Structure for connecting tethered lift-off balloon antenna with buoy body

Abstract

The invention discloses a tethered lift-off balloon antenna connection buoy body structure, which belongs to the technical field of deep sea observation information remote transmission, and comprises a buoy and an antenna structure, the invention aims to solve the problems that a satellite antenna configured by a buoy is small in size and is affected by sea surface storm shielding, the actual stable communication time is short, and real-time and reliable transmission of large-capacity deep sea observation data cannot be realized. The self-release lift-off unfolding large-aperture satellite antenna structure provided by the scheme depends on the large-aperture spherical antenna structure which is unfolded after being inflated and is supported by the arc-shaped frame, so that the adaptability of the effective aperture and direction change of the satellite antenna on the buoy is improved, and high-speed transmission is supported by a hardware foundation. According to the invention, the limitation of the sea condition on the water outlet height of the antenna body is broken through, the communication reliability in the high sea condition environment is effectively improved, and the influence degree of the sea wave fluctuation on the satellite communication effect in the high sea condition environment is greatly reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of remote transmission of deep - sea observation information, and particularly relates to a structure for connecting a tethered aerostat antenna to a buoy body. Background Art

[0002] Satellite antennas configured on deep - sea buoys are generally small - sized antennas, such as Beidou / GPS positioning and navigation antennas or Tiantong satellite communication antennas, etc. Limited by the space of the buoy, the antenna size is generally small, with a diameter of about 200 mm. The capabilities of small - aperture antennas directly result in low communication rates. The communication rate generally does not exceed the order of 10 kbps, and the upper limit is in the order of hundreds of kbps, which cannot meet the real - time transmission requirements of large - volume deep - sea observation data. In addition, satellite communication antennas configured on buoys generally adopt a rigid connection method with the buoy body. The water - emergence height of the antenna is directly limited by the water - emergence height of the buoy, resulting in a low water - emergence height of the antenna. Under the high - sea - state conditions in the deep sea, affected by the shielding of sea waves on the sea surface, the actual stable communication time is short, and it also cannot meet the real - time transmission requirements of large - volume deep - sea observation data. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention discloses a structure for connecting a tethered aerostat antenna to a buoy body, aiming to solve the problems that the satellite antenna configured on the buoy has a small size, is affected by the shielding of sea waves on the sea surface, has a short actual stable communication time, and cannot achieve the real - time and reliable transmission of large - volume deep - sea observation data.

[0004] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0005] A structure for connecting a tethered aerostat antenna to a buoy body includes a buoy and an antenna structure. The antenna structure includes a support shaft. At the top of the support shaft, several arc - shaped frames are hinged in a circumferential array distribution, and a flexible antenna surface is arranged between adjacent arc - shaped frames. The antenna structure also includes an annular aerostat sleeved on the support shaft, and the aerostat is connected to the inner arc surface of the arc - shaped frame. A fixing rope is arranged between the support shaft and the buoy, and a winding drum for winding the fixing rope is arranged on the buoy. A high - pressure inflation device is arranged on the buoy, a hose is connected between the output end of the high - pressure inflation device and the aerostat, and a pressure - relief valve communicating with the outside is arranged on the aerostat.

[0006] In this solution, when not in use, the antenna structure is stored in the buoy, which can effectively reduce the antenna volume. When in use, the high - pressure inflation device is used to inflate the aerostat. While the aerostat expands, the fixing rope is released, and the aerostat floats upward with the antenna structure. While the aerostat expands, it drives the arc - shaped frames to unfold, thereby unfolding the flexible antenna surface for information transmission. If it is necessary to store the antenna structure, only the gas in the aerostat needs to be discharged through the pressure - relief valve.

[0007] This solution proposes a large-aperture satellite antenna structure that can be self-released, lifted into the air and deployed. It relies on a large-aperture spherical antenna structure that unfolds after inflation, supplemented by the support of an arc-shaped frame, greatly enhancing the effective aperture of the satellite antenna on the buoy and its adaptability to direction changes, providing a hardware foundation for high-rate transmission.

[0008] In addition, the tethered aerostat antenna is connected to the buoy body structure, breaking through the limitation of the sea state on the water emergence height of the antenna body, effectively improving the reliability of communication in a high sea state environment, and greatly reducing the impact of wave fluctuations in a high sea state environment on the satellite communication effect.

[0009] Furthermore, rotating structures are provided on both sides of the arc-shaped frame. Arc-shaped brackets are provided on the rotating structures. The brackets are coaxial with the support shafts. Connecting seats are provided between adjacent brackets. The connecting seats are connected to the air balloon; spherical cavities are opened on both sides of the connecting seats. Installation balls that cooperate with the spherical cavities are provided at the end parts of the movable ends of the brackets. Positioning holes are provided at the ends of the installation balls; through holes for communicating the two spherical cavities are provided inside the connecting seats. Positioning pins that cooperate with the positioning holes are slidably connected to both ends of the through holes. Support springs are provided between the positioning pins and the through holes. Expansion balloons communicating with the air balloon are provided between adjacent positioning pins.

[0010] In this solution, during the unfolding process of the arc-shaped frame, the arc-shaped frame drives the brackets to move synchronously, and the installation balls at the ends of the brackets deflect in the spherical cavities; after the arc-shaped frame is unfolded, the positioning holes on the installation balls are aligned with the through holes, and the air balloon continues to be inflated, and the gas flows into the expansion balloon to make it expand. The expansion balloon pushes the positioning pins at both ends to overcome the elastic force of the support springs, and then the positioning pins are inserted into the positioning holes to limit the installation balls, thereby locking the brackets by using the connecting seats; when the antenna needs to be stored, the gas in the air balloon and the expansion balloon is discharged through the pressure relief valve, and the positioning pins...; This solution uses the brackets and the connecting seats to assist in supporting the arc-shaped frame, strengthening the stability of the antenna structure.

[0011] Furthermore, the rotating structure includes a through groove provided in the middle of the arc-shaped frame and two parallel mounting shafts. The rotating shafts are rotatably connected in the corresponding through grooves. The end parts of the brackets are fixedly connected to the corresponding rotating shafts. Transmission gears are fixedly provided on the rotating shafts. Adjacent transmission gears are meshed with each other.

[0012] In this solution, through the meshing of adjacent transmission gears, the brackets on both sides of the arc-shaped frame deflect synchronously and in opposite directions, thereby controlling all the arc-shaped frames to deflect synchronously, enabling the flexible antenna surface to be unfolded or folded synchronously, and avoiding damage to the flexible antenna surface caused by asynchronous unfolding of the arc-shaped frames.

[0013] Further, a counterweight cavity is provided inside the buoy. A valve communicating with the outside is provided at the bottom of the side wall of the counterweight cavity, and a pressure relief valve communicating with the outside is also provided at the top end of the counterweight cavity. A branch pipe is communicated between the high-pressure inflation device and the counterweight cavity.

[0014] In this solution, when it is necessary to increase the weight of the buoy, the pressure relief valve and the valve are opened to allow seawater to enter the counterweight cavity; when it is necessary to reduce the weight of the counterweight cavity, the pressure relief valve is kept closed, and the high-pressure inflation device inflates the counterweight cavity through the branch pipe to discharge the seawater through the valve; by providing the counterweight cavity, the suspension height of the buoy is adjusted.

[0015] Further, a plurality of folding plates are hinged to the periphery of the buoy.

[0016] Further, waterproof coatings are provided on both the arc-shaped frame and the rotating structure.

[0017] Further, the connection seats and the corners of the brackets are subjected to edge wrapping treatment.

[0018] Other advantages, objectives, and features of the present invention will be described in the subsequent description, and to some extent, will be obvious to those skilled in the art, or those skilled in the art can obtain teachings from the practice of the present invention. The objectives and other advantages of the present invention can be achieved and obtained through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of the present invention clearer, the present invention provides the following drawings for illustration:

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 is a transverse sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 is Figure 3 an enlarged schematic view of part A in

[0024] Figure 5 is Figure 3 an enlarged schematic view of part B in

[0025] The reference numerals in the drawings are as follows: buoy 1, support shaft 2, flexible antenna surface 3, arc-shaped frame 4, air balloon 5, fixing rope 6, high-pressure inflation device 7, pressure relief valve 8, connection seat 9, mounting ball 10, positioning pin 11, support spring 12, expansion balloon 13, mounting shaft 14, transmission gear 15, valve 16, branch pipe 17, folding plate 18, winding drum 19, bracket 20. Detailed implementation mode

[0026] As Figures 1 to 5 shown:

[0027] A body structure of a balloon 5 antenna connected to a buoy 1 by a rope, comprising a buoy 1 and an antenna structure. The antenna structure includes a support shaft 2. At the top of the support shaft 2, a plurality of arc-shaped frames 4 distributed in a circumferential array are hinged. A flexible antenna surface 3 is arranged between adjacent arc-shaped frames 4. The antenna structure further includes an annular balloon 5 sleeved on the support shaft 2. The balloon 5 is connected to the inner arc surface of the arc-shaped frame 4. A fixing rope 6 is arranged between the support shaft 2 and the buoy 1. A winding drum 19 for winding the fixing rope 6 is arranged on the buoy 1. A high-pressure inflation device 7 is arranged on the buoy 1. A hose is communicated between the output end of the high-pressure inflation device 7 and the balloon 5. A pressure relief valve 8 communicated with the outside is arranged on the balloon 5.

[0028] In this solution, when not in use, the antenna structure is stored in the buoy 1, which can effectively reduce the volume of the antenna. When in use, the high-pressure inflation device 7 is used to inflate the balloon 5. While the balloon 5 expands, the fixing rope 6 is released. The balloon 5 floats upward with the antenna structure. While the balloon 5 expands, it drives the arc-shaped frame 4 to unfold, so as to unfold the flexible antenna surface 3 for information transmission. If it is necessary to store the antenna structure, only the gas in the balloon 5 needs to be discharged through the pressure relief valve 8.

[0029] This solution proposes a large-aperture satellite antenna structure that self-releases and ascends for deployment. Relying on the large-aperture spherical antenna structure that unfolds after inflation and supplemented by the support of the arc-shaped frame 4, it greatly improves the effective aperture of the satellite antenna on the buoy 1 and the adaptability to direction changes, providing a hardware foundation for high-speed transmission.

[0030] In addition, the body structure of the balloon 5 antenna connected to the buoy 1 by a rope breaks through the limitation of the sea state on the water emergence height of the antenna body, effectively improves the reliability of communication in a high-sea state environment, and greatly reduces the influence degree of the wave undulation in a high-sea state environment on the satellite communication effect.

[0031] In this embodiment, rotating structures are provided on both sides of the arc-shaped frame 4. Arc-shaped brackets 20 are provided on the rotating structures. The brackets 20 are coaxial with the support shaft 2. Connecting seats 9 are provided between adjacent brackets 20. The connecting seats 9 are connected to the air balloons 5. Spherical cavities are formed on both sides of the connecting seats 9. Mounting balls 10 that cooperate with the spherical cavities are provided at the end portions of the movable ends of the brackets 20. Positioning holes are provided at the end portions of the mounting balls 10. Through holes for communicating the spherical cavities on both sides are provided in the connecting seats 9. Positioning pins 11 that cooperate with the positioning holes are slidably connected to both ends of the through holes. Support springs 12 are provided between the positioning pins 11 and the through holes. Expansion balloons 13 that communicate with the air balloons 5 are provided between adjacent positioning pins 11.

[0032] In this solution, during the unfolding process of the arc-shaped frame 4, the arc-shaped frame 4 drives the brackets 20 to move synchronously. The mounting balls 10 at the ends of the brackets 20 deflect in the spherical cavities. When the arc-shaped frame 4 is unfolded, the positioning holes on the mounting balls 10 are aligned with the through holes. The air balloon 5 is continuously inflated, and the gas flows into the expansion balloon 13 to cause it to expand. The expansion balloon 13 pushes the positioning pins 11 at both ends to overcome the elastic force of the support springs 12, so that the positioning pins 11 are inserted into the positioning holes to limit the mounting balls 10, thereby locking the brackets 20 by using the connecting seats 9. When the antenna needs to be stored, the gas in the air balloon 5 and the expansion balloon 13 is discharged through the pressure relief valve 8. The positioning pins 11...; This solution uses the brackets 20 and the connecting seats 9 to assist in supporting the arc-shaped frame 4 and strengthens the stability of the antenna structure.

[0033] In this embodiment, the rotating structure includes a through groove provided in the middle of the arc-shaped frame 4 and two parallel mounting shafts 14. The rotating shafts are rotatably connected in the corresponding through grooves. The end portions of the brackets 20 are fixedly connected to the corresponding rotating shafts. Transmission gears 15 are fixed on the rotating shafts. Adjacent transmission gears 15 are meshed with each other.

[0034] In this solution, through the meshing of adjacent transmission gears 15, the brackets 20 on both sides of the arc-shaped frame 4 deflect synchronously and in opposite directions, thereby controlling the synchronous deflection of all arc-shaped frames 4 and enabling the flexible antenna surface 3 to be unfolded or folded synchronously, avoiding damage to the flexible antenna surface 3 caused by asynchronous unfolding of the arc-shaped frames 4.

[0035] In this embodiment, a counterweight cavity is provided in the buoy 1. A valve 16 communicating with the outside is provided at the bottom of the side wall of the counterweight cavity. A pressure relief valve 8 communicating with the outside is also provided at the top of the counterweight cavity. A branch pipe 17 is connected between the high-pressure inflation device 7 and the counterweight cavity.

[0036] In this solution, when it is necessary to increase the weight of the buoy 1, the pressure relief valve 8 and the valve 16 are opened to allow seawater to enter the counterweight chamber; when it is necessary to reduce the weight of the counterweight chamber, the pressure relief valve 8 is kept closed, and the high-pressure inflation device 7 inflates the counterweight chamber through the branch pipe 17 to discharge the seawater through the valve 16; by setting the counterweight chamber, the suspension height of the buoy 1 is adjusted.

[0037] In this embodiment, a plurality of folding plates 18 are hinged on the periphery of the buoy 1; by providing the folding plates 18, shielding is performed when the antenna structure is folded.

[0038] In this embodiment, waterproof coatings are provided on both the arc-shaped frame 4 and the rotating structure; to prevent the arc-shaped frame 4 and the rotating structure from being corroded by seawater and rusting.

[0039] In this embodiment, the edges and corners of the connecting seat 9 and the bracket 20 are edge-wrapped; rubber edge-wrapping treatment is adopted to prevent the edges and corners of the connecting seat 9 and the bracket 20 from scratching the flexible antenna surface 3.

[0040] Finally, it should be noted that the above preferred embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail through the above preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various changes can be made in form and details without departing from the scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A rope-tethered balloon antenna connected to a buoy structure, comprising a buoy and an antenna structure, characterized in that: The antenna structure includes a support shaft, and a plurality of arc frames distributed in a circular array are hinged on the top end of the support shaft, and flexible antenna surfaces are arranged between adjacent arc frames; the antenna structure also includes an annular air ball sleeved on the support shaft, and the air ball is connected to the inner arc surface of the arc frame, a fixing rope is arranged between the support shaft and the buoy, and a winding drum for winding up the fixing rope is arranged on the buoy, and a high-pressure inflation device is arranged on the buoy, and a hose is connected between the output end of the high-pressure inflation device and the air ball, and a pressure relief valve connected to the outside is arranged on the air ball.

2. The tethered balloon antenna connected to a buoy structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: Rotating structures are provided on both sides of the arc-shaped frame, and arc-shaped brackets are provided on the rotating structures. The brackets are coaxial with the supporting shafts, and connecting seats are provided between adjacent brackets, and the connecting seats are connected to air balls; spherical cavities are opened on both sides of the connecting seats, and the movable ends of the brackets are provided with mounting balls that cooperate with the spherical cavities, and the ends of the mounting balls are provided with positioning holes; through holes for connecting the spherical cavities on both sides are provided in the connecting seats, and positioning pins that cooperate with the positioning holes are slidably connected at both ends of the through holes, and support springs are provided between the positioning pins and the through holes, and inflatable balloons connected with the air balls are provided between adjacent positioning pins.

3. The tethered balloon antenna connected to a buoy structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The rotating structure includes a through slot arranged in the middle of the arc-shaped frame and two installation shafts parallel to each other. The rotating shafts are rotatably connected in the corresponding through slots. The ends of the brackets are fixedly connected to the corresponding rotating shafts. Transmission gears are fixed on the rotating shafts, and adjacent transmission gears are meshed.

4. The tethered balloon antenna connected to a buoy structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: A counterweight chamber is provided in the buoy, a valve communicating with the outside is provided at the bottom of the side wall of the counterweight chamber, a pressure relief valve communicating with the outside is also provided at the top of the counterweight chamber, and a branch pipe is connected between the high-pressure inflation device and the counterweight chamber.

5. The tethered balloon antenna connected to a buoy structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: A plurality of folding plates are hingedly connected around the buoy.

6. The tethered balloon antenna connected to a buoy structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The arc frame and the rotating structure are both provided with waterproof coatings.

7. The tethered balloon antenna connected to a buoy structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The edges and corners of the connecting seat and the bracket are all edge-wrapped.

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