A hand-automatic portable satellite antenna

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of satellite communication, and provides a hand-automatic portable satellite antenna, which comprises a guide rail, a base, an antenna assembly and a sensor assembly for detecting azimuth information of the antenna assembly; the base is arranged on the guide rail, and the base can rotate relative to the guide rail; the antenna assembly is arranged on the base and can be swung in pitching; the hand-automatic portable satellite antenna further comprises a pitching driving mechanism for driving the antenna assembly to perform pitching movement, and the pitching driving mechanism drives the antenna assembly to adjust the pitching angle according to the pitching angle information detected by the sensor assembly. The application adopts the mode of manually adjusting the heading angle and automatically adjusting the pitching angle, realizes quick and accurate satellite alignment of the satellite antenna, is convenient to use and operate, and has high tracking precision.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of satellite communication technology, specifically relating to a portable satellite antenna that integrates manual and automatic operation. Background Technology

[0002] Portable satellite antennas (VSATs) offer advantages such as light weight, small size, ease of assembly, disassembly, transportation, and deployment. They are commonly used as mobile satellite stations in VSAT systems. Combined with satellite modems, video conferencing terminals, and BUCs, they enable global data and video services. They are also crucial communication tools for remote conferencing, telemedicine, emergency command, and disaster recovery. VSAT satellite communication antennas are also known as micro-stations, small data stations, or very small aperture terminals. VSAT systems support various service types, featuring small antennas, compact design, low power consumption, low cost, easy installation, and low environmental requirements.

[0003] Most portable satellite antennas in the current technology are manual structures. When using them, the heading and elevation angles of the satellite antenna need to be manually adjusted to achieve satellite alignment. However, this manual alignment method is inefficient, requires multiple adjustments, and cannot quickly achieve accurate satellite alignment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a portable satellite antenna that integrates manual and automatic adjustment. This satellite antenna adopts a method of manually adjusting the heading angle and automatically adjusting the elevation angle to achieve rapid and accurate satellite alignment. It is easy to use and operate, and has high tracking accuracy.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve its technical problem is:

[0006] A portable satellite antenna with manual / automatic operation includes a guide rail, a base, an antenna assembly, and a sensor assembly for detecting the azimuth information of the antenna assembly; the base is disposed on the guide rail and is rotatable relative to the guide rail; the antenna assembly is disposed on the base and is pitch-swingable.

[0007] The user manually adjusts the base to adjust the heading angle of the antenna assembly. The pitch drive mechanism automatically adjusts the pitch angle of the antenna assembly based on the pitch angle information detected by the sensor assembly, thereby achieving a combination of manual and automatic satellite alignment, enabling the antenna assembly to accurately align with the target satellite.

[0008] The antenna assembly includes an antenna surface and a feed assembly; the feed assembly includes a feed frame and a feed head, one end of the feed frame is hinged to the base, the feed head is disposed at the other end of the feed frame, and the feed head is disposed corresponding to the antenna surface.

[0009] Preferably, the feed frame includes a frame body and a connector. The connector is fixedly disposed on one side of the frame body, one end of the frame body is hinged to the base, and the feed head is disposed at the other end of the frame body. The bottom of the pitch drive mechanism is hinged to the base, and the telescopic component of the pitch drive mechanism is hinged to the connector.

[0010] Preferably, the connector is provided with a slider that can slide along the length of the frame, and the slider is provided with a locking structure for locking or releasing the position of the slider on the connector; the telescopic member of the pitch drive mechanism is hinged to the slider.

[0011] Preferably, the locking structure is a locking handle, and the abutting end of the locking handle is hinged to the slider.

[0012] Preferably, the frame includes two feed rods arranged opposite each other, and the feed head is disposed on the two feed rods; the connector is fixedly disposed on the outside of one of the feed rods.

[0013] Preferably, the frame also includes an extension connecting frame, which includes two oppositely arranged extension members. One end of the two extension members is hinged to the ends of the two feed rods away from the base hinge point, and the feed head is hinged between the two extension members.

[0014] Preferably, the base is provided with a connecting seat; the antenna surface and the feed frame of the feed assembly are both hinged to the connecting seat.

[0015] Preferably, the guide rail is arranged in a ring shape; the base is provided with a plurality of driven wheels, all of which are rotatably connected to the base and supported on the top of the guide rail seat.

[0016] Preferably, the base is provided with a heading locking device for locking the position of the base, and the heading locking device is electrically connected to the controller of the satellite antenna.

[0017] Preferably, the heading locking device includes multiple brake motors, each brake motor being connected to a corresponding driven wheel, and the multiple brake motors being electrically connected to the satellite antenna controller.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0019] During satellite antenna alignment, the user manually rotates the base to adjust the antenna's heading angle. Simultaneously, the satellite antenna, combined with the elevation angle information detected by its internal sensor components, causes the elevation drive mechanism to automatically adjust the elevation angle of the antenna assembly's feed frame. This allows the satellite antenna to accurately align with the target satellite and establish a reliable communication channel. This invention combines manual and automatic alignment technologies, making satellite antenna alignment simple and convenient, with short alignment time, high accuracy, and good flexibility. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a front view of a first embodiment of a portable satellite antenna that integrates manual and automatic operation according to the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a side view of a first embodiment of a portable satellite antenna that integrates manual and automatic operation according to the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a top view of the first embodiment of a portable satellite antenna that integrates manual and automatic operation according to the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a portable satellite antenna that integrates manual and automatic operation according to the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a front view of a second embodiment of a portable satellite antenna with both manual and automatic operation according to the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a side view of a second embodiment of a portable satellite antenna that integrates manual and automatic operation according to the present invention.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a front view of a third embodiment of a portable satellite antenna with both manual and automatic operation according to the present invention.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a side view of a third embodiment of a portable satellite antenna that integrates manual and automatic operation according to the present invention.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a front view of the fourth embodiment of a portable satellite antenna with both manual and automatic operation according to the present invention.

[0030] Figure 10This is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of a portable satellite antenna with manual / automatic operation according to the present invention.

[0031] in:

[0032] 1-Guide rail, 2-Base, 3-Pitch drive mechanism, 4-Antenna surface, 5-Feed rod, 6-Extension, 7-Feed head, 8-Driven wheel, 9-Locking structure, 10-Connector, 11-Slider, 12-Connecting seat, 13-Limit guide groove, 14-Limit rod, 15-Brake motor, 16-Sliding groove, 17-Compass level, 18-Tripod, 19-Antenna plate, 20-Frame, 21-Feed frame. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention, the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention; the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[0035] Example 1

[0036] See Figures 1-4This embodiment discloses a portable satellite antenna with both manual and automatic operation, including a guide rail 1, a base 2, an antenna surface 4, a feed assembly, and a sensor assembly for detecting the azimuth information of the antenna surface 4 and the feed assembly. The base 2 is disposed on the guide rail 1 and is rotatable relative to the guide rail 1. The antenna surface 4 and the feed assembly are both disposed on the base 2. The feed assembly includes a feed frame 21 and a feed head 7. One end of the feed frame 21 is hinged to the base 2, and the feed head 7 is disposed at the other end of the feed frame 21, corresponding to the antenna surface 4. It also includes a pitch drive mechanism 3 for driving the feed frame 21 to perform pitch movement. The pitch drive mechanism 3 adjusts the pitch angle of the feed frame 21 according to the pitch angle information detected by the sensor assembly. The portable satellite antenna in this embodiment also includes a controller and a compass / level instrument 17, etc., for details can be found in the prior art rail-mounted satellite antenna.

[0037] The sensor assembly in this embodiment includes a tilt sensor, a vertical actuator, and all position sensors mounted on the device. The system integrates the position data detected by each sensor and feeds back the pitch angle data requiring fine-tuning to the pitch drive mechanism 3, thereby achieving automatic and precise pitch adjustment for satellite alignment. During operation, the user manually adjusts the base 2 to regulate the heading angle of the antenna assembly. The pitch drive mechanism 3 automatically adjusts the pitch angle of the antenna assembly based on the pitch angle information detected by the sensor assembly, thus combining manual and automatic satellite alignment to ensure accurate alignment of the antenna assembly with the target satellite.

[0038] See Figures 1-4 Furthermore, in this embodiment, the feed frame 21 includes a frame body 20 and a connector 10. The connector 10 is fixedly disposed on one side of the frame body 20. One end of the frame body 20 is hinged to the base 2, and the feed head 7 is disposed at the other end of the frame body 20. The pitch drive mechanism 3 is a motor, the bottom of which is hinged to the base 2, and the telescopic part of the motor is hinged to the connector 10. Of course, the pitch drive mechanism 3 in this embodiment can also be a drive mechanism such as an electric actuator.

[0039] See Figures 1-4The connecting member 10 is provided with a slider 11 that can slide along the length direction of the frame 20. The slider 11 is provided with a locking structure 9 for locking or releasing the position of the slider 11 on the connecting member 10. The telescopic member of the pitch drive mechanism 3 is hinged to the slider 11. Specifically, in this embodiment, the connecting member 10 extends along the length direction of the frame 20. The connecting member 10 is hollow, and the bottom surface of the connecting member 10 is provided with a sliding groove 16, which communicates with the inner cavity of the connecting member 10. The slider 11 can be configured in an "I" shape, with one end face embedded in the inner cavity of the connecting member 10 and the other end face located outside the connecting member 10 and provided with a connecting plate. The connecting plate is hinged to the telescopic member of the pitch drive mechanism 3. In this embodiment, the locking structure 9 is a locking handle. The abutting end of the locking handle is hinged to the slider 11. The specific structure of the locking handle can be found in the prior art.

[0040] By using the slider 11 and the locking handle, the pitch angle of the feed head 7 on the feed frame 21 can be coarsely adjusted first. Specifically, by turning the locking handle, the slider 11 is released, and the angle of the feed frame 21 is manually adjusted to coarsely adjust the feed assembly to the specified position. Then, the locking handle is turned in the opposite direction to lock the position of the slider 11. Then, a command is issued through the controller to make the pitch drive mechanism 3 finely adjust the pitch angle of the feed frame 21 according to the pitch angle data collected by the sensor assembly, and finally complete the pitch alignment operation of the satellite antenna.

[0041] See Figures 1-4 The frame 20 includes two oppositely arranged feed rods 5, and a feed head 7 is disposed on the two feed rods 5; the connector 10 is fixedly disposed on the outside of one of the feed rods 5. The frame 20 also includes an extension connecting frame, which includes two oppositely arranged extension members 6. One end of each of the two extension members 6 is hinged to the end of each of the two feed rods 5 away from the hinge point of the base 2. The feed head 7 is hinged between the two extension members 6. Specifically, the outer ends of the two extension members 6 are hinged to the feed head 7, and the extension members 6 are provided with a limiting guide groove 13. The limiting guide groove 13 is arc-shaped, and the end of the feed head 7 is provided with a limiting rod 14, which is matched and inserted into the limiting guide groove 13. In this embodiment, the hinge between the extension member 6 and the feed rod 5, and the hinge between the feed head 7 and the extension member 6, can be fixed by friction or by other limiting structures. For details, please refer to the prior art. In this embodiment, the frame 20 is hinged to the feed rod 5 and the extension 6, and at the same time, the feed head 7 is hinged to the extension 6 to form a three-layer folding structure of the feed assembly, so as to facilitate storage and unfolding and improve portability.

[0042] See Figures 1-4The base 2 is provided with a connecting seat 12; the antenna surface 4 and the feed frame 21 of the feed assembly are both hinged to the connecting seat 12. The guide rail 1 is arranged in a ring shape; the base 2 is provided with multiple driven wheels 8, which are rotatably connected to the base 2 and supported on the top of the guide rail seat. Specifically, in this embodiment, four driven wheels 8 are provided. The base 2 is roughly rectangular, and the four driven wheels 8 are respectively located at the four corners of the base 2. The driven wheels 8 are provided with annular grooves, which cooperate with the top of the guide rail seat to realize the sliding rotation and guidance of the driven wheels 8 on the guide rail seat.

[0043] See Figures 1-4 The base 2 is equipped with a heading lock device for locking its position. This heading lock device is electrically connected to the satellite antenna controller. The heading lock device includes multiple brake motors 15, each connected to a corresponding driven wheel 8. After manual alignment of the heading angle, a command can be issued via the controller to lock the brake motors 15 to the driven wheels 8, preventing deviation from the alignment heading position and thus reducing signal strength, ensuring the smooth operation of satellite communication services.

[0044] Example 2

[0045] See Figures 5-6 The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the guide rail in this embodiment is a tripod 18; wherein, the antenna surface 4 is hinged to the base 2, the feed assembly is connected to the antenna surface 4, and the telescopic component of the pitch drive mechanism 3 is hinged to the back of the antenna surface 4.

[0046] Example 3

[0047] See Figures 7-8 The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 2 is that the antenna assembly in this embodiment is a flat-panel satellite antenna. The antenna plate 19 of the flat-panel satellite antenna is hinged to the base 2, and the telescopic component of the pitch drive mechanism 3 is hinged to the back of the antenna plate 19.

[0048] Example 4

[0049] See Figures 9-10 The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the antenna assembly in this embodiment is a flat-panel satellite antenna. The antenna plate 19 of the flat-panel satellite antenna is hinged to the base 2, and the telescopic component of the pitch drive mechanism 3 is hinged to the back of the antenna plate 19. The base 2 is roughly triangular in shape.

[0050] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A portable satellite antenna that integrates manual and automatic operation, characterized in that, The device includes a guide rail, a base, an antenna assembly, and a sensor assembly for detecting the orientation information of the antenna assembly; the base is mounted on the guide rail and is rotatable relative to the guide rail; the antenna assembly is mounted on the base and is tiltable. It also includes a pitch drive mechanism for driving the antenna assembly to pitch. The user manually adjusts the base to adjust the heading angle of the antenna assembly, and the pitch drive mechanism automatically adjusts the pitch angle of the antenna assembly based on the pitch angle information detected by the sensor assembly, thereby achieving a combination of manual and automatic satellite alignment, so that the antenna assembly can be accurately aligned with the target satellite. The antenna assembly includes an antenna surface and a feed assembly; the feed assembly includes a feed frame and a feed head, one end of the feed frame is hinged to the base, the feed head is disposed at the other end of the feed frame, and the feed head is disposed corresponding to the antenna surface; The feed frame includes a frame body and a connector. The connector is fixedly disposed on one side of the frame body. One end of the frame body is hinged to the base, and the feed head is disposed at the other end of the frame body. The bottom of the pitch drive mechanism is hinged to the base, and the telescopic component of the pitch drive mechanism is hinged to the connector. The frame includes two feed rods arranged opposite each other, and the feed head is disposed on the two feed rods; the connector is fixedly disposed on the outside of one of the feed rods; The frame also includes an extension connecting frame, which includes two oppositely arranged extension members. One end of each of the two extension members is hinged to the end of each of the two feed rods away from the base hinge point. The feed head is hinged between the two extension members.

2. The portable satellite antenna with manual / automatic operation as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The connector is provided with a slider that can slide along the length of the frame, and the slider is provided with a locking structure for locking or releasing the position of the slider on the connector; the telescopic component of the pitch drive mechanism is hinged to the slider.

3. The portable satellite antenna with manual / automatic operation according to claim 2, characterized in that, The locking structure is a locking handle, and the abutting end of the locking handle is hinged to the slider.

4. The portable satellite antenna with manual / automatic operation as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The base is provided with a connecting seat; the antenna surface and the feed frame of the feed assembly are both hinged to the connecting seat.

5. The portable satellite antenna with manual / automatic operation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide rail is arranged in a ring; the base is provided with multiple driven wheels, which are rotatably connected to the base and supported on the top of the guide rail.

6. The portable satellite antenna with manual / automatic operation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base is equipped with a heading locking device for locking the position of the base, and the heading locking device is electrically connected to the controller of the satellite antenna.

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