ITPD20130012A1 - SUPPORT FOR PARABOLIC SATELLITE ANTENNAS WITH POINTING DEVICES - Google Patents

Description

SUPPORT FOR PARABOLIC SATELLITE ANTENNAS WITH

POINTING DEVICES

DESCRIPTION

This patent relates to supports for satellite parabolic antennas and in particular concerns supports for parabolic satellite antennas mounted on vehicles.

Satellite communication with geostationary satellites, whether in reception only or in reception and transmission, uses a receiver-transmitter and a parabola or reflector.

So-called offset satellite parabolic antennas are known and widely used, essentially consisting of a reflector and a receiver-transmitter. The reflector, commonly called parabola, is an element in steel, aluminum or plastic material, obtained from the surface of a paraboloid by cutting it with a plane that is not perpendicular to the axis of the paraboloid itself. Therefore the focus of the paraboloid, where the receiver-transmitter is placed, is not in correspondence with the center of the antenna, but shifted by an offset angle, around 20-25 degrees, with respect to the axis of the parabola. To obtain adequate reception and transmission to and from each satellite, the dish must be correctly oriented towards the satellite itself.

The satellites for television broadcasting and data transfer are positioned in a geostationary orbit above the equator.

Each of them has a fixed position in this orbit, which is possible to know through various sources.

Depending on the geographical position in which it is installed, the parabolic satellite antenna must be oriented at appropriate angles, horizontally and vertically, so as to be perfectly oriented towards the chosen satellite. The parabolic satellite antennas for domestic use are positioned and oriented correctly during installation and do not require adjustments or displacements except in the event of a change of satellite towards which the antenna is aimed.

Satellite dishes are also installed on vehicles, such as campers or vans or even on transportable habitable containers, both for receiving television broadcasts, for transmitting television footage, and for data links in transmission and reception.

The satellite dishes mounted on vehicles in order to be used must be oriented from time to time and are affected by many factors such as the geographical position of the vehicle, the orientation and inclination of the vehicle.

The known parabolic satellite antennas are mounted on the vehicles by means of supports and orientation mechanisms which allow their rotation on the two axes horizontal, vertical and phase.

The satellite dishes mounted on vehicles also have the need to be folded or in any case lowered when the vehicle is in motion. In fact, above all the parabolic reflector, but also the support arm of the receiver-transmitter and in part also the pointing devices, in the open position offer a great resistance to the movement of the vehicle with the high risk of damaging the parabolic satellite antenna itself and / o the pointing devices and / or the roof of the vehicle on which the antenna itself is mounted.

There is also the need to protect the closed parabolic satellite antenna mounted on the moving vehicle from insects, which would accumulate on the structures and surface of the illuminator and reduce its efficiency, or other larger animals, such as birds, which could hit the illuminator or the complementary structures of the satellite dish, seriously or irreparably damaging it.

Current devices for fixing and orienting parabolic satellite antennas for vehicles include a base plate to which a pin is fixed orthogonally on which a structure of support arms, orientation and folding of the illuminator and of the arm supporting the receiver is mounted. -transmitter.

Said base plate is firmly fixed on the vehicle roof.

A group of servomechanisms with gearmotors rotate the antenna structure around said pin, while a second group of servomechanisms with gearmotors tilt the group consisting of parabola and receiver-transmitter vertically.

These servomechanisms and gearmotors are controlled by an electronic control interface.

When the parabolic satellite antenna is in the closed position it is protected by a plastic or fiberglass cover chassis.

Current devices for fixing and orienting parabolic satellite antennas for vehicles have various drawbacks.

To carry out the correct pointing of the dish and the receiver-transmitter, it is necessary to carry out an initial visual pointing which includes a lateral rotation and a vertical rotation up to the approximately correct direction of the satellite and subsequently modify the two inclinations with the aid of special instruments for analyzing the received signal. .

The initial horizontal rotation can also be easily performed from inside the vehicle with the aid of a compass, while the initial vertical rotation requires the operator to climb onto the roof and operate the vertical tilt servomechanisms and gearmotors by observing an inclinometer fixed to the antenna structure.

The parabolic satellite antenna is supported only by the central pin of the base plate, consequently it is not very stable, and is affected by gusts of wind, when it is in the open position and is subject to vibrations and air flow when it is It is closed, with no cover when the vehicle is in motion. Current fastening and orientation devices use a large number of mechanical and electronic components which entail a high production cost and are more at risk of breakage or malfunction. Current fastening and orientation devices require specialized personnel for maintenance and end-of-life disposal.

Current fastening and orienting devices have a high weight which negatively affects the slewing mechanisms and roof of the vehicle. The known covering elements of the satellite parabolic antenna are made of plastic or fiberglass material and consequently subject to degradation over time.

To overcome all the aforementioned drawbacks, a new support for parabolic satellite antennas with pointing devices has been studied and built. One purpose of the new support with pointing devices is to ensure a stable position and fixation of the antenna on the roof of the vehicle.

Another purpose of the new support with pointing devices is to ensure a stable position and fixing of the antenna on the roof of the vehicle even in strong wind conditions.

Another purpose of the new support with pointing devices is to allow a quick and precise mounting of the antenna on the roof of the vehicle. Another purpose of the new support with aiming devices is to have a reduced vertical dimensions when the dish and the support arm of the receiver-transmitter are in the closed position.

Another purpose of the new support with pointing devices is to protect the dish, the support arm and the receiver-transmitter, as well as the other parts of the antenna from objects or other when the vehicle is in motion.

Another purpose of the new support, with pointing devices, is to use a reduced number of parts and mechanisms for its assembly, installation and use.

Another purpose of the new support, with pointing devices, is to use parts that can be easily disposed of at the end of their life.

These and other direct and complementary purposes are achieved by the new support for parabolic satellite antennas with pointing devices comprising a structure for fixing to the vehicle roof, a fifth wheel for rotation around the vertical axis, one or more first arms and levers support, lifting-lowering and tilting of the dish, one or more second arms and levers for support, lifting-lowering and tilting of the receiver-transmitter, a front protection screen.

The fastening structure to the vehicle roof comprises tubular, profiled or other elements suitable for fastening the new support with pointing devices to the vehicle roof or preferably to the handrail bars present on the vehicle roof.

The rotation washer comprising a first guide ring joined in an immovable manner to said fastening structure and a second upper ring coupled with said first ring and rotating concentrically to said first guide ring is applied to said fastening structure.

In particular, said second rotating upper ring has on its edge, preferably external, a continuous rack extending for the whole edge of said upper rotating ring.

A first servomechanism with gearmotors meshes said rack of said upper rotating ring obtaining the rotation of said second rotating upper ring concentrically with said first guide ring.

On the second rotating upper ring there is a plate or other flat element.

Two or more hinge supports with axis orthogonal to the rotation axis of said second rotating upper ring of said fifth wheel are fixed on said plate or flat element.

In particular, said hinge supports are arranged near the edge of said second upper ring of the fifth wheel and with the hinge seats aligned on the same axis parallel to the rotation plane of said fifth wheel.

The first and second arms and support levers of the parabola and of the receiver-transmitter are hinged to said hinge supports.

One or more first arms are relative to the dish while one or more second arms are relative to the receiver-transmitter.

The first arms are designed to support the parabola and allow its inclination from a closed position, in which it is lowered even beyond the parallelism with the vehicle and with the concavity facing downwards to reduce the friction coefficient, to an open position , in which it is raised in the position of use.

The second arms are designed to support the receiver-transmitter at an adequate distance from the parabola and allow its inclination from a closed position, in which it is lowered on the rotation shaft, to an open position, in which it is raised and correctly positioned with respect to the parable.

A second servomechanism with gearmotors operates the rotation and lifting-lowering of the first and second arms of the dish and of the receiver-transmitter.

The first and second arms interact with each other in such a way that, when the dish is raised, the receiver-transmitter is also raised. This interaction is advantageously obtained by means of two or two series of contact surfaces or portions on said two groups of arms. Basically in the rest and closed position, the first and second arms are placed side by side and rotated towards the roof of the vehicle, with the second arms supporting the receiver-transmitter underneath the first arms and the parabola. In this position the contact surfaces or portions of the first and second arms are separated.

When the second servomechanism is operated with actuators, levers, gearmotors to obtain the opening of the antenna, the following actions occur in sequence:

- the rotation of the first arms around said hinge supports is started, lifting the parabola;

- in the lifting rotation, the contact surfaces or portions of said first arms approach until they join, couple and rest on the contact surfaces or portions of the second arms relating to the receiver-transmitter;

- by continuing the lifting rotation of the first arms, the second arms are rotated, around said hinge supports, by the thrust received by the first arms on said contact surfaces or portions of the first and second arms;

- when the desired vertical inclination is reached, the second servomechanism with gearmotors is stopped.

The position and conformation of the contact surfaces or portions of the first and second arms is such that when the contact surfaces or portions of said first arms adhere to the contact surfaces or portions of said second arms, the position of the receiver -transmitter with respect to the dish is the one necessary and optimal for the functioning of the parabolic satellite antenna.

It is possible to provide that the receiver-transmitter is not fixed to the second arms in an irremovable way, but is mounted or in any case fixed on an appendage hinged to said second arms so that, when the second arms are lowered onto the rotation ring, said appendix and the receiver-transmitter are substantially aligned with said second arms reducing the vertical bulk, while when the second arms are raised to the position of use said appendix rotates on said second arms bringing the receiver-transmitter in the correct angle with the parabola.

The protection screen is present on said antenna fixing structure.

In particular, said protective screen is arranged on said fastening structure on its side facing the front of the vehicle.

The front protection screen comprises one or more arched elements, preferably arranged in an arch, designed to constitute a front and side protection for the reduction of the coefficient of penetration into the air.

Said arched elements of said front screen are such as to cover the space between the lower part of the fixing structure and at least the edge of the parabola lowered in the closed position. The receiver-transmitter, in the closed antenna position, is located between the parabola and the fixing structure, so that it is protected by said arched elements of the front screen.

In particular, said arched elements of said front screen are arranged inclined with respect to the roof and to the vertical direction so as to constitute an inclined screen such as to deflect upwards both the air and any bodies on the trajectory of the parabola and of the receiver-transmitter. carried by the moving vehicle.

There are one or more toric levels fixed laterally to the second arms and easily visible by an operator on the ground next to the vehicle.

In particular, each toric level is fixed on at least one of said second arms in such a way as to be horizontal and centered when the parabolic satellite antenna has the correct elevation for a determined satellite, or a group of satellites, relative to a determined latitude.

It must be taken into consideration that the telecommunications satellites, whether they are for data transmission or television transmissions, all orbit on the same geostationary orbit called the Clarke band and that the angle of elevation of the antenna for the initial visual pointing admits some deviations due to differences in latitude of the order of kilometers.

Consequently, each level, when centered horizontally, identifies the correct elevation of the antenna for pointing towards telecommunications satellites relative to a certain latitude.

It is possible to provide that each toric level is equipped with direct or transparent lighting, so as to be clearly visible even at night or in cases of low light.

It is also possible to provide various micro-cameras, each framing a toric level. In this way it is possible to observe the centering of each toric level through a viewer connected to said micro-cameras.

It is possible to foresee that the servomechanisms with gearmotors are controlled, as well as manually, by an automatic system with detection of the GPS position and the inclination of the vehicle so as to automatically determine and set the initial pointing of the antenna.

In the attached tables a practical embodiment of the invention is presented, by way of non-limiting example.

Figures 1, 2 and 3 show respectively an axonometric view, a top view and a side view of the new support for parabolic satellite antennas in the open and closed positions.

The new support for parabolic satellite antennas with pointing devices comprising a fixing structure (1) to the roof of the mobile vehicle, vehicle, trailer, container, suitcase, a rotation ring (2.1, 2.2) around the vertical axis, a first support arm (3.1), lifting-lowering and tilting of the dish (A), a second support arm (3.2), lifting-lowering and tilting of the receiver-transmitter (B), a front protection screen (4).

The fastening structure (1) to the vehicle roof comprises tubular, profiled or other elements suitable for fixing the new support with pointing devices to the vehicle roof or preferably to the handrail bars present on the vehicle roof.

The rotation washer (2.1, 2.2) comprising a first guide ring (2.1), irremovably joined to said fastening structure (1), and a second upper ring (2.2) is applied to said fastening structure (1). coupled with said first ring (2.1) and rotating concentrically with said first guide ring (2.1).

Said second rotating upper ring (2.2) has a continuous rack on its outer edge.

A first servomechanism with gearmotors (5.1) meshes said rack with said upper rotating ring (2.2) obtaining the rotation of said second upper ring (2.2) concentrically with said first guide ring (2.1).

Above said second rotating upper ring (2.2) there is a plate (6) to which two or more hinge supports (7) are fixed.

The first (3.1) and second (3.2) support arms of the parabola (A) and of the receiver-transmitter (B) are hinged to said hinge supports (7).

The first arm (3.1) is designed to support the parabola (A) and allow its inclination from a closed position (figure 3), in which it is lowered with zero angle, or with a negative angle, with respect to the vehicle roof and with the concavity facing downwards, to an open position (figures 1, 2), in which it is raised in the position of use.

The second arm (3.2) is designed to support the receiver-transmitter (B) at the appropriate distance from the parabola (A) and to allow its inclination from a closed position (figure 3), in which it is lowered onto the slewing ring ( 2.1, 2.2), to an open position (figures 1, 2), in which it is raised and correctly positioned with respect to the parabola (A).

A second servomechanism with gearmotors (5.2) operates the rotation and lifting-lowering of the first and second arms (3.1, 3.2) of the parabola (A) and of the receiver-transmitter (B).

The first and second arms (3.1, 3.2) interact with each other in such a way that, when the dish is raised, the receiver-transmitter is also raised. This interaction is obtained by means of two contact surfaces or portions (3.a, 3.b) on said first and second arms (3.1, 3.2).

The position and conformation of the contact surfaces or portions (3.a, 3.b) of the first and second arms (3.1, 3.2) is such that when the contact surfaces or portions (3.a) of said first arm (3.1) adhere to the contact surfaces or portions (3.b) of said second arm (3.2), the position of the receiver-transmitter (B) with respect to the parabola (A) is that necessary and optimal for operation satellite dish antenna.

In this example, the receiver-transmitter (B) is not fixed to the second arm (3.2) in an irremovable way, but is mounted or otherwise fixed on an appendix (3.3) hinged to said second arm (3.2) so that, when the second arm (3.2) is lowered onto the rotation ring (2.1, 2.2), said appendix (3.3) and the receiver-transmitter (B) are substantially aligned with said second arm (3.2) reducing the vertical dimensions, while when the second arm (3.2) is lifted into the position of use said appendix (3.3) rotates on said second arm (3.2) bringing the receiver-transmitter (B) in the correct angle with the parabola (A).

On the antenna fixing structure (1) there is the protection screen (4) arranged on its side facing the front of the vehicle.

The front protection screen (4) comprises one or more arched elements, preferably arranged in an arch, capable of constituting at least a front and partly lateral protection.

In particular, said arched elements of said front screen (4) are arranged inclined with respect to the roof and to the vertical direction so as to constitute an inclined screen such as to deflect upwards both the air and any bodies on the trajectory of the parabola (A ) and the receiver-transmitter (B) carried by the moving vehicle.

There are one or more toric levels (8.1, 8.2, 8.3) fixed laterally to the second arm (3.2) and easily visible by an operator on the ground next to the vehicle.

In particular, each level (8.1, 8.2, 8.3) is fixed on the second arm (3.2) so as to be horizontal and centered when the parabolic satellite antenna has the correct elevation for a given satellite, or a group of satellites, relative to a certain latitude.

The new support for parabolic satellite antennas, constituted as described above, has considerable advantages.

The new support is much more stable than the known supports for satellite antennas. The new support requires little time for its assembly, as it is sufficient to secure the fixing structure (1) to the vehicle roof or to the side rails on the vehicle roof.

The new support mounted on the vehicle, together with the parabola (A) and the receiver-transmitter (B) in the closed position, has a very low height compared to the known supports and antennas currently on the market.

The new support has an excellent aerodynamic structure obtaining a reduction of the influence of the wind when the vehicle is in motion.

The various vital parts of the satellite antenna, typically the dish (A) and the receiver-transmitter (B), are completely protected by the front protection screen (4) in case of impact with insects, birds or projected objects.

The new support has a very light structure that allows the installation of the satellite antenna even on small-medium sized vehicles without compromising the stability of the vehicle or the strength of the vehicle structure.

The new support uses a reduced number of parts and mechanisms for its assembly, installation and use as well as a reduced number of simple electronic parts.

The new support, constituted as described above, has a reduced electrical consumption.

The new support, thanks to one or more toric bubbles, makes it possible to carry out sight or initial aiming in a practical, efficient way and without having to climb onto the roof of the vehicle or intervene directly manually on the support members. It is also possible to provide a camera aimed at said bubbles to see the correct inclination of the antenna from inside the vehicle. to the substance of the innovative concept.

Therefore, with reference to the preceding description and to the attached table, the following claims are expressed.

Claims (3)

CLAIMS 1. Support for parabolic satellite antennas characterized by the fact of including: - a fixing structure (1) to the vehicle roof; - a rotation washer (2.1, 2.2) around the vertical axis, comprising a first guide ring (2.1) joined to said fixing structure (1) and a second ring (2.2) coupled with said first ring (2.1) and rotating concentrically to said first guide ring (2.1), and where a plate (6) is fixed on said second ring (2.2) on which two or more hinge supports (7) are fixed directly or indirectly; - one or more first arms (3.1), hinged to said hinge supports (7), able to support the parabola (A) and allow its inclination from a closed position, in which it is lowered generically parallel to the vehicle roof and with the concavity facing downwards, to an open position, in which it is raised to the position of use, said first arms (3.1) having contact surfaces or portions (3.a) with one or more second arms (3.2); - one or more second arms (3.2), hinged to said hinge supports (7), able to support the receiver-transmitter (B) at an adequate distance from the parabola (A) and allow its inclination from a closed position, in which It is lowered on the turntable (2.1, 2.2), to an open position, in which the receiver-transmitter (B) is raised and correctly positioned with respect to the dish (A), said second arms (3.2) having surfaces or portions of contact (3.a) with said first arms (3.1); - a first servomechanism with gearmotors (5.1) adapted to rotate said upper rotating ring (2.2) of said fifth wheel (2.1, 2.2) on said first guide ring (2.1), - a second servomechanism with gearmotors (5.2) operates the rotation and lifting-lowering of the first and second arms (3.1, 3.2) of the receiver-transmitter (B) and of the parabola (A), and where the lifting rotation of the first arms ( 3.1) brings the contact surfaces or portions (3.a) of said first arms (3.1) to rest on the contact surfaces or portions (3.b) of the second arms (3.2) when the angle and position between the first arms (3.1) relating to the parabola (A) and the second arms (3.2) relating to the receiver-transmitter (B) is optimal for the operation of the parabolic satellite antenna, and where the further lifting rotation of the first arms (3.1 ) also raises the second arms (3.2) maintaining the correct position and angle between the dish (A) and the receiverâ € “transmitter (B). 2. Support for parabolic satellite antennas, as per claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an appendix (3.3) hinged to said second arms (3.2) to which receiver-transmitter (B) is fixed, and where said appendix (3.3 ) Is able to rotate from a position substantially aligned with said second arms (3.2) when the second arms (3.2) themselves are lowered on said fifth wheel (2.1, 2.2) to a position with correct angle relative to the parabola (A) when said first and second arms (3.1, 3.2) are raised to the position of use. 3. Support for parabolic satellite antennas, as per the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a protection screen (4) arranged on its side facing the front of the vehicle, and where said front protection screen (4) is arched and inclined with respect to the roof and to the vertical direction so as to constitute an inclined screen such as to deviate upwards beyond the parabola (A) and the receiver-transmitter (B) both the air and any bodies on the path of the parabola ( A) and the receiver-transmitter (B) themselves. 4. Support for parabolic satellite antennas, as per the previous claims, characterized by the fact of comprising one or more toric levels (8.1, 8.2, 8.3) fixed laterally to the second arms (3.2) and easily visible by an operator on the ground next to the vehicle , and where each level (8.1, 8.2, 8. 3) It is fixed on the second arms (3.2) so as to be horizontal and centered when the parabolic satellite antenna has the correct elevation for a given satellite, or a group of satellites, relative to a given latitude. 5. Support for parabolic satellite antennas, as per the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises lighting systems for said toric levels (8.1, 8.2, 8.3). 6. Support for parabolic satellite antennas, as per the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises one or more framing micro-cameras called toric levels (8.1, 8.2, 8.3), and where said micro-cameras are connected to a viewer in an easily accessible position and / or repaired. 7. Support for parabolic satellite antennas, as per the previous claims, characterized by the fact that said servomechanisms with gearmotors (5.1, 5.2) are connected and controlled by an automatic system with detection of the GPS position and of the vehicle inclination so as to determine and automatically set the initial antenna pointing.