JP7804899B2 - Communication poles and street lights - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to communication poles, street lights, and communication modules.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an antenna unit that is attached to a mounting pole. Patent Document 1 also discloses an antenna system in which multiple antenna units are arranged in the height direction of the mounting pole.

JP 2009-171205 A

The present invention aims to provide a communication pole, street light, and communication module that allows for easy installation of a communication device.

A communication pole according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a pole and a first communication module. The first communication module includes a first communication device, a first housing that houses the first communication device, and a first fastener that secures the first housing to the pole.

A street light according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a communication pole according to the above aspect and a lighting fixture attached to the tip of the pole.

A communication module according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a communication device, a housing that houses the communication device, and a fastener that secures the housing to a pole.

The present invention provides communication poles, street lights, and communication modules that allow for easy installation of communication devices.

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a street light according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a street light according to an embodiment in which one communication module is attached to a pole. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a street light according to an embodiment in which two communication modules are attached to a pole. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a street light according to an embodiment in which three communication modules are attached to a pole. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a communication module according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a top view of the communication module according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a side view of a communication pole according to a modified example of the embodiment.

The following describes in detail, with reference to the drawings, a communication pole, street light, and communication module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Note that each of the embodiments described below represents a specific example of the present invention. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component arrangement and connection configuration, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not recited in the independent claims will be described as optional components.

Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. Therefore, for example, the scales of the figures do not necessarily match. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially identical components are assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted or simplified.

In addition, in this specification, terms indicating the shape of elements such as cylinders and prisms, as well as numerical ranges, are not expressions that express only the strict meaning, but also expressions that include a substantially equivalent range, for example, a difference of about a few percent.

In addition, in this specification, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" do not refer to the number or order of components, unless otherwise specified, but are used to avoid confusion and distinguish between components of the same type.

(Embodiment)
[overview]
First, an overview of a street light according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a street light 1 according to this embodiment. The street light 1 shown in Figure 1 is a lighting device that is installed on the ground, such as on a road, walkway, parking lot, plaza, or park, or on a structure such as a bridge, elevated road, or building, and illuminates the area below (the ground). As shown in Figure 1, the street light 1 comprises a communication pole 2 and a lighting fixture 20. The communication pole 2 comprises a pole 10, communication modules 100 and 101, and a cover 30.

The pole 10 is erected on the ground so as to extend vertically upward. The height of the pole 10 is, for example, several meters to several dozen meters. The pole 10 is, for example, a cylindrical body (e.g., a cylinder) with at least a portion of its interior hollow, but is not limited to this. The pole 10 may also be a prismatic body (e.g., a rectangular cylinder) with at least a portion of its interior hollow. Alternatively, the pole 10 may have a shape that tapers from the bottom to the top. The pole 10 may also be arranged to extend diagonally upward relative to the ground or contact surface. The pole 10 is made of metal, but may also be made of resin.

The lighting fixture 20 is attached to the tip (top end) of the pole 10. The lighting fixture 20 is a lighting fixture that includes a light-emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). There are no particular limitations on the shape and size of the lighting fixture 20.

Communication modules 100 and 101 are each box-shaped modules that contain a communication device. The specific configuration of communication modules 100 and 101 will be described later.

The lid 30 is a lid that covers the top surface of the communication module 101. As will be described in detail later, an opening is provided on the top surface of the communication module 101, and the lid 30 closes this upper opening.

[Communication module placement]
Next, the arrangement of the communication modules attached to the communication pole 2 will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 4. Figures 2 to 4 are diagrams showing examples of the street light 1 according to this embodiment in which one, two, and three communication modules are attached to the pole 10, respectively.

When considering maintenance of the communication equipment built into each communication module, it is best to install it near the ground (or ground surface), but there are no limitations on its location.

The street light 1 and communication pole 2 according to this embodiment can be fitted with one or more communication modules. Figure 2 shows an example in which only one communication module 100 is fitted. Figures 1 and 3 show an example in which two communication modules 100 and 101 are fitted. Figure 4 shows an example in which three communication modules 100, 101, and 102 are fitted.

The communication module 100 shown in Figures 2 to 4 is an example of a first communication module. The communication module 101 shown in Figures 3 and 4, and the communication module 102 shown in Figure 4 are each an example of a second communication module. The second communication module is an additional module that is provided in addition to the first communication module. The second communication module can be added or removed depending on the communication performance required of the communication pole 2.

The communication pole 2 shown in Figures 1 and 3 is obtained by adding a communication module 101 to the communication pole 2a shown in Figure 2. Specifically, the lid 30 shown in Figure 2 is removed, the communication module 101 is fixed on top of the communication module 100, and then the lid 30 is attached to the communication module 101. The same applies when adding a communication module 102. Adding a communication module 102 to the communication pole 2 shown in Figure 3 results in the communication pole 2b shown in Figure 4.

Communication modules 100, 101, and 102 have the same configuration. Specifically, communication modules 100, 101, and 102 each include a housing 120, a housing fixture 130, and an equipment fixture 140. In this embodiment, the housing 120, housing fixture 130, and equipment fixture 140 are the same for each of communication modules 100, 101, and 102.

Communication modules 100, 101, and 102 each include one or more communication devices. Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, communication module 100 includes radio 111 and power supply panel 112. Communication module 101 includes radio 111a and frequency sharer 113. Communication module 102 includes radio 111b.

The radio 111 is an example of a first communication device. The radios 111a and 111b are each an example of a second communication device. The radios 111, 111a, and 111b each transmit and receive radio signals based on a predetermined communication standard via an antenna (not shown). The radio 111a processes radio signals at a different frequency than the radio 111. The radio 111b processes radio signals at a different frequency than both the radios 111 and 111a, but the frequency may be the same. The antenna is attached, for example, at the top of the pole 10, between the lamp 20 and the communication module 100.

The power supply panel 112 is a device that supplies power to the radio 111, antenna, etc. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the power supply panel 112 also supplies power to the radio 111a and the frequency sharer 113. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the power supply panel 112 also supplies power to the radio 111b. For example, the power supply panel 112 includes a transformer, a current transformer, a circuit breaker, etc.

The frequency sharer 113 is a device that shares or splits radio signals between multiple radio devices 111 and 111a and an antenna (not shown). In the example shown in FIG. 4, the frequency sharer 113 shares or splits radio signals between multiple radio devices 111, 111a, and 111b and an antenna.

Note that the only device included in the communication module 102 is the radio 111b, so there is space to accommodate other devices. Devices such as radios can be added to the communication module 102 as needed.

Furthermore, the types, numbers, and combinations of devices included in the communication modules 100, 101, and 102 are not limited to the examples shown in Figures 2 to 4. For example, a power supply panel 112 may be provided for each communication module.

Furthermore, the number of communication modules attached to the communication pole 2 is not limited to one to three, but may be four or more. Also, while an example in which multiple communication modules are stacked one above the other has been shown, the arrangement of the communication modules is not limited to this. Examples of different arrangements of the communication modules will be explained later.

[Configuration of communication module]
Next, the specific configurations of the communication modules 100, 101, and 102 will be described. As described above, the communication modules 100, 101, and 102 differ in the types and number of devices housed therein, but are otherwise identical in configuration. Below, the communication module 100 will be described as a representative, using Figures 5 and 6.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of communication modules 100 and 101 according to this embodiment. Figure 6 is a top view of communication module 100 according to this embodiment.

Figure 5 shows the internal structure of the communication module 100 with the front cover 121 of the housing 120 removed. The radio 111 and power supply panel 112 provided in the communication module 100 are not shown.

As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the communication module 100 includes a housing 120, a housing fixture 130, and an equipment fixture 140. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the communication module 100 includes a locking mechanism 150.

The housing 120 is an openable/closable housing. The housing 120 is a box-shaped container that houses a communication device such as the radio 111. The housing 120 covers the periphery of the communication device. Note that the housing 120 does not have to cover the entire periphery of the communication device. For example, the housing 120 in this embodiment does not cover the top or bottom of the communication device.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the housing 120 includes a front cover 121 and a rear cover 122. The housing 120 is configured into a cylindrical shape by combining the front cover 121 and the rear cover 122.

The housing 120 is provided with a locking mechanism 150 that restricts opening and closing. The locking mechanism 150 may be, for example, an electronic lock, but is not limited to this. The locking mechanism 150 may be configured to be unable to be opened or closed without a special tool.

The housing 120 has openings on both its top and bottom surfaces. The top and bottom surfaces of the housing 120 are parallel to each other and have the same size and shape. The openings on the top surface of the housing 120 and the openings on the bottom surface of the housing 120 have the same size and shape. This allows multiple housings 120 to be stacked one on top of the other without any gaps.

The opening at the top of the housing 120 of the communication module 101 is closed by placing the lid 30 on it, as shown in Figure 5. The lid 30 is engaged with the housing 120, but may also be fixed to the housing 120 with screws or the like.

In this embodiment, the rear cover 122 of the housing 120 is fixed to the housing fastener 130. For example, the rear cover 122 is screwed to the housing fastener 130. The front cover 121 is fixed by being fitted into the rear cover 122. Note that there are no particular limitations on the method for fixing the front cover 121 and the rear cover 122. Both the front cover 121 and the rear cover 122 are made of metal, but they may also be made of resin.

As shown in Figure 5, the housing 120 has a large number of air holes 121a. The air holes 121a prevent heat from building up inside the housing 120. Note that the air holes 121a do not necessarily have to be provided. The air holes 121a are provided on the side of the housing 120, but their location is not particularly limited.

The shape (cross-sectional shape) of the housing 120 in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction (up-down direction) of the pole 10 is substantially the same regardless of the position of the cross section. In other words, the shape of the housing 120 when viewed from above is the same as the shape of the housing 120 when viewed from below, and is also substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape at any position.

In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the cross-sectional shape of the housing 120 is a combination of a semicircular shape located on the rear side (upper side of the page) and a rectangular shape that is wider than the semicircular shape located on the front side (lower side of the page). The semicircular portion is formed by part of the rear cover 122, and forms a space 123 for inserting the pole 10. The semicircular portion is provided only in a portion of the rear cover 122 in the vertical direction (see, for example, Figure 7 described below). The wider rectangular portion is formed by the front cover 121 and part of the rear cover 122.

The outer surface of the housing 120 has curved corners when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the pole 10. Specifically, in the cross section shown in Figure 6, curved lines are formed at the four corners of the rectangular shape on the front side. The curved lines are, for example, circular arcs. For example, if the outer shape of the housing 120 is considered to be a rectangle when viewed from above, the length of the long side is A [mm] and the length of the short side is B [mm]. In this case, the curvature k of the curve satisfies, but is not limited to, 1 > k ≥ 1/b. The shape of the housing 120 when viewed from above is not limited to a rectangle, and may be a polygon within specified dimensions.

In this way, the curved corners of the housing 120 allow the wind to be smoothly deflected by the housing 120. This reduces the force exerted on the housing 120 by the wind, preventing the communication module 100 from falling off or the pole 10 from being damaged. The fewer straight sections the housing 120 has and the closer it becomes to a circle, the more the force exerted on the housing 120 by the wind can be reduced.

Note that the cross-sectional shape of the housing 120 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 6. For example, the curved corners may be provided only on the front cover 121. Alternatively, the rectangular portion may be circular or elliptical. Reducing the flat surface area of the housing 120 makes it easier to deflect wind.

As shown in FIG. 6 , the housing fixture 130 comprises two strip-shaped members 131 and 132. The pole 10 is sandwiched between strip-shaped members 131 and 132 and fastened with screws, thereby fastening the housing fixture 130 to the pole 10. The rear cover 122 of the housing 120 and the equipment fixture 140 are fastened to the housing fixture 130. The rear cover 122 and the equipment fixture 140 are fastened to the housing fixture 130, for example, with screws. A single screw may be used to fasten the housing fixture 130 and to fasten the rear cover 122 and the equipment fixture 140.

As shown in FIG. 5, the communication module 100 includes two housing fasteners 130, but is not limited to this. The two housing fasteners 130 are housed inside the housing 120 and are arranged at different positions in the vertical direction. The housing fasteners 130 are metal fittings, but may also be made of resin. Note that the specific configuration of the housing fasteners 130 is not particularly limited as long as they are capable of fastening the housing 120 to the pole 10.

The device fixture 140 has a groove that extends in the vertical direction. The device fixture 140 is a member with a rectangular ring-shaped cross section. As shown in Figure 6, devices such as the radio 111 can be fixed by clamping part of the device fixture 140 with the head of a screw. Because the device fixture 140 extends in the vertical direction, it is possible to fix the device at any position in the vertical direction.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the communication module 100 includes two device fixtures 140, but is not limited to this. The two device fixtures 140 are housed inside the housing 120 and are arranged on either side of the pole 10. The device fixtures 140 are metal fittings, but may also be made of resin. Note that the specific configuration of the device fixtures 140 is not particularly limited as long as they are capable of fixing one or more devices.

As shown in FIG. 6, the housing 120 has shafts 124 and 125 for wiring. Each of the shafts 124 and 125 is a space that passes through the housing 120 in the vertical direction. When multiple housings 120 are stacked vertically, the shafts 124 of each housing 120 and the shafts 125 of each housing 120 communicate with each other in the vertical direction. For example, when two communication modules 100 and 101 are stacked as shown in FIG. 3, the upper end of the shaft 124 (first shaft) of the communication module 100 is connected to the lower end of the shaft 124 (second shaft) of the communication module 101. The upper end of the shaft 125 (first shaft) of the communication module 100 is connected to the lower end of the shaft 125 (second shaft) of the communication module 101. This makes it easy to run wiring across multiple modules.

For example, multiple wirings (not shown) for supplying power and communication signals are connected to the radios 111 and 111a and the frequency sharer 113. The multiple wirings include low-voltage wirings and low-current electric wires. The low-voltage wirings are arranged in multiple shafts 124 that communicate with each other. The low-current electric wires are arranged in multiple shafts 125 that communicate with each other. This makes it possible to prevent the wirings from affecting each other by separating them from each other.

[Effects, etc.]
As described above, the communication pole 2 according to this embodiment includes the pole 10 and the communication module 100. The communication module 100 includes a first communication device, a housing 120 that is an example of a first housing that houses the first communication device, and a housing fixture 130 that is an example of a first fixture that fixes the housing 120 to the pole 10.

As a result, the communication device is housed in the housing 120 and modularized, making it easy to install the communication device. Furthermore, since the communication device is housed in the housing 120, it cannot be easily accessed from the outside, which improves the protection performance of the communication device. This is particularly effective when multiple communication device modules are to be installed.

Furthermore, for example, the communication pole 2 further includes one or more communication modules 101 and/or 102. Each of the one or more communication modules 101 and/or 102 includes a second communication device, a housing 120 which is an example of a second housing that houses the second communication device, and a housing fixture 130 which is an example of a second fixture that fixes the housing 120 to the pole 10. The second housing has the same size and shape as the first housing.

As a result, the shape and size of each housing 120 of the multiple communication modules 100 and 101 are the same, making expansion easier. Furthermore, when attaching the communication modules 100 and 101 to the top of the pole 10, the attachment strength and/or the shape of the housing 120 must be designed in advance, taking into account the effects of wind, so that the modules do not fall even in strong winds. By making the shape and size of each housing 120 the same for multiple communication modules 100 and 101, the results of wind load resistance calculations for a single communication module 100 can be effectively utilized.

Also, for example, communication module 101 is positioned directly above and in contact with communication module 100.

As a result, the communication modules 100 and 101 are stacked vertically, reducing the road area (as viewed from above). Furthermore, by making the shape and size of each housing 120 the same for multiple communication modules 100 and 101, it is easy to calculate the wind load resistance for multiple stacked communication modules 100 and 101.

Furthermore, for example, the housing 120 of each communication module has a shaft 124 for wiring. The shafts 124 of each housing 120 are connected to each other.

This allows the shaft 124 to communicate between the communication modules 100 and 101, making it easy to ensure a wiring path between the communication modules 100 and 101.

Also, for example, shafts 124 and 125 are arranged on either side of pole 10.

This allows shafts 124 and 125 to be positioned apart. For example, by using one of shafts 124 and 125 as a wiring path for low-voltage wiring and the other of shafts 124 and 125 as a wiring path for low-current electrical wires, it is possible to prevent the low-voltage wiring from having an electromagnetic effect on the low-current electrical wires.

Furthermore, for example, the outer surface of the housing 120 has curved corners when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the pole 10.

This reduces the wind pressure acting on the housing 120. Furthermore, by reducing the number of straight corners, worker safety can be improved when installing the communication module 100.

Furthermore, for example, both end faces of the housing 120 in the axial direction of the pole 10 are flat surfaces that are parallel to each other and of the same size, and both end faces have openings of the same size.

This allows the housings 120 to be stacked one on top of the other without any gaps, which can, for example, prevent foreign objects from entering the housings 120. Furthermore, by reducing the gaps between the housings 120, the effects of wind can also be reduced.

The street light 1 according to this embodiment also includes a communication pole 2, 2a, or 2b, and a lighting fixture 20 attached to the tip of the pole 10.

As a result, the communication device is housed in the housing 120 and modularized, making it easy to add more communication devices.

The communication module 100 according to this embodiment also includes a communication device, a housing 120 that houses the communication device, and a housing fastener 130 that fastens the housing 120 to the pole 10.

As a result, the communication device is housed in the housing 120 and modularized, making it easy to add more communication devices. Furthermore, since the communication device is housed in the housing 120, it cannot be easily accessed from the outside, which also improves the protection performance of the communication device.

Furthermore, for example, the housing 120 is an openable housing and has a locking mechanism 150 that restricts opening and closing.

This restricts external access and improves the protection of the communication device. Note that the locking mechanism 150 does not necessarily have to be provided.

(others)
The communication pole, street light, and communication module according to the present invention have been described above based on the above-mentioned embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments.

For example, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the communication pole 2 is used as a street light 1, but this is not limited to this. The communication pole 2 may be a pole dedicated to communication. Alternatively, a functional module other than the lighting fixture 20 may be attached to the communication pole 2. For example, a surveillance camera may be attached to the communication pole 2. Furthermore, the surveillance camera may be provided inside the communication module 100, or may be provided separately from the communication module 100.

Furthermore, for example, the housings 120 of the communication modules 100, 101, and 102 may be different shapes or sizes. For example, the height of the housing 120 may differ for each module. If the size and shape of the top and bottom surfaces of each housing 120 are the same, they can be stacked without gaps even if they are of different heights.

Furthermore, the size and shape of the top and bottom surfaces of each housing 120 do not have to be the same. For example, each housing 120 may have a tapered or stepped shape in the vertical direction. In this case, multiple housings 120 can be stacked without gaps by alternately turning the housings 120 upside down.

Furthermore, one of the one or more second communication modules may be positioned on the opposite side of the pole 10 from the first communication module.

Figure 7 is a side view of a communication pole according to a modified embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 7, four communication modules 201, 202, 203, and 204 are attached to the pole 10. The communication modules 201 and 203 are stacked one above the other, as in the embodiment. The communication modules 202 and 204 are also stacked one above the other.

The communication module 202 is located on the opposite side of the communication module 201 across the pole 10. The communication modules 201 and 202 of this modified example have a housing 220 instead of the housing 120. The rear cover 222 of the housing 220 is configured to cover only a portion of the side of the pole 10. The free space on the pole 10 can be used to attach another housing 220.

This allows for expansion not only above and below the communication module, but also on the opposite side. This allows for effective use of the space near the aerial pole, allowing for an increased number of communication modules to be installed.

In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that would occur to those skilled in the art, as well as forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

1 Street lights 2, 2a, 2b Communication pole 10 Pole 20 Lighting fixture 100, 201 Communication module (first communication module)
101, 102, 202, 203, 204 Communication module (second communication module)
111 Radio (first communication device)
111a, 111b Radio device (second communication device)
120, 220: Housing 124, 125: Shaft 130: Housing fixing tool (first fixing tool)
150 Locking mechanism

Claims (10)

Paul and
a first communicator module;
one or more second communicator modules;
The first communicator module includes:
a first communication device;
a first housing that houses the first communication device;
a first fastener that fastens the first housing to the pole;
Each of the one or more second communicator modules:
A second communication device;
a second housing that houses the second communication device;
a second fastener that fastens the second housing to the pole,
the second housing has the same size and shape as the first housing,
one of the one or more second communication modules is disposed on an opposite side of the pole from the first communication module;
The pole is inserted through the first housing and the second housing.
Communication pole. Paul and
a first communicator module;
one or more second communicator modules;
The first communicator module includes:
a first communication device;
a first housing that houses the first communication device;
a first fastener that fastens the first housing to the pole;
the first housing has a portion that forms a space through which the pole is inserted, the portion being provided in only a part of the first housing in the insertion direction of the pole,
Each of the one or more second communicator modules:
A second communication device;
a second housing that houses the second communication device;
a second fastener that fastens the second housing to the pole,
The second housing has the same size and shape as the first housing.
Communication pole. one of the one or more second communication modules is disposed directly above and in contact with the first communication module;
The communication pole according to claim 2. the first housing has a first shaft for wiring;
the second housing has a second shaft for wiring,
The first shaft and the second shaft are in communication with each other.
The communication pole according to claim 3. The first shafts are disposed on both sides of the pole.
The second shafts are disposed on both sides of the pole.
The communication pole according to claim 4. one of the one or more second communication modules is disposed on the opposite side of the pole from the first communication module;
The communication pole according to any one of claims 2 to 5. The first housing has a pair of shafts for wiring located on both sides of the pole.
The communication pole according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The outer surface of the first housing has curved corners in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the axial direction of the pole.
The communication pole according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The first housing has two end surfaces in the axial direction of the pole that are flat and parallel to each other and have the same size, and openings of the same size are provided on both end surfaces.
The communication pole according to any one of claims 1 to 8. A communication pole according to any one of claims 1 to 9;
a lighting fixture attached to the tip of the pole,
Street light.