Foldable parabolic cylindrical surface fixed surface antenna structure

Abstract

A foldable parabolic cylinder fixed surface antenna structure relates to the technical field of parabolic cylinder fixed surface antennas, and comprises a plurality of panel units, and each panel unit comprises a central panel; the extension panel group is formed by sequentially connecting a plurality of sub-panels in a hinged mode, and the sub-panel on the innermost side of the extension panel group is hinged to the center panel; the flexible transmission assembly is configured to simultaneously drive folding motion between the central panel and the innermost side sub-panel and between adjacent sub-panels in the extension panel group; the reset force providing mechanism is configured to provide unfolding reset force between the central panel and the innermost sub-panel and between the adjacent sub-panels; the adjustable bracket mechanism is connected with each central panel and has a first working form: enabling each central panel to be coplanar to form a continuous reflecting surface; and in the second working state, the central panels are stacked in parallel. Through the multi-stage folding design, the overall storage size can be effectively compressed, and therefore the strict space requirements for transportation and on-site rapid deployment are met.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of parabolic cylinder fixed surface antenna, and particularly relates to a foldable parabolic cylinder fixed surface antenna structure. BACKGROUND

[0002] The concept of parabolic cylinder antenna originates from the variant design of traditional parabolic antenna. In the 1940s, the demand for wide-area search and directional coverage in radar technology gave rise to the research on the structure of cylindrical reflector. By translating the parabola along a straight line to form a cylinder and combining with line source feeding, the fan-shaped expansion of the beam is realized. Parabolic cylinder antenna continues to play an important role in the fields of radar, satellite communication and other fields due to its unique fan-shaped beam characteristics and simple structure. Although phased array technology is replacing traditional reflector antenna in some scenarios, through intelligentization, millimeter wave and lightweight upgrading, parabolic cylinder antenna is still competitive in cost-sensitive applications (such as weather monitoring, Internet of Vehicles). The future development direction will focus on multi-band fusion, electronic reconfigurability and environmental adaptability, further expanding its technical boundaries. The current mainstream parabolic cylinder antenna adopts an integrated rigid structure (for example, a parabolic cylinder antenna device disclosed in Chinese patent document CN103972661A), which faces volume constraints during transportation and deployment, and is difficult to meet the requirements of modern mobile platforms (such as vehicle-mounted and airborne systems) for stowability. SUMMARY

[0003] The purpose of the present application is to provide a foldable parabolic cylinder fixed surface antenna structure.

[0004] In order to achieve the above purpose, the present application adopts the following technical solution: a foldable parabolic cylinder fixed surface antenna structure, comprising:

[0005] a plurality of panel units, each panel unit comprising a central panel and an extended panel group, the extended panel group being connected in sequence (such as series hinged) by a plurality of sub-panels through hinging, and the innermost sub-panel (i.e. the first end sub-panel closest to the central panel) being hinged to the central panel;

[0006] a flexible transmission assembly configured to simultaneously drive the folding movement between the central panel and the innermost sub-panel, and between each adjacent sub-panel in the extended panel group;

[0007] a reset force providing mechanism configured to provide an unfolding reset force between the central panel and the innermost sub-panel, and between each adjacent sub-panel in the extended panel group;

[0008] an adjustable support mechanism connected to each central panel, having:

[0009] a first working mode: making each central panel coplanar to form a continuous reflecting surface (such as a continuous parabolic cylinder reflecting surface);

[0010] Second working mode: stacking the center panels in parallel.

[0011] Further, in the extended panel group, each adjacent sub-panel is connected to each other through at least one hinged joint, and the hinged axes of all adjacent sub-panels are parallel to each other.

[0012] Further, the center panel and the innermost sub-panel are also connected to each other through at least one hinged joint, and the hinged axis thereof is parallel to the hinged axes of all adjacent sub-panels.

[0013] Further, the flexible transmission assembly comprises a retractor arranged on the center panel, and a traction rope arranged through each sub-panel of the extended panel group, the traction rope having a first end wound and fixed on a reel of the retractor, and a second end fixed on the outermost sub-panel of the extended panel group (i.e. the end sub-panel farthest from the center panel).

[0014] The retractor comprises a reel and a motor for driving the reel to rotate.

[0015] Further, the sub-panels are provided with guide holes, and the traction rope is arranged through the guide holes of each sub-panel in sequence.

[0016] When the retractor retracts the traction rope, the traction rope drives each sub-panel to fold towards the center panel;

[0017] When the retractor releases the traction rope, the reset force providing mechanism drives each sub-panel to unfold.

[0018] Further, the reset force providing mechanism is an elastic reset connector arranged between the center panel and the innermost sub-panel and between adjacent sub-panels, and the elastic force direction thereof is configured to make the center panel and the innermost sub-panel and the adjacent sub-panels tend to be in an unfolded state.

[0019] The elastic reset connector is any one of a spring hinge, a spring ball hinge, or a torsional spring mounted on a hinged shaft.

[0020] Further, the adjustable support mechanism is a scissor link structure, comprising:

[0021] a plurality of main support rods arranged in parallel, each main support rod being fixedly connected to a corresponding center panel;

[0022] a plurality of secondary support rods cross-hinged between adjacent main support rods;

[0023] a driving unit for controlling the relative angle change of the main support rods and the secondary support rods to switch between the first working mode and the second working mode.

[0024] Further, the driving unit is a telescopic driving component, one end of which is hinged to any main branch rod or auxiliary branch rod, and the other end is hinged to an adjacent main branch rod or auxiliary branch rod.

[0025] The relative angle between the main branch rod and the auxiliary branch rod is changed through the axial telescopic movement of the telescopic driving component, and the scissor linkage structure is driven to switch between the first working mode and the second working mode.

[0026] Among them, the telescopic driving component is any one of an electric push rod, a hydraulic cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder.

[0027] Further, the first working mode is an unfolded working mode, in which the scissor linkage structure is fully stretched, and the center panels are coplanarly arranged;

[0028] The second working mode is a folded working mode, in which the scissor linkage structure is fully contracted, and the center panels are stacked in parallel.

[0029] Further, the scissor linkage structure is provided with a locking mechanism for limiting the relative rotation of the main branch rod and the auxiliary branch rod in the first working mode and / or the second working mode.

[0030] Further, the center panel and / or each sub-panel is provided with a limiting portion to limit the limit position of the folding movement stroke.

[0031] The present application realizes the quick switching of the panel unit between the folded and unfolded states through the hinge between the center panel and the extension panel group, and the cooperation of the flexible transmission assembly. Each center panel can form a continuous reflecting surface coplanarly by means of the adjustable support mechanism, and can be stacked in parallel. The multi-stage folding structure effectively reduces the overall storage volume, and can better adapt to the needs of compact storage and rapid deployment of mobile platforms such as vehicle-mounted and airborne platforms. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 The unfolding to folding process of the parabolic cylindrical surface fixed surface antenna structure is shown Figure 1 ;

[0033] Figure 2 The unfolding to folding process of the parabolic cylindrical surface fixed surface antenna structure is shown Figure 2 ;

[0034] Figure 3 The unfolding to folding process of the parabolic cylindrical surface fixed surface antenna structure is shown Figure 3 ;

[0035] Figure 4 The structure of the parabolic cylindrical surface fixed surface antenna structure in the folded state is shown

[0036] Figure 5 Folding structure schematic diagram of a single panel unit;

[0037] Figure 6 Unfolding structure schematic diagram of a single panel unit.

[0038] In the figure:

[0039] 1 - panel unit 1a - central panel

[0040] 1b - extended panel group 1b1 - sub-panel

[0041] 2a - traction rope 2b - reel

[0042] 3a - main strut 3b - auxiliary strut

[0043] 3c - drive unit 4a - spring hinge

[0044] 4b - spring ball hinge. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] In order for those skilled in the art to more clearly understand the concept of the present application, the following further describes the present application in conjunction with the embodiments and the accompanying drawings. In addition, the words connected, connected, and the like mentioned in the embodiments are not limited to direct connection, but can also be indirect connection.

[0046] As Figures 1-6 shown, the present embodiment provides a foldable and storable parabolic cylindrical surface fixed surface antenna structure, which includes a plurality of panel units 1, a flexible transmission assembly, a reset force providing mechanism, and an adjustable support mechanism. The entire fixed surface antenna is composed of a plurality of panel units 1 spliced along the parabolic cylindrical surface generatrix direction, and the number thereof can be flexibly determined according to the antenna aperture and folding envelope requirements; the present embodiment takes six panel units 1 as an example for description. Each panel unit 1 is composed of a central panel 1a and at least one extended panel group 1b; the present embodiment adopts symmetrical arrangement, and each of the two extended panel groups 1b is arranged on both sides of the central panel 1a, and the two extended panel groups 1b are the same in structure and mirror-symmetrical. Each extended panel group 1b is composed of a plurality of sub-panels 1b1 connected in series by hinges, and the innermost sub-panel 1b1 is connected with the central panel 1a by a hinge. In the present embodiment, each extended panel group 1b is composed of four sub-panels 1b1.

[0047] As Figures 4-6As shown, in this embodiment, each panel unit 1 is equipped with a flexible transmission assembly. The flexible transmission assembly includes a single retractor provided at the center panel 1a, and a traction rope 2a provided for each set of extension panel groups 1b; when there are two sets of extension panel groups 1b on each side of the center panel 1a, two traction ropes 2a are configured, each of which meets the following conditions: the first end is wound and fixed on the reel shaft 2b of the retractor at the center panel 1a, then passes through the guide holes on the innermost (first end) sub-panel 1b1 and each intermediate sub-panel 1b1 of the corresponding extension panel group 1b in turn, and finally the last end is fixed on the outermost (last end) sub-panel 1b1. The retractor is composed of a reel shaft 2b and a servo motor (not shown in the figure). When the motor is turned on, the rope is shortened synchronously, the rope generates uniform pulling force in the direction of the center panel 1a, all the hinged nodes obtain the same folding torque, the center panel 1a and the innermost sub-panels 1b1 on both sides, as well as all the adjacent sub-panels 1b1 in the two sets of extension panel groups 1b are pulled to the folding state at the same time, realizing the completion of the whole set of folding in one action; when the motor is reversed or the rope is released, the rope is released, the folding force (or folding torque) disappears, and the reset force providing mechanism immediately works, realizing the rapid unfolding of each panel. This embodiment can complete the synchronous folding of multiple levels of panels by single motor driving, which can reduce weight and power consumption.

[0048] To ensure the consistency and reliability of the folding movement, the center panel 1a and the innermost sub-panels 1b1 on both sides thereof, as well as all the adjacent sub-panels 1b1 in the extension panel groups 1b are connected through at least one hinged point, and all the hinged axes are parallel to each other. This arrangement constrains the overall folding degree of freedom to a single degree of freedom planar link chain, only producing rotation around the hinged axis during folding, which not only eliminates the risk of jamming or distortion due to non-parallel axes, but also ensures that the torque direction of the traction rope 2a at each hinged point remains consistent, ensuring smooth folding and unfolding process without lateral movement.

[0049] In this embodiment, the reset force providing mechanism is composed of a plurality of elastic reset connectors which are installed between the center panel 1a and the innermost sub-panel 1b1 and between each adjacent sub-panel 1b1. The elastic reset connectors have their elastic torque directions opposite to the folding torque directions; after the rope is loosened, the elastic reset connectors release potential energy to drive each panel to automatically unfold. The elastic reset connectors can be selected from spring hinges, spring ball hinges or torsion springs which are sleeved on the hinge shafts, and their elastic directions are uniformly configured as the "unfolding direction" to provide a continuous and decreasing reset torque when the retractor releases the rope, thereby ensuring a smooth and fast unfolding process. The elastic reset connectors provide an unfolding torque to unfold the center panel 1a, the innermost sub-panel 1b1 and each adjacent sub-panel 1b1 to the position; at the end of unfolding, the center panel 1a and the innermost sub-panel 1b1 and each adjacent sub-panel 1b1 are abutted against each other by the pre-set limiting stoppers or spliced side surfaces to achieve rigid self-locking, and the pre-tightening force of the elastic reset connectors can make these limiting surfaces keep in close contact to prevent rebounding or loosening, so that the reverse action can be completed without additional power, with fast response and low energy consumption. The elastic members (i.e. the elastic reset connectors) have small volume and light weight, are directly integrated at the hinge positions without occupying additional space, and have a damping function, thereby improving the reliability of the antenna on the mobile platform.

[0050] As shown in Figure 5 , 6 In this embodiment, the center panel 1a is hingedly connected to the innermost sub-panels 1b1 on its two sides by spring hinges 4a; and the adjacent sub-panels 1b1 are alternately arranged with spring hinges 4a and spring ball hinges 4b according to the folding arc direction to ensure that each panel has the required rotational freedom and avoids mutual interference during folding. Each pair of spring ball hinges 4b is symmetrically arranged at the hinge positions of the adjacent two sub-panels 1b1 (upper and lower sides). Each pair of spring ball hinges 4b forms a hinge structure, and the hinge axis is parallel to the hinge axes of the spring hinges 4a at other positions.

[0051] In this embodiment, the guide holes on the sub-panels 1b1 not only serve as rope guides, but also limit the length of the force arm between the rope and the hinge shaft. By adjusting the positions of the guide holes, the distribution of the folding torque of each sub-panel 1b1 can be controlled to achieve the timing requirements of "folding from inside to outside" or "synchronous folding". In addition, low-friction bushings can be embedded in the guide holes to reduce rope wear and prolong service life.

[0052] In this embodiment, the adjustable support mechanism adopts a scissors linkage structure: a plurality of main support rods 3a are arranged in parallel (six main support rods 3a in this embodiment), and each main support rod 3a is rigidly connected (i.e., fixedly connected) to the corresponding central panel 1a; adjacent main support rods 3a are cross-hinged through auxiliary support rods 3b, forming a plurality of telescopic "X" shaped units. The structure is equipped with a telescopic driving unit 3c, which can realize a large change in overall height and lateral span by only axial telescoping, has a small number of parts, is light in weight, and has a small thickness after folding, so that the antenna storage volume can be reduced.

[0053] In this embodiment, the driving unit 3c can be selected from an electric push rod, a hydraulic cylinder, or a pneumatic cylinder, and the two ends are respectively hinged between adjacent main support rods 3a and auxiliary support rods 3b (or between adjacent two main support rods 3a or between adjacent two auxiliary support rods 3b). When the telescopic driving part is elongated, the included angle of the main and auxiliary support rods increases, the scissors linkage structure is stretched as a whole, and the antenna enters the unfolded working mode; on the contrary, the telescopic driving part is shortened, the included angle is reduced, and the structure is quickly folded to the folded working mode. Single drive can complete the whole action, and the control is simple and the response is rapid. In the first working mode (unfolded working mode), the scissors linkage structure is fully stretched, each central panel 1a is in the same parabolic cylindrical generatrix plane, forming a continuous reflecting surface, and ensuring the electrical performance of the antenna; in the second working mode (folded working mode), the scissors linkage structure is fully retracted, and each central panel 1a is parallel and stacked (such as completely adhered or distributed with a spacing), and the overall thickness is minimized, facilitating transportation and storage.

[0054] In this embodiment, the scissors linkage structure can also be provided with a mechanical locking mechanism (such as a latch, a ratchet, or an electromagnetic lock), which can lock the relative included angle of the main support rod 3a and the auxiliary support rod 3b at the unfolded or folded limit position, prevent accidental displacement caused by external force or vibration, and improve the working reliability of the antenna on the moving platform. In addition, in the scissors linkage structure, the main support rod 3a and / or the auxiliary support rod 3b can be provided with a mechanical limiting structure (such as a limiting step), and when the scissors linkage structure is in a fully unfolded or fully folded state, the limiting structure and the contact surface of the adjacent support rod abut each other, thereby limiting the relative rotation angle range of the main support rod 3a and the auxiliary support rod 3b.

[0055] In this embodiment, the edges or hinged parts of the central panel 1a and each sub-panel 1b1 can be provided with a limiting part such as a protrusion, a stop block, or a buffer pad, for limiting the limit position (end point) of the folding movement stroke. The limiting part not only prevents overfolding from causing rope relaxation or structural interference, but also provides rigid support at the unfolding end point, reduces the impact load at the hinged part, and prolongs the service life.

[0056] The embodiment provides two storage operation modes: in the synchronous mode, the retractor winds the traction rope 2a synchronously with the contraction movement of the scissor linkage structure driving unit 3c, so that the folding of the panels and the layering of the units are cooperatively completed; in the step-by-step mode, the folding operation of all the panels is first completed through the retractor, and then the layering arrangement between the panel units 1 is realized by starting the scissor linkage structure driving unit 3c, or Figures 1-3 the layering arrangement between the panel units 1 is first realized by starting the scissor linkage structure driving unit 3c, and then the folding operation of all the panels is completed through the retractor. The two modes can be selectively used by the control system.

[0057] The working process of the parabolic cylindrical surface fixed surface antenna structure of the embodiment is further described below:

[0058] 1. The unfolding locking stage: the adjustable support mechanism enters the first working mode under the action of the driving unit 3c, the scissor linkage structure is completely stretched and locked by the locking mechanism, all the central panels 1a are coplanar to form a continuous parabolic cylindrical reflecting surface, the elastic reset connecting piece is pre-tightened, and the limiting block (or the spliced side surface) realizes rigid self-locking.

[0059] 2. The folding execution stage: the servo motor drives the retractor to wind the traction rope 2a, the traction rope 2a sequentially passes through the guide holes of the sub-panels 1b1, and applies synchronous pulling force to the central panel 1a and the multi-stage sub-panels 1b1 of the two side extension panel groups 1b, so that the central panel 1a and the multi-stage sub-panels 1b1 of the two side extension panel groups 1b are folded at one time.

[0060] 3. The folding locking stage: the scissor linkage structure is contracted to the second working mode, the central panels 1a are parallel and stacked, and the locking mechanism is locked again; the elastic reset connecting piece stores potential energy, and the limiting part prevents overfolding.

[0061] 4. The unfolding reset stage: the motor releases the constraint on the traction rope 2a, the elastic reset connecting piece releases the potential energy, drives each panel to unfold, and the traction rope 2a gradually extends with the movement of the panel; when the panel is completely unfolded, the traction rope 2a returns to the preset working length, and one folding-unfolding cycle is completed.

[0062] The operation sequence of the panel folding and the unit layering, and the starting sequence of the flexible transmission assembly and the adjustable support mechanism can be adjusted as required, as long as the folding-unfolding switching of the antenna can be finally realized.

[0063] The embodiment realizes the quick switching of the panel unit 1 between the folded and unfolded states through the hinge connection between the center panel 1a and the extension panel group 1b and each sub-panel 1b1 in the extension panel group 1b, and cooperates with the flexible transmission assembly; each center panel 1a can form a continuous reflecting surface in the same plane by means of the adjustable support mechanism, and can be stacked in parallel, which is convenient for storage. The multi-stage folding structure effectively reduces the overall storage volume, and can better adapt to the needs of compact storage and quick deployment of mobile platforms such as vehicles and aircrafts.

[0064] In addition, under deep space or extreme climate conditions, the embodiment can meet the needs of compact transportation and large-diameter on-site deployment through folding and self-unfolding; the miniaturization and single-drive structure of the embodiment also conforms to the trend of miniaturization, intelligentization and greenization of base station antennas, and can directly improve the network capacity, signal coverage and transmission reliability. At the same time, by reducing the rotating pairs and optimizing the hinge form, the embodiment further consolidates the original high reliability, high precision and thermal stability of the fixed surface antenna without increasing the high pair mechanism.

[0065] The above embodiment is a preferred implementation scheme of the present application, and any obvious replacement without departing from the technical solution concept is within the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A foldable parabolic cylinder surface antenna structure, characterized by, Comprise: a plurality of panel units (1), each panel unit (1) comprising: a center panel (1a); an extended panel group (1b) sequentially connected by a plurality of sub-panels (1b1) through hinging, the innermost sub-panel (1b1) of which is hinged to the center panel (1a); a flexible transmission assembly configured to simultaneously drive the folding movement between the center panel (1a) and the innermost sub-panel (1b1), and between each adjacent sub-panel (1b1) in the extended panel group (1b); a reset force providing mechanism configured to provide an unfolding reset force between the center panel (1a) and the innermost sub-panel (1b1), and between each adjacent sub-panel (1b1) in the extended panel group (1b); an adjustable support mechanism connected to each center panel (1a) and having: a first working mode: making each center panel (1a) coplanar to form a continuous reflecting surface; a second working mode: making each center panel (1a) parallel and stacked.

2. The foldable solid-skyline antenna structure of claim 1, wherein: In the extended panel group (1b), each adjacent sub-panel (1b1) is connected to each other through at least one hinging point, and the hinging axes of all adjacent sub-panels (1b1) are parallel to each other.

3. The foldable solid-skyline antenna structure of claim 2, wherein: The center panel (1a) and the innermost sub-panel (1b1) are connected to each other through at least one hinging point, and the hinging axis thereof is parallel to the hinging axes of all adjacent sub-panels (1b1).

4. The foldable solid-skyline antenna structure of claim 1, wherein: The flexible transmission assembly comprises a retractor provided on the center panel (1a), and a traction rope (2a) provided through each sub-panel (1b1), the first end of the traction rope (2a) being wound and fixed on the reel shaft (2b) of the retractor, and the second end being fixed on the outermost sub-panel (1b1) of the extended panel group (1b).

5. The foldable parabolic cylinder surface antenna structure according to claim 4, wherein: a guide hole is provided on each sub-panel (1b1), and the traction rope (2a) is sequentially provided through the guide holes of each sub-panel (1b1); when the retractor retracts the traction rope (2a), the traction rope (2a) drives each sub-panel (1b1) to fold towards the center panel (1a); when the retractor releases the traction rope (2a), the reset force providing mechanism drives each sub-panel (1b1) to unfold.

6. The foldable solid-skyline antenna structure of claim 1, wherein: The reset force providing mechanism is an elastic reset connecting piece provided between the center panel (1a) and the innermost sub-panel (1b1), and between adjacent sub-panels (1b1), and the elastic force direction thereof is configured to make the center panel (1a) and the innermost sub-panel (1b1), and adjacent sub-panels (1b1) tend to be unfolded.

7. The foldable parabolic cylinder surface antenna structure according to claim 1, wherein: the adjustable support mechanism is a scissors type linkage structure, comprising: a plurality of parallel arranged main support rods (3a), each main support rod (3a) being fixedly connected to a corresponding center panel (1a); a sub-support rod (3b) cross-hinged between adjacent main support rods (3a); A driving unit (3c) is configured to control the relative angle between the main struts (3a) and the secondary struts (3b) to switch between the first working mode and the second working mode. 8.The foldable parabolic cylinder surface fixed surface antenna structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: The driving unit (3c) is a telescopic driving component, one end of which is hinged to any main strut (3a) or secondary strut (3b), and the other end is hinged to the adjacent main strut (3a) or secondary strut (3b); The relative angle between the main struts (3a) and the secondary struts (3b) is changed by the axial telescopic movement of the telescopic driving component, and the scissor linkage structure is driven to switch between the first working mode and the second working mode. 9.The foldable parabolic cylinder surface fixed surface antenna structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first working mode is an unfolded working mode, in which the scissor linkage structure is fully stretched, and the center panels (1a) are arranged in a coplanar manner; The second working mode is a folded working mode, in which the scissor linkage structure is fully contracted, and the center panels (1a) are stacked in parallel.

10. The foldable solid-mirror parabolic cylindrical antenna structure according to any one of claims 7-9, characterized in that: The scissor linkage structure is provided with a locking mechanism for limiting the relative rotation of the main struts (3a) and the secondary struts (3b) in the first working mode and / or the second working mode.

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