Antenna structure and aircraft

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of wireless communication of flying cars, and discloses an antenna structure and a flying vehicle. The antenna structure comprises a circuit board, a first buckle plate, a second buckle plate, a first limiting piece and a second limiting piece. The circuit board has opposite first and second side surfaces. The first and second buckle plates are buckled to each other and form an inner cavity therebetween, and the circuit board is located in the inner cavity. The first limiting piece is arranged between the first buckle plate and the first side surface of the circuit board. The second limiting piece is arranged between the second buckle plate and the second side surface of the circuit board. The first and second side surfaces of the first buckle plate are both arranged in a spaced mode with the inner wall of the inner cavity. The application optimizes the clearance area of a radiation array, increases the spacing between the chassis of the flying vehicle and the circuit board, weakens the extrusion effect of the chassis of the flying vehicle on the antenna directional diagram, and increases the low-elevation signal coverage capability of the antenna.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology for flying cars, specifically to an antenna structure and an aircraft. Background Technology

[0002] In low-altitude flight scenarios, flying cars face the problem of electromagnetic wave signal shielding because their chassis, power system, and fuselage structure can block electromagnetic wave transmission, resulting in blind spots in communication links.

[0003] Current communication antenna designs for low-altitude aircraft typically involve directly attaching the antenna housing to the lower surface of the aircraft chassis, with the radiating element located inside the housing fitted against the inner wall of the housing. This configuration results in the radiating element being too close to the metal / carbon fiber chassis, forcibly compressing the radiation pattern lobes and severely limiting low-elevation-angle signal coverage. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides an antenna structure and an aircraft to solve the problem that the distance between the radiating element and the metal / carbon fiber chassis is too close, which forcibly compresses the radiation pattern lobes and severely limits the low elevation angle signal coverage capability.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides an antenna structure, including a circuit board, a first snap-on plate, a second snap-on plate, a first limiting member, and a second limiting member. The circuit board has opposing first and second sides. The first and second snap-on plates are fastened together, forming an inner cavity between them, and the circuit board is located within the inner cavity. The first limiting member is disposed between the first snap-on plate and the first side of the circuit board. The second limiting member is disposed between the second snap-on plate and the second side of the circuit board. Both the first and second sides of the circuit board are spaced apart from the inner wall of the inner cavity.

[0006] Beneficial effects: The first and second limiting components can be used to set the first side of the circuit board and the first buckle plate, as well as the second side of the circuit board and the second buckle plate, at intervals, thereby achieving the suspension of the circuit board between the first and second buckles plate, further optimizing the clear area of ​​the radiating array, increasing the distance between the chassis of the flying car and the circuit board, weakening the squeezing effect of the chassis of the flying car on the antenna pattern, and increasing the low elevation angle signal coverage capability of the antenna.

[0007] In one optional embodiment, the first limiting member includes a first plate and a second plate connected together, with the first plate and the second plate arranged at an angle, the first plate abutting against a first side of the circuit board, and the second plate abutting against the first buckle plate.

[0008] Beneficial effects: The first plate and the second plate constitute the first limiting member, which can achieve the separation effect between the first side of the circuit board and the first snap-on plate. Specifically, the first plate is used to support the first side of the circuit board and the first snap-on plate, and the second plate, which is bent to fit the first plate, can increase the contact area with the first snap-on plate, thereby enhancing the stability of the circuit board support.

[0009] In one alternative embodiment, the first plate body is provided with a first protrusion, and the circuit board is provided with a through hole adapted to the first protrusion, wherein the first protrusion is inserted into the through hole.

[0010] Beneficial effects: By setting the first protrusion to be inserted into the through hole on the circuit board, not only is a stable connection between the first limiting member and the circuit board achieved, but the positioning effect of the circuit board can also be achieved, preventing the circuit board from shifting in the inner cavity formed by the first and second buckles, thus ensuring the overall stability.

[0011] In one optional embodiment, the second limiting member includes a positioning post connected to the side of the second buckle plate, and the circuit board is provided with a positioning hole adapted to the positioning post, the positioning hole being inserted into the positioning post.

[0012] Beneficial effects: The positioning post and the positioning hole on the circuit board can achieve the positioning effect of the circuit board, which facilitates the positioning between the second buckle and the circuit board and improves the convenience of connection.

[0013] In one alternative embodiment, a second protrusion is provided on the side of the positioning post, and the second protrusion abuts against the second side of the circuit board.

[0014] Beneficial effects: The second protrusion is designed so that after the positioning post passes through the positioning hole, the second protrusion abuts against the second side of the circuit board. In conjunction with the first limiting member, the first plate and the second protrusion abut against the first and second sides of the circuit board respectively, thereby achieving positioning. This not only fixes the position of the circuit board, but also ensures the stability of the distance between the circuit board and the first and second buckles.

[0015] In an optional embodiment, a boss is further included, disposed at the edge of the first and / or the second buckle plate, and the boss abuts against the edge of the first and / or the second side of the circuit board.

[0016] Beneficial effects: The boss can abut against the side edge of the circuit board, further increasing the contact area of ​​the circuit board, which can increase the positioning area and enhance the stability of positioning.

[0017] In one alternative embodiment, at least a portion of the side surfaces of the first and / or second buckle plates are made of fiberglass material.

[0018] Beneficial effects: By setting at least a portion of the first and second buckles to be made of fiberglass material, an antenna clearance zone can be created, which can effectively improve the physical limit of the antenna's radiation efficiency index.

[0019] In one optional embodiment, the side of the first or second buckle plate is provided with a connecting hole, and a sealing element is provided in the connecting hole.

[0020] Beneficial effects: The connection port allows cables to pass through and connect to the radio frequency terminal of the aircraft's equipment bay, constructing a complete communication transceiver. The seal enhances the sealing between the cable and the connection port, preventing damage from external environments such as rain, salt spray, and mold.

[0021] In one optional embodiment, the peripheral surface of the first or second buckle plate is provided with a connector, and the connector is provided with mounting holes.

[0022] Beneficial effects: The mounting holes allow bolts to pass through, thus enabling connection with the bottom of the aircraft body and ensuring a stable connection between the antenna structure and the aircraft body.

[0023] Secondly, this application also provides an aircraft, including an aircraft body and an antenna structure. The aircraft body includes a power supply system and a fiber optic region disposed on the bottom surface of the aircraft body, the power supply system and the fiber optic region being spaced apart; the antenna structure is connected to the bottom surface of the aircraft body and disposed in the fiber optic region.

[0024] Beneficial effects: Placing the antenna structure on the underside of the aircraft effectively improves the effective electromagnetic wave reception link in the air / on the ground, enhancing the omnidirectional coverage of the network and avoiding safety hazards caused by communication link or power supply anomalies due to beam obstruction, thus improving communication reliability. Positioning the antenna structure away from the power supply system reduces the likelihood of strong electromagnetic interference from the power supply system to wireless communication signals. Constructing the antenna structure within a fiberglass area creates a clearance zone for the antenna, further effectively improving the physical limits of the antenna's radiation efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second buckle plate in an antenna structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first buckle plate in an antenna structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the relative position of the antenna structure and the aircraft body in an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0030] 1. Circuit board; 2. First buckle plate; 3. Second buckle plate; 4. First plate body; 5. Second plate body; 6. First protrusion; 7. Through hole; 8. Positioning post; 9. Positioning hole; 10. Second protrusion; 11. Boss; 12. Connecting hole; 13. Seal; 14. Connector; 15. Mounting hole; 16. Aircraft body; 17. Fiberglass front bumper; 18. Cable; 19. Fiberglass area. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0032] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 3 This describes an embodiment of the present application.

[0033] According to an embodiment of this application, an antenna structure is provided, including a circuit board 1, a first snap-on plate 2, a second snap-on plate 3, a first limiting member, and a second limiting member. The circuit board 1 has opposing first and second sides. The first snap-on plate 2 and the second snap-on plate 3 are fastened together, forming an inner cavity between them, and the circuit board 1 is located within the inner cavity. The first limiting member is disposed between the first snap-on plate 2 and the first side of the circuit board 1. The second limiting member is disposed between the second snap-on plate 3 and the second side of the circuit board 1. Both the first and second sides of the circuit board 1 are spaced apart from the inner wall of the inner cavity.

[0034] Understandably, both the first buckle plate 2 and the second buckle plate 3 are provided with a recessed groove structure. The first buckle plate 2 and the second buckle plate 3 are fastened together, so that the recessed groove structure of the first buckle plate 2 and the second buckle plate 3 forms an inner cavity, which can accommodate the circuit board 1, the first limiting member and the second limiting member.

[0035] It should be noted that the first buckle plate 2 and the second buckle plate 3 are connected by ultrasonic welding technology. The first limiting member and the second limiting member can be set to the same structure or to different structures, so that there is a gap between the side of the circuit board 1 and the first buckle plate 2 and the second buckle plate 3.

[0036] In this embodiment, the first limiting member and the second limiting member can be used to achieve the spacing between the first side of the circuit board 1 and the first buckle 2, and between the second side and the second buckle 2, thereby achieving the suspension of the circuit board 1 between the first buckle 2 and the second buckle 3, further optimizing the clear area of ​​the radiating array, increasing the distance between the chassis of the flying car and the circuit board 1, weakening the squeezing effect of the chassis of the flying car on the antenna pattern, and increasing the low elevation angle signal coverage capability of the antenna.

[0037] In one embodiment, the circuit board 1 is configured as a PCB (Printed Circuit Board), and the antenna performance can be optimized by microstrip line routing design and setting radiating steel sheets on the circuit board 1, which can meet the requirement of near-no dead angle space radiation in the horizontal direction.

[0038] In one embodiment, the first limiting member includes a first plate 4 and a second plate 5 connected together, with the first plate 4 and the second plate 5 arranged at an angle, the first plate 4 abutting against the first side of the circuit board 1, and the second plate 5 abutting against the first buckle plate 2.

[0039] It should be noted that the first plate 4 and the second plate 5 are arranged perpendicular to each other, so that the side of the second plate 5 can fit against the inner wall of the first buckle 2, thereby achieving the connection stability between the first limiting member and the first buckle 2.

[0040] Optionally, multiple notches can be provided on the second plate 5. The notches not only allow for the avoidance of the structure inherent in the first buckle plate 2, but also reduce the weight of the first limiting member. The notches should be located in the middle of the second plate 5 or at the connection edge with the first plate 4, and should be avoided at other edge locations to maximize the connection range between the second plate 5 and the first buckle plate 2 and ensure stability.

[0041] Optionally, multiple first plates 4 can be provided, and multiple first plates 4 are connected in sequence. Multiple first plates 4 are all connected to second plates 5 and are set at an angle, which can increase the connection points between the first limiting member and the circuit board 1 and increase the support stability of the circuit board 1.

[0042] Optionally, multiple first limiting members can be provided, and multiple first limiting members abut against the first buckle plate 2 and the circuit board 1, which can greatly increase the stability of the circuit board 1.

[0043] In this embodiment, the first plate 4 and the second plate 5 constitute a first limiting member, which can achieve the separation effect between the first side of the circuit board 1 and the first buckle 2. Specifically, the first plate 4 is used to support the first side of the circuit board 1 and the first buckle 2, and the second plate 5, which is bent and set with the first plate 4, can increase the contact area with the first buckle 2, thereby enhancing the stability of the support for the circuit board 1.

[0044] In one embodiment, the first plate 4 is provided with a first protrusion 6, and the circuit board 1 is provided with a through hole 7 adapted to the first protrusion 6, and the first protrusion 6 is inserted into the through hole 7.

[0045] It should be noted that the first protrusion 6 can be configured as a plate-like structure, and the width of the first protrusion 6 gradually decreases along the direction from the first buckle plate 2 to the circuit board 1, which makes the process of the first protrusion 6 being inserted into the through hole 7 smoother and reduces the installation difficulty.

[0046] Optionally, multiple first protrusions 6 can be provided, and multiple through holes 7 are also provided on the circuit board 1. The multiple through holes 7 and multiple first protrusions 6 are respectively provided one-to-one, which can increase the connection stability between the first limiting member and the circuit board 1.

[0047] In this embodiment, by setting the first protrusion 6 to be inserted into the through hole 7 on the circuit board 1, not only is a stable connection between the first limiting member and the circuit board 1 achieved, but the positioning effect of the circuit board 1 is also achieved, preventing the circuit board 1 from being displaced in the inner cavity formed by the first buckle 2 and the second buckle 2, thus ensuring the overall stability performance.

[0048] In one embodiment, the first limiting member can also be configured as a plate-like structure, including a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the first end being provided with a first protrusion 6, and the second end abutting against the first buckle plate 2.

[0049] Optionally, multiple intersecting reinforcing ribs are provided on the side of the first buckle plate 2.

[0050] Optionally, the second end of the first limiting member can be engaged between two adjacent reinforcing ribs arranged in a straight line.

[0051] In one embodiment, the second limiting member includes a positioning post 8 connected to the side of the second buckle plate 3, and the circuit board 1 is provided with a positioning hole 9 adapted to the positioning post 8, and the positioning hole 9 is inserted into the positioning post 8.

[0052] It should be noted that the second limiting member and the second buckle plate 3 can be constructed as an integral structure.

[0053] Optionally, the positioning post 8 can be configured as a plate-like structure.

[0054] In this embodiment, the positioning post 8 and the positioning hole 9 on the circuit board 1 can achieve the positioning effect of the circuit board 1, which facilitates the positioning between the second buckle 3 and the circuit board 1 and improves the convenience of connection.

[0055] In one embodiment, a second protrusion 10 is provided on the side of the positioning post 8, and the second protrusion 10 abuts against the second side of the circuit board 1.

[0056] It should be noted that the thickness of the second protrusion 10 on the positioning post 8 is greater than the width of the positioning hole 9, so that after the positioning post 8 passes through the positioning hole 9, the second protrusion 10 can abut against the second side of the circuit board 1, thereby realizing the spacing between the circuit board 1 and the second buckle 3.

[0057] Optionally, the second protrusion 10 can be configured as an arc-shaped protrusion.

[0058] In this embodiment, the second protrusion 10 is provided so that after the positioning post 8 passes through the positioning hole 9, the second protrusion 10 abuts against the second side of the circuit board 1. With the setting of the first limiting member, the first plate 4 and the second protrusion 10 abut against the first side and the second side of the circuit board 1 respectively, thereby achieving positioning. This can fix the position of the circuit board 1 while ensuring the stability of the distance between the circuit board 1 and the first buckle plate 2 and the second buckle plate 3.

[0059] In one embodiment, a boss 11 is further provided at the edge of the first buckle plate 2 and / or the second buckle plate 3, and the boss 11 abuts against the edge of the first side and / or the second side of the circuit board 1.

[0060] It should be noted that the boss 11 structure can be set as a hollow structure and connected to the side wall of the first buckle plate 2 and / or the second buckle plate 3.

[0061] In this embodiment, the boss 11 can abut against the side edge of the circuit board 1, further increasing the contact area of ​​the circuit board 1, thereby increasing the positioning area and enhancing the stability of positioning.

[0062] In one embodiment, the sides of the first snap plate 2 and / or the second snap plate 3 are at least partially made of fiberglass material.

[0063] It should be noted that fiberglass material can increase the radiation efficiency of the antenna structure.

[0064] In this embodiment, by setting at least a portion of the first buckle plate 2 and the second buckle plate 3 as glass fiber, glass carbon, or a mixture of glass fiber and glass carbon, an antenna clearance area can be created, which can effectively improve the physical limit of the antenna's radiation efficiency index.

[0065] In one embodiment, a connecting hole 12 is provided on the side of the first buckle plate 2 or the second buckle plate 3, and a sealing element 13 is provided in the connecting hole 12.

[0066] It should be noted that the side of the first buckle plate 2 or the second buckle plate 3 may be provided with an outward protruding structure, the connection hole 12 is provided on the protruding structure, and the sealing element 13 is set as a frustum-shaped structure adapted to the inner wall of the protruding structure. The cable 18 used to connect to the radio frequency terminal of the aircraft equipment compartment passes through the sealing element 13 along the axial direction. The outer wall of the sealing element 13 is connected to the inner wall of the protruding structure and fits against each other, thereby achieving the sealing effect on the connection hole 12.

[0067] Optionally, the seal 13 may be configured as a rubber seal structure.

[0068] In this embodiment, the connection hole 12 is provided for the cable 18 to pass through and connect to the radio frequency terminal of the aircraft equipment compartment to construct a complete communication transceiver device. The seal 13 enhances the sealing between the cable 18 and the connection hole 12, preventing damage from external environments such as rain, salt spray, and mold.

[0069] In one embodiment, a connector 14 is provided on the periphery of the first buckle plate 2 or the second buckle plate 3, and the connector 14 is provided with mounting holes 15.

[0070] Optionally, multiple connectors 14 may be provided and spaced apart circumferentially along the first buckle plate 2 or the second buckle plate 3, and connected to the bottom surface of the aircraft body 16 by bolts through mounting holes 15.

[0071] Optionally, a gasket may be provided between the connector 14 and the bottom surface of the aircraft body 16.

[0072] In this embodiment, the mounting hole 15 allows bolts to pass through, thereby achieving connection with the bottom surface of the aircraft body 16 and ensuring a stable connection between the antenna structure and the aircraft body 16.

[0073] According to an embodiment of this application, another aspect provides an aircraft, including an aircraft body 16 and an antenna structure. The aircraft body 16 includes a power supply system and a fiber optic region 19 disposed on the bottom surface of the aircraft body 16, with the power supply system and the fiber optic region 19 spaced apart. The antenna structure is connected to the bottom surface of the aircraft body 16 and is disposed on the fiber optic region 19.

[0074] It should be noted that because manned low-altitude flying cars are much larger than typical small drones, and due to weight reduction considerations, the fuselage uses a large amount of carbon fiber, aluminum alloy, and other metal materials, if the antennas were arranged like those on the side rotors of a drone, or like those on the top of an early eVTOL (Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) or light sport helicopter, signal blockage at multiple angles would occur. Furthermore, the potential electromagnetic interference and vibration issues near the motors of a rotor-based eVTOL would present greater challenges compared to small drones. By designing the antenna structure to be located on the bottom surface of the aircraft fuselage (16), the signal strength, stability, reliability, and safety of communication between the flying car and the base station are improved.

[0075] Optionally, the power supply system is a management system for a battery and a battery control circuit.

[0076] Optionally, the fiberglass area 19 on the bottom surface of the aircraft body 16 is made of fiberglass material, and the column at the front bumper position of the flying car is simultaneously treated to be wave-transparent. Specifically, the column is made of fiberglass material to construct the fiberglass front bumper 17, and the antenna structure is connected to the fiberglass front bumper 17.

[0077] Optionally, the connection area between the glass fiber region 19 on the bottom surface of the aircraft body 16 and the carbon fiber material bottom surface of the aircraft body 16 is constructed as a glass-carbon hybrid woven area.

[0078] Optionally, the antenna structure is located within the area enclosed by the fiberglass region 19 and the fiberglass front bumper 17.

[0079] In this embodiment, placing the antenna structure on the bottom surface of the aircraft fuselage 16 effectively improves the effective electromagnetic wave reception link direction in the air / ground, enhances the omnidirectional coverage of the network, avoids safety hazards caused by communication link abnormalities or power supply abnormalities due to beam obstruction, and improves communication reliability. Placing the antenna structure away from the power supply system reduces the likelihood of strong electromagnetic interference from the power supply system to wireless communication signals. Placing the antenna structure in the fiberglass area 19 on the bottom surface of the aircraft fuselage 16 creates an antenna clearance zone, further effectively improving the physical limits of the antenna's radiation efficiency.

[0080] Although embodiments of this application have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of this application, and all such modifications and variations fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An antenna structure, characterized in that, include: Circuit board (1) has a first side and a second side opposite to each other; The first snap plate (2) and the second snap plate (3) are snapped together and form an inner cavity between them, and the circuit board (1) is located in the inner cavity; The first limiting member is disposed between the first buckle plate (2) and the first side of the circuit board (1); The second limiting member is disposed between the second buckle plate (3) and the second side of the circuit board (1); The first and second sides of the circuit board (1) are spaced apart from the inner wall of the cavity.

2. The antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first limiting member includes: The first plate (4) and the second plate (5) are connected, and the first plate (4) and the second plate (5) are set at an angle. The first plate (4) abuts against the first side of the circuit board (1), and the second plate (5) abuts against the first buckle (2).

3. The antenna structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first plate (4) is provided with a first protrusion (6), and the circuit board (1) is provided with a through hole (7) that is adapted to the first protrusion (6). The first protrusion (6) is inserted into the through hole (7).

4. The antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second limiting member includes: The positioning post (8) is connected to the side of the second buckle plate (3). The circuit board (1) is provided with a positioning hole (9) that is adapted to the positioning post (8). The positioning hole (9) is inserted into the positioning post (8).

5. The antenna structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The positioning post (8) has a second protrusion (10) on its side, and the second protrusion (10) abuts against the second side of the circuit board (1).

6. The antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A boss (11) is provided at the edge of the first buckle plate (2) and / or the second buckle plate (3), and the boss (11) abuts against the edge of the first side and / or the second side of the circuit board (1).

7. The antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sides of the first buckle plate (2) and / or the second buckle plate (3) are at least partially made of fiberglass material.

8. The antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first buckle plate (2) or the second buckle plate (3) is provided with a connecting hole (12) on its side, and a sealing element (13) is provided in the connecting hole (12).

9. The antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first buckle plate (2) or the second buckle plate (3) is provided with a connector (14) on its periphery, and the connector (14) is provided with a mounting hole (15).

10. An aircraft, characterized in that, include: The aircraft body (16) includes a power supply system and a fiberglass area (19) disposed on the bottom surface of the aircraft body (16), wherein the power supply system and the fiberglass area (19) are disposed at intervals; The antenna structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is connected to the bottom surface of the aircraft body (16) and disposed in the fiberglass region (19).

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