Deployable phased-array antenna structure, satellite-borne phased-array antenna and satellite platform

Abstract

The invention provides a deployable phased-array antenna structure, a satellite-borne phased-array antenna and a satellite platform, the deployable phased-array antenna structure comprises a plurality of antenna units connected in sequence, any two adjacent antenna units are rotatably connected through a rotatable connection assembly, and each antenna unit has an antenna array surface and a back surface; the deployable phased-array antenna structure has a folded state and an unfolded state, in the unfolded state, the antenna array surfaces of the multiple antenna units face the same direction, and a preset angle is formed between the antenna array surfaces of every two adjacent antenna units; in the folding state, every two adjacent antenna units are oppositely arranged in parallel, and in the unfolding process, every two adjacent antenna units rotate back to back to a preset position through the connected rotatable assemblies to form an unfolding state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, specifically to a deployable phased array antenna structure, a spaceborne phased array antenna, and a satellite platform. Background Technology

[0002] Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) represent one of the technological directions for direct satellite connectivity between mobile phones and terrestrial cellular communication technologies, serving as an important supplement to terrestrial cellular communication. With technological advancements and increasing application demands, the integration of satellite communication and terrestrial 5G networks is becoming a trend. This integration can overcome terrain limitations, connecting multiple dimensions of space, air, land, and sea to form an integrated access network. In NTN satellite communication technology, the satellite-borne antenna is one of the key devices for realizing satellite-to-ground communication. By using satellite-borne antennas, NTN technology can support independent satellite communication network deployment or joint deployment with terrestrial cellular communication systems, achieving integrated satellite-to-ground communication.

[0003] In this application environment, the technical requirements for antennas are becoming increasingly stringent. NTN satellites require larger antenna areas to improve signal gain, increase coverage, support higher data transmission rates, cope with space attenuation, adapt to satellites at different orbital altitudes, and support simultaneous communication by multiple users.

[0004] Therefore, how to provide a larger area of ​​spaceborne antenna in a smaller satellite space has become one of the urgent technical problems to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a deployable phased array antenna structure, a spaceborne phased array antenna, and a satellite platform.

[0006] This application provides a deployable phased array antenna structure, which includes: a plurality of antenna elements connected in sequence, wherein any two adjacent antenna elements are rotatably connected by a rotatable connecting component. Each antenna element has an antenna array surface and a back surface facing away from the antenna array surface. The antenna array surface is provided with an antenna array composed of a plurality of antenna elements arranged in an array.

[0007] The deployable phased array antenna structure has a folded state and an unfolded state. In the unfolded state, the antenna array surfaces of the multiple antenna elements are all oriented in the same direction, and the antenna array surfaces of each two adjacent antenna elements are set at a preset angle.

[0008] In the folded state, each pair of adjacent antenna units is arranged opposite and parallel to each other. When unfolded, each pair of adjacent antenna units is rotated to a preset position in opposite directions through a connected rotatable component to form the unfolded state.

[0009] This application provides a spaceborne phased array antenna, which includes: a base having a front side and a back side facing away from the front side; at least one side of the front side of the base is provided with a deployable phased array antenna structure; and the back side of the base is used to mount and fix the spaceborne phased array antenna to a satellite. The deployable phased array antenna structure includes the aforementioned deployable phased array antenna structure.

[0010] This application provides a satellite platform comprising: a satellite body and at least one onboard phased array antenna, wherein the onboard phased array antenna includes the aforementioned onboard phased array antenna, and the back of the base of the onboard phased array antenna is mounted and fixed on the satellite body.

[0011] According to the deployable phased array antenna structure, spaceborne phased array antenna, and satellite platform of this application, each pair of adjacent antenna elements is rotatably connected by a rotatable connecting component, allowing each pair of adjacent antenna elements to be folded or unfolded. This facilitates the design of a phased array antenna structure with small folded size, large unfolded area, high arrangement density, simple control method, and high component reuse rate. The large-area deployable and foldable phased array antenna structure enables high-density and high-order aggregation. In practical applications, the deployable phased array antenna structure can be applied to the spaceborne antenna of a satellite, which can help meet the pre-launch orderliness requirements of satellite loading. Through the foldable and unfoldable function of the large-area deployable phased array antenna structure, it can save space while providing a safe and reliable unfolding mechanism, ensuring simple and reliable assembly.

[0012] Further details regarding the above embodiments and other aspects of this application, as well as their implementations, are provided in the accompanying drawings, detailed description, and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0013] In the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this application:

[0014] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates a deployable phased array antenna structure according to an embodiment of this application.

[0015] Figure 2 This diagram shows a schematic diagram of the back structure of a deployable phased array antenna structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0016] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates a folded state of a deployable phased array antenna structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0017] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates a locking and releasing structure according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0018] Figure 5This diagram illustrates a passive drive hinge structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the folded state of a passive drive hinge structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a rear view of a passive drive hinge structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the connection of two adjacent antenna elements according to an embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 9 This illustration shows another connection diagram of two adjacent antenna elements provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates the structure of a spaceborne phased array antenna according to an embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 11 This diagram illustrates the folded state of a spaceborne phased array antenna provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 12 A schematic diagram showing the connection between the deployable phased array antenna structure and the base is shown.

[0026] Figure 13 This illustration shows a structural schematic diagram of a base provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 14 This diagram illustrates the structure of another spaceborne phased array antenna provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of this disclosure, the embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] The present disclosure will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, the embodiments shown may be embodied in different forms, and the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth below. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the scope of the disclosure.

[0030] The accompanying drawings of the embodiments disclosed herein are provided to further illustrate the embodiments of this disclosure and form part of the specification. They are used together with the detailed embodiments to explain this disclosure and do not constitute a limitation thereof. The above and other features and advantages will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the description of the detailed embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] This disclosure may be described with reference to plan and / or cross-sectional views using the ideal schematic diagrams of this disclosure. Therefore, the example illustrations may be modified according to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances.

[0032] Where there is no conflict, the various embodiments of this disclosure and the features thereof in the embodiments may be combined with each other.

[0033] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the disclosure. The term "and / or" as used in this disclosure includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated enumerated entries. The singular forms "a" and "the" as used in this disclosure are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprising," "made of," etc., as used in this disclosure specify the presence of the stated feature, integral, step, operation, element, and / or component, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0034] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used in this disclosure (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. It will also be understood that terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and this disclosure, and will not be interpreted as having an idealized or overly formal meaning, unless expressly so defined in this disclosure.

[0035] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, but includes modifications to the configuration based on the manufacturing process. Therefore, the areas illustrated in the drawings are schematic, and the shapes of the areas shown illustrate specific shapes of the areas of an element, but are not intended to be limiting.

[0036] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates an antenna array structure according to an embodiment of the present application, representing a deployable phased array antenna structure. Figure 2 This diagram shows a schematic rear view of a deployable phased array antenna structure according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, this application embodiment provides a deployable phased array antenna structure. The deployable phased array antenna structure includes multiple antenna elements 11 connected in sequence. Any two adjacent antenna elements 11 are rotatably connected by a rotatable connecting component 12. Each antenna element 11 has an antenna array surface M and a back surface N facing away from the antenna array surface M. An antenna array composed of multiple antenna array elements 13 arranged in an array is disposed on the antenna array surface M. The deployable phased array antenna structure has a folded state and an unfolded state. In the unfolded state, the antenna array surfaces M of the multiple antenna elements 11 are all arranged in the same direction, and the antenna array surfaces M of each two adjacent antenna elements 11 are arranged at a preset angle. In the folded state, each two adjacent antenna elements 11 are arranged opposite and parallel. When unfolded, each two adjacent antenna elements 11 are rotated to a preset position by the rotatable connecting component 12 to form the unfolded state.

[0037] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the deployed phased array antenna structure is shown, such as... Figure 1 As shown, in the deployed state, the antenna array surfaces M of the multiple antenna elements 11 are all located on the same side and oriented in the same direction. In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the preset angle between the antenna array surfaces M of every two adjacent antenna elements 11 can be 180 degrees, that is, the antenna array surfaces M of every two adjacent antenna elements 11 are located on the same horizontal plane. In some embodiments, the preset angle can also be other angles, and the embodiments of this application do not impose special restrictions on this.

[0038] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates a folded state of a deployable phased array antenna structure according to an embodiment of this application. In this embodiment, as shown... Figure 3 As shown, each pair of adjacent antenna elements 11 are arranged opposite each other, and the antenna array surface M or the back surface N of each pair of adjacent antenna elements 11 are arranged in parallel.

[0039] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 3 Deployable phased array antenna structures in, for example Figure 1 In the unfolded state shown, during folding, each pair of adjacent antenna elements 11 rotates towards each other around the rotatable connecting assembly 12 connected between the two antenna elements 11 until a preset position is reached, so that the two antenna elements 11 are in a relative and parallel state, thereby forming as shown. Figure 3 The folded state shown. The deployable phased array antenna structure is as follows... Figure 3In the folded state shown, when unfolded, each pair of adjacent antenna elements 11 rotates back-to-back around the rotatable connecting assembly 12 connected between the two antenna elements 11 until a preset position is reached, so that the antenna array surfaces M of the two antenna elements 11 are facing the same direction and at a preset angle, thereby forming as shown. Figure 1 The unfolded state shown.

[0040] According to the deployable phased array antenna structure provided in this application embodiment, each pair of adjacent antenna elements is rotatably connected by a rotatable connecting component, allowing each pair of adjacent antenna elements to be folded or unfolded. This facilitates the design of a phased array antenna structure with small folded size, large unfolded area, high arrangement density, simple control method, and high component reuse rate. The large-area deployable and foldable phased array antenna structure enables high-density and high-regulation aggregation. In practical applications, the deployable phased array antenna structure can be applied to satellite onboard antennas, which can help meet the regularity requirements of satellite pre-launch loading. Through the foldable and unfoldable function of the large-area deployable phased array antenna structure, it can save space while providing a safe and reliable unfolding mechanism, ensuring simple and reliable assembly.

[0041] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, any two adjacent antenna units 11 have a locking and releasing structure 14. The locking and releasing structure 14 is used to lock the two adjacent antenna units 11 in the folded state when folding, so that the multiple antenna units 11 are kept in the folded state. When unfolding, the locked two adjacent antenna units 11 are unlocked and released so that the two adjacent antenna units 11 can be unfolded through the connected rotatable connecting component 12.

[0042] In some embodiments, the locking and releasing structure 14 may be disposed on the side of two adjacent antenna elements 11, wherein the side of the antenna element 11 refers to the side surface between the antenna array M and the back surface N.

[0043] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates a locking and releasing structure according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the locking and releasing structure 14 includes a first locking seat 141, a second locking seat 142, a connecting rod 143, and a claw structure 144. The first locking seat 141 is disposed on the side of one of the two adjacent antenna units 11, and the second locking seat 142 is disposed on the side of the other antenna unit 11. The claw structure 144 is fixedly connected to the first locking seat 141, the first end of the connecting rod 143 is movably connected to the claw 1442 of the claw structure 144, and the second end of the connecting rod 143 is fixedly connected to the second locking seat 142.

[0044] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the claw structure 144 is composed of a fixing part 1441 and a claw 1442. The claw structure 144 is fixedly connected to the first locking seat 141 through the fixing part 1441, and the claw 1442 is fixedly connected to the fixing part 1441.

[0045] In some embodiments, the first end of the connecting rod 143 is a shape memory metal structure; when locking, the first end of the connecting rod 143 is engaged in the claw 1442 of the claw structure 144, thereby locking two adjacent antenna units 11; when unlocking, a voltage is applied to the first end of the connecting rod 143, causing the first end of the connecting rod 143 to deform under the voltage, thereby disengaging from the claw 1442 of the claw structure 144, thereby unlocking and releasing the two locked adjacent antenna units 11.

[0046] In some embodiments, the rotatable connection assembly 12 includes a passive drive hinge structure that can be folded and unfolded, thereby driving the two adjacent antenna units 11 connected to fold and unfold.

[0047] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates a passive drive hinge structure according to an embodiment of this application. In some embodiments, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the passive drive hinge structure includes a first base plate 121 and a second base plate 122; the first base plate 121 and the second base plate 122 are rotatably connected by a first rotating shaft 123, and the first rotating shaft 123 has a first torsion spring 124, the two ends of the first torsion spring 124 respectively abutting against the first base plate 121 and the second base plate 122.

[0048] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the first base plate 121 also has at least one set of first limiting protrusions 125. The first limiting protrusions 125 are used to limit the relative position of two adjacent antenna elements 11 when fully folded. Each set of first limiting protrusions 125 includes two limiting protrusions. A second rotating shaft 126 is provided between the two limiting protrusions of each set of first limiting protrusions 125. A second torsion spring 127 is provided on the second rotating shaft 126. The first base plate 121 is also provided with a linkage mechanism 128. One end of the linkage mechanism 128 is provided on the second rotating shaft 126, and the other end of the linkage mechanism 128 is provided on the first rotating shaft 123. The two ends of the second torsion spring 127 respectively abut against the first base plate 121 and one end of the linkage mechanism 128.

[0049] Understandably, passive drive hinge structures also have folded and unfolded states. Figure 5 An exemplary schematic diagram of the deployed state of a passive drive hinge structure is shown. Figure 6This diagram illustrates a folded state of a passively driven hinge structure according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 In the unfolded state shown, when folding, the first base plate 121 and the second base plate 122 rotate towards each other around the first pivot 123 until the second base plate 122 abuts against the first limiting protrusion 125 on the first base plate 121, thereby driving the two adjacent antenna units 11 connected to each other to rotate towards each other around the first pivot 123 until the two adjacent antenna units 11 are in a relative and parallel state, thus forming a folded state.

[0050] Figure 7 This illustration shows a rear view of a passive drive hinge structure provided in an embodiment of this application. In some embodiments, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the first base plate 121 is provided with a second limiting protrusion 129 spaced apart on the side near the first rotating shaft 123, and the second base plate 122 is provided with a limiting groove 1210 corresponding to the second limiting protrusion 129 on the side near the first rotating shaft 123. The second limiting protrusion 129 and the limiting groove 1210 are used to limit the unfolding angle between two adjacent antenna units 11 connected during the connection.

[0051] Combination Figures 5 to 7 In such Figure 6 In the folded state shown, when unfolding, under the action of the first torsion spring 124, the second torsion spring 127, and the linkage mechanism 128, the first base plate 121 and the second base plate 122 rotate in opposite directions around the first pivot 123 until the second limiting protrusion 129 engages with the limiting groove 1210, thereby driving the two adjacent antenna units 11 connected to rotate in opposite directions around the first pivot 123 until the antenna arrays M of the two adjacent antenna units 11 are facing the same direction and at a preset angle, thus forming the unfolded state.

[0052] In some embodiments, the second limiting protrusion 129 and the limiting groove 1210 have a magnetic attraction structure (not shown in the figure). The magnetic attraction structure is used to provide magnetic attraction force to the second limiting protrusion 129 and the limiting groove 1210 after they are engaged after being unfolded.

[0053] In some embodiments, among a plurality of antenna elements 11 connected in sequence, two adjacent antenna elements 11 in the first group are rotatably connected by a rotatable connecting component 12 provided on the antenna array surface M, and two adjacent antenna elements 11 in the second group are rotatably connected by a rotatable connecting component 12 provided on the back surface N; or, two adjacent antenna elements 11 in the first group are rotatably connected by a rotatable connecting component 12 provided on the back surface N, and two adjacent antenna elements 11 in the second group are rotatably connected by a rotatable connecting component 12 provided on the antenna array surface M.

[0054] Figure 8 This illustration shows a connection diagram of two adjacent antenna elements provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 9 This illustration shows another connection diagram of two adjacent antenna elements provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 In the connection method shown, two adjacent antenna elements 11 are rotatably connected by a rotatable connecting assembly 12 on the antenna array surface M. Figure 9 In the connection method shown, two adjacent antenna elements 11 are rotatably connected by a rotatable connection assembly 12 provided on the back side N.

[0055] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 As shown, in two adjacent antenna elements 11 that are rotatably connected by a rotatable connecting assembly 12 on the antenna array surface M, a mounting area for the rotatable connecting assembly 12 is provided on the side edge region of the antenna array surface M of each antenna element 11 near the other antenna element 11. In two adjacent antenna elements 11 that are rotatably connected by a rotatable connecting assembly 12 on the back surface N, a mounting area for the rotatable connecting assembly 12 is provided on the side edge region of the back surface N of each antenna element 11 near the other antenna element 11. Mounting holes are provided in the mounting area of ​​the rotatable connecting assembly 12 for mounting the rotatable connecting assembly 12.

[0056] Combination Figure 5 and Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, the first base plate 121 corresponds to the mounting area of ​​the rotatable connecting component 12 installed on one of the two adjacent antenna units 11, and the second base plate 122 corresponds to the mounting area of ​​the rotatable connecting component 12 installed on the other antenna unit 11.

[0057] In some embodiments, a flexible shrinkable cable harness can be connected at the connection point of any two adjacent antenna units 11 to complete the cable connection between the two adjacent antenna units 11.

[0058] Figure 10 This illustration shows a structural schematic diagram of a spaceborne phased array antenna provided in an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 10 As shown in the figure, this application embodiment also provides a spaceborne phased array antenna, which includes a base 1001. The base 1001 has a front side and a back side facing away from the front side. At least one side of the front side of the base 1001 is movably connected to a deployable phased array antenna structure 1002. The back side of the base 1001 is used to install and fix the spaceborne phased array antenna on the satellite body. The deployable phased array antenna structure 1002 includes the deployable phased array antenna structure provided in the above embodiment.

[0059] Figure 10 The deployed state of the spaceborne phased array antenna is shown. Figure 11 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of the folded state of a spaceborne phased array antenna provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 10 As shown, in the unfolded state, the antenna array surfaces of multiple antenna elements of the unfoldable phased array antenna structure 1002 and the front surface of the base 1001 are all arranged in the same direction, and the antenna array surface of the antenna element closest to the base 1001 forms a preset angle with the front surface of the base 1001, such as 180 degrees; Figure 11 As shown, in the folded state, multiple antenna elements of the deployable phased array antenna structure 1002 are folded and gathered on the front of the base 1001, and the antenna array surface or back of the antenna element is perpendicular to the front of the base 1001.

[0060] Figure 12 This diagram illustrates the connection between the deployable phased array antenna structure and the base. In some embodiments, such as... Figure 12 As shown, in the deployable phased array antenna structure 1002, among the multiple antenna elements connected in sequence, the first antenna element 11 in the connection direction is rotatably connected to the base 1001 through a rotatable connecting component 12. When deployed, the first antenna element 11 is rotated to a preset position away from the front of the base 1001 through the rotatable connecting component 12, so that the antenna array surface of the antenna element and the front of the base 1001 are facing the same direction and at a preset angle, such as 180 degrees.

[0061] It should be noted that, Figure 12 The diagram only exemplarily illustrates the connection relationship between the first antenna element 11 of the deployable phased array antenna structure 1002 in the connection direction and the base 1001. Other antenna elements are not shown in the diagram. The rotatable connection component 12 can adopt a passive drive hinge structure. The first base plate with the passive drive hinge structure can be set on the side of the first antenna element 11 of the deployable phased array antenna structure 1002 in the connection direction near the base 1001. The second base plate can be set on the corresponding mounting area on the side of the front of the base 1001. For the specific implementation of the passive drive hinge structure, please refer to the description of the above embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0062] Figure 13 This illustration shows a structural schematic diagram of a base provided in an embodiment of this application. In some embodiments, such as... Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the base 1001 has a second base plate with a passive drive hinge structure mounted on its side where the deployable phased array antenna structure 1002 is located. Mounting holes are provided in the mounting area L for mounting and fixing the second base plate with the passive drive hinge structure.

[0063] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, a deployment limiting protrusion 1003 is also provided on the side of the base 1001 where the deployable phased array antenna structure 1002 is located. The deployment limiting protrusion 1003 is used to limit the first antenna unit in the connection direction after the deployable phased array antenna structure 1002 is rotated to a preset position when it is deployed, so that the antenna array surface of the antenna unit and the front of the base 1001 are facing the same direction and at a preset angle, such as 180 degrees. In some embodiments, after the first antenna unit 11 is rotated to the preset position, the end of the first antenna unit 11 near the base 1001 engages with the deployment limiting protrusion 1003.

[0064] In some embodiments, such as Figure 11 As shown, two deployable phased array antenna structures 1002 are provided on opposite sides of the front of the base 1001, and a locking and releasing structure 14 is provided between the two deployable phased array antenna structures 1002 on the two sides. The specific implementation of the locking and releasing structure 14 can be referred to the description of the above embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0065] In some embodiments, an antenna array consisting of multiple antenna elements arranged in an array is also provided on the front side of the base 1001.

[0066] In some embodiments, the base 1001 may also be provided with signal processing components, power supply, etc. required for the antenna.

[0067] For a description of the deployable phased array antenna structure, please refer to the specific description of the deployable phased array antenna structure in the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0068] Figure 14 This application provides a schematic diagram of another spaceborne phased array antenna, as shown in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 14 As shown, in order to achieve a larger area of ​​spaceborne antenna, in some embodiments, the spaceborne phased array antenna may include multiple bases 1001, and each base 1001 has a deployable phased array antenna structure 1002 respectively provided on two opposite sides of its front. In some embodiments, the multiple bases 1001 may be integrally formed bases.

[0069] In some application scenarios, spaceborne phased array antennas are used on satellite platforms. When the satellite is on the ground, the deployable phased array antenna structure is in a folded state, and after the satellite is launched into orbit, the deployable phased array antenna structure is in an unfolded state.

[0070] This application also provides a satellite platform, which includes, but is not limited to, a satellite body and at least one onboard phased array antenna. The onboard phased array antenna includes the onboard phased array antenna described in the above embodiments, and the back of the base of the onboard phased array antenna is mounted and fixed on the satellite body.

[0071] For a detailed description of the spaceborne phased array antenna, please refer to the specific description of the spaceborne phased array antenna in the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0072] A detailed description of exemplary embodiments of this application has been provided above through exemplary and non-limiting examples. However, various modifications and adjustments to the above embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims, without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, the proper scope of this application will be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A deployable phased array antenna structure, comprising: Multiple antenna elements are connected in sequence, wherein any two adjacent antenna elements are rotatably connected by a rotatable connecting component. Each antenna element has an antenna array and a back surface facing away from the antenna array. The antenna array is provided with an antenna array composed of multiple antenna elements arranged in an array. The deployable phased array antenna structure has a folded state and an unfolded state. In the unfolded state, the antenna array surfaces of the multiple antenna elements are all oriented in the same direction, and the antenna array surfaces of each two adjacent antenna elements are set at a preset angle. In the folded state, each pair of adjacent antenna units is arranged opposite and parallel to each other. When unfolded, each pair of adjacent antenna units is rotated to a preset position in opposite directions through a rotatable connecting component to form the unfolded state.

2. The deployable phased array antenna structure according to claim 1, wherein, A locking and releasing structure is provided between any two adjacent antenna units. The locking and releasing structure is used to lock the two adjacent antenna units in the folded state when folding, and to unlock and release the locked two adjacent antenna units when unfolding, so that the two adjacent antenna units can be unfolded through the connected rotatable connecting component.

3. The deployable phased array antenna structure according to claim 2, wherein, The locking and releasing structure includes a first locking seat, a second locking seat, a claw structure, and a connecting rod. The first locking seat is disposed on the side of one of the two adjacent antenna units, and the second locking seat is disposed on the side of the other antenna unit. The claw structure is fixedly connected to the first locking seat, the first end of the connecting rod is movably connected to the claw of the claw structure, and the second end of the connecting rod is fixedly connected to the second locking seat.

4. The deployable phased array antenna structure according to claim 3, wherein, The first end of the connecting rod is a shape memory metal structure; when locking, the first end of the connecting rod is locked in the claw of the claw structure; when unlocking, a voltage is applied to the first end of the connecting rod to cause the first end of the connecting rod to deform under the voltage, thereby disengaging from the claw of the claw structure.

5. The deployable phased array antenna structure according to claim 1, wherein, The rotatable connection assembly includes a passively driven hinge structure.

6. The deployable phased array antenna structure according to claim 5, wherein, The passive drive hinge structure includes a first base plate and a second base plate; The first base plate and the second base plate are rotatably connected by a first rotating shaft. The first rotating shaft has a first torsion spring, and the two ends of the first torsion spring abut against the first base plate and the second base plate, respectively.

7. The deployable phased array antenna structure according to claim 6, wherein, The first base plate also has at least one set of first limiting protrusions, each set of first limiting protrusions includes two limiting protrusions, and a second rotating shaft is provided between the two limiting protrusions of each set of first limiting protrusions, and a second torsion spring is provided on the second rotating shaft; A linkage mechanism is also provided on the first base plate. One end of the linkage mechanism is provided on the second rotating shaft, and the other end of the linkage mechanism is provided on the first rotating shaft. The two ends of the second torsion spring respectively abut against the first base plate and one end of the linkage mechanism. During folding, the first base plate and the second base plate rotate toward each other around the first pivot until the second base plate abuts against the first limiting protrusion on the first base plate.

8. The deployable phased array antenna structure according to claim 7, wherein, The first base plate is provided with a second limiting protrusion spaced apart on the side near the first rotating shaft, and the second base plate is provided with a limiting groove corresponding to the second limiting protrusion on the side near the first rotating shaft. During unfolding, under the action of the first torsion spring and the second torsion spring, the first base plate and the second base plate rotate in opposite directions around the first pivot until the second limiting protrusion engages with the limiting groove.

9. The deployable phased array antenna structure according to claim 6, wherein, In the multiple antenna elements connected in sequence, two adjacent antenna elements in the first group are rotatably connected by a rotatable connecting component on the antenna array surface, and two adjacent antenna elements in the second group are rotatably connected by a rotatable connecting component on the back side; or, two adjacent antenna elements in the first group are rotatably connected by a rotatable connecting component on the back side, and two adjacent antenna elements in the second group are rotatably connected by a rotatable connecting component on the antenna array surface. In two adjacent antenna elements that are rotatably connected by setting a rotatable connecting component on the antenna array surface, a mounting area for the rotatable connecting component is set on the side edge region of the antenna array surface of each antenna element near the other antenna element. In two adjacent antenna units that are rotatably connected by a rotatable connecting assembly on the back side, a mounting area for the rotatable connecting assembly is provided on the side edge region of the back side of each antenna unit near the other antenna unit. The first base plate corresponds to the mounting area of ​​the rotatable connecting component installed on one of the two adjacent antenna units, and the second base plate corresponds to the mounting area of ​​the rotatable connecting component installed on the other antenna unit.

10. A spaceborne phased array antenna, comprising a base having a front side and a back side facing away from the front side, wherein at least one side of the front side of the base is movably connected to a deployable phased array antenna structure, and the back side of the base is used to mount and fix the spaceborne phased array antenna to a satellite body. The deployable phased array antenna structure includes the deployable phased array antenna structure as described in any one of claims 1-9; In the unfolded state, the antenna array surfaces of the multiple antenna elements of the unfoldable phased array antenna structure and the front of the base are all arranged in the same direction; In the folded state, the multiple antenna elements of the deployable phased array antenna structure are folded and gathered on the front of the base.

11. The spaceborne phased array antenna according to claim 10, wherein, In the deployable phased array antenna structure, among the multiple antenna elements connected in sequence, the first antenna element in the connection direction is rotatably connected to the base through a rotatable connection component. When unfolded, the first antenna unit rotates to a preset position facing away from the front of the base via the rotatable connecting assembly.

12. The spaceborne phased array antenna according to claim 10, wherein, The deployable phased array antenna structure is provided on two opposite sides of the front of the base, and a locking and releasing structure is provided between the two deployable phased array antenna structures.

13. The spaceborne phased array antenna according to claim 11, wherein, On the side of the base where the deployable phased array antenna structure is located, there is also a deployment limiting protrusion. The unfolding limiting protrusion is used to limit the first antenna unit when it is rotated to a preset position during unfolding.

14. The spaceborne phased array antenna according to claim 10, wherein, An antenna array consisting of multiple antenna elements arranged in an array is also provided on the front side of the base.

15. A satellite platform comprising a satellite body and at least one onboard phased array antenna, wherein the onboard phased array antenna comprises the onboard phased array antenna as described in any one of claims 10-14, and the back of the base of the onboard phased array antenna is mounted and fixed to the satellite body.

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