Antenna structure and airplane

Abstract

The antenna structure comprises a shell, an antenna array and a plurality of connectors, a plurality of fixing grooves are formed in the shell, the antenna array comprises a plurality of antenna array elements, the antenna array elements are fixed in the fixing grooves, and the connectors are connected to the shell and electrically connected with the antenna array elements respectively. According to the antenna structure, the antenna array elements of the antenna array are positioned and fixed through the fixing grooves, and the assembly and maintenance efficiency is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of antenna technology, and in particular to an antenna structure and an aircraft. Background Art

[0002] With the development of aviation, aerospace, and airborne radar equipment, the new generation of airborne equipment has been developed and applied, mainly based on large-area phased array antenna arrays to improve communication performance. However, traditional phased array antenna equipment protrudes from the fuselage, increasing the overall weight, complexity, and maintenance cost of the aircraft, and also adversely affecting aerodynamic performance. Therefore, the structural and functional integration of antennas in airborne equipment platforms has been developed, adopting a skin-integrated antenna array structure. Compared with the external method, the antenna is arranged in the skin of the fuselage and wings. However, the existing wing skin cannot limit and fix the antenna, making the removal and installation of the antenna inconvenient and the assembly and maintenance efficiency low. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides an antenna structure, which positions and fixes antenna elements of an antenna array through fixing slots, and has high assembly and maintenance efficiency.

[0004] An antenna structure includes a housing, an antenna array, and multiple connectors. The housing is provided with multiple fixing slots. The antenna array includes multiple antenna elements, each of which is fixed in a fixing slot. Each connector is connected to the housing and is electrically connected to each antenna element.

[0005] In an embodiment of the present invention, a limiting frame is provided in the shell, a plurality of limiting sections are formed on the limiting frame, and the plurality of limiting sections and the inner wall of the shell form a plurality of fixing grooves.

[0006] In an embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned limiting frame includes multiple horizontal beams and multiple longitudinal beams, the multiple horizontal beams are parallel to each other and arranged at intervals, the multiple longitudinal beams are parallel to each other and arranged at intervals, the multiple horizontal beams and the multiple longitudinal beams are cross-connected to each other, the multiple horizontal beams and the multiple longitudinal beams together enclose a plurality of the limiting intervals, and the multiple horizontal beams and the multiple longitudinal beams position and fix the multiple antenna array elements.

[0007] In an embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned housing includes a wave-transmitting shell and a fixing cover, the fixing cover is connected to the wave-transmitting shell, the limiting frame is arranged between the wave-transmitting shell and the fixing cover, each of the limiting intervals is combined with the wave-transmitting shell to form a plurality of the fixing grooves, or each of the limiting intervals is combined with the fixing cover to form a plurality of the fixing grooves, and each of the joints is fixed on the fixing cover.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present invention, the fixing cover is provided with a plurality of mounting holes, each of the mounting holes passes through the fixing cover, and each of the connectors is installed in each of the mounting holes.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, the wave-transmitting shell is provided with a plurality of connecting seats on a side close to the fixing cover, each of the connecting seats is provided with a first connecting hole, and each of the fixing covers is provided with a plurality of second connecting holes corresponding to the first connecting holes. The antenna structure further includes a plurality of screw components, each of the screw components respectively cooperating with the first connecting holes and the second connecting holes to achieve a detachable connection between the wave-transmitting shell and the fixing cover.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present invention, the antenna structure further includes an antenna ground, and the antenna ground covers the plurality of antenna array elements.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, the antenna structure further includes a plurality of antenna grounds, each of the antenna grounds being respectively arranged corresponding to each of the antenna array elements.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, the antenna array element includes a radiating portion and a supporting portion, the lower surface of the supporting portion is connected to the radiating portion, and the upper surface of the supporting portion is connected to the antenna ground.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, the antenna array is provided with a plurality of through holes, each of which passes through the antenna ground and each of the antenna array elements, and each of the connectors is vertically connected to the antenna ground and each of the antenna array elements respectively through each of the through holes.

[0014] The present invention also relates to an aircraft comprising the above antenna structure.

[0015] The housing of the antenna structure of the present invention positions and fixes the antenna elements of the antenna array through the fixing grooves, making the installation of the antenna array more convenient and improving the assembly and maintenance efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the split structure of the antenna structure of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the top view of the antenna structure of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 It is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of the antenna structure of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the split structure of the antenna array of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 yes Figure 3A schematic diagram of a partially enlarged structure of another area of ​​the antenna structure is shown.

[0021] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows a partially enlarged structural diagram of an area of ​​the antenna structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The following describes the implementation of the present invention through specific embodiments. People skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the contents disclosed in this specification.

[0023] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and that mechanical, structural, electrical, and operational changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description should not be construed as limiting, and the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0024] Although the terms "first", "second", etc. are used herein to describe various elements in some instances, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0025] Furthermore, as used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms "comprise", "include" indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, components, items, kinds, and / or groups, but do not exclude the presence, occurrence, or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, items, kinds, and / or groups. The terms "or" and "and / or" used herein are interpreted as inclusive, or mean any one or any combination. Thus, "A, B, or C" or "A, B, and / or C" means "any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C". Exceptions to this definition occur only when the combination of elements, functions, steps, or operations is inherently mutually exclusive in some way.

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the split structure of the antenna structure of the present invention, Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a top view of the antenna structure of the present invention, Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the antenna structure of the present invention, please refer to Figures 1 to 3The antenna structure includes a housing 11, an antenna array 12, and multiple connectors 13. The housing 11 is provided with multiple fixing slots 101. The antenna array 12 includes multiple antenna elements, each of which is fixed in a fixing slot 101. Each connector 13 is connected to the housing 11 and electrically connected to each antenna element. In this embodiment, the perimeter of the antenna elements is positioned adjacent to or in contact with the walls of the fixing slots 101, which provide positioning and securement for the antenna elements.

[0027] The housing 11 of the antenna structure of the present invention positions and fixes the antenna elements of the antenna array 12 through the fixing slots 101, making the installation of the antenna array 12 more convenient and improving the assembly and maintenance efficiency.

[0028] Optionally, a limiting frame 113 is provided in the housing 11 , and a plurality of limiting sections are formed on the limiting frame 113 . The plurality of limiting sections and the inner wall of the housing 11 form a plurality of fixing grooves 101 .

[0029] Alternatively, as Figure 1 As shown, the limiting frame 113 includes multiple cross beams 1131 and multiple longitudinal beams 1132. The multiple cross beams 1131 are parallel to each other and arranged at intervals. The multiple longitudinal beams 1132 are parallel to each other and arranged at intervals. The multiple cross beams 1131 and the multiple longitudinal beams 1132 are cross-connected to each other. For example, each cross beam 1131 is vertically connected to each longitudinal beam 1132. The multiple cross beams 1131 and the multiple longitudinal beams 1132 together enclose multiple limiting intervals. The multiple cross beams 1131 and the multiple longitudinal beams 1132 can position and fix the antenna array elements.

[0030] Optionally, the limiting frame 113 is made of carbon fiber material, but is not limited thereto.

[0031] Alternatively, as Figure 1 As shown, the housing 11 includes a wave-transmitting shell 111 and a fixed cover 112. The fixed cover 112 is connected to the wave-transmitting shell 111. A limiting frame 113 is provided between the wave-transmitting shell 111 and the fixed cover 112. Each limiting interval is combined with the wave-transmitting shell 111 to form a plurality of fixing slots 101, or each limiting interval is combined with the fixed cover 112 to form a plurality of fixing slots 101. Each connector 13 is fixed to the fixed cover 112. The wave-transmitting shell 111 and the fixed cover 112 of the present application are plate-shaped. For example, the area of ​​the wave-transmitting shell 111 is larger than the area of ​​the fixed cover 112. The fixed cover 112 covers a partial area of ​​the wave-transmitting shell 111 and limits and protects the antenna array 12. The present application utilizes the wave-transmitting shell 111 for wave transmission and utilizes the fixed cover 112 for limiting and protecting the antenna array 12. The overall structure is simple and the manufacturing cost is low.

[0032] Optionally, the wave-transmitting shell 111 is made of a wave-transmitting material, such as glass fiber, fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, acrylic board, PC, but not limited thereto.

[0033] Optionally, the fixing cover 112 is made of insulating material, such as fiberglass board, but not limited thereto.

[0034] Alternatively, as Figure 1 As shown, the limiting frame 113 is fixed to the surface of the wave-transmitting shell 111. Preferably, the limiting frame 113 is integrally formed with the wave-transmitting shell 111, or the limiting frame 113 is fixed to the surface of the fixing cover 112. Preferably, the limiting frame 113 is integrally formed with the wave-transmitting shell 111, which not only enhances the structural strength of the wave-transmitting shell 111 or the fixing cover 112, but also can position and fix the radiating portion 121.

[0035] Alternatively, as Figure 1 As shown, a plurality of mounting holes 102 are provided on the fixing cover 112 . Each mounting hole 102 passes through the fixing cover 112 , and each connector 13 is installed in each mounting hole 102 .

[0036] Optionally, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the split structure of the antenna array of the present invention, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the antenna array 12 also includes an antenna ground plane 122, which covers multiple antenna elements. That is, multiple antenna elements are correspondingly arranged on one antenna ground plane 122. In the present application, multiple antenna elements share the antenna ground plane 122, which not only ensures the overall antenna performance but also facilitates the processing and assembly of the antenna array 12.

[0037] In another embodiment, the antenna structure further includes a plurality of antenna grounds, each antenna ground being respectively arranged corresponding to each antenna array element, that is, the number of antenna grounds is the same as the number of antenna array elements.

[0038] Optionally, each antenna array element includes a radiating portion 121 and a supporting portion 123, the upper surface of the supporting portion 123 is connected to the antenna ground 122, the lower surface of the supporting portion 123 is connected to the radiating portion 121, the antenna ground 122 is arranged close to the fixing cover 112, and the radiating portion 121 is arranged close to the wave-transparent shell 111.

[0039] Optionally, the radiation portion 121 and / or the antenna ground 122 are made of a polyimide copper-clad film, which can achieve flexible bending and deformation.

[0040] Optionally, the support portion 123 is made of a lightweight material such as an aramid honeycomb core, aerogel, etc., which can reduce the weight of the antenna array 12 .

[0041] Optionally, Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a partially enlarged structure of another area of ​​the antenna structure shown in FIG. Figure 1 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the antenna array 12 is provided with a plurality of through-holes 103. Each through-hole 103 penetrates the antenna ground plane 122 and each antenna element (support portion 123 and radiating portion 121). Each connector 13 is vertically connected to the antenna ground plane 122 and the radiating portion 121 of each antenna element through each through-hole 103. That is, the antenna structure of this application adopts vertical feeding. In this embodiment, each connector 13 is connected to the antenna ground plane 122 and the radiating portion 121 respectively by welding.

[0042] Optionally, along a direction perpendicular to the wave-transparent shell 111, the depth of each fixing slot 101 is greater than the thickness of the antenna element, reserving sufficient depth for the weld. In this embodiment, a gap exists between the radiating portion 121 and the wave-transparent shell 111, which reserves sufficient space for welding the connector 13 to the radiating portion 121.

[0043] Optionally, Figure 6 yes Figure 3 The schematic diagram of the partially enlarged structure of an area of ​​the antenna structure shown in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, a plurality of connecting seats 114 are provided on one side of the wave-transmitting shell 111 near the fixing cover 112, each connecting seat 114 is provided with a first connecting hole 104, and each fixing cover 112 is provided with a plurality of second connecting holes 105 corresponding to the first connecting holes 104. The antenna structure also includes a plurality of screw components 124, each screw component 124 cooperates with each first connecting hole 104 and the second connecting hole 105 to achieve a detachable connection between the wave-transmitting shell 111 and the fixing cover 112; when the antenna array 12 needs to be repaired, the screw components 124 are removed, and then the fixing cover 112 is peeled off to remove or repair the antenna array 12, thereby facilitating the installation, disassembly and repair of the antenna array 12. In this embodiment, the screw connection assembly 124 includes a screw 1241, a gasket 1242 and a nut 1243. One end of the screw 1241 is set through the first connecting hole 104 and the second connecting hole 105. The gasket 1242 is sleeved on the screw 1241, and the nut 1243 is threadedly connected to the screw 1241.

[0044] Optionally, the screw assembly 124 is made of plastic materials such as acrylic, polytetrafluoroethylene, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0045] Optionally, the plurality of fixing slots 101 and the plurality of radiation portions 121 are arranged in a matrix.

[0046] Optionally, the number of the plurality of fixing slots 101 , the plurality of radiating portions 121 , the supporting portions 123 and the connectors 13 is 16; and the number of the antenna ground 122 is 1.

[0047] The present invention also relates to an aircraft including the aforementioned antenna structure. In this embodiment, the antenna structure's outer shell 11 serves as the aircraft's hull (skin), increasing the aperture of the onboard antenna and improving detection range. It also reduces the aircraft's aerodynamic drag and radar scattering area, thereby improving both aerodynamic and stealth performance.

[0048] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone skilled in the art may modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and technical principles disclosed herein are intended to be covered by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An antenna structure, characterized in that: It includes a shell, an antenna array and multiple connectors. The shell is provided with multiple fixing slots. The antenna array includes multiple antenna elements. Each antenna element is fixed in each fixing slot. Each connector is connected to the shell and is electrically connected to each antenna element respectively.

2. The antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A limiting frame is arranged inside the shell, and a plurality of limiting sections are formed on the limiting frame. The plurality of limiting sections and the inner wall of the shell form a plurality of fixing grooves.

3. The antenna structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The limiting frame includes multiple cross beams and multiple longitudinal beams, the multiple cross beams are parallel to each other and arranged at intervals, the multiple longitudinal beams are parallel to each other and arranged at intervals, the multiple cross beams and the multiple longitudinal beams are cross-connected to each other, the multiple cross beams and the multiple longitudinal beams together enclose a plurality of the limiting intervals, and the multiple cross beams and the multiple longitudinal beams position and fix the multiple antenna array elements.

4. The antenna structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The housing comprises a wave-transmitting shell and a fixing cover, wherein the fixing cover is connected to the wave-transmitting shell, the limiting frame is arranged between the wave-transmitting shell and the fixing cover, each limiting interval is combined with the wave-transmitting shell to form a plurality of the fixing grooves, or each limiting interval is combined with the fixing cover to form a plurality of the fixing grooves, and each joint is fixed on the fixing cover.

5. The antenna structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The fixing cover is provided with a plurality of mounting holes, each of the mounting holes passes through the fixing cover, and each of the joints is installed in each of the mounting holes.

6. The antenna structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: A plurality of connection seats are provided on one side of the wave-transmitting shell close to the fixing cover, each of the connection seats is provided with a first connection hole, each of the fixing covers is provided with a plurality of second connection holes corresponding to the first connection holes, and the antenna structure further comprises a plurality of screw connection components, each of the screw connection components respectively cooperates with the first connection hole and the second connection hole to realize a detachable connection between the wave-transmitting shell and the fixing cover.

7. The antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: Include any of the following: The antenna structure further includes an antenna ground, and the antenna ground covers a plurality of the antenna array elements; The antenna structure further comprises a plurality of antenna grounds, each of the antenna grounds being respectively arranged corresponding to each of the antenna array elements; The antenna array element comprises a radiating portion and a supporting portion, wherein a lower surface of the supporting portion is connected to the radiating portion, and an upper surface of the supporting portion is connected to the antenna ground.

8. The antenna structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: The antenna array is provided with a plurality of through holes, each of which passes through the antenna ground and each of the antenna array elements, and each of the connectors is vertically connected to the antenna ground and each of the antenna array elements respectively through each of the through holes.

9. The antenna structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: Along a direction perpendicular to the housing, the depth of each fixing groove is greater than the thickness of the antenna array element.

10. An aircraft, characterized in that: The invention comprises the antenna structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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