Heavy-duty antenna mount for high-precision and high-mobility directed-energy weapons

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of microwave directional energy weapon, and particularly relates to a heavy-duty antenna seat of high-precision and high-mobility directional energy weapon. The heavy-duty antenna seat of high-precision and high-mobility directional energy weapon comprises a rotating platform and an azimuth shaft system for driving the rotating platform to rotate, the azimuth shaft system comprises a servo motor with a speed reducer, a torque motor and a manual and motor switching mechanism, the servo motor with the speed reducer is used for providing torque when the antenna is rotated at high speed, the torque motor is used for improving control precision when high pointing precision control is performed, and the manual and motor switching mechanism is used for switching working modes. The present application adopts two kinds of motors for common control, provides greater torque, improves control precision, can switch two modes of motor and manual, and the two working modes do not interfere with each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of microwave directed energy weapon technology, and in particular to a heavy-duty antenna mount for a high-precision and highly mobile directed energy weapon. Background Technology

[0002] Unmanned warfare has gradually entered the battlefield in recent years, and the weaponization of drones is becoming increasingly sophisticated. Successful cases of drones in both battlefield reconnaissance and key target strike missions are becoming more and more common. Moreover, the approach is shifting from single-type, single-unit deployments to multi-type swarm deployments. Traditional air defense systems mostly rely on missiles to destroy enemies from afar, making it difficult to effectively intercept swarms of drones. When a drone swarm approaches a key target, there is a blind spot at close range, making it impossible to detect or engage. Therefore, in response to this passive situation, researching a short-range, low-cost, and efficient defense system has become a key focus for various countries. Directed-energy weapons, such as high-power microwave weapons and high-energy laser weapons, have filled the gaps in traditional air defense systems. For high-power microwave weapons used in counter-drone swarms, rapid maneuverability and precise orientation are required, both of which are far higher than those of traditional radar systems. At the same time, high-power microwave weapons have larger antenna arrays, greater weight, and greater moment of inertia, placing higher demands on the azimuth axis of the antenna mount.

[0003] In existing technologies, a lightweight, easily maintained internally toothed radar antenna mount (publication number CN105552514 A) discloses an easily maintained internally toothed antenna mount. While employing gear meshing and a dual-motor drive, it can provide sufficient driving torque and eliminate backlash. However, it is ineffective for the high pointing accuracy and repeatability required for microwave directed-energy weapon antenna mounts. An antenna mount system for continuous-wave measurement radar (publication number CN109001684 A) discloses a motor-driven antenna mount, which can achieve high angle measurement accuracy. However, limited by the confined space of the antenna mount, the motor-driven direct drive cannot provide sufficient torque to drive microwave directed-energy weapons. Therefore, antenna mounts for microwave directed-energy weapons need to be redesigned. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and propose a heavy-load antenna mount for a high-precision and highly mobile directed energy weapon. This mount can simultaneously meet the requirements of high precision, high mobility, and eccentric heavy-load operation of microwave antennas, thereby improving positioning accuracy. Furthermore, it incorporates a manual / mobile switching device, allowing the antenna mount to be manually driven back to its original position when the equipment is powered off, facilitating the retraction of the microwave antenna under special circumstances.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following specific technical solution:

[0006] The present invention provides a heavy-duty antenna mount for a high-precision and highly mobile directed energy weapon, comprising a turntable 4 and an azimuth axis system 1 for driving the turntable 4 to rotate. The azimuth axis system 1 includes a servo motor 2 with a speed reducer, a torque motor connecting ring 6, a torque motor 7, a sealing ring 9, and a gear ring 10. The rotor of the torque motor 7 is connected to the turntable 4 through the torque motor connecting ring 6. The servo motor 2 with the speed reducer meshes with the gear ring 10. The gear ring 10 is connected to the turntable 4 through the sealing ring 9. The servo motor 2 with the speed reducer is used to provide torque when the antenna is rotated at high speed, and the torque motor 7 is used to improve control accuracy when the pointing precision is high.

[0007] Furthermore, the azimuth axis system 1 also includes an azimuth bearing 5, a bearing connecting ring 8, a base 11 for supporting the turntable 4, a transition gear shaft 12, an encoder gear 13, and an encoder 14. The azimuth bearing 5 includes an outer ring and an inner ring. The outer ring is precisely coaxially mounted on the base 11 with the stator of the torque motor 7, and the inner ring is connected to the turntable 4 through the bearing connecting ring 8. The transition gear shaft 12 includes a large gear 121 and a small gear 122. The large gear 121 meshes with the gear ring 10, and the small gear 122 meshes with the encoder gear 13. The encoder 14 is coaxially mounted with the encoder gear 13. The angle of rotation of the gear ring 10 is transmitted to the encoder 14 in a 1:1 ratio through the two pairs of meshing gears for accurate measurement of the rotation angle of the turntable.

[0008] Furthermore, the orientation axis system 1 also includes a manual / powered switching mechanism 3 mounted on the circumference of the base 11, comprising a housing 301, a bracket 302, a spring 303, a limit switch 304, a switching assembly 305, a handwheel assembly 306, a worm gear box 307, a worm wheel 308, a worm 309, a slider 310, and an eccentric cam 311. The worm wheel 308 is mounted on the transition gear shaft 12. By rotating the switching assembly 305, the eccentric cam 311 rotates, causing the slider 310 to slide, thereby engaging and disengaging the worm 309 in the worm gear box 307 with the worm wheel 308, for switching between manual and powered working modes. The spring 303 is used to pull the worm gear box 307 to disengage the worm wheel 308 from the worm 309. The limit switch 304 is used to provide a signal indicating manual or powered status when the eccentric cam 311 is activated.

[0009] This invention achieves the following technical advantages: The azimuth axis is controlled by both internal and external motors, providing greater torque while improving control accuracy. The external dual motors meshing with the gear ring eliminate gear meshing backlash when changing direction. The symmetrical arrangement of the dual motors balances the force on the large gear ring, and compared to a single geared motor drive scheme, the motor size is smaller, facilitating structural layout. The dual motors and dual gearboxes output a larger total torque, improving the gearbox's working efficiency. The final stage large gear is subjected to force on both sides, improving the force distribution in the final stage transmission and extending gear life. The manual / mechanical switching mechanism uses a cam and slider to drive the engagement and disengagement of the worm gear and worm, ensuring that the two working modes do not interfere with each other, and the structure is simple and easy to implement. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a heavy-duty antenna mount provided according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a heavy-duty antenna mount provided according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 3 This is an enlarged view of the manual / mechanical switching mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the manual / mechanical switching mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] The reference numerals in the figures include:

[0015] 1. Orientation axis system; 2. Servo motor with reducer; 3. Manual and motorized switching mechanism; 4. Turntable; 5. Orientation bearing; 6. Torque motor connecting ring; 7. Torque motor; 8. Bearing connecting ring; 9. Sealing ring; 10. Gear ring; 11. Base; 12. Transition gear shaft; 13. Encoder gear; 14. Encoder; 121. Large gear; 122. Small gear; 301. Housing; 302. Bracket; 303. Spring; 304. Limit switch; 305. Switching assembly; 306. Handwheel assembly; 307. Worm gearbox; 308. Worm gear; 309. Slider; 310. Eccentric cam; 311. Ball joint; 312. Pivot point; 313. Detailed Implementation

[0016] In the following description, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description below, the same modules are denoted by the same reference numerals. Where the same reference numerals are used, their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, their detailed description will not be repeated.

[0017] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof.

[0018] Figure 1 The structure of a heavy-duty antenna mount provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a heavy-duty antenna mount for a high-precision and highly mobile directed energy weapon, comprising an azimuth axis system 1 and a turntable 4. The azimuth axis system 1 includes a servo motor 2 with a reducer, a manual / manual switching mechanism 3, an azimuth bearing 5, a torque motor connecting ring 6, a torque motor 7, a bearing connecting ring 8, a sealing ring 9, a gear ring 10, a base 11, a transition gear shaft 12, an encoder gear 13, and an encoder 14.

[0020] A servo motor 2 with a speed reducer and a manual / motor switching mechanism 3 are mounted on the outer circumference of the base 11, which supports the turntable 4.

[0021] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a heavy-duty antenna mount provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0022] like Figure 2 As shown, in the azimuth axis system, the base 11 supports the turntable 4. The outer ring of the azimuth bearing 5 and the stator of the torque motor 7 are precisely coaxial and mounted on the base 11. The inner ring of the azimuth bearing 5 and the rotor of the torque motor 7 are connected to the turntable 4 via the bearing connecting ring 8 and the motor connecting ring 6, respectively. Two sets of servo motors 2 and a manual / motor switching mechanism 3 are mounted on the circumference of the base 11. The reducer gear of the servo motor 2 meshes with the gear ring 10, which is connected to the turntable 4 via the sealing ring 9. The large gear 121 on the transition gear shaft 12 meshes with the gear ring 10, and the small gear 122 on the transition gear shaft 12 meshes with the encoder gear 13. The encoder 14 is coaxially mounted with the encoder gear 13. The rotation angle of the gear ring 10 is transmitted to the encoder 14 in a 1:1 ratio through the two pairs of meshing gears, allowing the encoder 14 to accurately measure the rotation angle of the turntable.

[0023] The orientation axis system 1 employs two types of motors for joint control, providing greater torque while improving control accuracy. Two external servo motors 2 with reducers mesh with the gear ring 10, eliminating gear meshing backlash when reversing direction. The symmetrical arrangement of the dual motors balances the forces on the gear ring 10, and compared to a single-motor drive scheme, the motor size is smaller, facilitating structural layout. The dual-motor, dual-reduction-gearbox output has a larger total torque, improving the gearbox's working efficiency. The final stage large gear 121 is subjected to forces on both sides, improving the force distribution in the final stage transmission and extending gear life.

[0024] Figure 3 An enlarged structure of the manual / mechanical switching mechanism provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 4 The structure of the manual / mechanical switching mechanism provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the manual / mechanical switching mechanism 3 includes a housing 301, a bracket 302, a spring 303, a limit switch 304, a switching assembly 305, a handwheel assembly 306, a worm gearbox 307, a worm wheel 308, a worm 309, a slider 310, an eccentric cam 311, a ball joint 312, and a fulcrum 313.

[0025] The bracket 302 provides a fulcrum 313. One end of the worm gear box 307 rotates around the fulcrum 313, while the other end, under the action of the eccentric cam 311, changes the spatial position between the axis of the worm wheel 308 and the axis of the worm 309, achieving the control effect of meshing between the worm wheel 308 and the worm 309. The eccentric cam 311 is connected to the slider 310 via a small shaft. The slider 310 slides in the groove, driving the worm gear box 307 to rotate around the fulcrum 313. The worm wheel 308 is mounted on the transition gear shaft 12. Rotating the switching assembly 305 causes the eccentric cam shaft 311 to rotate, driving the slider 310. The sliding of the slider 310 causes the worm 309 in the worm gear box 307 to mesh and disengage with the worm wheel 308. The switching assembly 305 is flexibly connected to the worm gear 309 via a movable ball joint 312. A slotted hole is provided at the shaft end, allowing the ball joint 312 to move along the rod direction within the slot. This solves the problem of varying relative distance between the handwheel assembly 306 and the worm gear 309 shafts in both manual and motorized operating modes. The manual / motorized switching mechanism 3 uses an eccentric cam 311 and a slider 310 to engage and disengage the worm wheel 308 and the worm gear 309. The two operating modes do not interfere with each other, and the structure is simple and easy to implement.

[0026] In motorized operation, the motor drives the turntable 4 to rotate, requiring the worm gear 308 to disengage from the worm 309. In manual operation, under special circumstances such as power failure, when the motor cannot operate, the worm gear 308 and worm 309 engage, and the turntable is manually rotated via the handwheel assembly 306. When the switching assembly 305 is rotated to the manual position, the spring 303 is stretched; when switched to the motorized position, the spring 303 returns to its original position, pulling the worm gear box 307 to automatically disengage the worm gear 308 from the worm 309. The limit switch 304 provides signals for manual and motorized states when activated by the eccentric cam 311.

[0027] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0028] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

[0029] The specific embodiments of the present invention described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention. Any other corresponding changes and modifications made in accordance with the technical concept of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A heavy-load antenna mount for a high-precision and highly mobile directed energy weapon, characterized in that, The system includes an azimuth bearing (5), a bearing connecting ring (8), a turntable (4), a base (11) for supporting the turntable (4), and an azimuth shaft system (1) for driving the turntable (4) to rotate. The azimuth shaft system (1) includes a servo motor (2) with a speed reducer, a torque motor connecting ring (6), a torque motor (7), a sealing ring (9), and a gear ring (10). The rotor of the torque motor (7) is connected to the turntable (4) through the torque motor connecting ring (6). The azimuth bearing (5) includes an outer ring and an inner ring. The outer ring is connected to the torque motor (7) with the gear ring (8). The stator of the torque motor (7) is precisely coaxially mounted on the base (11), and the inner ring is connected to the turntable (4) through the bearing connecting ring (8); the servo motor (2) with a speed reducer meshes with the gear ring (10), the speed reducer gear of the servo motor (2) meshes with the gear ring (10), and the gear ring (10) is connected to the turntable (4) through the sealing ring (9). The servo motor (2) with a speed reducer is used to provide torque when the antenna is rotated at high speed, and the torque motor (7) is used to improve the control accuracy when the pointing precision is high.

2. The heavy-load antenna mount for a high-precision and highly mobile directed energy weapon according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transition gear shaft (12), encoder gear (13), and encoder (14) are provided. The transition gear shaft (12) includes a large gear (121) and a small gear (122). The large gear (121) meshes with the gear ring (10), and the small gear (122) meshes with the encoder gear (13). The encoder (14) is coaxially mounted with the encoder gear (13). The angle of rotation of the gear ring (10) is transmitted to the encoder (14) in a 1:1 ratio through the two pairs of meshing gears for accurate measurement of the angle of rotation of the turntable (4).

3. The heavy-load antenna mount for a high-precision and highly mobile directed-energy weapon according to claim 2, characterized in that, The orientation axis system (1) also includes a manual and motorized switching mechanism (3) installed on the circumference of the base (11) for switching between manual and motorized working modes.

4. The heavy-load antenna mount for a high-precision and highly mobile directed-energy weapon according to claim 3, characterized in that, The manual / mechanical switching mechanism (3) includes a housing (301), a bracket (302), a spring (303), a limit switch (304), a switching assembly (305), a handwheel assembly (306), a worm gearbox (307), a worm wheel (308), a worm (309), a slider (310), and an eccentric cam (311). The worm wheel (308) is mounted on the transition gear shaft (12). By rotating the switching assembly (305), the eccentric cam (311) is activated. 311) Rotation drives the slider (310) to slide, thereby causing the worm (309) in the worm gear box (307) to engage and disengage with the worm wheel (308), which is used to switch between manual and motorized working modes. The spring (303) is used to pull the worm gear box (307) to disengage the worm wheel (308) from the worm (309). The limit switch (304) is used to provide a signal for manual and motorized status when touched by the eccentric cam (311).

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