing cover 110A that forms the right-side exterior in the drawing, and the other housing cover 110B that forms the left-side exterior in the drawing.

[0062] Multiple assembly screw through holes 113A-h and assembly screw fastening holes 113B-h are formed at the edges of one housing cover 110A and the other housing cover 110B, spaced apart from each other, through which multiple fixing housing assembly screws 115 are fastened. As the multiple fixing housing assembly screws 115 are fastened through the multiple assembly screw through holes 113A-h and assembly screw fastening holes 113B-h, the one housing cover 110A and the other housing cover 110B form an internal space, through which multiple coaxial cables 160 can be routed.

[0063] As shown in Figure 4, the front end of each of the multiple coaxial cables 160 is equipped with an antenna-side male connector 170A that is electrically connected to an antenna-side female connector 50A provided on the back of the antenna module A, and the rear end (lower end) of each of the multiple coaxial cables 160 may be equipped with a wireless unit-side male connector 170R that is electrically connected to a wireless unit-side female connector 50R provided on the wireless unit (RRH).

[0064] Here, multiple coaxial cables 160 are connected by having the male connector 170R on the wireless unit side connected to the female connector 50R on the wireless unit side, and the male connector 170A on the antenna side connected to the female connector 50A on the antenna side. They are arranged to pass through the internal space of the fixed housing 110 and the inside of the directional adjustment means 120 provided in the ball joint portion 130, so that they can be concealed and not exposed to the outside at all.

[0065] On the other hand, the multifunction 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 passed through it for concealed installation, as shown in Figures 1 to 4.

[0066] Here, of the multiple coaxial cables 160, the male connector 170R on the wireless unit side is fixed to the inside of one end of the cable housing five 150, and of the multiple coaxial cables 160, the male connector 170A on the antenna side can be fixed to the tip side of the outer supporter part 131 of the ball joint part 130.

[0067] Here, at least one antenna module A may be adjusted for steering rotation in conjunction with the left-right steering rotation angle of the ball joint portion 130 relative to the fixed housing 110, and may also be adjusted for tilt rotation in conjunction with the front-rear tilt rotation angle of the ball joint portion 130 relative to the fixed housing 110.

[0068] On the other hand, between the one housing cover 110A and the other housing cover 110B of the fixed housing 110, a friction stopper ring (not specified in the drawing) can be interposed to prevent the inner joint 132 of the ball joint portion 130 from detaching and to make close contact with the friction seal member (not specified in the drawing) formed on the outer circumferential surface of the inner joint 132 of the ball joint portion 130.

[0069] When assembly force is transmitted between the one-side housing cover 110A and the other-side housing cover 110B using the fixed housing assembly screw 115, the friction stopper ring adheres tightly to the friction seal member formed on the outer surface of the inner joint 132 so as to form a predetermined frictional force. This prevents the antenna module A from being moved by natural external forces such as wind after adjustment of the direction adjustment means 120 provided in the ball joint portion 130.

[0070] For example, the friction seal member is a friction pad made of silicone material that is applied to and bonded to the outer surface of the inner joint 132, and when the one housing cover 110A and the other housing cover 110B are brought into close contact with each other by the assembly force of the fixed housing assembly screw 115, the inner surface of the friction stopper ring comes into close contact with the outer 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, which provides a waterproof function to the antenna side female connector 50A when the nut is assembled with the antenna side fastening nut 180A.

[0072] In addition, a lower pipe gasket ring 185R is interposed at the lower end of the cable housing pipe 150, providing a waterproof function to the female connector 50R on the wireless unit side when the nut is assembled with the fastening nut 180R on the wireless unit side. Similarly, an upper pipe gasket ring 185B is interposed at the upper end of the cable housing pipe 150, providing a waterproof function to the connection portion of the cable housing pipe 150 to the fixed housing 110.

[0073] Figures 5A and 5B are front and rear perspective views showing a multifunction 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 and cut perspective view of Figure 5A along the CC line.

[0074] A multifunction link assembly 200 for a small base station antenna device according to a second embodiment of the present invention may include a directional adjustment means 220 consisting only of a tilting means 230, as shown in Figures 5A to 7.

[0075] More specifically, the tilting means 230 may include an inner joint 232 that is partially inserted and rotated between one housing cover 210U and the other 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 rear side of the antenna module A.

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

[0077] Here, the fixed housing 210 can play a role in forming an internal space that accommodates the inner joint 232 of the tilting means 230, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B.

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

[0079] Here, the multifunction link assembly 200 for a small base station antenna device according to the second embodiment of the present invention has been described in which the configuration of the direction adjustment means 220 is limited to having only a tilting means 230. However, the second embodiment 200 can also further include a cable housing pipe 250. In this case, by adjusting the fixing position of the fixed housing 210 with respect to the pipe connecting end 218 which is extended and formed on the lower side of the other housing cover 210D of the fixed housing 210 connected to the cable housing pipe 250, a substantial function of the direction adjustment means 220, such as a steering means, can be realized.

[0080] More specifically, a multifunction link assembly 200 for a small base station antenna device according to a second embodiment of the present invention may further include a cable housing pipe 260 through which a plurality of coaxial cables 260 are routed, with one end (upper end) connected to a pipe connecting end 218 extending to the lower side of the other housing cover 210D of the fixed housing 210, and the other end (lower end) connected to a female connector 50R on the radio unit side provided on the radio unit (RRH).

[0081] Here, a pipe upper gasket ring 285B is interposed at the upper end of the cable housing pipe 260, and when the cable housing pipe 260 is waterproofly fastened to the nut fastening end 218s, which are provided in the form of male threads on the outer surface of the pipe connecting end 218, using a pipe fastening nut 280B, the left-right rotation adjustment and fixing of the antenna module A can be made substantially like a steering mechanism by adjusting the fixing position of the fixed housing 210.

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

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

[0084] Here, the inner joint 232 can be coupled to the inner surface of the fixed housing 210 by contact with a frictional force that allows rotation only against additional external forces provided after the antenna module A has been adjusted to the designed tilting rotation angle relative to the fixed housing 210 with the fixed housing 210 installed.

[0085] This is to provide a pre-stop function that prevents arbitrary rotation of antenna module A, including its own load, unless an additional external force is applied by the operator during tilting adjustment.

[0086] For this reason, although not shown in the drawings, at least one friction sealing member can be interposed between the inner joint 232 and the fixed housing 210.

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

[0088] In addition, the multifunction link assembly 200 for a small base station antenna device according to the second embodiment of the present invention may further include at least one fixing means 219 that is fixed through one side housing cover 210U of the fixed housing 210 and is positioned to interfere with the rotation path of the inner joint 232.

[0089] Here, at least one fastening means 219 can be a headless bolt provided such that its outer end does not protrude outside the one-sided housing cover 210U of the fixed housing 210.

[0090] Therefore, after the operator stably adjusts the orientation of the antenna module A using the inner joint 232 coupled within the fixed housing 210 to have a press-top function, the operator can then maintain the fixed state in which the orientation of the antenna module A has been finally adjusted using the fixing means 219 provided with headless bolts.

[0091] In addition, in the multifunction link assembly 200 for a small base station antenna device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 5A to 7, the upper and lower outer peripheral surfaces of the fixed housing 210 may be further provided with an upper drain section 220U and a lower drain section 220D that communicate with the internal space 212 and discharge internal moisture.

[0092] The upper drain section 220U and the lower drain section 220D are formed with a horizontally located water outlet (not indicated in the drawing) through which moisture (water) is actually discharged, and a vertically shielding end (not indicated in the drawing) that blocks the water outlet. This makes it difficult for moisture such as rainwater to flow into the fixed housing 210 from the outside, while moisture that has entered the fixed housing 210 can be easily discharged through the horizontally opening water outlet.

[0093] The upper drain section 220U may be fixedly installed in an upper drain mounting hole 220U-h formed in one side housing cover 210U of the fixed housing 210, and the lower drain section 220D may be fixedly installed in a lower drain mounting hole (not indicated by reference numeral in the drawing) formed in the other side housing cover 210D of the fixed housing 210.

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

[0095] A third embodiment of the present invention, a multifunction link assembly 300 for a small base station antenna device, as shown in Figures 8 to 9B, may include steering means 340 and tilting means 330 in its directional adjustment means 320.

[0096] Here, the steering means 340 may include a steering mounting portion 340S-1 provided to steer in the left-right direction with respect to a steering rotation point within 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 indicated by reference numerals in the drawings) which is outside the fixed housing 310.

[0097] As shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the fixed housing 310 may include one side housing covers 311 and 312 that have an internal space having a substantially circular horizontal cross-section and are open downwards, allowing the internal space to communicate with each other, and another side housing cover 313 that shields the other open side of the one side housing covers 311 and 312.

[0098] The one-sided housing covers 311 and 312 are joined so as to cover the steering mounting portion 340S-1 from above to below, and multiple cover assembly screws 319 can be assembled together by fastening through holes 348b and fastening holes 348a formed along the edges of the one-sided housing covers 311 and 312 and the other-sided housing cover 313.

[0099] Here, the one-sided housing covers 311 and 312 may include a fixed housing body 311 having an internal space with a circular horizontal cross-section, as shown in Figures 9A and 9B, and a pipe coupling end 312 integrally formed to extend rearward from the fixed housing body 311 and coupled to a cable housing pipe (not shown).

[0100] The front end of the fixed housing body 311 may be provided with a steering guide hole 317, which is cut out to allow the steering rotation portion 340S-2 of the steering means 340 to extend forward.

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

[0102] Here, the rear end of the steering mounting portion 340S-1 and the front end of the steering rotation portion 340S-2 are provided to communicate with each other through an internal space, and multiple coaxial cables 360 that electrically connect the wireless unit (RRH) and the antenna module A may be provided to be routed through the communicating internal space.

[0103] At this time, multiple coaxial cables 360 can be arranged so as to be concealed in the front and rear directions via a rear cable mounting hole 343S-1 formed by cutting into the rear end of the steering mounting part 340S-1 and a front cable mounting hole 343S-2 formed by cutting into the front end of the steering rotation part 340S-2.

[0104] On the other hand, the front end portion 310S of the fixed housing body 311 of the fixed housing 310 may have multiple coaxial cables 360 passing through it, and a steering guide hole 347 that limits the left-right steering angle of the steering means 340 may be formed therein.

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

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

[0107] Here, the tilting housing covers 331 and 332 of the tilting means 330 may have an internal space having a substantially circular vertical cross-section and may be formed to open to the other side so that the internal spaces are in communication, and the other side tilting housing cover 333 may be coupled so as to shield the other open side of the one side tilting housing covers 331 and 332.

[0108] The one-sided tilting housing covers 331 and 332 are joined so as to cover the steering rotation portion 340S-2 of the steering means 340 from one side to the other, and multiple cover assembly screws 339 can be assembled together by passing through through holes 338b formed along the edges of the one-sided tilting housing covers 331 and 332 and the other-sided tilting housing cover 333, and by fastening through fastening holes 338a.

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

[0110] On the other hand, the rear ends of the one-sided tilting housing covers 331 and 332 of the tilting means 330 may have multiple coaxial cables 360 passing through them, and tilting guide holes 337 may be formed to limit the vertical tilting angle of the tilting means 330.

[0111] Multiple coaxial cables 360 arranged through the internal space of the steering means 340 may be connected to the antenna module A at one end, concealed from the outside via the outer support portion 332 and the tilting guide hole 337 of the one-side tilting housing covers 331 and 332, while the other end may be connected to the radio unit (RRH) at the same time, concealed from the outside via the steering guide hole 317 formed in the fixed housing 310 and the pipe connecting portion 312 of the fixed housing body 311 and 312.

[0112] On the other hand, the tilting means 330 is connected so that it surrounds the steering rotation unit 340S-2, with two separate tilting housing covers 331 and 332 on one side and a tilting housing cover 333 on the other side, and the antenna module A can be tilted and rotated while rotating vertically around a tilting rotation point located in the internal space of the steering rotation unit 340S-2 within the range of the tilting guide hole 337 described above.

[0113] In conjunction with this, the steering means 340 is connected so that the fixed housing bodies 311 and 312 of the fixed housing 310, which are manufactured separately on the outside of the steering mounting portion 340S-1, surround the other side housing cover 343, and the antenna module A can be steered and rotated while rotating in the left and right directions around the steering rotation point located in the internal space of the fixed housing 310 within the range of the steering guide hole 317 described above.

[0114] On the other hand, the multifunction link assembly 300 for a small base station antenna device according to the third embodiment of the present invention may further include, as shown in Figures 9A and 9B, 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 surface of the one-sided tilting housing cover 331, 332 of the tilting means 330 and the outer surface of the steering rotation portion 340S-2 of the steering means 340.

[0115] Here, a plurality of friction ribs 336 extending radially for a predetermined length from the steering rotation point and the tilting rotation point may be formed protruding from the outer surface of the steering mounting portion 340S-1 of the steering means 340 facing the steering friction force forming pad 350S, the inner surfaces of the fixed housing bodies 311 and 312 of the fixed housing 310, the outer surface of the steering rotation portion 340S-2 of the steering means 340 facing the tilting friction force forming pad 340T, and the inner surfaces of the one-sided tilting housing covers 331 and 332 of the tilting means 330, respectively.

[0116] Here, the steering means 340 can be fixed by steering fixing bolts 340S-B, which are fastened to the fixed housing bodies 311 and 312 that constitute the fixed housing 310, after the steering angle has been adjusted within the range of the steering guide hole 313S.

[0117] More specifically, the steering fixing bolts 340S-B are fastened to the fixing housing bodies 311 and 312 by passing through fixing housing through holes 345 and fastening to housing fastening holes 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 multiple friction ribs (not shown), it is possible to prevent the steering from rotating due to any external force other than the operator's working force (for example, strong winds).

[0118] Furthermore, after the tilting angle of the tilting means 330 is adjusted within the range of the tilting guide hole 313T, it is fixed by tilting fixing bolts 330T-B that are fastened to the one-sided tilting housing covers 331 and 332 that constitute the tilting means 330.

[0119] More specifically, the tilting means 330 has tilting housing covers 331 and 332 on one side, and the tilting fixing bolts 330T-B are fastened through the cover through-holes 335 and into cover fastening holes (not shown) formed in the center of the left side of the steering rotation part 340S-2. By increasing the frictional force between the tilting friction force forming pad 350T and the multiple friction ribs 336, it is possible to prevent tilting rotation by any external force other than the operator's working force (for example, strong winds).

[0120] Thus, the multifunction link assemblies 100-300 for small base station antenna devices according to the embodiments of the present invention offer the advantage of being implementable in a variety of embodiments, as the outer components, which are relatively located on the outside of the fixed housings 110-310 and direction adjustment means 120-320, are manufactured in pairs and joined together in a manner that surrounds the inner components.

[0121] In particular, it offers the advantage of allowing multiple coaxial cables 160-360 to be concealed within the internal space of the fixed housing 110-310 so that they are not exposed to the outside, as well as allowing multiple antenna modules A to be installed with diverse directional adjustments relative to the wireless unit (RRH).

[0122] Unexplained drawing reference numerals "213D-h" and "213U-h" are assembly screw through-holes for screw 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, and "280A", "380A", and "380R" are one of the antenna-side fastening nuts and the wireless unit-side fastening nuts.

[0123] The small base station antenna devices 100 to 300 according to embodiments of the present invention have 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 rights of the present invention is determined by the claims described later. [Industrial applicability]

[0124] 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] A: Antenna module, RRH: Radio unit 10: Mounting bracket, 12: Screw fastening groove 13: Fixing screws, 15: Heat sink fins 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 section, 131: Outer support section 132: Inner joint, 140: Friction stopper ring 150: Cable housing pipe, 160: Multiple coaxial cables 180A: Antenna-side fastening nut, 180R: Wireless unit-side fastening nut 200: Second example, 300: Third example

Claims

1. A fixed housing having an internal space that opens in one direction and in the other direction, Includes a directional adjustment means that is movably coupled to the internal space of the fixed housing or to an external space corresponding to the outside of it, The directional adjustment means is coupled to the fixed housing in such a manner that it is locked to the front end of the antenna module to prevent detachment when the antenna module rotates left or right or tilts up or down. An antenna module is coupled to the fixed housing in the direction of one side via the direction adjustment means. A multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device, wherein a wireless unit is connected to the fixed housing in the other direction via a cable housing pipe that conceals and houses multiple coaxial cables.

2. A multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the outer configuration, which is provided relatively on the outside of the fixed housing and the direction adjustment means, includes a pair of housing covers manufactured in a manner that surrounds the inner configuration and are joined together.

3. The multifunction link assembly for a compact base station antenna device according to claim 2, wherein the direction adjustment means is moved around an arbitrary tilting pivot point (hereinafter abbreviated as "tilting pivot point") and an arbitrary steering pivot point (hereinafter abbreviated as "steering pivot point") formed in the internal space of the fixed housing, thereby fixing the front surface of the antenna module to the wireless unit at a predetermined angle.

4. The aforementioned direction adjustment means is A steering means for adjusting the steering rotation of the antenna module while rotating it left and right around the steering rotation point provided vertically via the fixed housing, A multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to claim 3, comprising at least one of the following: a tilting means for tilting and rotating the antenna module in the front-rear direction around the tilting rotation point provided in the left-right direction via the fixed housing.

5. The directional adjustment means includes the steering means and the tilting means, The multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to claim 4, wherein the steering means and the tilting means are integrated and provided by a ball joint portion which is partially inserted and rotates between one housing cover and the other housing cover of two manufactured fixed housings.

6. A multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to claim 5, wherein a friction stopper ring is interposed between the one-sided housing cover and the other-sided housing cover to prevent the ball joint portion from coming off and to make close contact with a friction seal member formed on the outer circumferential surface of the ball joint portion.

7. The direction adjustment means includes the tilting means, The multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to claim 4, wherein the tilting means includes an inner joint that is partially inserted and rotated between one housing cover and the other housing cover of two manufactured fixed housings.

8. The one side housing cover of the aforementioned fixed housing is an upper housing cover located relatively above, The multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to claim 7, wherein the other housing cover of the fixed housing is a lower housing cover located relatively lower.

9. One end of the cable housing pipe is connected perpendicularly to the rear end of the fixed housing, and the other end of the cable housing pipe is connected to the wireless unit. The fixed housing is connected to the cable housing pipe such that its front end can be steered and rotated in the left-right direction with respect to the center of the cable housing pipe, as described in claim 7, for a multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device.

10. The directional adjustment means includes the steering means and the tilting means, The steering means includes a steering mounting portion provided to rotate in the left-right direction with respect to the steering rotation point within the internal space of the fixed housing, and a steering rotation portion extending from the steering mounting portion to the external space which is outside the fixed housing. The multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to claim 4, wherein the tilting means includes a one-side tilting housing cover provided to cover the steering rotation portion from one side to the other, and a other-side tilting housing cover that shields the other open side of the one-side tilting housing cover.

11. The aforementioned direction adjustment means is Among the steering means, a steering friction force forming pad is disposed between the steering mounting portion and the fixed housing, The tilting means further includes a tilting friction force forming pad disposed between the one-sided tilting housing cover and the steering rotating portion of the steering means, A multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to claim 10, wherein a plurality of friction ribs are formed protruding from the inner surface of the fixed housing that contacts both sides of the steering friction force forming pad and the tilting friction force forming pad, the outer surface of the steering mounting portion, the inner surface of the one-sided tilting housing cover of the tilting means, and the outer surface of the steering rotation portion, extending radially for a predetermined length with respect to the steering rotation point and the tilting rotation point.

12. Multiple coaxial cables for electrically connecting the wireless unit and the antenna module are provided to be routed in the internal space between the rear end of the steering mounting portion and the front end of the steering rotation portion. The front end of the fixed housing has a steering guide hole through which the multiple coaxial cables pass and which limits the steering angle of the steering means in the left-right direction. The multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to claim 10, wherein the rear end of the one-sided tilting housing cover of the tilting means has a tilting guide hole formed therein through which the plurality of coaxial cables pass and which limits the tilting angle of the tilting means in the front-rear direction.

13. The multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to claim 12, wherein the steering means is fixed by a steering fixing bolt fastened to the fixed housing after the steering angle has been adjusted within the range of the steering guide hole.

14. The multifunction link assembly for a small base station antenna device according to claim 12, wherein the tilting means is fixed by a tilting fixing bolt fastened to the one-side tilting housing cover after the tilting angle has been adjusted within the range of the tilting guide hole.

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