An inverted folding antenna mast

Abstract

The utility model discloses an inverted folding type antenna pole belongs to antenna technical field, including folding multistage pole and retraction mechanism. Folding multistage pole includes first section straight pole, secondary straight pole and turning connecting rod, and the first section straight pole and secondary straight pole are hinged on the turning connecting rod simultaneously, and the adjacent two secondary straight poles are hinged on the turning connecting rod, and the turning connecting rod is provided with locking assembly with the first section straight pole and secondary straight pole. The retraction mechanism includes self -lock motor and control line, and the self -lock motor can be fixedly installed at the bottom of unmanned plane, and the control line is fixed on the self -lock motor, and the control line is fixed on the secondary straight pole after passing through the first section straight pole and each secondary straight pole in proper order. The utility model provides an inverted folding type antenna pole, which can realize the storage of the antenna pole, thereby reducing the occupied space of the antenna pole, and can realize the stable support of the antenna feed when the unmanned plane is in the flight state, thereby ensuring the stable communication of the unmanned plane in the flight state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of antenna technology, specifically relating to an inverted folding antenna mast. Background Technology

[0002] Aerial unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are finding increasingly widespread applications in modern life. Beyond transportation, observation, and photography, their high altitude, flexible deployment, and rapid maneuverability have led them to gradually enter the information and communication field, serving as aerial base stations or relay platforms. They help ground-based wireless communication providers overcome obstacles like terrain and objects to communicate via aerial routes, or provide aerial gain to extend communication distances when ground-based wireless signals are limited by Fresnel zone obstruction. Currently, the most convenient way to realize this vision is to use UAVs as aerial carriers. Existing miniaturized communication equipment, after simple modifications, can be mounted on a general-purpose UAV platform. Remote control of the UAV and miniaturized communication equipment allows for aerial relay, reducing the development costs of aerial relay systems.

[0003] However, the antenna masts of existing small communication devices are designed with ground applications in mind. They usually need to be manually assembled or stretched out in advance for adjustment during operation. Overall, they extend from the ground to the sky. This does not take into account the takeoff requirements of drones and the actual needs of antenna extension and retraction in the air.

[0004] Currently, there are three main antenna designs for UAV in-flight signal relay: First, using a broadband antenna. This antenna, combined with an inductor, compresses the antenna length. The advantages are a smaller antenna size (commonly 335 mm), high versatility, and no need for stretching or deformation during use, making it easy to mount on UAVs. However, it has disadvantages such as lower gain in the UHF band and the need for adaptation to existing wireless communication equipment. Second, directly using a flexible feeder as the antenna. A weight is hung on the feeder, and when the UAV flies to the relay point, the antenna is released. The feeder naturally extends under the weight, reaching the designed antenna length for signal transmission and reception. The advantages are a simple structure and easy adjustment of antenna gain and impedance to match the original ground antenna of the wireless device. However, when the UAV moves or encounters strong winds, the flexible feeder may deform, causing performance changes or even entanglement. Third, redesigning and adapting the antenna to the UAV's shape. The advantages are matching the UAV's shape, easy mounting, and achieving the designed gain. However, this requires high investment and a long development cycle, making it unsuitable for the current transitional in-flight signal relay scenario. Utility Model Content

[0005] In response to one or more of the above-mentioned defects or improvement needs of the existing technology, this utility model provides an inverted folding antenna mast, which can be stored when the UAV is on the ground, thereby reducing the space occupied by the antenna mast. At the same time, when the UAV is in flight, it can provide stable support for the antenna power supply, thereby ensuring stable communication of the UAV in flight.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides an inverted folding antenna mast for supporting the antenna feed line at the bottom of a UAV, comprising: A folding multi-stage rod, comprising a first straight rod, several sequentially connected second straight rods, and several turning connecting rods; One end of the first straight rod can be hinged to the bottom end face of the UAV. The first straight rod and the second straight rod are simultaneously hinged to the turning connecting rod, and the opposite ends of two adjacent second straight rods are all hinged to the same turning connecting rod. The turning connecting rod is provided with locking components at the ends of the first straight rod and the second straight rod, respectively, for disassembling and locking adjacent straight rods when the folding multi-stage rod is unfolded; A take-up and release mechanism, the take-up and release mechanism including a self-locking motor and a control line; The self-locking motor can be fixedly installed on the bottom of the drone. One end of the control line is fixed to the output end of the self-locking motor, and the other end of the control line passes through the end of the first straight rod and each of the second straight rods in sequence before being fixed to the last second straight rod.

[0007] As a further preferred embodiment of this invention, the length of the first straight rod is half the length of the second straight rod, and one end of the first straight rod can be hinged to the center position of the bottom of the drone.

[0008] As a further preferred embodiment of this utility model, both the first straight rod and the second straight rod are hollow cylindrical structures.

[0009] As a further preferred embodiment of this utility model, the turning connecting rod is a cylindrical structure.

[0010] As a further preferred embodiment of this utility model, the locking assembly includes a pin, a spring, and a limiting hole; The spring is in a compressed state and is located inside the turning connecting rod. Both ends of the spring are provided with pins that extend partially out of the ends of the turning connecting rod, and the pins can reciprocate at both ends of the turning connecting rod. The limiting hole is provided at the end of the first straight rod away from the UAV and at both ends of the second straight rod, and is used to accommodate the pin extending out of the end of the turning connecting rod after the folded multi-stage rod is extended.

[0011] As a further preferred embodiment of this utility model, the turning connecting rod is provided with a top groove on the side facing the control line, which is used to accommodate and limit the control line when the folded multi-stage rod is extended; The end of the first straight rod away from the UAV and both ends of the second straight rod are provided with clearance grooves to accommodate the top groove when the folding multi-stage rod is folded.

[0012] As a further preferred embodiment of this utility model, a limiting abutment is provided on the side of the turning connecting rod away from the control line, and the two ends of the limiting abutment extend out to abut against the end of the first section of the straight rod and the end of the second section of the straight rod.

[0013] As a further preferred embodiment of this utility model, the end of the first straight rod away from the UAV and both ends of the second straight rod are provided with lugs, and the turning connecting rod is provided with a connecting stake corresponding to the lug, and the connecting stake and the lug are rotatably connected.

[0014] As a further preferred embodiment of this utility model, at least one limiting groove is provided between the first section of the straight rod and the second section of the straight rod; And / or, at least one limiting groove is provided between two adjacent secondary straight rods; The limiting slot includes two radially extending support plates, which are disposed on the first section of the straight rod or the second section of the straight rod to form a funnel-shaped receiving area for accommodating and limiting two adjacent straight rods.

[0015] As a further preferred embodiment of this utility model, two limiting slots are provided at intervals on one side of the secondary straight rod facing the adjacent secondary straight rod; Alternatively, the second-section straight rod may be provided with a limiting slot on each side facing the adjacent rod.

[0016] In summary, the beneficial effects of the above-described technical solutions conceived by this utility model compared with the prior art include: (1) The inverted folding antenna mast of this utility model includes a multi-stage folding mast and a retraction mechanism. The multi-stage folding mast includes a first straight rod, several sequentially connected second straight rods, and a turning connecting rod. One end of the first straight rod can be hinged to the bottom surface of the UAV. The first straight rod and the second straight rods are simultaneously hinged to the turning connecting rod, and the opposite ends of adjacent second straight rods are all hinged to the same turning connecting rod. The turning connecting rod is provided with locking components at the ends of the first straight rod and the ends of the second straight rods, respectively, for detachably locking adjacent straight rods. The retraction mechanism includes a self-locking motor and a control line. The self-locking motor can be fixedly installed at the bottom of the UAV. One end of the control line is fixed to the output end of the self-locking motor, and the other end of the control line passes through the end of the first straight rod and each second straight rod in sequence before being fixed to the last second straight rod. This inverted folding antenna mast can be stored when the drone is on the ground, thus reducing the space occupied by the antenna mast. At the same time, when the drone is in flight, it can provide stable support for the antenna power supply, thereby ensuring stable communication of the drone in flight.

[0017] (2) The inverted folding antenna mast of this utility model has a simple structure, is easy to use, and has wide applicability. It uses several first and second straight rods that are rotatably connected by a turning connecting rod, and is equipped with a self-locking motor and control line. The self-locking motor can drive the first and second straight rods to unfold and fold stably through the control line. At the same time, the locking assembly, which includes springs, pins and limiting holes, is set on the turning connecting rod and the straight rod, so that the antenna mast can lock the two adjacent straight rods during unfolding, thereby keeping the antenna in a vertical state. In addition, a top groove is set on the side of the turning connecting rod facing the control line to limit the control line. Combined with the avoidance grooves set at the end of the first straight rod away from the UAV and both ends of the second straight rod, the top groove can be accommodated when the multi-stage rod is folded. It has good prospects for promotion and application value. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a front view of the unfolding process of the inverted folding antenna mast in this embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a front view of the inverted folding antenna mast in the folded state according to an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a front view of the inverted folding antenna mast in its fully unfolded state according to an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a side view of the inverted folding antenna mast in the folded state according to an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a front view of the area where the two straight rods of the inverted folding antenna mast are connected in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the turning connecting rod of the inverted folding antenna mast in this embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the turning connecting rod of the inverted folding antenna mast in this embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the straight end of the inverted folding antenna mast in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0019] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same technical features, specifically: 1. First straight rod; 2. Second straight rod; 3. Turning connecting rod; 4. Control line; 5. Pin; 6. Spring; 7. Limiting hole; 8. Top groove; 9. Clearance groove; 10. Support lug; 11. Connecting post; 12. Limiting slot; 13. Limiting stop plate. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of the present utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0021] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0022] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0023] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0024] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0025] Example: Please see Figures 1-8 The inverted folding antenna mast in the preferred embodiment of this utility model can be stored when the UAV is on the ground, thereby reducing the space occupied by the antenna mast. At the same time, when the UAV is in flight, it can provide stable support for the antenna power supply, thereby ensuring stable communication of the UAV in flight.

[0026] Specifically, in a preferred embodiment of this application, the inverted folding antenna mast is used to support the antenna feed line at the bottom of the UAV. The inverted folding antenna mast includes a multi-stage folding mast and a retraction mechanism.

[0027] The folding multi-stage rod includes a first straight rod 1, several sequentially connected second straight rods 2, and several turning connecting rods 3. One end of the first straight rod 1 can be hinged to the bottom surface of the drone, while the first straight rod 1 and the second straight rods 2 are simultaneously hinged to the turning connecting rods 3, and the opposite ends of adjacent second straight rods 2 are all hinged to the same turning connecting rod 3. The turning connecting rods 3 are equipped with locking components at the ends of the first straight rod 1 and the second straight rods 2, respectively, for disassembling and locking adjacent straight rods when the folding multi-stage rod is unfolded.

[0028] Furthermore, the transceiver mechanism includes a self-locking motor and a control line 4. The self-locking motor can be fixedly mounted on the bottom of the drone, and one end of the control line 4 is fixed to the output end of the self-locking motor. One end of the control line 4 is fixed to the output shaft of the self-locking motor so that the output end of the self-locking motor can be wound with the control line 4. The other end of the control line 4 passes sequentially through the end of the first straight rod 1 and each subsequent straight rod 2, and is then fixed to the last subsequent straight rod 2.

[0029] During the antenna deployment process, the self-locking motor releases its self-lock, and the folding multi-stage rods straighten sequentially under their own weight, with the first straight rod 1 and each of the subsequent straight rods 2. Then, the locking assembly locks the two adjacent straight rods together, thus completing the deployment of the antenna rod.

[0030] During the antenna folding process, the self-locking motor drives the output end to rotate, which in turn causes the output end to drive the control line 4 to fold. This causes the control line 4 to fold the secondary straight rod 2 and the first straight rod 1. At the same time, the locking component, along with the folding movement of the secondary straight rod 2 and the first straight rod 1 pulled by the control line 4, also locks the adjacent straight rods. Finally, with the movement of the control line 4, the secondary straight rod 2 and the first straight rod 1 are folded and stowed away.

[0031] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of this application, the length of the first straight rod 1 is half the length of the second straight rod 2, and one end of the first straight rod 1 is hinged to the center of the bottom of the drone, thereby being located at the center of the bottom of the drone in both the unfolded and folded states of the multi-stage rod, thus ensuring the stability of the drone's flight.

[0032] More preferably, in the preferred embodiment of this application, both the first straight rod 1 and the second straight rod 2 are hollow cylindrical structures to reduce the weight of the first straight rod 1 and the second straight rod 2, thereby reducing the load on the UAV occupied by the antenna mast.

[0033] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of this application, the turning connecting rod 3 is a cylindrical structure. Preferably, the end of the first straight rod 1 facing away from the UAV and both ends of the second straight rod 2 are provided with lugs 10, and the turning connecting rod 3 is provided with connecting stakes 11 corresponding to the lugs 10. The connecting stakes 11 and the lugs 10 are rotatably connected to ensure the rotatable connection between the first straight rod 1, the second straight rod 2 and the turning connecting rod 3 respectively.

[0034] Further preferably, in the preferred embodiment of this application, the locking assembly includes a pin 5, a spring 6, and a limiting hole 7. The spring 6 is in a compressed state and is disposed inside the turning connecting rod 3. Both ends of the spring 6 are provided with pins 5 that partially extend out of the ends of the turning connecting rod 3, and the pins 5 can reciprocate at both ends of the turning connecting rod 3.

[0035] Limiting holes 7 are provided at the ends of the first straight rod 1 away from the drone and at both ends of the second straight rod 2, so as to accommodate the pin 5 extending out of the end of the turning connecting rod 3 after the folded multi-stage rod is extended.

[0036] Preferably, both ends of the turning connecting rod 3 are provided with through holes, and the end of the pin 5 located inside the turning connecting rod 3 is provided with a limiting structure to prevent the pin 5 from being pushed out of the through hole by the spring 6. The end of the pin 5 located outside the turning connecting rod 3 is hemispherical, and correspondingly, the limiting hole 7 is a hemispherical groove, so that the first straight rod 1 and the second straight rod 2 can be easily locked and unlocked.

[0037] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of this application, a top groove 8 is provided on the side of the turning connecting rod 3 facing the control line 4, for accommodating the limiting control line 4 when the folded multi-stage rod extends. Both ends of the first straight rod 1 away from the UAV and the second straight rod 2 are provided with clearance grooves 9, for accommodating the top groove 8 when the folded multi-stage rod is folded.

[0038] Preferably, the top groove 8 is a semi-circular groove structure, and the clearance groove 9 is a square groove opened at the ends of the first section of straight rod 1 and the second section of straight rod 2, so as to ensure that the top groove 8 can be accommodated in the clearance groove 9.

[0039] Further preferably, in the preferred embodiment of this application, a limiting plate 13 is provided on the side of the turning connecting rod 3 away from the control line 4. The two ends of the limiting plate 13 extend out to abut against the ends of the first straight rod 1 and the second straight rod 2. Preferably, the limiting plate 13 is a square plate.

[0040] More specifically, in a preferred embodiment of this application, at least one limiting groove 12 is provided between the first straight rod 1 and the second straight rod 2. And / or, at least one limiting groove 12 is provided between adjacent second straight rod sections 2. Preferably, the limiting groove 12 includes two radially extending support plates to form a funnel-shaped receiving area.

[0041] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of this application, two limiting slots 12 are provided at intervals on one side of the secondary straight rod 2 facing the adjacent secondary straight rod 2. Alternatively, one limiting slot 12 is provided on each side of the secondary straight rod 2 facing the adjacent rod.

[0042] The inverted folding antenna mast of this invention features a simple structure, convenient use, and wide applicability. It employs several first-section straight rods 1 and second-section straight rods 2 rotatably connected by a turning connecting rod 3, along with a self-locking motor and control line 4. This allows the self-locking motor to drive the first-section straight rods 1 and second-section straight rods 2 stably to unfold and fold via the control line 4. Simultaneously, a locking assembly including a spring 6, a pin 5, and a limiting hole 7, located on the turning connecting rod 3 and the straight rods, locks adjacent straight rods during unfolding, maintaining the antenna in a vertical position. Furthermore, a top groove 8 is provided on the side of the turning connecting rod 3 facing the control line 4 to limit the movement of the control line 4. Combined with clearance grooves 9 located at the end of the first-section straight rod 1 away from the UAV and at both ends of the second-section straight rod 2, the top groove 8 is accommodated during the folding of the multi-stage mast. This design has good prospects for promotion and application value.

[0043] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An inverted folding antenna mast for supporting an antenna feed line at the bottom of a UAV, characterized in that, include: A folding multi-stage rod, comprising a first straight rod, several sequentially connected second straight rods, and several turning connecting rods; One end of the first straight rod can be hinged to the bottom end face of the UAV. The first straight rod and the second straight rod are simultaneously hinged to the turning connecting rod, and the opposite ends of two adjacent second straight rods are all hinged to the same turning connecting rod. The turning connecting rod is provided with locking components at the ends of the first straight rod and the second straight rod, respectively, for disassembling and locking adjacent straight rods when the folding multi-stage rod is unfolded; A take-up and release mechanism, the take-up and release mechanism including a self-locking motor and a control line; The self-locking motor can be fixedly installed on the bottom of the drone. One end of the control line is fixed to the output end of the self-locking motor, and the other end of the control line passes through the end of the first straight rod and each of the second straight rods in sequence before being fixed to the last second straight rod.

2. The inverted folding antenna mast according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the first straight rod is half the length of the second straight rod, and one end of the first straight rod can be hinged to the center of the bottom of the drone.

3. The inverted folding antenna mast according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first straight rod and the second straight rod are hollow cylindrical structures.

4. The inverted folding antenna mast according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The turning connecting rod has a cylindrical structure.

5. The inverted folding antenna mast according to claim 4, characterized in that, The locking assembly includes a pin, a spring, and a limiting hole; The spring is in a compressed state and is located inside the turning connecting rod. Both ends of the spring are provided with pins that extend partially out of the ends of the turning connecting rod, and the pins can reciprocate at both ends of the turning connecting rod. The limiting hole is provided at the end of the first straight rod away from the UAV and at both ends of the second straight rod, and is used to accommodate the pin extending out of the end of the turning connecting rod after the folded multi-stage rod is extended.

6. The inverted folding antenna mast according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5, characterized in that, The turning connecting rod has a top groove on the side facing the control line, which is used to accommodate and limit the control line when the folded multi-stage rod is extended. The end of the first straight rod away from the UAV and both ends of the second straight rod are provided with clearance grooves to accommodate the top groove when the folding multi-stage rod is folded.

7. The inverted folding antenna mast according to claim 6, characterized in that, A limit stop plate is provided on the side of the turning connecting rod away from the control line. The two ends of the limit stop plate extend out to abut against the ends of the first straight rod and the second straight rod.

8. The inverted folding antenna mast according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 5, and 7, characterized in that, The first section of the straight rod is provided with lugs at the end opposite to the UAV and at both ends of the second section of the straight rod. The turning connecting rod is provided with a connecting stake corresponding to the lugs, and the connecting stake and the lugs are rotatably connected.

9. The inverted folding antenna mast according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 5, and 7, characterized in that, At least one limiting groove is provided between the first section of the straight rod and the second section of the straight rod; And / or, at least one limiting groove is provided between two adjacent secondary straight rods; The limiting slot includes two radially extending support plates, which are disposed on the first section of the straight rod or the second section of the straight rod to form a funnel-shaped receiving area for accommodating and limiting two adjacent straight rods.

10. The inverted folding antenna mast according to claim 9, characterized in that, Two limiting slots are provided at intervals on one side of the secondary straight rod facing the adjacent secondary straight rod; Alternatively, the second-section straight rod may be provided with a limiting slot on each side facing the adjacent rod.

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