Module for a cellular communications monopole

A module for a base station monopole has a wall defining an interior space. The wall includes an opening configured to receive electronic equipment and a vent opening in communication with the exterior of the module. A reinforcement member is secured to the wall and is positioned opposite to the opening and adjacent the vent opening. A baffle is supported adjacent the wall where the baffle has an intake opening and an exhaust opening in communication with the vent opening. The intake opening is laterally offset from the exhaust opening.

BACKGROUND

The present invention generally relates to base station support structures for cellular communications systems and, more particularly, to an improved monopole module for such systems.

Cellular communications systems are well known in the art. In a cellular communications system, a geographic area is divided into a series of regions that are referred to as “cells” and each cell is served by a base station. The base station may include one or more base station antennas that are configured to provide two-way radio frequency (“RE”) communications with mobile subscribers that are geographically positioned within the cells served by the base station. In addition to the antennas, base stations typically comprise other related equipment including remote radio units (RRU's), over voltage protection packages (OVP's), and a variety of supporting components. Typically, the antennas and some of the related equipment are mounted on or in a support structure such as a tower or monopole. In one type of base station, sometimes referred to as an integrated monopole, the antennas, RRU's and related equipment may be mounted inside of the monopole.

An improved cellular communications monopole module for a base station is desired.

SUMMARY

In an aspect, the technology relates to a module for a base station monopole including: a wall defining an interior space, the wall including an opening configured to receive electronic equipment; and a reinforcement member secured to the wall, wherein the reinforcement member extends vertically.

In an example, a second opening is configured to receive electronic equipment. In another example, the opening and the second opening are vertically aligned. In still another example, the opening and the second opening occupy approximately the same circumferential extent of the wall. In yet another example, a top plate is at a first end of the module and a bottom plate is at a second end of the module defining a module for a monopole. In an example, the top plate and the bottom plate include apertures configured to receive bolts.

In another example, a first door closes the opening and a second door closes the second opening. In still another example, the wall includes at least one upper vent opening positioned on the wall opposite the opening. In yet another example, the wall includes at least one lower vent opening positioned on the wall opposite the second opening. In an example, the reinforcement member includes at least one of a tubular structure, a C-shaped channel, a square channel, a rectangular channel, an I-beam, an H-beam or combinations thereof In another example, the module has a longitudinal axis and the reinforcement member extends parallel to the longitudinal axis.

In still another example, the reinforcement member is positioned opposite to at least one of the opening and/or the second opening. In yet another example, the reinforcement member extends beyond the at least one upper vent opening and the at least one lower vent opening along the longitudinal axis. In an example, the at least one upper vent opening includes two upper vent openings and the at least one lower vent opening includes two lower vent openings, the reinforcement member being positioned between the two upper vent openings and between the two lower vent openings. In another example, the reinforcement member is attached to the wall by a weld, a braze, fasteners, rivets or combinations thereof. In still another example, the reinforcement member is not attached to the wall in areas that are laterally aligned with the at least one upper vent opening and the at least one lower vent opening.

In another aspect, the technology relates to a module for a base station monopole including: a wall defining an interior space, the wall including a vent opening in communication with the exterior of the module; and a baffle supported adjacent the wall, the baffle having an intake opening and an exhaust opening in communication with the vent opening, wherein the intake opening is laterally offset from the exhaust opening.

In an example, the wall includes a second vent opening, the vent opening and the second vent opening being at an elevation, the second vent opening not being connected to a baffle. In another example, the module has a diameter and the intake opening extends for a major part of the diameter of the module. In still another example, the intake opening faces downward. In yet another example, the baffle includes a first side wall and a second side wall that extends at an angle relative to the first side wall such that a width of the baffle increases from a first end to a second end. In an example, the exhaust opening is located at the second end.

In another example, a height of the baffle increases from the first end to the second end. In still another example, a center of the exhaust opening is offset from a center of the intake opening. In yet another example, an intake duct is in communication with the intake opening and an exhaust duct is in communication with the exhaust opening, and the intake duct is angularly offset from the exhaust duct. In an example, the intake opening and the exhaust opening do not substantially overlap in a lateral direction. In another example, the wall includes a third vent opening and a fourth vent opening, the third vent opening and the fourth vent opening being at a second elevation wherein the second elevation is different than the elevation.

In still another example, the third vent opening is connected to a second baffle and the fourth vent opening is not connected to a baffle. In yet another example, the baffle is disposed over electronic equipment that is housed in the module. In an example, the baffle is arranged such that, the intake opening is aligned generally along a diameter of the module. In another example, the baffle is arranged such that the exhaust opening is angularly and laterally offset from the diameter.

In another aspect, the technology relates to a module for a base station monopole including: a wall defining an interior space, the wall including an opening configured to receive electronic equipment and a vent opening in communication with the exterior of the module; a reinforcement member secured to the wall, wherein the reinforcement member is positioned opposite to the opening and adjacent the vent opening; and a baffle supported adjacent the wall, the baffle having an intake opening and an exhaust opening in communication with the vent opening, wherein the intake opening is laterally offset from the exhaust opening.

In another aspect, the technology relates to a module for a modular base station monopole including: a module defining an interior space, the module including an opening configured to receive electronic equipment and a vent opening in communication with the exterior of the module; and a baffle supported in the interior space, the baffle having an intake opening and an exhaust opening in communication with the vent opening, wherein the intake opening is laterally offset from the exhaust opening.

In an example, the module includes a wall and a reinforcement member is secured to the wall, the reinforcement member is positioned opposite to the opening and adjacent the vent opening. In another example, a top plate and a bottom plate are secured to the wall.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Pursuant to embodiments of the present invention, an integrated module for a monopole for cellular communications systems is provided. An integrated module refers to a monopole, section of a monopole or a module for a modular monopole that houses equipment for the base station such as remote radio units. The integrated module may have improved structural rigidity and better cooling capabilities than existing monopoles.

Referring toFIG.1, an embodiment of a modular monopole2is shown comprising a plurality of modules that are assembled in a vertical stack to form the monopole2. The different modules shown inFIG.1may be structurally different from one another and may include different functionalities from one another. For example, the first module4may comprise a power base that forms the base of the monopole2. A plurality of equipment enclosures6and a pole top equipment enclosure10may be provided that internally support equipment related to the base station such as remote radio units (RRU's), OVP's or the like. Expansion modules8may be provided that extend the height of the monopole2but that may not include any internal equipment. A luminaire mount12may be provided that supports a luminaire14. An antenna mount16may be provided that supports the antennas internally or that includes a support structure18for mounting the antennas externally to the monopole2. In a modular monopole a greater or fewer number of modules may be used and the modules may vary in function, size and number from those described with respect toFIG.1. Examples of modular monopoles are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/913,019 for a “Modular Monopole for Wireless Communications” filed on Mar. 6, 2018 to Hendrix et al. the entire content of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/655,986 for a “Perforated Door for Monopole Module and Method of Mounting Same” filed on Oct. 17, 2019 to Colapietro et al. the entire content of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. While one embodiment of a modular monopole2is described that is made of a plurality of modules joined together in a stack to create the monopole2, the integrated module as described herein may be used with any type of monopole and the integrated module may form an integral part of a unitary monopole rather than being assembled as a separate module in a modular monopole.

As previously explained, the module100may be formed as a module of a modular monopole as shown or it may be formed as an integral part of a unitary monopole. The module100may typically be round or polygonal in cross-section and is typically manufactured out of a material such as steel or aluminum, such as, for example, ½ to 3/16 inch formed or rolled plate. The module100comprises a hollow generally cylindrical structure having a generally open interior space. Support structures may be supported by the wall of the module100and may support equipment such as remote radio units (RRU's) as will hereinafter be described.

RRU's may be supported in the interior space of the module100. In a typical arrangement, a plurality of RRU's are mounted inside of the module100. For example, a module100configured as shown inFIG.2may support four RRU's. The heat load from each RRU may range from approximately 100 W to 1.5 KW such that an installation with, for example, four RRU's may develop a significant heat load. As a result, providing thermal management for the cooling of the internal equipment, such as the RRU's, is important for an integrated module.

In order, to install, set up and maintain the internal equipment, it is necessary to provide access to the interior of the module100. Openings may be formed in the module to allow access to the interior of the module. The openings may be closed by removable or movable doors. Forming openings in the module can weaken the module and create areas of localized stresses. As a result, providing a structurally rigid module100is also important.

One integrated module100is shown inFIGS.2through9. The integrated module100comprises a cylindrical or polygonal wall102defining a generally cylindrical interior space104. Supports105may be provided in the interior space104and be secured to an interior surface of wall102(FIGS.9,16and17). Brackets52that support the RRU's50may be secured to the supports105(FIGS.16and17). Other equipment may be supported in the module100in a similar manner. Openings106a,106bare provided in the wall102to provide access to the interior space104. In the illustrated embodiment, two openings106a,106bare provided in wall102. The openings106a,106bare sized such that each opening may provide access to two RRU's. While two openings106a,1106bare shown, each providing access to two RRU's50, as shown inFIG.4, other arrangements may be provided where, for example, a different number of openings may be provided where each opening provides access to a different number of RRU's. In addition to the RRU's, the integrated module100may support equipment other than RRU's such as power equipment, fiber units, or the like. The openings106a,106bare vertically aligned to provide an upper opening106aand a lower opening106bwhere each opening106a,106boccupies approximately the same circumferential extent of the module100. An example of a modular monopole is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 62/853,989 for a “Monopole Door Hinge and Assemblies” filed on May 29, 2019 to Williams et al. the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Each opening106a,106bmay be closed by a door110to isolate the interior space104from the external environment. Referring toFIG.6, hinges112may be used to pivotably attach the doors110to the wall102to allow the doors110to swing between open and closed positions. The hinges112may comprise a pin or pintle113supported on the wall102that engages a knuckle or aperture115on the door110. The doors110may include locks116to secure the doors110in the closed position. In other embodiments, the doors110may be completely releasable from the integrated module and may be secured in place by clips, fasteners or the like.

As shown inFIGS.4and16, the openings106a,106bare symmetrically positioned relative to a central plane A-A of the module100. The central plane A-A extends approximately through a diameter of the module100. The portion of the module100having openings106and doors110may be considered the front of the module100with the opposite side of the module100being the back of the module100. The plane A-A extends from the front of the module100to the back of the module and divides the module into left and tight portions. The equipment such as RRUs50are inserted into the interior space104through openings106. The RRU's are typically generally symmetrically positioned along the plane A-A, in part, because the plane A-A is on the diameter of the module and provides greatest depth in space104. As shown, the RRU's50may be stored vertically, may extend along plane A-A and are generally symmetrically dispose with respect to plane A-A.

In a modular monopole, the module100may form a complete module and the upper end may be closed by a top plate117and the bottom end may be closed by a bottom plate119as shown, for example, inFIGS.7and8. The top plate117and the bottom plate119may include apertures121for receiving bolts to fix the module100to modules located above and/or below the module100, respectively.

Vent openings118may also be provided in the wall102to vent the module100and to allow air flow over the stored equipment, such as RRU's, for thermal management. Vent openings118are formed generally on the opposite side of wall102from openings106. Viewing the module from the top, if the centers of openings106are on the central plane A-A, the vent openings118are offset from the central plane A-A to either side thereof. The vent openings118are arranged in pairs where the vent openings118of each pair are at substantially the same elevation. Referring toFIG.5, the first or upper pair123of vent openings118is vertically disposed adjacent the top of upper opening106aand the second or lower pair125of vent openings118is vertically disposed adjacent the top of lower opening106b. In this manner, the RRU's50contained in openings106aand106bare associated with one pair of vent openings118. Vent openings118will be discussed in greater detail below. While two vent openings are shown in the drawings, a greater number of vent openings may be used depending on system conditions.

Because openings106a,106band vent openings118are formed in the wall102of the module100, the structural rigidity of the wall102may be reduced in the areas adjacent these openings. In use, shear and moment loads are applied to the top end of the module100by wind forces and/or by loads supported by the module100. There are also downward loads on the module100by the weight of the supported equipment and the weight of the modules and equipment above the module100.

To prevent failure of the module100from the applied loads, a reinforcement member120is secured to the interior surface of wall102as shown inFIGS.5,9and17. The reinforcement member120may be made of any suitable strong material such as steel. The reinforcement member120may have any shape that provides a rigid reinforcement to the wall102. For example, reinforcement member120may comprise a tubular structure, a C-shaped channel, a square or rectangular channel, I-beam, H-beam or the like. The reinforcement member120may include a reinforcement structure such as ribs122as shown inFIG.5. In one embodiment, the reinforcement member120is disposed midway between the vent openings118and extends vertically parallel to the longitudinal axis of the module100, as represented by line A-A inFIG.4, and may be centered on plane A-A. With the vent openings118disposed symmetrically relative to the openings106, the reinforcement member120is located substantially directly opposite to the center of the openings106on plane A-A. In one embodiment, the reinforcement member120extends beyond the upper end of the upper pair123of vent openings118and beyond the lower end of the lower pair125of vent openings118.

The reinforcement member120may be attached to the interior surface of wall102by any suitable attachment mechanism such as welding, brazing, fasteners such as bolts or rivets or combinations of such attachment mechanisms. In one embodiment, the surface, or surfaces, of the reinforcement member120that is attached to wall102includes gaps130where the reinforcement member is not in contact with the wall102. The gaps130are laterally aligned with the vent openings118and extend for the height of the vent openings118. The reinforcement member120provides a structurally rigid module100.

The vent openings118are provided to allow air flow through the module100and to vent hot air created by the RRU's50from the interior space104. To facilitate the venting of air from the interior space104a baffle150is provided that communicates with one vent opening118of each pair123,125of vent openings118. Referring toFIGS.6-8and10-15, the baffle150comprises a bottom wall152having an opening154that defines the air intake of the baffle150. The intake opening154comprises a substantially elongated opening having its longitudinal axis B-B (FIG.13) extending parallel to plane A-A. Axis B-B may also be aligned with or closely adjacent to plane A-A such that the intake opening154is disposed over the RRU's50. While the intake opening154, as illustrated, has a rectangular shape, the intake opening may have other shapes. When the baffle150is installed in the module100the opening154extends for major part of the diameter of the module100and axis B-B extends substantially parallel to the central plane A-A of the module100and is generally aligned with the center of the openings106. The opening154is positioned substantially at the center of the openings106such that it is disposed over the equipment, such as RRU's50, contained in the module100. The bottom wall152extends substantially horizontally when the baffle150is installed in the module100. The opening154faces downward such that rising hot air will enter the baffle150through the intake opening154.

The bottom wall152has an edge155that includes a first segment155athat extends from side edge157and is configured to match the internal shape and size of wall102such that when the baffle150is installed inside of the module100the first segment155aabuts or is closely adjacent to the internal surface of wall102. The edge155includes a second segment155bthat extends at an obtuse angle from side edge159and is linear. The edge155includes a linear third segment155cthat connects the first segment155aand the second segment155b.

The baffle150comprises a first side wall156. The first side wall156connects to edge159of bottom wall152and extends substantially perpendicularly from the bottom wall152such that when the baffle150is installed in the module100the first side wall156extends substantially vertically. The side wall156also extends substantially parallel to axis B-B. The baffle150comprises a second side wall158. The second side wall158connects to edge157of bottom wall152and extends substantially perpendicularly from the bottom wall152such that when the baffle150is installed in the module100the second side wall158extends substantially vertically. Side wall158extends at an angle relative to the axis B-B such that the baffle150widens in the lateral direction from the first end160of the baffle150to the second end162of the baffle150. The side walls156and158also increase in height from the first end160to the second end162such that the height of the baffle increases from the first end160to the second end162. A top wall164comprising a first top wall portion164aand a second top wall portion164bcloses the top of the baffle150. The first top wall portion164aextends between the side walls156and158and both widens and extends upwardly from the first end160to the second end162. The second top wall portion164bextends from the first top wall portion164aand extends substantially parallel to bottom wall152such that it extends substantially horizontally when the baffle150is installed in the module100. As best shown inFIG.14, the second top wall portion164bhas an edge166that includes a first segment166athat extends from side wall158and that is configured to match the internal shape and size of wall102such that when the baffle150is installed inside of the module100the first segment166aabuts or is closely adjacent to the internal surface of wall102. The edge166includes a second segment166bthat extends from side wall156at an obtuse angle and is linear. The edge166includes a linear third segment166cthat connects the first segment166aand the second segment166b. The edge155of the bottom wall152and the edge166of the top wall164are configured the same and the edge155is disposed directly below the edge166.

A first end wall168extends between the bottom wall152and top wall164and between the side walls156and158to close the first end160of the baffle150. As a result, air entering the baffle150through intake opening154is directed toward the second end162.

The second end of the baffle150is partially closed by a second end wall170. The second end wall170includes a first planar wall portion170athat extends between the edge segments155band166band a second planar wall portion170bthat extends between the edge segments155cand166c(FIG.6). The second end162of the baffle150between the edge segments155aand166ais not closed by a wall. As a result, an opening180that defines the air exhaust is created that extends between the top wall164and bottom wall152in the vertical direction and between the side wall158and the wall portion170bin the horizontal direction. The center of exhaust opening180, as defined by axis C-C, is offset from the center of the intake opening154, as defined by axis B-B, by a distance D as shown inFIG.13. Moreover, the intake duct as defined by intake opening154and side wall156is offset from the exhaust duct as defined by side wall158and exhaust opening180by angle α. In one embodiment, internal longitudinal edge154aof the intake opening154is substantially aligned with the internal edge180aof the exhaust opening180. In some embodiments, the intake opening154and the exhaust opening180do not overlap or do not substantially overlap in the horizontal direction. While in one preferred embodiment the intake opening is laterally offset from the exhaust opening, in some embodiments the intake opening may be more generally vertically aligned with the exhaust opening.

The baffles150are mounted in the module100as follows. Referring toFIGS.6,9,16and17, the module100includes mounting supports105mounted to the inside surface of wall102. The mounting supports105may be mounted by any suitable attachment mechanism such as rivets, bolts, welding or the like. The mounting supports105include threaded bores192that receive threaded fasteners196such as bolts, screws or the like. The baffle150includes flanges194extending from the bottom wall152and the top wall164each including an aperture198. The baffles150are positioned in the module100such that the apertures198align with selected ones of the threaded bores192. A threaded fastener 1% is inserted through the apertures198and is screwed into the threaded bores192to secure the baffles150in position. Other connection mechanisms may be used to connect the baffles150to the module100such as rivets, welds, mating snap fit connectors, deformable connectors or the like.

One baffle150is secured to one vent opening118of the upper pair123of vent openings118and one baffle150is secured to one vent opening118of the lower pair125of vent openings118. The other vent opening118of the pairs of vent openings123,125is left open to the external environment without being connected to a baffle150. When the baffles150are attached to the module100the intake opening154of each baffle150extends for a major portion of the inside diameter of the module100, as shown inFIG.8, and is positioned in the approximate center of the module100over the equipment contained in the module100. For example, the baffle150may extend for approximately 75% of the inside diameter of the module100. This allows air to circulate round the sides and the first end160of the baffle150while allowing hot air rising from the equipment, such as RRU's50, to enter the intake opening154. The opening180is aligned with one vent opening118of each of the pairs of openings123,125such that air that flows into the baffles150via intake openings154flows out of exhaust openings180, through the vent openings118and is exhausted from the module100. Each baffle150is disposed over the electronic equipment that is housed in the module100below that baffle. In the illustrated embodiment, the module is configured such that the interior space adjacent each of openings106houses two RRU's50. A baffle150is disposed above each pair of RRU's50such that in the illustrated embodiment two baffles150are used with one baffle150being disposed over the two lower RRU's50and one baffle150being disposed over the two upper RRU's50. While in the illustrated embodiment, two RRU's50are associated with each pair of vent openings118and each baffle150, this ratio may be different based on the geometry of the module and equipment, the heat generated by the electronic equipment, the ambient conditions, the operating temperature ratings of the equipment or the like. Moreover, while venting system has been described with reference to RRU's50, the venting system may be used to cool any electronic equipment contained in module100.

Each baffle150is arranged such that the intake opening154is aligned generally along the diameter of the module100approximately centered on central plane A-A. The exhaust opening180is angularly and laterally offset from the intake opening154such that the exhaust opening180is angularly and laterally offset from the central plane A-A of the module100. Thus, the intake opening154is circumferentially spaced from the exhaust opening180about the perimeter of the module and the intake opening154is not vertically aligned with the exhaust opening180. It has been found that providing two vent openings118at the same elevation but angularly offset from one another where one vent opening118is connected to a baffle150and one vent opening118is left open where the baffle150has an intake opening154that is angularly and laterally offset from the exhaust opening180provides superior cooling of the interior of the module100.

The present inventive concepts have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present inventive concepts are not limited to the illustrated embodiments. Rather, these embodiments are intended to fully and completely disclose the present inventive concepts to those skilled in this art. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Thicknesses and dimensions of some components may be exaggerated for clarity.

Herein, the terms “attached,” “connected,” “interconnected,” “contacting,” “mounted,” and the like can mean either direct or indirect attachment or contact between elements, unless stated otherwise.

Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity. As used herein the expression “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.