Device for conveying signals for mobile antenna positioner
A device for conveying signals for a mobile antenna positioner is provided. The device comprises a waveguide with a conductive structure including a first end connected to the antenna, and a second end 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 and to reduce the force applied to the attachment means during the movements of the positioner. The device applies notably to communication systems with mobile antennas, and more particularly to the production of antenna stations comprising antenna positioners with a wide range of movement in relative bearing.
1. A device for conveying microwave signals for a positioner of a mobile antenna with a wide range of movement in relative bearing, said device comprising:
a fixed portion;
a mobile portion operatively coupled to the fixed portion, the mobile portion being operative to independently rotate the antenna about an X-axis and a Y-axis relative to the fixed portion, the Y-axis being subject to rotary movement of the X-axis, the X-axis being distinct from the Y-axis; and
a waveguide with a conductive structure, a first end of which is connected to the antenna, a second end being connected to a mount of a positioner for the antenna,
wherein the waveguide has a continuous structure including at least one swivel-joint coupling the waveguide to the fixed portion, the waveguide including substantially an S-shape to accommodate a wide range of movement, and
wherein each of the first end and the second end of the waveguide is attached to either the antenna or the positioner by means for attaching the waveguide that allows a range of movement of the waveguide in order to limit bending forces of said waveguide during movements of the positioner.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the antenna positioner includes a pantograph mechanism.
3. The device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the means for attaching the waveguide includes
at least one support attached to the at least one swivel joint, and
immobilization means,
wherein either the first end or the second end of the waveguide is held substantially immobile relative to the support by the immobilization means, and
wherein the waveguide is inserted in said at least one swivel-joint in order to stabilize the waveguide while conferring a range of movement thereon.
4. The device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the signals conveyed by the waveguide are microwave signals.
5. The device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the waveguide is made of an alloy comprising beryllium and copper using an electroforming process.
6. The device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the waveguide has a bellows structure.
7. The device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein an inner wall of the waveguide is smooth and includes no roughness or aperture.
8. The device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the antenna has infinite rotational coverage of a rage-of-movement zone of the positioner about the X-axis.