Clamping apparatus for antenna

Abstract

Provided is a clamping apparatus for an antenna, the apparatus comprising: a housing configured so that one side thereof can be coupled to a support pole: a driving unit which includes a motor and a gearbox connected to the motor and is accommodated in the housing; a shaft connected to the driving unit so as to rotate in conjunction with rotational movement of the motor; a nut coupled to the shaft and configured to be moved in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the shaft in accordance with rotational movement of the shaft; at least one pivot unit configured to pivot about a pivot axis according to linear movement of the nut; and a pivot bracket unit which is configured to pivot in conjunction with a pivot motion of the at least one pivot unit and has one side coupled to an antenna module so that the antenna module is rotated around the pivot axis according to the pivot motion of the at least one pivot unit.

Description

Clamping device for antenna

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a clamping device for an antenna.

[0002] The material described in this section merely provides background information for the present disclosure and does not constitute prior art.

[0003] In general, wireless communication technology, for example, MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology, is a technology that dramatically increases data transmission capacity by using multiple antennas. It is a spatial multiplexing technique in which the transmitter transmits different data through each transmission antenna, and the receiver distinguishes the transmission data through appropriate signal processing.

[0004] Therefore, by simultaneously increasing the number of transmit and receive antennas, channel capacity increases, enabling the transmission of more data. For example, increasing the number of antennas to 10 secures approximately 10 times the channel capacity using the same frequency band compared to a single-antenna system.

[0005] Meanwhile, as the number of antennas increases, so does the number of transmitters and filters. However, due to lease costs and space constraints, it's realistic to make RF components (antennas, filters, power amplifiers, transceivers, etc.) small, lightweight, and inexpensive. Massive MIMO requires high output to expand coverage, but the power consumption and heat generated by this high output negatively impact weight and size reduction.

[0006] In particular, when installing a MIMO antenna in which modules implementing RF elements and digital elements are combined in a stacked structure in a limited space, there is a growing need for a compact and miniaturized design for the multiple layers that constitute the MIMO antenna to maximize ease of installation and space utilization, and there is a strong need for free direction adjustment of the antenna device installed on a single support pole.

[0007] Conventional antenna clamping devices are installed between the support and the antenna device to allow for antenna orientation adjustment, but this adjustment speed is very slow. Furthermore, as the clamping device becomes larger, the distance between the support and the antenna device increases, which can lead to problems due to the weight of the antenna device.

[0008] In addition, due to the nature of the location where the antenna device is installed, the clamping device may require an earthquake-resistant design.

[0009] Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to solve these problems, and the main purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a clamping device for an antenna that is compact in overall volume and size, has earthquake resistance, and allows for rapid direction adjustment of the antenna device.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure for achieving this purpose, there is provided a housing configured such that one side can be coupled with a support pole; a driving unit including a motor and a gearbox connected to the motor, the driving unit being accommodated inside the housing; a shaft connected to the driving unit and configured to rotate in conjunction with the rotational motion of the motor; a nut connected to the shaft and configured to move in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the shaft according to the rotational motion of the shaft; at least one pivot unit configured to pivot about a pivot axis according to the linear motion of the nut; And a clamping apparatus for antenna is provided, characterized in that it includes a pivot bracket unit configured to be pivoted in conjunction with the pivot movement of at least one pivot part, and configured such that one side can be coupled with the antenna module so that the antenna module rotates around the pivot axis according to the pivot movement of the at least one pivot part.

[0011] As described above, according to the present embodiment, there is an effect of providing an antenna clamping device that is compact in overall volume and size, has earthquake resistance, and allows for quick direction adjustment of the antenna device.

[0012] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view and an enlarged view of some components of a clamping device for an antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a combined clamping device for an antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, which is positioned between a support pole and an antenna module.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a clamping device for an antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in a non-pivoted state with some of its components omitted.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a clamping device for an antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure pivoted in one direction, with some of the components omitted.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a clamping device for an antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure pivoted in a different direction, with some of the components omitted.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an example of a support pole tilted relative to the ground surface according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail using exemplary drawings. When designating components in each drawing, it should be noted that, where possible, identical components are given the same reference numerals, even if they appear in different drawings. Furthermore, when describing the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of related known components or functions will be omitted if they are deemed to obscure the gist of the present disclosure.

[0019] In describing components of embodiments according to the present disclosure, symbols such as first, second, i), ii), a), b) may be used. These symbols are only for distinguishing the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components are not limited by the symbols. When a part in the specification is said to "include" or "have" a component, this does not mean that other components are excluded, but rather that other components may be included, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0020] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view and an enlarged view of some components of a clamping device for an antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a combined clamping device for an antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, which is positioned between a support pole and an antenna module.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a clamping device for an antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in a non-pivoted state with some of its components omitted.

[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a clamping apparatus for an antenna (10) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes all or part of a housing (100), a driving unit (120), a shaft (130), a nut (140), a plurality of bearing units (160), at least one pivot unit (170), a pivot bracket unit (180), a plurality of first connecting units (150), and a plurality of second connecting units (190).

[0024] The housing (100) is configured so that one side can be coupled to a support pole (250). For example, a fixing bracket unit (110) can be placed between the housing (100) and the support pole (250) to fix the housing (100) to the support pole (250) so that the housing (100) does not move or rotate relative to the support pole (250).

[0025] In Fig. 1, the housing (100) is illustrated as two configurations that can be combined with each other, but it is not necessarily limited thereto, and it is also possible for it to be formed as a single configuration.

[0026] The driving unit (120) includes a motor (motor, 122) and a gear box (gear box, 124) connected to the motor (122), and is housed inside the housing (100). Since the driving unit (120) is housed inside the housing (100), the driving unit (120) can be protected from external impact or contamination.

[0027] A gearbox (124) may be positioned at one end of the motor (122), and the gearbox (124) may be formed to be perpendicular to the motor axis (not shown) of the motor (122). This is to minimize the overall width in the direction parallel to the motor axis of the driving unit (120). In addition, in order to minimize the overall size of the housing (100), the driving unit (120) may be positioned adjacent to the inner surface of the housing (100), and for example, may be fixed to the inner surface of the housing (100).

[0028] At least one gear may be arranged inside the gearbox (124) to function as a speed reducer.

[0029] The shaft (130) is connected to the driving unit (120) and configured to rotate in conjunction with the rotational motion of the motor (122). The rotational motion of the motor (122) can be transmitted to the shaft (130) via the gearbox (124).

[0030] Here, the extension direction of the shaft (130) and the motor axis of the motor (122) may be different from each other but may be parallel. More specifically, the shaft (130) may be spaced apart from the motor (122) in a direction perpendicular to the motor axis, so that the motor (122), the gearbox (124), and at least a portion of the shaft (130) may form an overall 'C' shape, thereby minimizing the width of the entire antenna clamping device (10) in a direction parallel to the motor axis.

[0031] The nut (140) is coupled to the shaft (130) and configured to move in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the shaft (130) according to the rotational movement of the shaft (130). That is, the nut (140) can be a medium that can convert the rotational movement into linear movement.

[0032] Meanwhile, in order to allow the nut (140) to move linearly, a trapezoidal thread (135) may be formed on at least a portion of the shaft (130), and in this case, the nut (140) may be configured to be screw-coupled with the trapezoidal thread (135). Accordingly, when the shaft (130) rotates, the nut (140) may move to one or the other extension direction of the shaft (130) depending on the rotational direction.

[0033] The movement distance of the nut (140) can be determined according to the total length over which the trapezoidal screw (135) is formed, which in turn can determine the pivot range of at least one pivot part (170). That is, as the total length over which the trapezoidal screw (135) is formed becomes longer, the pivot range of the antenna module (200) can also become larger, and as the total length becomes shorter, the pivot range of the antenna module (200) can also become smaller.

[0034] Compared to existing clamping devices using worm gears, etc., the antenna clamping device (10) using a trapezoidal screw (135) has high strength and can quickly convert rotational motion into linear motion. Therefore, the overall pivot speed of the antenna clamping device (10) can be increased, and the internal components can be firmly supported even under strong vibration conditions such as earthquakes.

[0035] A plurality of bearing parts (160) are mounted on the shaft (130) so as to surround at least a portion of the shaft (130) on both sides in the extension direction of the shaft (130). For example, the plurality of bearing parts (160) may be configured to be spaced apart from each other by the total length along which the trapezoidal screw (135) is formed on the shaft (130).

[0036] In this case, in order to stably support the plurality of bearing parts (160), one of the plurality of bearing parts (160) may be configured to contact the inner surface of the housing (100) and the other may be configured to contact one surface of the driving part (120).

[0037] At least one pivot part (170) is configured to pivot about a pivot axis (PA) according to the linear movement of the nut (140). In FIG. 1, at least one pivot part (170) is illustrated as being composed of two pivot parts (170) and the two pivot parts (170) are coupled in a direction parallel to the pivot axis (PA), but is not necessarily limited thereto, and may be composed of a single pivot part (170) of the same or similar shape as the shape in which the two pivot parts (170) are coupled.

[0038] The pivot bracket part (180) is configured to be pivotable in conjunction with the pivot movement of at least one pivot part (170), and is configured to be coupled to the antenna module (200) on one side so that the antenna module (200) rotates around the pivot axis (PA) according to the pivot movement of at least one pivot part (170).

[0039] Meanwhile, for structural stability, at least one pivot part (170) and pivot bracket part (180) may be formed symmetrically with respect to an imaginary plane that is perpendicular to the pivot axis (PA) and passes through the center of the shaft (130).

[0040] As a result, the rotational motion of the motor (122) is converted into a linear motion by the nut (140), the linear motion of the nut (140) pivots at least one pivot part (170), and the pivot bracket part (180) pivots according to the pivot of at least one pivot part (170), thereby allowing the antenna module (200) to rotate around the pivot axis (PA).

[0041] The clamping device (10) for an antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has the advantage of being able to quickly adjust the direction of such an antenna module (200) while having a compact structure.

[0042] The pivot axis (PA) may be perpendicular to a direction parallel to the extension direction of the shaft (130). For example, the direction parallel to the extension direction of the shaft (130) may be a direction parallel to the X-axis in FIGS. 1 to 3, and in this case, the pivot axis (PA) may be a direction parallel to the Y-axis in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0043] Meanwhile, the pivot axis (PA) may be perpendicular or parallel to the longitudinal direction of the support pole (250). That is, in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pivot axis (PA) may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the support pole (250), for example, the Z-axis direction, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0044] For example, in FIGS. 1 to 3, the pivot axis (PA) is depicted in a direction parallel to the Y-axis, but the pivot axis (PA) may also be parallel to the Z-axis. In this case, the clamping device (10) for the antenna in FIG. 2 may be positioned between the support pole (250) and the antenna module (200) in a state in which it is rotated 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0045] Accordingly, the clamping device (10) for an antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to tilt the antenna module (200) or to steer the antenna module (200), depending on the direction in which it is arranged between the support pole (250) and the antenna module (200). Here, tilting means tilting the antenna module (200) to form a predetermined angle with respect to the ground surface, and steering means moving along an arc while having the same height with respect to the ground surface.

[0046] Meanwhile, when the direction perpendicular to both the motor shaft and the pivot axis (PA) is taken as the standard, for example, when the Z-axis direction is taken as the standard in FIGS. 1 to 3, the pivot axis (PA) may be located between the motor (122) and the shaft (130).

[0047] In this case, when the direction perpendicular to both the motor shaft and the pivot axis (PA) is taken as the standard, the configuration can be arranged in the order of the shaft (130), the pivot axis (PA), and the motor (122) inside the housing (100). In this way, by arranging the pivot axis (PA) between the shaft (130) and the motor (122), the overall size of the antenna clamping device (10) can be made compact.

[0048] A plurality of first connecting portions (150) each extend at least partially in a direction parallel to the pivot axis (PA) and are fixed to both sides of a reference nut (140) in a direction parallel to the pivot axis (PA). Here, each of the plurality of first connecting portions (150) can be connected to at least one pivot portion (170) at a position spaced apart from the pivot axis (PA) by a predetermined distance.

[0049] Accordingly, the plurality of first connecting portions (150) can move linearly together according to the linear movement of the nut (140), which can cause pivoting of at least one pivot portion (170).

[0050] Meanwhile, when the total length of the trapezoidal screw (135) is constant, the pivot range of at least one pivot part (170) may vary depending on the distance that each of the plurality of first connecting parts (150) is spaced from the pivot axis (PA).

[0051] Additionally, each of at least one pivot portion (170) may include a through hole (175) formed in a direction parallel to the pivot axis (PA) in a region spaced apart from the pivot axis (PA). In this case, each of the plurality of first connecting portions (150) may be accommodated in the through hole (175) such that at least a portion thereof is in contact with the inner surface of the through hole (175).

[0052] Accordingly, as the plurality of first connecting portions (150) move in a straight line, at least one pivot portion (170) can pivot about the pivot axis (PA). To ensure smooth pivoting, the portion accommodated in the through hole (175) of each of the plurality of first connecting portions (150) may have a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the through hole (175).

[0053] A plurality of second connecting portions (190) are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the pivot axis (PA), and one side of each of the plurality of second connecting portions (190) is connected to at least one pivot portion (170) and the other side is connected to the pivot bracket portion (180). Therefore, the pivot of at least one pivot portion (170) can be transmitted to the pivot bracket portion (180) through the plurality of second connecting portions (190).

[0054] At least a portion of each of the plurality of second connecting portions (190) may be disposed outside the housing (100), in which case the pivot bracket portion (180) may be configured to surround at least a portion of the housing (100), for example, both sides facing in the direction of the pivot axis (PA) of the housing (100) and at least a portion of the side of the antenna module (200). Accordingly, the housing (100) and the internal components of the housing (100) may be protected from external impact.

[0055] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a clamping device for an antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure pivoted in one direction, with some of the components omitted.

[0056] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a clamping device for an antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure pivoted in a different direction, with some of the components omitted.

[0057] Unlike Fig. 3, Figs. 4 and 5 illustrate the entire nut (140) so that it is exposed.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the antenna module (200) can pivot by θ1 and θ2 according to the linear movement of the nut (140), and for example, the absolute values ​​of θ1 and θ2 can be up to 25°.

[0059] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an example of a support pole tilted relative to the ground surface according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 6, the support pole (250) is tilted by θ3 with respect to the ground surface, but the antenna module (200) is shown to be perpendicular to the ground surface. In this case, the clamping device (10) for an antenna according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an acceleration sensor (not shown) and may appropriately rotate the antenna module (200) so that the antenna module (200) is perpendicular to the ground surface.

[0061] The above description is merely an example of the technical idea of ​​the present embodiment, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the present embodiment. Therefore, the present embodiments are not intended to limit the technical idea of ​​the present embodiment, but rather to explain it, and the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present embodiment is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present embodiment should be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical ideas within a scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of rights of the present embodiment.

[0062] [Description of symbol] 10: Clamping device for antenna, 100: Housing, 110: Fixed bracket part, 120: Drive part, 122: Motor, 124: Gearbox, 130: Shaft, 135: Trapezoidal screw, 140: Nut, 150: Multiple first connecting parts, 160: Multiple bearing parts, 170: At least one pivot part, 175: Through hole, 180: Pivot bracket part, 190: Multiple second connecting parts, 200: Antenna module, 250: Support pole, PA: Pivot axis

[0063] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION]

[0064] This patent application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0153848, filed on November 8, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0177705, filed on December 8, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A housing configured so that one side can be connected to a support pole; A driving unit including a motor and a gearbox connected to the motor, the driving unit being accommodated inside the housing; A shaft connected to the above driving unit and configured to rotate in conjunction with the rotational motion of the motor; A nut coupled to the shaft and configured to move in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the shaft according to the rotational movement of the shaft; At least one pivot unit configured to pivot about a pivot axis according to the linear movement of the above nut; and A pivot bracket unit configured to pivot in conjunction with the pivot movement of at least one pivot part, and configured such that one side can be coupled with the antenna module so that the antenna module rotates around the pivot axis according to the pivot movement of the at least one pivot part. A clamping apparatus for antenna, characterized by including a .

2. In paragraph 1, A clamping device for an antenna, wherein the pivot axis is perpendicular to a direction parallel to the extension direction of the shaft.

3. In paragraph 2, A clamping device for an antenna, characterized in that the pivot axis is perpendicular or parallel to the longitudinal direction of the support pole.

4. In paragraph 1, A clamping device for an antenna, characterized in that the extension direction of the shaft and the motor axis of the motor are different from each other but are parallel.

5. In paragraph 1, An antenna clamping device, characterized in that when the direction perpendicular to both the motor axis of the motor and the pivot axis is referenced, the pivot axis is located between the motor and the shaft.

6. In paragraph 1, The above shaft has a trapezoidal thread formed on at least a portion thereof, A clamping device for an antenna, characterized in that the above nut is screw-connected with the above trapezoidal screw.

7. In paragraph 1, A clamping device for an antenna, characterized in that the driving member is arranged adjacent to the inner surface of the housing.

8. In paragraph 1, A clamping device for an antenna, characterized in that it further includes a plurality of bearing units mounted on the shaft so as to surround at least a portion of the shaft on both sides in the extension direction of the shaft.

9. In paragraph 8, An antenna clamping device characterized in that one of the plurality of bearing parts is in contact with the inner surface of the housing, and the other is in contact with one surface of the driving part.

10. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a plurality of first connecting units, each of which extends at least a portion thereof in a direction parallel to the pivot axis and is secured to both sides of the nut in a direction parallel to the pivot axis; An antenna clamping device, characterized in that each of the plurality of first connecting portions is connected to each of the at least one pivot portion at a position spaced apart from the pivot axis by a predetermined distance.

11. In paragraph 10, Each of the at least one pivot portions includes a through hole formed in a direction parallel to the pivot axis in a region spaced from the pivot axis, Each of the plurality of first connecting portions is received in the through hole so that at least a portion thereof is in contact with the inner surface of the through hole, A clamping device for an antenna, characterized in that a portion received in each of the plurality of first connecting portions has a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the through hole.

12. In paragraph 1, further comprising a plurality of second connecting units spaced apart in a direction parallel to the pivot axis, each at least partially disposed outside the housing; A clamping device for an antenna, characterized in that one side of each of the plurality of second connecting parts is connected to at least one pivot part and the other side is connected to the pivot bracket part.

13. In paragraph 1, An antenna clamping device, characterized in that the pivot range centered on the pivot axis of the pivot part is -25° to 25°.

14. In paragraph 1, A clamping device for an antenna, characterized in that the at least one pivot portion and the pivot bracket portion are formed symmetrically with respect to an imaginary plane that is perpendicular to the pivot axis and passes through the center of the shaft.

15. In paragraph 1, A clamping device for an antenna, characterized in that it further includes an acceleration sensor arranged inside the housing and configured to measure the degree to which the support pole is tilted with respect to the ground surface.

Images