EP0462863A1 - Travelling-wave tube with a coupling arrangement between its slow-wave circuit and an external microwave circuit - Google Patents

Travelling-wave tube with a coupling arrangement between its slow-wave circuit and an external microwave circuit Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0462863A1
EP0462863A1 EP91401494A EP91401494A EP0462863A1 EP 0462863 A1 EP0462863 A1 EP 0462863A1 EP 91401494 A EP91401494 A EP 91401494A EP 91401494 A EP91401494 A EP 91401494A EP 0462863 A1 EP0462863 A1 EP 0462863A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
delay line
wave tube
traveling wave
tube according
support portion
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP91401494A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Joel Le Fur
Pierre Nugues
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Thales Electron Devices SA
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Thomson Tubes Electroniques
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Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of EP0462863A1 publication Critical patent/EP0462863A1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J23/00—Details of transit-time tubes of the types covered by group H01J25/00
    • H01J23/36—Coupling devices having distributed capacitance and inductance, structurally associated with the tube, for introducing or removing wave energy
    • H01J23/40—Coupling devices having distributed capacitance and inductance, structurally associated with the tube, for introducing or removing wave energy to or from the interaction circuit
    • H01J23/42—Coupling devices having distributed capacitance and inductance, structurally associated with the tube, for introducing or removing wave energy to or from the interaction circuit the interaction circuit being a helix or a helix-derived slow-wave structure
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J23/00—Details of transit-time tubes of the types covered by group H01J25/00
    • H01J23/16—Circuit elements, having distributed capacitance and inductance, structurally associated with the tube and interacting with the discharge
    • H01J23/24—Slow-wave structures, e.g. delay systems
    • H01J23/26—Helical slow-wave structures; Adjustment therefor
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J23/00—Details of transit-time tubes of the types covered by group H01J25/00
    • H01J23/36—Coupling devices having distributed capacitance and inductance, structurally associated with the tube, for introducing or removing wave energy
    • H01J23/40—Coupling devices having distributed capacitance and inductance, structurally associated with the tube, for introducing or removing wave energy to or from the interaction circuit
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J23/00—Details of transit-time tubes of the types covered by group H01J25/00
    • H01J23/36—Coupling devices having distributed capacitance and inductance, structurally associated with the tube, for introducing or removing wave energy
    • H01J23/40—Coupling devices having distributed capacitance and inductance, structurally associated with the tube, for introducing or removing wave energy to or from the interaction circuit
    • H01J23/48—Coupling devices having distributed capacitance and inductance, structurally associated with the tube, for introducing or removing wave energy to or from the interaction circuit for linking interaction circuit with coaxial lines; Devices of the coupled helices type
    • H01J23/50—Coupling devices having distributed capacitance and inductance, structurally associated with the tube, for introducing or removing wave energy to or from the interaction circuit for linking interaction circuit with coaxial lines; Devices of the coupled helices type the interaction circuit being a helix or derived from a helix

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a traveling wave tube provided with a coupling device between its delay line and an external microwave circuit.
  • the invention is particularly applicable to power, wideband traveling wave tubes, the delay line of which has the shape of a helix or a shape derived from the helix.
  • the supports are in the form of sticks. These sticks are often made of quartz, alumina, glucine or boron nitride. They are either tightened or brazed with the delay line and the sheath. This arrangement is at the origin of a limitation of the operating band of the traveling wave tube towards the high frequencies.
  • the traveling wave tube is generally connected to the external microwave circuits, on the input side of the delay line as well as on the output side, via a connecting member.
  • this connecting member On the entry side, this connecting member, allowing the injection of microwave energy, generally has the structure of a coaxial line, the level of energy to be injected being low.
  • this connecting member On the output side of the delay line, this connecting member, ensuring the extraction of the amplified microwave energy, has either the structure of a coaxial line or the structure of a molded waveguide, according to the level of energy to be extracted.
  • a device for coupling between the delay line of a traveling wave tube and the external microwave circuits is known, for example, from French Patent No. 2,485,801 filed on June 27, 1980.
  • the external microwave circuits each include a transmission line having an internal conductive core.
  • the connection between the delay line and the transmission line is made by means of a coupling finger which is secured on one side of the internal conductive core and on the other of the end of the line to delay.
  • the two parts are then mechanically dependent.
  • difficulties are encountered in making the junction between the coupling finger at the end of the delay line.
  • the dimensions of the coupling finger and the delay line are small.
  • the measurements to be carried out to check the conformity of the traveling wave tube can only take place after the junction has been made. This junction is generally a solder, it is non-removable. In the event of a defect in one of the parts used in the composition of the delay line, in the external microwave circuits, or in the focusing device, the entire assembly will be rejected.
  • a coupling device without contact, between the delay line and the external microwave circuits.
  • a conductive part is brazed at one end of the sheath, it has a coupling finger fixed to the corresponding end of the delay line.
  • the internal conductive core of the transmission line has one end situated opposite the external surface of the conductive part. It is through the outer surface of the conductive part that the electromagnetic coupling takes place between the delay line and the internal conductive core.
  • the present invention aims to remedy the drawbacks caused by the mechanically dependent assembly between the delay line and internal conductive core. It retains the advantages provided by contactless coupling and it reduces and / or simplifies machining, mounting and soldering operations, by eliminating the conductive part having the coupling finger fixed to the end of the delay line.
  • the end of the delay line is directly connected to one of the supports intended to hold it in the sheath.
  • This support is conductive.
  • the connection of the end of the delay line to the support can be done by soldering for example, before introduction into the sheath. The reliability of the solder can be checked before introduction into the sheath.
  • the present invention provides a traveling wave tube comprising a delay line held in a cylindrical conductive sheath by conductive supports and an external microwave circuit coupled by capacitive effect to the delay line, the microwave circuit comprising a transmission line having a core.
  • internal conductor disposed near one end of the delay line, characterized in that a dielectric layer is interposed between the delay line and the supports and in that the end of the delay line is connected to a portion of one of the supports, this support portion being disposed opposite the internal conductive core.
  • the end of the delay line can be brazed to the support portion.
  • the sheath can include a notch which releases an empty space around the support portion connected to the end of the delay line.
  • the sheath can cover the support portion connected to the end of the delay line.
  • the support portion connected to the end of the delay line comprises two perpendicular wings, the first being in the extension of the support, the second surmounting the first and being attached to the end of the delay line.
  • the sheath has two longitudinal slots, oriented radially, arranged on either side of the support portion connected to the end of the delay line.
  • the delay line will preferably be a helix. It can be soldered to the dielectric layer.
  • the conductive supports could be one-piece ribs with the sheath, projecting towards the inside of the sheath.
  • the transmission line may advantageously be a molded waveguide or a coaxial line.
  • a watertight microwave window can be inserted between the support portion connected to the end of the delay line and the internal conductive core.
  • FIG. 1 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of a traveling wave tube according to the prior art.
  • FIG. 2 is a cross section in the plane AA ′ of the tube shown in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 1 is also a longitudinal section in the plane BB ′ of FIG. 2.
  • the traveling wave tube comprises a delay line 1 and an external circuit 10 for extracting microwave energy.
  • the delay line 1 comprises a propeller 2 of axis XX ′, of copper for example, which is held in the center of a cylindrical conductive sheath 3 by three insulating supports 4, offset by 120 ° one relative to the other.
  • the supports 4 are rods and they have a trapezoidal cross section. They can be, for example quartz, alumina, glucin or boron nitride. They are clamped or brazed on the propeller 2.
  • Each support 4 is advantageously inserted in a groove 17 hollowed out in the internal wall of the sleeve 3.
  • the external microwave circuit 10 for extracting the microwave energy comprises, in FIGS. 1 and 2, a transmission line 6 in molded waveguide having an internal conductive core.
  • the transmission line 6 is coupled to the delay line 1.
  • the molded waveguide is a rectangular waveguide. It is arranged transversely to the axis XX ′ until it is in contact with the sheath 3. It has a body 7 and a cover 8.
  • the body 7 has an E-shaped section comprising a bottom 9, two walls 11 perpendicular at the bottom 9 and a molding 12 equidistant from the two walls 11.
  • the molding 12 serves as an internal conductive core.
  • a focuser surrounds the sheath 3; he was not represented.
  • the coupling between the delay line 1 and the transmission line 6 is carried out by means of a conductive part 13.
  • This conductive part 13 is fixed to the end of the delay line 1 on the side of the external extraction circuit 10 microwave energy.
  • a coupling finger 14 is integral with the ring.
  • the coupling finger 14 protrudes towards the inside of the sleeve 3 and is brazed at the end of the propeller 2.
  • a notch 15 is formed in the sleeve 3, near the coupling finger 14, to clear an empty space around room 13.
  • a narrow gap 16 is arranged between the end of the molding 12 placed on the side of the delay line 1 and the outer surface of the conductive part 13.
  • the electromagnetic shutdown is ensured by capacitive effect, without contact, between the surface outside of the conductive part 13 and the molding 12.
  • the conductive part 13 and the transmission line 6 are mechanically independent.
  • Figure 3 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of a traveling wave tube according to the invention.
  • the figure 4 is a cross section in the plane AA ′ of the tube shown in FIG. 3.
  • FIG. 3 is also a longitudinal section in the plane BB ′ of FIG. 4.
  • the delay line 1 comprises a propeller 2 of axis XX ′ which is held in the center of the conductive sheath 3 by three conductive supports 20, 21.
  • the microwave circuit 10 for extracting the microwave energy comprises a transmission line 6 in waveguide having a molding 12 as described in FIGS. 1 and 2. The transmission line is located near the end of the propeller 2 shown in FIG. 3.
  • the three supports 20,21 are offset by 120 °.
  • a dielectric layer 22 is interposed between the propeller 2 and the supports 20, 21. This dielectric ensures the insulation of the propeller 2, alumina can be used.
  • the end of the propeller 2 is connected to a portion of one of the supports 21.
  • This support portion 21 faces the internal conductive core 12 of the transmission line 6.
  • the support portion 21 and l internal conductive core 12 are mechanically independent.
  • connection 23 can be made by soldering or laser welding for example.
  • the connection 23 is direct with the support portion 21.
  • the support portion 21 connected to the end of the propeller 2 is bare, without dielectric.
  • the support portion 21, connected to the propeller 2 contributes to the coupling between the propeller 2 and the conductive core 12 of the transmission line 6.
  • the sleeve 3 may have a notch 25 to clear an empty space around the support portion 21 connected to the end of the propeller 2.
  • An interval 16 separates the molding 12 from the outer surface of the support portion 21.
  • the electromagnetic coupling is provided by capacitive effect between the outer surface of the support portion 21 and the molding 12.
  • the support portion 21 plays the same role as the conductive part provided with the finger coupling of known art.
  • the supports 20, 21 have the form of rods of rectangular cross section. Their cross section could have been trapezoidal. They will preferably be made of metal, copper or one of its alloys, for example. They can be tightened or brazed to the sheath 3.
  • Each support 20, 21 can be inserted in a groove 24 hollowed out in the internal wall of the sleeve 3. These grooves 24 facilitate the mounting of the propeller 2 in the sleeve 3. It could be envisaged that the supports 20, 21 are in one piece with the sheath 3 and that they have the form of ribs projecting towards the inside of the sheath 3.
  • the sheath 3 is not cut and in this case, the interval 16 will be arranged between the outer surface of the sheath 3 and the molding 12.
  • the support 21 conductor is in contact with the sheath 3 over its entire length.
  • the sheath 3 also contributes to the coupling between the delay line and the internal conductive core.
  • the standing wave ratio obtained in a pass band greater than the octave is less than 1.7.
  • FIG. 5 is a longitudinal section in the plane BB ′ of FIG. 6 and FIG. 6 is a cross section in the plane AA ′ of FIG. 5.
  • the supports 20, 21 are rods of rectangular cross section. We can give an appropriate shape to the support portion 21 connected to the end of the propeller 2 and facing the molding 12. This appropriate shape allows the impedance adaptation and is chosen according to the frequencies and the bandwidth that we want to obtain. It is thus possible to add or remove material from the support portion 21.
  • the support portion 21 comprises two wings 50, 51 perpendicular planes.
  • a first wing 50 of rectangular shape is in the extension of the support 21; it is less thick than the support 21 but it protrudes on either side of the support 21.
  • the second wing 51 surmounts the first wing 50.
  • the second wing 51 is fixed, for example by soldering, to the propeller 2.
  • the sheath 3 always has a notch 25 which gives off an empty space around the support portion 21.
  • FIG. 7 is a longitudinal section in the plane BB ′ of FIG. 8 and FIG. 8 a cross section in the plane AA ′ of FIG. 7.
  • the sheath 3 has approximately the same length as the support 21. Now it has two slots 70, 71 substantially longitudinal, in radial direction, completely passing through the wall of the sheath 3.
  • the slots 70, 71 are arranged on either side of the support 21.
  • the depth of the slots 70, 71 is substantially equal to the height of the molding 12.
  • This shape given to the sleeve 3 improves the heat dissipation between the propeller 2 and the outside of the sleeve, through the support 21.
  • the sleeve 3 and the support 21 remain in close contact over their entire length.
  • the end of the propeller 2 is particularly subject to temperature rises because we are at the outlet of the tube.
  • FIGS. 9 and 10 respectively represent partial views, in longitudinal and transverse section of a traveling wave tube according to the invention.
  • FIG. 9 is a longitudinal section in the plane BB ′ of FIG. 10 and
  • FIG. 10 a cross section in the plane AA ′ of FIG. 9.
  • the transmission line is now a coaxial line 90. It comprises a central conductor 91 and an external conductor 92 in the form of coaxial cylinders. The central conductor 91 and full. The two conductors 91, 92 are separated by a dielectric 93.
  • the coupling is now made between the delay line 1 and the central conductor.
  • the supports 20, 21 conductors are in one piece with the sheath 3. They have the form of ribs, projecting inwards relative to the inner wall of the sheath 3. The sheath 3 provided with the ribs can then be produced by broaching, by example.
  • a portion of a support 21 is connected directly to the end of the helix 2. This support portion 21 is placed opposite the central conductor 91 of the coaxial line 90.
  • a layer of dielectric 22 is interposed between the supports 20 , 21 and the helix 2.
  • the dielectric layer can be continuous or discontinuous. It isolates the helix 2 from the conductive supports 20, 21.
  • the sheath 3 has a notch 25 so as to leave an empty space around the support portion 21 connected to the end of the helix 2.
  • a microwave window 94 extends between the outer surface of the support portion 21 and the end of the central conductor 91.
  • This microwave window 94 is permeable to microwave energy and impermeable to gases. It is tightly attached to the traveling wave tube.
  • the use of a microwave window has been described, for example, in patent application 88 13342 filed on October 11, 1988.
  • the other end of the propeller located at the input of the delay line, can be coupled in the same way to a transmission line allowing the injection of microwave energy.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a travelling-wave tube including a delay line (1) held in a cylindrical conductive sheath (3) by conductive supports (20, 21) and an external microwave circuit (10) coupled to the delay line (1) by capacitive effect. The microwave circuit (10) includes an internal conductive core (12) arranged close to one end of the delay line (1). A dielectric layer (22) is interposed between the delay line (1) and the supports (20, 21). The end of the delay line (1) is connected to a portion of one of the supports (21). This portion of support (21) is arranged facing the internal conductive core (12). Application to wide band travelling-wave power tubes. <IMAGE>

Description

La présente invention concerne un tube à ondes progressives muni d'un dispositif de couplage entre sa ligne à retard et un circuit hyperfréquence externe.The present invention relates to a traveling wave tube provided with a coupling device between its delay line and an external microwave circuit.

L'invention s'applique particulièrement aux tubes à ondes progressives de puissance, à large bande, dont la ligne à retard a la forme d'une hélice ou une forme dérivée de l'hélice.The invention is particularly applicable to power, wideband traveling wave tubes, the delay line of which has the shape of a helix or a shape derived from the helix.

Un tube à ondes progressives de ce type se compose principalement :

  • d'un canon destiné à émettre un faisceau d'électrons selon une direction sensiblement rectiligne,
  • d'une ligne à retard disposée en aval du canon à électrons, contenue dans un fourreau métallique cylindrique qui lui est concentrique. La ligne à retard est centrée dans le fourreau par des supports. Le faisceau d'électrons traverse de bout en bout la ligne à retard. C'est dans le fourreau que s'effectue l'interaction entre les électrons et une onde hyperfréquence guidée par la ligne à retard. La ligne à retard est munie d'un dispositif d'injection et d'un dispositif d'extraction de l'énergie hyperfréquence. Le fourreau est généralement porté à une masse.
  • d'un focalisateur à aimants permanents, concentrique au fourreau, s'étendant sur toute la longueur de la ligne à retard. Le focalisateur crée dans le fourreau, un champ magnétique ayant pour effet de maintenir rectiligne les trajectoires des électrons du faisceau ;
  • d'un collecteur destiné à recueillir le faisceau d'électrons, en aval de la ligne à retard.
A traveling wave tube of this type mainly consists of:
  • a gun intended to emit an electron beam in a substantially rectilinear direction,
  • a delay line arranged downstream of the electron gun, contained in a cylindrical metallic sheath which is concentric with it. The delay line is centered in the sheath by supports. The electron beam crosses the delay line from end to end. It is in the sheath that the interaction takes place between the electrons and a microwave guided by the delay line. The delay line is provided with an injection device and a device for extracting microwave energy. The scabbard is generally worn at a mass.
  • a permanent magnet focuser, concentric with the sheath, extending over the entire length of the delay line. The focuser creates in the sheath, a magnetic field having the effect of keeping the trajectories of the beam's electrons straight;
  • a collector intended to collect the electron beam, downstream of the delay line.

Les supports ont la forme de bâtonnets. Ces bâtonnets sont bien souvent en quartz, en alumine, en glucine ou en nitrure de bore. Ils sont soit serrés, soit brasés à la ligne à retard et au fourreau. Cette disposition est à l'origine d'une limitation de la bande de fonctionnement du tube à ondes progressives vers les hautes fréquences.The supports are in the form of sticks. These sticks are often made of quartz, alumina, glucine or boron nitride. They are either tightened or brazed with the delay line and the sheath. This arrangement is at the origin of a limitation of the operating band of the traveling wave tube towards the high frequencies.

Pour élargir la bande, on a proposé d'utiliser comme supports, des éléments métalliques en saillie vers l'intérieur par rapport à la paroi interne du fourreau. On les recouvre d'une couche de diélectrique. Cette structure a été proposée par la demanderesse dans la demande de brevet français 89 07 081 déposée le 30 mai 1989. Cette disposition assure un fonctionnement à très large bande du tube à ondes progressives ainsi qu'un bon refroidissement de la ligne à retard.To widen the strip, it has been proposed to use as supports, metal elements projecting inwardly relative to the internal wall of the sheath. They are covered with a dielectric layer. This structure was proposed by the applicant in French patent application 89 07 081 filed on May 30, 1989. This arrangement ensures very wide band operation of the traveling wave tube as well as good cooling of the delay line.

Le tube à ondes progressives est généralement relié aux circuits hyperfréquences externes, du côté de l'entrée de la ligne à retard comme du côté de sa sortie, par l'intermédiaire d'un organe de liaison. Du côté de l'entrée, cet organe de liaison, permettant l'injection de l'énergie hyperfréquence, a généralement la strurture d'une ligne coaxiale, le niveau d'énergie à injecter étant faible. Du côté de la sortie de la ligne à retard, cet organe de liaison, assurant l'extraction de l'énergie hyperfréquence amplifiée, a soit la structure d'une ligne coaxiale, soit la structure d'un guide d'onde mouluré, selon le niveau de l'énergie à extraire.The traveling wave tube is generally connected to the external microwave circuits, on the input side of the delay line as well as on the output side, via a connecting member. On the entry side, this connecting member, allowing the injection of microwave energy, generally has the structure of a coaxial line, the level of energy to be injected being low. On the output side of the delay line, this connecting member, ensuring the extraction of the amplified microwave energy, has either the structure of a coaxial line or the structure of a molded waveguide, according to the level of energy to be extracted.

Un dispositif de couplage entre la ligne à retard d'un tube à ondes progressives et les circuits hyperfréquences externes est connu par exemple par le brevet français n° 2 485 801 déposé le 27 juin 1980.A device for coupling between the delay line of a traveling wave tube and the external microwave circuits is known, for example, from French Patent No. 2,485,801 filed on June 27, 1980.

Dans ce brevet les circuits hyperfréquences externes comprennent chacun une ligne de transmission possédant une âme conductrice interne. La liaison entre la ligne à retard et la ligne de transmission se fait par l'intermédiaire d'un doigt de couplage qui est solidaire d'un côté de l'âme conductrice interne et de l'autre de l'extrémité de la ligne à retard. Les deux pièces sont alors mécaniquement dépendantes. On rencontre, au cours du montage du tube à ondes progressives, des difficultés à effectuer la jonction entre le doigt de couplage à l'extrêmité de la ligne à retard. Les dimensions du doigt de couplage et de la ligne à retard sont faibles. Les mesures à effectuer pour vérifier la conformité du tube à ondes progressives, ne peuvent avoir lieu qu'après la réalisation de la jonction. Cette jonction étant généralement une brasure, elle est indémontable. En cas de défaut de l'une des pièces entrant dans la composition de la ligne à retard, ales circuits hyperfréquences externes, ou du focalisateur, tout l'ensemble sera rejeté.In this patent, the external microwave circuits each include a transmission line having an internal conductive core. The connection between the delay line and the transmission line is made by means of a coupling finger which is secured on one side of the internal conductive core and on the other of the end of the line to delay. The two parts are then mechanically dependent. During the mounting of the traveling wave tube, difficulties are encountered in making the junction between the coupling finger at the end of the delay line. The dimensions of the coupling finger and the delay line are small. The measurements to be carried out to check the conformity of the traveling wave tube can only take place after the junction has been made. This junction is generally a solder, it is non-removable. In the event of a defect in one of the parts used in the composition of the delay line, in the external microwave circuits, or in the focusing device, the entire assembly will be rejected.

On connaît aussi, par la demande de brevet européen numéro 0 341 107 déposée le 14 avril 1989, un dispositif de couplage, sans contact, entre la ligne à retard et les circuits hyperfréquences externes. Pour cela, une pièce conductrice est brasée à une extrémité du fourreau, elle possède un doigt de couplage fixé à l'extrémité correspondante de la ligne à retard. L'âme conductrice interne de la ligne de transmission a une extrémité située en regard de la surface extérieure de la pièce conductrice. C'est par la surface extérieure de la pièce conductrice que se fait le couplage électromagnétique entre la ligne à retard et l'âme conductrice interne.Also known, from European patent application number 0 341 107 filed on April 14, 1989, a coupling device, without contact, between the delay line and the external microwave circuits. For this, a conductive part is brazed at one end of the sheath, it has a coupling finger fixed to the corresponding end of the delay line. The internal conductive core of the transmission line has one end situated opposite the external surface of the conductive part. It is through the outer surface of the conductive part that the electromagnetic coupling takes place between the delay line and the internal conductive core.

Au cours du montage, il est possible de repérer les éventuels défauts des éléments entrant dans la composition soit de la ligne à retard, soit du focalisateur, soit des circuits hyperfréquences externes car il est possible de faire des mesures avant l'assemblage définitif. Mais la liaison de la ligne à retard au doigt de couplage, par soudure laser est délicate à réaliser et ne peut se faire que lorsque la ligne à retard entourée des supports isolants a été introduite dans le fourreau. L'adaptation du doigt de couplage doit être réalisée au préalable.During assembly, it is possible to identify any defects in the elements entering into the composition either of the delay line, or of the focusing device, or of external microwave circuits because it is possible to make measurements before the final assembly. But the connection of the delay line to the coupling finger, by laser welding is difficult to achieve and can only be done when the delay line surrounded by the insulating supports has been introduced into the sheath. The adaptation of the coupling finger must be carried out beforehand.

La présente invention vise à remédier aux inconvénients provoqués par l'assemblage mécaniquement dépendant entre la ligne à retard et l'âme conductrice interne. Elle conserve les avantages apportés par le couplage sans contact et elle réduit et/ou simplifie les opérations d'usinage, de montage et de brasage, en supprimant la pièce conductrice possédant le doigt de couplage fixé à l'extrémité de la ligne à retard.The present invention aims to remedy the drawbacks caused by the mechanically dependent assembly between the delay line and internal conductive core. It retains the advantages provided by contactless coupling and it reduces and / or simplifies machining, mounting and soldering operations, by eliminating the conductive part having the coupling finger fixed to the end of the delay line.

L'extrémité de la ligne à retard est directement connectée sur un des supports destiné à la maintenir dans le fourreau. Ce support est conducteur. La connexion de l'extrémité de la ligne à retard au support peut se faire par brasage par exemple, avant l'introduction dans le fourreau. La fiabilité de la brasure peut être vérifiée avant l'introduction dans le fourreau.The end of the delay line is directly connected to one of the supports intended to hold it in the sheath. This support is conductive. The connection of the end of the delay line to the support can be done by soldering for example, before introduction into the sheath. The reliability of the solder can be checked before introduction into the sheath.

La présente invention propose un tube à ondes progressives comportant une ligne à retard maintenue dans un fourreau conducteur cylindrique par des supports conducteurs et un circuit hyperfréquence externe couplé par effet capacitif à la ligne à retard, le circuit hyperfréquence comprenant une ligne de transmission possédant une âme conductrice interne disposée à proximité d'une extrémité de la ligne à retard, caractérisé en ce qu'une couche de diélectrique est interposée entre la ligne à retard et les supports et en ce que l'extrémité de la ligne à retard est connectée à une portion de l'un des supports, cette portion de support étant disposée en face de l'âme conductrice interne.The present invention provides a traveling wave tube comprising a delay line held in a cylindrical conductive sheath by conductive supports and an external microwave circuit coupled by capacitive effect to the delay line, the microwave circuit comprising a transmission line having a core. internal conductor disposed near one end of the delay line, characterized in that a dielectric layer is interposed between the delay line and the supports and in that the end of the delay line is connected to a portion of one of the supports, this support portion being disposed opposite the internal conductive core.

L'extrémité de la ligne à retard peut être brasée à la portion de support.The end of the delay line can be brazed to the support portion.

Selon un mode de construction, le fourreau peut comporter une encoche qui dégage un espace vide autour de la portion de support connectée à l'extrémité de la ligne à retard.According to one mode of construction, the sheath can include a notch which releases an empty space around the support portion connected to the end of the delay line.

Selon un autre mode de construction, le fourreau peut recouvrir la portion de support connectée à l'extrémité de la ligne à retard.According to another embodiment, the sheath can cover the support portion connected to the end of the delay line.

Selon un troisième mode de construction, la portion de support connectée à l'extrémité de la ligne à retard comporte deux ailes perpendiculaires, la première étant dans le prolongement du support, la deuxième surmontant la première et étant fixée à l'extrémité de la ligne à retard. Selon un quatrième mode de réalisation le fourreau comporte deux fentes longitudinales, orientées radialement, disposées de part et d'autre de la portion de support connectée à l'extrémité de la ligne à retard.According to a third construction method, the support portion connected to the end of the delay line comprises two perpendicular wings, the first being in the extension of the support, the second surmounting the first and being attached to the end of the delay line. According to a fourth embodiment, the sheath has two longitudinal slots, oriented radially, arranged on either side of the support portion connected to the end of the delay line.

Ces deux derniers modes de construction permettent l'adaptation du couplage entre la ligne à retard et la ligne de transmission.These last two construction modes allow the adaptation of the coupling between the delay line and the transmission line.

La ligne à retard sera de préférence une hélice. Elle peut être brasée à la couche de diélectrique. Les supports conducteurs pourraient être des nervures monoblocs avec le fourreau, faisant saillie vers l'intérieur du fourreau.The delay line will preferably be a helix. It can be soldered to the dielectric layer. The conductive supports could be one-piece ribs with the sheath, projecting towards the inside of the sheath.

La ligne de transmission pourra être avantageusement un guide d'onde mouluré ou une ligne coaxiale.The transmission line may advantageously be a molded waveguide or a coaxial line.

Une fenêtre hyperfréquence étanche peut être insérée entre la portion de support connectée à l'extrémité de la ligne à retard et l'âme conductrice interne.A watertight microwave window can be inserted between the support portion connected to the end of the delay line and the internal conductive core.

L'invention va être expliquée plus en détail dans ce qui suit, au moyen de la description suivante faite en référence aux dessins annexés parmi lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en coupe longitudinale partielle d'un tube à ondes progressives selon l'art antérieur utilisant un dispositif de couplage sans contact entre une ligne à retard en hélice et un guide d'onde mouluré;
  • la figure 2 est une vue en coupe transversale du tube à ondes progressives représenté sur la figure 1;
  • la figure 3 est une vue en coupe longitudinale partielle d'un tube à ondes progressives selon l'invention, utilisant un dispositif de couplage sans contact entre une ligne à retard en hélice et un guide d'onde mouluré;
  • la figure 4 est une vue en coupe transversale du tube à ondes progressives représenté à la figure 3;
  • la figure 5 est une vue en coupe longitudinale partielle d'un tube à ondes progressives selon l'invention, utilisant une variante du dispositif de couplage sans contact;
  • la figure 6 est une vue en coupe transversale du tube à ondes progressives représenté à la figure 5;
  • la figure 7 est une vue en coupe longitudinale partielle d'un tube à ondes progressives selon l'invention, utilisant une autre variante du dispositif de couplage sans contact;
  • la figure 8 est une vue en coupe transversale du tube à ondes progressives représenté à la figure 7;
  • la figure 9 est une vue en coupe longitudinale partielle d'un tube à ondes progressives, selon l'invention, utilisant un dispositif de couplage étanche entre une ligne à retard en hélice et une ligne coaxiale;
  • la figure 10 est une vue en coupe transversale du tube à ondes progressives représenté à la figure 9.
The invention will be explained in more detail below, by means of the following description made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
  • Figure 1 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of a traveling wave tube according to the prior art using a contactless coupling device between a helical delay line and a molded waveguide;
  • Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the traveling wave tube shown in Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of a traveling wave tube according to the invention, using a contactless coupling device between a helical delay line and a molded waveguide;
  • Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the traveling wave tube shown in Figure 3;
  • Figure 5 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of a traveling wave tube according to the invention, using a variant of the contactless coupling device;
  • Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the traveling wave tube shown in Figure 5;
  • Figure 7 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of a traveling wave tube according to the invention, using another variant of the contactless coupling device;
  • Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the traveling wave tube shown in Figure 7;
  • Figure 9 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of a traveling wave tube, according to the invention, using a sealed coupling device between a helical delay line and a coaxial line;
  • FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the traveling wave tube shown in FIG. 9.

Sur ces figures, les éléments correspondants sont désignés avec les mêmes repères; les côtes des différents éléments ne sont pas respectées dans un souci de clarté.In these figures, the corresponding elements are designated with the same references; the dimensions of the various elements are not respected for the sake of clarity.

La figure 1 est une vue en coupe longitudinale partielle d'un tube à ondes progressives selon l'art antérieur. La figure 2 est une coupe transversale dans le plan AA′ du tube représenté à la figure 1. La figure 1 est aussi une coupe longitudinale dans le plan BB′ de la figure 2.Figure 1 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of a traveling wave tube according to the prior art. FIG. 2 is a cross section in the plane AA ′ of the tube shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is also a longitudinal section in the plane BB ′ of FIG. 2.

Le tube à ondes progressives comprend une ligne à retard 1 et un circuit externe 10 d'extraction de l'énergie hyperfréquence.The traveling wave tube comprises a delay line 1 and an external circuit 10 for extracting microwave energy.

La ligne à retard 1 comporte une hélice 2 d'axe XX′, de cuivre par exemple, qui est maintenue au centre d'un fourreau 3 conducteur cylindrique par trois supports 4 isolants, décalés de 120° l'un par rapport à l'autre. Les supports 4 sont des bâtonnets et ils ont une section droite trapézoïdale. Ils peuvent être, par exemple en quartz, en alumine, en glucine ou en nitrure de bore. Ils sont serrés ou brasés sur l'hélice 2. Chaque support 4 est inséré avantageusement dans une rainure 17 creusée dans la paroi interne du fourreau 3. L'extrémité du fourreau 3 du côté de la sortie de la ligne à retard 1 (extrémité représentée sur la figure 1) aboute une extrêmité d'un conduit 5 cylindrique qui s'étend jusqu'à un collecteur (non représenté). Le circuit hyperfréquence externe 10 d'extraction de l'énergie hyperfréquence comprend, sur les figures 1 et 2, une ligne de transmission 6 en guide d'onde mouluré possédant une âme conductrice interne. La ligne de transmission 6 est couplée à la ligne à retard 1. Le guide d'onde mouluré est un guide d'onde rectangulaire. Il est disposé transversalement à l'axe XX′ jusqu'à être en contact avec le fourreau 3. Il possède un corps 7 et un couvercle 8. Le corps 7 a une section en forme de E comprenant un fond 9, deux parois 11 perpendiculaires au fond 9 et une moulure 12 équidistante des deux parois 11. La moulure 12 sert d'âme conductrice interne.The delay line 1 comprises a propeller 2 of axis XX ′, of copper for example, which is held in the center of a cylindrical conductive sheath 3 by three insulating supports 4, offset by 120 ° one relative to the other. The supports 4 are rods and they have a trapezoidal cross section. They can be, for example quartz, alumina, glucin or boron nitride. They are clamped or brazed on the propeller 2. Each support 4 is advantageously inserted in a groove 17 hollowed out in the internal wall of the sleeve 3. The end of the sleeve 3 on the side of the output of the delay line 1 (end shown in Figure 1) abuts an end a cylindrical conduit 5 which extends to a manifold (not shown). The external microwave circuit 10 for extracting the microwave energy comprises, in FIGS. 1 and 2, a transmission line 6 in molded waveguide having an internal conductive core. The transmission line 6 is coupled to the delay line 1. The molded waveguide is a rectangular waveguide. It is arranged transversely to the axis XX ′ until it is in contact with the sheath 3. It has a body 7 and a cover 8. The body 7 has an E-shaped section comprising a bottom 9, two walls 11 perpendicular at the bottom 9 and a molding 12 equidistant from the two walls 11. The molding 12 serves as an internal conductive core.

Un focalisateur entoure le fourreau 3; il n'a pas été représenté.A focuser surrounds the sheath 3; he was not represented.

Le couplage entre la ligne à retard 1 et la ligne de transmission 6 est réalisé au moyen d'une pièce conductrice 13. Cette pièce conductrice 13 est fixée à l'extrémité de la ligne à retard 1 du côté du circuit externe 10 d'extraction de l'énergie hyperfréquence. La pièce conductrice 13 représentée à la forme d'une bague. Elle est encastrée dans la paroi externe du fourreau 3.The coupling between the delay line 1 and the transmission line 6 is carried out by means of a conductive part 13. This conductive part 13 is fixed to the end of the delay line 1 on the side of the external extraction circuit 10 microwave energy. The conductive part 13 shown in the form of a ring. It is embedded in the outer wall of the sleeve 3.

Un doigt de couplage 14 est solidaire de la bague. Le doigt de couplage 14 fait saillie vers l'intérieur du fourreau 3 et est brasé à l'extrémité de l'hélice 2. Une encoche 15 est réalisée dans le fourreau 3, à proximité du doigt de couplage 14, pour dégager un espace vide autour de la pièce 13.A coupling finger 14 is integral with the ring. The coupling finger 14 protrudes towards the inside of the sleeve 3 and is brazed at the end of the propeller 2. A notch 15 is formed in the sleeve 3, near the coupling finger 14, to clear an empty space around room 13.

Un intervalle étroit 16 est aménagé entre l'extrémité de la moulure 12 placée du côté de la ligne à retard 1 et la surface extérieure de la pièce conductrice 13. Le coup!age électromagnétique est assuré par effet capacitif, sans contact, entre la surface extérieure de la pièce conductrice 13 et la moulure 12. La pièce conductrice 13 et la ligne de transmission 6 sont mécaniquement indépendantes.A narrow gap 16 is arranged between the end of the molding 12 placed on the side of the delay line 1 and the outer surface of the conductive part 13. The electromagnetic shutdown is ensured by capacitive effect, without contact, between the surface outside of the conductive part 13 and the molding 12. The conductive part 13 and the transmission line 6 are mechanically independent.

La figure 3 est une vue en coupe longitudinale partielle d'un tube à ondes progressives conforme à l'invention. La figure 4 est une coupe transversale dans le plan AA′ du tube représenté à la figure 3. La figure 3 est aussi une coupe longitudinale dans le plan BB′ de la figure 4.Figure 3 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of a traveling wave tube according to the invention. The figure 4 is a cross section in the plane AA ′ of the tube shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is also a longitudinal section in the plane BB ′ of FIG. 4.

La ligne à retard 1 comporte une hélice 2 d'axe XX′ qui est maintenue au centre du fourreau 3 conducteur par trois supports conducteurs 20, 21. Le circuit hyperfréquence 10 d'extraction de l'énergie hyperfréquence comprend une ligne de transmission 6 en guide d'onde possédant une moulure 12 comme on l'a décrit aux figures 1 et 2. La ligne de transmission est située à proximité de l'extrémité de l'hélice 2 représentée sur la figure 3.The delay line 1 comprises a propeller 2 of axis XX ′ which is held in the center of the conductive sheath 3 by three conductive supports 20, 21. The microwave circuit 10 for extracting the microwave energy comprises a transmission line 6 in waveguide having a molding 12 as described in FIGS. 1 and 2. The transmission line is located near the end of the propeller 2 shown in FIG. 3.

Les trois supports 20,21 sont décalés de 120°. Une couche de diélectrique 22 est interposée entre l'hélice 2 et les supports 20, 21. Ce diélectrique assure l'isolement de l'hélice 2, on peut utiliser de l'alumine.The three supports 20,21 are offset by 120 °. A dielectric layer 22 is interposed between the propeller 2 and the supports 20, 21. This dielectric ensures the insulation of the propeller 2, alumina can be used.

L'extrémité de l'hélice 2 est connectée à une portion de l'un des supports 21. Cette portion de support 21 est en regard avec l'âme conductrice interne 12 de la ligne de transmission 6. La portion de support 21 et l'âme conductrice interne 12 sont mécaniquement indépendants.The end of the propeller 2 is connected to a portion of one of the supports 21. This support portion 21 faces the internal conductive core 12 of the transmission line 6. The support portion 21 and l internal conductive core 12 are mechanically independent.

Cette connexion 23 peut se faire par brasage ou soudure laser par exemple. La connexion 23 est directe avec la portion de support 21. La portion de support 21 connectée à l'extrémité de l'hélice 2 est nue, sans diélectrique.This connection 23 can be made by soldering or laser welding for example. The connection 23 is direct with the support portion 21. The support portion 21 connected to the end of the propeller 2 is bare, without dielectric.

La portion de support 21, connectée à l'hélice 2 contribue au couplage entre l'hélice 2 et l'âme conductrice 12 de la ligne de transmission 6.The support portion 21, connected to the propeller 2 contributes to the coupling between the propeller 2 and the conductive core 12 of the transmission line 6.

Comme le montre la figure 3, le fourreau 3 peut comporter une encoche 25 pour dégager un espace vide autour de la portion de support 21 connectée à l'extrémité de l'hélice 2. Un intervalle 16 sépare la moulure 12 de la surface extérieure de la portion de support 21. Le couplage électromagnétique est assuré par effet capacitif entre la surface extérieure de la portion de support 21 et la moulure 12. La portion de support 21 joue le même rôle que la pièce conductrice munie du doigt de couplage de l'art connu.As shown in Figure 3, the sleeve 3 may have a notch 25 to clear an empty space around the support portion 21 connected to the end of the propeller 2. An interval 16 separates the molding 12 from the outer surface of the support portion 21. The electromagnetic coupling is provided by capacitive effect between the outer surface of the support portion 21 and the molding 12. The support portion 21 plays the same role as the conductive part provided with the finger coupling of known art.

Les supports 20,21 ont la forme de bâtonnets de section droite rectangulaire. Leur section droite auraient pu être trapézoïdale. Ils seront de préférence en métal, en cuivre ou un de ses alliages par exemple. Ils peuvent être serrés ou brasés au fourreau 3.The supports 20, 21 have the form of rods of rectangular cross section. Their cross section could have been trapezoidal. They will preferably be made of metal, copper or one of its alloys, for example. They can be tightened or brazed to the sheath 3.

Chaque support 20, 21 peut être inséré dans une rainure 24 creusée dans la paroi interne du fourreau 3. Ces rainures 24 facilitent le montage de l'hélice 2 dans le fourreau 3. On pourrait envisager que les supports 20, 21 soient monoblocs avec le fourreau 3 et qu'ils aient la forme de nervures faisant saillie vers l'intérieur du fourreau 3.Each support 20, 21 can be inserted in a groove 24 hollowed out in the internal wall of the sleeve 3. These grooves 24 facilitate the mounting of the propeller 2 in the sleeve 3. It could be envisaged that the supports 20, 21 are in one piece with the sheath 3 and that they have the form of ribs projecting towards the inside of the sheath 3.

Il est tout à fait possible que le fourreau 3 ne soit pas découpé et dans ce cas, l'intervalle 16 sera aménagé entre la surface extérieure du fourreau 3 et la moulure 12. Dans ce cas le support 21 conducteur est en contact avec le fourreau 3 sur toute sa longueur. Le fourreau 3 contribue aussi au couplage entre la ligne à retard et l'âme conductrice interne.It is quite possible that the sheath 3 is not cut and in this case, the interval 16 will be arranged between the outer surface of the sheath 3 and the molding 12. In this case the support 21 conductor is in contact with the sheath 3 over its entire length. The sheath 3 also contributes to the coupling between the delay line and the internal conductive core.

Avec un montage comme celui de la figure 3 le rapport d'onde stationnaire obtenu dans une bande passante supérieure à l'octave est inférieur à 1, 7.With an arrangement like that of FIG. 3, the standing wave ratio obtained in a pass band greater than the octave is less than 1.7.

Les figures 5 et 6 représentent respectivement des vues partielles en coupe longitudinale et transversale d'un tube à ondes progressives selon l'invention. La figure 5 est une coupe longitudinale dans le plan BB′ de la figure 6 et la figure 6 est une coupe transversale dans le plan AA′ de la figure 5.Figures 5 and 6 respectively show partial views in longitudinal and cross section of a traveling wave tube according to the invention. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal section in the plane BB ′ of FIG. 6 and FIG. 6 is a cross section in the plane AA ′ of FIG. 5.

Les supports 20, 21 sont des bâtonnets de section droite rectangulaire. On peut donner une forme appropriée à la portion de support 21 reliée à l'extrémité de l'hélice 2 et en regard avec la moulure 12. Cette forme appropriée permet l'adaptation d'impédance et est choisie en fonction des fréquences et de la bande passante que l'on veut obtenir. On peut ainsi ajouter ou retirer de la matière à la portion de support 21. Sur les figures 5 et 6, la portion de support 21 comporte deux ailes 50, 51 planes perpendiculaires.The supports 20, 21 are rods of rectangular cross section. We can give an appropriate shape to the support portion 21 connected to the end of the propeller 2 and facing the molding 12. This appropriate shape allows the impedance adaptation and is chosen according to the frequencies and the bandwidth that we want to obtain. It is thus possible to add or remove material from the support portion 21. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the support portion 21 comprises two wings 50, 51 perpendicular planes.

Une première aile 50 de forme rectangulaire est dans le prolongement du support 21; elle est moins épaisse que le support 21 mais elle dépasse de part et d'autre du support 21.A first wing 50 of rectangular shape is in the extension of the support 21; it is less thick than the support 21 but it protrudes on either side of the support 21.

La seconde aile 51 surmonte la première aile 50. La seconde aile 51 est fixée, par brasage par exemple, à l'hélice 2.The second wing 51 surmounts the first wing 50. The second wing 51 is fixed, for example by soldering, to the propeller 2.

Le fourreau 3 comporte toujours une encoche 25 qui dégage un espace vide autour de la portion de support 21.The sheath 3 always has a notch 25 which gives off an empty space around the support portion 21.

Les figures 7 et 8 représentent respectivement des vues partielles en coupe longitudinale et transversale d'un tube à ondes progressives selon l'invention. La figure 7 est une coupe longitudinale dans le plan BB′ de la figure 8 et la figure 8 une coupe transversale dans le plan AA′ de la figure 7.Figures 7 and 8 respectively show partial views in longitudinal and cross section of a traveling wave tube according to the invention. FIG. 7 is a longitudinal section in the plane BB ′ of FIG. 8 and FIG. 8 a cross section in the plane AA ′ of FIG. 7.

On peut aussi utiliser le fourreau 3 dans l'adaptation du couplage.One can also use the sleeve 3 in the adaptation of the coupling.

Sur ces figures, le fourreau 3 a à peu près la même longueur que le support 21. Maintenant il comporte deux fentes 70, 71 sensiblement longitudinales, de direction radiale, traversant totalement la paroi du fourreau 3. Les fentes 70,71 sont disposées de part et d'autre du support 21. La profondeur des fentes 70,71 est sensiblement égale à la hauteur de la moulure 12. Ces deux fentes 70,71 délimitent une portion de fourreau qui participe au couplage avec la portion de support 21 connectée à l'extrémité de l'hélice 2.In these figures, the sheath 3 has approximately the same length as the support 21. Now it has two slots 70, 71 substantially longitudinal, in radial direction, completely passing through the wall of the sheath 3. The slots 70, 71 are arranged on either side of the support 21. The depth of the slots 70, 71 is substantially equal to the height of the molding 12. These two slots 70, 71 delimit a portion of sheath which participates in coupling with the support portion 21 connected to the end of the propeller 2.

Cette forme donnée au fourreau 3 permet d'améliorer les dissipations thermiques entre l'hélice 2 et l'extérieur du fourreau, à travers le support 21. Le fourreau 3 et le support 21 restent en contact étroit sur toute leur longueur. L'extrémité de l'hélice 2 est particulièrement soumise aux élevations de température car on se trouve en sortie du tube.This shape given to the sleeve 3 improves the heat dissipation between the propeller 2 and the outside of the sleeve, through the support 21. The sleeve 3 and the support 21 remain in close contact over their entire length. The end of the propeller 2 is particularly subject to temperature rises because we are at the outlet of the tube.

Les figures 9 et 10 représentent respectivement des vues partielles, en coupe longitudinale et transversale d'un tube à ondes progressives selon l'invention. La figure 9 est une coupe longitudinale dans le plan BB′ de la figure 10 et la figure 10 une coupe transversale dans le plan AA′ de la figure 9.FIGS. 9 and 10 respectively represent partial views, in longitudinal and transverse section of a traveling wave tube according to the invention. FIG. 9 is a longitudinal section in the plane BB ′ of FIG. 10 and FIG. 10 a cross section in the plane AA ′ of FIG. 9.

Sur ces figures, la ligne de transmission est maintenant une ligne coaxiale 90. Elle comporte un conducteur central 91 et un conducteur extérieur 92 en forme de cylindres coaxiaux. Le conducteur central 91 et plein. Les deux conducteurs 91, 92 sont séparés par un diélectrique 93. Le couplage se fait maintenant entre la ligne à retard 1 et le conducteur central. Les supports 20,21 conducteurs sont monoblocs avec le fourreau 3. Ils ont la forme de nervures, en saillie vers l'intérieur par rapport à la paroi intérieure du fourreau 3. Le fourreau 3 muni des nervures peut alors être réalisé par brochage, par exemple. Une portion d'un support 21 est connectée directement à l'extrémité de l'hélice 2. Cette portion de support 21 est placée en face du conducteur central 91 de la ligne coaxiale 90. Une couche de diélectrique 22 est interposée entre les supports 20, 21 et l'hélice 2. La couche de diélectrique peut être continue ou discontinue. Elle isole l'hélice 2 des supports conducteurs 20, 21. Le fourreau 3 comporte une encoche 25 de manière à dégager un espace vide autour de la portion de support 21 reliée à l'extrémité de l'hélice 2.In these figures, the transmission line is now a coaxial line 90. It comprises a central conductor 91 and an external conductor 92 in the form of coaxial cylinders. The central conductor 91 and full. The two conductors 91, 92 are separated by a dielectric 93. The coupling is now made between the delay line 1 and the central conductor. The supports 20, 21 conductors are in one piece with the sheath 3. They have the form of ribs, projecting inwards relative to the inner wall of the sheath 3. The sheath 3 provided with the ribs can then be produced by broaching, by example. A portion of a support 21 is connected directly to the end of the helix 2. This support portion 21 is placed opposite the central conductor 91 of the coaxial line 90. A layer of dielectric 22 is interposed between the supports 20 , 21 and the helix 2. The dielectric layer can be continuous or discontinuous. It isolates the helix 2 from the conductive supports 20, 21. The sheath 3 has a notch 25 so as to leave an empty space around the support portion 21 connected to the end of the helix 2.

Maintenant une fenêtre hyperfréquence 94 s'étend entre la surface extérieure de la portion de support 21 et l'extrémité du conducteur central 91. Cette fenêtre hyperfréquence 94 est perméable à l'énergie hyperfréquence et imperméable aux gaz. Elle est fixée au tube à ondes progressives de façon étanche. L'utilisation d'une fenêtre hyperfréquence a été décrite par exemple, dans la demande de brevet 88 13342 déposée le 11 octobre 1988.Now a microwave window 94 extends between the outer surface of the support portion 21 and the end of the central conductor 91. This microwave window 94 is permeable to microwave energy and impermeable to gases. It is tightly attached to the traveling wave tube. The use of a microwave window has been described, for example, in patent application 88 13342 filed on October 11, 1988.

Les exemples décrits plus haut, n'illustrent que quelques modes de réalisation de l'invention. D'autres montages peuvent être imaginés sans sortir du cadre de l'invention. En particulier, l'autre extrémité de l'hélice, située en entrée de la ligne à retard peut être couplée de la même manière à une ligne de transmission permettant l'injection de l'énergie hyperfréquence.The examples described above illustrate only a few embodiments of the invention. Other arrangements can be imagined without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the other end of the propeller, located at the input of the delay line, can be coupled in the same way to a transmission line allowing the injection of microwave energy.

Claims (12)

1 - Tube à ondes progressives comportant une ligne à retard (1) maintenue dans un fourreau (3) conducteur cylindrique par des supports (20, 21) conducteurs et un circuit hyperfréquence (10) externe couplé par effet capacitif à la ligne à retard (1), le circuit hyperfréquence ( 10) comprenant une ligne de transmission (6) possédant une âme conductrice interne (12) disposée à proximité d'une extrémité de la ligne à retard (1) caractérisé en ce qu'une couche de diélectrique (22) est interposée entre la ligne à retard (1) et les supports (20,21) et en ce que l'extrémité de la ligne à retard (1) est connectée à une portion de l'un des supports (21), cette portion de support (21) étant disposée en face de l'âme conductrice interne ( 12 ) . 1 - Traveling wave tube comprising a delay line (1) held in a cylindrical conductive sheath (3) by conductive supports (20, 21) and an external microwave circuit (10) coupled by capacitive effect to the delay line ( 1), the microwave circuit (10) comprising a transmission line (6) having an internal conductive core (12) disposed near one end of the delay line (1) characterized in that a dielectric layer ( 22) is interposed between the delay line (1) and the supports (20,21) and in that the end of the delay line (1) is connected to a portion of one of the supports (21), this support portion (21) being arranged opposite the internal conductive core (12). 2 - Tube à ondes progressives selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l'extrémité de la ligne à retard (1) est brasée sur la portion de support (21). 2 - traveling wave tube according to claim 1, characterized in that the end of the delay line (1) is brazed on the support portion (21). 3 - Tube à ondes progressives selon l'une des revendications 1 ou 2 caractérisé en ce que le fourreau (3) comporte une encoche (25) qui dégage un espace vide autour de la portion de support (21) connectée à l'extrémité de la ligne à retard (1). 3 - traveling wave tube according to one of claims 1 or 2 characterized in that the sheath (3) has a notch (25) which clears an empty space around the support portion (21) connected to the end of the delay line (1). 4 - Tube à ondes progressive selon l'une des revendications 1 ou 2 caractérisé en ce que le fourreau (3) recouvre la portion de support (21) connectée à l'extrémité de la ligne à retard (1). 4 - Progressive wave tube according to one of claims 1 or 2 characterized in that the sheath (3) covers the support portion (21) connected to the end of the delay line (1). 5 - Tube à ondes progressives selon l'une des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce que la portion de support (21) connectée à l'extrémité de la ligne à retard (1) comporte deux ailes (50,51) perpendiculaires, la première aile (50) prolongeant le support (21), la deuxième aile (51 surmontant la premiire aile (50) et étant fixée à l'extrémité de la ligne à retard (1), les deux ailes (50, 51) permettant l'adaptation du couplage. 5 - traveling wave tube according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the support portion (21) connected to the end of the delay line (1) comprises two perpendicular wings (50,51), the first wing (50) extending the support (21), the second wing (51 surmounting the first wing (50) and being fixed to the end of the delay line (1), the two wings (50, 51) allowing the adaptation of the coupling. 6 - Tube à ondes progressives selon l'une des revendications 4 ou 5 caractérisé en ce que le fourreau (3) comporte deux fentes (70, 71) longitudinales, orientées radialement, disposées de part et d'autre de la portion de support (21) connectée à l'extrémité de la ligne à retard (1), les deux fentes (70, 71) permettant l'adaptation du couplage. 6 - traveling wave tube according to one of claims 4 or 5 characterized in that the sheath (3) has two longitudinal slots (70, 71), oriented radially, arranged on either side of the support portion ( 21) connected to the end of the delay line (1), the two slots (70, 71) allowing adaptation of the coupling. 7 - Tube à ondes progressives selon l'une des revendications 1 à 6 caractérisé en ce que la ligne à retard (1) est une hélice (2). 7 - traveling wave tube according to one of claims 1 to 6 characterized in that the delay line (1) is a helix (2). 8 - Tube à ondes progressives selon l'une des revendications 1 à 7 caractérisé en ce que la ligne à retard (1) est brasée sur la couche de diélectrique (22). 8 - traveling wave tube according to one of claims 1 to 7 characterized in that the delay line (1) is soldered on the dielectric layer (22). 9 - Tube à ondes progressives selon l'une des revendications 1 à 8 caractérisé en ce que les supports (20,21) sont des nervures monobloc avec le fourreau (3), faisant saillie vers l'intérieur du fourreau (3). 9 - traveling wave tube according to one of claims 1 to 8 characterized in that the supports (20,21) are one-piece ribs with the sleeve (3), projecting towards the inside of the sleeve (3). 10 - Tube à ondes progressives selon l'une des revendications 1 à 9 caractérisé en ce que la ligne de transmission (6) est un guide d'onde mouluré, l'âme conductrice interne ( 12 ) étant une moulure. 10 - traveling wave tube according to one of claims 1 to 9 characterized in that the transmission line (6) is a molded waveguide, the internal conductive core (12) being a molding. 11 - Tube à ondes progressives selon l'une des revendications 1 à 9 caractérisé en ce que la ligne de transmission (90) est une ligne coaxiale, l'âme conductrice interne (91) étant le conducteur central de la ligne coaxiale. 11 - traveling wave tube according to one of claims 1 to 9 characterized in that the transmission line (90) is a coaxial line, the internal conductive core (91) being the central conductor of the coaxial line. 12 - Tube à ondes progressives selon l'une des revendications 1 à 11 caractérisé en ce qu'une fenêtre hyperfréquence (94) étanche s'étend entre la portion de support (21) connectée à la ligne à retard (1) et l'âme conductrice interne (91). 12 - traveling wave tube according to one of claims 1 to 11 characterized in that a sealed microwave window (94) extends between the support portion (21) connected to the delay line (1) and the internal conductive core (91).
EP91401494A 1990-06-19 1991-06-07 Travelling-wave tube with a coupling arrangement between its slow-wave circuit and an external microwave circuit Withdrawn EP0462863A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9007639 1990-06-19
FR9007639A FR2663463B1 (en) 1990-06-19 1990-06-19 PROGRESSIVE WAVE TUBE PROVIDED WITH A COUPLING DEVICE BETWEEN ITS DELAYED LINE AND AN EXTERNAL MICROWAVE CIRCUIT.

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EP0462863A1 true EP0462863A1 (en) 1991-12-27

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EP91401494A Withdrawn EP0462863A1 (en) 1990-06-19 1991-06-07 Travelling-wave tube with a coupling arrangement between its slow-wave circuit and an external microwave circuit

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EP (1) EP0462863A1 (en)
JP (1) JPH04229932A (en)
FR (1) FR2663463B1 (en)

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0364335A1 (en) * 1988-10-11 1990-04-18 Thomson-Csf Travelling-wave tube with a gas-tight coupling arrangement between its slow-wave circuit and an external microwave circuit
EP0401065A1 (en) * 1989-05-30 1990-12-05 Thomson Tubes Electroniques Method of construction of a helical delay line

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS58188034A (en) * 1982-04-27 1983-11-02 Nec Corp Traveling wave tube

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0364335A1 (en) * 1988-10-11 1990-04-18 Thomson-Csf Travelling-wave tube with a gas-tight coupling arrangement between its slow-wave circuit and an external microwave circuit
EP0401065A1 (en) * 1989-05-30 1990-12-05 Thomson Tubes Electroniques Method of construction of a helical delay line

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 8, no. 25 (E-225)(1462) 2 Février 1984 & JP-A-58 188 034 (NIPPON DENKI K.K. ) 2 Novembre 1983 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2663463A1 (en) 1991-12-20
JPH04229932A (en) 1992-08-19
FR2663463B1 (en) 1992-09-11

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