Device for Conveying Signals for Mobile Antenna Positioner

• US 20110095959A1
• Filed: 12/16/2008
• Published: 04/28/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 12/21/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Thales SA
• Original Assignee: Thales SA
• Inventors: Schertz, Thierry, Vignolle, Eric
• Granted Patent: US 8,547,290 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 343/884
• CPC Class Codes: H01P 1/022 in waveguides of polygonal cross-section H01P1/065 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 19/12 wherein the surfaces are concave H01Q19/18 takes precedence

Abstract

A device for conveying signals for a mobile antenna positioner includes a waveguide with a conductive structure, a first end of which is connected to the antenna, a second end being connected to the mount of the positioner. The waveguide has a continuous structure, each of its ends being attached by means allowing a range of movement of the waveguide in order to limit the bending forces of the guide and to reduce the force applied to the attachment means during the movements of the positioner. The invention applies notably to communication systems with mobile antennas, and more particularly to the production of antenna stations including antenna positioners with a wide range of movement in relative bearing.

Claims

1. A device for conveying signals for a positioner of a mobile antenna with a wide range of movement in relative bearing, said device comprising a waveguide with a conductive structure, a first end of which is connected to the antenna, a second end being connected to the mount of the positioner, wherein the waveguide has a continuous structure, each of its ends being attached by means allowing a range of movement of the waveguide in order to limit the bending forces of said guide during the movements of the positioner.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the antenna positioner is a positioner for an antenna of the pantograph type.

3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for attaching the waveguide comprise at least one support, immobilization means and one or more swivel-joint assemblies attached to said support, the end of the waveguide being kept substantially immobile relative to the support by the immobilization means, the waveguide being inserted in said swivel-joint assemblies in order to stabilize the waveguide while conferring a range of movement thereon.

4. The device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one spring, the spring being held against the waveguide by several cable ties.

5. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the signals conveyed by the waveguide are microwave signals.

6. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the waveguide is electroformed and made of an alloy comprising beryllium and copper.

7. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the waveguide has a bellows structure.

8. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner wall of the waveguide is smooth and comprises no roughness or aperture.