Unfolding mechanism of antenna array and antenna array

Abstract

The utility model provides an antenna array unfolding mechanism and an antenna array. The antenna array unfolding mechanism comprises a box body, a first driving structure and a plurality of second driving structures, the box body is provided with a plurality of mounting points; the first driving structure comprises a synchronous chain and a plurality of synchronous chain wheels, the synchronous chain is arranged in the box body, and the synchronous chain wheels are rotationally arranged at the mounting point positions in a one-to-one correspondence mode and matched with the synchronous chain; the multiple second driving structures and the multiple synchronous chain wheels are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence mode, each second driving structure comprises a worm and a worm gear which are matched with each other, and the worms and the worm gears are connected with the synchronous chain wheels and the connecting rod assemblies respectively; wherein one of the plurality of synchronous chain wheels is externally connected with a driving assembly, so that the connecting rod assembly is linked to move through the first driving structure and the second driving structure, and an unfolded state and a folded state are formed. The technical problems that a traditional structure is large in vertical space occupation and has application limitation are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of antenna array technology, and in particular to an antenna array deployment mechanism and an antenna array. Background Technology

[0002] The existing folding direction-finding antenna (publication number CN219643098U) mainly consists of a column, mounting cylinder, support rod, and linear drive device. In this antenna, the mounting cylinder is fitted into the column, and several connecting rod assemblies are evenly distributed circumferentially on its outer side. During unfolding, the linear drive device pushes the mounting cylinder upward, which in turn pushes the support rod to unfold synchronously through these connecting rod assemblies. However, this structure results in a large vertical space occupation, limiting its application scenarios, especially in vehicle-mounted and ship-mounted applications where deployment would face many inconveniences. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, this utility model provides an antenna array deployment mechanism and an antenna array to solve the technical problems of large vertical space occupation and limited application of traditional structures in related technologies.

[0004] This utility model provides an antenna array deployment mechanism, comprising:

[0005] The housing has an inner cavity, and multiple mounting points are located within the inner cavity;

[0006] The first drive structure includes a synchronous chain and multiple synchronous sprockets. The synchronous chain is arranged around the inner cavity, and the multiple synchronous sprockets are rotatably arranged at multiple mounting points and respectively cooperate with the synchronous chain.

[0007] Multiple second drive structures are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with multiple synchronous sprockets. Each second drive structure includes a cooperating worm and worm wheel, and the worm and worm wheel are respectively connected to the synchronous sprocket and the connecting rod assembly.

[0008] Among them, one of the multiple synchronous sprockets is connected to an external drive component, which moves the linkage assembly in conjunction with the first drive structure and the second drive structure, and forms an unfolded state and a folded state.

[0009] Furthermore, the axes of the plurality of synchronizing sprockets are parallel to each other.

[0010] Furthermore, the axis of the synchronizing sprocket extends vertically.

[0011] Furthermore, the axis of the synchronizing sprocket is perpendicular to the axis of the worm gear.

[0012] Furthermore, the inner cavity has an opening, and a detachable cover is provided at the opening for opening or closing the opening.

[0013] Furthermore, the drive assembly includes a motor, which is disposed in the housing or the housing cover.

[0014] Furthermore, the linkage assembly includes a first link and a second link arranged at intervals, the first link and the second link extending in the same direction, and their ends being connected to the worm gear and the housing, respectively.

[0015] Furthermore, both the first and second connecting rods are provided with connection points for connecting the antenna.

[0016] This utility model also provides an antenna array, including the deployment mechanism described above.

[0017] Compared with existing technologies, this utility model has the following advantages: By driving one synchronous sprocket through the drive assembly, the remaining synchronous sprockets can be driven synchronously via the synchronous chain. This allows each synchronous sprocket to rotate the connecting rod assembly relative to the housing via the second drive structure, thereby enabling the connecting rod assembly to form an unfolded and folded state, making the structure more compact and reducing the need for vertical space, making it more suitable for space-constrained applications. Simultaneously, the cooperation of the synchronous chain and multiple synchronous sprockets in the first drive structure ensures that multiple connecting rod assemblies can unfold and fold synchronously, improving the stability and reliability of the entire mechanism. Furthermore, the final stage transmission is a self-locking worm gear, which allows the unfolding mechanism to hover at any position within its motion trajectory range, thus supporting manual emergency operation via a manual emergency port. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the unfolding mechanism in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the unfolding mechanism in the unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the unfolding mechanism in a semi-unfolded state in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the unfolding mechanism in a folded state according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0023] 1. Housing; 101. Inner cavity; 2. Synchronous chain; 3. Synchronous sprocket; 4. Worm gear; 5. Worm wheel; 6. Housing cover; 7. Motor; 8. Linkage assembly; 801. First link; 802. Second link.

[0024] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model are further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of this utility model and are not intended to limit it.

[0026] In the embodiments of this utility model, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, the deployment mechanism of the antenna array includes: a housing 1, a first driving structure, and multiple second driving structures; the housing 1 forms an inner cavity 101, and multiple mounting points are provided within the inner cavity 101; the first driving structure includes a synchronous chain 2 and multiple synchronous sprockets 3, the synchronous chain 2 is arranged around the inner cavity 101, and the multiple synchronous sprockets 3 are rotatably arranged at the multiple mounting points and respectively cooperate with the synchronous chain 2; the multiple second driving structures are arranged correspondingly to the multiple synchronous sprockets 3, and the second driving structure includes a cooperating worm gear 4 and a worm wheel 5, the worm gear 4 and the worm wheel 5 are respectively connected to the synchronous sprockets 3 and the connecting rod assembly 8; wherein, one of the multiple synchronous sprockets 3 is externally connected to a driving assembly, so as to move the connecting rod assembly 8 through the first driving structure and the second driving structure, and form an deployed state and a folded state.

[0027] Specifically, in this embodiment of the utility model, the box 1 has an inner cavity 101, which is a polygonal structure. In this embodiment, the inner cavity 101 can be a rectangular or square structure, and its four vertices (or near the four vertices) are configured as mounting points of the inner cavity 101. Thus, the inner cavity 101 of the box 1 has four mounting points, reducing the need for vertical space.

[0028] In this embodiment of the utility model, the first driving structure includes a cooperating synchronous chain 2 and synchronous sprockets 3. The synchronous chain 2 is arranged around the inner cavity 101, and the synchronous sprockets 3 are rotatably located at the mounting points (there are four mounting points in this embodiment, so there are also four synchronous sprockets 3). One of the four synchronous sprockets 3 is the driving sprocket, and the remaining three are driven sprockets. In this way, the driving sprocket is connected to the driving component, so that the driving component provides driving force to the driving sprocket, and the three driven sprockets are rotated synchronously through the synchronous chain 2, thereby improving the structural stability and consistency.

[0029] In this embodiment of the invention, a second drive structure is provided at each synchronous sprocket 3, serving as the final stage of transmission and linking the connecting rod assembly 8 to form an unfolded and folded state. This second drive structure includes a cooperating worm gear 4 and worm wheel 5. The worm gear 4 is connected to the corresponding synchronous sprocket 3, and the synchronous sprocket 3 drives the worm gear 4 to rotate, thereby driving the corresponding worm wheel 5 to rotate. Thus, when the worm wheel 5 rotates forward and backward, it can cause the connecting rod assembly 8 to rotate synchronously, thereby unfolding or folding the connecting rod assembly 8. Furthermore, by connecting the synchronous sprocket 3 and worm wheel 5 with the worm gear 4 to transmit driving force to the connecting rod assembly 8, the structure becomes more compact, reducing the need for vertical space and making it more suitable for applications with limited space. Additionally, the cooperation of the worm wheel 5 and worm gear 4 enables the structure to have a self-locking function, and by connecting a manual emergency operation component, the connecting rod assembly 8 can be suspended at any position.

[0030] This embodiment optimizes space utilization, improves structural stability and consistency, enhances operational flexibility and safety, and improves adaptability and versatility, making it unrestricted by application scenarios and offering greater operational flexibility.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, the axes of the plurality of synchronous sprockets 3 are parallel to each other. Specifically, when the axes of all synchronous sprockets 3 are parallel to each other, the synchronous chain 2 can wrap around the synchronous sprocket 3 in the most efficient way, reducing friction and energy loss of the synchronous chain 2 during transmission, thereby improving the transmission efficiency and operational stability of the entire structure. At the same time, the parallel axis arrangement ensures that the movement between the synchronous sprockets 3 is more coordinated and consistent, which helps to achieve precise synchronous unfolding or folding of multiple linkage assemblies 8. In addition, by reasonably arranging the positions of the synchronous sprockets 3 to keep their axes parallel, the available volume can be maximized within a limited space, further reducing the footprint and vertical space requirements of the entire mechanism, making it particularly suitable for applications with strict space requirements such as vehicle and shipboard applications.

[0032] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, the axis of the synchronizing sprocket 3 extends vertically. Specifically, by setting the axis of the synchronizing sprocket 3 to extend vertically, the internal space of the housing 1 can be utilized more effectively, allowing for space savings in the horizontal direction and making the entire mechanism structure more compact. Furthermore, it helps to enhance the stability of the overall structure; since the direction of gravity is consistent with the axis direction, it reduces additional stress and potential structural deformation risks caused by lateral forces, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the structure.

[0033] Furthermore, such as Figure 1As shown, in one embodiment, the axis of the synchronizing sprocket 3 is perpendicular to the axis of the worm gear 5. Specifically, by arranging the axes of the synchronizing sprocket 3 and the worm gear 5 perpendicular to each other, the limited space can be utilized more effectively in three-dimensional space, making the structure more compact and reducing the overall size of the mechanism. At the same time, it ensures that the unfolding and folding angles of the connecting rod assembly 8 do not interfere with each other.

[0034] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, the inner cavity 101 has an opening, and a cover 6 is detachably provided at the opening for opening or closing the opening. Specifically, in order to install the first driving structure in the inner cavity 101 and make reasonable use of the upper space of the inner cavity 101, this embodiment sets the inner cavity 101 as a top-open structure, defining the opening as the opening of the inner cavity 101. The enlarged opening can facilitate the installation of various components. On the other hand, the opening is sealed by the cover 6, so that the upper reserved space of the box 1 can be reasonably allocated by the setting of the cover 6, which is convenient for adding lightning rods or other equipment. For example, a folding direction-finding antenna for a portable radio monitoring direction-finding system in the prior art (publication number: CN215299482U) uses an electromechanical mechanism to realize the unfolding and folding of the antenna array, ensuring that the direction-finding antenna is unfolded in place every time, with precise electronic control, not easy to be damaged, and ensuring the monitoring accuracy of the radio monitoring direction-finding system. Antenna deployment involves rotating a central turntable, which drives connecting rods to simultaneously erect or fold each antenna arm, thus unfolding and folding the antenna array. This antenna array uses a linkage mechanism to drive the antenna deployment and retraction. Due to the movement trajectory of the top connecting rod group, it cannot be completely sealed, resulting in poor environmental adaptability. Furthermore, the central position of the folding direction-finding antenna is occupied by the turntable and motor, making it inconvenient to install lightning protection antennas or other equipment in the central area of ​​the antenna array, limiting its application range. Of course, the gap between the housing 1 and the cover 6 can be sealed by a sealing structure (not shown).

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, the drive assembly includes a motor 7, which is disposed on the housing 1 or the housing cover 6. Specifically, to increase the area of ​​the reserved space on the upper part of the housing 1, this embodiment defines the drive assembly as including a motor 7, which can be connected to a reduction gear assembly and then connected to a corresponding synchronous sprocket 3; at the same time, the motor 7 is disposed at the housing 1, fully exposing the housing cover 6 to facilitate the installation of other equipment. If no other equipment needs to be installed, or if the other equipment occupies a small area, the motor 7 can also be directly installed at the housing cover 6. The installation position of the motor 7 can be determined according to the actual situation and is not limited here.

[0036] like Figures 1-4As shown, in one embodiment, the linkage assembly 8 includes a first linkage 801 and a second linkage 802 arranged at intervals. The first linkage 801 and the second linkage 802 extend in the same direction, and their ends are respectively connected to the worm gear 5 and the housing 1. Specifically, in order to switch between the unfolded and folded states of the linkage assembly 8 and to increase its structural stability, this embodiment defines the linkage assembly 8 as including a first linkage 801 and a second linkage 802. The first linkage 801 and the second linkage 802 are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction, and both extend in the same direction, configured with a first end close to the housing 1 and a second end away from the housing 1. Preferably, both the first linkage 801 and the second linkage 802 are provided with connection points for connecting an antenna. Specifically, the first end of the first connecting rod 801 is located at the corresponding worm gear 5, and the first end of the second connecting rod 802 is rotatably connected to the housing 1. Both the first and second ends are used to connect to the antenna (or connect to the antenna via a connecting seat). Thus, when the worm gear 5 rotates, the first connecting rod 801 rotates, and its second end drives the second connecting rod 802 to rotate synchronously, forming the corresponding unfolded or folded state. Of course, the number of the first connecting rod 801 and / or the second connecting rod 802 can also be multiple. Synchronously rotating connecting rods can improve the structural strength and stability of the connecting rod assembly 8.

[0037] This embodiment also provides an antenna array, including the deployment mechanism described above. The specific structure of the deployment mechanism is as described in the above embodiment. Since this antenna array adopts all the technical solutions of the above embodiment, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiment, which will not be described in detail here.

[0038] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of this utility model without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this utility model, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A deployment mechanism for an antenna array, characterized in that, include: The housing has an inner cavity, and multiple mounting points are located within the inner cavity; The first drive structure includes a synchronous chain and multiple synchronous sprockets. The synchronous chain is arranged around the inner cavity, and the multiple synchronous sprockets are rotatably arranged at multiple mounting points and respectively cooperate with the synchronous chain. Multiple second drive structures are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with multiple synchronous sprockets. Each second drive structure includes a cooperating worm and worm wheel, and the worm and worm wheel are respectively connected to the synchronous sprocket and the connecting rod assembly. Among them, one of the multiple synchronous sprockets is connected to an external drive component, which moves the linkage assembly in conjunction with the first drive structure and the second drive structure, and forms an unfolded state and a folded state.

2. The antenna array deployment mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The axes of the multiple synchronizing sprockets are parallel to each other.

3. The antenna array deployment mechanism as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The axis of the synchronizing sprocket extends vertically.

4. The antenna array deployment mechanism as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The axis of the synchronizing sprocket is perpendicular to the axis of the worm gear.

5. The antenna array deployment mechanism according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The inner cavity has an opening, and a detachable cover is provided at the opening for opening or closing the opening.

6. The antenna array deployment mechanism as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a motor, which is located in the housing or the housing cover.

7. The antenna array deployment mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The linkage assembly includes a first link and a second link spaced apart from each other, the first link and the second link extending in the same direction, and their ends being connected to the worm gear and the housing, respectively.

8. The antenna array deployment mechanism as described in claim 7, characterized in that, Both the first link and the second link are provided with connection points for connecting the antenna.

9. An antenna array, characterized in that, Includes the deployment mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-8.

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