A spaceborne cassegrainian umbrella mesh deployable antenna

Abstract

The application provides a satellite-borne Cassegrain umbrella-shaped mesh deployable antenna, which comprises an antenna base, an antenna storage cylinder, an antenna rib, an antenna deployment mechanism, an antenna deployment zipper device, an antenna lifting device, a wire mesh reflector, a feed horn and a sub-reflector, the antenna lifting device is configured to move along the antenna storage cylinder, the antenna base is connected with the antenna lifting device, the antenna deployment mechanism is rotatably connected with the antenna base, the antenna deployment zipper device is connected with the antenna deployment mechanism, the antenna rib is rotatably connected with the antenna base and the antenna deployment mechanism respectively, the wire mesh reflector is arranged on the antenna rib, the feed horn is connected with the antenna base, and the sub-reflector is arranged on the feed horn. The antenna rib is driven to deploy from the back surface, which does not interfere with the field of view of the antenna and ensures high precision of the antenna.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of satellite antenna technology, and more specifically, to a spaceborne Cassegrain umbrella-type deployable mesh antenna. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the more mature spaceborne deployable antennas, such as fixed-surface, inflatable, frame-type, and peripheral truss-type antennas, all struggle to simultaneously meet the requirements of high packing ratio and high precision. Umbrella-shaped deployable antennas, on the other hand, have significant advantages in terms of packing ratio, areal density, deployment performance, and shape preservation in on-orbit thermal environments, attracting considerable attention and extensive research from numerous international aerospace research institutions.

[0003] An umbrella-shaped deployable antenna refers to a flexible reflector supported by ribs. When retracted, the supporting ribs retract; after being placed on the track, the supporting ribs unfold, causing the flexible reflector to unfold to its working state. Radial rib antennas have been developed by multiple organizations in several countries and have been applied to transmitting models.

[0004] In the existing technology, Zhang Lihua et al. disclosed a "Queqiao" umbrella-shaped deployable antenna in the paper "Technical Characteristics of the Relay Satellite 'Queqiao' in the Chang'e-4 Mission" (Science in China: Technological Sciences, 2019, 49(02): 138-146). This umbrella-shaped deployable antenna is a parabolic antenna, mainly composed of deployable ribs, a metal mesh, and a central cylinder. However, the efficiency of this umbrella-shaped deployable antenna is lower than that of the Cassegrain-type umbrella mesh deployable antenna, and the structure is not compact enough. When the antenna is deployed, each rib is driven by a spring, resulting in poor synchronization during the deployment process, and the deployment rib driving mechanism is relatively complex.

[0005] Chinese invention patent CN110534918A discloses a single-drive umbrella-shaped antenna with synchronous deployment of the main and secondary surfaces. It uses a rope and a spring to make the main and secondary surfaces of the antenna deploy in anti-synchronous manner. The mechanism that drives the antenna deployment is located on the parabolic surface of the antenna, which will interfere with and affect the antenna's field of view.

[0006] To address this, the present invention provides a spaceborne Cassegrain umbrella-type deployable mesh antenna that is driven to deploy from the back of the antenna ribs, without interfering with or affecting the antenna's field of view, thus ensuring the antenna's high precision. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a spaceborne Cassegrain umbrella-type deployable mesh antenna.

[0008] The present invention provides a spaceborne Cassegrain umbrella-type deployable mesh antenna, comprising an antenna base, an antenna storage cylinder, antenna ribs, an antenna deployment mechanism, an antenna deployment zipper device, an antenna lifting device, a mesh reflector, a feed horn, and a sub-reflector. The antenna lifting device is configured to move along the antenna storage cylinder. The antenna base is connected to the antenna lifting device. The antenna deployment mechanism is rotatably connected to the antenna base. The antenna deployment zipper device is connected to the antenna deployment mechanism. The antenna ribs are rotatably connected to the antenna base and the antenna deployment mechanism, respectively. The mesh reflector is disposed on the antenna ribs. The feed horn is connected to the antenna base. The sub-reflector is disposed on the feed horn. The antenna has deployed and retracted states. When the antenna is in the retracted state, the antenna base, antenna deployment mechanism, antenna ribs, antenna deployment zipper device, mesh reflector, feed horn, and sub-reflector are stored in the antenna storage cylinder.

[0009] Furthermore, the antenna lifting device includes a ball screw, a screw nut, a movable chassis, and a motor. The ball screw is parallel to the length direction of the antenna storage cylinder, and both ends of the ball screw are rotatably connected to the antenna storage cylinder. The screw nut is disposed on the ball screw, the movable chassis is sleeved on the ball screw and connected to the screw nut, and the output end of the motor is connected to the ball screw.

[0010] Furthermore, the antenna base includes a fixed chassis and a sleeve. The sleeve is connected to the fixed chassis. The sleeve is provided with an antenna rib mounting seat. The antenna rib mounting seat is provided with a first hinge. The fixed chassis is provided with a second hinge near the sleeve. The fixed chassis is provided with a third hinge near the edge. The fixed chassis is connected to the movable chassis.

[0011] Furthermore, the antenna deployment mechanism includes a rotating guide rail, a guide rod, a first rocker arm, and a second rocker arm. The rotating guide rail includes a circular sleeve guide rail and a hinge hole. The rotating guide rail is connected to the second hinge through the hinge hole. The first end of the guide rod is disposed in the circular sleeve guide rail to form a sliding pair. The first end of the first rocker arm is connected to the third hinge. The second end of the guide rod, the second end of the first rocker arm, and the first end of the second rocker arm are rotatably connected coaxially.

[0012] Furthermore, the antenna rib includes a rib body and a fixed connecting rod. The rib body is parabolic in shape, the fixed connecting rod is connected to the convex side of the rib body, one end of the rib body is connected to the first hinge, and the end of the fixed connecting rod is rotatably connected to the second end of the second rocker arm.

[0013] Preferably, the concave side of the rib is provided with a wire mesh, and the reflective surface of the wire mesh is stitched to the wire mesh.

[0014] Furthermore, it also includes a waveguide, which is arranged along the center of the antenna housing and the antenna base, and the feed horn moves along the waveguide.

[0015] Furthermore, the antenna deployment zipper device includes a pull rope, a fixed pulley group, and a movable disk. The movable disk is sleeved on the waveguide and is located on the side of the movable chassis away from the fixed chassis. The fixed pulley group is disposed on the movable chassis. The pull rope is connected to the movable disk and the first end of the guide rod, respectively.

[0016] Preferably, the inside of the antenna storage cylinder is provided with a guide rail groove along the length direction of the antenna storage cylinder, and the moving disk cooperates with the guide rail groove.

[0017] Preferably, it further includes an antenna clamping release device, which includes a fastening bandage and a hot knife. When the antenna is in the retracted state, the fastening bandage fastens the rib, and the hot knife is configured to cut the fastening bandage.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0019] 1. The spaceborne Cassegrain umbrella-type deployable antenna provided by the present invention achieves synchronous deployment of the antenna ribs by combining the antenna deployment mechanism on the back of the antenna ribs and the antenna deployment zipper device.

[0020] 2. The spaceborne Cassegrain umbrella-type deployable antenna provided by the present invention has an antenna deployment mechanism that, together with the antenna base and antenna ribs, forms a double rotating guide rod mechanism. The antenna ribs are deployed from the back, which does not interfere with the antenna's field of view and ensures the antenna's high precision.

[0021] 3. The spaceborne Cassegrain umbrella-type deployable antenna provided by the present invention utilizes a combination of an antenna pull lock device and an antenna lifting mechanism to provide power for pulling the antenna ribs to deploy, reducing the power source; the antenna deployment is controlled by the rising speed provided by the motor, which improves the reliability of antenna deployment and makes antenna deployment controllable. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Other features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the deployed state of the umbrella-type mesh antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the umbrella-type mesh antenna in its deployed state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the umbrella-type mesh antenna in its collapsed state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna base according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the unfolded single antenna rib according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a partial view of the antenna in deployed state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna lifting device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna rising out of the antenna storage cylinder according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the overall antenna retracted state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] in,

[0033] 1-Antenna base, 11-Fixing chassis, 12-Antenna rib mounting bracket, 13-Sleeve, 14-First hinge, 15-Second hinge, 16-Third hinge

[0034] 2- Antenna storage cylinder,

[0035] 3-Antenna rib, 31-Rib body, 32-Fixing link,

[0036] 4-Antenna deployment mechanism, 41-Rotating guide rail, 42-Guide rod, 43-First rocker arm, 44-Second rocker arm

[0037] 5-Antenna deployment cable mechanism, 51-Pull rope, 52-Fixed pulley block, 53-Moving disc.

[0038] 6-Antenna lifting device, 61-Ball screw, 62-Screw nut, 63-Mobile chassis, 64-Motor, 65-Light mast,

[0039] 7-Antenna clamping release device,

[0040] 8-Feedback horn,

[0041] 9-Secondary reflector,

[0042] 10-Silk screen reflective surface,

[0043] 11-Waveguide. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to specific embodiments. These embodiments will help those skilled in the art to further understand the present invention, but do not limit the invention in any way. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several changes and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention. These all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0045] This invention provides a spaceborne Cassegrain umbrella-type deployable mesh antenna. By setting an antenna deployment mechanism and an antenna deployment zipper device on the back of the antenna ribs, the antenna ribs are deployed synchronously, which improves the efficiency and accuracy of the parabolic antenna, ensures that the antenna field of view is free from interference, and solves the problems of complex drive mechanism, poor synchronization of deployment process and insufficient compact structure.

[0046] The spaceborne Cassegrain umbrella-type deployable mesh antenna in this embodiment, when in its retracted state, is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, when in the unfolded state... Figure 1 As shown.

[0047] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the deployable antenna in this embodiment includes an antenna base 1, an antenna storage cylinder 2, an antenna rib 3, an antenna deployment mechanism 4, an antenna deployment zipper device 5, an antenna lifting device 6, a feed horn 8, a sub-reflector 9, a wire mesh reflector 10, and a waveguide 11.

[0048] The antenna storage cylinder 2 is fixed to the satellite payload platform and is used to store the antenna. In this embodiment, the antenna storage cylinder 2 is cylindrical, capable of completely storing the antenna inside. The antenna storage cylinder 2 includes cylindrical side walls, a bottom wall, and a partially open top wall. The open area of ​​the top wall is located at the center of the wall surface, allowing the antenna to be retracted into the antenna storage cylinder 2.

[0049] like Figure 7As shown, the antenna lifting device 6 includes a ball screw 61, a screw nut 62, a movable base 63, and a motor 64. The ball screw 61 is arranged parallel to the length of the antenna housing 2, and its two ends are connected to the bottom and top walls of the antenna housing 2 via bearings, allowing the ball screw 61 to rotate. The screw nut 62 is threaded to the ball screw 61. The movable base 63 is fitted onto the ball screw 61 and connected to the screw nut 62, which supports the movable base 63. When the ball screw 61 rotates, the screw nut 62 moves up and down relative to the ball screw 61, driving the movable base 63 to move. The output end of the motor 64 is connected to the ball screw 61, and the motor 64 drives the ball screw 61 to rotate. In this embodiment, the motor 64 is located outside the antenna housing 2.

[0050] The ball screw 61, screw nut 62, and motor 64 are arranged in groups. In this embodiment, two groups are arranged and located in the same diameter direction of the movable chassis 63. In other embodiments, the antenna lifting device 6 may also be provided with a guide rod 65, which is parallel to the ball screw 61 and fixedly connected to the antenna housing 2 at both ends. There are two guide rods 65, and the guide rods 65 are located in the radial direction perpendicular to the line connecting the ball screws 61. The movable chassis 63 passes through the guide rods 65, and the guide rods 65 provide guidance for the movable chassis 63.

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, the antenna base 1 includes a fixed base 11, an antenna rib mounting seat 12, and a sleeve 13. The end of the sleeve 13 is fixedly connected to the fixed base 11. The antenna rib mounting seat 12 is fitted onto the sleeve 13 near the fixed base 11, and the antenna rib mounting seat 12 is fixedly connected to the sleeve 13. A first hinge 14 is provided on the antenna rib mounting seat 12, a second hinge 15 is provided at the connection between the fixed base 11 and the sleeve 13, and a third hinge 16 is provided at the edge of the fixed base 11. Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the fixed chassis 11 is fixedly connected to the movable chassis 63, and the fixed chassis 11 is moved by the up and down movement of the movable chassis 63.

[0052] The first hinge 14, the second hinge 15, and the third hinge 16 are arranged in a group, and the first hinge 14, the second hinge 15, and the third hinge 16 in the same group are coplanar.

[0053] like Figure 6As shown, the antenna deployment mechanism 4 includes a rotating guide rail 41, a guide rod 42, a first rocker arm 43, and a second rocker arm 44. The rotating guide rail 41 consists of a circular sleeve guide rail and a hinge hole at the end of the circular sleeve guide rail. The first end of the guide rod 42 is placed inside the circular sleeve guide rail of the rotating guide rail 41, forming a sliding pair between the guide rod 42 and the rotating guide rail 41. A wire outlet hole is also provided at the end of the circular sleeve guide rail near the hinge hole. The hinge hole of the rotating guide rail 41 is connected to the second hinge 15, and the first end of the first rocker arm 43 is connected to the third hinge 16. The second ends of the guide rod 42, the second ends of the first rocker arm 43, and the first ends of the second rocker arm 44 are collinearly hinged. Since the rotating arm formed by the guide rod 42 and the rotating guide rail 41 can extend and retract, the guide rod 42, the first rocker arm 43, and the second rocker arm 44 can all rotate, thus forming a double rotating guide rod mechanism 4.

[0054] Specifically, the guide rod 42 consists of a circular slider and a pull rod. The circular slider moves within the circular sleeve guide rail of the rotating guide rail 41. One end of the pull rod is connected to the circular slider, and the other end is hinged to the first rocker arm 43 and the second rocker arm 44. A locking mechanism is provided on the circular sleeve guide rail of the rotating guide rail 41. After the antenna rib 3 is deployed into place, the guide rod 42 is locked by the locking mechanism to stabilize the antenna reflector.

[0055] like Figure 5 As shown, the antenna rib 3 includes a rib body 31 and a fixing rod 32. The rib body 31 is generally parabolic in shape, and the fixing rod 32 is located on the convex side of the rib body 31 and is fixedly connected to the rib body 31. One end of the rib body 31 is provided with a hinge hole and is connected to the first hinge 14; the end of the fixing rod 32 is also provided with a hinge hole and is hinged to the end of the second rocker arm 44. Specifically, the concave side of the rib body 31 faces away from the fixed base 11, that is, the opening direction of the parabolic surface of the rib body 31 faces away from the fixed base 11. The first hinge 14, the second hinge 15, and the third hinge 16, which are connected to the same group of antenna deployment mechanisms 4 and antenna ribs, are coplanar.

[0056] The antenna rib 3 consists of multiple sets of ribs 31 and fixed connecting rods 32. The ribs 31 are distributed circumferentially along the sleeve 13, forming an umbrella-shaped structure. The number of ribs 31, antenna deployment mechanism 4, and first hinge 14 is the same. The concave surface of the rib 31 is provided with wire mesh holes for stitching and connecting with the wire mesh reflective surface 10.

[0057] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, waveguide 11 is located at the center of the antenna. Waveguide 11 passes through the movable chassis 63 and the fixed chassis 11, and its bottom is fixedly connected to the bottom wall of the antenna housing 2. Its upper part is located inside the sleeve 13. When the antenna is deployed, the feed horn 8 moves along the waveguide 11.

[0058] like Figure 6As shown, the antenna deployment zipper device 5 includes a pull rope 51, a fixed pulley group 52, and a movable disk 53. The movable disk 53 is sleeved on the waveguide 11 and located between the movable base 63 and the bottom wall of the antenna storage cylinder 2. The fixed pulley group 52 is fixed on the movable base 63. The first end of the pull rope 51 passes through the wire outlet hole of the rotating guide rail 41 and is connected to the first end of the guide rod 42. The second end of the pull rope 51 passes around the fixed pulley group 52 and is connected to the movable disk 53. The fixed pulley group 52 is used to protect and support the pull rope 51.

[0059] The inner wall of the antenna storage cylinder 2 is provided with a guide rail groove along its length. The moving disk 53 has a protrusion that matches the guide rail groove, allowing the moving disk 53 to move along the guide rail groove. The length of the guide rail groove is less than the height of the antenna storage cylinder 2, thus the guide rail groove acts as a limit for the moving disk 53. A pull rope 51 is fixed on the moving disk 53. When the moving disk 53 moves along the guide rail groove and rises to the limit position, it can no longer rise. However, driven by the moving base 63, the antenna continues to extend. The moving disk 53 then pulls the pull rope 51, which in turn pulls the guide rod 42, causing the antenna deployment mechanism 4 to rotate as a whole, and the antenna ribs 3 to open.

[0060] The antenna deployment cable 5 utilizes the power source of the antenna lifting device 6, converting the upward force of the antenna into the tension of the cable 51. When the moving disk 53 reaches the limit position, the antenna deployment speed is controlled by controlling the rotation speed of the motor 64. The motor 64 not only provides power for antenna lifting but also for antenna deployment, reducing the number of power sources and making the overall structure more compact.

[0061] like Figure 8 As shown, in other embodiments of the present invention, an antenna clamping and releasing device 7 is also provided. The antenna clamping and releasing device 7 consists of a fastening bandage and a hot knife. When the antenna is retracted, the fastening bandage is tied around the circumference of the antenna rib 3. When the antenna is ready to be deployed, the hot knife cuts the fastening bandage and releases the antenna rib 3.

[0062] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the feed horn 8 is coaxially fixedly connected to the antenna base 1, and the sub-reflector 9 is fixed above the feed horn 8 by a bracket.

[0063] In this embodiment, the antenna deployment mechanism 4, the antenna base 1, and the antenna rib 3 form two rotating guide rod mechanisms to control the deployment of the antenna rib 3. The antenna deployment zipper device 5 pulls the guide rod 42 of the antenna deployment mechanism 4 via the pull rope 51, thereby deploying the antenna rib 3. The antenna lifting device 6 controls the antenna to extend out of the antenna storage cylinder 2 and provides a power source for the deployment of the antenna rib 3. In this embodiment, the simultaneous deployment of the antenna rib 3 is achieved by combining the antenna deployment mechanism 4 on the back of the antenna rib and the antenna deployment zipper device 5.

[0064] The spaceborne Cassegrain mesh deployable antenna of the present invention solves the problems of low efficiency, insufficient compactness, poor synchronization during deployment, and complex deployment rib drive mechanism of single parabolic antenna. It has the advantages of good deployment synchronization, small folding volume, simple structure and low impact force. The antenna surface can be controlled to unfold from the back of the antenna, without interfering with the antenna field of view, and meets the high precision requirements of the antenna.

[0065] Specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications within the scope of the claims, which do not affect the essence of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be arbitrarily combined with each other.

Claims

1. A spaceborne Cassegrain umbrella-type deployable mesh antenna, characterized in that, The antenna includes an antenna base, an antenna storage cylinder, antenna ribs, an antenna deployment mechanism, an antenna deployment zipper device, an antenna lifting device, a wire mesh reflector, a feed horn, a sub-reflector, and a waveguide. The antenna lifting device is configured to move along the antenna storage cylinder. The antenna base is connected to the antenna lifting device. The antenna deployment mechanism is rotatably connected to the antenna base. The antenna deployment zipper device is connected to the antenna deployment mechanism. The antenna ribs are rotatably connected to the antenna base and the antenna deployment mechanism, respectively. The wire mesh reflector is disposed on the antenna ribs. The feed horn is connected to the antenna base. The sub-reflector is disposed on the feed horn. The antenna has deployed and retracted states. When the antenna is in the retracted state, the antenna base, antenna deployment mechanism, antenna ribs, antenna deployment zipper device, wire mesh reflector, feed horn, and sub-reflector are stored in the antenna storage cylinder. The antenna lifting device includes a ball screw, a screw nut, a movable chassis, and a motor. The ball screw is parallel to the length direction of the antenna storage cylinder. Both ends of the ball screw are rotatably connected to the antenna storage cylinder. The screw nut is mounted on the ball screw. The movable chassis is sleeved on the ball screw and connected to the screw nut. The output end of the motor is connected to the ball screw. The antenna base includes a fixed base and a sleeve. The sleeve is connected to the fixed base. The sleeve is provided with an antenna rib mounting seat. The antenna rib mounting seat is provided with a first hinge. The fixed base is provided with a second hinge near the sleeve. The fixed base is provided with a third hinge near the edge. The fixed base is connected to the movable base. The antenna deployment mechanism includes a rotating guide rail, a guide rod, a first rocker arm, and a second rocker arm. The rotating guide rail includes a circular sleeve guide rail and a hinge hole. The rotating guide rail is connected to the second hinge through the hinge hole. The first end of the guide rod is disposed in the circular sleeve guide rail to form a sliding pair. The first end of the first rocker arm is connected to the third hinge. The second end of the guide rod, the second end of the first rocker arm, and the first end of the second rocker arm are rotatably connected coaxially. The waveguide is arranged along the center of the antenna housing and the antenna base, and the feed horn moves along the waveguide; The antenna deployment cable includes a cable, a fixed pulley assembly, and a movable disk. The movable disk is sleeved on the waveguide and is located on the side of the movable chassis away from the fixed chassis. The fixed pulley assembly is mounted on the movable chassis. The cable is connected to the movable disk and the first end of the guide rod, respectively.

2. The spaceborne Cassegrain umbrella-type deployable mesh antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The antenna rib includes a rib body and a fixed connecting rod. The rib body is parabolic in shape. The fixed connecting rod is connected to the convex side of the rib body. One end of the rib body is connected to the first hinge. The end of the fixed connecting rod is rotatably connected to the second end of the second rocker arm.

3. The spaceborne Cassegrain umbrella-type deployable mesh antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that, The concave side of the rib is provided with a wire mesh, and the reflective surface of the wire mesh is stitched to the wire mesh.

4. The spaceborne Cassegrain umbrella-type deployable mesh antenna according to claim 3, characterized in that, The antenna storage cylinder has a guide rail groove inside along its length, and the moving disk cooperates with the guide rail groove.

5. The spaceborne Cassegrain umbrella-type deployable mesh antenna according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes an antenna clamping release device, which includes a fastening bandage and a hot knife. When the antenna is in the retracted state, the fastening bandage fastens the rib, and the hot knife is configured to cut the fastening bandage.

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