Detachable and foldable satellite dish device

Abstract

A detachable and foldable satellite antenna assembly includes an antenna panel and a tripod. The tripod is detachably assembled to the bottom of the antenna panel. The antenna panel has an interface. The tripod includes a pole, a bushing, a locking mechanism, multiple supports, and multiple links. The pole is used to assemble to or detach from the antenna panel. The pole has a top opening, and the interface aligns with the top opening when the tripod is assembled to the bottom of the antenna panel. The bushing is slidably fitted onto the pole. The locking mechanism is provided between the pole and the bushing to position the bushing in a first position and a second position on the pole. The supports are pivotally connected to the bushings. Each link is pivotally connected to the pole and a corresponding support, such that in the first position, the link is retracted to the pole, and the support is retracted and attached to the outer surface of the pole. In the second position, the link and support are extended relative to the pole.

Description

Detachable and foldable satellite antenna assembly The invention relates to a detachable and foldable satellite antenna device. Low-Earth orbit (LEO) user terminal antennas receive signals from satellites in low Earth orbit. Unlike traditional wired or cellular networks, these antennas allow users to directly access data from satellites and communicate with remote locations. These antennas are primarily used in remote areas such as mountains, deserts, and outlying islands. However, the existing antenna device has a bulky tripod and is difficult to separate from the tripod, making it difficult for users to carry and lacking the convenience of being able to move or carry it as needed. The present invention provides a detachable and foldable satellite antenna device, which has a tripod that can be easily and quickly disassembled and assembled. The foldability of the tripod can effectively reduce the volume, making it easier to move and carry. The detachable and foldable satellite antenna device of the present invention includes an antenna dish body and a tripod. The antenna dish body has an interface. The tripod can be detachably assembled to the bottom of the antenna dish body. The tripod includes a vertical pole, a bushing, a latching mechanism, a plurality of brackets and a plurality of connecting rods. The vertical pole is used to be assembled to or removed from the antenna dish body. The vertical pole has a top opening, and when the tripod is assembled to the bottom of the antenna dish body, the interface is aligned with the top opening. The bushing is slidably mounted on the vertical pole. The latching mechanism is provided on the vertical pole and the bushing so that the bushing is positioned at a first position and a second position on the vertical pole. The brackets are pivotally connected to the bushings respectively. Each connecting rod is pivotally connected to the vertical pole and the corresponding bracket, so that in the first position, the connecting rod is retracted into the vertical pole, and the bracket is retracted and attached onto the outer surface of the vertical pole. In the second position, the connecting rod and the bracket are unfolded relative to the vertical pole. In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned antenna disk body has a cylindrical protrusion located at the bottom and at least one engaging groove, the engaging groove is located on the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical protrusion, and the vertical pole has a cylindrical groove and at least one engaging protrusion, the engaging protrusion is located on the cylindrical inner wall of the cylindrical groove. The engaging protrusion is moved into and engaged with the engaging groove, and the cylindrical protrusion is moved into and engaged with the cylindrical groove, so that the vertical pole of the tripod is assembled to the bottom of the antenna disk body. In one embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned engaging groove is divided into a first path and a second path. The first path is parallel to the central axis of the cylindrical protrusion, while the second path surrounds the central axis. During assembly of the tripod to the antenna plate, the engaging protrusion sequentially travels through the first and second paths until it is engaged at the end of the second path. During removal of the tripod from the antenna plate, the engaging protrusion sequentially travels through the second and first paths until it exits the engaging groove. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first path is a straight path, and the second path is an arc path. In one embodiment of the present invention, a connecting line is further included. The connecting line includes a cable and at least one connector, passes through the vertical pole and the opposite ends of the vertical pole, and is electrically connected to the interface of the antenna plate. In one embodiment of the present invention, the vertical pole has a hollow chamber, a top opening and a bottom opening. The connecting wire passes through the bottom opening, the hollow chamber and the top opening in sequence, so that the connector is exposed from the vertical pole through the top opening. In one embodiment of the present invention, when the bracket is folded relative to the pole, the bracket covers the bottom opening, but the multiple support ends of the bracket move closer together to form a first opening for the cable to pass through. When the bracket is unfolded relative to the pole, the support ends move away from each other, exposing the bottom opening. In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned latching mechanism includes a first latching member, a first elastic member, a second latching member and a second elastic member. The first latching member is movably arranged on the vertical pole and is located in a first position. The first elastic member is arranged on the vertical pole, is located in the first position, and abuts between the vertical pole and the first latching member. The first elastic member constantly drives the first latching member to protrude from the outer surface of the vertical pole. The second latching member is movably arranged on the vertical pole and is located in the second position. The second elastic member is arranged on the vertical pole, is located in the second position, and abuts between the vertical pole and the second latching member. The second elastic member constantly drives the second latching member to protrude from the outer surface of the vertical pole. The bushing has a second opening, and when the bushing is in the first position, the first latching member protruding from the outer surface is buckled in the second opening of the bushing. When the bushing is in the second position, the second latching member protruding from the outer surface is buckled in the second opening of the bushing. In one embodiment of the present invention, the satellite antenna device further comprises a button movably disposed in the second opening of the bushing. When the bushing is in a first position, the button bears against the first latching member, and a user applies force to the button to press the first latching member into the outer surface of the pole, thereby unlocking the device. When the bushing is in a second position, the button bears against the second latching member, and a user applies force to the button to press the second latching member into the outer surface of the pole, thereby unlocking the device. In one embodiment of the present invention, the satellite antenna device further comprises a plurality of magnetic elements disposed on the brackets and close to the supporting ends of the brackets, so that when the brackets are folded onto the poles, the brackets are magnetically attached together via the magnetic elements. Based on the above, the satellite antenna device includes an antenna plate and a tripod that can be easily and quickly assembled and disassembled. This allows the user to separate and store the two separately when carrying the satellite antenna device, reducing the external volume and enhancing the convenience of transporting the satellite antenna device. Furthermore, the tripod utilizes a movable bracket that works with a bushing and a connecting rod, allowing it to be folded or unfolded relative to the pole. This effectively reduces the tripod's size, making it easier to carry. Once assembled with the antenna plate, it can be quickly deployed to provide stable support. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a satellite antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an exploded schematic diagram of the satellite antenna device of Figure 1. Figure 3 illustrates the tripod of the satellite antenna device from another perspective. Referring to Figures 1 through 3, in this embodiment, a detachable and foldable satellite antenna device 100 (hereinafter referred to as satellite antenna device 100) includes an antenna plate 120 and a tripod 110. The antenna plate 120 is provided with a plurality of heat dissipation fins 125 on its bottom 124 for heat dissipation, while the tripod 110 is detachably mounted in the center of the bottom 124. As shown in Figure 2, the antenna plate 120 is provided with a cylindrical protrusion 121 and at least one engaging groove 122 (two symmetrically arranged engaging grooves 122 are used as an example, but are not limited to this). The engaging groove 122 is located on the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical protrusion 121. Correspondingly, the stand 110 includes a pole 111. As shown in FIG3 , the pole 111 has a cylindrical recess 111a and at least one engaging protrusion 111b (two symmetrical engaging protrusions 111b are used as an example to correspond to the two engaging recesses 122 described above). The engaging protrusions 111b are located on the cylindrical inner wall of the cylindrical recess 111a. Thus, the pole 111 of the stand 110 is assembled to the bottom 124 of the antenna plate 120 by moving the engaging protrusions 111b into and into the engaging recess 122, and the cylindrical protrusion 121 into and into the cylindrical recess 111a. Please refer to Figures 2 and 3 . Specifically, the engaging groove 122 is divided into a first path H1 and a second path H2. The first path H1 is a straight path parallel to the central axis C1 of the cylindrical protrusion 121, while the second path H2 is an arc-shaped path surrounding the central axis C1. During assembly of the tripod 110 to the antenna plate 120, the engaging protrusion 111b sequentially travels along the first path H1 and the second path H2 until it is engaged at the end of the second path H2 (away from the first path H1). Conversely, during removal of the tripod 110 from the antenna plate 120, the engaging protrusion 111b sequentially travels along the second path H2 and the first path H1 (reverse the path of the aforementioned assembly process) until it exits the engaging groove 122. This structure allows for easy and rapid assembly and disassembly of the tripod 110 and the antenna plate 120, facilitating portability during disassembly and smooth and rapid deployment during assembly. Figure 4 illustrates another state of the satellite antenna tripod. Figure 5 illustrates the satellite antenna tripod in its unfolded state. Referring to Figures 1, 4, and 5 simultaneously, in this embodiment, the tripod 110 further includes a bushing 112, a latching mechanism 113, a plurality of brackets 114, and a plurality of connecting rods 115. The bushing 112 is slidably mounted on the upright 111. The latching mechanism 113 is disposed on the upright 111 and the bushing 112 to position the bushing 112 at different locations on the upright 111. The brackets 114 are pivotally connected to the bushings 112. Each connecting rod 115 pivotally connects the upright 111 to a corresponding bracket 114. In the collapsed state shown in Figure 1, the connecting rods 115 are retracted into the upright 111, and the brackets 114 are retracted and attached to the outer surface S1 of the upright 111. In the unfolded state shown in Figure 5, the connecting rods 115 and the brackets 114 are unfolded relative to the upright 111. Here, FIG. 4 shows an intermediate state between FIG. 1 and FIG. 5 . FIG6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the tripod in a folded state, corresponding to FIG1 . Referring first to FIG2 , FIG3 , and FIG6 , in this embodiment, the pole 111 has a hollow chamber R1, a top opening R1a, and a bottom opening R1b. The satellite antenna device 100 further includes a connecting cable 130 comprising a cable 131 and at least one connector 132. The connector 132 is disposed at the end of the cable 131 so that the connecting cable 130 passes through the pole 111 and the opposite ends of the pole 111 to electrically connect to the interface 123 of the antenna plate 120. The cable 131 of the connecting cable 130 sequentially passes through the bottom opening R1b, the hollow chamber R1, and the top opening R1a, leaving the connector 132 of the connecting cable 130 exposed from the pole 111 through the top opening R1a for docking with the interface 123. Specifically, when the pole 111 is assembled to the bottom 124 of the antenna plate 120, the port 123 of the antenna plate 120 aligns with the top opening R1a of the pole 111, facilitating the docking of the connector 132 with the port 123. After assembly, the port 123 of the antenna plate 120 is substantially shielded by the pole 111, providing protection for the port 123. The types of port 123 and connector 132 include, but are not limited to, network connections (e.g., RJ45) or universal serial bus (e.g., USB Type-C). 6 , when the bracket 114 is retracted relative to the pole 111, the bracket 114 covers the bottom opening R1b. However, the multiple support ends 114a of the bracket 114 move closer together to form a first opening N1 for the cable 131 to pass through. When the bracket 114 is extended relative to the pole 111, the support ends 114a move away from each other, exposing the bottom opening R1b. Figure 7 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the tripod in another state. Figure 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the tripod in the unfolded state, corresponding to Figure 5. Referring first to Figure 6, in this embodiment, the latch mechanism 113 includes a first latching member 113a, a first elastic member 113b, a second latching member 113c, and a second elastic member 113d. The first latching member 113a is movably mounted on the upright 111 and positioned at a first position P1. The first elastic member 113b is mounted on the upright 111 and positioned at the first position P1, abutting between the upright 111 and the first latching member 113a. The first elastic member 113b constantly drives the first latching member 113a to protrude from the outer surface S1 of the upright 111. The second latching member 113c is movably mounted on the upright 111 and positioned at a second position P2. The second elastic member 113d is mounted on the upright 111 and positioned at the second position P2, abutting between the upright 111 and the second latching member 113c. The second elastic member 113d constantly drives the second latching member 113c to protrude from the outer surface S1 of the upright 111. The bushing 112 has a second opening N2. When the bushing 112 is in the first position P1 (as shown in FIG6 ), the first latching member 113a protruding from the outer surface S1 is engaged with the second opening N2 of the bushing 112. When the bushing 112 is in the second position P2 (as shown in FIG8 ), the second latching member 113c protruding from the outer surface S1 is engaged with the second opening N2 of the bushing 112. Referring to Figures 6 and 7 , in this embodiment, the satellite antenna device 100 further includes a button 140 movably disposed within the second opening N2 of the sleeve 112. When the sleeve 112 is in the first position P1, the button 140 rests on the first latch 113a. Subsequently, a user applies force to the button 140 (as indicated by the arrow in Figure 7 ) to press the first latch 113a into the outer surface S1 of the pole 111, thereby releasing the latch. Similarly, when the tripod 110 is in the deployed state shown in Figure 8 , the sleeve 112 is in the second position P2, and the button 140 rests on the second latch 113c. Therefore, the user can apply force to the button 140 to press the second latch 113c into the outer surface S1 of the pole 111, thereby releasing the second latch 113c from the second opening N2 of the sleeve 112. Referring again to Figures 5, 6, and 8, in this embodiment, the opposite ends of each bracket 114 are pivotal ends 114b pivotally connected to the bushing 112, and support ends 114a that abut against the platform or ground to allow the bracket 114 to support the antenna plate 120. The bracket 114, connecting rod 115, and bushing 112 form a three-bar linkage relative to the pole 111. Furthermore, the satellite antenna device 100 includes a plurality of magnetic elements 150 disposed on the brackets 114 near the support ends 114a of each bracket 114. When the brackets 114 are retracted onto the pole 111, the brackets 114 are magnetically attached together via the magnetic elements 150, as shown in Figure 6. In summary, in the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the satellite antenna device includes an antenna tray and a tripod that can be easily and quickly assembled and disassembled. This allows the user to separate and store the two separately when carrying the satellite antenna device, thereby reducing the external volume and enhancing the convenience of transporting the satellite antenna device. Furthermore, the tripod utilizes a movable bracket, a bushing, and a connecting rod, allowing it to be folded or unfolded relative to the pole. This effectively reduces the tripod's size, facilitating portability. Once assembled with the antenna tray, it can be quickly deployed to provide stable support. Furthermore, the vertical pole has a hollow chamber, a top opening and a bottom opening, so that the cable of the connecting wire can pass through the bottom opening, the hollow chamber and the top opening in sequence, so that the connector of the connecting wire is exposed from the vertical pole from the top opening and can be connected to the interface of the antenna disk before the tripod is assembled to the antenna disk. After assembly, the entire tripod can be regarded as a protective structure for the connecting wire to prevent the connecting wire from being easily damaged or falling due to exposure. 100: Satellite Antenna Assembly 110: Tripod 111: Pole 111a: Cylindrical Recess 111b: Engaging Protrusion 112: Bushing 113: Latching Mechanism 113a: First Latch 113b: First Elastic Component 113c: Second Latch 113d: Second Elastic Component 114: Bracket 114a: Support End 114b: Pivoting End 115: Connecting Rod 120: Antenna Plate 121: Cylindrical Protrusion 122: Engaging Recess 123: Interface 124: Bottom 125: Cooling Fin 130: Connecting Wire 131: Cable 132: Connector 140: Button 150: Magnetic Component C1: Central Axis H1: First Path H2: Second Path N1: First Opening N2: Second Opening P1: First Position P2: Second Position R1: Hollow Chamber R1a: Top Opening R1b: Bottom Opening S1: Outer Surface Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a satellite antenna device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an exploded schematic diagram of the satellite antenna device of Figure 1. Figure 3 illustrates the tripod of the satellite antenna device from another perspective. Figure 4 illustrates the tripod of the satellite antenna device in another state. Figure 5 illustrates the tripod of the satellite antenna device in an unfolded state. Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the tripod in a folded state. Figure 7 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the tripod in another state. Figure 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the tripod in an unfolded state. 111: Pole 112: Bushing 113: latch mechanism 114: Bracket 114a: Support terminal 114b: pivot end 115: Connecting rod 120: Antenna plate 124: bottom 125: cooling fins 140: Button 150: Magnetic parts R1b: bottom opening S1: outer surface

Claims

1. A detachable and foldable satellite antenna device, comprising: A single-line plate with an interface; A tripod, detachably assembled to the bottom of the antenna dish, the tripod comprising: a pole for assembly to or removal from the antenna dish, the pole having a top opening, the interface being located at the top opening when the tripod is assembled to the bottom of the antenna dish; a bushing slidably fitted onto the pole; and a locking mechanism disposed on the pole and the bushing to position the bushing at a first position and a second position on the pole. The satellite antenna assembly includes multiple supports pivotally connected to the bushing, and multiple connecting rods, each connecting rod pivotally connected to the upright and the corresponding support, such that in the first position, the connecting rods are retracted to the upright, the supports are retracted and attached to the outer surface of the upright, and in the second position, the connecting rods and supports are extended relative to the upright. The satellite antenna assembly also includes a connecting line, which includes a cable and at least one connector. The connector is provided at the end of the cable. The connecting line passes through the upright and the opposite ends of the upright so that the connector is electrically connected to the interface of the antenna disk.

2. The detachable and foldable satellite antenna device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the antenna disk has a cylindrical protrusion and at least one engaging groove located at the bottom, the engaging groove being located on the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical protrusion, and the stand has a cylindrical groove and at least one engaging protrusion located on the cylindrical inner wall of the cylindrical groove, the engaging protrusion being moved into and engaged in the engaging groove, and the cylindrical protrusion being moved into and engaged in the cylindrical groove, thereby assembling the stand of the tripod to the bottom of the antenna disk.

3. The detachable and foldable satellite antenna device as described in claim 2, wherein the engaging groove is divided into a first path and a second path, the first path being parallel to the central axis of the cylindrical protrusion and the second path surrounding the central axis, wherein during the assembly of the tripod to the antenna disk, the engaging protrusion sequentially travels through the first path and the second path until it is engaged at the end of the second path, and during the removal of the tripod from the antenna disk, the engaging protrusion sequentially travels through the second path and the first path until it exits the engaging groove.

4. The detachable and foldable satellite antenna device as described in claim 3, wherein the first path is a straight path and the second path is an arc path.

5. The detachable and foldable satellite antenna device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pole has a hollow cavity, a top opening and a bottom opening, and the connecting wire passes sequentially through the bottom opening, the hollow cavity and the top opening, such that the connector is exposed from the top opening of the pole.

6. The detachable and foldable satellite antenna device as claimed in claim 5, wherein when the brackets are folded into the pole, the brackets cover the bottom opening, but the plurality of support ends of the brackets move closer together to form a first opening for the cable to pass through, and when the brackets are unfolded relative to the pole, the support ends move further apart from each other to expose the bottom opening.

7. The detachable and foldable satellite antenna assembly as described in claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism comprises: The first locking element is movably disposed on the upright and located in the first position; A first elastic member is disposed on the upright, located in the first position, and abuts between the upright and the first locking member. The first elastic member constantly drives the first locking member to protrude from the outer surface of the upright. A second locking member is movably disposed on the upright and located in the second position. A second elastic member is disposed on the upright, located in the second position, and abuts between the upright and the second locking member. The second elastic member constantly drives the second locking member to protrude from the outer surface of the upright. The bushing has a second opening. When the bushing is in the first position, the first locking member protruding from the outer surface is engaged with the second opening of the bushing. When the bushing is in the second position, the second locking member protruding from the outer surface is engaged with the second opening of the bushing.

8. The detachable and foldable satellite antenna device as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a button movably disposed in the second opening of the bushing, wherein when the bushing is in the first position, the button rests against the first locking member, and a user applies force to the button to press the first locking member into the outer surface of the pole to unlock it; and when the bushing is in the second position, the button rests against the second locking member, and a user applies force to the button to press the second locking member into the outer surface of the pole to unlock it.

9. The detachable and foldable satellite antenna device as claimed in claim 1 further includes a plurality of magnetic attachments disposed on the brackets and near the support ends of each bracket, so that when the brackets are folded into the pole, the brackets are magnetically attached together by the magnetic attachments.

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