Airborne low-profile three-frequency-band satellite communication antenna

Abstract

The invention discloses an airborne low-profile three-frequency-band satellite communication antenna, and belongs to the technical field of antennas. The antenna comprises three antenna array planes and an antenna seat frame, and realizes communication of the antenna array planes in three frequency bands. The antenna pedestal comprises an azimuth platform, a pitching mechanism a, a pitching mechanism b and a space truss. In a narrow size space range, through a highly integrated layout design, installation of three antenna array surfaces is realized. The three array planes are arranged in the left area, the middle area and the right area of the upper layer of the whole antenna, 360-degree continuous mechanical scanning motion can be achieved at the same time under driving of the antenna pedestal 4, and pitching mechanical scanning motion within the range of 0-90 degrees can be achieved at the same time by the antenna array planes. The functional devices are divided into two groups according to use functions, are integrated and then are respectively arranged on the lower-layer sheet trusses at the left end and the right end of the space truss, and module-level maintenance of the functional devices is realized by adopting a sinking type disassembly method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of antenna technology, and more specifically to a low-profile antenna that can be equipped with three frequency band antenna arrays, meets the needs of multi-band communication, adapts to the limited space of airborne installation, and whose functional components are maintainable and meet the requirements of vibration resistance. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of satellite communication antenna technology, the performance requirements for satellite communication antennas on airborne platforms are also increasing. Common airborne low-profile satellite communication flat panel antennas are mostly single-band or dual-band. Antenna mounts, as the support and orientation devices for the antenna, enable the antenna to accurately search for or track targets under the control of a servo system. However, due to limitations in size, space, and vibration conditions in the installation environment, it is often difficult to arrange more antenna arrays, and the functional components cannot meet the requirements for module-level maintenance.

[0003] How to install multiple frequency band antenna arrays within a limited installation size, especially in a low profile space, to improve the multi-band communication performance of the antennas and meet the requirements of maintainability and vibration resistance is an urgent problem to be solved in the design of airborne satellite communication antennas. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to effectively address the shortcomings of the aforementioned background technology. Under strict installation environment constraints, it achieves a highly integrated design for the entire antenna, making more efficient use of installation space and enabling the installation of antenna arrays across three frequency bands. The antenna mount integrates an azimuth platform and two sets of elevation mechanisms with a space truss, allowing simultaneous mechanical scanning movement of all three antenna arrays while also considering vibration resistance and modular maintainability requirements.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows: An airborne low-profile tri-band satellite communication antenna includes a main antenna array, two side antenna arrays and an antenna mount (4). The antenna mount (4) includes an azimuth platform (4-1), a pitch mechanism (4-2), and a space truss (4-4); the space truss (4-4) is a rectangular frame structure, and the azimuth platform (4-1) is located below the middle position of the space truss (4-4) and connected to the space truss (4-4), and is used to drive the azimuth rotation of the space truss (4-4); The elevation mechanism is provided in two sets, which are respectively installed on both sides of the space truss; the main antenna array is installed in the middle position on the space truss; and the side antenna arrays are respectively installed on the corresponding elevation mechanism.

[0006] Furthermore, the space truss (4-4) includes a longitudinal truss (4-4-1), a transverse truss (4-4-2), and a lower truss (4-4-3); both the longitudinal and transverse trusses are installed on the upper surface of the lower truss. On the upper surface of the lower truss, two longitudinal trusses are arranged in parallel; multiple transverse trusses are provided, and the two ends of the transverse trusses are respectively supported between the two longitudinal trusses.

[0007] Furthermore, the orientation platform (4-1) includes a base (4-1-1), a turntable (4-1-2), a toothed turntable bearing (4-1-3), an orientation drive (4-1-4), and a multi-functional slip ring (4-1-5). The base is located below the middle position of the space truss, and the outer ring of the toothed turntable bearing (4-1-3) is fixed on the top of the base; the turntable (4-1-2) is fixed to the inner ring of the toothed turntable bearing (4-1-3), and the turntable is fixedly connected to the space truss. The orientation drive (4-1-4) is fixed to the turntable (4-1-2) and drives the turntable (4-1-2) to rotate by meshing with the outer ring gear of the toothed turntable bearing (4-1-3); The stator of the multi-functional slip ring (4-1-5) is fixed to the turntable (4-1-2), and the rotor is fixed to the turntable (4-1-2), so that the multi-functional slip ring (4-1-5) can rotate synchronously with the turntable (4-1-2) to achieve continuous signal transmission.

[0008] Furthermore, the pitch mechanism includes a pitch support arm, a pitch drive, and a pitch gear; The pitch arms of the two sets of pitch mechanisms are respectively installed at the left and right ends of the space truss 4-4 and are fixedly connected to the longitudinal plate truss 4-4-1 of the space truss 4-4. The space truss 4-4 drives the two sets of pitch mechanisms to perform azimuth movement. Two sets of pitch arms support and fix two sets of pitch drives respectively, and the pitch drives are driven by pitch gear meshing. The pitch axis mount is connected to the pitch support arm bearing, and the pitch gear is fixedly connected to the pitch axis mount; the pitch drive drives the pitch axis mount to rotate through the pitch gear, and the side antenna array is mounted on the pitch bearing and moves together with the pitch axis mount.

[0009] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: 1. The antenna is designed with high integration. Through reasonable layout, three antenna arrays of different frequency bands can be installed in the limited installation space, especially in the small range of height dimensions, to meet the needs of multi-frequency communication. 2. The main structure of the antenna mount adopts an azimuth platform, elevation mechanism and space truss integration, which simultaneously drives the movement of three antenna arrays. The structure is compact, stable and reliable, and has better vibration resistance. 3. The antenna functional components adopt a combination of grouped integrated installation and sunken disassembly, which can meet the needs of modular maintenance of functional components after installation. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is an overall layout diagram of the airborne low-profile three-band satellite communication antenna of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the antenna mount of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the side structure of the antenna mount of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a detailed layout and top view of the antenna mount of the present invention (the top view hides functional components).

[0012] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of module-level maintenance for the antenna functional components of this invention.

[0013] In the attached diagram: 1 is antenna array a, 2 is antenna array b, 3 is antenna array c, and 4 is antenna mount; The 4-antenna mount is further divided into 4-1 azimuth platform, 4-2 pitch mechanism a, 4-3 pitch mechanism b, 4-4 space truss, 4-5 antenna control unit, 4-6 signal conversion module, 4-7 power supply, and 4-8 power amplifier; The 4-1 azimuth platform is further subdivided into 4-1-1 base, 4-1-2 turntable, 4-1-3 toothed turntable bearing, 4-1-4 azimuth drive, and 4-1-5 multi-functional slip ring; 4-2 Pitch mechanism a is further subdivided into 4-2-1 Pitch support arm a, 4-2-2 Pitch drive a, 4-2-3 Pitch gear a, and 4-2-4 Pitch bearing a; 4-3 The pitch mechanism b is further subdivided into 4-3-1 pitch support arm b, 4-3-2 pitch drive b, 4-3-3 pitch gear b, and 4-3-4 pitch bearing b; 4-4 further subdivides the space truss into 4-4-1 longitudinal truss, 4-4-2 transverse truss, and 4-4-3 lower truss. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings: An airborne low-profile tri-band satellite communication antenna includes: antenna array a, antenna array b, antenna array c, and antenna mount; Three antenna arrays are arranged in the upper region of the antenna to meet the requirement of unobstructed signal reception and transmission. The antenna mount is located in the lower region of the antenna assembly and can simultaneously drive the movement of all three arrays. The antenna mount includes: an azimuth platform, elevation mechanism a, elevation mechanism b, a space truss, an antenna control unit, a signal conversion module, a power supply, and a power amplifier.

[0015] The azimuth platform includes a base, turntable, toothed bearing, azimuth drive, and multi-functional slip ring. The azimuth platform is located at the bottom layer of the antenna and is directly fixed to the carrier aircraft. At the same time, it drives the antenna array and all other equipment to perform 360° azimuth mechanical scanning motion.

[0016] Both pitch mechanism a and pitch mechanism b include a pitch arm, a pitch drive, a pitch gear, and a pitch bearing. Pitch mechanism a and pitch mechanism b are mounted on a space truss and arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides, respectively driving antenna array a and antenna array b to perform 0-90° pitch mechanical scanning motion.

[0017] The space truss, composed of multiple sets of horizontally and vertically arranged panel trusses, forms the main framework of the antenna. The azimuth platform and elevation mechanism are integrated with it, resulting in good overall antenna stability, ensuring strength and rigidity, and meeting vibration resistance requirements. Antenna functional components are arranged on the lower panel trusses of the space truss. A combination of component grouping and recessed maintenance allows for module-level maintenance of these components.

[0018] The antenna control unit, signal conversion module, power supply, and power amplifier are all functional components of the antenna. The antenna control unit mainly controls the azimuth and pitch rotation of the antenna mount and provides real-time position feedback. The power supply provides power to other devices. The power amplifier amplifies the signal. The signal conversion module converts optical signals and electrical signals according to transmission requirements.

[0019] Reference Figures 1 to 5 An airborne low-profile tri-band satellite communication antenna includes: antenna array a, antenna array b, antenna array c, and antenna mount 4.

[0020] The three antenna arrays are respectively installed in the upper left, middle and right areas of the overall antenna. They move under the drive of the antenna mount 4, which can meet the requirements of unobstructed signal reception and transmission.

[0021] The antenna mount 4 is located in the lower layer of the overall antenna. The base 4-1-1 of the azimuth platform 4-1 is located at the bottom, and its bottom surface is fixed to the carrier platform. It has the characteristics of the overall antenna external mechanical interface. The outer ring of the toothed turntable bearing 4-1-3 is fixed on the upper surface. The turntable 4-1-2 is fixed to the inner ring of the toothed turntable bearing 4-1-3 and can rotate relative to the base 4-1-1. The azimuth drive 4-1-4 is fixed to the turntable 4-1-2 and drives the turntable 4-1-2 to rotate by meshing with the gear on the outer ring of the toothed turntable bearing 4-1-3. The stator of the multi-functional slip ring 4-1-5 is fixed to the turntable 4-1-2, and the rotor is fixed to the turntable 4-1-2. It can rotate synchronously with the turntable 4-1-2 to realize continuous signal transmission.

[0022] The lower surfaces of the longitudinal truss (4-4-1) and transverse truss (4-4-2) within the space truss 4-4 are connected and fixed to the turntable (4-1-2) on the azimuth platform 4-1. The entire truss rotates with the azimuth platform 4-1. Further components such as the antenna control unit (4-5), signal conversion module (4-6), power supply (4-7), and power amplifier (4-8) are fixed on the lower truss (4-4-3) and can be individually disassembled from below along with the lower truss, enabling module-level maintenance.

[0023] The pitch mechanism a4-2, including the pitch support arm 4-2-1, and the pitch mechanism b4-3, including the pitch support arm 4-3-1, are respectively installed at the left and right ends of the space truss 4-4 and directly fixed to the longitudinal truss 4-4-1. The space truss 4-4 simultaneously drives the pitch mechanisms a4-2 and b4-3 to perform azimuth movements. Further, the pitch support arms 4-2-1 and 4-3-1 support and fix the pitch drives 4-2-2 and 4-3-2 respectively. The pitch drives 4-2-2 and 4-3-2, through the meshing transmission of the pitch gears 4-2-3 and 4-3-3, drive the pitch bearings 4-2-4 and 4-3-4 to rotate, further driving the antenna array a1 and antenna array b2 to perform pitch movements respectively.

[0024] This invention integrates three antenna arrays of different frequency bands within a limited installation space through a highly integrated layout design. While the three arrays perform azimuth mechanical scanning, antenna arrays a and b can also perform elevation mechanical scanning, meeting multi-band communication requirements. The main support frame of the antenna mount is a space truss structure, integrated with the azimuth platform and elevation mechanism, resulting in good overall structural stability and structural strength and stiffness that meet vibration resistance requirements. Functional components are divided into left and right groups according to their function and integrated onto the lower truss panels at both ends of the space truss. A recessed disassembly method enables module-level maintenance of the functional components.

Claims

1. An airborne low-profile tri-band satellite communication antenna, characterized in that, It includes a main antenna array, two side antenna arrays and an antenna mount (4); The antenna mount (4) includes an azimuth platform (4-1), a pitch mechanism (4-2), and a space truss (4-4); the space truss (4-4) is a rectangular frame structure, and the azimuth platform (4-1) is located below the middle position of the space truss (4-4) and connected to the space truss (4-4), and is used to drive the azimuth rotation of the space truss (4-4); The elevation mechanism is provided in two sets, which are respectively installed on both sides of the space truss; the main antenna array is installed in the middle position on the space truss; and the side antenna arrays are respectively installed on the corresponding elevation mechanism.

2. The airborne low-profile tri-band satellite communication antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The space truss (4-4) includes a longitudinal panel truss (4-4-1), a transverse panel truss (4-4-2), and a lower panel truss (4-4-3); the longitudinal panel truss and the transverse panel truss are both installed on the upper surface of the lower panel truss; On the upper surface of the lower truss, two longitudinal trusses are arranged in parallel; multiple transverse trusses are provided, and the two ends of the transverse trusses are respectively supported between the two longitudinal trusses.

3. The airborne low-profile tri-band satellite communication antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The orientation platform (4-1) includes a base (4-1-1), a turntable (4-1-2), a toothed turntable bearing (4-1-3), an orientation drive (4-1-4), and a multi-functional slip ring (4-1-5). The base is located below the middle position of the space truss, and the outer ring of the toothed turntable bearing (4-1-3) is fixed on the top of the base; the turntable (4-1-2) is fixed to the inner ring of the toothed turntable bearing (4-1-3), and the turntable is fixedly connected to the space truss. The orientation drive (4-1-4) is fixed to the turntable (4-1-2) and drives the turntable (4-1-2) to rotate by meshing with the outer ring gear of the toothed turntable bearing (4-1-3); The stator of the multi-functional slip ring (4-1-5) is fixed to the turntable (4-1-2), and the rotor is fixed to the turntable (4-1-2), so that the multi-functional slip ring (4-1-5) can rotate synchronously with the turntable (4-1-2) to achieve continuous signal transmission.

4. The airborne low-profile tri-band satellite communication antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pitch mechanism includes a pitch support arm, a pitch drive, and a pitch gear; The pitch arms of the two sets of pitch mechanisms are respectively installed at the left and right ends of the space truss 4-4 and are fixedly connected to the longitudinal plate truss 4-4-1 of the space truss 4-4. The space truss 4-4 drives the two sets of pitch mechanisms to perform azimuth movement. Two sets of pitch arms support and fix two sets of pitch drives respectively, and the pitch drives are driven by pitch gear meshing. The pitch axis mount is connected to the pitch support arm bearing, and the pitch gear is fixedly connected to the pitch axis mount; the pitch drive drives the pitch axis mount to rotate through the pitch gear, and the side antenna array is mounted on the pitch bearing and moves together with the pitch axis mount.

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