초록 ▼

The present invention relates to environmental control apparatus for telecommunications equipment, and in particular, relates to a radio telecommunications electronics enclosure drain valve. A base station antenna electronics enclosure typically comprises antenna arrangements and associated control

The present invention relates to environmental control apparatus for telecommunications equipment, and in particular, relates to a radio telecommunications electronics enclosure drain valve. A base station antenna electronics enclosure typically comprises antenna arrangements and associated control cabinets. Whilst ideally the internal space within an electronics enclosure is hermetically sealed, this is not generally possible due to, inter alia, the differential expansion of the different components within the enclosure, the need for access for maintenance purposes, the electrical performance characteristics and so on. The antennas are contained within an antenna enclosure--the enclosures on masts visible to the public. In order to provide a sufficient field of coverage, the antenna should be placed at a height above ground level, typically upon a building or a mast, extending 15 m or more. In such a position, an antenna enclosure is subject to extremes of temperature, windage and moisture. It has been determined that antenna enclosures are particularly susceptible to water ingress, which can accumulate within the enclosure, at the bottom of a enclosure. The present invention seeks to overcome water ingress problems and provides a telecommunications base station electronics enclosure which possesses improved water control characteristics.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [12.] A method of draining liquid from a communications electronics enclosure, the electronics enclosure including a drain valve positioned in an area of the electronics enclosure susceptible to the accumulation of liquid, the drain valve comprising: a plastics tube, and; an adaptor; th

[ We claim:] [12.] A method of draining liquid from a communications electronics enclosure, the electronics enclosure including a drain valve positioned in an area of the electronics enclosure susceptible to the accumulation of liquid, the drain valve comprising: a plastics tube, and; an adaptor; the tube being connected to the adaptor at a first end and being closed at a second end; wherein the tube defines a cylindrical cavity defined by a wall and said tube possesses an axial slit through the wall; the adaptor defines a channel which communicates with the tube at a first end and provides an upwardly facing orifice within the enclosure at a second end, the orifice providing an entrance for liquid to the cylindrical cavity, the method, upon ingress of liquid into the enclosure such that the level of the surface of the water exceeds the height of the lowest level of the orifice, comprising: removal of such liquid by gravitational forces through the orifice and within the tube, the weight of the liquid urging the slit to open and allow such liquid to escape.