ES2733450T3 - Masking device for an antenna or repeater - Google Patents

Abstract

Masking device (1) for a telecommunications antenna or repeater (100), in which - said antenna or repeater (100) defines a main extension address (100a) and comprises a main support pole (101), which is extends along said main extension direction (100a) - said masking device (1) is suitable for visually hiding said antenna or repeater (100) without altering its characteristic transmission function, - a crosslinked and rigid support structure ( 2), which defines the structure that supports the loading of said masking device (1), - a covering membrane (3) that forms the outer cover of at least part of said masking device (1) and is connected to said rigid support structure (2), - tension means (4) suitable for adjusting and maintaining said covering membrane (3), so as to adhere to said rigid support structure (2), - said enma device Scanning (1), characterized in that it comprises: - a removable membrane (5) that can be configured in a closed position, in which it is connected to said covering membrane (3) and forms part of the external covering of at least part of said masking device (1) substantially continuously with said covering membrane (3), and in an open position, in which it defines a hole that allows physical access to said antenna or repeater (100), - said detachable membrane ( 5) being slidably connected to two lateral rails (50) parallel to and integral to said covering membrane (3), wherein said detachable membrane in said open position is compacted.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Masking device for an antenna or repeater

The present invention relates to a masking device for an antenna or repeater of the type indicated in the preamble of claim 1.

Masking devices for telecommunications antennas or repeaters and other similar networks are known in the prior art. They are also known as artificial fireplaces.

Similar structures are described in Patent Applications US-A-2013/255166 and WO-A-2014/140580.

Such devices hide antennas from view disguising them as chimneys or other structures, so as not to ruin the appearance of a building or district.

They are also used especially in old city centers or similar environments.

At the same time, the coverage structures must not interfere with the transmission of electromagnetic waves at the operating frequencies of the antenna or repeater, even outside the masking device.

Such artificial fireplaces are normally made from rigid structures in a polymeric material, such as resin or a similar material.

The prior art solutions described above have several significant drawbacks.

In particular, such artificial fireplaces may be subject to ruptures during strong winds or other adverse weather conditions. Such breaks are extremely dangerous, as they result in sharp pieces of debris that could fall to the ground and hit someone. In addition, such artificial fireplaces are very expensive and must be tailored for each type of antenna.

Finally, artificial fireplaces are not always perfectly transparent to electromagnetic waves at the operating frequencies of the antenna or repeater.

In this situation, the technical object of the present invention is to devise a masking device for an antenna or repeater that substantially overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks.

Within the sphere of said technical object, an important objective of the invention is to provide a masking device for an antenna or repeater that is capable of withstanding adverse weather conditions.

Another important objective of the invention is to provide a masking device for an antenna or repeater that, even in the case of a break, does not present a risk to people or the surrounding environment. Another important objective of the invention is to provide a masking device for an antenna or repeater that is economical and can be adapted for different antennas. Another no less important object of the invention is to devise a masking device for an antenna or repeater that is perfectly transparent for electromagnetic waves at the operating frequencies of the antenna or repeater.

The technical object and the specified objectives are achieved with a masking device for an antenna or repeater, as claimed in the attached claim 1.

In the dependent claims, preferred embodiments are described.

The features and advantages of the invention are clearly apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention;

fig. 2 shows an axonometric projection of a portion of the device in fig. one;

fig. 3 is an axonometric projection of the device in fig. one;

fig. 4 shows an axonometric projection of the device in fig. 1 in a first configuration;

fig. 5 shows an axonometric projection of the device in fig. 1 in a second configuration;

fig. 6 is a normal section of the device in fig. one;

fig. 7 shows a diagram of a component of fig. 6;

fig. 8 is a side view of the device in fig. one;

fig. 9 shows a cross section of the device in fig. 10; and

fig. 10 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of the device according to the invention.

In this document, geometric measures, values, shapes and data (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when used with terms such as "around" or other similar terms such as "practically" or "substantially", should be considered without any error or measurement inaccuracy due to production and / or manufacturing errors and, above all, without any slight divergence of the value, measurement, shape or geometric data to which they are associated. For example, said terms, when associated with a value, preferably indicate a difference of not more than 10% of said value.

In addition, terms such as "first (a)", "second (a)", "superior", "inferior", "principal" and "secondary (a)" do not necessarily indicate a respective order, priority or position, but rather they can be used simply to make a clear distinction between the different components. With reference to the figures, the reference number 1 denotes, overall, the masking device according to the invention.

It is suitable for covering an antenna or repeater 100 in order to hide it from view without altering its characteristic transmission function.

The antenna or repeater 100, of a type known in the prior art, defines a main extension direction 100a and, in general, comprises a main support pole 101 extending along said main extension direction 100a. The latter is also preferably vertical in substance.

The masking device 1 comprises a rigid and crosslinked support structure 2, which defines the structure that supports the loading of the masking device 1.

The rigid support structure 2 preferably comprises at least one upper support 20 and a lower support 21 substantially perpendicular to the main extension direction 100a and preferably connected directly and integrally to the main support pole 101 of the antenna or repeater 100.

The upper and lower supports 20 and 21 are preferably made of metal, more preferably steel, and are connected to pole 101 or, in any case, to the antenna or repeater structure 100, by means of arms, detachable plates and connection means, such as screws or bolts.

The upper support 20 and the lower support 21 preferably have the same external shape, which in a first example is rectangular (figs. 1-8) and in a second example, circular in particular (figs. 9-10).

The upper support 20 and the lower support 21 are suitable for defining the lower part and the upper part of said device 1. Furthermore, since said device 1 preferably has a substantially cylindrical or prismatic shape, the upper and lower supports 20 and 21 they are suitable for defining the development of said cylinder or prism.

There may also be intermediate supports 23, preferably identical to the upper and lower supports 20 and 21 in terms of shape, structure and material.

The rigid support structure may also comprise connecting rods 22, which preferably consist of box-shaped glass fiber elements, more preferably with a square cross-section. Said connecting rods 22 are preferably connected to both the upper and lower support 20, and also preferably to the intermediate supports 23. Preferably, the connection rods 22 are present in the upper part of the upper and lower supports 20 and 21, and they are not present when these supports 20 and 21 are circular.

The masking device 1 further comprises a covering membrane 3 that forms the outer cover of the masking device 1 and is connected to the rigid support structure 2. The covering membrane 3 is a perforated polymer material membrane, preferably polyester.

The covering membrane 3 occupies a large part of the external surface of the device 1, in particular a large part of the lateral surface of the device 1.

The covering membrane 3 is also preferably associated with a removable membrane 5, together with that which substantially covers the entire lateral surface of the device 1. The removable membrane 5 is preferably very similar or identical, in structure, to the covering membrane 3 and both are substantially continuous visually. The only difference is that the detachable membrane acts substantially as an opening that allows access to or inspection of the interior of the device 1 and, consequently, the antenna 100. Later in this document, the detachable membrane 5 will be described in more detail.

The masking device 1 also comprises tensioning means 4 suitable for adjusting and maintaining the covering membrane 3, so that it adheres to the rigid support structure 2 and resists any external event or force.

The tensioning means 4 preferably comprise at least one flexible tensioning element 40 connected to the covering membrane 3. In particular, there are a plurality of tensioning elements 40 consisting of fabric belts or the like. In addition, the tensioning element 40 and the covering membrane 3 define, along the tension plane 40a that crosses the masking device 1, a closed path that surrounds at least part of the rigid support structure 2.

In a first example (figs. 6 and 7), the voltage planes 40a are normal for the main extension direction 100a of said antenna or repeater 100. In that case, the covering membrane 3 preferably wraps, in the normal section, an incomplete portion of the perimeter of the lateral surface of the device 1, for example, three sides of the square or 2/3 to 4/5 of the angle from beginning to end.

In any case, all connecting rods 22, which are preferably perpendicular to the tension planes 40a, are preferably comprised in said portion of the perimeter. In particular, the tensioning element 40 and the covering membrane 3 wrap two connecting rods 22 and pass outside the remaining connecting rods 22 (fig. 7).

The tensioning elements 40 are preferably connected to the covering membrane 3 by means of rigid rods 41 made of fiberglass, housed in grooves, for example, heat sealed, in the covering membrane 3 and in the tensioning elements 40. defining said route in the tension planes 40a, both ends of both the covering membrane 3 and the tensioning elements 40 are connected to each other or to the rigid rods 41.

Furthermore, there are preferably several tensioning elements 40 along the axial direction 100a, in particular one corresponding to each support 20, 21 and 23.

Such a configuration is especially preferable when the upper support 20 and the lower support 21 are rectangular. In a second example (figs. 9 and 10), the tension planes 40a are a plurality of planes parallel to the main direction of extension of the antenna or repeater 100 and mutually impact. Accordingly, said planes preferably focus on the main extension axis or direction 100a and are angularly spaced. In said tension planes 40a (fig. 9) the cover membrane 3 and the tension elements 40 form a path that passes along the outer side, in which the cover membrane 30 is present, around rigid rods 41 or similar ones present in correspondence with the upper support 20 and the lower one 21 and twice around the inner side of the device 1, once for each tensioning element 40. Preferably, there is more than one tensioning element 40 every 2 dm to 5 dm, and more specifically one every 3 dm. The tensioning elements 40 can also be arranged in horizontal or normal planes 40a with respect to the direction 100a, in addition to said tension planes in the present example. In particular, a tensioning element 40 in a horizontal plane 40a can act as the support of a rigid rod 41 that acts as a connection for the membrane 30 and the vertical tensioning elements 40.

Finally, the tensioning elements 40 are preferably tensioned by means of ratchets 42 which, after tensioning, can be maintained or, preferably, replaced with metal tie-down clamps or the like.

The removable membrane 5 preferably constitutes an external portion of the device 1 and can be configured in a closed position, in which it is connected to the covering membrane 3 and forms part of the external covering of at least part of said masking device 1, substantially continuously with the covering membrane 3, and an open position, in which it defines an opening that allows physical access to the antenna or the repeater 100.

Preferably, the removable membrane 5 is wrapped, in the normal section, around a portion of the perimeter of the lateral surface of the device 1, for example, a side of the square or 1/3 to 1/5 of the angle from beginning to end .

If the device 1 is circular, the removable membrane 5 is preferably connected to rigid elements 5a, such that it forms an angular segment of a cylinder.

The removable membrane 5 slidably connects to the two lateral rails 50 parallel to and integral with the covering membrane 3, and preferably extends in the direction of the main development axis 100a. The removable membrane 5 can, therefore, be opened by folding or compacting.

Preferably, the rails 50 are polymeric and comprise polymeric sections 51, integral with the covering membrane 3, and polymeric shims 52 integral with the removable membrane 5. In particular, there are a plurality of shims 52 arranged at a distance between 2 and 5 dm.

There is also preferably an opening mechanism comprising a rope 53 connected to the lower shims on both sides of the covering membrane 3, control mechanisms 54 such as pulleys, suitable for dropping the rope 53 down to allow a simple opening. Finally, a mass 55 automatically assists in the closure of the removable membrane 5.

Alternatively, the removable membrane 5 may be comprised between the two lateral rails 50 (as in Fig. 1) and opened by means of a single hinge disposed within said detachable membrane 5 and substantially parallel to the lateral rails. In that case, an elastic strip is preferably arranged longitudinally along the hinge. Furthermore, preferably, a second portion of the removable membrane 5 is suitable to be arranged on the hinge and cover it, and to connect to another portion of the membrane 3 or 5 by means of Velcro.

Finally, the upper part of the device 1 can be covered with an upper membrane or a rigid element. The assembly of the masking device 1 described above in a structural sense is as indicated below.

When disassembled, device 1 is extremely compact and easy to transport.

It is mounted by connecting the supports 20, 21 and 23 to the main pole 101 of the antenna 100. Then, the connecting rods 22 are connected to complete the assembly of the rigid support structure 2.

Next, the covering membrane 3 is connected to the rigid rods 41 and the tensioning elements 40. The latter are adjusted, along routes described and illustrated, using ratchets 42 which are then removed and the tension is maintained by means of said metal tie clamps.

Next, the removable membrane 5 is mounted on the side rails 50, which are preferably pre-assembled. The latter can simply be opened and closed by means of said rails 50 and the opening mechanism.

The masking device 1 according to the invention achieves some important advantages.

Thanks to the configuration described above, device 1 can withstand even very strong gusts of wind. In fact, when one side or a portion of the membrane 3 moves the entire mechanism, it is held tight, since the tension is carried out along closed routes. Therefore, the system is self-tensioning.

In addition, even if the membrane 3 is torn, for any reason, it would not harm anyone or cause damage to the surrounding environment, as it is light and flexible. The device 1 is also economical and can be adapted during assembly to suit any type of antenna, and is easy to transport. With device 1, in fact, there is no need for customization during production, depending on the type of antenna 100.

Finally, device 1 is perfectly transparent for electromagnetic waves at frequencies. operating of the antenna or the repeater, since it is made mainly with polymeric elements and, in particular, of membranes.

It is possible to make modifications and variations to the invention described herein, without departing from the scope of the inventive concept as defined in the claims.

All details can be replaced with equivalent elements and the scope of the invention includes all other materials, shapes and dimensions that fall within the scope of the modified claims.

Claims (8)

1. Masking device (1) for a telecommunications antenna or repeater (100), in which - said antenna or repeater (100) defines a main extension direction (100a) and comprises a main support pole (101), which extends along said main extension direction (100a) 10 - said masking device (1) is suitable for visually hiding said antenna or repeater (100) without altering its characteristic transmission function, - a crosslinked and rigid support structure (2), which defines the structure that supports the loading of said masking device (1), fifteen - a cover membrane (3) that forms the outer cover of at least part of said masking device (1) and is connected to said rigid support structure (2), - tension means (4) suitable for adjusting and maintaining said covering membrane (3), so as to adhere to said rigid support structure (2), - said masking device (1), characterized in that it comprises: - a removable membrane (5) that can be configured in a closed position, in which it is connected to said covering membrane (3) and forms part of the external covering of at least part of said masking device (1) substantially of continuously with said covering membrane (3), and in an open position, in which it defines a hole that allows physical access to said antenna or repeater (100), - said detachable membrane (5) being slidably connected to two lateral rails (50) 30 parallel to and integral to said cover membrane (3), wherein said detachable membrane in said open position is compacted. 2. A masking device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said tension means (4) comprise at least one flexible tensioning element (40), connected to said cover membrane (3), wherein said tensioning element (40) and said covering membrane (3) define, along a tension plane (40a) that crosses said masking device (1), a closed route that surrounds at least part of said rigid support structure (two). 3. A masking device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said tensioning elements (40) are flexible belts. 4. Masking device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said voltage planes (40a) are normal with respect to the main extension direction of said antenna or repeater (100). A masking device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said tension planes (40a) are a plurality of planes parallel to the main extension direction of said antenna or repeater (100) and impact so mutual 6. Masking device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said rigid support structure (2) comprises at least one upper support (20) and one lower support (21) perpendicular to the direction of main extension of said antenna or repeater (100) and is suitable for defining the lower part and the upper part of said device. 7. Masking device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said rigid support structure (2) comprises connecting rods (22) of said upper support (20) and the lower support (21) , which consist of box-shaped fiberglass elements. 8. A masking device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said cover membrane (3) is a perforated polyester membrane.