EP2683028B1 - Antenna system - Google Patents

Antenna system Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2683028B1
EP2683028B1 EP20130174798 EP13174798A EP2683028B1 EP 2683028 B1 EP2683028 B1 EP 2683028B1 EP 20130174798 EP20130174798 EP 20130174798 EP 13174798 A EP13174798 A EP 13174798A EP 2683028 B1 EP2683028 B1 EP 2683028B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
antenna
antenna unit
protecting device
ring
lateral outline
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.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP20130174798
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2683028A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Patrick Moreau
Roland Carre
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Dassault Aviation SA
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Dassault Aviation SA
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dassault Aviation SA filed Critical Dassault Aviation SA
Publication of EP2683028A1 publication Critical patent/EP2683028A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2683028B1 publication Critical patent/EP2683028B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/002—Protection against seismic waves, thermal radiation or other disturbances, e.g. nuclear explosion; Arrangements for improving the power handling capability of an antenna
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/27—Adaptation for use in or on movable bodies
    • H01Q1/28—Adaptation for use in or on aircraft, missiles, satellites, or balloons
    • H01Q1/281—Nose antennas
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/50—Structural association of antennas with earthing switches, lead-in devices or lightning protectors
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q13/00—Waveguide horns or mouths; Slot antennas; Leaky-waveguide antennas; Equivalent structures causing radiation along the transmission path of a guided wave
    • H01Q13/10—Resonant slot antennas
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q21/00—Antenna arrays or systems
    • H01Q21/0006—Particular feeding systems
    • H01Q21/0037—Particular feeding systems linear waveguide fed arrays
    • H01Q21/0043—Slotted waveguides
    • H01Q21/005—Slotted waveguides arrays

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an antenna assembly according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • the invention applies in particular to an airborne radar antenna assembly adapted to the detection and location of weather phenomena.
  • meteorological radars are housed in the forward tip. They generally comprise a slotted antenna, mobile in elevation and azimuth, so as to scan the entire space in front of the aircraft.
  • This antenna is covered by a radome, which forms the outer surface of the front tip of the aircraft and gives it its shape.
  • This radome is electromagnetically transparent to allow the antenna to emit and receive electromagnetic waves.
  • This radome aims to protect the radar antenna including direct effects of lightning.
  • the radome includes conductive lightning arresters regularly arranged on its surface so that in case of lightning on the front tip of the aircraft, the lightning current will flow through these strips to avoid the Lightning attachment on the antenna through the radome.
  • the slot antenna is generally disk-shaped and has a profile in the form of stair steps on its lateral contour. However, these steps have projecting angles forming areas of electric field strength, likely to cause peak effects. Indeed, the electric field around the antenna being maximum near these protruding angles, they are likely to be attachment points of the lightning, so to be responsible for lightning of the antenna.
  • the lightning resistance of the nose of the aircraft is conditioned both by the dielectric characteristics of the material constituting the radome, and by the guaranteed minimum distance between the antenna and the interior wall of the radome, whatever the position of the the antenna, and by the establishment of lightning arrester bands distributed around the periphery of the radome.
  • the guarantee of a minimum distance between the antenna, which is metallic, and the inner wall of the radome makes it possible to limit the electric field developing in the vicinity of the antenna under fogging conditions.
  • the rating of an aircraft in relation to its direct lightning performance is obtained by means of standardized tests.
  • This qualification once acquired, is extended from one aircraft to another, as long as the configuration of the aircraft vis-à-vis the lightning resistance remains unchanged, that is to say as long as the characteristics conditioning the lightning resistance of the aircraft are unchanged. However, as soon as one of these characteristics is modified, the lightning resistance of the front tip of the aircraft is modified. A new qualification is then required, which implies redoing all or part of the qualification tests.
  • the characteristics conditioning the lightning resistance depend on the characteristics of the meteorological radar used, in particular the dimensions of the antenna, its positioning inside the radome and the sweep in the space to be made by the radar. antenna.
  • these characteristics of the radar are not standardized and can be modified to improve performance.
  • the position of the antenna can be advanced in the radome, and / or its increased diameter, the amplitude of the scan is thus increased.
  • the object of the invention is therefore to provide an antenna assembly decreasing the risk of attachment of lightning on the antenna of the weather radar without the need to change the geometry of the nose of the aircraft.
  • the invention relates to an antenna assembly according to claim 1.
  • the antenna assembly comprises one or more of the features of claims 2 to 15.
  • the antenna of the assembly is an antenna of a weather radar, disposed in the front tip of the aircraft.
  • the invention also relates to an aircraft comprising an antenna assembly according to the invention.
  • the assembly 1 is intended to be positioned in the front tip of an aircraft, and to be covered by a radome (not shown) forming the outer surface of this nose.
  • the antenna assembly 1 comprises an antenna 2 and a device 4 for protecting the antenna 2.
  • the antenna 2 is a flat, metallic antenna having a plurality of slots. Such an antenna is generally referred to as “antenna to slots ".
  • the antenna 2 comprises a front surface 2a of radiation, substantially flat, intended to be oriented towards the outside of the aircraft, through the radome.
  • the antenna 2 also comprises a flat rear surface 2b.
  • the front or rear plane of the antenna will be referred to as a plane respectively comprising the front surface 2a or the rear surface 2b of the antenna 2, and the terms "inside” and “outside”, applied to a surface, shall be understood respectively as a peripheral surface oriented towards the axis AA 'which passes through the center of the antenna 2 orthogonal to the antenna, and a peripheral surface oriented away from the axis A-A '.
  • the antenna 2 comprises a network 6 of radiating elements 8.
  • Each radiating element 8 has the shape of a rectangular cross section tube, closed at its ends, forming a waveguide.
  • Each radiating element 8 thus comprises a front wall 8a, forming a portion of the front surface 2a of the antenna, a rear wall 8b, two sides extending between the front walls 8a and 8b, not visible in the figures, and two end walls 8e.
  • Each radiating element 8 is provided on its front wall 8a with radiating sources such as slots, not shown.
  • the radiating elements 8 are of variable lengths. They are juxtaposed by their sides, aligning their respective media in the same longitudinal direction, between two terminal radiating elements 8t, to form the network 6.
  • the antenna 2 thus has a thickness e defined as the thickness of the radiating elements 8 according to a transverse direction.
  • the radiating elements 8 are adapted to form together a coherent electromagnetic field whose propagation direction is perpendicular to the emission surface.
  • the lengths of the radiating elements 8 are such that the antenna 2 has the general shape of a disk.
  • the front 2a and rear 2b surfaces are respectively formed by the front walls 8a and 8b of the radiating elements 8. Moreover, the end walls 8e radiating elements and the sides of the radiating terminal elements 8t directed towards the outside of the antenna 2 form a lateral contour 2c of the antenna 2.
  • the lateral contour 2c of the antenna 2 has at least one angular region.
  • the lateral contour 2c is crenellated, in the form of "steps".
  • the front surface 2a of the antenna 2 comprises a plurality of projecting angles formed by corners 9 of the front walls 8a of at least a portion of the radiating elements 8
  • the lateral contour of the antenna 2 comprises a plurality 10 of the edges protruding rearwardly of the antenna 2 from the corners 9.
  • the corners 9 and the edges 10 form areas of electric field reinforcement likely to cause peak effects.
  • the diameter of the antenna 2 is between 15 and 22 inches, and its thickness e is less than 12 mm.
  • the protective device 4 is able to reduce the electric field at the periphery of the antenna 2, by eliminating the electric field reinforcement zones due to the corners 9 and the edges 10.
  • ring 12 of protection also called Corona ring or curving ring, generally O-ring.
  • the ring has an inner surface 12i, facing the antenna 2, and an outer surface 12e.
  • the ring 12 is arranged around the antenna 2, its inner surface 12i being in electrical contact with the antenna 2.
  • the outer surface 12e is wide and rounded. It is therefore devoid of reinforcement zones likely to cause peak effects.
  • the inner and outer surfaces are metallic.
  • the electric field reinforcement zones present on the antenna by its construction are thus "masked" by the protection device 4.
  • the risks for it to hit one of the field-strengthening zones of the antenna 2 are thus rendered virtually zero.
  • the protection device 4 also comprises a deformable flexible seal 14 (visible on the Figure 2 ), interposed between the ring 12 and the antenna 2, and intended to ensure contact between the ring 12 and the antenna 2.
  • the ring 12 has a general shape of revolution about the axis A-A '. It thus has a longitudinal section of generally circular shape.
  • the ring 12 forms a hollow tube 16 wound around the axis A-A '.
  • the ring 12 comprises a longitudinal longitudinal front wall 22, of annular shape, and an annular transverse wall 24, advantageously orthogonal to the longitudinal wall 22 and disposed in line with the lateral contour 2c of the antenna 2.
  • the ring 12 further comprises a rear wall 25 of radial section in curved shape, for example in the form of a circular arc, which extends between an inner rim of the longitudinal wall 22 and a front edge of the transverse wall 24.
  • this circular arc subtends an angle greater than or equal to 270 °.
  • the radial sections of the longitudinal and transverse walls 22 form, for example, radii of this circular arc.
  • the tube 16 is thus defined by the longitudinal wall 22, the transverse wall 24 and the rear wall 25.
  • the longitudinal and transverse walls 24 comprise a longitudinal bearing face 22a and a transverse face 24a, respectively, oriented towards the outside of the tube 16.
  • the rear wall 25 has an external face 25a, that is to say oriented towards the outside the tube 16, which forms the outer surface 12e of the ring 12.
  • the outer surface 12e is generally continuous, convex, curved and devoid of macroscopic asperities. It is therefore substantially free of electric field reinforcement zones.
  • the ring 12 further comprises a rim 28 for holding the antenna 2, generally of revolution about the axis AA ', which projects from the connection zone of the rear wall 25 with the transverse wall 24, orthogonally to the transverse wall 24, towards the center of the antenna 2.
  • the flange 28 has a holding face 28a facing the inside of the tube 16, facing the bearing face 22a.
  • the longitudinal wall 22, the transverse wall 24 and the retaining rim 28 thus define a housing for receiving the antenna 2.
  • the longitudinal wall 22 and the transverse wall 24 form an angle-iron 30 for receiving the antenna 2 while the flange 28 forms a retaining member of the antenna 2 in the bracket 30.
  • the longitudinal bearing surfaces 22a and 24a and the retaining surface 28a form the inner surface 12i of the ring 12.
  • the ring 12 thus comprises a medial portion, surrounding the antenna 2 at its lateral contour 2c, and a rear portion, disposed at the rear of the antenna, facing the rear surface 2b.
  • the ring 12 has an inner radius R 12 , defined as the distance between the axis AA 'and the surface 24a of the transverse wall 24, slightly greater than the radius R 2 of the antenna 2, that is to say the radius R 2 of a circle which would be circumscribed to the antenna 2.
  • the radius R 16 of the tube 16 is greater than the thickness e of the antenna. This radius R 16 is for example between 1.2 and 3 times the thickness e of the antenna, preferably equal to 10mm.
  • the ring 12 is made from a light and rigid material, metal outer surface.
  • the ring 12 is made from a body formed of an insulating material, for example a plastic material covered with a metal layer, for example nickel, chromium, aluminum or tin.
  • the insulating body is for example made by stereolithography, while the metal layer is for example deposited by electrolytic deposition, or by spraying or evaporation under vacuum.
  • the flexible joint 14, of general shape of revolution about a central axis AA ', has a radial section L-shaped.
  • the flexible seal 14 thus comprises a longitudinal branch 32 and a transverse branch 34. Its outer surface is shaped conjugate to the surface of the bracket 30 formed by the bearing surfaces 22a, 24a.
  • the flexible seal 14 is thus disposed in surface abutment against the outer surface of the bracket 30, the outer surfaces of the longitudinal and transverse branches 32 being placed in surface abutment against the external bearing surfaces 22a and 24a respectively.
  • the thickness of the transverse branch 34 of the seal 14 is substantially equal to the difference between the radius R 2 of the antenna and the radius R 12 of the ring. Moreover, the thickness of the longitudinal branch 32 of the gasket 14 is substantially equal to the difference between the radius R 16 of the tube 16 and the thickness e of the antenna 2.
  • the longitudinal and transverse branches 32 are advantageously equal thickness.
  • the seal 14 is made of a flexible insulating material, for example based on silicone or elastomer.
  • the longitudinal internal surfaces 32a and transverse 34a of the gasket 14 as well as the surface 28a of the retaining rim 28 bear against the antenna 2.
  • the ring 12 is advantageously made in one piece.
  • the retaining rim 28 comprises a plurality of notches 31, intended to allow the engagement of the antenna 2 in the angle 30.
  • each of the notches 31 is adapted to receive one of the corners 9 of the antenna 2 when its engagement in the ring 12 in a direction parallel to the axis A-A '.
  • the ring 12 also comprises means for locking the angular position of the antenna 2 (not visible in the figures), adapted to lock in rotation about the axis AA 'the antenna 2 in the ring 12, once this engaged in the ring 12.
  • These locking means comprise for example a plurality of stops protruding into the bracket 30.
  • the antenna 2 is installed in the device 4 by engaging the antenna 2, parallel to the axis A-A ', in the angle 30, each corner 9 of the antenna 2 being received in a notch 31.
  • the device 4 is then turned around the axis AA 'to an abutment position, in which the antenna 2 is locked in rotation in the ring 12 by the locking means.
  • the protective device 4 formed of the ring 12 and the seal 14 is thus arranged around the antenna 2, coming into contact with each of the projecting ridges 10 of the antenna 2.
  • each of the projecting ridges 10 bears against the transverse internal surface 34a, and the longitudinal inner surface 32a receives, in surface abutment, an annular outer portion of the rear surface 2b of the antenna 2.
  • the antenna 2 is thus maintained in a fixed position in the ring 12 by the longitudinal walls 22 and transverse 24, and the retaining rim 28.
  • the longitudinal wall 22 and the retaining rim 28 form a vice preventing any movement of the antenna 2 with respect to the ring 12 in a transverse direction.
  • the flexible seal 14 secures the ring 12 to the antenna 2, avoiding any movement of one relative to the other, especially in flight.
  • the antenna 2 is locked in rotation about the axis A-A 'by the locking means.
  • the equipotentialisation of the antenna 2 and the ring 12 is provided by the electrical contact existing between the retaining rim 28 and the corners 9 of the antenna 2.
  • the maintenance at the same potential of the antenna 2 and the Ring 12 makes it possible to eliminate current flows between them and to limit the causes of lightning strikes.
  • the antenna assembly 1 is installed in the front tip 37 of an aircraft 38 movably being mounted on a device 40 for scanning.
  • the front plane of the antenna 2 is orthogonal to the roll axis of the aircraft 38.
  • the longitudinal direction of the radiating elements 8 is for example turned by 45 ° by relative to a vertical axis.
  • the device 40 is able to rotate the antenna assembly 1 about two orthogonal axes passing through the center of the antenna 2, and parallel respectively to the yaw axis and to the pitch axis of the aircraft. 38.
  • the antenna assembly 1 is thus mobile in both elevation and azimuth.
  • the antenna assembly 1 can scan an angle of 120 ° in azimuth and 70 ° in elevation around its nominal position.
  • the ring 12 is for example made by assembling two half-rings of longitudinal section of generally semicircular shape around the antenna 2, in a radial plane of the antenna 2.
  • the ring 12 is made from two substantially identical half-rings 44 or 44 ', each half-ring being adapted to surround the antenna 2 on the half of the periphery thereof, c that is to say on an angular sector equal to 180 °.
  • the ring 12 is thus mounted by mechanically assembling the half-rings around the antenna 2 by assembling their respective ends.
  • the ring 12 is devoid of notches 31.
  • each half-ring 44 comprises two connecting ends 48a and 48b, each end 48a, 48b of a half-ring 44 being adapted to be fixed by screwing to a corresponding end 48b, 48a of the other half-ring 44.
  • Each connecting end 48a, 48b of the two half-rings 44 has a solid cross section, widened towards the inside and towards the rear of the ring 2, and is closed by a planar radial end surface 51.
  • Each end surface 51 then forms a radial shoulder 52, which is pierced with a threaded hole 53.
  • Each end 48a, 48b of a half-ring 44 is screwed to the corresponding end 48b, 48a of the other half-ring 44 by means of a nut through the threaded holes 53.
  • each half-ring 44 'thus comprises two connecting ends 62a, 62b, each end 62a, 62b of a half-ring 44' being adapted to be fastened by clipping to the corresponding end 62b, 62a of the other half.
  • connection ends 62a, 62b fixed to each other of the half-rings 44 ' are represented.
  • These two connector ends are attached to each other by means of a snap-fit assembly, including a locking lug and a corresponding locking aperture.
  • the connecting end 62b thus comprises a locking tab 66 protruding from the end edge of the transverse support wall 24 in a direction substantially parallel to this wall.
  • the tab 66 is elastically deformable. It comprises on its outer surface a stop protrusion 68 forming a radial shoulder 68a oriented towards the transverse support wall 24.
  • the connector end 62a is adapted to be clipped together at the connector end 62b. Its inner surface forms a locking opening 70 adapted to receive the tab 66.
  • the locking opening comprises a radial shoulder 70a adapted to receive bearing the shoulder 68a of the tab 66.
  • connection ends 62a and 62b is made by elastically deforming the tab 66 to introduce it in a longitudinal assembly direction into the locking aperture 70, until the shoulder 68a of the tab 66 or in surface support against the shoulder 70a of the opening 70, preventing any movement of the tab away from the opening 70.
  • the assembly of the ring 12 according to this variant thus requires no tools.
  • the ring 12 also comprises two flexible seals 71, each seal 71 being interposed between two connection ends 62a and 62b, providing the connection between the half-rings 44 and 44 '.
  • the connecting end 62b is also provided with a through opening 72 accessible from its outer surface and opening into the assembly opening 70. This through opening 72 allows the introduction of an unlocking tool, to repel elastically the tab 66 and disassemble the connection ends 62a and 62b.
  • the device 100 comprises an antenna 2, identical to that described with reference to the Figures 1 to 9 , and a protection device 104 comprising a protection ring 112.
  • the ring 112 differs from the ring 12 by its radial section and by its method of assembly.
  • the ring 112 is in fact made by assembling according to an assembly plane defined by the contour of the antenna 2 of two annular elements 114, 115 of substantially circular longitudinal section.
  • a first annular element 114 surrounds the antenna 2 at the level of its lateral contour 2c.
  • the median annular element 114 is generally of revolution about the axis AA '. It has a radial section in the general shape of a quarter disc.
  • the median annular element 114 comprises a rear longitudinal surface 114b, plane and annular. It also comprises a transverse surface 114c annular, orthogonal to the rear surface 114b and disposed at the right side contour 2c of the antenna 2, and a front surface 114a of radial section in the form of a circular arc.
  • the median annular element 114 further comprises a rim 128 for holding the antenna 2, generally of revolution about the axis AA ', which protrudes from the front edge of the transverse surface 114c towards the center of the Antenna 2.
  • the flange 128 comprises a retaining surface 128a directed towards the rear of the antenna 2, able to bear surface against the front surface 2a of the antenna 2, in particular against the corners 9.
  • the distance d between the retaining surface 128a and the rear surface 114b is substantially equal to the thickness e of the antenna.
  • the second annular element 115 is disposed at the rear of the rear plane of the antenna.
  • the rear annular element 115 is generally of revolution about the axis AA '.
  • the rear annular element 115 comprises a longitudinal front wall 115a of annular shape, and a rear wall 115b of semicircular cross-section whose radial section of the front wall 115a forms a diameter.
  • the rear annular element 115 thus forms a hollow tube 116, having a radial section in the general shape of a semicircle.
  • the median annulus 114 and rear 115 have substantially the same outer diameter.
  • the inner radius R 114 of the median annular element 114, defined as the distance between the axis AA 'and the transverse surface 114c is slightly greater than the radius R 2 of the antenna 2.
  • the radius of the tube 116 is for example between 1.2 and 3 times the thickness e of the antenna.
  • the front wall 115a of the rear annular element 115 is able to bear surface against the rear surface 114b of the median annular element 114, and against a substantially annular outer portion of the rear surface 2b of the antenna 2 .
  • the ring 112 is assembled by positioning the median annular element 114 around the antenna 2, its transverse surface 114c disposed in line with the lateral contour 2c of the antenna 2, and its holding surface 128a being in surface abutment against the front surface 2a of the antenna 2, and positioning the rear annular element 115 behind the antenna 2, its front surface 115a being at the right of the rear surface 114b of the median annular element 114, and against an outer portion substantially annular of the rear surface 2b of the antenna 2.
  • An annular seal 129 is interposed between the front surfaces 115a and the rear surface 114b. This seal 129 is intended to ensure contact between the annular elements 114, 115. It is made of an electrically conductive elastomeric material.
  • the annular elements 114 and 115 are for example fixed to each other by screwing or clipping.
  • the ring 112 is thus arranged around the antenna 2, coming into contact with each of the projecting ridges 10.
  • the corners 9 are in surface abutment against the surface 128a of the support rim 128, and covered by this rim 128.
  • the retaining surface 128a, the transverse surface 114c of the medial annular element 114 and a portion of the front surface 115a of the rear annular element 115 form an inner surface 112i of the ring 12, in electrical contact with the lateral contour 2c.
  • the transverse surface 114c and a portion of the front surface 115a delimit an angle of reception 130 of the antenna 2.
  • the antenna 2 is held there in a fixed position by being clamped between the front wall 115a and the rim 128 of maintenance.
  • the front surface 114a and the outer surface of the rear wall 115b form an outer surface 112e of the ring 112. This outer surface is wide and rounded. It is therefore devoid of reinforcement zones likely to cause peak effects.
  • a flexible seal similar to the flexible seal 14 is interposed between the ring 112 and the antenna 12.
  • the outer surface of the ring 112 is metallic. The equipotentialisation of the antenna 2 and the ring 112 is thus ensured by the electrical contact between the retaining rim 128 and the corners 9 of the antenna 2.
  • the ring 112 is made from a light and rigid material.
  • the outer surface of each annular element 114, 115 is metallic.
  • each half-ring 114, 115 of the ring 112 is produced as previously described for the half-rings of the ring 12.
  • the antenna assembly according to the invention makes it possible to avoid the risks of attachment of the lightning thus to improve the lightning resistance of an aircraft integrating this device with respect to the antenna 2 alone.
  • This improvement in lightning resistance is furthermore achieved without having to modify the arrangement of the front tip of the aircraft, that is to say without having to modify the position of the antenna in this forward tip. to enlarge the radome.
  • the antenna assembly according to the invention does not include any point or projecting edge, which would form a strengthening zone of the electric field.
  • the outer surface of the ring and wide and rounded which reduces the static field periphery of the antenna.
  • the ring comprises a medial portion, surrounding the antenna 2 at its lateral contour 2c, and a rear portion disposed at the rear of the antenna 2. Only the retaining flanges extend forward of the front plane of the antenna 2.
  • Such a structure of the ring makes it possible to develop an external surface of the large ring while minimizing the disturbances of the radiation pattern of the antenna. 'antenna. Indeed, this external surface develops mainly behind the antenna 2.
  • the realization of the ring of light material makes it possible to minimize the increase in the inertia of the antenna due to the ring. This lightness is particularly accentuated by the hollow tube form of the ring. In addition, the rigidity of this material makes it possible to limit the deformations of the ring.
  • the ring 12 or 112 is entirely metallic.
  • the ring is integrated into the antenna during its manufacture, which avoids the assembly of the ring around the antenna.
  • the ring can be made in one piece with the antenna.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Astronomy & Astrophysics (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Details Of Aerials (AREA)

Description

L'invention concerne un ensemble d'antenne selon le préambule de la revendication 1.The invention relates to an antenna assembly according to the preamble of claim 1.

L'invention s'applique en particulier à un ensemble d'antenne radar aéroportée adaptée à la détection et à la localisation de phénomènes météorologiques.The invention applies in particular to an airborne radar antenna assembly adapted to the detection and location of weather phenomena.

Au sein des aéronefs, les radars météorologiques sont logés dans la pointe avant. Ils comprennent généralement une antenne à fentes, mobile en élévation et en azimut, de manière à balayer l'ensemble de l'espace situé au devant de l'aéronef.In aircraft, meteorological radars are housed in the forward tip. They generally comprise a slotted antenna, mobile in elevation and azimuth, so as to scan the entire space in front of the aircraft.

Cette antenne est recouverte par un radôme, qui forme la surface extérieure de la pointe avant de l'aéronef et lui donne ainsi sa forme. Ce radôme est transparent du point de vue électromagnétique pour permettre à l'antenne d'émettre et de recevoir les ondes électromagnétiques. Ce radôme a pour but de protéger l'antenne radar notamment des effets directs de la foudre. Pour ce faire ce radôme comporte des bandes parafoudre conductrices régulièrement disposées sur sa surface de sorte qu'en cas de foudre sur la pointe avant de l'aéronef, le courant de foudre s'écoulera au travers de ces bandes afin d'éviter l'attachement de la foudre sur l'antenne au travers du radôme.This antenna is covered by a radome, which forms the outer surface of the front tip of the aircraft and gives it its shape. This radome is electromagnetically transparent to allow the antenna to emit and receive electromagnetic waves. This radome aims to protect the radar antenna including direct effects of lightning. To do this, the radome includes conductive lightning arresters regularly arranged on its surface so that in case of lightning on the front tip of the aircraft, the lightning current will flow through these strips to avoid the Lightning attachment on the antenna through the radome.

On connaît du document FR 2 675 767 A1 un tel radôme.Document is known FR 2 675 767 A1 such a radome.

L'antenne à fentes est en forme générale de disque et présente sur son contour latéral un profil en forme de marches d'escaliers. Or, ces marches présentent des angles saillants formant des zones de renforcement de champ électrique, susceptibles de provoquer des effets de pointe. En effet, le champ électrique autour de l'antenne étant maximum à proximité de ces angles saillants, ceux-ci sont susceptibles d'être des points d'attachement de la foudre, donc d'être responsables du foudroiement de l'antenne.The slot antenna is generally disk-shaped and has a profile in the form of stair steps on its lateral contour. However, these steps have projecting angles forming areas of electric field strength, likely to cause peak effects. Indeed, the electric field around the antenna being maximum near these protruding angles, they are likely to be attachment points of the lightning, so to be responsible for lightning of the antenna.

La tenue à la foudre de la pointe avant de l'aéronef est conditionnée à la fois par les caractéristiques diélectriques du matériau constitutif du radôme, par la distance minimale garantie entre l'antenne et la paroi intérieure du radôme, quelle que soit la position de l'antenne, et par la mise en place de bandes parafoudre réparties sur le pourtour du radôme.The lightning resistance of the nose of the aircraft is conditioned both by the dielectric characteristics of the material constituting the radome, and by the guaranteed minimum distance between the antenna and the interior wall of the radome, whatever the position of the the antenna, and by the establishment of lightning arrester bands distributed around the periphery of the radome.

Notamment, la garantie d'une distance minimale entre l'antenne, qui est métallique, et la paroi intérieure du radôme permet de limiter le champ électrique se développant au voisinage de l'antenne en conditions foudroyantes.In particular, the guarantee of a minimum distance between the antenna, which is metallic, and the inner wall of the radome makes it possible to limit the electric field developing in the vicinity of the antenna under fogging conditions.

La qualification d'un aéronef relativement à sa tenue à la foudre directe est obtenue au moyen d'essais normalisés. Cette qualification, une fois acquise, est reconduite d'un aéronef à un autre, tant que la configuration de l'aéronef vis-à-vis de la tenue à la foudre reste inchangée, c'est-à-dire tant que les caractéristiques conditionnant la tenue à la foudre de l'aéronef sont inchangées. Cependant, dès que l'une de ces caractéristiques est modifiée, la tenue à la foudre de la pointe avant de l'aéronef est modifiée. Une nouvelle qualification est alors requise, ce qui implique de refaire tout ou partie des essais de qualification.The rating of an aircraft in relation to its direct lightning performance is obtained by means of standardized tests. This qualification, once acquired, is extended from one aircraft to another, as long as the configuration of the aircraft vis-à-vis the lightning resistance remains unchanged, that is to say as long as the characteristics conditioning the lightning resistance of the aircraft are unchanged. However, as soon as one of these characteristics is modified, the lightning resistance of the front tip of the aircraft is modified. A new qualification is then required, which implies redoing all or part of the qualification tests.

En particulier, les caractéristiques conditionnant la tenue à la foudre dépendent des caractéristiques du radar météorologique utilisé, notamment des dimensions de l'antenne, de son positionnement à l'intérieur du radôme et du balayage dans l'espace qui doit être réalisé par l'antenne. Or, ces caractéristiques du radar ne sont pas standardisées et peuvent être modifiées afin d'en améliorer les performances. Notamment, la position de l'antenne peut être avancée dans le radôme, et/ou son diamètre augmenté, l'amplitude du balayage étant ainsi accrue.In particular, the characteristics conditioning the lightning resistance depend on the characteristics of the meteorological radar used, in particular the dimensions of the antenna, its positioning inside the radome and the sweep in the space to be made by the radar. antenna. However, these characteristics of the radar are not standardized and can be modified to improve performance. In particular, the position of the antenna can be advanced in the radome, and / or its increased diameter, the amplitude of the scan is thus increased.

De telles modifications ont pour effet de dégrader la tenue à la foudre de la pointe avant de l'aéronef.Such modifications have the effect of degrading the lightning resistance of the front tip of the aircraft.

Afin de conserver une distance identique entre l'antenne et le radôme, dans le but de conserver la qualification acquise pour l'aéronef vis-à-vis de la tenue à la foudre, il peut être envisagé de décaler vers l'arrière l'ensemble du radar, ou d'agrandir le radôme. Cependant, ces solutions ne sont pas toujours compatibles avec la géométrie du nez de l'aéronef et avec son aménagement intérieur.In order to maintain an identical distance between the antenna and the radome, in order to maintain the qualification acquired for the aircraft vis-à-vis the resistance to lightning, it may be envisaged to shift backward the set the radar, or enlarge the radome. However, these solutions are not always compatible with the geometry of the nose of the aircraft and with its interior layout.

L'augmentation de la rigidité électrique du radôme, permettant d'améliorer sa tenue diélectrique donc sa tenue au champ électrique, peut également être envisagée. Cependant, cette solution implique une augmentation de l'épaisseur du radôme, donc de sa masse, et une réduction des performances radioélectriques entraînant un impact négatif sur les performances du radar, et plus généralement de l'aéronef.The increase in the electrical rigidity of the radome, to improve its dielectric strength and its resistance to the electric field, can also be considered. However, this solution involves an increase in the thickness of the radome, and therefore its mass, and a reduction in radio performance, which has a negative impact on the performance of the radar, and more generally the aircraft.

Le but de l'invention est donc de fournir un ensemble d'antenne diminuant les risques d'attachement de la foudre sur l'antenne du radar météorologique sans qu'il soit nécessaire de modifier la géométrie du nez de l'aéronef.The object of the invention is therefore to provide an antenna assembly decreasing the risk of attachment of lightning on the antenna of the weather radar without the need to change the geometry of the nose of the aircraft.

A cette fin, l'invention a pour objet un ensemble d'antenne selon la revendication 1.To this end, the invention relates to an antenna assembly according to claim 1.

Selon d'autres aspects de l'invention, l'ensemble d'antenne comprend l'une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques des revendications 2 à 15.According to other aspects of the invention, the antenna assembly comprises one or more of the features of claims 2 to 15.

Selon un mode de réalisation, l'antenne de l'ensemble est une antenne d'un radar météorologique, disposée dans la pointe avant de l'aéronef.According to one embodiment, the antenna of the assembly is an antenna of a weather radar, disposed in the front tip of the aircraft.

L'invention a également pour objet un aéronef comprenant un ensemble d'antenne selon l'invention.The invention also relates to an aircraft comprising an antenna assembly according to the invention.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à l'aide de la description qui va suivre, donnée uniquement à titre d'exemple, et faite en se référant aux dessins annexés, sur lesquels :

  • la Figure 1 est une vue schématique en perspective d'un premier mode de réalisation d'un ensemble d'antenne selon l'invention ;
  • la Figure 2 est une vue schématique en perspective, selon une coupe radiale, d'une partie pertinente de l'ensemble de la Figure 1 ;
  • la Figure 3 est une vue schématique de face du dispositif de protection de l'ensemble de la Figure 1 ;
  • la Figure 4 est une vue schématique de face de l'ensemble de la Figure 1 lors de son montage ;
  • la Figure 5 est une vue schématique de face de l'ensemble de la Figure 1 une fois le montage achevé ;
  • la Figure 6 est une vue schématique en perspective d'un aéronef dont la pointe avant est munie de l'ensemble de la Figure 1 et où le radôme n'est pas représenté ;
  • la Figure 7 est une vue éclatée d'un deuxième mode de réalisation d'un ensemble d'antenne selon l'invention ;
  • la Figure 8 est une vue prise en coupe longitudinale d'une variante du deuxième mode de réalisation de l'ensemble d'antenne ;
  • la Figure 9 est une vue en perspective partiellement en coupe longitudinale du système de la Figure 8 ;
  • la Figure 10 est une vue en perspective d'un ensemble selon un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • la Figure 11 est une vue prise en coupe selon un plan radian, d'une partie de l'ensemble de la Figure 10.
The invention will be better understood from the following description, given solely by way of example, and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
  • the Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of an antenna assembly according to the invention;
  • the Figure 2 is a schematic view in perspective, in a radial section, of a relevant part of the whole of the Figure 1 ;
  • the Figure 3 is a schematic front view of the protective device of the whole of the Figure 1 ;
  • the Figure 4 is a schematic front view of the whole of the Figure 1 during its assembly;
  • the Figure 5 is a schematic front view of the whole of the Figure 1 once the editing is completed;
  • the Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of an aircraft whose nose is equipped with the entire Figure 1 and where the radome is not represented;
  • the Figure 7 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of an antenna assembly according to the invention;
  • the Figure 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of a variant of the second embodiment of the antenna assembly;
  • the Figure 9 is a perspective view partially in longitudinal section of the system of the Figure 8 ;
  • the Figure 10 is a perspective view of an assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention;
  • the Figure 11 is a view taken in section along a radian plane, of a part of the whole of the Figure 10 .

On a représenté sur la Figure 1 un ensemble d'antenne 1 selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention. L'ensemble 1 est destiné à être positionné dans la pointe avant d'un aéronef, et à être recouvert par un radôme (non représenté) formant la surface extérieure de cette pointe avant.We have shown on the Figure 1 an antenna assembly 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The assembly 1 is intended to be positioned in the front tip of an aircraft, and to be covered by a radome (not shown) forming the outer surface of this nose.

L'ensemble d'antenne 1 comprend une antenne 2 et un dispositif 4 de protection de l'antenne 2.The antenna assembly 1 comprises an antenna 2 and a device 4 for protecting the antenna 2.

L'antenne 2 est dans cet exemple une antenne plane, métallique, présentant une pluralité de fentes. Une telle antenne est généralement désignée par le terme « antenne à fentes ». L'antenne 2 comprend une surface avant 2a de rayonnement, sensiblement plane, destinée à être orientée vers l'extérieur de l'aéronef, à travers le radôme. L'antenne 2 comprend également une surface arrière 2b plane.In this example, the antenna 2 is a flat, metallic antenna having a plurality of slots. Such an antenna is generally referred to as "antenna to slots ". The antenna 2 comprises a front surface 2a of radiation, substantially flat, intended to be oriented towards the outside of the aircraft, through the radome. The antenna 2 also comprises a flat rear surface 2b.

Dans tout ce qui suit, les orientations choisies sont indicatives et s'entendent par rapport aux Figures. En particulier, les termes « avant » et « arrière » s'entendent de manière relative par rapport à la direction d'émission de l'antenne.In all that follows, the orientations chosen are indicative and agree with respect to the figures. In particular, the terms "front" and "back" are relatively relative to the direction of transmission of the antenna.

Par ailleurs, dans la suite de la description, on appellera plan avant ou arrière de l'antenne un plan comprenant respectivement la surface avant 2a ou la surface arrière 2b de l'antenne 2, et les termes « intérieur » et « extérieur », appliqués à une surface, doivent s'entendre respectivement comme une surface périphérique orientée vers l'axe A-A' qui passe par le centre de l'antenne 2 orthogonalement à l'antenne, et une surface périphérique orientée à l'opposé de l'axe A-A'.Furthermore, in the remainder of the description, the front or rear plane of the antenna will be referred to as a plane respectively comprising the front surface 2a or the rear surface 2b of the antenna 2, and the terms "inside" and "outside", applied to a surface, shall be understood respectively as a peripheral surface oriented towards the axis AA 'which passes through the center of the antenna 2 orthogonal to the antenna, and a peripheral surface oriented away from the axis A-A '.

En outre, on qualifiera en outre de « longitudinal » un plan ou une section parallèle au plan moyen de l'antenne, de « transversal » un plan ou une section orthogonal(e) au plan moyen de l'antenne, et de « radial » un plan ou un axe transversal comprenant l'axe A-A'.In addition, "longitudinal" a plane or a section parallel to the mean plane of the antenna, "transverse" a plane or a section orthogonal (e) to the mean plane of the antenna, and "radial" A plane or transverse axis comprising the axis A-A '.

L'antenne 2 comprend un réseau 6 d'éléments rayonnants 8. Chaque élément rayonnant 8 a la forme d'un tube de section transversale rectangulaire, fermé à ses extrémités, formant un guide d'onde.The antenna 2 comprises a network 6 of radiating elements 8. Each radiating element 8 has the shape of a rectangular cross section tube, closed at its ends, forming a waveguide.

Chaque élément rayonnant 8 comprend ainsi une paroi avant 8a, formant une portion de la surface avant 2a de l'antenne, une paroi arrière 8b, deux cotés s'étendant entre les parois avant 8a et arrière 8b, non visibles sur les figures, et deux parois d'extrémités 8e. Chaque élément rayonnant 8 est muni sur sa paroi avant 8a de sources rayonnantes telles que des fentes, non représentées.Each radiating element 8 thus comprises a front wall 8a, forming a portion of the front surface 2a of the antenna, a rear wall 8b, two sides extending between the front walls 8a and 8b, not visible in the figures, and two end walls 8e. Each radiating element 8 is provided on its front wall 8a with radiating sources such as slots, not shown.

Les éléments rayonnants 8 sont de longueurs variables. Ils sont juxtaposés par leurs cotés, en alignant leurs milieux respectifs selon une même direction longitudinale, entre deux éléments rayonnants terminaux 8t, pour former le réseau 6. L'antenne 2 présente ainsi une épaisseur e définie comme l'épaisseur des éléments rayonnants 8 selon une direction transversale.The radiating elements 8 are of variable lengths. They are juxtaposed by their sides, aligning their respective media in the same longitudinal direction, between two terminal radiating elements 8t, to form the network 6. The antenna 2 thus has a thickness e defined as the thickness of the radiating elements 8 according to a transverse direction.

De manière connue, les éléments rayonnants 8 sont adaptés pour former ensemble un champ électromagnétique cohérent dont la direction de propagation est perpendiculaire à la surface d'émission.In known manner, the radiating elements 8 are adapted to form together a coherent electromagnetic field whose propagation direction is perpendicular to the emission surface.

Comme illustré sur la Figure 1, les longueurs des éléments rayonnants 8 sont telles que l'antenne 2 a la forme générale d'un disque.As illustrated on the Figure 1 , the lengths of the radiating elements 8 are such that the antenna 2 has the general shape of a disk.

Les surfaces avant 2a et arrière 2b sont respectivement formées par les parois avant 8a et arrière 8b des éléments rayonnants 8. Par ailleurs, les parois d'extrémités 8e des éléments rayonnants et les côtés des éléments rayonnants terminaux 8t orientés vers l'extérieur de l'antenne 2 forment un contour latéral 2c de l'antenne 2.The front 2a and rear 2b surfaces are respectively formed by the front walls 8a and 8b of the radiating elements 8. Moreover, the end walls 8e radiating elements and the sides of the radiating terminal elements 8t directed towards the outside of the antenna 2 form a lateral contour 2c of the antenna 2.

En raison de la forme parallélépipédique des éléments rayonnants 8, le contour latéral 2c de l'antenne 2 présente au moins une région anguleuse. Dans cet exemple, le contour latéral 2c est crénelé, en forme de « marches d'escalier ». Notamment, la surface avant 2a de l'antenne 2 comprend une pluralité d'angles saillants formés par des coins 9 des parois avant 8a d'au moins une partie des éléments rayonnants 8, et le contour latéral de l'antenne 2 comprend une pluralité d'arêtes 10 faisant saillie vers l'arrière de l'antenne 2 à partir des coins 9. Les coins 9 et les arêtes 10 forment des zones de renforcement de champ électrique susceptibles de provoquer des effets de pointe.Due to the parallelepipedal shape of the radiating elements 8, the lateral contour 2c of the antenna 2 has at least one angular region. In this example, the lateral contour 2c is crenellated, in the form of "steps". In particular, the front surface 2a of the antenna 2 comprises a plurality of projecting angles formed by corners 9 of the front walls 8a of at least a portion of the radiating elements 8, and the lateral contour of the antenna 2 comprises a plurality 10 of the edges protruding rearwardly of the antenna 2 from the corners 9. The corners 9 and the edges 10 form areas of electric field reinforcement likely to cause peak effects.

A titre d'exemple, le diamètre de l'antenne 2 est compris entre 15 et 22 pouces, et son épaisseur e est inférieure à 12 mm.For example, the diameter of the antenna 2 is between 15 and 22 inches, and its thickness e is less than 12 mm.

Le dispositif 4 de protection est propre à réduire le champ électrique en périphérie de l'antenne 2, en supprimant les zones de renforcement de champ électrique dues aux coins 9 et aux arêtes 10.The protective device 4 is able to reduce the electric field at the periphery of the antenna 2, by eliminating the electric field reinforcement zones due to the corners 9 and the edges 10.

Dans cet exemple, il comprend un anneau 12 de protection, également appelé anneau de Corona ou anneau courbant, de forme générale torique. L'anneau comporte une surface interne 12i, orientée vers l'antenne 2, et une surface externe 12e.In this example, it comprises a ring 12 of protection, also called Corona ring or curving ring, generally O-ring. The ring has an inner surface 12i, facing the antenna 2, and an outer surface 12e.

L'anneau 12 est disposé autour de l'antenne 2, sa surface interne 12i étant en contact électrique avec l'antenne 2. La surface externe 12e est large et arrondie. Elle est donc dépourvue de zones de renforcements susceptibles de provoquer des effets de pointe. Les surfaces interne et externe sont métalliques.The ring 12 is arranged around the antenna 2, its inner surface 12i being in electrical contact with the antenna 2. The outer surface 12e is wide and rounded. It is therefore devoid of reinforcement zones likely to cause peak effects. The inner and outer surfaces are metallic.

Grâce à l'ensemble d'antenne selon l'invention les zones de renforcement de champ électrique présentes sur l'antenne de par sa construction sont ainsi « masquées » par le dispositif 4 de protection. En cas de foudre les risques pour que celle-ci frappe une des zones de renforcement de champ de l'antenne 2 sont ainsi rendus quasiment nuls.Thanks to the antenna assembly according to the invention, the electric field reinforcement zones present on the antenna by its construction are thus "masked" by the protection device 4. In case of lightning the risks for it to hit one of the field-strengthening zones of the antenna 2 are thus rendered virtually zero.

Le dispositif 4 de protection comprend également un joint souple déformable 14 (visible sur la Figure 2), interposé entre l'anneau 12 et l'antenne 2, et destiné à assurer le contact entre l'anneau 12 et l'antenne 2.The protection device 4 also comprises a deformable flexible seal 14 (visible on the Figure 2 ), interposed between the ring 12 and the antenna 2, and intended to ensure contact between the ring 12 and the antenna 2.

Comme illustré sur la Figure 2, l'anneau 12 est de forme générale de révolution autour de l'axe A-A'. Il présente ainsi une section longitudinale de forme générale circulaire.As illustrated on the Figure 2 , the ring 12 has a general shape of revolution about the axis A-A '. It thus has a longitudinal section of generally circular shape.

L'anneau 12 forme un tube creux 16 enroulé autour de l'axe A-A'.The ring 12 forms a hollow tube 16 wound around the axis A-A '.

L'anneau 12 comprend une paroi longitudinale avant 22 plane, de forme annulaire, et une paroi transversale 24 annulaire, avantageusement orthogonale à la paroi longitudinale 22 et disposée au droit du contour latéral 2c de l'antenne 2. L'anneau 12 comprend en outre une paroi arrière 25 de section radiale en forme incurvée, par exemple en forme d'arc de cercle, qui s'étend entre un rebord intérieur de la paroi longitudinale 22 et un rebord avant de la paroi transversale 24. Avantageusement, cet arc de cercle sous-tend un angle supérieur ou égal à 270°. Les sections radiales des parois longitudinales 22 et transversale 24 forment par exemple des rayons de cet arc de cercle.The ring 12 comprises a longitudinal longitudinal front wall 22, of annular shape, and an annular transverse wall 24, advantageously orthogonal to the longitudinal wall 22 and disposed in line with the lateral contour 2c of the antenna 2. The ring 12 further comprises a rear wall 25 of radial section in curved shape, for example in the form of a circular arc, which extends between an inner rim of the longitudinal wall 22 and a front edge of the transverse wall 24. Advantageously, this circular arc subtends an angle greater than or equal to 270 °. The radial sections of the longitudinal and transverse walls 22 form, for example, radii of this circular arc.

Le tube 16 est ainsi défini par la paroi longitudinale 22, la paroi transversale 24 et la paroi arrière 25.The tube 16 is thus defined by the longitudinal wall 22, the transverse wall 24 and the rear wall 25.

Les parois longitudinale 22 et transversale 24 comprennent une face d'appui longitudinale 22a et transversale 24a respectivement, orientées vers l'extérieur du tube 16. La paroi arrière 25 comporte une face externe 25a, c'est-à-dire orientée vers l'extérieur du tube 16, qui forme la surface externe 12e de l'anneau 12.The longitudinal and transverse walls 24 comprise a longitudinal bearing face 22a and a transverse face 24a, respectively, oriented towards the outside of the tube 16. The rear wall 25 has an external face 25a, that is to say oriented towards the outside the tube 16, which forms the outer surface 12e of the ring 12.

La surface externe 12e est généralement continue, convexe, incurvée et dépourvue d'aspérités macroscopiques. Elle est donc sensiblement dépourvue de zones de renforcement de champ électrique.The outer surface 12e is generally continuous, convex, curved and devoid of macroscopic asperities. It is therefore substantially free of electric field reinforcement zones.

L'anneau 12 comporte en outre un rebord 28 de maintien de l'antenne 2, de forme générale de révolution autour de l'axe AA', qui fait saillie depuis la zone de liaison de la paroi arrière 25 avec la paroi transversale 24, orthogonalement à la paroi transversale 24, vers le centre de l'antenne 2. Le rebord 28 comporte une face de maintien 28a orientée vers l'intérieur du tube 16, en regard de la face d'appui 22a.The ring 12 further comprises a rim 28 for holding the antenna 2, generally of revolution about the axis AA ', which projects from the connection zone of the rear wall 25 with the transverse wall 24, orthogonally to the transverse wall 24, towards the center of the antenna 2. The flange 28 has a holding face 28a facing the inside of the tube 16, facing the bearing face 22a.

La paroi longitudinale 22, la paroi transversale 24 et le rebord 28 de maintien définissent ainsi un logement de réception de l'antenne 2. En particulier, la paroi longitudinale 22 et la paroi transversale 24 forment une cornière 30 de réception de l'antenne 2, tandis que le rebord 28 forme un organe de retenue de l'antenne 2 dans la cornière 30. Les surfaces d'appui longitudinale 22a et transversale 24a et la surface de maintien 28a forment la surface interne 12i de l'anneau 12.The longitudinal wall 22, the transverse wall 24 and the retaining rim 28 thus define a housing for receiving the antenna 2. In particular, the longitudinal wall 22 and the transverse wall 24 form an angle-iron 30 for receiving the antenna 2 while the flange 28 forms a retaining member of the antenna 2 in the bracket 30. The longitudinal bearing surfaces 22a and 24a and the retaining surface 28a form the inner surface 12i of the ring 12.

L'anneau 12 comporte ainsi une portion médiane, entourant l'antenne 2 au droit de son contour latéral 2c, et une portion arrière, disposée à l'arrière de l'antenne, en regard de la surface arrière 2b.The ring 12 thus comprises a medial portion, surrounding the antenna 2 at its lateral contour 2c, and a rear portion, disposed at the rear of the antenna, facing the rear surface 2b.

L'anneau 12 présente un rayon intérieur R12, défini comme la distance entre l'axe A-A' et la surface 24a de la paroi transversale 24, légèrement supérieur au rayon R2 de l'antenne 2, c'est-à-dire le rayon R2 d'un cercle qui serait circonscrit à l'antenne 2.The ring 12 has an inner radius R 12 , defined as the distance between the axis AA 'and the surface 24a of the transverse wall 24, slightly greater than the radius R 2 of the antenna 2, that is to say the radius R 2 of a circle which would be circumscribed to the antenna 2.

Le rayon R16 du tube 16 est supérieur à l'épaisseur e de l'antenne. Ce rayon R16 est par exemple compris entre 1,2 et 3 fois l'épaisseur e de l'antenne, avantageusement égal à 10mm.The radius R 16 of the tube 16 is greater than the thickness e of the antenna. This radius R 16 is for example between 1.2 and 3 times the thickness e of the antenna, preferably equal to 10mm.

L'anneau 12 est réalisé à partir d'un matériau léger et rigide, de surface extérieure métallique. Avantageusement, pour des raisons de gain de masse, l'anneau 12 est réalisé à partir d'un corps formé d'un matériau isolant, par exemple un matériau plastique recouvert d'une couche métallique, par exemple du nickel, du chrome, de l'aluminium ou de l'étain. Le corps isolant est par exemple réalisé par stéréolithographie, tandis que la couche métallique est par exemple déposée par dépôt électrolytique, ou par pulvérisation ou évaporation sous vide.The ring 12 is made from a light and rigid material, metal outer surface. Advantageously, for reasons of mass saving, the ring 12 is made from a body formed of an insulating material, for example a plastic material covered with a metal layer, for example nickel, chromium, aluminum or tin. The insulating body is for example made by stereolithography, while the metal layer is for example deposited by electrolytic deposition, or by spraying or evaporation under vacuum.

Le joint souple 14, de forme générale de révolution autour d'un axe central AA', présente une section radiale en forme de L. Le joint souple 14 comprend ainsi une branche longitudinale 32 et une branche transversale 34. Sa surface externe est de forme conjuguée à la surface de la cornière 30 formée par les surfaces d'appui 22a, 24a. Le joint souple 14 est ainsi disposé en appui surfacique contre la surface externe de la cornière 30, les surfaces externes des branches longitudinales 32 et transversale 34 étant placées en appui surfacique contre les surfaces d'appui externes 22a et 24a respectivement.The flexible joint 14, of general shape of revolution about a central axis AA ', has a radial section L-shaped. The flexible seal 14 thus comprises a longitudinal branch 32 and a transverse branch 34. Its outer surface is shaped conjugate to the surface of the bracket 30 formed by the bearing surfaces 22a, 24a. The flexible seal 14 is thus disposed in surface abutment against the outer surface of the bracket 30, the outer surfaces of the longitudinal and transverse branches 32 being placed in surface abutment against the external bearing surfaces 22a and 24a respectively.

Avantageusement, l'épaisseur de la branche transversale 34 du joint 14 est sensiblement égale à la différence entre le rayon R2 de l'antenne et le rayon R12 de l'anneau. Par ailleurs, l'épaisseur de la branche longitudinale 32 du joint 14 est sensiblement égale à la différence entre le rayon R16 du tube 16 et l'épaisseur e de l'antenne 2. Les branches longitudinale 32 et transversale 34 sont avantageusement d'épaisseur égale. Le joint 14 est réalisé dans un matériau souple isolant, par exemple à base de silicone ou d'élastomère. Les surfaces internes longitudinale 32a et transversale 34a du joint 14 ainsi que la surface 28a du rebord 28 de maintien sont en appui contre l'antenne 2.Advantageously, the thickness of the transverse branch 34 of the seal 14 is substantially equal to the difference between the radius R 2 of the antenna and the radius R 12 of the ring. Moreover, the thickness of the longitudinal branch 32 of the gasket 14 is substantially equal to the difference between the radius R 16 of the tube 16 and the thickness e of the antenna 2. The longitudinal and transverse branches 32 are advantageously equal thickness. The seal 14 is made of a flexible insulating material, for example based on silicone or elastomer. The longitudinal internal surfaces 32a and transverse 34a of the gasket 14 as well as the surface 28a of the retaining rim 28 bear against the antenna 2.

L'anneau 12 est avantageusement réalisé d'un seul tenant. Le rebord 28 de maintien comprend une pluralité d'encoches 31, destinées à permettre l'engagement de l'antenne 2 dans la cornière 30. En particulier, chacune des encoches 31 est propre à recevoir un des coins 9 de l'antenne 2 lors de son engagement dans l'anneau 12 selon une direction parallèle à l'axe A-A'.The ring 12 is advantageously made in one piece. The retaining rim 28 comprises a plurality of notches 31, intended to allow the engagement of the antenna 2 in the angle 30. In particular, each of the notches 31 is adapted to receive one of the corners 9 of the antenna 2 when its engagement in the ring 12 in a direction parallel to the axis A-A '.

L'anneau 12 comprend par ailleurs des moyens de verrouillage de la position angulaire de l'antenne 2 (non visibles sur les figures), propres à bloquer en rotation autour de l'axe A-A' l'antenne 2 dans l'anneau 12, une fois celle-ci engagée dans l'anneau 12. Ces moyens de verrouillage comprennent par exemple une pluralité de butées faisant saillie dans la cornière 30.The ring 12 also comprises means for locking the angular position of the antenna 2 (not visible in the figures), adapted to lock in rotation about the axis AA 'the antenna 2 in the ring 12, once this engaged in the ring 12. These locking means comprise for example a plurality of stops protruding into the bracket 30.

Comme représenté sur les Figures 3 à 6, l'antenne 2 est installée dans le dispositif 4 en engageant l'antenne 2, parallèlement à l'axe A-A', dans la cornière 30, chaque coin 9 de l'antenne 2 étant reçu dans une encoche 31. Le dispositif 4 est alors tourné autour de l'axe A-A' jusqu'à une position de butée, dans laquelle, l'antenne 2 est bloquée en rotation dans l'anneau 12 par les moyens de verrouillage.As shown on Figures 3 to 6 , the antenna 2 is installed in the device 4 by engaging the antenna 2, parallel to the axis A-A ', in the angle 30, each corner 9 of the antenna 2 being received in a notch 31. The device 4 is then turned around the axis AA 'to an abutment position, in which the antenna 2 is locked in rotation in the ring 12 by the locking means.

Dans cette position de butée, les coins 9 sont en appui surfacique contre la surface 28a du rebord 28 de maintien, et recouverts par le rebord 28. Chaque encoche 31 est alors sensiblement équidistante des deux coins 9 de l'antenne 2 adjacents.In this abutment position, the corners 9 are in surface abutment against the surface 28a of the retaining rim 28, and covered by the flange 28. Each notch 31 is then substantially equidistant from the two corners 9 of the antenna 2 adjacent.

Le dispositif 4 de protection formé de l'anneau 12 et du joint 14 est ainsi disposé autour de l'antenne 2, en venant au contact de chacune des arêtes saillantes 10 de l'antenne 2.The protective device 4 formed of the ring 12 and the seal 14 is thus arranged around the antenna 2, coming into contact with each of the projecting ridges 10 of the antenna 2.

En particulier, chacune des arêtes saillantes 10 est en appui contre la surface interne transversale 34a, et la surface interne longitudinale 32a reçoit en appui surfacique une portion extérieure annulaire de la surface arrière 2b de l'antenne 2.In particular, each of the projecting ridges 10 bears against the transverse internal surface 34a, and the longitudinal inner surface 32a receives, in surface abutment, an annular outer portion of the rear surface 2b of the antenna 2.

L'antenne 2 est donc maintenue dans une position fixe dans l'anneau 12 par les parois longitudinale 22 et transversale 24, et le rebord 28 de maintien. Notamment, la paroi longitudinale 22 et le rebord 28 de maintien forment un étau empêchant tout mouvement de l'antenne 2 par rapport à l'anneau 12 dans une direction transversale. Ainsi, le joint souple 14 permet de solidariser l'anneau 12 à l'antenne 2, en évitant tout mouvement de l'un par rapport à l'autre, notamment en vol. Par ailleurs, l'antenne 2 est bloquée en rotation autour de l'axe A-A' par les moyens de verrouillage.The antenna 2 is thus maintained in a fixed position in the ring 12 by the longitudinal walls 22 and transverse 24, and the retaining rim 28. In particular, the longitudinal wall 22 and the retaining rim 28 form a vice preventing any movement of the antenna 2 with respect to the ring 12 in a transverse direction. Thus, the flexible seal 14 secures the ring 12 to the antenna 2, avoiding any movement of one relative to the other, especially in flight. Furthermore, the antenna 2 is locked in rotation about the axis A-A 'by the locking means.

L'équipotentialisation de l'antenne 2 et l'anneau 12 est assurée par le contact électrique existant entre le rebord 28 de maintien et les coins 9 de l'antenne 2. Le maintien au même potentiel de l'antenne 2 et de l'anneau 12 permet de supprimer les circulations de courant entre eux et de limiter les causes d'amorçages de la foudre.The equipotentialisation of the antenna 2 and the ring 12 is provided by the electrical contact existing between the retaining rim 28 and the corners 9 of the antenna 2. The maintenance at the same potential of the antenna 2 and the Ring 12 makes it possible to eliminate current flows between them and to limit the causes of lightning strikes.

Comme visible sur la figure 6, l'ensemble d'antenne 1 est installé dans la pointe avant 37 d'un aéronef 38 de façon mobile en étant monté sur un dispositif 40 de balayage. Dans la position nominale de l'ensemble d'antenne 1, le plan avant de l'antenne 2 est orthogonal à l'axe de roulis de l'aéronef 38. La direction longitudinale des éléments rayonnants 8 est par exemple tournée de 45° par rapport à un axe vertical.As visible on the figure 6 , the antenna assembly 1 is installed in the front tip 37 of an aircraft 38 movably being mounted on a device 40 for scanning. In the nominal position of the antenna assembly 1, the front plane of the antenna 2 is orthogonal to the roll axis of the aircraft 38. The longitudinal direction of the radiating elements 8 is for example turned by 45 ° by relative to a vertical axis.

Le dispositif 40 est propre à faire tourner l'ensemble d'antenne 1 autour de deux axes orthogonaux passant par le centre de l'antenne 2, et parallèles respectivement à l'axe de lacet et à l'axe de tangage de l'aéronef 38. L'ensemble d'antenne 1 est ainsi mobile à la fois en élévation et en azimut. A titre d'exemple, l'ensemble d'antenne 1 peut balayer un angle de 120° en azimut et de 70° en élévation autour de sa position nominale.The device 40 is able to rotate the antenna assembly 1 about two orthogonal axes passing through the center of the antenna 2, and parallel respectively to the yaw axis and to the pitch axis of the aircraft. 38. The antenna assembly 1 is thus mobile in both elevation and azimuth. By way of example, the antenna assembly 1 can scan an angle of 120 ° in azimuth and 70 ° in elevation around its nominal position.

L'anneau 12 est par exemple réalisé par assemblage de deux demi-anneaux de section longitudinale de forme générale semi-circulaire autour de l'antenne 2, selon un plan radial de l'antenne 2.The ring 12 is for example made by assembling two half-rings of longitudinal section of generally semicircular shape around the antenna 2, in a radial plane of the antenna 2.

On a ainsi représenté sur la Figure 7 un autre mode de réalisation de l'anneau 12.It has thus been represented on the Figure 7 another embodiment of the ring 12.

Dans ce mode de réalisation, l'anneau 12 est réalisé à partir de deux demi-anneaux sensiblement identiques 44 ou 44', chaque demi-anneau étant propre à entourer l'antenne 2 sur la moitié de la périphérie de celle-ci, c'est-à-dire sur un secteur angulaire égal à 180°. L'anneau 12 est ainsi monté en assemblant mécaniquement les demi-anneaux autour de l'antenne 2 par assemblage de leurs extrémités respectives. Dans ce mode de réalisation, l'anneau 12 est dépourvu d'encoches 31.In this embodiment, the ring 12 is made from two substantially identical half-rings 44 or 44 ', each half-ring being adapted to surround the antenna 2 on the half of the periphery thereof, c that is to say on an angular sector equal to 180 °. The ring 12 is thus mounted by mechanically assembling the half-rings around the antenna 2 by assembling their respective ends. In this embodiment, the ring 12 is devoid of notches 31.

Dans l'exemple illustré sur la Figure 7, cet assemblage est réalisé par vissage. Selon ce mode de réalisation, chaque demi-anneau 44 comprend deux extrémités de raccord 48a et 48b, chaque extrémité 48a, 48b d'un demi-anneau 44 étant propre à être fixée par vissage à une extrémité correspondante 48b, 48a de l'autre demi-anneau 44.In the example shown on the Figure 7 this assembly is made by screwing. According to this embodiment, each half-ring 44 comprises two connecting ends 48a and 48b, each end 48a, 48b of a half-ring 44 being adapted to be fixed by screwing to a corresponding end 48b, 48a of the other half-ring 44.

Chaque extrémité de raccord 48a, 48b des deux demi-anneaux 44 présente une section transversale pleine, élargie vers l'intérieur et vers l'arrière de l'anneau 2, et est fermée par une surface terminale radiale plane 51. Chaque surface terminale 51 forme alors un épaulement radial 52, qui est percé d'un trou taraudé 53.Each connecting end 48a, 48b of the two half-rings 44 has a solid cross section, widened towards the inside and towards the rear of the ring 2, and is closed by a planar radial end surface 51. Each end surface 51 then forms a radial shoulder 52, which is pierced with a threaded hole 53.

Chaque extrémité 48a, 48b d'un demi-anneau 44 est vissée à l'extrémité correspondante 48b, 48a de l'autre demi-anneau 44 au moyen d'un écrou à travers les trous taraudés 53.Each end 48a, 48b of a half-ring 44 is screwed to the corresponding end 48b, 48a of the other half-ring 44 by means of a nut through the threaded holes 53.

Dans une variante à ce mode de réalisation illustrée sur les Figures 8 et 9, l'assemblage entre les demi-anneaux 44' est réalisé par clipage. Chaque demi-anneau 44' comprend ainsi deux extrémités de raccord 62a, 62b, chaque extrémité 62a, 62b d'un demi-anneau 44' étant propre à être fixée par clipage à l'extrémité correspondante 62b, 62a de l'autre demi-anneau 44'.In an alternative to this embodiment illustrated on the Figures 8 and 9 , the assembly between the half-rings 44 'is made by clipping. Each half-ring 44 'thus comprises two connecting ends 62a, 62b, each end 62a, 62b of a half-ring 44' being adapted to be fastened by clipping to the corresponding end 62b, 62a of the other half. ring 44 '.

Sur la Figure 8, seule la zone du dispositif située au voisinage d'une zone de raccord entre deux extrémités de raccord 62a, 62b fixées l'une à l'autre des demi-anneaux 44' est représentée. Ces deux extrémités de raccord sont fixées l'une à l'autre au moyen d'un assemblage à encliquetage, comprenant une patte de verrouillage et une ouverture de verrouillage correspondante.On the Figure 8 only the region of the device situated in the vicinity of a connection zone between two connection ends 62a, 62b fixed to each other of the half-rings 44 'is represented. These two connector ends are attached to each other by means of a snap-fit assembly, including a locking lug and a corresponding locking aperture.

L'extrémité de raccord 62b comprend ainsi une patte de verrouillage 66 faisant saillie depuis le bord d'extrémité de la paroi d'appui transversale 24 dans une direction sensiblement parallèle à cette paroi. La patte 66 est déformable élastiquement. Elle comprend sur sa surface extérieure une saillie d'arrêt 68 formant un épaulement radial 68a orienté vers la paroi d'appui transversale 24.The connecting end 62b thus comprises a locking tab 66 protruding from the end edge of the transverse support wall 24 in a direction substantially parallel to this wall. The tab 66 is elastically deformable. It comprises on its outer surface a stop protrusion 68 forming a radial shoulder 68a oriented towards the transverse support wall 24.

L'extrémité de raccord 62a est propre à être assemblée par clipage à l'extrémité de raccord 62b. Sa surface intérieure forme une ouverture de verrouillage 70 propre à recevoir la patte 66. En particulier, l'ouverture de verrouillage comporte un épaulement radial 70a propre à recevoir en appui l'épaulement 68a de la patte 66.The connector end 62a is adapted to be clipped together at the connector end 62b. Its inner surface forms a locking opening 70 adapted to receive the tab 66. In particular, the locking opening comprises a radial shoulder 70a adapted to receive bearing the shoulder 68a of the tab 66.

L'assemblage des extrémités de raccord 62a et 62b est réalisé en déformant élastiquement la patte 66 pour l'introduire selon une direction longitudinale d'assemblage dans l'ouverture de verrouillage 70, jusqu'à ce que l'épaulement 68a de la patte 66 soit en appui surfacique contre l'épaulement 70a de l'ouverture 70, empêchant tout mouvement de la patte à l'écart de l'ouverture 70. L'assemblage de l'anneau 12 selon cette variante ne nécessite ainsi aucun outil.The assembly of the connection ends 62a and 62b is made by elastically deforming the tab 66 to introduce it in a longitudinal assembly direction into the locking aperture 70, until the shoulder 68a of the tab 66 or in surface support against the shoulder 70a of the opening 70, preventing any movement of the tab away from the opening 70. The assembly of the ring 12 according to this variant thus requires no tools.

L'anneau 12 comprend également deux joints souple 71, chaque joint 71 étant interposé entre deux extrémités de raccord 62a et 62b, assurant la liaison entre les demi-anneaux 44 et 44'.The ring 12 also comprises two flexible seals 71, each seal 71 being interposed between two connection ends 62a and 62b, providing the connection between the half-rings 44 and 44 '.

L'extrémité de raccord 62b est par ailleurs muni d'une ouverture traversante 72 accessible depuis sa surface extérieure et débouchant dans l'ouverture d'assemblage 70. Cette ouverture traversante 72 permet l'introduction d'un outil de déverrouillage, pour repousser élastiquement la patte 66 et désassembler les extrémités de raccord 62a et 62b.The connecting end 62b is also provided with a through opening 72 accessible from its outer surface and opening into the assembly opening 70. This through opening 72 allows the introduction of an unlocking tool, to repel elastically the tab 66 and disassemble the connection ends 62a and 62b.

Les dépôts métalliques au niveau des extrémités des demi-anneaux 44 et 44' sont réalisés de façon à éviter la génération de zones de renforcement de champ, notamment au niveau de la zone de contact des demi-anneaux entre eux.The metal deposits at the ends of the half-rings 44 and 44 'are made so as to avoid the generation of field-reinforcing zones, especially at the level of the contact zone of the half-rings between them.

On a représenté sur les Figures 10 et 11 un ensemble d'antenne 100 selon un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention.We have shown on Figures 10 and 11 an antenna assembly 100 according to a third embodiment of the invention.

Le dispositif 100 comprend une antenne 2, identique à celle décrite en référence aux Figures 1 à 9, et un dispositif 104 de protection comprenant un anneau 112 de protection.The device 100 comprises an antenna 2, identical to that described with reference to the Figures 1 to 9 , and a protection device 104 comprising a protection ring 112.

L'anneau 112 diffère de l'anneau 12 par sa section radiale et par son mode d'assemblage.The ring 112 differs from the ring 12 by its radial section and by its method of assembly.

L'anneau 112 est en effet réalisé par assemblage selon un plan d'assemblage défini par le contour de l'antenne 2 de deux éléments annulaires 114, 115 de section longitudinale sensiblement circulaire.The ring 112 is in fact made by assembling according to an assembly plane defined by the contour of the antenna 2 of two annular elements 114, 115 of substantially circular longitudinal section.

Un premier élément annulaire 114, appelé par la suite élément annulaire médian 114 entoure l'antenne 2 au droit de son contour latéral 2c. L'élément annulaire médian 114 est de forme générale de révolution autour de l'axe AA'. Il présente une section radiale en forme générale de quart de disque. L'élément annulaire médian 114 comprend une surface longitudinale arrière 114b, plane et de forme annulaire. Il comprend également une surface transversale 114c annulaire, orthogonale à la surface arrière 114b et disposée au droit du contour latéral 2c de l'antenne 2, et une surface avant 114a de section radiale en forme d'arc de cercle.A first annular element 114, hereinafter called the median annular element 114, surrounds the antenna 2 at the level of its lateral contour 2c. The median annular element 114 is generally of revolution about the axis AA '. It has a radial section in the general shape of a quarter disc. The median annular element 114 comprises a rear longitudinal surface 114b, plane and annular. It also comprises a transverse surface 114c annular, orthogonal to the rear surface 114b and disposed at the right side contour 2c of the antenna 2, and a front surface 114a of radial section in the form of a circular arc.

L'élément annulaire médian 114 comporte en outre un rebord 128 de maintien de l'antenne 2, de forme générale de révolution autour de l'axe AA', qui fait saillie depuis le bord avant de la surface transversale 114c vers le centre de l'antenne 2. Le rebord 128 comporte une surface de maintien 128a orientée vers l'arrière de l'antenne 2, propre à venir en appui surfacique contre la surface avant 2a de l'antenne 2, en particulier contre les coins 9.The median annular element 114 further comprises a rim 128 for holding the antenna 2, generally of revolution about the axis AA ', which protrudes from the front edge of the transverse surface 114c towards the center of the Antenna 2. The flange 128 comprises a retaining surface 128a directed towards the rear of the antenna 2, able to bear surface against the front surface 2a of the antenna 2, in particular against the corners 9.

La distance d entre la surface de maintien 128a et la surface arrière 114b est sensiblement égale à l'épaisseur e de l'antenne. Ainsi, lorsque le rebord 128 est en appui surfacique contre la surface avant 2a de l'antenne 2, la surface arrière 114b s'étend dans le plan arrière de l'antenne.The distance d between the retaining surface 128a and the rear surface 114b is substantially equal to the thickness e of the antenna. Thus, when the flange 128 is in surface abutment against the front surface 2a of the antenna 2, the rear surface 114b extends in the rear plane of the antenna.

Le deuxième élément annulaire 115, appelé élément annulaire arrière, est disposé à l'arrière du plan arrière de l'antenne. L'élément annulaire arrière 115 est de forme générale de révolution autour de l'axe AA'.The second annular element 115, called the rear annular element, is disposed at the rear of the rear plane of the antenna. The rear annular element 115 is generally of revolution about the axis AA '.

L'élément annulaire arrière 115 comprend une paroi longitudinale avant 115a plane, de forme annulaire, et une paroi arrière 115b de section transversale en forme de demi-cercle dont la section radiale de la paroi avant 115a forme un diamètre. L'élément annulaire arrière 115 forme ainsi un tube creux 116, présentant une section radiale en forme générale de demi-cercle.The rear annular element 115 comprises a longitudinal front wall 115a of annular shape, and a rear wall 115b of semicircular cross-section whose radial section of the front wall 115a forms a diameter. The rear annular element 115 thus forms a hollow tube 116, having a radial section in the general shape of a semicircle.

Les éléments annulaires médian 114 et arrière 115 ont sensiblement le même diamètre extérieur. Le rayon intérieur R114 de l'élément annulaire médian 114, défini comme la distance entre l'axe A-A' et la surface transversale 114c est légèrement supérieur au rayon R2 de l'antenne 2.The median annulus 114 and rear 115 have substantially the same outer diameter. The inner radius R 114 of the median annular element 114, defined as the distance between the axis AA 'and the transverse surface 114c is slightly greater than the radius R 2 of the antenna 2.

Le rayon du tube 116 est par exemple compris entre 1,2 et 3 fois l'épaisseur e de l'antenne.The radius of the tube 116 is for example between 1.2 and 3 times the thickness e of the antenna.

La paroi avant 115a de l'élément annulaire arrière 115 est propre à venir en appui surfacique au droit de la surface arrière 114b de l'élément annulaire médian 114, et contre une portion extérieure sensiblement annulaire de la surface arrière 2b de l'antenne 2.The front wall 115a of the rear annular element 115 is able to bear surface against the rear surface 114b of the median annular element 114, and against a substantially annular outer portion of the rear surface 2b of the antenna 2 .

L'anneau 112 est assemblé en positionnant l'élément annulaire médian 114 autour de l'antenne 2, sa surface transversale 114c disposée au droit du contour latéral 2c de l'antenne 2, et sa surface de maintien 128a étant en appui surfacique contre la surface avant 2a de l'antenne 2, et en positionnant l'élément annulaire arrière 115 derrière l'antenne 2, sa surface avant 115a étant au droit de la surface arrière 114b de l'élément annulaire médian 114, et contre une portion extérieure sensiblement annulaire de la surface arrière 2b de l'antenne 2. Un joint annulaire 129 est interposé entre la surfaces avant 115a et la surface arrière 114b. Ce joint 129 est destiné à assurer le contact entre les éléments annulaires 114, 115. Il est réalisé dans un matériau élastomère électriquement conducteur.The ring 112 is assembled by positioning the median annular element 114 around the antenna 2, its transverse surface 114c disposed in line with the lateral contour 2c of the antenna 2, and its holding surface 128a being in surface abutment against the front surface 2a of the antenna 2, and positioning the rear annular element 115 behind the antenna 2, its front surface 115a being at the right of the rear surface 114b of the median annular element 114, and against an outer portion substantially annular of the rear surface 2b of the antenna 2. An annular seal 129 is interposed between the front surfaces 115a and the rear surface 114b. This seal 129 is intended to ensure contact between the annular elements 114, 115. It is made of an electrically conductive elastomeric material.

Les éléments annulaires 114 et 115 sont par exemple fixés l'un à l'autre par vissage ou par clipage.The annular elements 114 and 115 are for example fixed to each other by screwing or clipping.

L'anneau 112 est ainsi disposé autour de l'antenne 2, en venant au contact de chacune des arêtes saillantes 10. En particulier, les coins 9 sont en appui surfacique contre la surface 128a du rebord 128 de maintien, et recouverts par ce rebord 128.The ring 112 is thus arranged around the antenna 2, coming into contact with each of the projecting ridges 10. In particular, the corners 9 are in surface abutment against the surface 128a of the support rim 128, and covered by this rim 128.

La surface de maintien 128a, la surface transversale 114c de l'élément annulaire médian 114 et une portion de la surface avant 115a de l'élément annulaire arrière 115 forment une surface interne 112i de l'anneau 12, en contact électrique avec le contour latéral 2c.The retaining surface 128a, the transverse surface 114c of the medial annular element 114 and a portion of the front surface 115a of the rear annular element 115 form an inner surface 112i of the ring 12, in electrical contact with the lateral contour 2c.

La surface transversale 114c et une portion de la surface avant 115a délimitent une cornière 130 de réception de l'antenne 2. L'antenne 2 y est maintenue dans une position fixe en étant prise en étau entre la paroi avant 115a et le rebord 128 de maintien.The transverse surface 114c and a portion of the front surface 115a delimit an angle of reception 130 of the antenna 2. The antenna 2 is held there in a fixed position by being clamped between the front wall 115a and the rim 128 of maintenance.

La surface avant 114a et la surface extérieure de la paroi arrière 115b forment une surface externe 112e de l'anneau 112. Cette surface externe est large et arrondie. Elle est donc dépourvue de zones de renforcements susceptibles de provoquer des effets de pointe.The front surface 114a and the outer surface of the rear wall 115b form an outer surface 112e of the ring 112. This outer surface is wide and rounded. It is therefore devoid of reinforcement zones likely to cause peak effects.

En variante, un joint souple similaire au joint souple 14 est interposé entre l'anneau 112 et l'antenne 12.Alternatively, a flexible seal similar to the flexible seal 14 is interposed between the ring 112 and the antenna 12.

La surface extérieure de l'anneau 112 est métallique. L'équipotentialisation de l'antenne 2 et l'anneau 112 est ainsi assurée par le contact électrique entre le rebord 128 de maintien et les coins 9 de l'antenne 2.The outer surface of the ring 112 is metallic. The equipotentialisation of the antenna 2 and the ring 112 is thus ensured by the electrical contact between the retaining rim 128 and the corners 9 of the antenna 2.

L'anneau 112 est réalisé à partir d'un matériau léger et rigide. La surface extérieure de chaque élément annulaire 114, 115 est métallique.The ring 112 is made from a light and rigid material. The outer surface of each annular element 114, 115 is metallic.

Avantageusement, chaque demi-anneau 114, 115 de l'anneau 112 est réalisé comme décrit précédemment pour les demi-anneaux de l'anneau 12.Advantageously, each half-ring 114, 115 of the ring 112 is produced as previously described for the half-rings of the ring 12.

Ainsi réalisé, l'ensemble d'antenne selon l'invention permet d'éviter les risques d'attachement de la foudre donc d'améliorer la tenue à la foudre d'un aéronef intégrant ce dispositif par rapport à l'antenne 2 seule. Cette amélioration de la tenue à la foudre est de plus réalisée sans avoir à modifier l'agencement de la pointe avant de l'aéronef, c'est-à-dire sans avoir à modifier la position de l'antenne dans cette pointe avant ni à agrandir le radôme.Thus realized, the antenna assembly according to the invention makes it possible to avoid the risks of attachment of the lightning thus to improve the lightning resistance of an aircraft integrating this device with respect to the antenna 2 alone. This improvement in lightning resistance is furthermore achieved without having to modify the arrangement of the front tip of the aircraft, that is to say without having to modify the position of the antenna in this forward tip. to enlarge the radome.

En effet, l'ensemble d'antenne selon l'invention ne comprend aucune pointe ni arête saillante, qui formerait une zone de renforcement du champ électrique. Au contraire, la surface externe de l'anneau et large et arrondie, ce qui permet de réduire le champ statique en périphérie de l'antenne.Indeed, the antenna assembly according to the invention does not include any point or projecting edge, which would form a strengthening zone of the electric field. On the contrary, the outer surface of the ring and wide and rounded, which reduces the static field periphery of the antenna.

Cette réduction de champ statique est d'autant plus importante que l'aire de la surface externe de l'anneau est grande. En effet, le champ peut alors se répartir sur une plus grande surface.This reduction in static field is all the more important as the area of the outer surface of the ring is large. Indeed, the field can then be spread over a larger area.

Selon l'invention, et conformément aux modes de réalisation décrits, l'anneau comporte une portion médiane, entourant l'antenne 2 au droit de son contour latéral 2c, et une portion arrière, disposée à l'arrière de l'antenne 2. Seul les rebords de maintien s'étendent à l'avant du plan avant de l'antenne 2. Une telle structure de l'anneau permet de développer une surface externe de l'anneau importante tout en minimisant les perturbations du diagramme de rayonnement de l'antenne. En effet, cette surface externe se développe principalement en arrière de l'antenne 2.According to the invention, and in accordance with the described embodiments, the ring comprises a medial portion, surrounding the antenna 2 at its lateral contour 2c, and a rear portion disposed at the rear of the antenna 2. Only the retaining flanges extend forward of the front plane of the antenna 2. Such a structure of the ring makes it possible to develop an external surface of the large ring while minimizing the disturbances of the radiation pattern of the antenna. 'antenna. Indeed, this external surface develops mainly behind the antenna 2.

La réalisation de l'anneau en matériau léger permet de minimiser l'augmentation de l'inertie de l'antenne due à l'anneau. Cette légèreté est notamment accentuée par la forme de tube creux de l'anneau. De plus, la rigidité de ce matériau permet de limiter les déformations de l'anneau.The realization of the ring of light material makes it possible to minimize the increase in the inertia of the antenna due to the ring. This lightness is particularly accentuated by the hollow tube form of the ring. In addition, the rigidity of this material makes it possible to limit the deformations of the ring.

En variante, l'anneau 12 ou 112 est entièrement métallique.Alternatively, the ring 12 or 112 is entirely metallic.

Il doit être compris que les exemples de réalisation présentés ci-dessus ne sont pas limitatifs.It should be understood that the embodiments described above are not limiting.

Notamment, selon un mode de réalisation, l'anneau est intégré à l'antenne lors de sa fabrication, ce qui permet d'éviter l'assemblage de l'anneau autour de l'antenne. Par exemple, l'anneau peut être réalisée d'un seul tenant avec l'antenne.In particular, according to one embodiment, the ring is integrated into the antenna during its manufacture, which avoids the assembly of the ring around the antenna. For example, the ring can be made in one piece with the antenna.

En outre, les caractéristiques techniques des modes de réalisation et variantes mentionnées ci-dessus peuvent être combinées entre elles.In addition, the technical features of the embodiments and variants mentioned above can be combined with each other.

Claims (15)

  1. An antenna unit (1) comprising an antenna (2) having a radiating front surface (2a), a back surface (2b) and a lateral outline (2c) having at least one electric field reinforcing region (9, 10),
    said antenna unit (1) being characterized in that it further comprises a protecting device (4) for protecting the antenna (2) from lightning, having an internal surface (12i; 112i) at least partially capping the lateral outline (2c) of said antenna (2) by being in electrical contact with said lateral outline (2c), said internal surface (12i; 112i) covering the or each electric field reinforcing region (9, 10), said protecting device (4) having a curved external surface (12e; 112e) opposite said internal surface (12i; 112i).
  2. The antenna unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said antenna (2) is a disk-like planar antenna, said protecting device (4) advantageously having an annular shape.
  3. The antenna unit (1) according to any of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that said electric field reinforcing region (9, 10) is an angular part of said lateral outline (2c).
  4. The antenna unit (1) according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said protecting device (4) includes a circumferential median portion placed opposite said lateral outline (2c), and a back portion, arranged on the back of said back surface (2b), said median and back portions forming a housing (30; 130) receiving the antenna (2).
  5. The antenna unit (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that said protecting device (4) further includes a holding flange (28; 128), arranged on the front of the front surface (2a) of the antenna (2), said back portion and said holding flange (28; 128) gripping the antenna (2) inside said protecting device (4).
  6. The antenna unit (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that said back portion includes a longitudinal bearing face (22a; 115a) bearing against the back surface (2b) of the antenna (2), said median portion includes a transverse bearing face (24a; 114c) bearing against said lateral outline (2c), and said holding flange (28; 128) includes a holding face (28a; 128a) in surface bearing contact against the front surface (2a) of the antenna (2), said internal surface being formed by said longitudinal bearing face (22a; 115a), said transverse bearing face (24a; 114c), and said holding face (28a; 128a).
  7. The antenna unit (1) according to any of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that said holding flange (28; 128) is in electrical contact with at least one part of the field reinforcing regions (9, 10) of said antenna (2).
  8. The antenna unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said protecting device (4) includes a rigid body (12; 112) and a deformable fastening seal (14), partially interposed between said body (12; 112) and said antenna (2).
  9. The antenna unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said protecting device (4) includes a rigid body (12) made integrally, having an internal surface (12i; 112i) at least partially capping the lateral outline (2c) of said antenna (2) by being in electrical contact with said lateral outline (2c), said internal surface (12i; 112i) covering the or each electric field reinforcing region (9, 10), said rigid body (12) having a curved external surface (12e; 112e) opposite said internal surface (12i; 112i), and in that said rigid body (12) includes engaging means for engaging said antenna (2) in said rigid body (12).
  10. The antenna unit (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that said rigid body (12) includes locking means for locking the position of said antenna (2) with respect to said protecting device (4).
  11. The antenna unit (1) according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said protecting device (4) has several elements (44; 44') assembled along a radial plane of said antenna (2).
  12. The antenna unit (1) according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said protecting device (4) has at least two elements (114, 115) assembled on either side of the lateral outline (2c) of the antenna.
  13. The antenna unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said internal (12i; 112i) and external (12e; 112e) annular surfaces are electrically conductive, advantageously metal-coated.
  14. The antenna unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said protecting device (4) is formed from an electrically insulating material at least partially covered by a metal coating.
  15. The antenna unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said antenna (2) has a plurality of slots.
EP20130174798 2012-07-05 2013-07-02 Antenna system Not-in-force EP2683028B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1201909A FR2993103B1 (en) 2012-07-05 2012-07-05 ANTENNA ASSEMBLY

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2683028A1 EP2683028A1 (en) 2014-01-08
EP2683028B1 true EP2683028B1 (en) 2015-04-29

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ID=47424918

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20130174798 Not-in-force EP2683028B1 (en) 2012-07-05 2013-07-02 Antenna system

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US (1) US9350066B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2683028B1 (en)
FR (1) FR2993103B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10165698B2 (en) 2015-11-12 2018-12-25 Kimtron, Inc. Anode terminal for reducing field enhancement
US10158169B1 (en) 2017-08-01 2018-12-18 Winegard Company Mobile antenna system

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2675767B1 (en) * 1991-04-23 1993-07-23 Birault Jean RADOME SPARKLE FOR AIRPLANE.
GB2295594B (en) * 1994-12-01 1999-03-10 Chelton Electrostatics Ltd A lightning diverter
GB9828768D0 (en) * 1998-12-29 1999-02-17 Symmetricom Inc An antenna
US6362787B1 (en) * 1999-04-26 2002-03-26 Andrew Corporation Lightning protection for an active antenna using patch/microstrip elements
US6198445B1 (en) * 1999-12-29 2001-03-06 Northrop Grumman Corporation Conformal load bearing antenna structure
JP3634244B2 (en) * 2000-06-30 2005-03-30 三菱電機株式会社 Lightning strike device and method for arranging lightning conductor portion thereof
US8514136B2 (en) * 2009-10-26 2013-08-20 The Boeing Company Conformal high frequency antenna

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2993103B1 (en) 2014-08-15
US9350066B2 (en) 2016-05-24
EP2683028A1 (en) 2014-01-08
FR2993103A1 (en) 2014-01-10
US20140009353A1 (en) 2014-01-09

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