Folding vehicle-mounted antenna

Abstract

A fixed panel of the foldable vehicle-mounted antenna is provided with four side edges and is connected with two first foldable panels and two second foldable panels; the first folding panels and the second folding panels are connected to the corresponding side edges in a turnover mode and can be switched between an unfolding state in which the first folding panels and the second folding panels can form a paraboloid structure with the fixed panel and a folding state in which the second folding panels and the fixed panel are attached through turnover, and a driving device used for driving turnover is arranged on the fixed panel. The first folding panels can be attached to the concave face of the fixed panel, and the second folding panels can be attached to the convex face of the fixed panel. The two first folding panels and the two second folding panels are turned over at the same time in a symmetrical folding mode; according to the utility model, the volume after folding and folding can be reduced, the storage is convenient, the loss of the paraboloid area is reduced to the greatest extent, the removal of the effective area of the antenna is reduced, the reduction of the antenna gain and the trouble of disassembly and assembly are avoided, and the maneuvering performance of the radar is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of satellite communication technology, and more specifically to a foldable vehicle-mounted antenna. Background Technology

[0002] Due to limitations imposed by rail or road transport, vehicle-mounted parabolic antennas often require segmentation to meet the requirements of rail and road transport in their folded state. Currently, most parabolic antenna folding methods involve folding the folding surface inwards and cutting off the reflective surface extending beyond the transport limits. This method, by removing part of the reflective surface, reduces the antenna gain to some extent. Alternatively, the reflective surface is divided into sections and manually assembled and disassembled, such as the existing two-part folding type. This method cannot allow for rapid deployment or retraction of the antenna, resulting in low mobility.

[0003] Chinese patent CN214898829U discloses an electrically folding antenna reflector assembly. This reflector assembly adopts a three-lobed inward folding form, with the driving component externally placed on both sides of the folded surface. In order to accommodate the driving component within the envelope, the area of ​​the reflector extending beyond the envelope is cut off, thus reducing the antenna gain. Chinese patent CN110137659A discloses a folding and disassembly structure and method for a vehicle-mounted large-aperture radar antenna. The main reflector consists of a central reflector, two folded reflectors, and six spliced ​​reflectors. It adopts a method of large-piece flipping and folding combined with small-piece disassembly and assembly. The heavier reflectors near the center are automatically folded and flipped, while the lighter edge reflectors are manually disassembled and assembled. The disadvantage of this method is that the reflector cannot be quickly unfolded for operation and lacks mobility. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and provide a foldable vehicle-mounted antenna that reduces the removal of the effective area of ​​the antenna while meeting the requirements of railway and highway transportation and without interfering with vehicle-mounted equipment, thus avoiding the reduction of antenna gain. Furthermore, the foldable form avoids disassembly and assembly, thereby improving the radar mobility performance.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A foldable vehicle-mounted antenna includes a main body with a fixed panel. The fixed panel has four sides, two of which are oppositely arranged and each connected to a first folding panel, and the other two oppositely arranged sides are connected to a second folding panel. Each first folding panel and each second folding panel is connected to the corresponding side in a flip-out manner and can switch between an unfolded state that forms a parabolic structure with the fixed panel and a folded state that is in contact with the fixed panel by flipping. The fixed panel is provided with a driving device connected to each first folding panel and each second folding panel and used to drive each first folding panel and each second folding panel to flip to switch between the unfolded state and the folded state. Each first folding panel is in contact with the concave surface of the fixed panel when folded, and each second folding panel is in contact with the convex surface of the fixed panel when folded.

[0006] As a further improvement to the above technical solution: The driving device includes a first driving mechanism and a second driving mechanism. The fixed panel is connected to each of the first folding panels by the first driving mechanism and drives each of the first folding panels to rotate through the first driving mechanism. The fixed panel is connected to each of the second folding panels by the second driving mechanism and drives each of the second folding panels to rotate through the second driving mechanism.

[0007] The first driving mechanism includes a first mounting base and a first driving bracket. The first mounting base is connected to a fixed panel. The first mounting base is provided with a first reducer connected to a first motor. The drive shaft of the first reducer is provided with a first sprocket, and the first driving bracket is provided with a second sprocket. The first sprocket and the second sprocket are connected by a transmission chain. The first driving bracket is connected to each first folding panel and rotates each first folding panel by being driven by the first reducer.

[0008] A sprocket plate is connected between the first mounting base and the first drive bracket. A tension wheel is rotatably mounted on the sprocket plate and is engaged with the drive chain by pressing against it.

[0009] The second drive mechanism includes a second mounting base and a second drive bracket. The second mounting base is connected to a fixed panel. The second mounting base is provided with a second reducer connected to a second motor. The drive shaft of the second reducer is connected to the second drive bracket. The second drive bracket is connected to each of the second folding panels and rotates each of the second folding panels by being driven by the second reducer.

[0010] Both the first and second reducers are worm gear drives, and the transmission chain is a toothed chain.

[0011] The fixed panel, each of the first folded panels and each of the second folded panels are all carbon fiber honeycomb sandwich panel structures.

[0012] The fixed panel is provided with a fixed back frame, and each of the first folding panels and each of the second folding panels is provided with a folding back frame. One of the fixed back frame and the folding back frame is provided with a conical sleeve, and the other is provided with a conical head. When the conical head is unfolded, it engages with the conical sleeve and is used to guide and position each of the first folding panels and each of the second folding panels in the unfolded position.

[0013] The fixed panel is provided with a locking electromagnet, and each of the folding back frames is provided with an unfolding locking suction cup, which is used to engage with the locking electromagnet when unfolded. Each of the first folding panels and each of the second folding panels is also provided with a folding locking suction cup, which is used to engage with the locking electromagnet when folded.

[0014] The drive device is equipped with a sensor, which detects the unfolded and folded states to control the energization and de-energization of the locking electromagnet.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows: This invention utilizes four panels—two first folding panels and two second folding panels connected to a fixed panel—that unfold under the drive of a driving device, forming a circular parabolic surface with the fixed panel. Each first folding panel can flip inwards to the concave side of the circular parabolic surface to fold, and each second folding panel can flip inwards to the convex side of the circular parabolic surface to fold. These four panels fold and flip simultaneously in a symmetrical manner. This not only reduces the volume after folding and folding, facilitating storage, but more importantly, it minimizes the loss of the parabolic surface area, with a loss rate of only 0.7%. While meeting the requirements of railway and road transportation and without interfering with onboard equipment, it reduces the removal of the effective antenna area, avoiding a decrease in antenna gain. This folding and unfolding method avoids the hassle of disassembly and assembly, improving the radar's mobility. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a foldable vehicle-mounted antenna in its folded state.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a foldable vehicle-mounted antenna in its unfolded state.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a front view diagram of the foldable vehicle-mounted antenna in its unfolded state.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a rear view diagram of the foldable vehicle-mounted antenna in its unfolded state.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a side view of the foldable vehicle antenna in its folded state.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the first drive mechanism.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the second drive mechanism.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cone sleeve and cone head, the locking electromagnet, and the unfolding locking suction cup.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the cone sleeve and cone head.

[0025] Legend: 1. Main body; 2. Fixed panel; 21. Fixed back frame; 3. Side; 31. First folding panel; 32. Second folding panel; 33. Folding back frame; 4. Drive device; 41. First drive mechanism; 411. First mounting base; 412. First drive bracket; 413. First motor; 414. First reducer; 415. Sprocket 1; 416. Sprocket 2; 417. Transmission chain; 418. Sprocket plate; 419. Tensioner; 42. Second drive mechanism; 421. Second mounting base; 422. Second drive bracket; 423. Second motor; 424. Second reducer; 5. Cone sleeve; 51. Cone head; 6. Locking electromagnet; 61. Unfolding locking suction cup; 62. Folding locking suction cup; 7. Sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0027] like Figures 1-9As shown, the foldable vehicle antenna of this embodiment includes a body 1, a fixed panel 2 on the body 1, and four sides 3 on the fixed panel 2. Two opposite sides 3 are connected to first folding panels 31, and the other two opposite sides 3 are connected to second folding panels 32. Each first folding panel 31 and each second folding panel 32 are connected to the corresponding side 3 in a flip-able manner and can switch between an unfolded state that forms a parabolic structure with the fixed panel 2 and a folded state that is in contact with the fixed panel 2 by flipping. The fixed panel 2 is provided with a driving device 4 that is connected to each first folding panel 31 and each second folding panel 32 and is used to drive each first folding panel 31 and each second folding panel 32 to flip so as to switch between the unfolded state and the folded state. Each first folding panel 31 is in contact with the concave surface of the fixed panel 2 when folded, and each second folding panel 32 is in contact with the convex surface of the fixed panel 2 when folded. Four panels, consisting of two first folding panels 31 and two second folding panels 32 connected to the fixed panel 2, can unfold under the drive of the driving device and form a circular parabolic surface with the fixed panel 2. Each first folding panel 31 can flip to the concave side of the circular parabolic surface to fold, and each second folding panel 32 can flip to the convex side of the circular parabolic surface to fold. These four panels fold and flip simultaneously in a symmetrical manner. This not only reduces the volume after folding and folding, making it easier to store, but more importantly, it minimizes the loss of the parabolic surface area, with a loss ratio of only 0.7%. While meeting the requirements of railway and road transportation and without interfering with onboard equipment, it reduces the removal of the effective antenna area, avoiding a decrease in antenna gain. This folding and unfolding method avoids the hassle of disassembly and assembly, improving the radar's mobility. The two first folding panels 31 are located vertically on the fixed panel 2, and the two second folding panels 32 are located horizontally on the fixed panel 2.

[0028] In this embodiment, the driving device 4 includes a first driving mechanism 41 and a second driving mechanism 42. The fixed panel 2 is connected to each of the first folding panels 31 by the first driving mechanism 41, and the first driving mechanism 41 drives each of the first folding panels 31 to rotate. The fixed panel 2 is connected to each of the second folding panels 32 by the second driving mechanism 42, and the second driving mechanism 42 drives each of the second folding panels 32 to rotate. By individually driving each panel through the first driving mechanism 41 and the second driving mechanism 42, the reliability and stability of the device can be further improved.

[0029] In this embodiment, the first driving mechanism 41 includes a first mounting base 411 and a first driving bracket 412. The first mounting base 411 is connected to the fixed panel 2. The first mounting base 411 is equipped with a first reducer 414 connected to a first motor 413. A sprocket 415 is provided on the drive shaft of the first reducer 414, and a sprocket 416 is provided on the first driving bracket 412. The sprocket 415 and the sprocket 416 are connected by a transmission chain 417. The first driving bracket 412 is connected to each of the first folding panels 31 and rotates each of the first folding panels 31 by being driven by the first reducer 414. By controlling the forward and reverse rotation of the first reducer 414 through the first motor 413, the unfolding and folding of each of the first folding panels 31 can be realized. The chain drive is placed on the back of the parabolic surface, which is simpler to install, more efficient in driving, and has higher repeatability accuracy compared to direct drive.

[0030] In this embodiment, a sprocket plate 418 is connected between the first mounting base 411 and the first drive bracket 412. A tension wheel 419 is rotatably mounted on the sprocket plate 418, and the tension wheel 419 is engaged with the transmission chain 417 by pressing against it. By adjusting the position of the tension wheel 419, the transmission chain 417 can be easily tensioned, thereby improving the transmission accuracy of the first reducer 414.

[0031] In this embodiment, the second drive mechanism 42 includes a second mounting base 421 and a second drive bracket 422. The second mounting base 421 is connected to the fixed panel 2. A second reducer 424 connected to the second motor 423 is mounted on the second mounting base 421. The drive shaft of the second reducer 424 is connected to the second drive bracket 422. The second drive bracket 422 is connected to each of the second folding panels 32 and rotates each of the second folding panels 32 by being driven by the second reducer 424. By controlling the forward and reverse rotation of the second reducer 424 through the second motor 423, the unfolding and folding of each of the first folding panels 31 can be realized.

[0032] In this embodiment, both the first reducer 414 and the second reducer 424 are worm gear drives, and the transmission chain 417 is a toothed chain. The worm gear drive reducer has a self-locking function, which can realize the self-locking of each first folding panel 31 and each second folding panel 32 in place, and is easy to purchase and install. In addition, the folding panels 3 can be flipped and unfolded and folded by hand when the parabolic antenna is powered off.

[0033] In this embodiment, the fixed panel 2, each of the first folded panels 31, and each of the second folded panels 32 are all carbon fiber honeycomb sandwich panel structures. This structure improves rigidity, reduces weight, and is both rational and compact, thereby increasing antenna efficiency.

[0034] In this embodiment, a fixed back frame 21 is provided on the fixed panel 2, and a folding back frame 33 is provided on each of the first folding panels 31 and each of the second folding panels 32. One of the fixed back frame 21 and the folding back frame 33 is provided with a conical sleeve 5, and the other is provided with a conical head 51. When unfolded, the conical head 51 engages with the conical sleeve 5 and provides guidance and positioning for the unfolding of each of the first folding panels 31 and each of the second folding panels 32. During the unfolding of each of the first folding panels 31 and each of the second folding panels 32, the conical sleeve 5 and the conical head 51 cooperate to complete the guiding process, ensuring accurate alignment between each of the first folding panels 31 and each of the second folding panels 32 and the fixed panel 2. This ensures that each of the first folding panels 31 and each of the second folding panels 32 is positioned in a fixed position each time it is unfolded. This guiding structure is simple, and because its fit gap is zero, its positioning accuracy is high, and it can also improve the rigidity of the reflective surface to a certain extent.

[0035] In this embodiment, the fixed panel 2 is provided with a locking electromagnet 6, each folding back frame 33 is provided with an unfolding locking suction cup 61, which is used to engage with the locking electromagnet 6 when unfolded. Each first folding panel 31 and each second folding panel 32 is also provided with a folding locking suction cup 62, which is used to engage with the locking electromagnet 6 when folded. Folding locking suction cups 62 are installed on the back of each first folding panel 31 and each second folding panel 32, and locking electromagnets 6 are installed on the fixed panel 2. Locking electromagnets 6 that engage with the folding locking suction cups 62 on each first folding panel 31 are installed on the concave surface of the fixed panel 1, and locking electromagnets 6 that engage with the folding locking suction cups 62 on each second folding panel 32 are installed on the convex surface of the fixed panel 1. Unfolding locking suction cups 61 are installed on the folding back frame 33, and locking electromagnets 6 that engage with the unfolding locking suction cups 61 are installed on the fixed back frame 21. Through engagement, the locking of each first folding panel 31 and each second folding panel 32 to the fixed panel 2 is completed, which improves the stability of the equipment and extends its service life.

[0036] In this embodiment, the drive device 4 is equipped with a sensor 7, which detects the unfolded and folded states to control the energization and de-energization of the locking electromagnet 6. The sensor 7 is de-energized; when the sensor 7 detects that each of the first folding panels 31 and each of the second folding panels 32 has been unfolded and folded into place, the sensor 7 changes from the energized state to the de-energized state, completing the attraction between each suction cup and the locking electromagnet 6.

[0037] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For those skilled in the art, improvements and modifications obtained without departing from the inventive concept should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A foldable vehicle-mounted antenna, comprising a body (1), wherein a fixed panel (2) is provided on the body (1), characterized in that, The fixed panel (2) has four sides (3), two of which are oppositely arranged and connected to a first folding panel (31), and the other two oppositely arranged sides (3) are connected to a second folding panel (32). Each first folding panel (31) and each second folding panel (32) are connected to the corresponding side (3) in a flip-able manner and can be flipped to switch between an unfolded state that forms a parabolic structure with the fixed panel (2) and a folded state that is in contact with the fixed panel (2). The fixed panel (2) is provided with a drive device (4) that is connected to each first folding panel (31) and each second folding panel (32) and is used to drive each first folding panel (31) and each second folding panel (32) to flip to switch between an unfolded state and a folded state. Each first folding panel (31) is in contact with the concave surface of the fixed panel (2) when in the folded state, and each second folding panel (32) is in contact with the convex surface of the fixed panel (2) when in the folded state.

2. The foldable vehicle-mounted antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving device (4) includes a first driving mechanism (41) and a second driving mechanism (42). The fixed panel (2) is connected to each of the first folding panels (31) by the first driving mechanism (41), and the first folding panels (31) are driven to rotate by the first driving mechanism (41). The fixed panel (2) is connected to each of the second folding panels (32) by the second driving mechanism (42), and the second folding panels (32) are driven to rotate by the second driving mechanism (42).

3. The foldable vehicle-mounted antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first drive mechanism (41) includes a first mounting base (411) and a first drive bracket (412). The first mounting base (411) is connected to the fixed panel (2). The first mounting base (411) is provided with a first reducer (414) connected to the first motor (413). The drive shaft of the first reducer (414) is provided with a sprocket (415). The first drive bracket (412) is provided with a sprocket (416). The sprocket (415) and the sprocket (416) are connected by a transmission chain (417). The first drive bracket (412) is connected to each first folding panel (31) and rotates each first folding panel (31) by the drive of the first reducer (414).

4. The foldable vehicle-mounted antenna according to claim 3, characterized in that, A sprocket plate (418) is connected between the first mounting base (411) and the first drive bracket (412). A tension wheel (419) is rotatably mounted on the sprocket plate (418). The tension wheel (419) is engaged with the transmission chain (417) in a way that it presses against the transmission chain (417).

5. The foldable vehicle-mounted antenna according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second drive mechanism (42) includes a second mounting base (421) and a second drive bracket (422). The second mounting base (421) is connected to the fixed panel (2). The second mounting base (421) is provided with a second reducer (424) connected to the second motor (423). The drive shaft of the second reducer (424) is connected to the second drive bracket (422). The second drive bracket (422) is connected to each second folding panel (32) and rotates each second folding panel (32) by the drive of the second reducer (424).

6. The foldable vehicle-mounted antenna according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first reducer (414) and the second reducer (424) are both worm gear drives, and the transmission chain (417) is a toothed chain.

7. The foldable vehicle-mounted antenna according to claim 6, characterized in that, The fixed panel (2), each of the first folded panels (31) and each of the second folded panels (32) are all carbon fiber honeycomb sandwich panel structures.

8. The foldable vehicle-mounted antenna according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The fixed panel (2) is provided with a fixed back frame (21), and each of the first folding panels (31) and each of the second folding panels (32) is provided with a folding back frame (33). One of the fixed back frame (21) and the folding back frame (33) is provided with a cone sleeve (5), and the other is provided with a cone head (51). When the cone head (51) is unfolded, it engages with the cone sleeve (5) and is used to guide and position each of the first folding panels (31) and each of the second folding panels (32) in the unfolded position.

9. The foldable vehicle-mounted antenna according to claim 8, characterized in that, The fixed panel (2) is provided with a locking electromagnet (6), and each of the folding back frames (33) is provided with an unfolding locking suction cup (61) for engaging with the locking electromagnet (6) in the unfolded state. Each of the first folding panels (31) and each of the second folding panels (32) is also provided with a folding locking suction cup (62) for engaging with the locking electromagnet (6) in the folded state.

10. The foldable vehicle-mounted antenna according to claim 9, characterized in that, The drive device (4) is equipped with a sensor (7), and the sensor (7) detects the unfolded state and the folded state to control the energization and de-energization of the locking electromagnet (6).

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