A synchronous deployment mechanism for a three-fold radiating rib umbrella-shaped antenna with locking

Abstract

The present invention discloses a locking three-fold radiating rib umbrella-shaped antenna synchronous unfolding mechanism, comprising a central hub, two sides of the central hub are fixedly connected to a scroll spring mechanism through a support, one end of a cam is coaxially fixedly connected to the central axis of the scroll spring mechanism, the other end of the cam is connected to one end of a radiating rib, and the radiating rib rotates with the rotation of the cam; the other end of the radiating rib is a pointed section, the root of the pointed section is fixedly connected to one end of a pointed rib unfolding cable, the other end of the pointed rib unfolding cable is wound on the synchronous mechanism, the synchronous mechanism is connected to the central hub through an axis, one end of a root rib unfolding cable is connected to the cam, the other end of the root rib unfolding cable is wound on the synchronous mechanism, the radiating rib is divided into three sections, connected by a connecting part, and the connecting part is connected to a locking mechanism. The present invention adopts a three-fold radiating rib design, the radiating rib is divided into a root rib, an intermediate rib, and a pointed rib, while ensuring a larger caliber, it meets a smaller folding space and has a higher storage ratio.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of satellite-borne antennas, and in particular relates to a synchronous unfolding mechanism of a locking three-fold radiation rib umbrella-shaped antenna. Background Art

[0002] The main forms of large space deployable antennas are: solid surface deployable antennas, umbrella-shaped deployable antennas, frame-type deployable antennas, ring-shaped deployable antennas, inflatable deployable antennas, semi-rigid deployable antennas, etc. Limited by factors such as folded volume and weight, there are fewer antenna forms to choose from for antennas with large calibers, mainly umbrella-shaped deployable, ring-shaped deployable, inflatable deployable, etc. Due to the limitation of rocket caliber, large-caliber satellite antennas cannot be directly transported to space. Therefore, satellite technology needs to be strong enough to withstand the harsh test of the space environment, light and reliable, and they must also be designed to reside in a limited volume.

[0003] At present, the umbrella-shaped deployable antenna has significant advantages in terms of storage ratio and deployment performance, so many international aerospace research institutions and many research institutes have conducted extensive research on it. The umbrella-shaped deployable antenna is composed of a number of parabolic tubular radiating ribs fixed on a central hub, and the reflective mesh is connected between these ribs. After being in orbit, the radiating ribs are deployed to drive the reflective mesh to unfold to the working state. The umbrella-shaped deployable antenna was first developed by the United States. Later, many countries conducted research on this type of antenna and applied it to satellites. In 2017, Jonathan Sauder and others from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) of the California Institute of Technology disclosed a prototype of an umbrella-shaped deployable antenna (Jonathan Sauder, Nacer Chahat, Brian Hirsch, Richard Hodges, Eva Peral, From prototype to flight: qualifying a Ka-band parabolic deployable antenna (KaPDA) for CubeSats, 4th AIAA Spacecraft Structures Conference, 9-13 January 2017, Grapevine, Texas). The umbrella-shaped antenna is mainly composed of a hub, a sharp rib, a root rib, a constant force spring, and a secondary surface. However, the folded size of the umbrella-shaped antenna is large, the storage ratio is low, the synchronization is poor, and it has a large impact when unfolded. Summary of the invention

[0004] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the above-mentioned prior art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a synchronous unfolding mechanism of a three-fold radiating rib umbrella-shaped antenna with a lock, which adopts a three-fold radiating rib design. The radiating ribs are divided into root ribs, middle ribs and pointed ribs. While ensuring a larger diameter, it meets a smaller folding space and has a higher storage ratio.

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0006] A locking three-fold radiating rib umbrella-shaped antenna synchronous unfolding mechanism, comprising a central hub, a scroll spring mechanism, a cam, radiating ribs, a pointed rib unfolding cable, a root rib unfolding cable, a locking mechanism, and a synchronous mechanism;

[0007] The two sides of the center hub are fixedly connected to the volute spring mechanism through supports. The volute spring mechanism consists of a volute spring, a center shaft, an end cover and a support. The outer end of the volute spring is fixed on the end cover, and the inner end is fixed on the center shaft. The end cover and the center shaft are coaxially fixed together. One end of the cam is coaxially fixedly connected to the center shaft of the volute spring mechanism, and the other end of the cam is connected to one end of the radiating rib. The radiating rib rotates with the rotation of the cam; the other end of the radiating rib is a pointed section, and the root of the pointed section is fixedly connected to one end of the pointed rib expansion cable, and the other end of the pointed rib expansion cable is wound around the synchronization mechanism. The synchronization mechanism is connected to the center hub through a shaft, and one end of the root rib expansion cable is connected to the cam, and the other end of the root rib expansion cable is wound around the synchronization mechanism. The radiating rib is divided into three sections, which are connected by connecting parts, and the connecting parts are connected to the locking mechanism.

[0008] The radial ribs include root ribs, middle ribs, sharp ribs, intercostal shafts, and intercostal pulleys;

[0009] The upper surfaces of the root rib, the middle rib and the pointed rib are all parabolic surfaces. The root rib and the middle rib are hinged via the intercostal axis. The middle rib rotates around the intercostal axis, and the pointed rib rotates around the intercostal axis to complete the deployment of the radial ribs.

[0010] The inter-rib pulley is used to guide the pointed rib deployment cable and the root rib deployment cable, change the direction of the pulling force, and reduce the friction force on the pointed rib deployment cable and the root rib deployment cable during the deployment process of the radial rib.

[0011] The locking mechanism comprises a fixed lock hook, a movable lock hook, a torsion spring, a lock hook fixing hole, and an intercostal shaft;

[0012] The fixed lock hook is fixed on the radiation rib through the lock hook fixing hole;

[0013] The movable locking hook is connected to the radial rib via the inter-rib axis and is used to lock the radial rib;

[0014] The torsion spring provides a locking torque for the movable locking hook in a normal state, so as to lock the locking mechanism.

[0015] The synchronous mechanism includes a synchronous pulley, a root rib winding wheel, a sharp rib winding wheel, and a rotating shaft;

[0016] The synchronous pulley is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft and is connected to the central hub through the rotating shaft; the root rib winding wheel is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft; and the pointed rib winding wheel is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft.

[0017] The central hub is a fixed component. The upper surface and the bottom surface of the central hub are both provided with openings, and the bottom surface is provided with reinforcing ribs.

[0018] The diameter of the radiation ribs when unfolded is 2m, and when folded, they can be folded into a volume of 450×450×420mm.

[0019] Beneficial effects of the present invention:

[0020] The present invention adopts a three-fold radial rib design, and the radial ribs are divided into root ribs, middle ribs, and pointed ribs. While ensuring a larger caliber, it meets a smaller folding space and has a higher storage ratio. It uses a rope mechanism (root rib deployment cable and pointed rib deployment cable) and a scroll spring to work together to unfold, and then use a locking mechanism to lock it. The unfolding process is relatively smooth and the impact is small. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the overall structure of a synchronous unfolding mechanism of a locked three-fold radiating rib umbrella-shaped antenna provided in an embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded state.

[0022] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a locked three-fold radiating rib umbrella-shaped antenna in a folded state is provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the connection mode of the tip rib deployment cable and the root rib deployment cable in the synchronous deployment mechanism of a locked three-fold radiating rib umbrella-shaped antenna provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 An exploded schematic diagram of a tri-fold radiating rib component in a synchronous unfolding mechanism of a tri-fold radiating rib umbrella-shaped antenna with locking provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a locking mechanism in a synchronous deployment mechanism of a three-fold radiating rib umbrella-shaped antenna with locking provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6A schematic diagram of the structure of a synchronization mechanism in a synchronization deployment mechanism of a locking three-fold radiating rib umbrella-shaped antenna provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Description of reference numerals:

[0028] 1-center hub; 2-scroll spring mechanism; 3-cam; 4-radial rib; 5-pointed rib deployment cable; 6-root rib deployment cable; 7-locking mechanism; 8-synchronizing mechanism; 41-root rib; 42-middle rib; 43-pointed rib; 44-inter-rib shaft; 45-inter-rib pulley; 71-fixed lock hook; 72-movable lock hook; 73-torsion spring; 74-lock hook fixing hole; 75-inter-rib shaft; 81-synchronous pulley; 82-root rib winding wheel; 83-pointed rib winding wheel; 84-rotating shaft. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The present invention will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Embodiment 1

[0031] See also Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the overall structure of a synchronous unfolding mechanism of a three-fold radiating rib umbrella-shaped antenna with locking provided by an embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded state. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a locked three-fold radiating rib umbrella-shaped antenna synchronous deployment mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown in a folded state. This embodiment provides a locked three-fold radiating rib umbrella-shaped antenna synchronous deployment mechanism, and the locked three-fold radiating rib umbrella-shaped antenna synchronous deployment mechanism includes:

[0032] Central hub 1, scroll spring mechanism 2, cam 3, radial rib 4, pointed rib unfolding cable 5, root rib unfolding cable 6, locking mechanism 7, synchronization mechanism 8.

[0033] Specifically, it can be seen from the above that the conventional umbrella-shaped deployable antenna has a large impact when deployed, and it is difficult to have a small folded size, the storage ratio is low, and the synchronization during the deployment of the radiator ribs is poor. Based on the above problems, this example proposes a synchronous deployment mechanism for a three-fold radiator rib umbrella-shaped antenna with locking. For details, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 ,as well as Figure 3 , Figure 3A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the connection method of the tip rib deployment cable and the root rib deployment cable in the synchronous deployment mechanism of a locked three-fold radiating rib umbrella-shaped antenna provided in an embodiment of the present invention. It can be seen that in this embodiment, the central hub 1 is a cylindrical fixed component, the upper surface and the bottom surface of the central hub 1 are both provided with openings, and the bottom surface is provided with reinforcing ribs, the scroll spring mechanism 2 is composed of a scroll spring, a central axis, an end cover, and a support, the lower end of the support is a C-shaped clip-like structure, the scroll spring mechanism 2 is fixed to the outermost circle of the upper surface of the central hub 1 by its support, the cam 3 is coaxially fixedly connected to the central axis of the scroll spring mechanism 2, and the central axis of the scroll spring mechanism 2 is axially flat The radiating rib 4 is fixedly connected to the cam 3 and rotates with the rotation of the cam. One end of the pointed rib deployment cable 5 is fixedly connected to the root of the pointed section of the radiating rib 4 and passes through the inside of the radiating rib, and the other end is wound around the synchronization mechanism 8. One end of the root rib deployment cable 6 is fixed on the cam 3, and the other end is wound around the synchronization mechanism 8. The locking mechanism 7 is fixedly connected to the connecting part of the three sections of the radiating rib 4. The synchronization mechanism 8 is connected to the hole opened on the upper surface of the center hub 1 through an axis, and the axis of the synchronization mechanism 8 is perpendicular to the upper surface of the center hub 1 to form a locked three-fold radiating rib umbrella-shaped antenna synchronization deployment mechanism.

[0034] Please see again Figure 1 , Figure 2 When the antenna is deployed, the root rib deployment cable 6 begins to relax under the rotation of the synchronization mechanism 8, and the central axis of the spiral spring mechanism 2 begins to rotate under the release of the elastic force of the spiral spring. At the same time, the root rib of the radiation rib 4 is deployed along with the rotation of the central axis of the spiral spring mechanism 2, and the pointed rib deployment cable 5 begins to wind and tighten under the rotation of the synchronization mechanism 8. The pointed rib of the radiation rib 4 and the fixed end of the pointed rib deployment cable 5 begin to move, and the pointed rib rotates around the inter-rib axis to deploy, and the tightening stroke of the pointed rib deployment cable 5 is greater than the loosening stroke of the root rib deployment cable 6. When the root rib deployment cable 6 is completely relaxed, the root rib of the radiation rib 4 is completely deployed, and the middle rib and the pointed rib of the radiation rib 4 continue to deploy while the pointed rib deployment cable 5 is tightened until it is fully deployed. At this time, the locking mechanism 7 locks the radiation rib 4 in the fully deployed state.

[0035] Furthermore, the radiation rib 4 of this embodiment includes a root rib 41 , a middle rib 42 , a sharp rib 43 , an inter-rib shaft 44 , and an inter-rib pulley 45 .

[0036] Specifically, see Figure 4 , Figure 4An exploded schematic diagram of a tri-fold radiator rib component in a synchronous unfolding mechanism of a tri-fold radiator rib umbrella-shaped antenna with locking provided by an embodiment of the present invention shows that the upper surfaces of the root rib 41, the middle rib 42 and the sharp rib 43 are all parabolic surfaces, the root rib 41 and the middle rib 42 are hinged by the inter-rib shaft 44, the sharp rib 43 rotates around the inter-rib pin 44 to complete the unfolding of the sharp rib, the middle rib 42 rotates around the inter-rib pin 44 to complete the unfolding of the middle rib, the root rib 41 is fixedly connected to the cam 3, The cam 3 is fixed on the lower bottom surface of the root of the root rib, and the cam is fixedly sleeved on the central axis of the scroll spring mechanism 2, and rotates with the rotation of the central axis, thereby driving the root rib to unfold. The scroll spring mechanism 2 provides an unfolding torque for the root rib 41 in a normal state, which is used for the unfolding of the root rib 41. The inter-rib pulley 45 is used for guiding the pointed rib unfolding cable 5 and the root rib unfolding cable 6, changing the direction of the pulling force, and reducing the friction force exerted on the pointed rib unfolding cable 5 and the root rib unfolding cable 6 during the unfolding process of the radial rib 4.

[0037] Furthermore, the locking mechanism 7 of this embodiment includes a fixed locking hook 71 , a movable locking hook 72 , a torsion spring 73 , a locking hook fixing hole 74 , and an intercostal shaft 75 .

[0038] Specifically, see Figure 5 , Figure 5 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the locking mechanism in a synchronous unfolding mechanism of a locked three-fold radiating rib umbrella-shaped antenna provided in an embodiment of the present invention. It can be seen that the fixed lock hook 71 in the locking mechanism 7 of this embodiment is fixed to the roots of the middle rib 42 and the pointed rib 43 through the lock hook fixing hole 74, and the movable lock hook 72 is connected to the top of the root rib 41 and the middle rib 42 through the inter-rib shaft 75. The torsion spring 73 is sleeved on the inter-rib shaft 75 and provides a locking torque for the movable lock hook 72 under normal conditions. When the antenna is unfolded, the fixed lock hook 71 pushes open the movable lock hook 72 by contact. When the radiating rib 4 is fully unfolded, the fixed lock hook 71 is out of contact with the movable lock hook 72. At this time, the movable lock hook 72 is reset and locked under the action of the torsion spring 73, so that the radiating rib 4 is locked.

[0039] Furthermore, the synchronization mechanism 8 of this embodiment includes a synchronous pulley 81 , a root rib winding wheel 82 , a sharp rib winding wheel 83 , and a rotating shaft 84 .

[0040] Specifically, see Figure 6 , Figure 6A schematic diagram of the structure of the synchronization mechanism in a synchronous unfolding mechanism of a locking three-fold radiating rib umbrella-shaped antenna provided in an embodiment of the present invention. It can be seen that the synchronous pulley 81 in the synchronization mechanism 8 of this embodiment is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 84, and is connected to the center hub 1 through the rotating shaft 84. The rotating shaft 84 passes through the opening on the upper surface of the center hub 1. The rotating shaft 84 cannot slide up and down in the opening on the upper surface of the center hub 1 and can only rotate. The root rib winding wheel 82 is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 84, and the pointed rib winding wheel 83 is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 84. The synchronization mechanism 8 is evenly distributed on the upper surface of the center hub 1, and the simultaneous rotation of the synchronous pulley 81 is achieved through the synchronous belt, thereby providing synchronization for the antenna unfolding.

[0041] The working process of the synchronous deployment mechanism of the locked three-fold radiating rib umbrella-shaped antenna provided in this embodiment is described as follows:

[0042] The synchronous unfolding mechanism of the locked three-fold radiating rib umbrella-shaped antenna in this embodiment includes a central hub 1, a scroll spring mechanism 2, a cam 3, radiating ribs 4, a pointed rib unfolding cable 5, a root rib unfolding cable 6, a locking mechanism 7, and a synchronous mechanism 8. One end of the root rib deployment cable 6 is fixed on the cam, and the other end passes through the opening of the base of the spiral spring mechanism 2 and is fixed on the root rib winding wheel 82. One end of the pointed rib deployment cable 5 is fixed on the root of the pointed rib 43, and passes through the center of the radial rib 4 through the inter-rib pulley 45, and then passes through the slot of the cam and is fixed on the pointed rib winding wheel 83. In the retracted state, the spiral spring mechanism 2 is in a compressed state. When deployed, the synchronous pulley 81 rotates clockwise under the action of the synchronous belt. At this time, the root rib winding wheel 82 and the pointed rib winding wheel 83 rotate synchronously. The root rib deployment cable 6 begins to relax under the action of the synchronization mechanism 8, and the root rib 41 begins to unfold. The pointed rib deployment cable 5 begins to wind and tighten under the action of the synchronization mechanism 8, and the middle rib 42 and the pointed rib 43 begin to unfold. When the radial rib 4 is deployed in place, the locking mechanism 7 is locked.

[0043] In summary, this embodiment adopts a three-stage radiating rib design, which has a small folded volume while meeting the caliber requirements; this embodiment adopts a rope mechanism (pointed rib deployment cable 5 and root rib deployment cable 6) in conjunction with a scroll spring mechanism 2 and a synchronization mechanism 8 to complete the deployment of the radiating rib, and the antenna deployment synchronization is good. Therefore, this embodiment solves the problem of poor synchronization when the existing antenna is deployed, has the advantages of small folded volume and stable deployment, and can be used in the design of high-precision umbrella-shaped deployable antennas.

Claims

1. A synchronous unfolding mechanism for a three-fold radiating rib umbrella-shaped antenna with locking, characterized in that: It comprises a central hub (1), a scroll spring mechanism (2), a cam (3), a radial rib (4), a pointed rib deployment cable (5), a root rib deployment cable (6), a locking mechanism (7), and a synchronization mechanism (8); The two sides of the central hub (1) are fixedly connected to the scroll spring mechanism (2) through supports, one end of the cam (3) is coaxially fixedly connected to the central axis of the scroll spring mechanism (2), the other end of the cam (3) is connected to one end of the radiating rib (4), and the radiating rib (4) rotates with the rotation of the cam (3); the other end of the radiating rib (4) is a pointed section, the root of the pointed section is fixedly connected to one end of the pointed rib deployment cable (5), the other end of the pointed rib deployment cable (5) is wound around the synchronization mechanism (8), the synchronization mechanism (8) is connected to the central hub (1) through an axis, the cam (3) is connected to one end of the root rib deployment cable (6), the other end of the root rib deployment cable (6) is wound around the synchronization mechanism (8), the radiating rib (4) is divided into three sections, which are connected through a connecting part, and the connecting part is connected to a locking mechanism (7); The radial rib (4) comprises a root rib (41), an intermediate rib (42), a pointed rib (43), an inter-rib shaft (44), and an inter-rib pulley (45); The upper surfaces of the root rib (41), the middle rib (42) and the pointed rib (43) are all paraboloidal surfaces; the root rib (41) and the middle rib (42) are hingedly connected via the intercostal axis one (44); the middle rib (42) rotates around the intercostal axis one (44); and the pointed rib (43) rotates around the intercostal axis one (44), thereby completing the deployment of the radial rib (4); The inter-rib pulley (45) is used to guide the pointed rib deployment cable (5) and the root rib deployment cable (6), change the direction of the pulling force, and reduce the friction force exerted on the pointed rib deployment cable (5) and the root rib deployment cable (6) during the deployment process of the radial rib (4); When the antenna is deployed, the root rib deployment cable (6) begins to relax under the rotation of the synchronization mechanism (8), the central axis of the spiral spring mechanism (2) begins to rotate under the release of the elastic force of the spiral spring, and at the same time, the root rib of the radiation rib (4) is deployed along with the rotation of the central axis of the spiral spring mechanism (2), the pointed rib deployment cable (5) begins to wind and tighten under the rotation of the synchronization mechanism (8), the pointed rib of the radiation rib (4) and the fixed end of the pointed rib deployment cable (5) begin to move, and the pointed rib rotates around the inter-rib axis to deploy, the tightening stroke of the pointed rib deployment cable (5) is greater than the relaxation stroke of the root rib deployment cable (6), when the root rib deployment cable (6) is completely relaxed, the root rib of the radiation rib (4) is completely deployed, and the middle rib and the pointed rib of the radiation rib (4) continue to deploy while the pointed rib deployment cable (5) is tightened until it is fully deployed, at which time the locking mechanism (7) locks the radiation rib (4) in the fully deployed state.

2. The synchronous unfolding mechanism of a locking tri-fold radiating rib umbrella-shaped antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking mechanism (7) comprises a fixed locking hook (71), a movable locking hook (72), a torsion spring (73), a locking hook fixing hole (74), and a second intercostal shaft (75); The fixed locking hook (71) is fixed on the radiating rib (4) through the locking hook fixing hole (74); The movable locking hook (72) is connected to the radiating rib (4) via the second intercostal axis (75) and is used to lock the radiating rib (4); The torsion spring (73) provides a locking torque for the movable locking hook (72) in a normal state, and is used for locking the locking mechanism (7).

3. The synchronous unfolding mechanism of a locking tri-fold radiating rib umbrella-shaped antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The synchronization mechanism (8) comprises a synchronous pulley (81), a root rib winding wheel (82), a sharp rib winding wheel (83), and a rotating shaft (84); The synchronous pulley (81) is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft (84), and is connected to the central hub (1) via the rotating shaft (84); the root rib winding wheel (82) is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft (84); and the pointed rib winding wheel (83) is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft (84).

4. The synchronous unfolding mechanism of a locking tri-fold radiating rib umbrella-shaped antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The central hub (1) is a fixed component; the upper surface and the bottom surface of the central hub (1) are both provided with openings, and the bottom surface is provided with reinforcing ribs.

5. The synchronous unfolding mechanism of a locking tri-fold radiating rib umbrella-shaped antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The diameter of the radiation rib (4) is 2m when unfolded, and can be folded into a volume of 450×450×420mm when folded.

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