Multistage folding structure fixed surface deployable antenna

Abstract

A multi-stage folding structure fixed surface deployable antenna relates to the technical field of fixed surface deployable antennae, the antenna comprises a central body and a plurality of antenna panels distributed around the central body in the circumferential direction, each antenna panel comprises a central plate part and a side wing plate part, the central plate part is divided into a plurality of sections along the extension direction, and the side wing plate parts are arranged on the central plate part. The side wing plate part is in foldable connection with one section of the central plate part, at least one other section of the central plate part forms a foldable sub-plate assembly, the side wing plate part can be folded and unfolded relative to the central plate part, and components in the sub-plate assembly can be folded and unfolded relative to each other, so that the antenna has a folded state and an unfolded state; and in the unfolding state, the plate parts are spliced to form a continuous reflecting surface. The antenna storage ratio can be improved, and the problems that an existing fixed-surface antenna is low in space utilization rate and poor in portability are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of deployable antennas for solid surfaces, and particularly to a deployable antenna for solid surfaces with a multi-stage folding structure. Background Art

[0002] In contemporary communication systems, the deployable structures of reflector antennas present various technical forms, mainly including different types such as truss-supported type, radial rib type, inflatable type, and rigid plate type. Among them, due to its excellent surface accuracy characteristics, the rigid plate structure has become the preferred solution for constructing solid surface antennas in radio applications at high frequency bands such as microwave. Due to its unique structural advantages, such solid surface antennas have outstanding performance in achieving high gain and accurate beam pointing.

[0003] However, existing solid surface antennas still face many challenges. First of all, their large physical size poses strict requirements on the installation space, making it difficult to be effectively applied in deployment scenarios with limited space. Secondly, the excessive structural volume not only affects the transportation convenience of the equipment but also brings many difficulties to on-site installation and debugging. Moreover, the size constraint will also limit the power handling capacity of the antenna, thus restricting the overall performance. In addition, existing solid surface antennas also have problems with unsatisfactory storage efficiency and storage ratio. These defects seriously affect the practical performance of solid surface antennas and make it difficult for them to meet the diverse and highly mobile application requirements of modern communication systems. Especially in scenarios such as emergency communication and mobile base stations, existing solid surface antennas often cannot meet key performance requirements such as rapid deployment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a deployable antenna for solid surfaces based on a multi-stage folding structure to improve the storage ratio of the antenna and solve the problems of low space utilization rate and poor portability existing in existing solid surface antennas.

[0005] To achieve the above purpose, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A deployable antenna for solid surfaces with a multi-stage folding structure, comprising a central body and a plurality of antenna panels circumferentially distributed around the central body. Each antenna panel includes a central plate portion and a flank plate portion. The central plate portion is divided into a plurality of sections along its extending direction. The flank plate portion is foldably connected to one of the sections of the central plate portion. At least one other section of the central plate portion forms a foldable sub-plate assembly. The flank plate portion can be folded and unfolded relative to the central plate portion, and the components in the sub-plate assembly can be folded and unfolded relative to each other, enabling the antenna to have a retracted state and a deployed state. In the deployed state, each plate portion is spliced to form a continuous reflecting surface.

[0006] Further, when in the retracted state, the flank plate portion is laminated on the connected section of the central plate portion, and when in the deployed state, it is butt-jointed with this section coplanarly.

[0007] Further, the sub-board assembly includes a central sub-board and lateral sub-boards, and the lateral sub-boards are foldably connected to the central sub-board.

[0008] Further, in the retracted state, the lateral sub-boards are folded along a first direction and stacked on the inner side facing the central body or the outer side facing away from the central body of the central sub-board; the wing board portions are folded along the direction opposite to the first direction and stacked on the outer side facing away from the central body or the inner side facing the central body of the connected central board portion sections.

[0009] Further, in the deployed state, the lateral sub-boards are located between the central sub-board and the wing board portions, and the three are butt-jointed coplanarly to form a continuous reflecting surface.

[0010] Further, the antenna panel can be deflected up and down relative to the central body.

[0011] Further, in the retracted state, the antenna panel is deflected upward relative to the central body to approach the central body, and adjacent antenna panels are arranged in a circumferential dislocation along the central body.

[0012] Further, the antenna panel is connected with a main rope, and both ends of the main rope are respectively connected to the upper and lower ends of the central body, and at least one end is connected with a retracting and releasing mechanism.

[0013] Further, a rope driving mechanism and a reset mechanism are arranged between the lateral sub-board and the central sub-board. The rope driving mechanism includes a flexible traction cable, which is threaded between the lateral sub-board and the central sub-board and is equipped with a retracting and releasing device for deployment driving; the reset mechanism is an elastic member, and both ends of which are respectively fixed to the lateral sub-board and the central sub-board for retracting and resetting.

[0014] Further, a linear driving mechanism is arranged between the wing board portion and the connected central board portion section. Both ends of the linear driving mechanism are respectively rotatably connected to the wing board portion and the central board portion, and drive the relative folding or unfolding between the two through telescopic movement.

[0015] Through the folding mechanisms of the "central board portion - wing board portion" and the "sub-board assembly", the present invention improves the problems of low space utilization rate and poor portability of the existing solid surface antenna. Specifically, through the folding between the central board portion and the wing board portion and the folding of the sub-board assembly, the antenna can achieve efficient volume compression in the retracted state, significantly reducing the storage volume of the antenna, improving the antenna storage ratio and space utilization rate. This enables the antenna to be effectively applied in deployment scenarios with limited space, such as in emergency communication vehicles, mobile base stations, etc., where it can be easily stored and quickly deployed. Due to the significant reduction in the volume of the antenna in the retracted state, its transportation and carrying become more convenient. In scenarios that require rapid deployment, such as emergency communication and field operations, the portability advantage of the antenna is particularly obvious, and it can quickly respond and be put into use. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the process from stowed to deployed state of a multi-stage foldable solid surface deployable antenna Figure 1 ; Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the process from stowed to deployed state of a multi-stage foldable solid surface deployable antenna Figure 2 ; Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the process from stowed to deployed state of a multi-stage foldable solid surface deployable antenna Figure 3 , in which an antenna panel is shown; Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-stage foldable solid surface deployable antenna in the stowed state, in which an antenna panel is shown; Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of the central body; Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the structure of a single antenna panel; Figure 7 Distribution diagram of the main ropes and flexible traction cables on the back of the antenna panel; Figure 8 Distribution diagram of the flexible traction cables on the back of the first section of the central plate part; Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the connection structure between the second section of the central plate part and the side wing plate part; Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the connection structure between the central sub-plate and the lateral sub-plate.

[0017] In the figure: 1 - Central body 1a - Central column 1b - Upper seat 1c - Lower seat 2 - Antenna panel 2a - Central plate part 2b - Side wing plate part 2a1 - Sub-plate assembly 2a1a - Central sub-plate 2a1b - Lateral sub-plate 2a - A - First section 2a - B - Second section 2a - C - Third section 2a - D - Fourth section 2a1a - A - First central sub-plate 2a1a - C - Third central sub-plate 2a1a - D - Fourth central sub-plate 2a1b - A - First lateral sub-plate 2a1b - C - Third lateral sub-plate 2a1b - D - Fourth lateral sub-plate 3 - Main rope 4 - Flexible traction cable 5 - Elastic part 6 - Connection seat 7 - Support base 8 - Guide 9 - Telescopic component 10 - Fixed base 11 - Swing rod 12 - Movable rod 13 - Support. Detailed implementation manner

[0018] For the convenience of those skilled in the art to more clearly understand the concept of the present invention, the following will further illustrate it in conjunction with embodiments and drawings. In addition, the words such as "connected" and "linked" mentioned in the embodiments are not limited to direct connection, and they can also be indirect connection.

[0019] This embodiment provides a novel multi-stage folding structure solid surface deployable antenna, aiming to solve the problem of poor storage ratio of existing solid surface antennas through folding design. As Figures 1-10 shown, the antenna includes a central body 1 and a plurality of antenna panels 2 surrounding the central body 1 and evenly distributed in the circumferential direction. The number of antenna panels 2 can be two or more, such as six, and can be specifically selected according to needs. This embodiment takes six antenna panels 2 as an example for illustration. As Figure 4 、 5 shown, the central body 1 is composed of a central cylinder 1a and upper end seats 1b and lower end seats 1c located at the upper and lower ends of the central cylinder 1a. Among them, both the upper end seats 1b and the lower end seats 1c are in the shape of hexagonal prisms. The interior of the central cylinder 1a is connected and communicated with the interiors of the upper end seats 1b and the lower end seats 1c to form an integral internal space.

[0020] The surface of each antenna panel 2 is arc-shaped and in the shape of a sector. The antenna panel 2 can deflect up and down relative to the central body 1, so as to adjust the pitch angle of the antenna panel 2. For example, the lower ends of the six antenna panels 2 are hinged to the six side edges of the lower end seat 1c one by one, and each antenna panel 2 can deflect up and down around the hinge axis.

[0021] Each antenna panel 2 includes a central plate portion 2a and wing plate portions 2b. Their surfaces are arc-shaped and in the shape of a sector. The number of wing plate portions 2b can be one or two, and can be specifically selected according to needs. When there is one wing plate portion 2b, it can be arranged on the left or right side of the central plate portion 2a. When there are two wing plate portions 2b, the two wing plate portions 2b can be symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the central plate portion 2a. Among them, the vertical length of the wing plate portion 2b is equivalent to the vertical length of the central plate portion 2a. The wing plate portion 2b and the central plate portion 2a can be connected by a side hinge, so that the wing plate portion 2b can be flipped relative to the central plate portion 2a (around the hinge axis), thereby achieving the effect of relative folding and unfolding.

[0022] The central plate portion 2a is divided into a plurality of sections along its extending direction (for example, the up-and-down length direction). In this embodiment, the central plate portion 2a is divided into four sections up and down. For the convenience of description, these four sections are sequentially named "first section 2a-A", "second section 2a-B", "third section 2a-C", and "fourth section 2a-D", and are arranged in sequence from top to bottom. Refer to Figure 6 , 7 .

[0023] One of the sections of the central plate portion 2a and the flank plate portion 2b are foldably connected. This section can be selected as the second section 2a-B. At least one other section of the central plate portion 2a is formed into a foldable sub-plate assembly 2a1. Among these other sections, one or more sections can be selected to be configured as the foldable sub-plate assembly 2a1, which can be specifically selected as needed. In this embodiment, the other three sections are all configured as the foldable sub-plate assembly 2a1, so that the storage volume can be reduced more effectively. Specifically, these three sections are the first section 2a-A, the third section 2a-C, and the fourth section 2a-D respectively.

[0024] When the antenna needs to be retracted, the flank plate portion 2b can be folded relative to the central plate portion 2a, and the components in the sub-plate assembly 2a1 can be folded relative to each other, so that the antenna is in a retracted state. When the antenna needs to be deployed, the flank plate portion 2b can be deployed relative to the central plate portion 2a, and the components in the sub-plate assembly 2a1 can be deployed relative to each other, so that the antenna is in a deployed state. In the deployed state, each plate portion (including the central plate portion 2a and the flank plate portion 2b) is butt-jointed coplanarly to form a continuous reflecting surface. This reflecting surface is a curved surface (arc surface) structure similar to a hemispherical shape.

[0025] Among them, the sub-plate assembly 2a1 includes a central sub-plate 2a1a and a lateral sub-plate 2a1b, and the lateral sub-plate 2a1b is foldably connected to the central sub-plate 2a1a. The number of lateral sub-plates 2a1b can be one or two, which can be specifically selected as needed. When there is one lateral sub-plate 2a1b, it can be arranged on the left or right side of the central sub-plate 2a1a. When there are two lateral sub-plates 2a1b, these two lateral sub-plates 2a1b can be symmetrically arranged on both sides of the central sub-plate 2a1a. The lateral sub-plate 2a1b and the central sub-plate 2a1a can be connected by a side hinge, so that the lateral sub-plate 2a1b can be flipped relative to the central sub-plate 2a1a (around the hinge axis), thereby realizing the effects of relative folding and unfolding.

[0026] For the sake of distinction, the central sub-boards 2a1a in the first section 2a-A, the third section 2a-C, and the fourth section 2a-D are respectively named "the first central sub-board 2a1a-A", "the third central sub-board 2a1a-C", and "the fourth central sub-board 2a1a-D". They all have an arc-shaped surface and a sector or trapezoidal shape. The lateral sub-boards 2a1b in the first section 2a-A, the third section 2a-C, and the fourth section 2a-D are respectively named "the first lateral sub-board 2a1b-A", "the third lateral sub-board 2a1b-C", and "the fourth lateral sub-board 2a1b-D". They all have an arc-shaped surface and a sector or trapezoidal shape. The second section 2a-B is not configured as a foldable sub-board assembly but is a complete component connected to the side wing plate portion 2b. This section and the side wing plate portion 2b can actually be understood as "the central sub-board and the lateral sub-board", so the second section 2a-B can be named "the second central sub-board", and the side wing plate portion 2b can be named "the second lateral sub-board". Since the fourth section 2a-D is located at the lowermost end of the antenna panel 2 in this embodiment, the central sub-board 2a1a (i.e., the fourth central sub-board 2a1a-D) of the fourth section 2a-D is connected to the lower end seat 1c.

[0027] Generally speaking, the lateral sub-panel 2a1b and the flank panel portion 2b (which is also equivalent to the lateral sub-panel) can be flipped to the same side or different sides of the central sub-panel 2a1a (including the central sub-panel 2a1a of the sub-panel assembly 2a1 and the second section 2a-B of the central panel portion 2a that is equivalent to the central sub-panel), such as the inner side and the outer side of the central sub-panel 2a1a. In order to further compress the storage volume and avoid interference during the folding process, in this embodiment, the lateral sub-panel 2a1b and the flank panel portion 2b are configured to be flipped to different sides (i.e., the inner side and the outer side) of the central sub-panel 2a1a. Specifically, in the retracted state, the lateral sub-panel 2a1b is folded along the first direction and stacked on the inner side of the central sub-panel 2a1a facing the central body 1 or the outer side facing away from the central body 1; the flank panel portion 2b is folded along the direction opposite to the first direction and stacked on the outer side of the connected section of the central panel portion 2a (i.e., the second section 2a-B) facing away from the central body 1 or the inner side facing the central body 1. Since the vertical length of the flank panel portion 2b in this embodiment is equivalent to the vertical length of the central panel portion 2a, and the surface of the antenna panel 2 is an arc surface, it is preferably that, in the retracted state, the lateral sub-panel 2a1b is stacked on the inner side of the central sub-panel 2a1a, and the flank panel portion 2b is stacked on the outer side of the connected section of the central panel portion 2a (i.e., the second section 2a-B). In this way, the longer flank panel portion 2b can be located on the outer side of the central sub-panel 2a1a (central panel portion 2a), thereby reducing the occupation of the inner space of the central sub-panel 2a1a and avoiding unnecessary interference with the inward approach of the antenna panel 2. This helps the entire antenna panel 2 to approach the central body 1 more closely, further reducing the volume after retraction. Moreover, when the antenna is retracted, the antenna panel 2 deflects upward to approach the central body 1, and adjacent antenna panels 2 are arranged in a circumferential dislocation along the central body 1. This can form an inner and outer two-layer surrounding structure, with adjacent antenna panels in each layer spaced apart (each layer includes three antenna panels 2), achieving the effect of multi-panel staggered stacking. This design can optimize the space utilization between the panels, reduce the storage volume, and improve the compactness and storage efficiency of the antenna in the retracted state.

[0028] When the antenna is in the deployed state, the flank panel portion 2b is coplanarly docked with the second section 2a-B of the central panel portion 2a (equivalent to the central sub-panel), and the lateral sub-panel 2a1b is coplanarly docked with the central sub-panel 2a1a. Since the vertical length (which can also be understood as the height) of the flank panel portion 2b is equivalent to the vertical length (which can also be understood as the height) of the central panel portion 2a, and the central panel portion 2a is divided into four sections, and the vertical length of the lateral sub-panel 2a1b in three sections (the first section 2a-A, the third section 2a-C, and the fourth section 2a-D) is shorter than the vertical length of the flank panel portion 2b, therefore, when coplanarly docked, the lateral sub-panel 2a1b is usually located between the central sub-panel 2a1a and the flank panel portion 2b, so that the lateral sub-panel 2a1b, the central sub-panel 2a1a, and the flank panel portion 2b can be coplanarly docked to form a continuous reflecting surface.

[0029] For the connection structure between the four sections of the central plate portion 2a, it can be selected according to actual needs. For example, an articulated connection can be adopted between adjacent sections. However, it should be noted that the rotation angle in this connection mode should be limited to a small range to prevent interference with other movements of the antenna panel 2. Of course, these sections can also be designed as an integral fixed structure. Specifically, the first central sub-plate 2a1a-A, the second central sub-plate (the second section 2a-B), the third central sub-plate 2a1a-C, and the fourth central sub-plate 2a1a-D can be integrated to form an integral structure.

[0030] In this embodiment, the antenna panel 2 can be deflected up and down relative to the central body 1. To achieve this purpose, the antenna panel 2 can be pulled by a rope to realize its upward and downward deflection. Specifically, each antenna panel 2 is equipped with a main rope 3, and the main rope 3 is threaded along the up and down length direction of the antenna panel 2. The two ends of the main rope 3 are respectively connected to the upper and lower ends of the central body 1, and at least one end is connected with a winding and unwinding mechanism. To save costs, usually only a winding and unwinding mechanism is provided at one end of the main rope 3 (according to needs, a manual or electric winch or other equipment that can realize the winding and unwinding of the rope can be selected), and the winding and unwinding mechanism is usually placed in the lower end seat 1c. Through holes are provided on the six side surfaces of the upper end seat 1b. The upper end of the main rope 3 passes through these through holes and then enters the interior of the central body 1 and is connected to the winding and unwinding mechanism located in the lower end seat 1c, while the lower end of the main rope 3 is fixed on the lower end seat 1c. Of course, through holes can also be provided on the six side surfaces of the lower end seat 1c, and the lower end of the main rope 3 passes through the through holes of the lower end seat 1c and is fixed inside the lower end seat 1c.

[0031] As Figure 7 shown, a plurality of connection seats 6 (which can also be understood as convex structures) are arranged at intervals on the center line on the back of the antenna panel 2, and these connection seats 6 are respectively located at the connection parts between the sections of the central plate portion 2a. Through holes for the rope to pass through are provided on the connection seats 6. The main rope 3 passes through these connection seats 6 in sequence. When the main rope 3 is tightened, it can easily drive the entire antenna panel 2 to deflect upward around the hinge axis on the lower end seat 1c; when the main rope 3 is relaxed, the antenna panel 2 can deflect downward by the action of its own gravity. Of course, in order to make the antenna panel 2 deflect downward more stably, an elastic member, such as a torsion spring or a tension spring, can be provided between the antenna panel 2 (mainly referring to the fourth central sub-plate 2a1a-D) and the lower end seat 1c. The two ends of the elastic member are respectively fixed on the antenna panel 2 and the lower end seat 1c. When the main rope 3 is tightened and pulls the antenna panel 2 to deflect upward, the elastic member deforms; when the main rope 3 is relaxed, the elastic member rebounds and drives the antenna panel 2 to deflect downward. Of course, under the traction of the main rope 3, the antenna panel 2 can be prevented from deflecting downward excessively.

[0032] To achieve relative folding and unfolding between the lateral sub - plate 2a1b and the central sub - plate 2a1a, a cable - drive mechanism and a reset mechanism can be provided between them. The cable - drive mechanism includes a flexible traction cable 4 (such as a rope), which passes between the lateral sub - plate 2a1b and the central sub - plate 2a1a and is equipped with a winding and unwinding device for driving the unfolding operation. As Figure 7 , 8 shown, on the left and right sides of the central sub - plate 2a1a, the following components are symmetrically arranged: a number of longitudinally distributed support seats 7 and a number of transversely distributed support seats 7, as well as a guiding member 8 (such as a guide wheel) for steering. These support seats 7 and the guiding member 8 are distributed at right angles. The lateral sub - plate 2a1b is provided with another support seat 7 at the corresponding position of the outermost transversely distributed support seat 7. Through - holes for the flexible traction cable 4 to pass through are provided on all the support seats 7. One end of the flexible traction cable 4 passes through the longitudinally distributed support seats 7, turns through the guiding member 8, passes through the transversely distributed support seats 7, and is fixed on the support seat 7 on the lateral sub - plate 2a1b. The other end of the flexible traction cable 4 is connected to the winding and unwinding device (as required, a manual or electric winch or other equipment capable of realizing cable winding and unwinding can be selected). The winding and unwinding device can also be arranged in the lower end seat 1c. The reset mechanism can select an elastic member 5, such as a torsion spring or a tension spring. The two ends of the elastic member 5 are respectively fixed to the lateral sub - plate 2a1b and the central sub - plate 2a1a for realizing the folding and resetting. Refer to Figure 10 . When unfolding, by tightening the flexible traction cable 4, the lateral sub - plate 2a1b is pulled to unfold relative to the central sub - plate 2a1a, and at this time the elastic member 5 is deformed; when folding, by loosening the flexible traction cable 4, the elastic member 5 rebounds, driving the lateral sub - plate 2a1b to fold relative to the central sub - plate 2a1a.

[0033] To achieve relative folding and unfolding between the wing - flap part 2b and the section of the central plate part 2a (the second section 2a - B) connected thereto, a linear drive mechanism (such as a telescopic member 9) can be provided between them. The two ends of the linear drive mechanism (telescopic member 9) are respectively rotatably connected (such as hinged) to the wing - flap part 2b and the central plate part 2a, and the relative folding or unfolding between them is driven through telescopic movement. The telescopic member 9 can select an electric push rod. When the telescopic member 9 extends, it drives the wing - flap part 2b to flip and unfold relative to the second section 2a - B; when the telescopic member 9 shortens, it drives the wing - flap part 2b to flip and fold relative to the second section 2a - B. This design is simple and reliable.

[0034] For the connection structure between the linear drive mechanism and the wing - flap part 2b and the central plate part 2a, a direct connection or an indirect connection through other components can be adopted. Taking the linear drive mechanism as the telescopic member 9 as an example, the structure of its indirect connection with the wing - flap part 2b and the central plate part 2a is described below (refer to Figure 9): A fixing seat 10 is provided in the second section 2a-B (back side) of the central plate portion 2a, and one end (inner end) of the telescopic component 9 is rotatably connected to one end (inner end) of the fixing seat 10 via a rotating shaft. A swing rod 11 is rotatably connected to the side (one side or both sides) of the other end (outer end) of the fixing seat 10, and the swing rod 11 is rotatably connected to the other end (outer end) of the telescopic component 9 via a connecting shaft. A movable rod 12 is rotatably mounted on the connecting shaft, and the other end of the movable rod 12 is rotatably mounted on a support 13 provided on the side wing plate portion 2b. The support 13 is rotatably connected to the fixing seat 10 (outer end) via a rotating shaft (of course, as required, the support 13 can also be directly rotatably connected to the second section 2a-B, but the former method is preferred). This indirect connection structural design can effectively convert the linear motion of the telescopic component 9 into the flipping motion of the side wing plate portion 2b through the linkage action of the swing rod 11 and the movable rod 12, thereby realizing the folding and unfolding between the side wing plate portion 2b and the central plate portion 2a. This design not only improves the flexibility and reliability of the mechanism, but also can adapt to different installation and operating conditions to a certain extent.

[0035] The following is a brief description of the working process of the fixed surface antenna of this embodiment. The process of folding and unfolding the antenna can be seen in Figures 1-3 .

[0036] In this embodiment, the fixed surface antenna is divided into six petals, each of which is a group of three petals, which are divided into an inner group and an outer group. The tightening and loosening of the main rope 3 (also called "main rope") and the flexible traction rope 4 (also called "auxiliary rope") can be achieved by the forward and reverse rotation of the motor (such as the driving motor of the electric winch). The six main ropes 3 can be grouped together for unified driving, and the flexible traction ropes 4 of the same level in each petal can also be grouped together for driving. Therefore, this embodiment requires at least four motors to complete the rope driving.

[0037] In the initial state of the antenna, the inner and outer panels are staggered and gathered together to form an inner and outer two-layer enclosing structure. The six-petal panels are tightened by six main ropes 3 drawn from the upper end seat 1b of the central body 1, so that they are tightened upward and kept in the gathered state.

[0038] During the expansion process: 1. Unfolding of the outer panel group: The main rope 3 of the outer panel group is first loosened, so that the three-petal panel of the outer group begins to unfold as the main rope 3 is gradually loosened.

[0039] 2. Unfolding of the inner panel group: When the outer panel group is unfolded to a certain extent, the inner three-petal panel group also begins to unfold as the inner main rope 3 is relaxed.

[0040] 3. Expansion of the lateral sub - plates 2a1b: During the expansion process, all the lateral sub - plates 2a1b remain in the retracted state. When the six - petal panels of the inner and outer groups approach the predetermined position (i.e., the device is fully expanded to the required limit position), the first lateral sub - plate 2a1b - A, the third lateral sub - plate 2a1b - C, and the fourth lateral sub - plate 2a1b - D begin to expand gradually by the tightening of the flexible traction cable 4. During the expansion process, it is necessary to overcome the elastic force of the reset mechanism (such as the elastic member 5) between the lateral sub - plates 2a1b and the central sub - plate 2a1a.

[0041] 4. Expansion of the wing - like plate part 2b: When the six - petal panels reach the full expansion limit position, the main cable 3 stops loosening. At this time, the first lateral sub - plate 2a1b - A, the third lateral sub - plate 2a1b - C, and the fourth lateral sub - plate 2a1b - D have also expanded to a certain extent. Subsequently, the motion device (i.e., the linear drive mechanism) between the wing - like plate part 2b on each petal panel and the central plate part 2a (the second section 2a - B) starts to operate, pushing the wing - like plate part 2b to expand relative to the central plate part 2a. As the expansion progresses, until the lateral sub - plates 2a1b and the wing - like plate parts 2b of each petal panel are fully expanded in place, the flexible traction cable 4 stops tightening. Due to the thickness of the panel, it can play a limiting role. Finally, through the dynamic compensation of the movement of the main cable 3, all the panels of the device are fully expanded and docked and fitted together.

[0042] During the retraction process: 1. Retraction of the inner - group panels: The inner - group panels are retracted first.

[0043] 2. Retraction of the outer - group panels: After the inner - group panels are retracted to a certain extent, the outer - group panels start to retract.

[0044] 3. Reset of the lateral sub - plates 2a1b and the wing - like plate parts 2b: When both the inner and outer groups of panels are retracted to a certain extent (i.e., the distance between the panels is sufficient for the lateral sub - plates 2a1b and the wing - like plate parts 2b to reset), all the flexible traction cables 4 start to loosen. All the lateral sub - plates 2a1b gradually reset by the rebound of the elastic member 5, and all the wing - like plate parts 2b gradually reset by the telescopic movement of the linear drive mechanism (the telescopic member 9).

[0045] 4. Return to the initial state: Finally, by tightening the main cable 3, each panel returns to the retraction limit position, that is, the initial state.

[0046] In summary, through the folding design between the central plate portion 2a and the wing plate portion 2b and the folding design of the sub-plate assembly 2a1 in this embodiment, the antenna can achieve efficient volume compression in the retracted state, significantly reducing the storage volume of the antenna and improving the space utilization rate. This enables the antenna to be effectively applied in deployment scenarios with limited space. For example, in scenarios such as emergency communication vehicles and mobile base stations, it can be easily stored and quickly deployed. Due to the significant reduction in the volume of the antenna in the retracted state, its transportation and carrying become more convenient. In scenarios that require rapid deployment, such as emergency communication and field operations, the portability advantage of the antenna is particularly obvious, and it can quickly respond and be put into use. In this embodiment, the antenna panel is designed as a foldable structure, which not only improves the antenna storage ratio but also has a relatively simple folding method, resulting in a significant improvement in the storage efficiency.

[0047] In addition, in some special environments, such as deep space exploration or extreme climate conditions, antennas that can be deployed are required to meet special communication needs. The novel solid surface antenna provided in this embodiment can adapt to these special environments through its deployable design. Moreover, the requirements for base station antennas in modern communication networks are increasing day by day, and antennas are developing towards miniaturization, intelligence, and greenness. The development of the novel solid surface antenna structure in this embodiment can meet these new requirements, improve network capacity, signal coverage, and transmission reliability. At the same time, solid surface antennas are known for their high reliability, high precision, and thermal stability. The development of the novel solid surface antenna structure in this embodiment can further enhance these performances, especially in the case where the number of rotating pairs is excessive and high-pair structures such as spherical hinges and universal joints affect the form accuracy of the antenna structure.

[0048] The above embodiments are preferred implementation solutions of the present invention, and any obvious replacement without departing from the concept of the technical solution is within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-stage folding structure solid surface deployable antenna, characterized in that: It includes a central body (1) and a plurality of antenna panels (2) circumferentially distributed around the central body (1). Each antenna panel (2) includes a central plate portion (2a) and a flank plate portion (2b). The central plate portion (2a) is divided into a plurality of sections along its extending direction. The flank plate portion (2b) is foldably connected to one of the sections of the central plate portion (2a). At least one other section of the central plate portion (2a) is formed into a foldable sub-plate assembly (2a1). The flank plate portion (2b) can be folded and unfolded relative to the central plate portion (2a), and the components in the sub-plate assembly (2a1) can be folded and unfolded relative to each other, enabling the antenna to have a retracted state and an unfolded state. In the unfolded state, the plate portions are spliced to form a continuous reflecting surface.

2. The multi-stage folding structure solid surface deployable antenna according to claim 1, wherein: In the retracted state, the flank plate portion (2b) is laminated on the connected section of the central plate portion (2a), and in the unfolded state, it is butt-jointed coplanarly with this section.

3. The multi-stage folding structure solid surface deployable antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sub-plate assembly (2a1) includes a central sub-plate (2a1a) and a lateral sub-plate (2a1b), and the lateral sub-plate (2a1b) is foldably connected to the central sub-plate (2a1a).

4. The multi-stage folding structure solid surface deployable antenna according to claim 3, wherein: In the retracted state, the lateral sub-plate (2a1b) is folded along a first direction and laminated on the inner side facing the central body (1) or the outer side facing away from the central body (1) of the central sub-plate (2a1a); the flank plate portion (2b) is folded along the opposite direction of the first direction and laminated on the outer side facing away from the central body (1) or the inner side facing the central body (1) of the connected section of the central plate portion (2a).

5. The multi-stage folding structure solid surface deployable antenna according to claim 3, characterized in that: In the unfolded state, the lateral sub-plate (2a1b) is located between the central sub-plate (2a1a) and the flank plate portion (2b), and the three are butt-jointed coplanarly to form a continuous reflecting surface.

6. The multi-stage folding structure solid surface deployable antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The antenna panel (2) can be deflected up and down relative to the central body (1).

7. The multi-stage folding structure solid surface deployable antenna according to claim 6, characterized in that: In the retracted state, the antenna panel (2) is deflected upward relative to the central body (1) to approach the central body (1), and adjacent antenna panels (2) are arranged in a circumferential dislocation along the central body (1).

8. The multi-stage folding structure solid surface deployable antenna according to claim 1, wherein: The antenna panel (2) is connected to a main rope (3). The two ends of the main rope (3) are respectively connected to the upper and lower ends of the central body (1), and at least one end is connected with a winding and unwinding mechanism.

9. The multi-stage folding structure solid surface deployable antenna according to claim 3, wherein: A rope driving mechanism and a reset mechanism are arranged between the lateral sub-plate (2a1b) and the central sub-plate (2a1a). The rope driving mechanism includes a flexible traction cable (4), which is threaded between the lateral sub-plate (2a1b) and the central sub-plate (2a1a) and is equipped with a winding and unwinding device; the reset mechanism is an elastic member (5), and its two ends are respectively fixed to the lateral sub-plate (2a1b) and the central sub-plate (2a1a).

10. The multi-stage folding structure solid surface deployable antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: A linear driving mechanism is arranged between the flank plate portion (2b) and the connected section of the central plate portion (2a). The two ends of the linear driving mechanism are respectively rotatably connected to the flank plate portion (2b) and the central plate portion (2a), and drive the relative folding or unfolding between the two through telescopic movement.

Images