A radome opening and closing device for forward service of components

Abstract

The application provides an antenna cover opening and closing device for forward maintenance of an assembly, and solves the scene that some forward maintenance antenna arrays are not applicable to a dome. The device mainly comprises the following parts: a servo transmission mechanism, a control system and an antenna cover local reinforcement structure. The servo transmission mechanism is driven by the control system to realize opening and closing of the antenna cover, thereby solving the maintenance problem of active modules such as forward installation assemblies; a signal sensor is arranged in the opening and closing device, the movement of the servo mechanism can be monitored, and self-protection can be started in an abnormal condition, so that damage to the antenna cover and other equipment is prevented; the designed antenna cover local reinforcement structure enhances the overall rigidity of the antenna cover, effectively avoids damage of the antenna cover to external force (wind load, hoisting force) in the opening and closing process and the maintenance state, and solves the problem that the flat plate antenna cover is difficult to disassemble and assemble.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of antenna array technology, specifically relating to an antenna radome opening and closing device for forward maintenance of components. Background Technology

[0002] Active phased array radar is a complex electronic device, with the radar antenna being one of its core components, mainly comprising electromagnetic and mechanical parts. The mechanical structure not only serves as the carrier and guarantee for the realization of electrical performance but also often restricts its achievement. Meanwhile, with profound changes in the combat environment and continuously increasing demands, radar is gradually developing towards higher frequencies, higher gain, higher density, higher integration, higher mobility, and multi-functionality, thus placing even higher requirements on array structure design.

[0003] To facilitate the maintenance of replaceable units (LRUs) such as T / R modules and power supplies, active phased array antennas generally adopt a rearward maintenance structure: passive antenna elements are located in the front compartment of the high-frequency enclosure, with radomes installed at the front of the antenna elements; the rear compartment of the high-frequency enclosure is divided into several functionally identical and independently operating areas, each area housing a certain number of replaceable modules such as T / R modules and power supplies, with each independent area accessed via a sealed door. This rearward maintenance structure has the following characteristics: the passive antenna elements installed in the front compartment are generally maintenance-free during use, therefore the radomes are mostly (quasi-)planar dielectric covers, and the radomes are sealed using sealing rings and adhesive bonding; maintenance of T / R modules, power supplies, etc., in the rear compartment is achieved by replacing spare parts. Although the rearward maintenance approach is widely used, it is difficult to apply to some high-frequency antennas with small element spacing or high-power special-type radars. In such cases, the active subarrays, T / R modules, and other modules within the array must be maintained using a forward maintenance approach.

[0004] Currently, solutions for forward maintenance of active phased array radars include using spherical radomes (or simply radomes) instead of traditional planar radomes. This solves both the problem of array sealing and the need for forward maintenance of replaceable modules such as active subarrays. Domes generally come in various forms, including inflatable radomes, metal truss radomes, and dielectric shell radomes. However, these types of radomes suffer from long setup times and poor mobility. Therefore, for large radars or microwave weapons with high mobility requirements, it is necessary to study the rapid opening and closing of planar radomes. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention proposes a radome opening and closing device for forward maintenance of components, addressing scenarios where radomes are unsuitable for certain forward-maintaining antenna arrays. The device mainly comprises the following parts: a servo drive mechanism, a control system, and a locally reinforced radome structure. The control system drives the servo drive mechanism to open and close the radome, thus solving the maintenance problem of forward-mounted active modules such as components. The opening and closing device is equipped with a signal sensor that monitors the movement of the servo mechanism and activates self-protection in abnormal situations to prevent damage to the radome and other equipment. The designed locally reinforced radome structure enhances the overall rigidity of the radome, effectively preventing damage from external forces (wind load, hoisting force) during opening and closing and during maintenance. This radome opening and closing device for forward maintenance of components solves the problem of difficult disassembly and assembly of flat radomes, providing a new approach for the design of forward-maintaining antenna arrays.

[0006] The main operating modes of the radome opening and closing device are: unfolded (maintenance) state and retracted (operation) state.

[0007] Deployed (Maintenance) Operating Mode: First, install a carbon fiber reinforcement structure on the radome to enhance its rigidity in the deployed state and prevent damage from external loads such as wind. Install the radome's rotating lugs and shaft. A control signal from the control box drives the electric push rod into its extension stroke, pushing the rotating cantilever to a 90° position (parallel to the array normal). The winch mechanism then winds up or down the wire rope to the appropriate length according to the hook's stroke requirements and connects it to the radome's hook. After loosening the radome's mounting screws, the control system drives the winch mechanism to tighten the wire rope, deploying the radome approximately 90°. Install support rods on both sides of the radome to prevent damage to personnel and equipment in case of accidental wire rope breakage. In this state, T / R modules and other components can be repaired.

[0008] Working mode in the withdrawal (working) state: After the T / R component and other modules are repaired, the control system drives the winch mechanism to loosen the wire rope until the radome is in contact with the frame. After loosening the connection between the locking hook and the radome reinforcement mechanism, the locking hook is tightened. The electric push rod is driven into the retraction stroke to rotate the rotating cantilever to be parallel to the array surface. Then, after pre-installing the radome screws, the radome reinforcement structure, the rotating shaft and the rotating lug are removed. Finally, the radome screws are tightened to the required torque, thus completing the repair of the T / R component. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the radome opening and closing device in the unfolded (component maintenance) state.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the status of the antenna cover opening and closing device being removed (component repair completed).

[0011] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna cover opening and closing control box.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a rotating cantilever structure.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the hoisting mechanism.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a partial reinforcement structure of the radome.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a diagram of the safety strut.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a diagram of the radome pivot structure.

[0017] The system comprises: 1. Servo transmission mechanism: including 1-1. Lifting tool; 1-2. Hook; 1-3. Rotating cantilever; 1-4. Electric push rod; 1-5. Steel wire rope; 1-6. Winching mechanism. 2. Control system: including 2-1. Limit sensor; 2-2. Opening and closing control box. 3. Local reinforcement structure of radome: including 3-1. Lower crossbeam; 3-2. Connecting rod; 3-3. Upper crossbeam; 3-4. Square to round rotating shaft; 3-5. Rotating lug; 3-6. Safety support rod; 3-7. Rotating shaft; 3-8. Snap ring; wherein 3-6. Safety support rod includes 3-6-1. Support base 1; 3-6-2. Support rod; 3-6-3. Support base; 4. Upper radome; 5. Middle radome; 6. Array frame; 7. Radome fixing screws; 8. Lower radome. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the radome opening and closing device for forward maintenance of components of the present invention comprises a servo transmission mechanism, a control system, a local reinforcement structure for the radome, an upper radome 4, a middle radome 5, an array frame 6, radome mounting screws 7, and a lower radome 8.

[0020] The servo drive mechanism includes: lifting tool 1-1, hook 1-2, rotating cantilever 1-3, electric push rod 1-4, wire rope 1-5, and winch mechanism 1-6.

[0021] The control system includes: limit sensor 2-1 and opening / closing control box 2-2.

[0022] The partial reinforcement structure of the radome includes: lower crossbeam 3-1, connecting rod 3-2, upper crossbeam 3-3, square to round pivot 3-4, rotating lug 3-5, safety support rod 3-6, pivot 3-7, and retaining ring 3-8.

[0023] The safety strut (3-6) includes a support base 1 3-6-1, a support rod 3-6-2, and a support base 2 3-6-3. The support base 1 3-6-1 and the support base 2 3-6-3 are fixed to the radome and the array frame, respectively. The support rod 3-6-2 is connected between the support base 1 3-6-1 and the support base 2 3-6-3.

[0024] The radome opening and closing device for forward maintenance of components of the present invention mainly includes, as follows: Figure 1 The antenna cover opening and closing device is shown in the unfolded (component maintenance) state and as shown in the figure. Figure 2 The antenna cover opening and closing device shown is in the retracted state (component repair completed).

[0025] (1) The working mode of the antenna radome opening and closing device for forward maintenance of the components of the present invention is as follows:

[0026] From the retracted to the extended state of the radome opening and closing device: First, assemble the lower crossbeam 3-1, connecting rod 3-2, upper crossbeam 3-3, and square-to-round rotating shaft 3-4 together in the local reinforcement structure of the radome. The lower crossbeam 3-1 is parallel to the upper crossbeam 3-3 and perpendicular to the connecting rod 3-2. Then, install the whole assembly onto the middle radome 5 (upper radome 4 or lower radome 8) that needs to be unfolded. Next, loosen the fixing screws 7 of the corresponding radome, and install the rotating lug 3-5, rotating shaft 3-7, and anti-axial movement retaining ring 3-8. The opening and closing control box 2-2 issues a command to drive the rotating cantilever 1-3 to rotate via the electric push rod 1-4. The radome is perpendicular to the radome at 90°. The hoisting mechanism 1-6 loosens the wire rope 1-5 to connect the hook 1-2 to the hoisting tool 1-1. Finally, the hoisting mechanism 1-6 tightens the wire rope 1-5 to rotate the radome 5 (upper radome 4 or lower radome 8) about 90° along the pivot 3-4 and the rotating lug 3-5, and stops the rotation. The rotation angle of the radome is controlled by the limit sensor 2-1. After installing safety support rods 3-6 and other safety protection measures between the middle radome 5 (upper radome 4 or lower radome 8) and the array frame 6, the maintenance of the forward-mounted active modules such as components can be carried out.

[0027] From the unfolded state to the retracted state of the radome opening and closing device: The overall process is the reverse of the above-mentioned retraction to unfolded state. The process can be simply described as follows: After the maintenance of the T / R components and other modules is completed, firstly, the safety support rod 3-6 is removed. Then, the hoisting mechanism 1-6 is controlled by the control system to loosen the wire rope 1-5 and flip the middle radome 5 (upper radome 4 or lower radome 8) to be parallel to the array frame 6. Then, the hook 1-2 is released and the rotating cantilever 1-3 is rotated 90° to be parallel to the array. Then, some radome fixing screws 7 are pre-installed. After removing the local reinforcement structure of the radome, the hoisting tool 1-1 and other equipment, the pre-installed radome fixing screws 7 are tightened to the required torque.

[0028] (2) The key design points of the antenna radome opening and closing device for forward maintenance of the components of the present invention are as follows:

[0029] 1) The radome is a planar structure with a hydrogen ester quartz glass cloth A-layer. It is difficult to withstand wind loads and rotational loads during radome flipping and component maintenance, necessitating the design of a local reinforcement structure for the radome. The local reinforcement structure for the radome designed in this invention not only increases the rigidity of the radome but also, through methods such as… Figure 8 The radome pivot structure shown enables the radome to be flipped and transitions from a square pivot to a circular pivot. The designed carbon fiber flipping fixture reduces the weight by about 60% compared to the metal structure, and improves the adaptability of the radome's local reinforcement structure while enhancing its rigidity.

[0030] 2) In the radome opening and closing device of the present invention, the servo transmission mechanism can not only realize the opening and closing of the radome, but also monitor the movement trajectory of the servo mechanism and the middle radome 5 (upper radome 4 or lower radome 8) through the limit sensor 2-1. In case of emergency, it can realize self-protection and prevent equipment damage.

[0031] 3) The safety struts 3-6 in the radome opening and closing device of the present invention can enhance the rigidity of the middle radome 5 (upper radome 4 or lower radome 8) in the maintenance state, enhance the rigidity of the radome, and improve the safety of personnel in the maintenance state.

[0032] 4) In the radome opening and closing device of the present invention, the position of the rotating support needs to be reasonably determined according to the movement trajectory of the middle radome 5 (upper radome 4 or lower radome 8) to prevent interference between the middle radome 5 (upper radome 4 or lower radome 8) and the array frame 6 and adjacent radomes during the movement process; in addition, the design of the rotating shaft also needs to take into account the influence of the deformation of the radome during the flipping process on the movement trajectory.

[0033] This invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this invention should be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A radome opening and closing device for forward maintenance of components, characterized in that: Including servo drive mechanism, control system, local reinforcement structure of radome, upper radome (4), middle radome (5), lower radome (8); The servo transmission mechanism includes: a hoisting tool (1-1), a hook (1-2), a rotating cantilever (1-3), an electric push rod (1-4), a wire rope (1-5), and a winch mechanism (1-6). The control system includes: a limit sensor (2-1) and an opening and closing control box (2-2); The partial reinforcement structure of the radome includes: a lower crossbeam (3-1), a connecting rod (3-2), an upper crossbeam (3-3), a square-to-round pivot (3-4), a rotating lug (3-5), a safety support rod (3-6), a pivot (3-7), and a retaining ring (3-8). To deploy the radome opening and closing device to the unfolded state: First, assemble the lower crossbeam (3-1), connecting rod (3-2), upper crossbeam (3-3), and square-to-round pivot (3-4) of the radome's partial reinforcement structure. The lower crossbeam (3-1) is parallel to the upper crossbeam (3-3) and perpendicular to the connecting rod (3-2). Then, install the entire assembly onto the upper radome (4) to be unfolded. Next, loosen the fixing screws (7) of the upper radome (4). Install the pivot (3-7), rotating lug (3-5), and anti-axial movement retaining ring (3-8) sequentially on the square-to-round pivot (3-4). The opening and closing control box (2-2) issues a command to drive the device via the electric push rod (1-4). Rotate the cantilever (1-3) horizontally 90° to be perpendicular to the upper radome (4), install the hoisting tool (1-1), and loosen the wire rope (1-5) through the winch mechanism (1-6) to connect the hook (1-2) to the hoisting tool (1-1); finally, tighten the wire rope (1-5) through the winch mechanism (1-6) to rotate the upper radome (4) about 90° along the square-to-round axis (3-4) and the rotating lug (3-5) and stop. At the same time, control the rotation angle of the upper radome (4) through the limit sensor (2-1). Finally, install the safety support rod (3-6) between the upper radome (4) and the array frame (6) and then the component can be repaired forward. Antenna radome opening and closing device to retraction state: After the component is repaired in the forward direction, first remove the safety support rod (3-6), then control the hoisting mechanism (1-6) to loosen the wire rope (1-5), flip the upper antenna radome (4) back to its original position, then loosen the hook (1-2) and rotate the rotating cantilever (1-3) horizontally 90° to be parallel to the array surface, remove the local reinforcement structure of the antenna radome, and then tighten the antenna radome fixing screw (7) to the required torque; The opening and closing methods of the middle radome (5) and the lower radome (8) are the same as those of the upper radome (4).

2. The radome opening and closing device for forward maintenance of components according to claim 1, characterized in that: The safety strut (3-6) includes a support base 1 (3-6-1), a support rod (3-6-2), and a support base 2 (3-6-3). The support base 1 (3-6-1) and the support base 2 (3-6-3) are fixed on the radome and the array frame, respectively. The support rod (3-6-2) is connected between the support base 1 (3-6-1) and the support base 2 (3-6-3).

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