An equal-phase connection device

Abstract

The present invention provides an equal-phase connection device, which solves the problem of equal-phase connection between unequal spacings and equal spacings within the high-frequency band range. The device includes a radiation plate, a radio frequency cable plate, a backplane, a first connector, a second connector, an adapter, and a third connector; radiation mounting holes are provided on the radiation plate, and a plurality of radiation mounting holes are arranged irregularly, and the first connector is installed in the radiation mounting holes; the radio frequency cable plate is composed of a plurality of sub-arrays spliced in sequence, and a plurality of connector mounting holes are provided on the sub-arrays; the second connector is installed in the connector mounting holes, and the first connector and the second connector are connected through an adapter; a plurality of array grid plates are provided on the upper end surface of the backplane, a plurality of regularly arranged grid holes are provided on the backplane, and the grid holes penetrate through the array grid plates, the third connector is installed in the grid holes, and is connected to the second connector through a flexible cable; a support column for supporting the radio frequency cable plate is provided on the lower end surface of each sub-array.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting device, and particularly to an equal-phase connecting device. Background Art

[0002] Since the advent of radar, radar technology has developed rapidly, and active phased array radar has become the mainstream in radar development. So far, active phased array radar technology has been widely used in various fields such as ground air defense, ship defense, missile guidance, gun position reconnaissance, airborne fire control, and range measurement. Regardless of the purpose of the active phased array radar, dozens to thousands of T / R components need to be set up. The T / R components complete functions such as receiving, transmitting, and electronic scanning of antenna beams. The performance of the T / R components directly determines the various indicators of the radar. It can be seen that the array units and TR components of the active phased array antenna are the core components of the active phased array antenna. Therefore, the antenna structure configuration first depends on the corresponding position relationship between the array units and the T / R components.

[0003] The internal structures of existing phased array antennas include equidistant array structure, regional centralized array structure, overall centralized array structure, separated array structure, extended array structure, stacked array structure, etc. Among them, the TR components in the equidistant array structure are arranged dispersedly, which is not conducive to the integration of backend devices and is suitable for low-frequency or high-frequency large-spacing antenna structures; the regional centralized array structure is suitable for antennas where the distance between array units is greater than the width and thickness of the TR components. The positions between the two are not in one-to-one correspondence, resulting in complex design and increased electrical loss; the overall centralized array and separated array structures often require long cables for interconnection, resulting in large electrical loss; the extended array structure is mostly used when the size of the TR components is greater than the distance between array units. The TR components adopt a multi-channel form and are suitable for high-frequency bands above the X-band and small-aperture antennas; the stacked array structure adopts a new generation of chip structure and requires high-density integration technology, miniaturized multi-functional special chips, high-performance and high-reliability radio frequency circuits and control circuits as technical supports, and its cost is too high.

[0004] In most cases, the array units and the T / R components are not in one-to-one correspondence, and the two cannot be directly interconnected. It is necessary to add a transition connection layer. In traditional microwave systems, due to the large number of signal channels and high requirements for high-frequency transmission, the high-frequency signal transmission between various functional modules almost completely relies on rigid cables and high-frequency connectors, etc., making its structure large and the design complex. Moreover, the existing transition layers are mostly direct cable connections or simple structural treatments, etc., and cannot well meet the connection requirements of unequal spacing to equal spacing and equal phase in the high-frequency band. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to solve the problem of equal-phase connection between unequal spacings and equal spacings within the high-frequency band range, and to provide an equal-phase connection device for realizing the interconnection between the phased array antenna panel and components.

[0006] To achieve the above object of the invention, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0007] An equal-phase connection device includes a radiation plate, a radio frequency cable plate, a backplane, a first connector, a second connector, an adapter and a third connector; a plurality of through radiation mounting holes are provided on the radiation plate, and the plurality of radiation mounting holes are irregularly arranged, and the first connector is installed in the radiation mounting hole; the radio frequency cable plate is located below the radiation plate and is composed of a plurality of sub-arrays spliced in sequence, and a plurality of connector mounting holes are provided on the sub-array; the second connector is installed in the connector mounting hole, and the first connector and the second connector are connected through an adapter; the backplane is located below the radio frequency cable plate, and a plurality of array grid plates are provided on its upper end surface, and a plurality of regularly arranged grid holes are provided on the backplane, and the grid holes penetrate through the array grid plates, and the third connector is installed in the grid hole and is connected to the second connector through a flexible cable; a support column for supporting the radio frequency cable plate is provided on the lower end surface of each sub-array, and the support column is used for winding the flexible cable to realize the equal-spacing and equal-phase connection between the second connector and the third connector.

[0008] Further, a plurality of wire passing holes are provided on the sub-array for winding the flexible cable.

[0009] Further, a support boss is provided on the sub-array for supporting the radiation plate.

[0010] Further, a connector mounting hole is provided on the support boss for installing the second connector.

[0011] Further, the first connector includes a first pin, a first insulator, a first housing, a first ear and a first sleeve; the first housing is installed on the radiation plate through the first ear, the first sleeve is arranged in the first housing, the first pin is arranged in the first sleeve, and the first insulator is arranged between the first pin and the first sleeve to realize the insulation of the first pin.

[0012] Furthermore, the second connector includes a second sleeve, second pins, a second insulator, a second housing, a second spring, a nut, and a second snap ring; the second sleeve is disposed within a connector mounting hole, the second housing is disposed within the second sleeve, the second pins are disposed within the second housing, the second insulator is disposed between the second pins and the second housing to insulate the second pins, the second spring is sleeved on the second housing, one end is limited by a step of the second sleeve, and the other end is axially limited by the second snap ring sleeved on the second housing. The nut is sleeved on the second housing and has an annular boss on its inner side. The annular boss is located on one side of the second housing to axially limit the second housing. At the same time, the nut is located within the second sleeve and is threadedly connected to the second sleeve to axially limit the second snap ring.

[0013] Furthermore, the adapter includes an adapter housing, an adapter insulator, an adapter snap ring, and an adapter socket; the adapter socket is disposed within the adapter housing, the adapter insulator is disposed between the adapter socket and the adapter housing to insulate the adapter socket; the adapter snap ring is mounted on the adapter housing and cooperates with the first connector and the second connector respectively to axially limit the first connector and the second connector.

[0014] Furthermore, the third connector includes third pins, a third insulator, a third housing, a third spring, and a flange; the third pins are disposed within the third housing, the third insulator is disposed between the third pins and the third housing to insulate the third pins, the third spring is sleeved on the third housing, and one end of the third spring is limited by a limiting boss provided on the third housing, and the other end is limited by the flange. The flange is disposed on the backplane through a connecting member.

[0015] Furthermore, the first insulator, the second insulator, and the third insulator are all made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0016] Furthermore, the radiation plate and the backplane are both made of aluminum plates.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0018] 1. Multiple irregularly arranged radiation mounting holes are provided on the radiation plate of the isophase connection device of the present invention, and multiple regularly arranged grid holes are provided on the backplane. The RF cable board is composed of multiple sub-arrays spliced together. A support column is provided on the lower end surface of each sub-array. The second connector and the third connector are connected by a flexible cable, and the flexible cable is wound around the support column, so that the flexible cable realizes equidistant connection between the second connector and the third connector, thereby realizing the requirement of unequal pitch to equal pitch and isophase under the irregular interconnection technology.

[0019] 2. The RF cable board of the isophase connection device of the present invention adopts a "plate-type strip block" structure design, which is convenient for processing, debugging and installation.

[0020] 3. A first connector, a second connector and an adapter are arranged between the backplane and the radiation plate of the isophase connection device of the present invention. The first connector, the second connector and the adapter are floating blind plug connector joints. The floating blind plug connector joints meet the blind plug precision requirements, eliminate the interconnection reliability problems caused by errors, and achieve reliable connection.

[0021] 4. The isophase connection device of the present invention has the characteristics of compact and reasonable layout, high integration, reliable structure, light weight, high precision, good stiffness, good maintainability, fast heat dissipation, etc.

[0022] 5. On the premise of meeting the quality and environmental requirements of the radar antenna, the isophase connection device of the present invention not only meets the overall bearing capacity and planar stiffness of the antenna, but also reduces the weight. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the isophase connection device of the present invention (the first connector, the second connector, the adapter and the third connector are not installed);

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the isophase connection device of the present invention Figure 1 (the radiation plate is omitted);

[0025] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the isophase connection device of the present invention Figure 2 (the radiation plate is omitted);

[0026] Figure 4 is an installation schematic diagram of the first connector, the second connector, the adapter and the third connector of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of the first connector of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of the second connector of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 is a schematic structural diagram of the third connector of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 8 is a schematic structural diagram of the adapter of the present invention.

[0031] Reference numerals: 1 - radiation plate, 2 - RF cable plate, 3 - backplane, 4 - first connector, 5 - second connector, 6 - adapter, 7 - third connector, 8 - support column, 11 - radiation mounting hole, 21 - sub - array, 22 - connector mounting hole, 23 - wire passing hole, 24 - support boss, 31 - array grid plate, 32 - grid hole, 41 - first pin, 42 - first insulator, 43 - first housing, 44 - first lug, 45 - first sleeve, 51 - second sleeve, 52 - second pin, 53 - second insulator, 54 - second housing, 55 - second spring, 56 - nut, 57 - second snap ring, 561 - annular boss, 61 - adapter housing, 62 - adapter insulator, 63 - adapter snap ring, 64 - adapter socket, 71 - third pin, 72 - third insulator, 73 - third housing, 74 - third spring, 75 - flange, 731 - limit boss. Detailed implementation manners

[0032] The technical method of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings and specific embodiments.

[0033] The present invention provides an equal - phase connection device for a highly integrated radar antenna. In this device, the RF cable plate adopts a "plate - type strip - block" structure. On one side of the radiation unit, an aluminum plate is integrally processed by "blocking" and then spliced and formed, and is connected to the radiation unit; at the same time, on one side of the backplane, an aluminum plate is integrally processed by "stripping" and then spliced and formed, and is connected to the backplane; after splicing and forming, a space is erected by support columns in the middle position between the two. With flexible cables and floating blind - mate connector joints, the requirements of equal - phase from unequal - pitch to equal - pitch are realized under irregular interconnections. This equal - phase connection device has the characteristics of compact and reasonable layout, high integration, reliable structure, light weight, high precision, good stiffness, good maintainability, and fast heat dissipation.

[0034] As Figures 1 to 8 shown, the present invention provides an equal - phase connection device, including a radiation plate 1, an RF cable plate 2, a backplane 3, a first connector 4, a second connector 5, an adapter 6, and a third connector 7.

[0035] A plurality of through radiation mounting holes 11 are provided on the radiation plate 1, and the plurality of radiation mounting holes 11 are irregularly arranged. The first connector 4 is installed in the radiation mounting hole 11; the RF cable board 2 is located below the radiation plate 1 and is composed of a plurality of sub-arrays 21 spliced in sequence. A plurality of connector mounting holes 22 are provided on the sub-array 21; the second connector 5 is installed in the connector mounting hole 22, and the first connector 4 and the second connector 5 are connected through an adapter 6; the backplane 3 is located below the RF cable board 2, and a plurality of array grid plates 31 are provided on its upper end surface. A plurality of regularly arranged grid holes 32 are provided on the backplane 3, and the grid holes 32 penetrate the array grid plates 31. The third connector 7 is installed in the grid holes 32, and the third connector 7 is connected to the second connector 5 through a flexible cable; a support column 8 for supporting the RF cable board 2 is provided on the lower end surface of each sub-array 21. The support column 8 is used for winding the flexible cable to realize the equal-spacing and equal-phase connection between the second connector 5 and the third connector 7. The support column 8 can not only serve as a positioning function but also as a jacking post, increasing the strength of the RF cable board 2 and improving the connection reliability. A plurality of wire passing holes 23 are provided on the sub-array 21 for winding the flexible cable, making the winding of the flexible cable more convenient. A support boss 24 is provided on the sub-array 21, so that there is a certain space between the radiation plate 1 and the RF cable board 2, which is convenient for winding the flexible cable. At the same time, the connector mounting hole 22 is provided on the support boss 24, and more second connectors 5 can be installed.

[0036] A T / R component, a cooling system, a one-to-six power divider, a one-to-sixteen power divider, etc. (the T / R component, the cooling system, the one-to-six power divider, and the one-to-sixteen power divider are components in an active phased array radar and are not shown in the figure) are provided on the lower side of the backplane 3. The third connector 7 on the backplane 3 is connected to the regularly arranged T / R components; the backplane 3 and the RF cable board 2 are integrally formed from an aluminum plate at one time. A cooling system is provided around the lower side of the backplane 3, which can effectively solve the problem of system heat dissipation. The backplane 3 has regularly arranged grid holes, while the radiation plate has irregularly arranged radiation mounting holes, and the two are irregularly interconnected. Therefore, in the present invention, an RF cable board 2 is added between the radiation plate 1 and the backplane 3 to realize electrical transmission. With flexible cables and floating blind plug connector joints, the requirements of unequal-spacing to equal-spacing and equal-phase are realized under irregular interconnection.

[0037] As Figure 5 shown, the first connector 4 includes a first pin 41, a first insulator 42, a first housing 43, a first ear 44, and a first sleeve 45; the first housing 43 is installed on the radiation plate 1 through the first ear 44, the first sleeve 45 is arranged in the first housing 43, the first pin 41 is arranged in the first sleeve 45, and the first insulator 42 is arranged between the first pin 41 and the first sleeve 45 to realize the insulation of the first pin 41.

[0038] AsFigure 6 As shown in the figure, the second connector 5 includes a second sleeve 51, a second pin 52, a second insulator 53, a second housing 54, a second spring 55, a nut 56 and a second snap ring 57. The second sleeve 51 is arranged in the connector mounting hole 22. The second housing 54 is arranged in the second sleeve 51. The second pin 52 is arranged in the second housing 54. The second insulator 53 is arranged between the second pin 52 and the second housing 54 to insulate the second pin 52. The second spring 55 is sleeved on the second housing 54. One end is limited by the step of the second sleeve 51, and the other end is axially limited by the second snap ring 57 sleeved on the second housing 54. The nut 56 is sleeved on the second housing 54, and an annular boss 561 is arranged on the inner side thereof. The annular boss 561 is located on one side of the second housing 54 to axially limit the inside of the second housing 54. At the same time, the nut 56 is located in the second sleeve 51 and is threadedly connected to the second sleeve 51 to axially limit the second snap ring 57.

[0039] As Figure 8 shown in the figure, the adapter 6 includes an adapter housing 61, an adapter insulator 62, an adapter snap ring 63 and an adapter socket 64. The adapter socket 64 is arranged in the adapter housing 61. The adapter insulator 62 is arranged between the adapter socket 64 and the adapter housing 61 to insulate the adapter socket 64. The adapter snap ring 63 is installed on the adapter housing 61 and cooperates with the first connector 4 and the second connector 5 respectively to axially limit the first connector 4 and the second connector 5.

[0040] As Figure 7 shown in the figure, the third connector 7 includes a third pin 71, a third insulator 72, a third housing 73, a third spring 74 and a flange 75. The third pin 71 is arranged in the third housing 73. The third insulator 72 is arranged between the third pin 71 and the third housing 73 to insulate the third pin 71. The third spring 74 is sleeved on the third housing 73, and one end of the third spring 74 is limited by a limit boss 731 arranged on the third housing 73, and the other end is limited by the flange 75. The flange 75 is arranged on the backplane 3 through a connecting piece. The first insulator 42, the second insulator 53 and the third insulator 72 are all made of polytetrafluoroethylene, and the radiation plate 1 and the backplane 3 are both made of aluminum plates.

[0041] As Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown in the figure, the radiation panel 1 is divided into four quadrants, with 22 sub-arrays 21 in one quadrant. Correspondingly, the RF cable panel 2 is also divided into four quadrants, with 22 sub-arrays 21 in one quadrant. The T / R modules are arranged regularly. Therefore, the third connectors 7 connected to the T / R modules are arranged regularly, while the first connectors 4 on the radiation panel 1 are arranged irregularly. The two are interconnected irregularly through the RF cable panel 2. Compared with the regular interconnection technology on the market, this irregular interconnection technology will be a major breakthrough in the radar industry.

[0042] When installing the equal-phase connection device, the radiation panel 1 is formed by one-time processing of hard aluminum plate and fixed to the frame of the active phased array radar using positioning screws and positioning pins. The backplane 3 is formed by one-time processing of hard aluminum plate and fixed to the frame of the active phased array radar using positioning screws and positioning pins.

[0043] In the present invention, the RF cable panel 2 is integrally formed by splicing aluminum plates processed in blocks and is connected to the radiation units (radiation panel 1 and first connectors 4). At the same time, the array grid plate 31 is integrally formed by splicing aluminum plates processed in strips and is connected to the backplane 3. After splicing, a space is set up by installing support columns 8 in the middle position between the two to facilitate wiring.

[0044] In the present invention, the RF cable panel 2 is formed by processing aluminum plates. In the design process, a "block design" is adopted in terms of structure, and "soft aluminum" material is selected in terms of material. This structure has the following advantages: 1. Blocking by sub-arrays simplifies the wiring design of the array surface and improves the assembly efficiency; 2. Blocking by sub-arrays 21 is convenient for installation, debugging and maintenance; 3. Blocking by sub-arrays 21 has low processing difficulty and low cost; 4. Selecting "soft aluminum" material has small processing deformation and improves the interchangeability of multiple channels.

[0045] In the present invention, the array grid plate 31 is formed by processing aluminum plates. In the design process, a "strip design" is adopted in terms of structure, and "hard aluminum" material is selected in terms of material. This structure has the following advantages: 1. Simplifies the wiring design of the array surface and improves the assembly efficiency; 2. Convenient for installation, debugging and maintenance; 3. Low processing difficulty and low cost; 4. Selecting "hard aluminum" material effectively solves the problem of poor stiffness.

[0046] The equal-phase connection device of the present invention can be provided with nearly 3000 cables, and the operating frequency is 14 - 18 GHz. The RF cable panel 2 of the equal-phase connection device of the present invention has a relatively wide operating frequency band in terms of electrical performance, and the operating frequency reaches 18 GHz. Most existing radars operate in the X-band: below 8 - 12 GHz, which cannot meet the requirements of the active sub-array 21 for wide frequency band in radar electronic warfare and multi-functional integration. The connection device of the present invention can meet the above requirements.

[0047] In the design of traditional phased array antenna structures, due to the large number of signal channels and high requirements for high-frequency transmission, the high-frequency signal transmission between various functional modules almost completely relies on rigid cables and high-frequency connectors, etc., making its structure complex, large in volume and occupying more space dimensions. By selecting flexible cables and bending techniques, and at the same time adopting structural "block" and "strip" designs, the volume of structural components is reduced, the installation space is saved, the requirement of equal phase from unequal spacing to equal spacing is realized, and it is suitable for the transmission of high-frequency signals at the same time.

[0048] The equal-phase connection device of the present invention has a high operating frequency, and floating blind-mate connectors are used at both ends of the RF interface. In order to reduce weight, aluminum materials are used. However, during the processing of aluminum materials, the positions where deformation is likely to occur will cause inconsistent connector heights, and the connectors cannot be installed in place, resulting in problems of inability to connect. At the same time, the positioning requirements for board-to-board connectors are relatively high, and it is difficult to align and insert when multiple groups are used, and the inner conductor is easily damaged; both ends of the connector of the present invention are considered to increase floating, so as to avoid the problem of misalignment of the radiator assembly caused by flatness problems, and at the same time effectively ensure the difficulty of insertion caused by misoperation and processing errors during multi-channel mating, providing protection for the insertion reliability.

Claims

1. An equal-phase connection device, characterized in that: It includes a radiation plate (1), a radio frequency cable plate (2), a backplane (3), a first connector (4), a second connector (5), an adapter (6) and a third connector (7); A plurality of through radiation mounting holes (11) are provided on the radiation plate (1), and the plurality of radiation mounting holes (11) are irregularly arranged. The first connector (4) is installed in the radiation mounting hole (11); The radio frequency cable plate (2) is located below the radiation plate (1) and is composed of a plurality of sub-arrays (21) spliced in sequence. A plurality of connector mounting holes (22) are provided on the sub-array (21); The second connector (5) is installed in the connector mounting hole (22), and the first connector (4) and the second connector (5) are connected through an adapter (6); The backplane (3) is located below the radio frequency cable plate (2). A plurality of array grid plates (31) are provided on the upper end surface thereof. A plurality of regularly arranged grid holes (32) are provided on the backplane (3), and the grid holes (32) penetrate through the array grid plates (31). The third connector (7) is installed in the grid hole (32) and is connected to the second connector (5) through a flexible cable; A support column (8) for supporting the radio frequency cable plate (2) is provided on the lower end surface of each sub-array (21). The support column (8) is used for winding the flexible cable to realize the equal-spacing and equal-phase connection between the second connector (5) and the third connector (7).

2. The isophase connection device according to claim 1, wherein: A plurality of wire passing holes (23) are provided on the sub-array (21) for winding the flexible cable.

3. The isophase connection device according to claim 2, wherein: A support boss (24) for supporting the radiation plate (1) is provided on the sub-array (21).

4. The isophase connection device according to claim 3, characterized in that: A connector mounting hole (22) is provided on the support boss (24) for installing the second connector (5).

5. The isophase connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The first connector (4) includes a first pin (41), a first insulator (42), a first housing (43), a first ear (44) and a first sleeve (45); The first housing (43) is installed on the radiation plate (1) through the first ear (44). The first sleeve (45) is arranged in the first housing (43). The first pin (41) is arranged in the first sleeve (45). The first insulator (42) is arranged between the first pin (41) and the first sleeve (45) to realize the insulation of the first pin (41).

6. The isophase connection device according to claim 5, wherein: The second connector (5) includes a second sleeve (51), a second pin (52), a second insulator (53), a second housing (54), a second spring (55), a nut (56) and a second snap ring (57); The second sleeve (51) is arranged in the connector mounting hole (22), the second housing (54) is arranged in the second sleeve (51), the second pin (52) is arranged in the second housing (54), and the second insulator (53) is arranged between the second pin (52) and the second housing (54) to insulate the second pin (52). The second spring (55) is sleeved on the second housing (54), with one end limited by the step of the second sleeve (51) and the other end axially limited by the second snap ring (57) sleeved on the second housing (54). The nut (56) is sleeved on the second housing (54), and an annular boss (561) is arranged on the inner side. The annular boss (561) is located on one side of the second housing (54) to axially limit the inside of the second housing (54). At the same time, the nut (56) is located in the second sleeve (51) and is threadedly connected to the second sleeve (51) to axially limit the second snap ring (57).

7. The isophase connection device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The adapter (6) includes an adapter housing (61), an adapter insulator (62), an adapter snap ring (63), and an adapter socket (64). The adapter socket (64) is arranged in the adapter housing (61), and the adapter insulator (62) is arranged between the adapter socket (64) and the adapter housing (61) to insulate the adapter socket (64). The adapter snap ring (63) is installed on the adapter housing (61) and cooperates with the first connector (4) and the second connector (5) respectively to axially limit the first connector (4) and the second connector (5).

8. The isophase connection device according to claim 7, wherein: The third connector (7) includes a third pin (71), a third insulator (72), a third housing (73), a third spring (74), and a flange (75). The third pin (71) is arranged in the third housing (73), the third insulator (72) is arranged between the third pin (71) and the third housing (73) to insulate the third pin (71). The third spring (74) is sleeved on the third housing (73), and one end of the third spring (74) is limited by the limiting boss (731) arranged on the third housing (73), and the other end is limited by the flange (75). The flange (75) is arranged on the backplane (3) through a connecting piece.

9. The equal-phase connection device according to claim 8, wherein: The first insulator (42), the second insulator (53), and the third insulator (72) are all made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

10. The isophase connection device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The radiation plate (1) and the backplane (3) are both made of aluminum plates.

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