Pin-hole multiplexing type antenna array folding and unfolding locking mechanism and use method

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of vehicle-mounted antenna array structure, and particularly discloses a pinhole multiplexing type antenna array surface folding and unfolding locking mechanism and a use method, which comprises a fixed plate, symmetrically arranged and hingedly connected to the two sides of the fixed plate, a connecting plate, a folding and unfolding plate hingedly connected to the end of the connecting plate away from the fixed plate, and a folding and unfolding device hingedly connected to the antenna array surface at one end and hingedly connected to the folding and unfolding plate at the other end; the folding and unfolding device comprises a locking piece hingedly connected to the antenna array surface at one end and hingedly connected to the folding and unfolding plate at the other end, and a folding and unfolding piece hingedly connected to the antenna array surface at one end and hingedly connected to the folding and unfolding plate at the other end; the locking piece and the folding and unfolding piece are arranged in parallel. The application can effectively realize automatic locking of the antenna array surface in the folding and unfolding process, improves the efficiency of the working and transportation state conversion of the equipment, solves the contradiction between the space occupied by the mobile radar folding and unfolding mechanism and the array surface stiffness to a great extent, and can realize folding and unfolding locking of a large-diameter antenna array surface in a compact space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle-mounted antenna array structure technology, and more specifically, to a pin-hole reusable antenna array folding and locking mechanism and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing demands for performance specifications in vehicle-mounted mobile radar equipment, the required antenna aperture is growing larger. However, due to limitations imposed by road and rail transport clearances and loading platforms, the width of vehicle-mounted equipment is generally limited to no more than 2.55 meters. For array antennas with an aperture width exceeding 2.55 meters, the antenna array typically needs to be divided into multiple sections, which are then assembled into a single unit during operation. Existing segmentation technologies generally fall into two categories: one involves transporting the antenna array in several sections separately, then assembling them on-site using a crane; the other involves transporting the multiple sections folded and transporting them individually, then unfolding them into a single unit using a folding mechanism upon arrival at the site. To reduce the number of transport units and meet the high mobility requirements of vehicle-mounted equipment, antenna array segmentation often employs folding mechanisms to achieve the necessary transportation and operational requirements.

[0003] Traditional array deployment and locking mechanisms primarily involve strategically positioning hinge points on the array surface. First, an electric actuator or hydraulic cylinder drives the array to fold and unfold, ensuring the array reaches the designated lockable position. Then, depending on the array's orientation, additional pin or hook mechanisms are used to lock the array. The above array locking mechanism scheme has the following problems:

[0004] 1) The locking process of the antenna array requires many motion drive mechanisms, which occupy the effective usable space of the equipment;

[0005] 2) The locking mechanism is of a single type, and the locking structure of the array face is not optimized according to the motion characteristics of the unfolding mechanism;

[0006] 3) Using the existing structural form, the locking mechanism requires a large number of units, and the coupling design with the unfolding mechanism is not sufficient, which cannot meet the unfolding requirements of some array surfaces with high unfolding ratios and compact space requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a pin-hole reusable antenna array folding and locking mechanism and a method of using it;

[0008] The solution adopted by this invention to solve the technical problem is:

[0009] A pin-hole reusable antenna array folding and locking mechanism, used in conjunction with an antenna array, includes a fixed plate located directly above the antenna array, connecting plates symmetrically arranged and hinged to both sides of the fixed plate, a folding plate hinged to the end of the connecting plate away from the fixed plate, and a folding device with one end hinged to the antenna array and the other end hinged to the folding plate.

[0010] The folding and unfolding device includes a locking member with one end hinged to the antenna array and the other end hinged to the folding and unfolding plate, and a folding and unfolding member with one end hinged to the antenna array and the other end hinged to the folding and unfolding plate; the locking member and the folding and unfolding member are arranged in parallel.

[0011] In some possible implementations, the locking element includes a first fixed base mounted on the antenna array surface, a locking rocker arm with one end hinged to the first fixed base, a locking lever with one end hinged to the locking rocker arm and the other end hinged to the folding plate, and a pin for locking the first fixed base and the locking rocker arm.

[0012] In some possible implementations, the first fixed base and the locking rocker are respectively provided with pin holes for cooperating with the pin.

[0013] In some possible implementations, the folding member includes a second fixed base mounted on the antenna array surface, a folding swing rod with one end hinged to the second fixed base, a connecting rod with one end hinged to the other end of the folding swing rod and the other end hinged to the folding plate, and a telescopic drive device with one end hinged to the second fixed base and the other end hinged to the folding swing rod.

[0014] In some possible implementations, the telescopic drive device is a hydraulic cylinder.

[0015] In some possible implementations, the locking elements are in two sets, and the unfolding elements are in multiple sets and located between the two sets of locking elements.

[0016] In some possible implementations, the folding device is in two sets and symmetrically arranged, with one end of each set hinged to the antenna array and the other end hinged to the corresponding folding plate.

[0017] A method for using the pin-hole multiplexed antenna array folding and locking mechanism as described above specifically includes the following steps:

[0018] Step S1: The antenna array is in the retracted state. Release the lock on the first fixed base and the locking lever.

[0019] Step S2: Release the rotation restriction between the connecting plate and the fixed plate, and the folding device extends. When the connecting plate is in a horizontal position, restore the rotation restriction between the connecting plate and the fixed plate.

[0020] Step S3: Release the rotation restriction between the hinge point connecting plate and the folding plate. The folding device continues to extend. When the folding plate is in a horizontal position, restore the rotation restriction between the hinge point connecting plate and the folding plate to the locked position.

[0021] Step S4: Locking the fasteners completes the deployment of the antenna array and the locking of the deployed state; conversely, locking the antenna array completes the retraction of the antenna array and the locking of the retracted state.

[0022] In some possible implementations, step S2 includes the following steps:

[0023] Step S21: Release the rotation restriction at hinge point one between the connecting plate and the fixed plate, the hydraulic cylinder extends, driving the folding swing arm to swing, the folding swing arm drives the connecting rod, and the connecting rod pushes the connecting plate and the folding plate to move around hinge point one;

[0024] Step S22: When the folding panel moves, it drives the locking lever to move around the second hinge point between itself and the folding panel, and the locking lever pushes the locking rocker arm to rotate around the third hinge point between itself and the first fixed seat;

[0025] Step S23: When the connecting plate is in a horizontal position, the rotation of the hinge point between the connecting plate and the fixed plate is restricted.

[0026] In some possible implementations, step S3 includes the following steps:

[0027] Step S31: Release the rotation restriction at hinge point four between the connecting plate and the folding plate, and the hydraulic cylinder continues to extend, driving the folding swing arm to swing. The folding swing arm drives the connecting rod, and the connecting rod pushes the folding plate to move around hinge point four.

[0028] Step S32: When the folding board moves, it drives the locking swing rod to continue moving around hinge point two, and the locking swing rod pushes the locking rocker arm to rotate around hinge point three;

[0029] Step S33: When the folding panel is in a horizontal position, restore the rotation limit of hinge point four and reach the locked position.

[0030] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0031] The present invention uses a set of pin holes and pins to lock the antenna array in both folded and unfolded states, simplifying the mechanism. The present invention can effectively realize the automatic locking of the antenna array during the folding and unfolding process, improving the efficiency of the working and transportation state switching of such equipment. It largely solves the contradiction between the space occupied by the folding and unfolding mechanism of the mobile radar and the rigidity of the array, and can realize the folding and unfolding locking of a large-diameter antenna array in a compact space.

[0032] This invention improves the array's unfolding ratio, resulting in high precision and rigidity after the array is unfolded, and a compact size after being packed away. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2For the present invention Figure 1 Side view;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the locking component in this invention;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention when unfolded;

[0037] Figure 5 This is a side view of the invention when unfolded;

[0038] Wherein: 1-fixed plate, 2-connecting plate, 3-folding plate, 4-first fixed seat, 5-second fixed seat, 6-hydraulic cylinder, 7-folding swing arm, 8-connecting rod, 9-locking rocker arm, 10-locking swing arm, 11-pin, 12-hinge point one, 13-hinge point four, 14-hinge point five, 15-hinge point six, 16-hinge point seven, 17-hinge point eight, 18-hinge point nine, 19-hinge point two, 20-hinge point ten, 21-hinge point three, 22-pin hole. Detailed Implementation

[0039] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this application do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, "a" or "one," etc., do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the existence of at least one. In the implementation of this application, "and / or" describes the association relationship of related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. For example, multiple positioning posts refer to two or more positioning posts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0040] The present invention will now be described in detail.

[0041] like Figures 1-5 As shown,

[0042] A pin-hole reusable antenna array folding and locking mechanism, used in conjunction with an antenna array 100, includes a fixed plate 1 located directly above the antenna array 100, connecting plates 2 symmetrically arranged and hinged to both sides of the fixed plate 1, a folding plate 3 hinged to one end of the connecting plate 2 away from the fixed plate 1, and a folding device with one end hinged to the antenna array 100 and the other end hinged to the folding plate 3.

[0043] The folding and unfolding device includes a locking member with one end hinged to the antenna array 100 and the other end hinged to the folding and unfolding plate 3, and a folding and unfolding member with one end hinged to the antenna array 100 and the other end hinged to the folding and unfolding plate 3; the locking member and the folding and unfolding member are arranged in parallel.

[0044] Among them, hinge point 12 is formed between the fixed plate 1 and the connecting plate 2, hinge point 413 is formed between the connecting plate 2 and the folding plate 3, hinge point 321 is formed between the antenna array 100 and the locking member, hinge point 219 is formed between the locking member and the folding plate 3, hinge point 615 is formed between the antenna array 100 and the folding member, and hinge point 918 is formed between the folding member and the folding plate 3.

[0045] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, its working principle during the unfolding process from the tightened state to the unfolded state is as follows:

[0046] A1: Release the locking mechanism;

[0047] A2: Release the rotation restriction of hinge point 12, extend the folding piece, and drive the connecting plate 2 and the folding plate 3 to move around hinge point 12 away from the antenna array 100. When the connecting plate 2 is in a horizontal position, the rotation restriction of hinge point 12 is restored.

[0048] A3: Release the rotation restriction of hinge point 4 13, the folding piece continues to extend and pushes the folding plate 3 to continue moving away from the antenna array 100 around hinge point 4 13. When the folding plate 3 is in a horizontal position, the rotation restriction of hinge point 4 13 is restored. At this time, the outer side of the fixed plate 1, the outer side of the connecting plate 2, and the outer side of the folding plate 3 are all on the same horizontal plane and fully unfolded.

[0049] A4: Locking components are tightened to achieve locking and fixing of the entire mechanism.

[0050] Conversely, the opposite operation achieves the retraction and locking of the retraction;

[0051] This invention provides a structural form that enables the antenna array 100 to be locked in both folded and unfolded states using a set of locking components. It can achieve automatic locking of the antenna array 100 during the folding and unfolding process, improving the efficiency of the equipment's working and transportation state transitions. It largely solves the contradiction between the space occupied by the mobile radar folding and unfolding mechanism and the array rigidity, and can achieve the folding, unfolding, and locking of a large-diameter antenna array in a compact space.

[0052] In some possible implementations, the locking element includes a first fixed base 4 mounted on the antenna array 100, a locking rocker arm 9 with one end hinged to the first fixed base 4, a locking swing arm 10 with one end hinged to the locking rocker arm 9 and the other end hinged to the folding plate 3, and a pin 11 for locking the first fixed base 4 and the locking rocker arm 9.

[0053] Hinge point 3 21 is formed between the first fixed seat 4 and the locking rocker 9, hinge point 10 is formed between the locking rocker 9 and the locking swing rod 10, and hinge point 2 19 is formed between the locking swing rod 10 and the folding plate 3.

[0054] In some possible implementations, the first fixed base 4 and the locking rocker 9 are respectively provided with pin holes 22 for cooperating with the pin 11.

[0055] Pin holes 22 are provided on the locking rocker 9 and the first fixed base 4 respectively. The pin holes 22 are used in conjunction with the pin 11 to restrict the rotation of the locking rocker 9 around the hinge point 21.

[0056] In some possible implementations, the folding member includes a second fixed base 5 mounted on the antenna array 100, a folding swing rod 7 with one end hinged to the second fixed base 5, a connecting rod 8 with one end hinged to the other end of the folding swing rod 7 and the other end hinged to the folding plate 3, and a telescopic drive device 6 with one end hinged to the second fixed base 5 and the other end hinged to the folding swing rod 7.

[0057] Hinge point 6 15 is formed between the second fixed seat 5 and the folding swing rod 7, hinge point 8 17 is formed between the folding swing rod 7 and the connecting rod 8, hinge point 9 18 is formed between the other end of the folding swing rod 7 and the folding plate 3, hinge point 5 14 is formed between one end of the telescopic drive device 6 and the second fixed seat 5, and hinge point 7 16 is formed between the other end of the folding swing rod 7, hinge point 7 16 is located between hinge point 6 15 and hinge point 8 17; hinge point 9 18 is located between hinge point 4 13 and hinge point 2 19.

[0058] In some possible implementations, the telescopic drive device 6 is a hydraulic cylinder.

[0059] In some possible implementations, the locking elements are in two sets, and the unfolding elements are in multiple sets and located between the two sets of locking elements.

[0060] In some possible implementations, the folding device is in two sets and symmetrically arranged, with one end of each set of folding devices hinged to the antenna array 100 and the other end hinged to the corresponding folding plate 3.

[0061] It should be noted that a locking and limiting device is provided at hinge point 12 between connecting plate 2 and fixed plate 1 to lock connecting plate 2 and fixed plate 1 and restrict the two from rotating freely around hinge point 12; a locking and limiting device is provided at hinge point 13 between connecting plate 2 and folding plate 3 to lock connecting plate 2 and folding plate 3 and restrict the two from rotating freely around hinge point 12.

[0062] on the other hand:

[0063] A method for using the pin-hole multiplexed antenna array folding and locking mechanism as described above specifically includes the following steps:

[0064] Step S1: The antenna array 100 is in the retracted state, and the locking mechanism installed on the first fixed base 4 and the locking lever 9 is released;

[0065] Step S2: Release the rotation restriction between the connecting plate 2 and the fixed plate 1, and the folding device extends. When the connecting plate 2 is in a horizontal position, restore the rotation restriction between the connecting plate 2 and the fixed plate 1.

[0066] Step S2 includes the following steps:

[0067] Step S21: Release the rotation restriction at hinge point 12 between connecting plate 2 and fixed plate 1, the hydraulic cylinder extends, driving the folding swing rod 7 to swing, the folding swing rod 7 drives the connecting rod 8, and the connecting rod 8 pushes the connecting plate 2 and the folding plate 3 to move around hinge point 12.

[0068] Step S22: When the folding plate 3 moves, it drives the locking swing rod 10 to move around the hinge point 19 between it and the folding plate 3, and the locking swing rod 10 pushes the locking rocker 9 to rotate around the hinge point 21 between it and the first fixed seat 4.

[0069] Step S23: When the connecting plate 2 is in a horizontal position, the rotation of the hinge point 12 between the connecting plate 2 and the fixed plate 1 is restricted.

[0070] Step S3: Release the rotation restriction between the hinge point connecting plate 2 and the folding plate 3. The folding device continues to extend. When the folding plate 3 is in a horizontal position, restore the rotation restriction between the hinge point connecting plate 2 and the folding plate 3, reaching the locked position. Step S3 includes the following steps:

[0071] Step S31: Release the rotation restriction at hinge point 413 between connecting plate 2 and folding plate 3, and the hydraulic cylinder continues to extend, driving the folding swing rod 7 to swing. The folding swing rod 7 drives the connecting rod 8, and the connecting rod 8 pushes the folding plate 3 to move around hinge point 413.

[0072] Step S32: When the folding plate 3 moves, it drives the locking swing rod 10 to continue moving around hinge point 2 19, and the locking swing rod 10 pushes the locking rocker 9 to rotate around hinge point 3 21.

[0073] Step S33: When the folding plate 3 is in the horizontal position, restore the rotation limit of hinge point 4 13 and reach the locked position;

[0074] Step S4: Locking mechanism is engaged, completing the deployment of antenna array 100 and locking of the deployed state;

[0075] Conversely, the antenna array 100 is assembled and the assembled / reassembled state is locked.

[0076] The present invention utilizes a set of pin holes 22 and pins 11 to achieve a structure that locks the antenna array 100 in both folded and unfolded states, thus simplifying the mechanism;

[0077] This invention can effectively improve the array folding-out ratio, resulting in high precision and rigidity after array unfolding, and a compact size after folding. It can achieve automatic locking of the antenna array 100 during the folding and unfolding process, improving the efficiency of the working and transportation state transition of such equipment. It largely solves the contradiction between the space occupied by the mobile radar folding-out mechanism and the array rigidity, and can realize the folding-out locking of a large-diameter antenna array in a compact space.

[0078] This invention employs rigid locking technology, which uses hydraulic pins to rigidly lock the array after it is deployed. This results in good array rigidity, enabling it to operate normally in windy conditions and exhibiting excellent environmental adaptability.

[0079] Example 1:

[0080] An array antenna for a certain project has a diameter of 6 meters and a height of 8 meters. It is divided into 5 sections in width, and equipped with two sets of folding and locking mechanisms at the top and bottom. Its assembly geometry is as follows: Figure 1 As shown;

[0081] The array antenna's folding and unfolding motion is achieved by extending and retracting a hydraulic cylinder. After the entire device moves into position, it is locked in place by the engagement of pin 11 and pin hole. Its unfolded outline is as follows: Figure 4 As shown.

[0082] The antenna array is divided into approximately 100 sections and deployed simultaneously, with each deployment / retraction taking no more than 2 minutes. Once retracted, it can be transported on a vehicle platform no more than 1450mm high, fully meeting the clearance requirements for road and rail transport. After locking, it meets the rigidity requirements for both working and transport conditions.

[0083] This invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The invention extends to any new feature or combination disclosed in this specification, as well as any new method or process step or combination disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A pin-hole reusable antenna array folding and locking mechanism, used in conjunction with an antenna array, characterized in that, It includes a fixed plate located directly above the antenna array, connecting plates symmetrically arranged and hinged to both sides of the fixed plate, a folding plate hinged to the end of the connecting plate away from the fixed plate, and a folding device with one end hinged to the antenna array and the other end hinged to the folding plate. The folding and unfolding device includes a locking member with one end hinged to the antenna array and the other end hinged to the folding and unfolding plate, and a folding and unfolding member with one end hinged to the antenna array and the other end hinged to the folding and unfolding plate; the locking member and the folding and unfolding member are arranged in parallel; the locking member includes a first fixed seat mounted on the antenna array, a locking rocker arm with one end hinged to the first fixed seat, a locking swing arm with one end hinged to the locking rocker arm and the other end hinged to the folding and unfolding plate, and a pin for locking the first fixed seat and the locking rocker arm; The folding component includes a second fixed base mounted on the antenna array surface, a folding swing rod with one end hinged to the second fixed base, a connecting rod with one end hinged to the other end of the folding swing rod and the other end hinged to the folding plate, and a telescopic drive device with one end hinged to the second fixed base and the other end hinged to the folding swing rod.

2. The pin-hole multiplexed antenna array folding and locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first fixed base and the locking rocker are respectively provided with pin holes for cooperating with the pin.

3. The pin-hole multiplexed antenna array folding and locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The telescopic drive device is a hydraulic cylinder.

4. The pin-hole multiplexed antenna array folding and locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking components are in two sets, and the unfolding components are in multiple sets and located between the two sets of locking components.

5. The pin-hole multiplexed antenna array folding and locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The folding and unfolding device consists of two sets arranged symmetrically. One end of each set of folding and unfolding devices is hinged to the antenna array, and the other end is hinged to the corresponding folding and unfolding plate.

6. A method of using the pin-hole multiplexed antenna array folding and locking mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Specifically, the following steps are included: Step S1: The antenna array is in the retracted state. Release the lock on the first fixed base and the locking lever. Step S2: Release the rotation restriction between the connecting plate and the fixed plate, and the folding device extends. When the connecting plate is in a horizontal position, restore the rotation restriction between the connecting plate and the fixed plate. Step S3: Release the rotation restriction between the hinge point connecting plate and the folding plate. The folding device continues to extend. When the folding plate is in a horizontal position, restore the rotation restriction between the hinge point connecting plate and the folding plate to the locked position. Step S4: Locking the fasteners completes the deployment of the antenna array and the locking of the deployed state; conversely, locking the antenna array completes the retraction of the antenna array and the locking of the retracted state.

7. The method of using the pin-hole multiplexed antenna array folding and locking mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, Step S2 includes the following steps: Step S21: Release the rotation restriction at hinge point one between the connecting plate and the fixed plate, the hydraulic cylinder extends, driving the folding swing arm to swing, the folding swing arm drives the connecting rod, and the connecting rod pushes the connecting plate and the folding plate to move around hinge point one; Step S22: When the folding panel moves, it drives the locking lever to move around the second hinge point between itself and the folding panel, and the locking lever pushes the locking rocker arm to rotate around the third hinge point between itself and the first fixed seat; Step S23: When the connecting plate is in a horizontal position, the rotation of the hinge point between the connecting plate and the fixed plate is restricted.

8. The method of using the pin-hole multiplexed antenna array folding and locking mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that, Step S3 includes the following steps: Step S31: Release the rotation restriction at hinge point four between the connecting plate and the folding plate, and the hydraulic cylinder continues to extend, driving the folding swing arm to swing. The folding swing arm drives the connecting rod, and the connecting rod pushes the folding plate to move around hinge point four. Step S32: When the folding board moves, it drives the locking swing rod to continue moving around hinge point two, and the locking swing rod pushes the locking rocker arm to rotate around hinge point three; Step S33: When the folding panel is in a horizontal position, restore the rotation limit of hinge point four and reach the locked position.

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