EP4254654A1 - Modular mast - Google Patents

Abstract

Modular mast (1) intended to be fixed to a supporting element and to accommodate at least one telecommunications antenna, comprising: - At least two sections (2 and 3 or 3 and 4) assembled as an extension of one another by respective ends, - One of the sections (2, 3 or 4) having at its end assembled to the other section (2, 3 or 4) at least one cutout (10) and the latter at least one tooth ( 11) bearing axially in the bottom (17) of the cutout (10), - At least one seal (15) present between an edge of the cutout (10) and an adjacent edge of the tooth (11) ,- A plurality of retaining plates (12) connecting the ends of the sections (2 and 3 or 3 and 4) internally thereto.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to telecommunications infrastructure elements, and more particularly to masts carrying telecommunications antennas.

Prior art

The antennas of telecommunications networks are conventionally carried by masts fixed to the ground or to infrastructure elements.

It is known from the prior art to produce sectional masts capable of accommodating a telecommunications antenna, with cylindrical hollow modules, in particular of varied heights and substantially identical diameters, allowing the passage of cables to the antenna.

Furthermore, it is known to attach additional equipment, such as a camera, an advertising panel or lamps, to the periphery of the mast.

Requirement WO2010/098653 describes a telecommunications mast that can accommodate an antenna on its upper part, and communication cables inside, of modular design comprising identical sections, of different heights, allowing their assembly section by section. These assemblies are made using connection flanges having holes to receive fixing means, such as screws, located at the ends of the modules. This document also describes hook/stem type supports, arranged on the periphery of the modules, allowing equipment, such as lamps, to be hung on them. Such a mast is relatively expensive to produce due to the fixing of the flanges and is unsightly. In addition, the presence of the flanges creates projections conducive to the accumulation of dirt and making the mast more difficult to clean.

Requirement KR10-2021-0008291 discloses a modular mast capable of accommodating an antenna, arranged to allow the passage of electrical cables inside the modules, comprising cylindrical sections of identical diameter, certain modules comprising fixing means on their exterior wall allowing equipment to be attached, such as billboards or lamps. The modules include fixing means comprising a series of spring-loaded tabs on their upper part and a series of complementary holes on their lower part, the fixing of the tabs in the holes allowing the alignment and connection between two modules.

There is a need to have masts, aesthetic and easy to maintain, to carry telecommunications antennas and allowing the passage of electrical communication or radio cables, which can be easily transported, quickly erected and whose assembly is easy to carry out. on the site.

Summary of the invention

• Au moins deux tronçons assemblés dans le prolongement l'un de l'autre par des extrémités respectives,
• L'un des tronçons présentant à son extrémité assemblée à l'autre tronçon au moins une découpe et ce dernier au moins une dent venant axialement en appui dans le fond de la découpe,
• Au moins un joint d'étanchéité présent entre un bord de la découpe et un bord adjacent de la dent,
• Une pluralité de plaques de maintien reliant les extrémités des tronçons intérieurement à ceux-ci.

The present invention meets this need by proposing a modular mast intended to be fixed to a supporting element and to accommodate at least one telecommunications antenna, comprising:

• At least two sections assembled as an extension of one another by respective ends,
• One of the sections having at its end assembled with the other section at least one cutout and the latter at least one tooth bearing axially in the bottom of the cutout,
• At least one seal present between an edge of the cutout and an adjacent edge of the tooth,
• A plurality of retaining plates connecting the ends of the sections internally thereto.

The advantage of such a modular mast structure is that the sections can be transported more easily than a whole mast, the mast being assembled directly at the installation site. The modular aspect of such a structure also makes it easy to adapt the height of the mast to the needs, depending on the equipment accommodated.

The tooth and the cutout form a connection by complementarity of shapes which facilitates the relative positioning of the modules with the correct angular orientation, which makes it easier to fix the retaining plates.

The absence of an annular flange between the sections contributes to the aesthetics of the mast and makes it easier to clean.

The structure of the modular mast according to the invention allows, if desired, to be able to withstand strong to very strong winds, in particular to respect a maximum of 1° of deviation in Zone 3 (EN 1991-1-4).

The telecommunications antenna can be fixed to the top of the mast, for example using fixing holes present on the mast, the latter being advantageously pre-drilled for this purpose. These holes can be located at a distance between 10 mm and 150 mm, better between 10 mm and 100 mm from the upper end of the mast.

The pre-drilling of the mounting holes and their distance from the upper end of the mast can be adapted depending on the antenna support used.

The mast can carry various equipment in addition to the telecommunications antenna present at its top, for example lateral radio beams, sensors or cameras, as well as one or more lamps for lighting the supporting element or its environment. The antenna present at its top is, for example, housed in a cap.

The mast can be fixed to the upper part of the carrier element using gussets and a support plate whose position is adjustable relative to the carrier module. This makes it possible to adjust the verticality of the mast during assembly and to correct any misalignment.

The mast can have a total height of between 0.6 m and 14.5 m, better between 4 m and 10 m, in particular between 7 m and 9 m.

The mast can be cylindrical, in particular of circular section, or conical.

The mast may have a cross section with an external diameter of between 80 mm and 350 mm, in particular between 150 mm and 250 mm. The cross section can have an internal diameter of between 75 mm and 345 mm, in particular between 145 and 245 mm.

The number of sections of the modular mast is greater than or equal to 2, in particular between 2 and 6, for example equal to 3.

The mast may include at least two sections of identical height, for example the two lowest sections. The height of these sections can be between 0.6 m and 4.5 m, better between 1.5 m and 4.5 m, in particular between 2.5 m and 3.5 m.

By the expression "the two lowest sections", we mean here the lowest sections on the mast, that is to say, the base section fixed on the carrier module and the following section assembled on this section basic.

The upper section of the mast can be of different height from that of the other sections, in particular of height between 0.5 m and 3.5 m, better still between 1 m and 3 m. THE choice of the height of the upper section thus makes it possible to adapt the height of the mast according to needs, in particular depending on the height of the antenna.

By “upper section”, we mean here the highest section on the mast.

The wall thickness of the sections can be between 5 mm and 12 mm.

Preferably the sections are made of metal, in particular steel or stainless steel.

The cutout located at the end of the section assembled to the other section, can have a substantially trapezoidal contour in side view, better still a substantially isosceles trapezoidal contour, the bottom of the cutout forming the small base of the trapezoid. Such a trapezoidal shape facilitates centering during insertion into the cutout, and also allows for good transmission of axial forces.

The tooth located at the end of the other section, which bears axially at the bottom of the cutout, preferably has a contour similar to that of the cutout. It can thus have in side view a substantially trapezoidal contour, better substantially isosceles trapezoidal, the top of the tooth forming the small base of the trapezoid.

The height of the trapezoid can be between 20 mm and 70 mm, preferably between 20 mm and 50 mm.

The width of the small base of the trapezoid can be between 10mm and 50mm.

The width of the large base of the trapezoid can be between 30mm and 80mm.

The first section may comprise at least two cutouts equally distributed angularly at its end assembled to the second section, in particular three cutouts equally distributed angularly at its end assembled to the second section. The mechanical forces are thus distributed as best as possible between the sections.

The first section can include at least two identical cutouts, and better still all the cutouts are identical, which avoids having to angularly locate one section in relation to the other during assembly. Alternatively, at least one cutout is different, when for example it is desired to index one section in position relative to the other in a particular angular orientation.

In exemplary embodiments, the tooth(s) are located on the upper end of the lower section and the corresponding cutout(s) are located on the lower end of the upper section. The upper section being stacked on the section lower, this arrangement of the tooth(s) and the cutout(s) allows the sections to fit together.

The aforementioned seal is preferably absent at the level of the support between the bottom of the cutout and the top of the tooth which comes into contact with the bottom of this cutout, so as to allow each section to rest stably on the previous one.

The thickness of the seal is for example between 2 mm and 7 mm.

The seal may be made of an elastomeric material, for example a silicone.

The holding plates are preferably fixed to the assembled ends of the sections in the angular sectors included between the tooth/cut connections of these sections.

The height of the retaining plates can be between 100 mm and 400 mm, preferably being between 150 mm and 350 mm.

The width of the retaining plates can be between 20 mm and 300 mm, in particular between 50 mm and 200 mm.

The thickness of the retaining plates can be between 2 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 25 mm.

There are, for example, three retaining plates.

The retaining plates are preferably angularly evenly distributed around the longitudinal axis of the mast.

For example, the assembled ends comprise three equally distributed tooth/cut connections and three retaining plates equally distributed angularly around the longitudinal axis of the mast, the tooth/cut connections being separated by an angle of 120° from each other, the plates holding plates being separated by an angle of 120° from each other, and the angle separating the axis of a tooth/cut connection from that of a holding plate being equal to 60°.

The retaining plates are preferably all identical.

At least one retaining plate, and better still each retaining plate, can be welded to one of the sections and screwed to the other section.

At least one retaining plate can alternatively be screwed to the two sections that it connects.

At least one retaining plate can be screwed onto one of the two assembled sections using at least two fixing holes, located on the part of the retaining plate in contact with this section, these two fixing holes being able to be the one above the other and which can be centered on the part of the maintaining plate in contact with this section.

The part of the retaining plate comprising the two fixing holes can be of height between 25 mm and 300 mm, preferably between 100 mm and 200 mm. It can be of width between 20 mm and 300 mm, preferably between 50 mm and 150 mm.

The other part of the plate can be of height between 10 mm and 300 mm, preferably between 50 mm and 200 mm. It can be of width between 20 mm and 300 mm, in particular between 50 mm and 200 mm.

At least one of the retaining plates can be composed of an assembly of at least two, and better still three plates, welded two by two by a weld bead along their longitudinal axis. This makes it possible to give each plate a shape substantially matching the curvature of the interior surface of the section, without having to carry out a bending operation.

The central plate of the assembly can be of width between 10 mm and 150 mm, preferably between 20 mm and 100 mm.

The two side plates can be of the same width, in particular between 10 mm and 150 mm, better still between 20 mm and 60 mm.

In a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the retaining plate, the two side plates can be oriented inwards relative to the central plate at an angle between 5° and 50°, preferably between 15° and 35°.

Each retaining plate is preferably made of galvanized steel. The galvanizing of each retaining plate takes place, for example, after welding it on a corresponding section, which makes it possible to protect the weld from corrosion. Alternatively, in the case of retaining plates screwed to the two sections that they connect, the galvanization of each retaining plate and the sections can take place before these are screwed to the sections. Post-galvanization recovery operations are thus limited, and the assembly of the sections before complete tightening of the plates can facilitate the nesting of the latter.

All the sections of the mast can be assembled in the same way to each other, in the extension of each other, by their respective ends.

The mast may have at least one hole on its periphery, intended to pass electrical cables from the inside of the mast to the outside. The mast can be supplied with a shutter pre-positioned in this hole. The hole is for example located on a section, in alignment with a cutout. The diameter of the hole can be between 5 mm and 100 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 70 mm.

• Passage des câbles de communication ou radio électriques destinés à relier l'élément porteur à l'antenne de télécommunication, tronçon par tronçon,
• Assemblage des tronçons au sol en fixant les plaques de maintien aux extrémités des tronçons, et
• Montage du mât sur l'élément porteur.

The invention also relates to a method of assembly and installation of the modular mast according to the invention, comprising the following steps:

• Passage of the communication or radio cables intended to connect the supporting element to the telecommunications antenna, section by section,
• Assembling the sections on the ground by fixing the retaining plates at the ends of the sections, and
• Mounting the mast on the supporting element.

Passing the cables on the ground, section by section, avoids having to do so when installing the antenna on the mast.

Brief description of the drawings

• [Fig 1] est une vue schématique et partielle en élévation d'un exemple de mât modulaire selon l'invention,
• [Fig 2] représente isolément de manière schématique et partielle le premier tronçon du mât de la figure 1, en partant du bas,
• [Fig 3] représente isolément de manière schématique et partielle le deuxième tronçon du mât de la figure 1, en partant du bas,
• [Fig 4] représente isolément de manière schématique et partielle le troisième tronçon du mât de la figure 1, en partant du bas,
• [Fig 5] représente de manière schématique et partielle un détail de l'assemblage entre deux tronçons du mât de la figure 1,
• [Fig 6] représente isolément, de manière schématique et partielle, en vue de côté, une plaque de maintien,
• [Fig 7] est une coupe transversale, schématique et partielle, selon VII-VII de la figure 5, et
• [Fig 8] représente en vue du dessus, de manière schématique et partielle, le mât de la figure 1.

The invention can be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows, a non-limiting example of its implementation, and on examining the appended drawing, in which:

• [ Figure 1 ] is a schematic and partial elevation view of an example of a modular mast according to the invention,
• [ Figure 2 ] represents in isolation, schematically and partially, the first section of the mast of the figure 1 , starting from the bottom,
• [ Figure 3 ] represents in isolation, schematically and partially, the second section of the mast of the figure 1 , starting from the bottom,
• [ Figure 4 ] represents in isolation, schematically and partially, the third section of the mast of the figure 1 , starting from the bottom,
• [ Figure 5 ] schematically and partially represents a detail of the assembly between two sections of the mast of the figure 1 ,
• [ Figure 6 ] represents in isolation, schematically and partially, in side view, a holding plate,
• [ Figure 7 ] is a cross section, schematic and partial, according to VII-VII of the figure 5 , And
• [ Figure 8 ] represents in top view, schematically and partially, the mast of the figure 1 .

detailed description

We illustrated at figure 1 a modular mast 1 according to the invention. This modular mast 1 comprises three sections 2, 3 and 4, assembled two by two at their respective ends. The longitudinal axes of the three sections coincide with the longitudinal axis of the mast X, oriented vertically. The mast may alternatively have only two sections, or more than three sections.

The cross section of the mast 1 is for example, as visible on the figure 8 , circular with an external diameter of _e equal to approximately 220 mm. It has, for example, an internal diameter d _i equal to approximately 210 mm.

A telecommunications antenna (not shown) is intended to be carried by the upper end 5 of the mast 1. The antenna is, for example, intended for a telecommunications network for mobile telephones, in particular a so-called 4G, 5G network, later generation, or any other standard network, for example an IoT or BLR network.

The antenna can be fixed to the top of the mast 1 using fixing holes 7, allowing the antenna to be screwed onto the mast 1. In the example of the figure 1 , six fixing holes 7 are distributed equidistantly around the periphery of the mast 1.

The mast 1 is fixed at its lower end 6 to a carrying module thanks for example to a support plate 8 reinforced with gussets 9 welded to the plate 8 and to the mast 1. The base of the support plate 8 can be adjustable relative to the carrier module thanks, for example, to four screws inserted in fixing holes 80 of the plate 8. This makes it possible to adjust the verticality of the mast 1 and to correct its possible misalignment. The mast 1 can be fixed on the carrier module in any way to ensure the stability and verticality of the mast 1.

The mast 1 may include holes 14, with a diameter for example equal to 35 mm, pre-drilled, for the passage of electrical cables from the inside of the mast 1 to the outside. Mast 1 can be supplied with a pre-fitted removable shutter to hide these holes, if not in use.

The two lower sections 2 and 3 of mast 1 of the figure 1 can be of the same height l , for example equal to 2.9 m.

The upper section 4 can be of different height from that of the other two sections, 2 and 3. Its height l' can be equal to 2.45 m, to 2.15 m, or even equal to 1.6 m per example. The total height h of the mast can then be between 7.4 and 8.3 m for example, depending on the section 4 used.

Each section 2, 3 or 4 can be made of metal, in particular steel or stainless steel, with a thickness for example between 5 mm and 10 mm.

In the example considered, the ends of two consecutive sections are assembled using three retaining plates 12 and three tooth 11/cutout 10 connections, as illustrated in Fig. figure 5 . The holding plates 12 are, in this example, angularly offset from the adjacent tooth 11/cutout 10 connections by an angle of 60° and separated from each other by an angle of 120°.

The retaining plates 12 are for example made of galvanized steel.

In the example of realization of figures 1 to 8 , the retaining plates 12 are welded to the lower section and screwed to the upper section. In another embodiment, the retaining plates 12 are screwed to the two sections without being welded to them.

In the example considered, the retaining plates 12 each include a hole 90 making it possible to fix the retaining plate 12 to the lower section before welding, with a quick welding point.

The height h _p of a retaining plate 12, visible on the Figure 6 , is for example equal to 250 mm, with a first part 121 of the plate 12, screwed to the upper section of height h _p1 for example equal to approximately 150 mm, and a second part 122 welded to the lower section of height h _p2 for example equal to approximately 100 mm.

The width l _p of part 121 is, in the example considered, equal to approximately 90 mm and the width l _g of part 122 is in this example equal to approximately 110 mm.

Each retaining plate 12 can be screwed using screws 25 to the upper section thanks to two fixing holes 13 located one above the other on the retaining plate, these screws being engaged through holes 24 correspondents located on the wall of the upper section.

In the example considered, the holding plate 12 is composed of a longitudinal assembly of three metal plates, namely a central plate 28 and two side plates 27, these three plates being, for example, welded two by two along their longitudinal edges thanks to weld beads 29.

The central plate 28 is for example of width v equal to 45 mm, constant over the entire height h _p of the plate 12. The side plates 27 can have a greater width on the part 122 of the holding plate than on the part 121, being for example of width w equal to approximately 30 mm on part 122.

In the example considered, the side plates 27 are oriented inwards at an angle α , for example equal to 24°, relative to the plane of the central plate 28, in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the mast 1, as can be seen in the Figure 7 .

The metal plates 27 and 28 are for example 10 mm thick.

As visible to figure 2 , 3 and 4 , the cutouts 10 can be located at the lower end of each section 3 and 4, and the teeth 11 can be located at the upper end of each section 2 and 3.

The cutouts 10 can be, as illustrated in figure 5 , of general isosceles trapezoidal shape, the small base of the trapezoid corresponding to the bottom 17 of the cutout 10.

The teeth 11 are also in this example of generally isosceles trapezoidal shape, the small base of the trapezoid corresponding to the vertex 16 of the tooth 11.

The height of the trapezoid h _t is in the example considered equal to approximately 35 mm.

In the example considered, a seal 15, for example made of silicone, is present between the edges of the cutout 10 and the tooth 11. This seal 15 is absent from the contact zone between the bottom 17 of the cutout 10 and the top 16 of the tooth 11, so that the tooth 11 and the cutout 10 are in metal-to-metal contact in this contact zone.

• Passage des câbles électriques destinés à relier l'élément porteur sur lequel l'extrémité 6 du mât 1 est destinée à être fixée, à l'antenne de télécommunication destinée à être fixée à l'extrémité 5 du mât 1, tronçon par tronçon,
• Assemblage des tronçons 2, 3 et 4, au sol, en fixant les plaques de maintien 12 prémontées à une extrémité d'un tronçon, dans l'extrémité du tronçon adjacent, à l'aide de vis, et
• Montage du mât 1 sur l'élément porteur grâce à la platine 8.

The assembly and installation of mast 1 can be done according to the following steps:

• Passage of the electrical cables intended to connect the supporting element on which the end 6 of the mast 1 is intended to be fixed, to the telecommunications antenna intended to be fixed to the end 5 of the mast 1, section by section,
• Assembly of sections 2, 3 and 4, on the ground, by fixing the retaining plates 12 pre-assembled at one end of one section, in the end of the adjacent section, using screws, and
• Mounting of mast 1 on the supporting element using plate 8.

Of course, numerous modifications can be made to the mast which has just been described, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

It is possible, for example, to produce the mast according to the invention with more than three sections. The assembly of sections 2, 3 and 4 can also be done in a configuration different, for example with a different number of holding plates 12 and a number of tooth 11/cutting connections 10.

In variants, the cutouts 10 are located at the upper end of the section 2 or 3, and the teeth 11 are located at the lower end of the section 3 or 4. The teeth 11 and the cutouts 10 can also be of non-shaped isosceles trapezoidal.

By the expression "between ... and ...", we mean a closed interval, the limits of which are included, unless otherwise stipulated.

Claims (11)

Modular mast (1) intended to be fixed to a supporting element and to accommodate at least one telecommunications antenna, comprising: - At least two sections (2; 3; 4) assembled in the extension of one another by respective ends, - One of the sections having at its end assembled with the other section at least one cutout (10) and the latter at least one tooth (11) bearing axially in the bottom (17) of the cutout (10), - At least one seal (15) present between an edge of the cutout (10) and an adjacent edge of the tooth (11), - A plurality of retaining plates (12) connecting the ends of the sections internally to them. Mast according to claim 1, the seal (15) being absent at the level of the support between the bottom (17) of the cutout (10) and the top (16) of the tooth (11) which comes into contact from the bottom (17) of this cutout (10). Mast according to one of claims 1 and 2, the tooth (11) having a substantially trapezoidal contour in side view, in particular substantially isosceles trapezoidal, the apex (16) of the tooth (11) forming the small base of the trapezoid. Mast according to any one of the preceding claims, the first section comprising at least two cutouts (10) equally distributed angularly at its end assembled to the second section, in particular three cutouts (10) equally distributed angularly at its end assembled to the second section. Mast according to any one of the preceding claims, the retaining plates (12) being fixed to the assembled ends of the sections in the angular sectors included between the tooth (11)/cutout (10) connections of these sections. Mast according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least two retaining plates (12) equally distributed angularly around the longitudinal axis (X) of the mast, in particular three retaining plates (12) equally distributed angularly around the longitudinal axis (X) of the mast. Mast according to any one of the preceding claims, at least one retaining plate (12) being welded to one of the sections (2, 3 or 4) and screwed to the other section (2, 3 or 4). Mast according to any one of the preceding claims, at least one retaining plate (12) being composed of an assembly of at least two plates (27, 28), better still three plates (27, 28), welded two by two by a weld bead (29) along their longitudinal axis. Mast according to any one of the preceding claims, each retaining plate (12) being made of galvanized steel. Mast according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one hole (14) on its periphery, intended to pass electrical cables from the inside of the mast (1) to the outside, the mast (1) being of preferably supplied with a shutter pre-positioned in this hole. Method of mounting and installing the mast according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: - Passage of the communication or radio cables intended to connect the supporting element to the telecommunications antenna, section by section, - Assembling the sections on the ground by fixing the retaining plates (12) at the ends of the sections, and - Mounting the mast on the supporting element.

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