Antenna turnover mechanism

Abstract

An antenna turnover mechanism comprises an unlocking seat, a rotating body, an antenna, an elastic piece and a base. The antenna is arranged on the rotating body, one end of the rotating body is hinged to the base, the other end of the rotating body can be locked on the unlocking seat, and the elastic piece is connected with the rotating body and the base; when the rotating body is locked to the unlocking seat, the elastic piece elastically deforms, and after the unlocking seat and the rotating body are unlocked, the rotating body is driven by the elastic piece to rotate in a pitching mode to be unfolded to a specified angle. According to the mode that the rotating body is unfolded through the elastic piece, the unfolding motion energy is stored in the elastic piece. After the unlocking seat is unlocked, the elastic potential energy in the elastic piece is released, and the rotating body rotates. Therefore, the turnover mode of a hydraulic cylinder is avoided, the weight of the turnover mechanism is reduced, and meanwhile the turnover mechanism is simple in structure, safe and reliable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application belongs to the field of aerospace technology, and in particular, relates to an antenna flipping mechanism. Background Art

[0002] A satellite is a product that flies in space orbit, and its most important function is to communicate with the ground. Therefore, various antennas are usually installed on the surface of the satellite. Under certain design requirements and constraints, the installation configuration of the antenna on the satellite will have two configurations: folded and unfolded. For example, the satellite launch envelope is small, while the configuration envelope of the antenna in use is large, and the two conflict. In this case, the antenna is designed on a set of mechanisms so that it can be folded in the satellite launch envelope when in the launch state. After the satellite enters orbit, the mechanism is unfolded and the antenna can work in the use state. According to different design requirements and antenna structure forms, there are many forms of antenna deployment mechanisms.

[0003] Chinese patent document "202321136400.6" discloses an antenna tipping and lifting mechanism, which uses a hydraulic cylinder as a driving source to control the tipping and lifting of the antenna, and controls the angle and position of the antenna mounting rod through the reciprocating linear motion of the piston in the hydraulic cylinder. In the above scheme, a hydraulic cylinder is used to drive the change of the angle and position of the antenna, which has the following problems: the hydraulic cylinder increases the weight of the lifting mechanism; the hydraulic cylinder requires a hydraulic system, and space is a vacuum environment, which has high requirements for the sealed design of the hydraulic system and there is a risk of leakage. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of the utility model is to provide an antenna flipping mechanism, which aims to solve the technical problems in the prior art that a hydraulic cylinder is used to drive the change of the angle and position of the antenna, the weight of the hydraulic cylinder is relatively heavy; the hydraulic cylinder requires a hydraulic system, and the space is a vacuum environment, which has high requirements for the closed design of the hydraulic system and there is a risk of leakage.

[0005] The utility model provides an antenna flip mechanism, comprising an unlocking seat, a swivel, an antenna, an elastic member and a base; the antenna is arranged on the swivel, one end of the swivel is hinged on the base, and the other end can be locked on the unlocking seat, and the elastic member connects the swivel and the base;

[0006] When the swivel is locked on the unlocking seat, the elastic member undergoes elastic deformation, and after the unlocking seat and the swivel are unlocked, the swivel is driven by the elastic member to perform pitch rotation and unfold to a specified angle.

[0007] Optionally, one end of the swivel is hinged to the base via a rotating shaft, the elastic member is a torsion spring, the torsion spring includes a first clamping foot and a second clamping foot, the torsion spring is sleeved on the rotating shaft and the first clamping foot abuts against the base, and the second clamping foot abuts against the swivel.

[0008] Optionally, a limit plate is provided on the base, and the swivel is driven by the elastic member to rotate until it abuts against the limit plate to determine the specified angle.

[0009] Optionally, a plurality of split nuts are provided on the unlocking seat, and screws corresponding to the plurality of split nuts are provided on the swivel. When the plurality of split nuts are closed together, the screws are tightened to lock one end of the swivel on the unlocking seat; when the plurality of split nuts are separated from each other, the screws are released to unlock the swivel.

[0010] Optionally, a locking assembly is further included, wherein the locking assembly is arranged on the base and is used to lock the swivel at the specified angle.

[0011] Optionally, the locking assembly includes a socket, a clamping shaft and a compression spring, the socket is arranged on the base, the clamping shaft is movably arranged on the socket along its axial direction, the compression spring is compressed between the socket and the clamping shaft, and a clamping hole corresponding to the clamping shaft is provided on the swivel. When the swivel rotates to the specified angle, the clamping shaft enters the clamping hole under the elastic action of the compression spring to lock the swivel.

[0012] Optionally, it further comprises a cable and a cable bracket, wherein the cable bracket is arranged adjacent to the base, and the cable is electrically connected to the antenna and fixedly connected to the cable bracket.

[0013] Optionally, an unlocking indication switch is provided on the unlocking seat, and the unlocking indication switch is triggered after the unlocking seat and the swivel are unlocked.

[0014] Optionally, an in-position indication switch is provided on the base, and when the swivel rotates to the specified angle, the in-position indication switch is triggered.

[0015] Optionally, the bottom of the unlocking seat and the base are both provided with heat insulation pads.

[0016] The utility model provides an antenna flipping mechanism, including an unlocking seat, a swivel, an antenna, an elastic member and a base; the antenna is arranged on the swivel, one end of the swivel is hinged on the base, and the other end can be locked on the unlocking seat, and the elastic member connects the swivel and the base; when the swivel is locked on the unlocking seat, the elastic member undergoes elastic deformation, and after the unlocking seat and the swivel are unlocked, the swivel is driven by the elastic member to perform a pitch rotation and unfold to a specified angle. The present application adopts a method of unfolding the swivel with an elastic member, and the unfolding motion energy is stored in the elastic member. When the unlocking seat is unlocked, the elastic potential energy in the elastic member is released, and the swivel rotates. Therefore, the flipping method using a hydraulic cylinder is avoided, the weight of the flipping mechanism is reduced, and at the same time, the structure is simple, safe and reliable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for use in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0018] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the antenna flipping mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0019] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of another viewing angle of the antenna flipping mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of the antenna flipping mechanism provided in the embodiment of the present application after flipping 180°;

[0021] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a release device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of accessories and screws provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a locking assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 7 It is a structural schematic diagram of a base provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an elastic member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Fig. 9 It is a structural schematic diagram of a clamping shaft provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Fig.10 It is a structural schematic diagram of an unlock indication switch provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0028] Explanation of the accompanying symbols: 1. Unlocking seat; 10. Release device; 11. Split nut; 12. Power supply interface; 13. Unlocking indicator switch; 131. Rocker; 132. Welding foot; 14. Switch bracket; 2. Swivel; 20. Accessory; 21. Screw; 3. Antenna; 4. Elastic member; 41. First clamping foot; 42. Second clamping foot; 5. Base; 51. Limit plate; 52. In-position indicator switch; 53. Rotating shaft; 54. Clamping hole; 6. Locking assembly; 61. Clamping seat; 62. Clamping shaft; 621. Conical tip; 622. Shaft shoulder; 623. Optical axis end; 63. Compression spring; 7. Cable; 8. Cable bracket; 9. Thermal insulation pad. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present application more clearly understood, the present application is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application and are not used to limit the present application.

[0030] In the description of the present application, “plurality” means two or more than two, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0031] It should also be noted that the directional terms such as left, right, up and down in the embodiments of the present application are merely relative concepts or are based on the normal use status of the product, and should not be considered as restrictive.

[0032] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The utility model provides an antenna flip mechanism, including an unlocking seat 1, a swivel 2, an antenna 3, an elastic member 4 and a base 5; the antenna 3 is arranged on the swivel 2, one end of the swivel 2 is hinged on the base 5, and the other end can be locked on the unlocking seat 1, and the elastic member 4 connects the swivel 2 and the base 5;

[0033] When the swivel 2 is locked on the unlocking seat 1 , the elastic member 4 undergoes elastic deformation, and after the unlocking seat 1 and the swivel 2 are unlocked, the swivel 2 is driven by the elastic member 4 to perform a pitch rotation and unfold to a specified angle.

[0034] Specifically, the base 5 and the unlocking seat 1 are mounted on the structural plate of the satellite. The bottom of the unlocking seat 1 and the base 5 are both provided with a heat insulation pad 9. A heat insulation pad 9 is provided between the base 5 and the structural plate and between the unlocking seat 1 and the structural plate to achieve heat insulation between the base 5 and the unlocking seat 1 and the structural plate. Exemplarily, the specified angle is 180°. Figure 2As shown, the figure shows the state of the antenna flip mechanism after rotating 180°. In addition, the specified angle of rotation of the swivel 2 can be set according to the required angle. The two sides of the base 5 are triangular, with a crossbeam in the middle and a bottom plate at the bottom. The four through holes on the bottom plate serve as mounting holes for the base 5 and are installed on the satellite structure. Similarly, the unlocking seat 1 is provided with four through holes as mounting holes for the unlocking seat 1, which is installed on the satellite structure through the four mounting holes. Figure 7 In an optional embodiment, a limit plate 51 is provided on the base 5, and the swivel 2 is driven by the elastic member 4 to rotate to abut against the limit plate 51 to determine a specified angle. Preferably, the above-mentioned crossbeam can be used as the limit plate 51.

[0035] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 8 In an optional embodiment, one end of the swivel 2 is hinged to the base 5 through a rotating shaft 53, and the elastic member 4 is a torsion spring. The torsion spring includes a first clamping foot 41 and a second clamping foot 42. The torsion spring is sleeved on the rotating shaft 53, and the first clamping foot 41 abuts on the base 5, and the second clamping foot 42 abuts on the swivel 2. Preferably, the torsion spring is a double torsion spring, one side is a left-handed steel wire, and the other side is a right-handed steel wire. The left-handed steel wire and the right-handed steel wire are the second clamping foot 42, and the first clamping foot 41 in the middle connects the left-handed steel wire and the right-handed steel wire as a whole, and the rotating shaft 53 passes through the center of the torsion spring. When the swivel 2 is locked on the unlocking seat 1, the torsion spring is in a compressed state. In the unfolding method of the torsion spring in this embodiment, the unfolding motion energy is stored in the torsion spring. After unlocking, the elastic potential energy in the torsion spring is released to drive the swivel 2 to rotate. This method does not require additional input of rotational energy. In some other feasible implementations, the elastic member 4 is a compression spring, and when the swivel 2 is locked on the unlocking seat 1, the compression spring is in a compressed state.

[0036] Reference Figures 2 to 5In an optional embodiment, a plurality of split nuts 11 are provided on the unlocking seat 1, and screws 21 corresponding to the plurality of split nuts 11 are provided on the swivel 2. When the plurality of split nuts 11 are closed, the screws 21 are locked to lock one end of the swivel 2 on the unlocking seat 1; when the plurality of split nuts 11 are separated from each other, the screws 21 are released to unlock the swivel 2. Specifically, the split nuts 11 are provided on the release device 10. The top of the unlocking seat 1 is designed to be used for mounting a mounting hole for mounting the release device 10. In this embodiment, when the plurality of split nuts 11 are closed, a complete nut can be formed to effectively connect and lock the screw 21. When the split nuts 11 expand outward, the locking and connecting function of the screw 21 can be lost, and unlocking is achieved. A power supply interface 12 is designed on one side of the release device 10. The release device 10 is an electrically unlocked split nut 11. When no power is supplied, the split nuts 11 are closed into a complete nut and locked with the screw 21. When the power is on, the split nut 11 opens on all sides, and the release screw 21 is in a closed state when it is not powered. When it is powered, the split nut 11 expands outward. In addition, the screw 21 is connected to the swivel 2 through the accessory 20. The screw 21 is a standard hexagon socket screw 21, and the accessory 20 is a cap-shaped flange structure with four through holes on its flange for connection with the swivel 2. The screw 21 is embedded in the top of the accessory 20. A spring is installed between the head of the screw 21 and the accessory 20 to give the screw 21 a disengagement force. When the screw 21 is unlocked from the release device 10, the spring causes the screw 21 to disengage from the split nut 11. In addition to connecting the swivel 2, the accessory 20 also uses the spring therein to push away the screw 21 after unlocking, so that the screw 21 leaves the inside of the release device 10 to avoid initial jamming of the flipping movement. This embodiment adopts a low-power consumption split nut 11 connection and unlocking method. On the one hand, it can provide a greater locking force to ensure the overall stiffness of the swivel 2 when locked. On the other hand, the energy required for unlocking is relatively small, and only 20 joules of electrical energy input is required to unlock the split nut 11.

[0037] Further, refer to Figure 6 The antenna flip mechanism also includes a locking assembly 6, which is arranged on the base 5 and is used to lock the swivel 2 at a specified angle. When the swivel 2 is rotated into place, in order to prevent the swivel 2 from rebounding and maintain the stability of the mechanism. Preferably, two groups of locking assemblies 6 are provided, which are respectively arranged on both sides of the base 5. The above-mentioned backup locking method is adopted, and the two groups of locking assemblies 6 can independently realize the locking function, which plays a role of mutual backup and improving reliability.

[0038] In a specific embodiment, the locking assembly 6 includes a clamping seat 61, a clamping shaft 62 and a compression spring 63. The clamping seat 61 is arranged on the base 5, and the clamping shaft 62 is movably arranged on the clamping seat 61 along its axial direction. The compression spring 63 is compressed between the clamping seat 61 and the clamping shaft 62. A clamping hole 54 corresponding to the clamping shaft 62 is arranged on the swivel 2. When the swivel 2 rotates to a specified angle, the clamping shaft 62 enters the clamping hole 54 under the elastic action of the compression spring 63 to lock the swivel 2. Fig. 9 The clamping shaft 62 is a cross-shaped shaft part, with a shoulder 622 in the middle, a conical tip 621 on one side, and an optical axis end 623 on the other side. When the clamping seat 61 and the clamping shaft 62 are installed on the base 5 together, the conical tip 621 of the clamping shaft 62 is inserted into the limiting hole of the base 5, so that the clamping shaft 62 can slide smoothly in the clamping seat 61. The shoulder 622 bears the thrust of the compression spring 63, so that the conical tip 621 is pushed toward the swivel 2. When the clamping hole 54 on the swivel 2 is aligned with the conical tip 621, the conical tip 621 is inserted into the clamping hole 54 to limit the rotation of the swivel 2, and the compression spring 63 is compressed between the clamping seat 61 and the clamping shaft 62, and the compression spring 63 applies a driving force for linear motion to the clamping shaft 62. One end of the clamping shaft 62 moves linearly in the hole on the clamping seat 61, and the other end moves linearly in the corresponding hole on the base 5, and it slides on the rotating side. When the swivel 2 rotates 180°, the clamping shaft 62 passes through the clamping hole 54, so that the swivel 2 is locked by the clamping shaft 62 and cannot rotate, thereby maintaining its posture stability.

[0039] Refer to 1 to Figure 3 In an optional embodiment, it further includes a cable 7 and a cable bracket 8, the cable bracket 8 is arranged adjacent to the base 5, the cable 7 is electrically connected to the antenna 3 and fixedly connected to the cable bracket 8. Preferably, the cable 7 is tied to the swivel 2 and the cable 7 is tied to the top of the cable bracket 8, and the antenna 3 and the cable 7 are turned over together with the swivel 2. On the cable bracket 8. During the rotation of the swivel 2, the resistance torque of the cable 7 is the largest factor among all the resistance torques. The cable bracket 8 is used to raise the cable 7 so that it points to the shaft 53 to reduce the resistance torque of the rotating cable 7, which can greatly reduce the rotation angle of the cable 7, that is, the bending deformation degree of the cable 7 during the rotation process is small, that is, the resistance and resistance torque of the cable 7 are reduced. In order to reduce the bending deformation of the high-frequency cable 7, the length of the cable 7 in the two states of not turning over and turning in place is consistent, reducing the resistance torque of the cable 7 during the turning process of the swivel 2. Further, the cable bracket 8 is provided with an inclined surface on the top, and the cable 7 of the antenna 3 is tied by the inclined surface, so that the direction of the high-frequency cable 7 points to the shaft 53, reducing the resistance torque brought by the high-frequency cable 7 during the rotation process. The cable bracket 8 is provided with weight-reducing holes for tying the cables 7 .

[0040] Reference Figure 2In an optional embodiment, an unlocking indication switch 13 is provided on the unlocking seat 1. After the unlocking seat 1 and the swivel 2 are unlocked, the unlocking indication switch 13 is triggered. Specifically, two switch bracket 14 mounting holes are provided on the side of the unlocking seat 1 for mounting the switch bracket 14. The switch bracket 14 is used to mount the unlocking indication switch 13. Fig.10 , a rocker 131 is provided on the unlock indication switch 13. When the rocker 131 is pressed, the switch is triggered; the lower part of the switch is three welding legs 132. Select two of them for welding to realize the normally open or normally closed function. Two through holes are provided on the unlock indication switch 13 for mounting the unlock indication switch 13 on the switch bracket 14. When not unlocked, the swivel 2 presses the rocker 131 of the switch, and the unlock indication switch 13 presents one state (for example, a disconnected state). When the release device 10 is powered on to unlock the screw 21, the swivel 2 rotates and disengages from the rocker 131 of the switch, and the switch presents another state (for example, a connected state). The change in state (disconnected state or connected state) of the unlock indication switch 13 indicates that the mechanism has been unlocked and the swivel 2 has started to rotate.

[0041] Reference Figure 2 In an optional embodiment, a position indicating switch 52 is provided on the base 5, and when the swivel 2 rotates to a specified angle, the position indicating switch 52 is triggered. Preferably, two position indicating switches 52 are installed on the base 5, and their function is to provide an indication of the position status of the swivel 2 when it is turned over. When the swivel 2 has not turned over and has not turned to the end position, the two switches are in one state (for example, a disconnected state). When the swivel 2 turns over to the end position, i.e., 180°, the swivel 2 presses the swing rods 131 of the two switches, triggering another state of the switches (for example, a connected state). The change in state indicates and shows the position status of the swivel 2. The two position indicating switches 52 are backed up for each other, and are effective when any one of them changes state (disconnected state or connected state). The unlocking indicating switch 13 and the position indicating switch 52 are used as an indication design, which can effectively judge the state of the flipping mechanism, whether the unlocking has been completed, and whether it has been unfolded in place. The position indicating switch 52 and the unlocking indicating switch 13 can be of the same model.

[0042] The following is the working principle of the antenna flip mechanism: the antenna 3 is installed on the swivel 2, the swivel 2, the base 5 and the rotating shaft 53 form a rotating pair, the swivel 2 is connected with the screw 21 and the attachment 20, the screw 21 is threadedly connected with the release device 10, the release device 10 is installed on the unlocking seat 1, and the unlocking seat 1 and the base 5 are installed on the satellite structure. When the release device 10 is not powered, the antenna flip mechanism is folded, and the antenna 3 is buckled under the swivel 2. When the release device 10 is powered, the release device 10 releases the screw 21, and the screw 21 is separated from the release device 10 under the action of the compression spring 63 in its attachment 20, and the rotation of the swivel 2 is no longer constrained, and it rotates under the action of the torsion spring at the rotating shaft 53. At the beginning of the rotation, the swing rod 131 of the unlocking indication switch 13 on the switch bracket 14 on the unlocking seat 1 is no longer compressed, triggering a state change. During the rotation process, the antenna 3 and its cable 7 rotate together with the swivel 2. When the swivel 2 rotates and contacts the limit plate 51, the clamping shaft 62 on the clamping seat 61 is clamped into the clamping hole 54 of the swivel 2, clamping the swivel 2 so that it no longer rotates. At the same time, the swivel 2 presses the swing rods of the two in-position indicator switches 52, and the state changes, generating a state change signal. At this time, the front of the antenna 3 faces upward, and its position also changes, from one side of the base 5 to the other side, realizing the flip function.

[0043] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present application should be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An antenna flipping mechanism, characterized in that: The invention comprises an unlocking seat (1), a swivel (2), an antenna (3), an elastic member (4) and a base (5); the antenna (3) is arranged on the swivel (2); one end of the swivel (2) is hinged on the base (5) and the other end can be locked on the unlocking seat (1); the elastic member (4) connects the swivel (2) and the base (5); When the swivel (2) is locked on the unlocking seat (1), the elastic member (4) undergoes elastic deformation, and after the unlocking seat (1) and the swivel (2) are unlocked, the swivel (2) is driven by the elastic member (4) to perform a pitch rotation and unfold to a specified angle.

2. The antenna flipping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the rotating body (2) is hinged to the base (5) via a rotating shaft (53); the elastic member (4) is a torsion spring, and the torsion spring comprises a first clamping foot (41) and a second clamping foot (42); the torsion spring is sleeved on the rotating shaft (53), the first clamping foot (41) abuts against the base (5), and the second clamping foot (42) abuts against the rotating body (2).

3. The antenna flipping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: A limit plate (51) is provided on the base (5), and the rotating body (2) is driven by the elastic member (4) to rotate until it abuts against the limit plate (51) to determine the specified angle.

4. The antenna flipping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The unlocking seat (1) is provided with a plurality of split nuts (11), and the swivel (2) is provided with screws (21) corresponding to the plurality of split nuts (11). When the plurality of split nuts (11) are closed together, the screws (21) are tightened to lock one end of the swivel (2) on the unlocking seat (1); when the plurality of split nuts (11) are separated from each other, the screws (21) are released to unlock the swivel (2).

5. The antenna flipping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also comprises a locking assembly (6), which is arranged on the base (5) and is used to lock the swivel (2) at the specified angle.

6. The antenna flipping mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The locking assembly (6) comprises a clamping seat (61), a clamping shaft (62) and a compression spring (63); the clamping seat (61) is arranged on the base (5); the clamping shaft (62) is movably arranged on the clamping seat (61) along its axial direction; the compression spring (63) is compressed between the clamping seat (61) and the clamping shaft (62); a clamping hole (54) corresponding to the clamping shaft (62) is provided on the swivel (2); when the swivel (2) rotates to the specified angle, the clamping shaft (62) enters the clamping hole (54) under the elastic action of the compression spring (63) to lock the swivel (2).

7. The antenna flipping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also comprises a cable (7) and a cable bracket (8), wherein the cable bracket (8) is arranged adjacent to the base (5), and the cable (7) is electrically connected to the antenna (3) and fixedly connected to the cable (7) bracket.

8. The antenna flipping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: An unlocking indication switch (13) is provided on the unlocking seat (1), and after the unlocking seat (1) and the rotating body (2) are unlocked, the unlocking indication switch (13) is triggered.

9. The antenna flipping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base (5) is provided with an in-position indicating switch (52), and when the rotating body (2) rotates to the specified angle, the in-position indicating switch (52) is triggered.

10. The antenna flipping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottoms of the unlocking seat (1) and the base (5) are both provided with heat insulation pads (9).

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