CN111403892A

CN111403892A - End plate assembly for base station antenna, manufacturing method thereof and base station antenna

Info

Publication number: CN111403892A
Application number: CN201910002968.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 艾斌
Original assignee: Commscope Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Commscope Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2019-01-03
Filing date: 2019-01-03
Publication date: 2020-07-10

Abstract

The present invention relates to an end plate assembly for a base station antenna, a method of manufacturing the same, and a base station antenna, the end plate assembly including: an end plate configured to close an end opening of a radome of the base station antenna and including an outer first side and an inner second side opposite the first side; and a mounting bracket mounted on the first side of the end plate and configured to support the base station antenna on a foundation. The end plate is constructed of a unitary dielectric molded component having a first through hole machined in the molded component. The end plate arrangement comprises a first fitting part having a flat section which lies flat against the second side of the end plate, and a first connecting element which passes through the first through opening of the end plate and fixes the mounting bracket to the first side of the end plate and presses the flat section against the second side of the end plate. The base station antenna performance can thus be improved in inexpensive and simple measures.

Description

End plate assembly for base station antenna, manufacturing method thereof and base station antenna

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the field of wireless communications, and more particularly to a base station antenna, particularly a small base station, and an end plate assembly for a base station antenna and a method of manufacturing the same.

Background

In a mobile communication network comprising a large number of base stations, each base station may comprise one or more base station antennas for receiving and transmitting radio frequency signals. A single base station antenna may include a number of radiator assemblies, which are also referred to as antenna elements or radiating elements. Mobile phone operators currently demand base station antennas that operate in two, three or more frequency bands, while mobile phone operators maintain strict limits on the size of the base station antennas. Therefore, in terms of designing the base station antenna, it is more and more challenging to meet not only the requirements of the mobile phone operator for functions but also the requirements of the mobile phone operator for size.

Small base stations (small cells), or small base station antennas, typically have a cylindrical shape to provide omni-directional coverage in the azimuth plane. These small base stations usually have a cylindrical radome with an open-bottomed end, and the small base station or the other part of the antenna or antenna assembly is mounted on a metallic end plate. The radome houses the antenna assembly, and a metal end plate closes the end of the open bottom of the radome. Mounting brackets may be secured to the outer surface of the end plates and may be used to secure a small base station to a foundation such as a utility pole, antenna tower, building or the like. Because the end plate structurally supports the antenna assembly, the end plate is made of metal to provide a high level of strength and rigidity. However, especially in the age of 5G communications, antenna elements can be very sensitive. Large area metal end plates may have a negative impact on the performance of the base station antenna, e.g. in terms of Passive Intermodulation (PIM), return loss and insulation performance.

In PCT application document WO2017/165512a1 a base station antenna is described, which comprises an end cap connected to a radome, the end cap being made of glass fibre reinforced plastic. Here, the base station antenna is mounted on the foundation by its radome, and the end caps do not have a structural support function. In addition, molded end caps having through-hole arrangements for electrical connectors (e.g., radio frequency ports) that have been defined at the time of molding are not economical solutions as such end caps can only be adapted for use with a particular base station antenna.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide an end plate assembly for a base station antenna, a method of manufacturing the same and a base station antenna comprising such an end plate assembly, wherein the end plate assembly can be flexibly used in different base station antennas and wherein an improvement of the base station antenna performance, in particular in terms of passive intermodulation, return loss and insulation performance, can be achieved.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by an end plate assembly for a base station antenna, comprising:

an end plate configured to close and be fixed in an end opening of a radome of a base station antenna, the end plate including an outer first side and an inner second side opposite the first side;

the end plate is comprised of an integral dielectric molded component having a first through hole machined in the molded component; and is

The end plate arrangement comprises a first fitting part having a flat section which is designed to rest flat on the second side of the end plate, and a first connecting element which is designed to pass through the first through opening of the end plate and to connect the flat section of the first fitting part to a mounting bracket designed to support the base station antenna on a base, such that the flat section of the first fitting part is pressed against the second side of the end plate and the mounting bracket is fixed to the first side of the end plate.

Here, the end plate made of a dielectric material has less negative influence on the performance of the base station antenna than the metal end plate, and thus the base station antenna performance is better. At the same time, the end plate can be widely adapted to different base station antennas and is therefore relatively inexpensive.

In some embodiments, the first fitting may have a connection section configured for securing an end plate assembly in the end opening of a radome.

In some embodiments, the first fitting part can be formed in the shape of L, wherein the flat section and the connecting section are each formed as one of the two arms of the L shape.

In some embodiments, the first fitting may be a metal part or a glass fiber reinforced plastic part. Preferably, the first fitting is an aluminum plate stamped part or a cast aluminum part.

In some embodiments, the end plates may be made of fiberglass reinforced plastic. Other plastic materials suitable for machining are also contemplated, either thermoplastic or thermoset.

In some embodiments, the end plate may have a peripheral wall.

In some embodiments, the peripheral wall may have a cutout in which the connecting section of the first fitting is disposed.

In some embodiments, the end plate may have a circular profile or a rectangular profile.

In some embodiments, the endplate assembly may include the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket may or may not be part of the end plate assembly and may therefore be subsequently mounted on the end plate assembly.

In some embodiments, the mounting bracket may be made of metal, ceramic, or fiberglass reinforced plastic.

In some embodiments, the first connection element may be a screw. Alternatively, rivets, expansion plugs, snap-on elements, etc. are also conceivable.

In some embodiments, the face section of the first fitting may have a through hole, the mounting bracket may have a hole with internal threads, and the screw may be configured to pass through the through hole of the first fitting and the first through hole of the end plate and engage with the internal threads of the hole of the mounting bracket.

In some embodiments, the end plate may have a second through hole machined in the molded component, the second through hole configured to receive an electrical connector.

In some embodiments, the end plate assembly may include the electrical connector received in the second through hole. The electrical connector may or may not be an integral part of the end plate assembly and may thus be mounted afterwards on the end plate assembly.

In some embodiments, the end plate may have a third through-hole machined in the molded component adjacent to the second through-hole, the third through-hole configured for receiving a second connecting element for an electrical connector.

In some embodiments, the second connecting element may be a screw. Alternatively, rivets, expansion plugs, snap-on elements, etc. are also conceivable.

In some embodiments, the electrical connector comprises a flange configured for resting on the second side of the end plate and being fixed on the second side of the end plate by means of the second connecting element.

In some embodiments, the electrical connector may be a 4.3-10 connector.

In some embodiments, the electrical connector may be an AISG connector.

In some embodiments, the end plate may have a fourth through hole machined in the molded part, the fourth through hole configured to receive a third connecting element for securing the reflector on the second side of the end plate.

In some embodiments, the third connecting element may be a screw. Alternatively, rivets, expansion plugs, snap-on elements, etc. are also conceivable.

In some embodiments, the end plate assembly can comprise a second fitting part having a flat section which is configured to lie flat against the second side of the end plate, the third connecting element being configured to pass through the fourth through-opening and fix the flat section of the second fitting part on the second side of the end plate, and the second fitting part having a connecting section for connecting to a reflector.

In some embodiments, the third connecting element can be a screw, and the flat section of the second fitting can have an internally threaded bore interacting with the screw or be provided with a clinch nut interacting with the screw.

In some embodiments, the second fitting may be a metal part or a fiberglass reinforced plastic part. Preferably, the second fitting may be an aluminum plate stamped part or a cast aluminum part.

In some embodiments, the second fitting may be configured as an L-shaped or T-shaped component.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the object is also achieved by a base station antenna comprising:

a radome having an open-ended;

a reflector housed in the radome; and

a radiating element mounted to extend outwardly from the reflector; and

according to the end plate assembly for a base station antenna of the first aspect of the present invention, the end plate of the end plate assembly closes the end opening of the radome and is fixed in the end opening.

In some embodiments, the base station antenna may be configured as a small base station.

In some embodiments, the radome may be made of glass fiber reinforced plastic.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the object is also achieved by a method for manufacturing an end plate assembly for a base station antenna, comprising the steps of:

providing a machinable molded dielectric end plate blank;

machining an end plate blank into an end plate, wherein the step of "machining an end plate blank into an end plate" comprises: machining a first through hole in the end plate blank; and is

A first fitting and a first connecting element are provided.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises the steps of:

providing a mounting bracket; and is

The mounting bracket is fixed to the first side of the end plate by means of a first connecting element which passes through the first through-opening of the end plate, and the planar section of the first fitting is pressed flat against the second side of the end plate.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise the step of: the end plate blank is moulded in a mould before the end plate blank is provided.

In some embodiments, the step of "machining the end plate blank into an end plate" may further comprise: a second through hole for the electrical connector and a third through hole adjacent to the second through hole are machined in the end plate blank.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise the step of: the electrical connector is fixed to the end plate by means of a second connecting element passing through the third through hole.

In some embodiments, the step of "machining the end plate blank into an end plate" may further comprise: machining a fourth through hole in the end plate blank, the fourth through hole being configured for receiving a third connecting element for fixing the reflector on the second side of the end plate.

It is further pointed out here that the individual technical features mentioned in the present application, even if they are described in different paragraphs of the description or in different embodiments, can be combined with one another at will, as long as these combinations are technically possible. All of these combinations are technical contents described in the present application.

Drawings

The invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of embodiments and with reference to the drawings. The drawings are briefly described as follows:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a base station antenna in accordance with an embodiment;

fig. 2 is a partial perspective view of the base station antenna according to fig. 1;

fig. 3 and 4 are partial perspective views of the end plate arrangement of the base station antenna according to fig. 1;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of an end plate of the base station antenna according to FIG. 1;

fig. 6A to 6C are each an enlarged illustration of individual parts of the base station antenna according to fig. 1;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic top views of end plate assemblies according to further embodiments;

fig. 8 is a schematic view of the arrangement of the radiating elements on the reflector.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a base station antenna 100 according to an embodiment. The base station antenna 100 may be a small base station or a small base station antenna. The base station antenna comprises a radome 101 having a bottom end opening. The radome 101 may be configured in a cylindrical or rectangular parallelepiped shape or other shape. The base station antenna may have a weight of several kilograms up to several tens of kilograms, and preferably may have a weight of less than 10 kg.

The base station antenna 100 includes an end plate assembly 102 that closes an end opening of the bottom of the radome 101. The end plate may be fixed in an end opening of the bottom of the radome 101. The base station antenna 100 may be mounted on a base, such as a utility pole, by mounting brackets. The longitudinal axis of the base station antenna 100 may be oriented in the direction of gravity or may be oriented at an angle to the direction of gravity. The base station antenna 100 may be supported on a foundation only cantilevered by a mounting bracket. The base station antenna 100 may be additionally supported at other positions. The antenna assembly mounted within the radome 101 may include various components, such as reflectors, radiating elements, electronic components, cables, and the like.

Fig. 2 is a partial perspective view of the base station antenna 100 according to fig. 1, and fig. 3 and 4 are partial perspective views of the end plate arrangement 102 of the base station antenna 100 according to fig. 1. Fig. 5A and 5B are top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of endplate 1 of endplate assembly 102.

As shown in fig. 5A and 5B, the end plate 1 has an outer first side surface 11 (lower side) and an inner second side surface 12 (upper side) opposite to the first side surface. The end plate 1 comprises a bottom 14 and a circumferential wall 15, in which circumferential wall 15 a number of indentations 16 are provided. When the end plate 1 closes the end opening of the bottom of the radome 101, a seal may be formed between the outer circumferential surface of the circumferential wall 15 and the inner circumferential surface of the radome 101. The end plate 1 has a contour shape corresponding to the shape of the inner peripheral surface of the radome 101. For example, the end plate 1 may have a circular profile, a rectangular profile, or a regular hexagonal profile.

The end plate 1 may be a moulded part made of a dielectric material, for example glass fibre reinforced plastic. The end plate 1 may be formed such that: the end plate blank is moulded in a mould and then machined into the end plate 1. Machining may include, but is not limited to: punching, drilling, cutting, and other machining means.

The end plate 1 may have a plurality of machined first through holes 13. The mounting bracket 2 is fixed to a first side 11 (lower side) of the end plate 1 by means of a first connecting element 4. The mounting bracket 2 has three legs, each leg having a through-opening for receiving a respective first connecting element 4. Accordingly, the number of the first through holes 13 in the end plate 1 is 3. The through-holes in the legs of the mounting bracket 2 can also be replaced by blind holes, but such a design may impose strict requirements on the length of the first connecting element 4. If each leg of the mounting bracket 2 has two through holes for receiving the first connecting elements 4, the number of first through holes 13 in the end plate 1 can be increased to 6. Other numbers of first through holes 13 are possible. In some embodiments, the through-hole in each leg of the mounting bracket 2 may have an internal thread, so that a separate nut for screwing on the external thread of the first connection element 4 may be omitted. The mounting bracket 2 may be made of metal, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy; it may also be made of plastic, for example glass fibre reinforced plastic.

In the present application, all connecting elements may be screws, rivets, expansion plugs or other connecting elements.

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, a plurality of first fittings 3 are provided, which may be made of metal, for example aluminum or an aluminum alloy, for example, it is also possible for the first fittings 3 to be made of plastic, for example, glass fiber reinforced plastic, for example, each first fitting 3 is formed in the shape of L with a flat section 21 and a connecting section 22, the flat section 21 rests flat against the second side 12 (upper side) of the end plate 1 and has a through-hole, the connecting section 22 is arranged in the recess 16 of the end plate 1, the first connecting element 4 passes through the through-hole of the flat section 21 of the first fitting 3 and the first through-hole 13 of the end plate 1 and the through-holes in the legs of the mounting bracket 2 in order to fix the mounting bracket 2 on the first side 11 of the end plate 1, as shown in fig. 3 and 4, next to the through-hole of each flat section 21, a pin hole 5 may be provided, a pin may be inserted into each pin hole 5 and may be pressed or may be inserted into a recess in the second side 12 of the end plate 1 in order to further prevent the first fitting 3 from being screwed around the corresponding through-hole 4, the connecting element may be mounted in a terminal housing nut assembly, or a nut may be provided with a nut, as shown in the connecting section, a connecting nut, which may be provided in a connecting section, which may be provided in a connecting nut is provided in a form a nut, which a nut, for example, a nut, which may be mounted, or a nut, which may be mounted, which is provided in a nut, which may be provided in a nut, for example, which is provided in a nut, which is.

Here, the first fitting 3 has not only a function for connecting the radome 101 with the end plate assembly 102, but also a function for cooperating with the first connection element 4. It is however also possible that these two functions can be realized by two separate components as an alternative. For example, the connecting section 22 can be an integral component of the end plate 1, and the flat section 21 can be a separate component.

Fig. 6A shows a partial perspective view of the connection of one leg of the mounting bracket 2 to one of the first fittings 3 by means of a first connecting element 4 and a locating pin in more detail. The end plate area clamped between the planar section 21 and the legs of the mounting bracket 2 is omitted in fig. 6A in order to more clearly describe the positioning pins inserted into the pin holes 5. The flat section 21 can here transmit the force of the first connecting element 4 in a distributed manner into the end plate 1, and the flat section 21 can reinforce the end plate 1. Thus, the end plate assembly 102 may not only support the entire base station antenna 100, but may also enable better performance than in the case of a metal end plate, particularly in terms of passive intermodulation, return loss, and insulation performance.

The end plate 1 may have a plurality of machined second through holes 17 and a plurality of machined third through holes 18 that may be around each second through hole 17. An electrical connector 6 is accommodated in each second through hole 17. In each third through hole 18 a second connection element 7 for fixing the electrical connector 6 to the end plate 1 is received. The size, number and layout of the second through holes 17 and the third through holes 18 can be flexibly realized in the end plate blank by machining according to actual needs.

The mounting of the individual electrical connectors 6 on the end plate 1 in some embodiments is depicted in partial detail in fig. 6C. The electrical connector 6 may be, for example, a 4.3-10 connector. In addition to the 4.3-10 connectors, AISG connectors may also be mounted on the end plate 1. The electrical connector 6 may comprise a body which is received in a second through hole 17 in the end plate 1 and flanges 23 which have an internally threaded through hole in each of its four corners, which through holes in the flanges 23 are aligned with corresponding third through holes 18 around the second through hole 17, a second connecting element, for example in the form of a screw, being received in each through hole of the flanges 23 and in the third through hole 18 therebelow.

This connection is particularly advantageous. At each connection point there may be only one single metal-metal contact, i.e. a metal-metal contact between the metallic second connection element 7 and the metallic flange 23. A smaller number of metal-to-metal contacts generally means better performance. It is also possible that when the base station antenna requires maintenance, repair or return work, the respective first connection elements may first be loosened and then the end plate 1 removed from the base station antenna 100 without having to disassemble the electrical connectors 6 and associated cables.

The end plate 1 may have a plurality of machined fourth through holes 19, which fourth through holes 19 each receive a third connecting element 8 for fixing the reflector 103 on the second side 12 (upper side) of the end plate 1. In some embodiments, the base station antenna 100 may have exactly one reflector 103, as schematically depicted in fig. 3. In the reflector 103, a plurality of fourth through holes 19 are provided in the end plate 1. A plurality of second fittings 9 are additionally provided. These second fittings 9 may be metal parts, for example aluminium sheet stamped parts or cast aluminium parts; or may be a plastic part, for example made of glass fibre reinforced plastic.

The second fittings 9 can each be formed in the shape of L, with a flat section 24 and a connecting section 25, the flat section 24 resting flat on the second side 12 of the end plate 1 and can have one or more internally threaded through-holes (which can be realized, for example, by means of clinch nuts pressed into the through-holes), a third connecting element 8 is passed through each fourth through-hole 19 in the end plate 1 and the through-hole of the flat section 24 in order to fix the second fitting 9 on the second side 12 of the end plate 1, and the connecting section 25 of the second fitting 9 can be connected to the reflector 103 by means of the connecting element.

Fig. 6B shows a perspective view of one of the second fittings 9 together with the third connecting element 8. Two third connecting elements 8 in the form of screws and two clinch nuts arranged in the flat section 24 are visible here. Here, the number of the connecting portions is exemplary, and it goes without saying that more connecting portions may be provided as necessary.

Fig. 7A and 7B are schematic top views of an endplate assembly 102 in accordance with further embodiments. In fig. 7A, the antenna assembly comprises four reflectors 103 and is therefore provided with four second fittings 9, each of which matches one of the reflectors 103. Radiating elements of the same or different frequency bands may be provided on each reflector 103. In fig. 7B, a total of eight second fittings 9 are provided, each of which is assigned to a corresponding reflector 103 of the base station antenna 100. Thus, the base station antenna of fig. 7B has a total of eight reflectors 103. Radiating elements of the same or different frequency bands may be provided on each reflector. In other aspects of the base station antenna 100, which are not described in detail in fig. 7A and 7B, reference may be made to the previous embodiments.

In some non-illustrated embodiments, the reflector 103 can have, instead of the second fitting 9, a curved end region or an L-shaped end region which lies flat against the second side 12 of the end plate 1 and is fastened to the second side 12 by means of the third connecting element 8.

Fig. 8 is an exemplary schematic diagram of the arrangement of the radiation element 104 on the reflector 103. An array of identical or different radiating elements 104 or oscillators can be arranged on the reflector 103, and additionally an array of parasitic elements 105 can be arranged for adjusting the antenna behavior of the base station.

The header assembly 102 according to the present invention may be interchangeable with existing metal headers, i.e., other components of the base station antenna may remain unchanged or need only be slightly adapted to change other components of the base station antenna.

Finally, it is pointed out that the above-described embodiments are only intended to be understood as an example of the invention and do not limit the scope of protection of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made in the foregoing embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An end plate assembly for a base station antenna, the end plate assembly comprising:

-an end plate (1), the end plate (1) being configured for closing and being fixed in an end opening of a radome (101) of a base station antenna (100), the end plate (1) comprising an outer first side (11) and an inner second side (12) opposite to the first side;

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the end plate (1) is composed of an integral dielectric molded part, the end plate (1) having a first through hole (13) machined in the molded part; and is

The end plate arrangement comprises a first fitting part (3) and a first connecting element (4), wherein the first fitting part (3) has a planar section (21), wherein the planar section (21) is designed to rest planar on a second side (12) of the end plate (1), wherein the first connecting element (4) is designed to pass through a first through opening (13) of the end plate (1) and connect the planar section (21) of the first fitting part (3) to a mounting bracket (2) designed to support the base station antenna (100) on a base, such that the planar section (21) of the first fitting part (3) is pressed against the second side (12) of the end plate (1) and the mounting bracket (2) is fixed to the first side (11) of the end plate (1).

2. End plate assembly for a base station antenna according to claim 1, wherein the first fitting (3) has a connecting section (22), the connecting section (22) being configured for fixing the end plate assembly in the end opening of a radome (101), preferably wherein the first fitting (3) is configured in the shape of L, wherein the planar section (21) and the connecting section (22) are each configured as one of the two arms of the shape of L, and/or wherein the planar section (21) and the connecting section (22) are each configured as one of the two arms of the shape of L

The first fitting (3) is a metal part or a glass fiber reinforced plastic part; preferably, the first fitting (3) is an aluminum sheet stamped part or a cast aluminum part; and/or

The end plate (1) is made of glass fiber reinforced plastic.

3. The end plate assembly for a base station antenna according to any of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the end plate (1) has a peripheral wall (15); preferably, the circumferential wall (15) has a cutout (16), in which cutout (16) the connecting section (22) of the first fitting (3) is arranged; and/or

The end plate assembly comprises the mounting bracket (2); and/or

The mounting bracket (2) is made of metal, ceramic or glass fiber reinforced plastic.

4. The end plate assembly for a base station antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first connection element is a screw;

preferably, the planar section of the first fitting (3) has a through hole, the mounting bracket (2) has a hole with an internal thread, and the screw is configured to pass through the through hole of the first fitting (3) and the first through hole (13) of the end plate (1) and engage with the internal thread of the hole of the mounting bracket.

5. End plate assembly for a base station antenna according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the end plate (1) has a second through hole (17) machined in a molded part, the second through hole (17) being configured for receiving an electrical connector (6);

preferably, the end plate assembly comprises the electrical connector (6) housed in the second through hole (17);

preferably, the end plate (1) has a third through hole (18) machined in the molded part adjacent to the second through hole (17), the third through hole (18) being configured for housing a second connection element (7) for an electrical connector (6);

preferably, the second connecting element is a screw;

preferably, the electrical connector (6) comprises a flange (23), the flange (23) being configured for resting on the second side (12) of the end plate (1) and being fixed on the second side (12) of the end plate (1) by means of the second connecting element (7);

preferably, the electrical connector (6) is a 4.3-10 connector;

preferably, the electrical connector (6) is an AISG connector.

6. End plate assembly for a base station antenna according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the end plate (1) has a fourth through hole (14) machined in a molded part, the fourth through hole (14) being configured for receiving a third connecting element (8) for fixing the reflector (103) on the second side (12) of the end plate (1);

preferably, the end panel assembly comprises a second fitting part (9), the second fitting part (9) having a planar section (24), the planar section (24) of the second fitting part (9) being designed to rest flat on the second side (12) of the end panel (1), the third connecting element (8) being designed to pass through the fourth through opening (14) and to fix the planar section (24) of the second fitting part (9) to the second side (12) of the end panel (1), and the second fitting part (9) having a connecting section (25) for connecting to the reflector (103);

preferably, the third connecting element (8) is a screw, and the flat section (24) of the second fitting (9) has an internally threaded bore or is provided with a clinch nut that interacts with the screw;

preferably, the second fitting (9) is a metal part or a glass fibre reinforced plastic part;

preferably, the second fitting (9) is an aluminium sheet stamped part or a cast aluminium part;

preferably, the second fitting (9) is configured as an L-shaped or T-shaped component.

7. A base station antenna, comprising:

an antenna cover (101) having an end opening;

a reflector (103) housed in the radome; and

a radiating element (104) mounted to extend outwardly from the reflector (103);

-characterized in that the base station antenna further comprises an end plate assembly (102) for a base station antenna according to any of claims 1 to 6, the end plate (1) of the end plate assembly (102) closing an end opening of a radome (101) and being fixed in the end opening;

preferably, the base station antenna is configured as a small base station.

8. A method for manufacturing the end plate assembly for a base station antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising the steps of:

providing a machinable molded dielectric end plate blank;

machining an end plate blank into an end plate, wherein the step of "machining an end plate blank into an end plate" comprises: machining a first through hole (13) in the end plate blank; and is

-providing a first fitting (3) and a first connecting element (4);

preferably, the method further comprises:

providing a mounting bracket (2); and is

The mounting bracket (2) is fixed to the first side (11) of the end plate (1) by means of a first connecting element (4) which passes through a first through-opening (13) of the end plate (1), and the planar section (21) of the first fitting (3) is pressed in a planar manner against the second side (12) of the end plate (1).

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the method further comprises the step of: molding the end plate blank in a mold prior to providing the end plate blank; and/or

The step of "machining an end plate blank into an end plate" further comprises: machining a second through hole (17) for the electrical connector (6) and a third through hole (18) adjacent to the second through hole (17) in the end plate blank; and/or

The method further comprises the steps of: the electrical connector (6) is fixed to the end plate (1) by means of a second connecting element (7) passing through the third through hole (18).

10. The method of claim 8 or 9, wherein the step of "machining an end plate blank into an end plate" further comprises: machining a fourth through hole (19) in the end plate blank, the fourth through hole (19) being configured for receiving a third connecting element (8) for fixing the reflector (103) to the second side (12) of the end plate (1).