EP3457489A1 - Rotary joint for a rotating antenna and rotating antenna comprising such a joint - Google Patents

Rotary joint for a rotating antenna and rotating antenna comprising such a joint Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3457489A1
EP3457489A1 EP18195345.6A EP18195345A EP3457489A1 EP 3457489 A1 EP3457489 A1 EP 3457489A1 EP 18195345 A EP18195345 A EP 18195345A EP 3457489 A1 EP3457489 A1 EP 3457489A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
transmission
rotor
antenna
stator
rotary joint
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP18195345.6A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3457489C0 (en
EP3457489B1 (en
Inventor
Nicolas Ferrando
Jérôme Brossier
Pierre Bosshard
Yann Cailloce
Jérôme LORENZO
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.)
Thales SA
Original Assignee
Thales SA
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Thales SA filed Critical Thales SA
Publication of EP3457489A1 publication Critical patent/EP3457489A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3457489C0 publication Critical patent/EP3457489C0/en
Publication of EP3457489B1 publication Critical patent/EP3457489B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01P—WAVEGUIDES; RESONATORS, LINES, OR OTHER DEVICES OF THE WAVEGUIDE TYPE
    • H01P1/00—Auxiliary devices
    • H01P1/06—Movable joints, e.g. rotating joints
    • H01P1/062—Movable joints, e.g. rotating joints the relative movement being a rotation
    • H01P1/066—Movable joints, e.g. rotating joints the relative movement being a rotation with an unlimited angle of rotation
    • H01P1/069—Movable joints, e.g. rotating joints the relative movement being a rotation with an unlimited angle of rotation the energy being transmitted in at least one ring-shaped transmission line located around an axial transmission line; Concentric coaxial systems
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01P—WAVEGUIDES; RESONATORS, LINES, OR OTHER DEVICES OF THE WAVEGUIDE TYPE
    • H01P1/00—Auxiliary devices
    • H01P1/06—Movable joints, e.g. rotating joints
    • H01P1/062—Movable joints, e.g. rotating joints the relative movement being a rotation
    • H01P1/063—Movable joints, e.g. rotating joints the relative movement being a rotation with a limited angle of rotation
    • H01P1/065—Movable joints, e.g. rotating joints the relative movement being a rotation with a limited angle of rotation the axis of rotation being parallel to the transmission path, e.g. stepped twist
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01P—WAVEGUIDES; RESONATORS, LINES, OR OTHER DEVICES OF THE WAVEGUIDE TYPE
    • H01P1/00—Auxiliary devices
    • H01P1/06—Movable joints, e.g. rotating joints
    • H01P1/062—Movable joints, e.g. rotating joints the relative movement being a rotation
    • H01P1/066—Movable joints, e.g. rotating joints the relative movement being a rotation with an unlimited angle of rotation
    • H01P1/068—Movable joints, e.g. rotating joints the relative movement being a rotation with an unlimited angle of rotation the energy being transmitted in at least one ring-shaped transmission line located around the axis of rotation, e.g. "around the mast" rotary joint
    • 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
    • H01Q1/288—Satellite antennas
    • 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
    • H01Q13/02—Waveguide horns
    • H01Q13/025—Multimode horn antennas; Horns using higher mode of propagation
    • H01Q13/0258—Orthomode horns
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q19/00—Combinations of primary active antenna elements and units with secondary devices, e.g. with quasi-optical devices, for giving the antenna a desired directional characteristic
    • H01Q19/10—Combinations of primary active antenna elements and units with secondary devices, e.g. with quasi-optical devices, for giving the antenna a desired directional characteristic using reflecting surfaces
    • H01Q19/12—Combinations of primary active antenna elements and units with secondary devices, e.g. with quasi-optical devices, for giving the antenna a desired directional characteristic using reflecting surfaces wherein the surfaces are concave
    • H01Q19/13—Combinations of primary active antenna elements and units with secondary devices, e.g. with quasi-optical devices, for giving the antenna a desired directional characteristic using reflecting surfaces wherein the surfaces are concave the primary radiating source being a single radiating element, e.g. a dipole, a slot, a waveguide termination
    • H01Q19/134—Rear-feeds; Splash plate feeds
    • H01Q19/136—Rear-feeds; Splash plate feeds cross-polarised
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q19/00—Combinations of primary active antenna elements and units with secondary devices, e.g. with quasi-optical devices, for giving the antenna a desired directional characteristic
    • H01Q19/10—Combinations of primary active antenna elements and units with secondary devices, e.g. with quasi-optical devices, for giving the antenna a desired directional characteristic using reflecting surfaces
    • H01Q19/18—Combinations of primary active antenna elements and units with secondary devices, e.g. with quasi-optical devices, for giving the antenna a desired directional characteristic using reflecting surfaces having two or more spaced reflecting surfaces
    • H01Q19/19—Combinations of primary active antenna elements and units with secondary devices, e.g. with quasi-optical devices, for giving the antenna a desired directional characteristic using reflecting surfaces having two or more spaced reflecting surfaces comprising one main concave reflecting surface associated with an auxiliary reflecting surface
    • H01Q19/193—Combinations of primary active antenna elements and units with secondary devices, e.g. with quasi-optical devices, for giving the antenna a desired directional characteristic using reflecting surfaces having two or more spaced reflecting surfaces comprising one main concave reflecting surface associated with an auxiliary reflecting surface with feed supported subreflector
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q3/00—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
    • H01Q3/02—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical movement of antenna or antenna system as a whole
    • H01Q3/08—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical movement of antenna or antenna system as a whole for varying two co-ordinates of the orientation
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q3/00—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
    • H01Q3/12—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical relative movement between primary active elements and secondary devices of antennas or antenna systems
    • H01Q3/16—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical relative movement between primary active elements and secondary devices of antennas or antenna systems for varying relative position of primary active element and a reflecting device
    • H01Q3/20—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical relative movement between primary active elements and secondary devices of antennas or antenna systems for varying relative position of primary active element and a reflecting device wherein the primary active element is fixed and the reflecting device is movable
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01P—WAVEGUIDES; RESONATORS, LINES, OR OTHER DEVICES OF THE WAVEGUIDE TYPE
    • H01P3/00—Waveguides; Transmission lines of the waveguide type
    • H01P3/12—Hollow waveguides
    • H01P3/123—Hollow waveguides with a complex or stepped cross-section, e.g. ridged or grooved waveguides

Definitions

  • the document FR 3,029,018 describes a biaxial antenna comprising a fixed part installed on a base and a rotating part mounted on this fixed part.
  • the antenna further includes a first actuator allowing the rotating portion to rotate about a first axis of rotation perpendicular to the base to change the azimuth angle of the antenna.
  • the fixed and rotary parts of this antenna are connected by a connection device arranged between them along the first axis of rotation and for transmitting electromagnetic signals between these parts.
  • the rotary joint forms a circular section waveguide allowing in particular the propagation of two electromagnetic signals in cross polarization between the two exciters.
  • the rotating part of this antenna comprises in particular a reflection assembly composed of a reflector and a mirror arranged facing each other to direct electromagnetic signals emitted by a radiating source in a field of visibility of the antenna or to receive electromagnetic signals from this area.
  • the radiating source is connected to the connection module via, in particular, an exciter.
  • the rotating portion defines a second axis of rotation and comprises a second actuator adapted to rotate for example the mirror around the second axis of rotation to change the angle of inclination of the mirror relative to the reflector.
  • the pointing of such an antenna according to a given azimuth angle and elevation angle is effected by appropriately actuating the first and second actuators.
  • this antenna and in particular the rotating joint forming part of this antenna are not completely satisfactory.
  • the rotary joint described above does not allow the antenna to receive and emit electromagnetic signals with a bandwidth greater than 1 GHz wide without significant degradation of the performance of the antenna.
  • the subject of the invention is a rotary joint for a rotary antenna comprising a first part and a second part rotatable relative to the first part, the rotary joint being intended to connect the first and the second parts of the antenna. and transmitting electromagnetic signals between these portions, having a shape of a ring sector with a variable aperture and defining an axis of rotation passing through the ring center, a plurality of radial directions extending from the center ring to its periphery and a plurality of circumferential directions extending in concentric circles disposed about the axis of rotation.
  • One of the transmission surfaces comprises primary means for delimiting the electromagnetic signals and the other comprising complementary means for delimiting the electromagnetic signals.
  • the rotor is rotatably mounted relative to the stator about the axis of rotation so that in any position of the rotor, at least a portion of the rotor transmission surface is disposed facing at least a portion of the surface stator transmission.
  • the parts facing the transmission surfaces of the rotor and the stator form between them at least one transmission path of the electromagnetic signals, the transmission path being delimited by the main and complementary means of delimitation and extending in a circumferential direction.
  • the invention also relates to a rotary antenna comprising a first portion, a second portion rotatable relative to the first portion, and a rotary joint as defined above, intended to connect the first and second parts of the antenna and to transmit electromagnetic signals between these parts.
  • the antenna 10 of the figure 1 is a biaxial antenna which is particularly usable in the space domain for receiving and emitting electromagnetic signals in the Ka band in bipolarization. These electromagnetic signals thus have radio waves.
  • the antenna 10 forms a radiofrequency channel 11 composed of four channels for transmitting the electromagnetic signals, of which two paths are tracks. reception, that is to say, Rx type channels, and the other two channels are transmission channels, that is to say Tx type channels.
  • the antenna 10 is for example mounted on an outer surface of a satellite (not shown) disposed in a low Earth orbit, for example.
  • a satellite not shown
  • Such an outer surface comprises a base comprising mechanical fixing means and means for electromagnetic connection of the antenna 10 to the satellite.
  • the mechanical fixing means make it possible to fix the antenna 10 mechanically to the base.
  • the base disposed on the outer surface of the satellite further has at least locally a base plane 12 visible on the figure 1 .
  • the base has any other form adapted to fix the antenna 10 in a manner known per se.
  • a base plane means a plane formed by any three contact points of the antenna 10 with the base.
  • the first part 21 comprises an antenna support 30, a rotary support 31, a first actuator (not visible on the figure 1 ) and first guiding means 36 (shown schematically by a parallelepiped on the figure 1 ) connecting the antenna 10 to the electromagnetic connection means of the antenna 10.
  • the antenna support 30 has a mechanical structure necessary to support all the components of the antenna 10.
  • the antenna support 30 allows the attachment of the antenna 10 to the base and in particular to the plane of the antenna. base 12 via the mechanical fastening means mentioned above.
  • the rotary support 31 has a mechanical connection of the second part 22 of the antenna 10 to the first part 21.
  • the rotary support presents a shaft rotatable relative to the first portion 21 and integral with the second portion 22. This shaft is disposed along the first axis X.
  • the first actuator is able to animate the rotary support 31 with a rotary movement about the first axis X to rotate the second part 22 of the antenna 10 with respect to this axis X.
  • the first actuator has for example an electric motor integrated in the antenna support 30 and when the rotary support 31 is in the form of a rotary shaft, adapted to animate a rotary movement of the shaft.
  • a motor is connected to the first guide means 36 for receiving electrical supply signals from the satellite. These signals make it possible in particular to activate the operation of the motor to turn the rotary support 31 and to reach a desired elevation angle ⁇ .
  • the elevation angle ⁇ of the antenna 10 corresponds in particular to the angle formed between a second axis Y and the base plane 12.
  • the second axis Y is perpendicular to the first axis X and to a third axis Z perpendicular at the base plane 12.
  • the first actuator is for example configured to vary the elevation angle ⁇ of the antenna between -30 ° and 30 ° or preferably between -60 ° and 60 °.
  • the second part 22 of the antenna 10 comprises a second rotary support 42, a radiating source 43, a reflection assembly 44, a rotary assembly 45, a second actuator (not visible on the figure 1 ) and second guide means 46 electromagnetic signals.
  • the second rotary support 42 has a mechanical structure able to support all the components of the second part 22 of the antenna 10. It also makes it possible to fix the second part 22 of the antenna 10 to the first part 21 so as to rotatable about the first axis X.
  • the second rotary support 42 is integral with this shaft.
  • the radiating source 43 is able to emit and receive electromagnetic signals and is for example in the form of a horn for transmitting and receiving radio waves, known per se.
  • the radiating source 43 is in the form of a plurality of horns for transmitting and / or receiving radio waves.
  • the radiating source 43 is fixedly mounted on the second rotary support 42 and is directed along the second axis Y.
  • the radiating source 43 When the radiating source 43 is in the form of a single horn, this horn is thus directed along the second axis Y.
  • the maximization of the efficiency of the antenna requires that the horns are directed towards the center of a reflector 47 of the reflection assembly 44.
  • the horns may be directed along the second axis Y.
  • the reflection assembly 44 comprises a mirror 48 arranged around the radiating source 43 and the fixing means 49.
  • the reflector 47 is arranged facing the radiating source 43 and has for example a symmetrical parabolic shape defining a reflector top S and a focus F which are visible on the figure 1 .
  • the reflector top S has for example the point of symmetry of the reflector 47.
  • the reflector top S and the focus F are arranged on the second axis Y.
  • the mirror 48 is for example a ring-shaped flat mirror at the center of which is disposed the radiating source 43.
  • the mirror 48 defines a mirror plane and is arranged so that the first axis X is parallel to the plane mirror or included in it.
  • the fixing means 49 make it possible, on the one hand, to fix the mirror 48 to the rotary assembly 45 and, on the other hand, the reflector 47 to the mirror 48.
  • the fixing means 49 are in the form of a plurality of bracons arranged at different levels relative to the second axis Y.
  • two strands are arranged parallel to each other in the part of the reflection unit 44 having the shortest distance between the reflector 47 and the mirror 48, and two struts are arranged parallel to each other in the part of the reflection unit 44 having half of the longest distance between the reflector 47 and the mirror 48.
  • An axis perpendicular to the plane formed by these two last strands and passing through the center of the mirror 48 will be designated thereafter by tilt axis A of reflection assembly 44.
  • the propagation axis Pr corresponds to the direction in which the reflection assembly 44 is able to transmit electromagnetic signals emitted by the radiating source 43 and according to which the reflection assembly 44 is able to receive electromagnetic signals. to transmit them to the radiating source 43.
  • the propagation axis Pr is perpendicular to the second axis Y.
  • the propagation axis Pr is parallel to the third axis Z and the plane formed by the propagation axis Pr and the second axis Y is perpendicular to the first axis X.
  • the rotary assembly 45 is rotatably mounted on the second rotary support 42, around the second axis and is integral with the fixing means 49 of the reflection assembly 44.
  • the rotation of the rotary assembly 45 around the second axis It causes the rotation of the reflection unit 44 around the radiating source 43.
  • the second actuator is for example substantially similar to the first actuator and is particularly in the form of an electric motor. This motor is then connected to a rotary shaft included in the rotary assembly 45.
  • the second actuator is powered by power supply signals from the satellite to enable its operation to reach a tilt angle ⁇ of the desired reflection assembly 44.
  • the angle of inclination ⁇ of the reflection assembly 44 corresponds to the angle formed between the inclination axis A (visible in particular on the figure 6 ) of the reflection unit 44 and the third axis Z.
  • the second actuator is for example configured to vary the inclination angle ⁇ of the reflection assembly 44 between -30 ° and 30 ° or preferably between -60 ° and 60 °.
  • the first and second guide means 36, 46 guide electromagnetic signals within the antenna 10. These means will be explained in more detail with reference to the figures 2 and 3 respectively illustrating a perspective view and an exploded perspective view of the radiofrequency chain 11.
  • radiofrequency channel is meant all the components of the first and second parts 21, 22 of the antenna 10 participating in the transmission of the radio frequency chain. electromagnetic signals within the antenna 10.
  • the radiofrequency chain 11 is composed of the radiating source 43, the second guide means 46, the rotary joint 23 and the first guide means 36.
  • the first guiding means 36 make it possible to connect the electromagnetic connection means of the satellite to the rotary joint 23 and the second guide means 46 make it possible to connect the rotary joint 23 to the radiating source 43.
  • the first guiding means 36 have four transmission paths formed of waveguides and / or coaxial cables which are appropriately bent according to the arrangement of the electromagnetic connection means of the satellite and of the rotary joint 23.
  • the second guide means 46 have four transmission paths formed of waveguides and / or coaxial cables which are appropriately bent according to the arrangement of the rotary joint 23 and the radiating source 43.
  • these waveguides and / or these cables are bent so that the electromagnetic signals received by the radiating source 43 along the second axis Y are propagated towards the rotary joint 23 along axes parallel to the first axis X and that the electromagnetic signals from the rotary joint 23 along axes parallel to the first axis X are propagated along the second axis Y in the radiating source 43.
  • two transmission paths of the second guide means 46 make it possible to transmit the electromagnetic signals for two orthogonal polarizations and the two other channels make it possible to perform the reception of the electromagnetic signals for two orthogonal polarizations.
  • these means comprise an exciter capable of reinforcing and / or polarizing the electromagnetic signals passing through the corresponding transmission paths, according to methods known per se. .
  • the exciter makes it possible both to generate the desired polarization for the transmission and to receive the desired polarization in reception.
  • the second guide means 46 comprise as many exciters as horns necessary for carrying out the mission of the antenna 10.
  • the rotary joint 23 comprises a stator 51, a rotor 52, a stator hood 53 and a rotor cover 54.
  • the rotary joint 23 has a shape of a center ring sector disposed on an axis of rotation defined by the seal which coincides with the first axis X.
  • This sector has a variable opening angle as a function of the position of the rotor 52 relative to the stator 51 to vary for example between substantially 160 ° in a position of minimum opening and substantially 220 ° in two positions of maximum opening.
  • the rotor 52 and the rotor cover 54 are fixed to the second part 22 of the antenna 10 and in particular to the second rotating support 42.
  • the stator 51 and the stator cover 53 are fixed to the first part 21 of the antenna 10 and in particular to the antenna support 30.
  • the stator 51 is made for example of a single piece of a conductive material.
  • the transmission surface 61 comprises main means for defining the electromagnetic signals 64 projecting from the transmission surface 61 and forming two transmission channels 65A and 65B of the electromagnetic signals.
  • Each of these transmission channels 65A, 65B extends in a circumferential direction 66A, 66B and is delimited by the means 64 in each radial and circumferential direction passing through this channel.
  • the width of each of these channels 65A, 65B that is to say its extent in each radial direction, is for example substantially equal to 7 mm.
  • the transmission channel 65A extending in the circumferential direction 66A further from the first axis X than the circumferential direction 66B, is for transmitting electromagnetic signals for transmission by the antenna 10, i.e. the signals Tx type.
  • the transmission channel 65B extending in the circumferential direction 66B closer to the first axis X than the circumferential direction 66A, is for transmitting electromagnetic signals received by the antenna 10, i.e. the signals of the type Rx.
  • the main means of delimitation 64 are in the form of a plurality of studs spaced apart from one another in a homogeneous manner. These pads have for example a cylindrical shape with a diameter of between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm.
  • the pads delimiting the same transmission channel 65A, 65B are of the same dimensions and are distributed on the transmission surface 61 along several circumferential directions on either side of the corresponding transmission channel and at each end of this channel along several radial directions. .
  • the pads associated with the transmission channel 65A are distributed in three circumferential directions on either side of the channel 65A and in three radial directions at each end of this channel.
  • a circumferential direction 67A, 67B on each side of the channel 65A and a radial direction 68A, 68B at each end of this channel are illustrated.
  • the pads associated with the transmission channel 65B are distributed in three circumferential directions on either side of the channel 65B and in three radial directions at each end of this channel.
  • a circumferential direction 67C, 67D on each side of the channel 65B and a radial direction 68C, 68D at each end of this channel are illustrated.
  • the spacing pitch of two neighboring studs in the corresponding circumferential or radial direction is, for example, substantially equal to 3.5 mm.
  • the height of the pads associated with the transmission channel 65A is substantially greater than the height of the pads associated with the transmission channel 65B, i.e., the channel for Rx type signals.
  • the height of the pads associated with the transmission channel 65A is for example substantially equal to 3 mm and the height of the pads associated with the transmission channel 65B is for example substantially equal to 2 mm.
  • the transmission surface 61 defines an opening 71 to 74 opening respectively on a waveguide 75 to 78 formed between the attachment surface 62 and the stator hood 53.
  • Each waveguide 75 to 78 thus extends in a plane perpendicular to the first axis X and is appropriately bent to connect the corresponding transmission path to the first guide means 36.
  • the rotor 52 has a shape of a ring sector of constant opening substantially similar to that of the stator 51.
  • the opening of this sector is for example substantially equal to 160 ° and the center of this sector is arranged on the first axis X.
  • the rotor 52 is made for example of a single piece of a conductive material and has a transmission surface 81 and a fastening surface 82 covered by the rotor cover 54.
  • the transmission surface 81 of the rotor 52 is arranged substantially entirely opposite the transmission surface 61 of the stator 51.
  • a portion of the transmission surface 81 of the rotor 52 is disposed facing a portion of the transmission surface 61 of the stator 51. Moreover, in each of the maximum opening positions, the surface of the parts facing each other is minimal.
  • the first maximum open position is achieved by rotating the rotor 52 about the first axis X counterclockwise.
  • the second maximum open position is achieved by rotating the rotor 52 about the first axis X clockwise.
  • the transmission surface 81 of the rotor 52 is spaced apart from the transmission surface 61 of the stator 51 along the first axis X by a spacing value equal, for example, substantially to 0 , 5 mm.
  • the transmission surfaces 61, 81 form between them a transmission plane of the electromagnetic signals.
  • This plane is perpendicular to the first axis X and comprises in any position of the rotor 52 relative to the stator 51 four channels of transmission of electromagnetic signals as will be explained later.
  • Each flat surface 83A, 83B is associated with one of the transmission channels 65A, 65B of the stator 51 and is intended to completely cover this channel 65A, 65B with the main delimiting means 64 associated with this channel 65A, 65B, when the joint turn 23 is in the minimum open position.
  • each flat surface 83A, 83B has a circumferential shape.
  • the flat surfaces 83A, 83B are arranged in a stepped manner. So, in the example of the figure 4 , the plane surface 83B spaced apart from the first axis X protrudes from the plane surface 83A by a value substantially equal to the differences in the heights of the pads associated with the transmission channel 65A and those associated with the transmission channel 65B.
  • the complementary delimiting means 84 of the electromagnetic signals are arranged on each of the flat surfaces 83A, 83B and protrude with respect to this surface 83A, 83B.
  • the complementary delimiting means 84 disposed on the plane surface 83B are received in the transmission channel 65B in a mobile manner with the rotation of the rotor 52 so that in any position of the rotor 52 relative to the stator 51, these means divide the corresponding transmission channel into two complementary circumferential transmission paths.
  • the complementary delimiting means 84 are in the form of a plurality of studs arranged in a plurality of radial directions on either side of a central radial direction 86 of the transmission surface 81 and possibly in this same radial direction. Central 86.
  • Central radial direction means the radial direction passing through the middle of the sector of the rotor 52, that is to say the radial direction dividing the transmission surface 81 into two substantially equivalent parts.
  • the pads are arranged in the central radial direction 86 and in two other radial directions disposed on each side of the central radial direction.
  • the pads disposed on the flat surface 83A are similar to the pads associated with the transmission channel 65A and the pads disposed on the flat surface 83B are similar to the pads associated with the transmission channel 65B.
  • Each flat surface 83A, 83B defines two openings 91 to 94 disposed on either side of the central radial direction 86.
  • Each of these openings 91 to 94 is adjacent to the complementary delimiting means 84 so that in any position of the rotor 52 relative to the stator 51, it opens on one side on one of the transmission channels 65A, 65B and on the other side, on a waveguide 95 to 98 formed between the fixing surface 82 and the rotor cover 54.
  • Each waveguide 95 to 98 thus extends in a plane perpendicular to the first axis X and is appropriately bent by connecting the corresponding transmission path to the second guide means 46.
  • the path formed between the openings 71 and 91 and the path formed between the openings 74 and 94 are intended to transmit the electromagnetic signals for emission via the radiating source 43.
  • the path formed between the openings 72 and 92 and the path formed between the openings 73 and 93 are intended to transmit the electromagnetic signals received by the radiating source 43.
  • the figure 6 illustrates in its upper part three different positions of the second part 22 with respect to the first part 21 of the antenna 10 during the rotation of the second part 22 relative to the first axis which is then perpendicular to the plane of the upper part of the antenna. the figure 6 .
  • the elevation angle ⁇ of the antenna 10 formed between the second axis Y and the base plane 12 is equal to 0 °.
  • the rotary joint 23 is therefore in its minimum open position.
  • the first actuator is powered by the satellite to rotate the second part 22 of the antenna clockwise or counterclockwise about the first axis X, depending on the sign of the corresponding supply signals.
  • the second part 22 In the position to the right, the second part 22 is turned around the first axis X in the clockwise direction to reach the elevation angle ⁇ substantially equal to 30 °. In this position, the rotary joint 23 is therefore in its second maximum open position.
  • the figure 6 illustrates three different positions of the reflection assembly 44 with respect, for example, to the first part 21 of the antenna 10 during the rotation of the reflection assembly 44 around the second axis Y which is then perpendicular to the plane of the part lower of the figure 6 .
  • the angle of inclination ⁇ formed between the inclination axis A and the third axis Z is equal to 0 °.
  • the second actuator is powered by the satellite to rotate the reflection assembly 44 clockwise or counterclockwise about the second axis Y, depending on the sign of the signals. corresponding supply.
  • the reflection assembly 44 is turned about the second axis Y in the clockwise direction to reach the angle of inclination ⁇ substantially equal to 30 °.
  • the antenna according to the invention is particularly simple in manufacture and assembly because the electromagnetic connection between the first and second parts of this antenna is provided using a very small number of parts.
  • this connection is provided entirely by the rotary joint which can be composed only of a stator and a rotor.

Abstract

Ce joint tournant comporte un stator (51) destiné à être fixé sur une première partie de l'antenne et définissant une surface de transmission (61), et un rotor destiné à être fixé sur une deuxième partie de l'antenne et définissant une surface de transmission. L'une des surfaces de transmission (61) comprend des moyens principaux de délimitation des signaux et l'autre comprend des moyens complémentaires de délimitation (64) des signaux électromagnétiques. Le rotor est monté rotatif par rapport au stator (51) de sorte qu'au moins une partie de la surface de transmission du rotor soit disposée en regard d'au moins une partie de la surface de transmission (61) du stator (51). Les parties en regard forment entre elles au moins une voie de transmission des signaux électromagnétiques délimitée par les moyens principaux et complémentaires de délimitation (64).This rotary joint comprises a stator (51) intended to be fixed on a first part of the antenna and defining a transmission surface (61), and a rotor intended to be fixed on a second part of the antenna and defining a surface of transmission. One of the transmission surfaces (61) comprises principal means for delimiting the signals and the other comprises complementary means for delimiting (64) the electromagnetic signals. The rotor is rotatably mounted relative to the stator (51) so that at least a portion of the rotor transmission surface is disposed facing at least a portion of the stator transmission surface (61) (51). . The facing parts form between them at least one transmission path of the electromagnetic signals delimited by the main and complementary delimiting means (64).

Description

La présente invention concerne un joint tournant et une antenne rotative comportant un tel joint.The present invention relates to a rotary joint and a rotary antenna having such a seal.

Une telle antenne présente une grande agilité de pointage en azimut et en élévation, et est notamment utilisable dans le domaine spatial. Plus particulièrement, elle peut être montée sur des satellites présentant une surface extérieure réduite tout en assurant la réception et l'émission des signaux électromagnétiques pour une large bande passante.Such an antenna has great pointing agility in azimuth and elevation, and is particularly useful in the spatial field. More particularly, it can be mounted on satellites having a reduced outer surface while ensuring the reception and emission of electromagnetic signals for a wide bandwidth.

On connait déjà des antennes analogues dans l'état de l'art.Already known antennas in the state of the art.

Ainsi, par exemple, le document FR 3 029 018 décrit une antenne biaxe comportant une partie fixe installée sur une embase et une partie rotative montée sur cette partie fixe. L'antenne comporte en outre un premier actionneur permettant à la partie rotative de tourner autour d'un premier axe de rotation perpendiculaire à l'embase pour modifier l'angle d'azimut de l'antenne.So, for example, the document FR 3,029,018 describes a biaxial antenna comprising a fixed part installed on a base and a rotating part mounted on this fixed part. The antenna further includes a first actuator allowing the rotating portion to rotate about a first axis of rotation perpendicular to the base to change the azimuth angle of the antenna.

Les parties fixe et rotative de cette antenne sont raccordées par un dispositif de raccordement disposé entre elles le long du premier axe de rotation et permettant de transmettre des signaux électromagnétiques entre ces parties.The fixed and rotary parts of this antenna are connected by a connection device arranged between them along the first axis of rotation and for transmitting electromagnetic signals between these parts.

En particulier, ce dispositif de raccordement est composé d'un joint tournant et de deux excitateurs disposés de part et d'autre du joint tournant et permettant d'élaborer des ondes radiofréquence soit dans le mode électromagnétique fondamental à polarisation circulaire soit dans le mode électromagnétique à symétrie de révolution.In particular, this connecting device is composed of a rotating joint and two exciters arranged on either side of the rotary joint and making it possible to develop radiofrequency waves either in the fundamental electromagnetic mode with circular polarization or in the electromagnetic mode. with symmetry of revolution.

Le joint tournant forme un guide d'onde à section circulaire permettant notamment la propagation de deux signaux électromagnétiques en polarisation croisée entre les deux excitateurs.The rotary joint forms a circular section waveguide allowing in particular the propagation of two electromagnetic signals in cross polarization between the two exciters.

La partie rotative de cette antenne comporte notamment un ensemble de réflexion composé d'un réflecteur et d'un miroir disposés l'un en regard de l'autre pour diriger des signaux électromagnétiques émis par une source rayonnante dans un domaine de visibilité de l'antenne ou pour recevoir des signaux électromagnétiques issus de ce domaine. La source rayonnante est connectée au module de raccordement via notamment un excitateur.The rotating part of this antenna comprises in particular a reflection assembly composed of a reflector and a mirror arranged facing each other to direct electromagnetic signals emitted by a radiating source in a field of visibility of the antenna or to receive electromagnetic signals from this area. The radiating source is connected to the connection module via, in particular, an exciter.

En outre, la partie rotative définit un deuxième axe de rotation et comprend un deuxième actionneur apte à tourner par exemple le miroir autour de ce deuxième axe de rotation pour modifier l'angle d'inclinaison de ce miroir par rapport au réflecteur.In addition, the rotating portion defines a second axis of rotation and comprises a second actuator adapted to rotate for example the mirror around the second axis of rotation to change the angle of inclination of the mirror relative to the reflector.

Ainsi, le pointage d'une telle antenne selon un angle d'azimut et un angle d'élévation donnés, s'effectue en actionnant de manière appropriée le premier et le deuxième actionneurs.Thus, the pointing of such an antenna according to a given azimuth angle and elevation angle is effected by appropriately actuating the first and second actuators.

Toutefois, cette antenne et notamment le joint tournant faisant partie de cette antenne ne sont pas complètement satisfaisants.However, this antenna and in particular the rotating joint forming part of this antenna are not completely satisfactory.

En particulier, le joint tournant décrit précédemment ne permet pas à l'antenne de recevoir et d'émettre des signaux électromagnétiques avec une bande passante de largeur supérieure à 1 GHz sans dégradation importante des performances de l'antenne.In particular, the rotary joint described above does not allow the antenna to receive and emit electromagnetic signals with a bandwidth greater than 1 GHz wide without significant degradation of the performance of the antenna.

À cet effet, l'invention a pour objet un joint tournant pour une antenne rotative comportant une première partie et une deuxième partie rotative par rapport à la première partie, le joint tournant étant destiné à raccorder la première et la deuxième parties de l'antenne et à transmettre des signaux électromagnétiques entre ces parties, présentant une forme d'un secteur d'anneau avec une ouverture variable et définissant un axe de rotation passant par le centre d'anneau, une pluralité de directions radiales s'étendant à partir du centre d'anneau vers sa périphérie et une pluralité de directions circonférentielles s'étendant suivant des cercles concentriques disposés autour de l'axe de rotation.For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a rotary joint for a rotary antenna comprising a first part and a second part rotatable relative to the first part, the rotary joint being intended to connect the first and the second parts of the antenna. and transmitting electromagnetic signals between these portions, having a shape of a ring sector with a variable aperture and defining an axis of rotation passing through the ring center, a plurality of radial directions extending from the center ring to its periphery and a plurality of circumferential directions extending in concentric circles disposed about the axis of rotation.

Le joint tournant comporte un stator destiné à être fixé sur la première partie de l'antenne et définissant une surface de transmission des signaux électromagnétiques, perpendiculaire à l'axe de rotation ; et un rotor destiné à être fixé sur la deuxième partie de l'antenne et définissant une surface de transmission des signaux électromagnétiques, perpendiculaire à l'axe de rotation.The rotary joint comprises a stator intended to be fixed on the first part of the antenna and defining a transmission surface of the electromagnetic signals, perpendicular to the axis of rotation; and a rotor for attachment to the second portion of the antenna and defining a transmission surface of the electromagnetic signals perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

L'une des surfaces de transmission comprend des moyens principaux de délimitation des signaux électromagnétiques et l'autre comprenant des moyens complémentaires de délimitation des signaux électromagnétiques.One of the transmission surfaces comprises primary means for delimiting the electromagnetic signals and the other comprising complementary means for delimiting the electromagnetic signals.

Le rotor est monté rotatif par rapport au stator autour de l'axe de rotation de sorte qu'en toute position du rotor, au moins une partie de la surface de transmission du rotor soit disposée en regard d'au moins une partie de la surface de transmission du stator.The rotor is rotatably mounted relative to the stator about the axis of rotation so that in any position of the rotor, at least a portion of the rotor transmission surface is disposed facing at least a portion of the surface stator transmission.

En toute position du rotor, les parties en regard des surfaces de transmission du rotor et du stator forment entre elles au moins une voie de transmission des signaux électromagnétiques, la voie de transmission étant délimitée par les moyens principaux et complémentaires de délimitation et s'étendant selon une direction circonférentielle.In any position of the rotor, the parts facing the transmission surfaces of the rotor and the stator form between them at least one transmission path of the electromagnetic signals, the transmission path being delimited by the main and complementary means of delimitation and extending in a circumferential direction.

Suivant d'autres aspects avantageux de l'invention, le joint comprend une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques suivantes, prise(s) isolément ou suivant toutes les combinaisons techniquement possibles :

  • en toute position du rotor, les parties en regard des surfaces de transmission du rotor et du stator forment entre elles au moins deux voies de transmission des signaux électromagnétiques, dites voies circonférentielles, les voies circonférentielles étant délimitées par les moyens principaux et complémentaires de délimitation et s'étendant selon une même direction circonférentielle ;
  • en toute position du rotor, les parties en regard des surfaces de transmission du rotor et du stator forment entre elles au moins deux voies de transmission des signaux électromagnétiques, dites voies radiales, les voies radiales étant délimitées par les moyens principaux et complémentaires de délimitation et s'étendant selon des directions circonférentielles différentes ;
  • la voie radiale s'étendant suivant la direction circonférentielle plus proche à l'axe de rotation que la direction circonférentielle de l'autre voie radiale ou de chaque autre voie radiale, est destinée à transmettre des signaux électromagnétiques reçus par l'antenne ; et
  • la voie radiale s'étendant suivant la direction circonférentielle plus écartée de l'axe de rotation que la direction circonférentielle de l'autre voie radiale et de chaque autre voie radiale, est destinée à transmettre des signaux électromagnétiques pour émission par l'antenne ;
  • les moyens principaux de délimitation font saillie par rapport à la surface de transmission correspondante pour former au moins un canal de transmission s'étendant suivant une direction circonférentielle et délimité par ces moyens de délimitation selon chaque direction radiale et circonférentielle passant par ce canal ;
  • les moyens complémentaires de délimitation font saillie par rapport à la surface de transmission correspondante et sont reçus dans le ou chaque canal de transmission de manière mobile pour délimiter l'étendue circonférentielle de ce canal en fonction de la position du rotor ;
  • la ou chaque voie de transmission étant formée par une portion délimitée par les moyens complémentaires de délimitation du canal de transmission ou de l'un des canaux de transmission ;
  • les voies circonférentielles sont formées par des portions adjacentes d'un même canal de transmission divisé par les moyens complémentaires de délimitation ;
  • pour le ou chaque canal de transmission, la surface de transmission du stator définit au moins une ouverture disposée sur l'une des extrémités de ce canal ;
  • pour la ou chaque ouverture de la surface de transmission du stator, la surface de transmission du rotor définit une ouverture disposée sur la même direction circonférentielle que cette ouverture de la surface de transmission du stator ;
  • la ou chaque voie de transmission s'étendant entre l'ouverture ou l'une des ouvertures de la surface de transmission du stator et l'ouverture de la surface de transmission du rotor lui correspondant ;
  • les moyens principaux et complémentaires de délimitation se présentent sous la forme d'une pluralité de plots espacés l'un de l'autre ;
  • les plots des moyens principaux de délimitation sont distribués sur la surface de transmission correspondante suivant plusieurs directions circonférentielles et plusieurs directions radiales ; et
  • les surfaces de transmission du rotor et du stator sont écartées l'une de l'autre suivant l'axe de rotation sans former des points de contact.
According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the seal comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination:
  • in any rotor position, the facing portions of the rotor and stator transmission surfaces form at least two signal transmission paths between them electromagnetic, said circumferential channels, the circumferential channels being delimited by the main and complementary means of delimitation and extending in the same circumferential direction;
  • in any position of the rotor, the facing portions of the rotor and stator transmission surfaces form between them at least two electromagnetic signal transmission paths, called radial paths, the radial channels being delimited by the main and complementary means of delimitation and extending in different circumferential directions;
  • the radial path extending in the circumferential direction closer to the axis of rotation than the circumferential direction of the other radial path or each other radial path, is intended to transmit electromagnetic signals received by the antenna; and
  • the radial path extending in the circumferential direction further from the axis of rotation than the circumferential direction of the other radial path and of each other radial path, is intended to transmit electromagnetic signals for transmission by the antenna;
  • the main delimiting means protrude from the corresponding transmission surface to form at least one transmission channel extending in a circumferential direction and delimited by these delimiting means in each radial and circumferential direction passing through this channel;
  • the complementary delimiting means protrude from the corresponding transmission surface and are received in the or each transmission channel in a mobile manner to delimit the circumferential extent of this channel as a function of the position of the rotor;
  • the or each transmission path being formed by a portion delimited by the complementary delimiting means of the transmission channel or one of the transmission channels;
  • the circumferential channels are formed by adjacent portions of the same transmission channel divided by the complementary means of delimitation;
  • for the or each transmission channel, the stator transmission surface defines at least one opening disposed on one end of this channel;
  • for the or each opening of the stator transmission surface, the rotor transmission surface defines an opening disposed on the same circumferential direction as this opening of the stator transmission surface;
  • the or each transmission path extending between the opening or one of the openings of the stator transmission surface and the opening of the transmission surface of the rotor corresponding thereto;
  • the main and complementary means of delimitation are in the form of a plurality of pads spaced apart from each other;
  • the pads of the main delimiting means are distributed on the corresponding transmission surface along several circumferential directions and several radial directions; and
  • the transmission surfaces of the rotor and the stator are spaced from each other along the axis of rotation without forming points of contact.

L'invention a également pour objet une antenne rotative comportant une première partie, une deuxième partie rotative par rapport à la première partie, et un joint tournant tel que défini précédemment, destiné à raccorder la première et la deuxième parties de l'antenne et à transmettre des signaux électromagnétiques entre ces parties.The invention also relates to a rotary antenna comprising a first portion, a second portion rotatable relative to the first portion, and a rotary joint as defined above, intended to connect the first and second parts of the antenna and to transmit electromagnetic signals between these parts.

Ces caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaitront à la lecture de la description qui va suivre, donnée uniquement à titre d'exemple non limitatif, et faite en référence aux dessins annexés, sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue schématique en perspective d'une antenne rotative selon l'invention, l'antenne formant une chaine radiofréquence ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue schématique en perspective de la chaine radiofréquence de la figure 1, la chaine radiofréquence comportant un joint tournant selon l'invention comportant un stator et un rotor ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue schématique en perspective éclatée de la chaine radiofréquence de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue schématique en perspective du rotor de la figure 2 ;
  • la figure 5 est une vue schématique en perspective du stator de la figure 2 ; et
  • la figure 6 est une vue schématique expliquant la cinétique de l'antenne de la figure 1.
These features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of nonlimiting example, and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
  • the figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a rotary antenna according to the invention, the antenna forming a radio frequency chain;
  • the figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the radiofrequency chain of the figure 1 , the radiofrequency chain comprising a rotary joint according to the invention comprising a stator and a rotor;
  • the figure 3 is a schematic perspective exploded view of the radio frequency chain of the figure 1 ;
  • the figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the rotor of the figure 2 ;
  • the figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the stator of the figure 2 ; and
  • the figure 6 is a schematic view explaining the kinetics of the antenna of the figure 1 .

Dans la suite de la description, par l'expression «sensiblement égal à », on entend une relation d'équivalence avec une erreur relative inférieure à 10%.In the remainder of the description, the expression "substantially equal to" means an equivalence relation with a relative error of less than 10%.

L'antenne 10 de la figure 1 est une antenne biaxe qui est notamment utilisable dans le domaine spatial pour recevoir et émettre des signaux électromagnétiques dans la bande Ka en bipolarisation. Ces signaux électromagnétiques présentent donc des ondes radioélectriques.The antenna 10 of the figure 1 is a biaxial antenna which is particularly usable in the space domain for receiving and emitting electromagnetic signals in the Ka band in bipolarization. These electromagnetic signals thus have radio waves.

L'antenne 10 forme une chaine radiofréquence 11 composée de quatre voies de transmission des signaux électromagnétiques parmi lesquelles deux voies sont des voies de réception, c'est-à-dire voies de type Rx, et les deux autres voies sont des voies d'émission, c'est-à-dire voies de type Tx.The antenna 10 forms a radiofrequency channel 11 composed of four channels for transmitting the electromagnetic signals, of which two paths are tracks. reception, that is to say, Rx type channels, and the other two channels are transmission channels, that is to say Tx type channels.

L'antenne 10 est par exemple montée sur une surface externe d'un satellite (non-illustré) disposé sur une orbite terrestre basse par exemple. Une telle surface externe comprend une embase comportant des moyens de fixation mécanique et des moyens de raccordement électromagnétique de l'antenne 10 au satellite.The antenna 10 is for example mounted on an outer surface of a satellite (not shown) disposed in a low Earth orbit, for example. Such an outer surface comprises a base comprising mechanical fixing means and means for electromagnetic connection of the antenna 10 to the satellite.

Les moyens de fixation mécanique permettent de fixer mécaniquement l'antenne 10 à l'embase.The mechanical fixing means make it possible to fix the antenna 10 mechanically to the base.

Les moyens de raccordement électromagnétique permettent d'assurer la transmission de l'ensemble des signaux électromagnétiques entre l'antenne 10 et le satellite comme par exemple des signaux reçus par l'antenne 10, des signaux destinés à l'émission par l'antenne 10 ainsi que des signaux d'alimentation électrique de l'antenne 10.The electromagnetic connection means make it possible to transmit all the electromagnetic signals between the antenna 10 and the satellite, for example signals received by the antenna 10, signals intended for transmission by the antenna 10 as well as power supply signals of the antenna 10.

De manière générale, les moyens de raccordement mécanique et les moyens de raccordement électromagnétique sont connus en tant que tels et ne seront pas détaillés par la suite.In general, the mechanical connection means and the electromagnetic connection means are known as such and will not be detailed later.

L'embase disposée sur la surface externe du satellite présente en outre au moins localement un plan d'embase 12 visible sur la figure 1.The base disposed on the outer surface of the satellite further has at least locally a base plane 12 visible on the figure 1 .

Selon d'autres modes de réalisation, l'embase présente toute autre forme adaptée pour fixer l'antenne 10 de manière connue en soi. Dans ce cas, par plan d'embase, on entend un plan formé par trois points de contact quelconques de l'antenne 10 avec l'embase.According to other embodiments, the base has any other form adapted to fix the antenna 10 in a manner known per se. In this case, a base plane means a plane formed by any three contact points of the antenna 10 with the base.

En référence à la figure 1, l'antenne 10 comprend une première partie 21 destinée à être fixée sur l'embase, une deuxième partie 22 montée rotative autour d'un premier axe X appelé également axe de rotation, sur la première partie 21, et un joint tournant 23 selon l'invention, disposé entre la première et la deuxième parties 21, 22.With reference to the figure 1 , the antenna 10 comprises a first part 21 intended to be fixed on the base, a second part 22 rotatably mounted about a first axis X also called axis of rotation, on the first part 21, and a rotary joint 23 according to the invention, disposed between the first and second parts 21, 22.

La première partie 21 comprend un support d'antenne 30, un support rotatif 31, un premier actionneur (non-visible sur la figure 1) et des premiers moyens de guidage 36 (représentés schématiquement par un parallélépipède sur la figure 1) raccordant l'antenne 10 aux moyens de raccordement électromagnétique de l'antenne 10.The first part 21 comprises an antenna support 30, a rotary support 31, a first actuator (not visible on the figure 1 ) and first guiding means 36 (shown schematically by a parallelepiped on the figure 1 ) connecting the antenna 10 to the electromagnetic connection means of the antenna 10.

Le support d'antenne 30 présente une structure mécanique nécessaire pour supporter l'ensemble des composants de l'antenne 10. De plus, le support d'antenne 30 permet la fixation de l'antenne 10 à l'embase et notamment au plan d'embase 12 via les moyens de fixation mécanique mentionnés précédemment.The antenna support 30 has a mechanical structure necessary to support all the components of the antenna 10. In addition, the antenna support 30 allows the attachment of the antenna 10 to the base and in particular to the plane of the antenna. base 12 via the mechanical fastening means mentioned above.

Le support rotatif 31 présente un raccordement mécanique de la deuxième partie 22 de l'antenne 10 à la première partie 21. Ainsi, par exemple, le support rotatif présente un arbre rotatif par rapport à la première partie 21 et solidaire avec la deuxième partie 22. Cet arbre est disposé suivant le premier axe X.The rotary support 31 has a mechanical connection of the second part 22 of the antenna 10 to the first part 21. Thus, for example, the rotary support presents a shaft rotatable relative to the first portion 21 and integral with the second portion 22. This shaft is disposed along the first axis X.

Le premier actionneur est apte à animer le support rotatif 31 d'un mouvement rotatif autour du premier axe X pour faire tourner la deuxième partie 22 de l'antenne 10 par rapport à cet axe X.The first actuator is able to animate the rotary support 31 with a rotary movement about the first axis X to rotate the second part 22 of the antenna 10 with respect to this axis X.

En particulier, le premier actionneur présente par exemple un moteur électrique intégré dans le support d'antenne 30 et lorsque le support rotatif 31 se présente sous la forme d'un arbre rotatif, apte à animer d'un mouvement rotatif cet arbre. Un tel moteur est connecté aux premiers moyens de guidage 36 pour recevoir des signaux d'alimentation électrique issus du satellite. Ces signaux permettent en particulier d'activer le fonctionnement du moteur pour tourner le support rotatif 31 et pour atteindre un angle d'élévation θ souhaité.In particular, the first actuator has for example an electric motor integrated in the antenna support 30 and when the rotary support 31 is in the form of a rotary shaft, adapted to animate a rotary movement of the shaft. Such a motor is connected to the first guide means 36 for receiving electrical supply signals from the satellite. These signals make it possible in particular to activate the operation of the motor to turn the rotary support 31 and to reach a desired elevation angle θ.

L'angle d'élévation θ de l'antenne 10 correspond en particulier à l'angle formé entre un deuxième axe Y et le plan d'embase 12. Le deuxième axe Y est perpendiculaire au premier axe X et à un troisième axe Z perpendiculaire au plan d'embase 12.The elevation angle θ of the antenna 10 corresponds in particular to the angle formed between a second axis Y and the base plane 12. The second axis Y is perpendicular to the first axis X and to a third axis Z perpendicular at the base plane 12.

Le premier actionneur est par exemple configuré pour faire varier l'angle d'élévation θ de l'antenne entre -30° et 30° ou de préférence, entre -60° et 60°.The first actuator is for example configured to vary the elevation angle θ of the antenna between -30 ° and 30 ° or preferably between -60 ° and 60 °.

La deuxième partie 22 de l'antenne 10 comprend un deuxième support rotatif 42, une source rayonnante 43, un ensemble de réflexion 44, un assemblage rotatif 45, un deuxième actionneur (non-visible sur la figure 1) et des deuxièmes moyens de guidage 46 des signaux électromagnétiques.The second part 22 of the antenna 10 comprises a second rotary support 42, a radiating source 43, a reflection assembly 44, a rotary assembly 45, a second actuator (not visible on the figure 1 ) and second guide means 46 electromagnetic signals.

Le deuxième support rotatif 42 présente une structure mécanique apte à supporter l'ensemble des composants de la deuxième partie 22 de l'antenne 10. Il permet en outre de fixer la deuxième partie 22 de l'antenne 10 à la première partie 21 de manière rotative autour du premier axe X.The second rotary support 42 has a mechanical structure able to support all the components of the second part 22 of the antenna 10. It also makes it possible to fix the second part 22 of the antenna 10 to the first part 21 so as to rotatable about the first axis X.

Ainsi, par exemple, lorsque le premier support rotatif 31 se présente sous la forme d'un arbre rotatif, le deuxième support rotatif 42 est solidaire avec cet arbre.Thus, for example, when the first rotary support 31 is in the form of a rotary shaft, the second rotary support 42 is integral with this shaft.

La source rayonnante 43 est apte à émettre et à recevoir des signaux électromagnétiques et se présente par exemple sous la forme d'un cornet d'émission et de réception des ondes radioélectriques, connu en soi.The radiating source 43 is able to emit and receive electromagnetic signals and is for example in the form of a horn for transmitting and receiving radio waves, known per se.

Selon un autre exemple de réalisation, la source rayonnante 43 se présente sous la forme d'une pluralité de cornets d'émission et/ou de réception des ondes radioélectriques.According to another exemplary embodiment, the radiating source 43 is in the form of a plurality of horns for transmitting and / or receiving radio waves.

La source rayonnante 43 est montée de manière fixe sur le deuxième support rotatif 42 et est dirigée selon le deuxième axe Y.The radiating source 43 is fixedly mounted on the second rotary support 42 and is directed along the second axis Y.

Lorsque la source rayonnante 43 se présente sous la forme d'un cornet unique, ce cornet est donc dirigé selon le deuxième axe Y. Lorsque la source rayonnante 43 se présente sous la forme d'une pluralité de cornets, la maximisation de l'efficacité de l'antenne impose que les cornets soient dirigés vers le centre d'un réflecteur 47 de l'ensemble de réflexion 44. Cependant, pour des questions de coût de la solution, les cornets pourront être dirigés selon le deuxième axe Y.When the radiating source 43 is in the form of a single horn, this horn is thus directed along the second axis Y. When the radiating source 43 is in the form of a plurality of horns, the maximization of the efficiency of the antenna requires that the horns are directed towards the center of a reflector 47 of the reflection assembly 44. However, for cost issues of the solution, the horns may be directed along the second axis Y.

Outre le réflecteur 47, l'ensemble de réflexion 44 comporte un miroir 48 disposé autour de la source rayonnante 43 et des moyens de fixation 49.In addition to the reflector 47, the reflection assembly 44 comprises a mirror 48 arranged around the radiating source 43 and the fixing means 49.

Le réflecteur 47, connu en soi, est disposé en regard de la source rayonnante 43 et présente par exemple une forme parabolique symétrique définissant un sommet de réflecteur S et un foyer F qui sont visibles sur la figure 1. Le sommet de réflecteur S présente par exemple le point de symétrie du réflecteur 47. Par ailleurs, le sommet de réflecteur S et le foyer F sont disposés sur le deuxième axe Y.The reflector 47, known per se, is arranged facing the radiating source 43 and has for example a symmetrical parabolic shape defining a reflector top S and a focus F which are visible on the figure 1 . The reflector top S has for example the point of symmetry of the reflector 47. Furthermore, the reflector top S and the focus F are arranged on the second axis Y.

Le miroir 48 est par exemple un miroir plat de forme d'anneau au centre duquel est disposée la source rayonnante 43. Dans ce cas, le miroir 48 définit un plan de miroir et est disposé de sorte que le premier axe X soit parallèle au plan de miroir ou compris dans celui-ci.The mirror 48 is for example a ring-shaped flat mirror at the center of which is disposed the radiating source 43. In this case, the mirror 48 defines a mirror plane and is arranged so that the first axis X is parallel to the plane mirror or included in it.

Les moyens de fixation 49 permettent d'une part de fixer le miroir 48 à l'assemblage rotatif 45 et de l'autre part, le réflecteur 47 au miroir 48.The fixing means 49 make it possible, on the one hand, to fix the mirror 48 to the rotary assembly 45 and, on the other hand, the reflector 47 to the mirror 48.

Notamment, entre le réflecteur 47 et le miroir 48, les moyens de fixation 49 se présentent sous la forme d'une pluralité de bracons disposés selon différents niveaux par rapport au deuxième axe Y. Ainsi, dans l'exemple de la figure 1, deux bracons sont disposés parallèlement l'un à l'autre dans la partie de l'ensemble réflexion 44 présentant la plus courte distance entre le réflecteur 47 et le miroir 48, et deux bracons sont disposés parallèlement l'un à l'autre dans la partie de l'ensemble réflexion 44 présentant la moitié de la plus longue distance entre le réflecteur 47 et le miroir 48. Un axe perpendiculaire au plan formé par ces deux derniers bracons et passant par le centre du miroir 48 sera désigné par la suite par axe d'inclinaison A de l'ensemble de réflexion 44.In particular, between the reflector 47 and the mirror 48, the fixing means 49 are in the form of a plurality of bracons arranged at different levels relative to the second axis Y. Thus, in the example of FIG. figure 1 , two strands are arranged parallel to each other in the part of the reflection unit 44 having the shortest distance between the reflector 47 and the mirror 48, and two struts are arranged parallel to each other in the part of the reflection unit 44 having half of the longest distance between the reflector 47 and the mirror 48. An axis perpendicular to the plane formed by these two last strands and passing through the center of the mirror 48 will be designated thereafter by tilt axis A of reflection assembly 44.

L'ensemble de réflexion 44 et notamment le miroir 48 disposé de manière fixe par rapport au réflecteur 47, définissent un axe de propagation Pr des signaux électromagnétiques.The reflection assembly 44 and in particular the mirror 48 arranged in a fixed manner with respect to the reflector 47, define a propagation axis Pr of the electromagnetic signals.

En particulier, l'axe de propagation Pr correspond à la direction selon laquelle l'ensemble de réflexion 44 est apte à transmettre des signaux électromagnétiques émis par la source rayonnante 43 et selon laquelle l'ensemble de réflexion 44 est apte à recevoir des signaux électromagnétiques pour les transmettre à la source rayonnante 43.In particular, the propagation axis Pr corresponds to the direction in which the reflection assembly 44 is able to transmit electromagnetic signals emitted by the radiating source 43 and according to which the reflection assembly 44 is able to receive electromagnetic signals. to transmit them to the radiating source 43.

Dans l'exemple décrit, l'axe de propagation Pr est perpendiculaire au deuxième axe Y. Par ailleurs, dans la position de l'ensemble de réflexion 44 représentée sur la figure 1, l'axe de propagation Pr est parallèle au troisième axe Z et le plan formé par l'axe de propagation Pr et le deuxième axe Y est perpendiculaire au premier axe X.In the example described, the propagation axis Pr is perpendicular to the second axis Y. In addition, in the position of the reflection assembly 44 shown in FIG. figure 1 the propagation axis Pr is parallel to the third axis Z and the plane formed by the propagation axis Pr and the second axis Y is perpendicular to the first axis X.

L'assemblage rotatif 45 est monté rotatif sur le deuxième support rotatif 42, autour du deuxième axe et est solidaire avec les moyens de fixation 49 de l'ensemble de réflexion 44. Ainsi, la rotation de l'assemblage rotatif 45 autour du deuxième axe Y entraine la rotation de l'ensemble de réflexion 44 autour de la source rayonnante 43.The rotary assembly 45 is rotatably mounted on the second rotary support 42, around the second axis and is integral with the fixing means 49 of the reflection assembly 44. Thus, the rotation of the rotary assembly 45 around the second axis It causes the rotation of the reflection unit 44 around the radiating source 43.

Le deuxième actionneur est par exemple intégré dans le deuxième support rotatif 42 et est relié à l'assemblage rotatif 45 pour animer cet assemblage d'un mouvement de rotation.The second actuator is for example integrated in the second rotary support 42 and is connected to the rotary assembly 45 to animate this assembly with a rotational movement.

Le deuxième actionneur est par exemple sensiblement analogue au premier actionneur et se présente notamment sous la forme d'un moteur électrique. Ce moteur est alors relié à un arbre rotatif compris dans l'assemblage rotatif 45.The second actuator is for example substantially similar to the first actuator and is particularly in the form of an electric motor. This motor is then connected to a rotary shaft included in the rotary assembly 45.

Tout comme le premier actionneur, le deuxième actionneur est alimenté par des signaux d'alimentation électrique issus du satellite permettant d'activer son fonctionnement pour atteindre un angle d'inclinaison α de l'ensemble de réflexion 44 souhaité. L'angle d'inclinaison α de l'ensemble de réflexion 44 correspond à l'angle formé entre l'axe d'inclinaison A (visible notamment sur la figure 6) de l'ensemble de réflexion 44 et le troisième axe Z.Like the first actuator, the second actuator is powered by power supply signals from the satellite to enable its operation to reach a tilt angle α of the desired reflection assembly 44. The angle of inclination α of the reflection assembly 44 corresponds to the angle formed between the inclination axis A (visible in particular on the figure 6 ) of the reflection unit 44 and the third axis Z.

Le deuxième actionneur est par exemple configuré pour faire varier l'angle d'inclinaison α de l'ensemble de réflexion 44 entre -30° et 30°ou de préférence, entre -60° et 60°.The second actuator is for example configured to vary the inclination angle α of the reflection assembly 44 between -30 ° and 30 ° or preferably between -60 ° and 60 °.

Les premiers et les deuxièmes moyens de guidages 36, 46 permettent de guider des signaux électromagnétiques au sein de l'antenne 10. Ces moyens seront expliqués plus en détail en référence aux figures 2 et 3 illustrant respectivement une vue en perspective et une vue en perspective éclatée de la chaine radiofréquence 11. Par chaine radiofréquence, on entend l'ensemble des composants de la première et de la deuxième parties 21, 22 de l'antenne 10 participant dans la transmission des signaux électromagnétiques au sein de l'antenne 10.The first and second guide means 36, 46 guide electromagnetic signals within the antenna 10. These means will be explained in more detail with reference to the figures 2 and 3 respectively illustrating a perspective view and an exploded perspective view of the radiofrequency chain 11. By radiofrequency channel is meant all the components of the first and second parts 21, 22 of the antenna 10 participating in the transmission of the radio frequency chain. electromagnetic signals within the antenna 10.

En effet, comme cela est illustré sur ces figures, la chaine radiofréquence 11 est composée de la source rayonnante 43, des deuxièmes moyens de guidage 46, du joint tournant 23 et des premiers moyens de guidage 36.Indeed, as illustrated in these figures, the radiofrequency chain 11 is composed of the radiating source 43, the second guide means 46, the rotary joint 23 and the first guide means 36.

Les premiers moyens de guidage 36 permettent de connecter les moyens de raccordement électromagnétique du satellite au joint tournant 23 et les deuxièmes moyens de guidage 46 permettent de connecter le joint tournant 23 à la source rayonnante 43.The first guiding means 36 make it possible to connect the electromagnetic connection means of the satellite to the rotary joint 23 and the second guide means 46 make it possible to connect the rotary joint 23 to the radiating source 43.

En particulier, les premiers moyens de guidage 36 présentent quatre voies de transmission formés de guides d'onde ou/et de câbles coaxiaux qui sont coudés de manière appropriée en fonction de la disposition des moyens de raccordement électromagnétique du satellite et du joint tournant 23.In particular, the first guiding means 36 have four transmission paths formed of waveguides and / or coaxial cables which are appropriately bent according to the arrangement of the electromagnetic connection means of the satellite and of the rotary joint 23.

Chaque voie de transmission des premiers moyens de guidage 36 est une voie d'accès radiofréquence au joint tournant 23. Dans l'exemple de réalisation de la figure 1, deux voies permettent de réaliser la transmission des signaux électromagnétiques pour deux polarisations orthogonales et les deux autres voies permettent de réaliser la réception des signaux électromagnétiques pour deux polarisations orthogonales.Each transmission path of the first guiding means 36 is a radiofrequency access channel to the rotary joint 23. In the embodiment of FIG. figure 1 two channels make it possible to transmit the electromagnetic signals for two orthogonal polarizations and the two other channels make it possible to receive the electromagnetic signals for two orthogonal polarizations.

Les deuxièmes moyens de guidage 46 présentent quatre voies de transmission formés de guides d'onde ou/et de câbles coaxiaux qui sont coudés de manière appropriée en fonction de la disposition du joint tournant 23 et de la source rayonnante 43.The second guide means 46 have four transmission paths formed of waveguides and / or coaxial cables which are appropriately bent according to the arrangement of the rotary joint 23 and the radiating source 43.

Plus particulièrement, dans l'exemple de réalisation des figures 2 et 3, ces guides d'ondes et/ou ces câbles sont coudées de sorte que les signaux électromagnétiques reçus par la source rayonnante 43 selon le deuxième axe Y soient propagés vers le joint tournant 23 selon des axes parallèles au premier axe X et que les signaux électromagnétiques issus du joint tournant 23 selon des axes parallèles au premier axe X soient propagés selon le deuxième axe Y dans la source rayonnante 43.More particularly, in the exemplary embodiment of figures 2 and 3 these waveguides and / or these cables are bent so that the electromagnetic signals received by the radiating source 43 along the second axis Y are propagated towards the rotary joint 23 along axes parallel to the first axis X and that the electromagnetic signals from the rotary joint 23 along axes parallel to the first axis X are propagated along the second axis Y in the radiating source 43.

Comme dans le cas précédent, deux voies de transmission des deuxièmes moyens de guidage 46 permettent de réaliser la transmission des signaux électromagnétiques pour deux polarisations orthogonales et les deux autres voies permettent de réaliser la réception des signaux électromagnétiques pour deux polarisations orthogonales.As in the previous case, two transmission paths of the second guide means 46 make it possible to transmit the electromagnetic signals for two orthogonal polarizations and the two other channels make it possible to perform the reception of the electromagnetic signals for two orthogonal polarizations.

En outre, dans le point de raccordement des deuxièmes moyens de guidage 46 à la source rayonnante 43, ces moyens comportent un excitateur apte à renforcer et/ou à polariser les signaux électromagnétiques passant par les voies de transmission correspondantes, selon des méthodes connues en soi.In addition, in the point of connection of the second guide means 46 to the radiating source 43, these means comprise an exciter capable of reinforcing and / or polarizing the electromagnetic signals passing through the corresponding transmission paths, according to methods known per se. .

En particulier, l'excitateur permet à la fois de générer la polarisation souhaitée pour la transmission et de recevoir la polarisation souhaitée en réception. Dans le cas d'une pluralité de cornets, les deuxièmes moyens de guidage 46 comportent autant d'excitateurs que de cornets nécessaires à la réalisation de la mission de l'antenne 10.In particular, the exciter makes it possible both to generate the desired polarization for the transmission and to receive the desired polarization in reception. In the case of a plurality of horns, the second guide means 46 comprise as many exciters as horns necessary for carrying out the mission of the antenna 10.

Le joint tournant 23 comporte un stator 51, un rotor 52, un capot de stator 53 et un capot de rotor 54.The rotary joint 23 comprises a stator 51, a rotor 52, a stator hood 53 and a rotor cover 54.

Le joint tournant 23 présente une forme d'un secteur d'anneau de centre disposé sur un axe de rotation défini par le joint qui coïncide avec le premier axe X.The rotary joint 23 has a shape of a center ring sector disposed on an axis of rotation defined by the seal which coincides with the first axis X.

Ce secteur présente un angle d'ouverture variable en fonction de la position du rotor 52 par rapport au stator 51 à varie par exemple entre sensiblement 160° dans une position d'ouverture minimale et sensiblement 220° dans deux positions d'ouverture maximale.This sector has a variable opening angle as a function of the position of the rotor 52 relative to the stator 51 to vary for example between substantially 160 ° in a position of minimum opening and substantially 220 ° in two positions of maximum opening.

En outre, ce secteur définit une pluralité de directions radiales s'étendant à partir du centre d'anneau vers sa périphérie et une pluralité de directions circonférentielles s'étendant suivant des cercles concentriques disposés autour du premier axe X. Ainsi, chaque direction radiale et chaque direction circonférentielle sont situées dans un plan perpendiculaire au premier axe X et, dans l'exemple de réalisation de la figure 1, perpendiculaire au plan d'embase 12.Further, this sector defines a plurality of radial directions extending from the ring center to its periphery and a plurality of circumferential directions extending in concentric circles disposed about the first axis X. Thus, each radial direction and each circumferential direction are located in a plane perpendicular to the first axis X and, in the embodiment of the figure 1 perpendicular to the base plane 12.

Le rotor 52 et le capot de rotor 54 sont fixés à la deuxième partie 22 de l'antenne 10 et notamment au deuxième support tournant 42. Le stator 51 et le capot de stator 53 sont fixés à la première partie 21 de l'antenne 10 et notamment au support d'antenne 30. Ainsi, lors de la rotation de la deuxième partie 22 de l'antenne 10 par rapport à la première partie 21, le rotor 52 tourne par rapport au premier axe X sans entrer en contact avec le stator 51. Cette rotation fait alors varier la valeur d'angle l'ouverture du joint tournant 23.The rotor 52 and the rotor cover 54 are fixed to the second part 22 of the antenna 10 and in particular to the second rotating support 42. The stator 51 and the stator cover 53 are fixed to the first part 21 of the antenna 10 and in particular to the antenna support 30. Thus, during the rotation of the second portion 22 of the antenna 10 relative to the first portion 21, the rotor 52 rotates relative to the first axis X without coming into contact with the stator 51. This rotation then varies the angle value the opening of the rotary joint 23.

Le rotor 52 et le stator 51 seront expliqués par la suite en détail en référence respectivement aux figures 4 et 5.The rotor 52 and the stator 51 will be explained later in detail with reference respectively to Figures 4 and 5 .

Ainsi, en référence à la figure 5, le stator 51 présente une forme d'un secteur d'anneau d'ouverture constante et de centre disposé sur le premier axe X. L'angle d'ouverture de ce secteur est par exemple sensiblement égal à 160°.So, with reference to the figure 5 , the stator 51 has a shape of a ring sector of constant opening and center disposed on the first axis X. The opening angle of this sector is for example substantially equal to 160 °.

Le stator 51 est fait par exemple d'une seule pièce d'un matériau conducteur.The stator 51 is made for example of a single piece of a conductive material.

Le stator 51 comporte une surface de transmission 61 disposée en regard du rotor 52 et une surface de fixation 62 couverte par le capot de stator 53.The stator 51 comprises a transmission surface 61 arranged facing the rotor 52 and a fixing surface 62 covered by the stator hood 53.

La surface de transmission 61 comporte des moyens principaux de délimitation 64 des signaux électromagnétiques faisant saillie par rapport à la surface de transmission 61 et formant deux canaux de transmission 65A et 65B des signaux électromagnétiques.The transmission surface 61 comprises main means for defining the electromagnetic signals 64 projecting from the transmission surface 61 and forming two transmission channels 65A and 65B of the electromagnetic signals.

Chacun de ces canaux de transmission 65A, 65B s'étend selon une direction circonférentielle 66A, 66B et est délimité par les moyens 64 selon chaque direction radiale et circonférentielle passant par ce canal. La largeur de chacun de ces canaux 65A, 65B, c'est-à-dire son étendue selon chaque direction radiale, est par exemple sensiblement égale à 7 mm.Each of these transmission channels 65A, 65B extends in a circumferential direction 66A, 66B and is delimited by the means 64 in each radial and circumferential direction passing through this channel. The width of each of these channels 65A, 65B, that is to say its extent in each radial direction, is for example substantially equal to 7 mm.

Dans l'exemple de réalisation de la figure 5, le canal de transmission 65A s'étendant selon la direction circonférentielle 66A plus écartée du premier axe X que la direction circonférentielle 66B, est destiné à transmettre des signaux électromagnétiques pour émission par l'antenne 10, c'est-à-dire les signaux de type Tx.In the exemplary embodiment of the figure 5 , the transmission channel 65A extending in the circumferential direction 66A further from the first axis X than the circumferential direction 66B, is for transmitting electromagnetic signals for transmission by the antenna 10, i.e. the signals Tx type.

Le canal de transmission 65B s'étendant selon la direction circonférentielle 66B plus proche du premier axe X que la direction circonférentielle 66A, est destiné à transmettre des signaux électromagnétiques reçus par l'antenne 10, c'est-à-dire les signaux de type Rx.The transmission channel 65B extending in the circumferential direction 66B closer to the first axis X than the circumferential direction 66A, is for transmitting electromagnetic signals received by the antenna 10, i.e. the signals of the type Rx.

Les moyens principaux de délimitation 64 se présentent sous la forme d'une pluralité de plots espacés l'un de l'autre de manière homogène. Ces plots ont par exemple une forme cylindrique de diamètre compris entre 1,5 mm et 2,5 mm.The main means of delimitation 64 are in the form of a plurality of studs spaced apart from one another in a homogeneous manner. These pads have for example a cylindrical shape with a diameter of between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm.

Les plots délimitant le même canal de transmission 65A, 65B sont de mêmes dimensions et sont distribués sur la surface de transmission 61 suivant plusieurs directions circonférentielles de part et d'autre du canal de transmission correspondant et à chaque extrémité de ce canal suivant plusieurs directions radiales.The pads delimiting the same transmission channel 65A, 65B are of the same dimensions and are distributed on the transmission surface 61 along several circumferential directions on either side of the corresponding transmission channel and at each end of this channel along several radial directions. .

Ainsi, dans l'exemple de la figure 5, les plots associés au canal de transmission 65A sont distribués selon trois directions circonférentielles de part et d'autre du canal 65A et selon trois directions radiales à chaque extrémité de ce canal. Pour des raisons de simplicité, sur la figure 5, uniquement une direction circonférentielle 67A, 67B de chaque côté du canal 65A et une direction radiale 68A, 68B à chaque extrémité de ce canal, sont illustrées.So, in the example of the figure 5 , the pads associated with the transmission channel 65A are distributed in three circumferential directions on either side of the channel 65A and in three radial directions at each end of this channel. For the sake of simplicity, on the figure 5 only a circumferential direction 67A, 67B on each side of the channel 65A and a radial direction 68A, 68B at each end of this channel are illustrated.

De manière analogue, les plots associés au canal de transmission 65B sont distribués selon trois directions circonférentielles de part et d'autre du canal 65B et selon trois directions radiales à chaque extrémité de ce canal. Pour des raisons de simplicité, sur la figure 5, uniquement une direction circonférentielle 67C, 67D de chaque côté du canal 65B et une direction radiale 68C, 68D à chaque extrémité de ce canal, sont illustrées.Similarly, the pads associated with the transmission channel 65B are distributed in three circumferential directions on either side of the channel 65B and in three radial directions at each end of this channel. For the sake of simplicity, on the figure 5 only a circumferential direction 67C, 67D on each side of the channel 65B and a radial direction 68C, 68D at each end of this channel are illustrated.

Le pas d'espacement de deux plots voisins suivant la direction circonférentielle ou radiale correspondante est par exemple égal sensiblement à 3,5 mm.The spacing pitch of two neighboring studs in the corresponding circumferential or radial direction is, for example, substantially equal to 3.5 mm.

Par ailleurs, sur cette même figure, la hauteur des plots associés au canal de transmission 65A, c'est-à-dire au canal pour les signaux de type Tx, est sensiblement supérieure à la hauteur des plots associés au canal de transmission 65B, c'est-à-dire au canal pour les signaux de type Rx. Ainsi, la hauteur des plots associés au canal de transmission 65A est par exemple sensiblement égale à 3 mm et la hauteur des plots associés au canal de transmission 65B est par exemple sensiblement égale à 2 mm.Moreover, in this same figure, the height of the pads associated with the transmission channel 65A, that is to say the channel for the Tx type signals, is substantially greater than the height of the pads associated with the transmission channel 65B, i.e., the channel for Rx type signals. Thus, the height of the pads associated with the transmission channel 65A is for example substantially equal to 3 mm and the height of the pads associated with the transmission channel 65B is for example substantially equal to 2 mm.

À l'extrémité de chaque canal de transmission 65A, 65B, la surface de transmission 61 définit une ouverture 71 à 74 débuchant respectivement sur un guide d'onde 75 à 78 formé entre la surface de fixation 62 et le capot de stator 53.At the end of each transmission channel 65A, 65B, the transmission surface 61 defines an opening 71 to 74 opening respectively on a waveguide 75 to 78 formed between the attachment surface 62 and the stator hood 53.

Chaque guide d'onde 75 à 78 s'étend donc dans un plan perpendiculaire au premier axe X et est coudé de manière appropriée pour raccorder la voie de transmission correspondante aux premiers moyens de guidage 36.Each waveguide 75 to 78 thus extends in a plane perpendicular to the first axis X and is appropriately bent to connect the corresponding transmission path to the first guide means 36.

En référence à la figure 4, le rotor 52 présente une forme d'un secteur d'anneau d'ouverture constante sensiblement analogue à celle du stator 51. Comme dans le cas précédent, l'ouverture de ce secteur est par exemple sensiblement égale à 160° et le centre de ce secteur est disposé sur le premier axe X.With reference to the figure 4 , the rotor 52 has a shape of a ring sector of constant opening substantially similar to that of the stator 51. As in the previous case, the opening of this sector is for example substantially equal to 160 ° and the center of this sector is arranged on the first axis X.

Tout comme le stator 51, le rotor 52 est fait par exemple d'une seule pièce d'un matériau conducteur et comporte une surface de transmission 81 et une surface de fixation 82 couverte par le capot de rotor 54.Like the stator 51, the rotor 52 is made for example of a single piece of a conductive material and has a transmission surface 81 and a fastening surface 82 covered by the rotor cover 54.

Dans la position d'ouverture minimale du joint tournant 23, la surface de transmission 81 du rotor 52 est disposée sensiblement entièrement en regard de la surface de transmission 61 du stator 51.In the minimum opening position of the rotary joint 23, the transmission surface 81 of the rotor 52 is arranged substantially entirely opposite the transmission surface 61 of the stator 51.

Dans toute autre position du joint tournant 23, une partie de la surface de transmission 81 du rotor 52 est disposée en regard d'une partie de la surface de transmission 61 du stator 51. Par ailleurs, dans chacune des positions d'ouverture maximale, la surface des parties en regard est minimale.In any other position of the rotary joint 23, a portion of the transmission surface 81 of the rotor 52 is disposed facing a portion of the transmission surface 61 of the stator 51. Moreover, in each of the maximum opening positions, the surface of the parts facing each other is minimal.

La première position d'ouverture maximale est obtenue en faisant tourner le rotor 52 autour du premier axe X dans le sens antihoraire. La deuxième position d'ouverture maximale est obtenue en faisant tourner le rotor 52 autour du premier axe X dans le sens horaire.The first maximum open position is achieved by rotating the rotor 52 about the first axis X counterclockwise. The second maximum open position is achieved by rotating the rotor 52 about the first axis X clockwise.

Dans toute position du rotor 52 par rapport au stator 51, la surface de transmission 81 du rotor 52 est écartée de la surface de transmission 61 du stator 51 selon le premier axe X, d'une valeur d'écartement égale par exemple sensiblement à 0,5 mm.In any position of the rotor 52 with respect to the stator 51, the transmission surface 81 of the rotor 52 is spaced apart from the transmission surface 61 of the stator 51 along the first axis X by a spacing value equal, for example, substantially to 0 , 5 mm.

Les surfaces de transmission 61, 81 forment entre elles un plan de transmission des signaux électromagnétiques. Ce plan est perpendiculaire au premier axe X et comprend en toute position du rotor 52 par rapport au stator 51 quatre voies de transmission des signaux électromagnétiques comme cela sera expliqué par la suite.The transmission surfaces 61, 81 form between them a transmission plane of the electromagnetic signals. This plane is perpendicular to the first axis X and comprises in any position of the rotor 52 relative to the stator 51 four channels of transmission of electromagnetic signals as will be explained later.

La surface de transmission 81 du rotor 52 comprend deux surfaces planes 83A, 83B et des moyens complémentaires de délimitation 84 des signaux électromagnétiques.The transmission surface 81 of the rotor 52 comprises two flat surfaces 83A, 83B and complementary delimiting means 84 of the electromagnetic signals.

Chaque surface plane 83A, 83B est associée à l'un des canaux de transmission 65A, 65B du stator 51 et est destinée à couvrir entièrement ce canal 65A, 65B avec les moyens principaux de délimitation 64 associés à ce canal 65A, 65B, lorsque le joint tournant 23 se trouve dans la position d'ouverture minimale. Ainsi, chaque surface plane 83A, 83B présente une forme circonférentielle.Each flat surface 83A, 83B is associated with one of the transmission channels 65A, 65B of the stator 51 and is intended to completely cover this channel 65A, 65B with the main delimiting means 64 associated with this channel 65A, 65B, when the joint turn 23 is in the minimum open position. Thus, each flat surface 83A, 83B has a circumferential shape.

Les surfaces planes 83A, 83B sont disposées de manière étagée. Ainsi, dans l'exemple de la figure 4, la surface plane 83B moins écartée du premier axe X fait saillie par rapport à la surface plane 83A d'une valeur sensiblement égale à la différences des hauteurs des plots associés au canal de transmission 65A et ceux associés au canal de transmission 65B.The flat surfaces 83A, 83B are arranged in a stepped manner. So, in the example of the figure 4 , the plane surface 83B spaced apart from the first axis X protrudes from the plane surface 83A by a value substantially equal to the differences in the heights of the pads associated with the transmission channel 65A and those associated with the transmission channel 65B.

Les moyens complémentaires de délimitation 84 des signaux électromagnétiques sont disposés sur chacune des surfaces planes 83A, 83B et font saillie par rapport à cette surface 83A, 83B.The complementary delimiting means 84 of the electromagnetic signals are arranged on each of the flat surfaces 83A, 83B and protrude with respect to this surface 83A, 83B.

Les moyens complémentaires de délimitation 84 disposés sur la surface plane 83A sont reçus dans le canal de transmission 65A de manière mobile avec la rotation du rotor 52 de sorte qu'en toute position du rotor 52 par rapport au stator 51, ces moyens divisent le canal de transmission correspondant en deux voies de transmission circonférentielles complémentaires.The complementary delimiting means 84 disposed on the plane surface 83A are received in the transmission channel 65A in a manner that is movable with the rotation of the rotor 52 so that in any position of the rotor 52 with respect to the stator 51, these means divide the channel corresponding transmission in two complementary circumferential transmission paths.

De manière analogue, les moyens complémentaires de délimitation 84 disposés sur la surface plane 83B sont reçus dans le canal de transmission 65B de manière mobile avec la rotation du rotor 52 de sorte qu'en toute position du rotor 52 par rapport au stator 51, ces moyens divisent le canal de transmission correspondant en deux voies de transmission circonférentielles complémentaires.Similarly, the complementary delimiting means 84 disposed on the plane surface 83B are received in the transmission channel 65B in a mobile manner with the rotation of the rotor 52 so that in any position of the rotor 52 relative to the stator 51, these means divide the corresponding transmission channel into two complementary circumferential transmission paths.

Les moyens complémentaires de délimitation 84 se présentent sous la forme d'une pluralité de plots disposés selon plusieurs directions radiales de part et d'autre d'une direction radiale centrale 86 de la surface de transmission 81 et éventuellement, selon cette-même direction radiale centrale 86.The complementary delimiting means 84 are in the form of a plurality of studs arranged in a plurality of radial directions on either side of a central radial direction 86 of the transmission surface 81 and possibly in this same radial direction. Central 86.

Par direction radiale centrale, on entend la direction radiale passant par le milieu du secteur du rotor 52, c'est-à-dire la direction radiale divisant la surface de transmission 81 en deux parties sensiblement équivalentes.Central radial direction means the radial direction passing through the middle of the sector of the rotor 52, that is to say the radial direction dividing the transmission surface 81 into two substantially equivalent parts.

Ainsi, dans l'exemple de réalisation de figure 4, les plots sont disposés selon la direction radiale centrale 86 et selon deux autres directions radiales disposées de chaque côté de la direction radiale centrale.Thus, in the exemplary embodiment of figure 4 , the pads are arranged in the central radial direction 86 and in two other radial directions disposed on each side of the central radial direction.

Les plots disposés sur la surface plane 83A sont analogues aux plots associés au canal de transmission 65A et les plots disposés sur la surface plane 83B sont analogues aux plots associés au canal de transmission 65B.The pads disposed on the flat surface 83A are similar to the pads associated with the transmission channel 65A and the pads disposed on the flat surface 83B are similar to the pads associated with the transmission channel 65B.

Chaque surface plane 83A, 83B définit deux ouvertures 91 à 94 disposées de part et d'autre de la direction radiale centrale 86. Chacune de ces ouvertures 91 à 94 est adjacente aux moyens complémentaires de délimitation 84 de sorte qu'en toute position du rotor 52 par rapport au stator 51, elle débouche d'un côté sur l'un des canaux de transmission 65A, 65B et de l'autre côté, sur un guide d'onde 95 à 98 formé entre la surface de fixation 82 et le capot de rotor 54.Each flat surface 83A, 83B defines two openings 91 to 94 disposed on either side of the central radial direction 86. Each of these openings 91 to 94 is adjacent to the complementary delimiting means 84 so that in any position of the rotor 52 relative to the stator 51, it opens on one side on one of the transmission channels 65A, 65B and on the other side, on a waveguide 95 to 98 formed between the fixing surface 82 and the rotor cover 54.

Chaque guide d'onde 95 à 98 s'étend donc dans un plan perpendiculaire au premier axe X et est coudé de manière appropriée par raccorder la voie de transmission correspondante aux deuxièmes moyens de guidage 46.Each waveguide 95 to 98 thus extends in a plane perpendicular to the first axis X and is appropriately bent by connecting the corresponding transmission path to the second guide means 46.

Ainsi, la coopération du rotor 52 avec le stator 51 forme en toute position du rotor 52 par rapport au stator 51 quatre voies de transmission des signaux électromagnétiques entre la première partie 21 de l'antenne 10 et la deuxième partie 22.Thus, the cooperation of the rotor 52 with the stator 51 forms in any position of the rotor 52 with respect to the stator 51 four channels of transmission of the electromagnetic signals between the first part 21 of the antenna 10 and the second part 22.

Parmi ces voies de transmission, la voie formée entre les ouvertures 71 et 91 et la voie formée entre les ouvertures 74 et 94 sont destinées à transmettre les signaux électromagnétiques pour émission via la source rayonnante 43. La voie formée entre les ouvertures 72 et 92 et la voie formée entre les ouvertures 73 et 93 sont destinées à transmettre les signaux électromagnétiques reçus par la source rayonnante 43.Among these transmission paths, the path formed between the openings 71 and 91 and the path formed between the openings 74 and 94 are intended to transmit the electromagnetic signals for emission via the radiating source 43. The path formed between the openings 72 and 92 and the path formed between the openings 73 and 93 are intended to transmit the electromagnetic signals received by the radiating source 43.

Le fonctionnement de l'antenne 10 et notamment sa cinétique par rapport aux axes X et Y seront désormais expliqués en référence à la figure 6.The operation of the antenna 10 and in particular its kinetics with respect to the X and Y axes will now be explained with reference to the figure 6 .

En effet, la figure 6 illustre dans sa partie supérieure trois positions différentes de la deuxième partie 22 par rapport à la première partie 21 de l'antenne 10 lors de la rotation de la deuxième partie 22 par rapport au premier axe qui est alors perpendiculaire au plan de la partie supérieure de la figure 6.Indeed, the figure 6 illustrates in its upper part three different positions of the second part 22 with respect to the first part 21 of the antenna 10 during the rotation of the second part 22 relative to the first axis which is then perpendicular to the plane of the upper part of the antenna. the figure 6 .

Dans la position du milieu, l'angle d'élévation θ de l'antenne 10 formé entre le deuxième axe Y et le plan d'embase 12 est égal à 0°. Le joint tournant 23 se trouve donc dans sa position d'ouverture minimale.In the middle position, the elevation angle θ of the antenna 10 formed between the second axis Y and the base plane 12 is equal to 0 °. The rotary joint 23 is therefore in its minimum open position.

Lorsqu'il est nécessaire de modifier cet angle d'élévation θ, le premier actionneur est alimenté par le satellite pour faire tourner la deuxième partie 22 de l'antenne dans le sens horaire ou antihoraire autour du premier axe X, en fonction du signe des signaux d'alimentation correspondants.When it is necessary to modify this elevation angle θ, the first actuator is powered by the satellite to rotate the second part 22 of the antenna clockwise or counterclockwise about the first axis X, depending on the sign of the corresponding supply signals.

Ainsi, dans la position à gauche, la deuxième partie 22 est tournée autour du premier axe X dans le sens antihoraire pour atteindre l'angle d'élévation θ sensiblement égal à -30°. Dans cette position, le joint tournant 23 se trouve donc dans sa première position d'ouverture maximale.Thus, in the position on the left, the second part 22 is turned around the first axis X counterclockwise to reach the elevation angle θ substantially equal to -30 °. In this position, the rotary joint 23 is therefore in its first maximum open position.

Dans la position à droite, la deuxième partie 22 est tournée autour du premier axe X dans le sens horaire pour atteindre l'angle d'élévation θ sensiblement égal à 30°. Dans cette position, le joint tournant 23 se trouve donc dans sa deuxième position d'ouverture maximale.In the position to the right, the second part 22 is turned around the first axis X in the clockwise direction to reach the elevation angle θ substantially equal to 30 °. In this position, the rotary joint 23 is therefore in its second maximum open position.

Dans sa partie inférieure, la figure 6 illustre trois positions différentes de l'ensemble de réflexion 44 par rapport par exemple à la première partie 21 de l'antenne 10 lors de la rotation de l'ensemble de réflexion 44 autour du deuxième axe Y qui est alors perpendiculaire au plan de la partie inférieure de la figure 6.In its lower part, the figure 6 illustrates three different positions of the reflection assembly 44 with respect, for example, to the first part 21 of the antenna 10 during the rotation of the reflection assembly 44 around the second axis Y which is then perpendicular to the plane of the part lower of the figure 6 .

Dans la position du milieu, l'angle d'inclinaison α formé entre l'axe d'inclinaison A et le troisième axe Z est égal à 0°.In the middle position, the angle of inclination α formed between the inclination axis A and the third axis Z is equal to 0 °.

Lorsqu'il est nécessaire de modifier cet angle d'inclinaison a, le deuxième actionneur est alimenté par le satellite pour faire tourner l'ensemble de réflexion 44 dans le sens horaire ou antihoraire autour du deuxième axe Y, en fonction du signe des signaux d'alimentation correspondants.When it is necessary to modify this angle of inclination a, the second actuator is powered by the satellite to rotate the reflection assembly 44 clockwise or counterclockwise about the second axis Y, depending on the sign of the signals. corresponding supply.

Ainsi, dans la position à gauche, l'ensemble de réflexion 44 est tourné autour du deuxième axe Y dans le sens antihoraire pour atteindre l'angle d'inclinaison α sensiblement égal à -30°.Thus, in the position to the left, the reflection assembly 44 is turned about the second axis Y in the counterclockwise direction to reach the angle of inclination α substantially equal to -30 °.

Dans la position à droite, l'ensemble de réflexion 44 est tourné autour du deuxième axe Y dans le sens horaire pour atteindre l'angle d'inclinaison α sensiblement égal à 30°.In the right-hand position, the reflection assembly 44 is turned about the second axis Y in the clockwise direction to reach the angle of inclination α substantially equal to 30 °.

Ainsi, en faisant varier l'angle d'élévation θ et l'angle d'inclinaison α de manière appropriée, il est possible d'atteindre une position de pointage souhaité de l'antenne 10 et ceci de manière particulièrement précise.Thus, by varying the elevation angle θ and the inclination angle α appropriately, it is possible to reach a desired pointing position of the antenna 10 and this particularly accurately.

On conçoit alors que la présente invention présente un certain nombre d'avantages.It will be appreciated that the present invention has a number of advantages.

Tout d'abord, en utilisant le joint tournant tel que décrit précédemment, il est possible de recevoir et d'émettre des signaux électromagnétiques avec une bande passante de largeur sensiblement égale à 3 GHz en transmission et à 3 GHz en réception et pour deux polarisations orthogonales en configuration un seul cornet, tout en assurant des bonnes performances de l'antenne.Firstly, by using the rotary joint as described above, it is possible to receive and emit electromagnetic signals with a bandwidth of width substantially equal to 3 GHz in transmission and 3 GHz in reception and for two polarizations orthogonal in a single cone configuration, while ensuring good performance of the antenna.

De plus, l'antenne selon l'invention est particulièrement simple dans la fabrication et dans l'assemblage car le raccordement électromagnétique entre la première et la deuxième parties de cette antenne est assuré en utilisant un très petit nombre de pièces. En particulier, ce raccordement est assuré entièrement par le joint tournant qui peut être composé uniquement d'un stator et d'un rotor.In addition, the antenna according to the invention is particularly simple in manufacture and assembly because the electromagnetic connection between the first and second parts of this antenna is provided using a very small number of parts. In particular, this connection is provided entirely by the rotary joint which can be composed only of a stator and a rotor.

Finalement, une telle structure du joint tournant est très peu sensible à des imprécisions de l'installation de ses différents composants. En effet, la disposition du rotor légèrement à l'écart du stator a pour but d'empêcher « l'échappement » des signaux électromagnétiques circulant dans le plan de transmission. Ainsi, cet écart peut être varié d'une antenne à l'autre sans dégradation significative des performances de ces antennes. De plus, étant donné que ce joint tournant est sans contact autour des voies de transmission, il ne limite pas la durée de vie de l'antenne.Finally, such a structure of the rotary joint is very insensitive to inaccuracies in the installation of its various components. Indeed, the arrangement of the rotor slightly away from the stator is intended to prevent "escape" of electromagnetic signals flowing in the transmission plane. Thus, this difference can be varied from one antenna to another without significant degradation of the performance of these antennas. In addition, since this rotary joint is non-contact around the transmission channels, it does not limit the life of the antenna.

Claims (12)

Joint tournant (23) pour une antenne rotative (10) comportant une première partie (21) et une deuxième partie (23) rotative par rapport à la première partie (21), le joint tournant (23) étant destiné à raccorder la première et la deuxième parties (21, 22) de l'antenne (10) et à transmettre des signaux électromagnétiques entre ces parties (21, 22), présentant une forme d'un secteur d'anneau avec une ouverture variable et définissant un axe de rotation (X) passant par le centre d'anneau, une pluralité de directions radiales (68A, 68B) s'étendant à partir du centre d'anneau vers sa périphérie et une pluralité de directions circonférentielles (66A, 66B, 67A, ..., 67D) s'étendant suivant des cercles concentriques disposés autour de l'axe de rotation (X) ;
le joint tournant (23) comportant : - un stator (51) destiné à être fixé sur la première partie (21) de l'antenne (10) et définissant une surface de transmission (61) des signaux électromagnétiques, perpendiculaire à l'axe de rotation (X) ; - un rotor (52) destiné à être fixé sur la deuxième partie (22) de l'antenne (10) et définissant une surface de transmission (81) des signaux électromagnétiques, perpendiculaire à l'axe de rotation (X) ; l'une des surfaces de transmission (61, 81) comprenant des moyens principaux de délimitation (64) des signaux électromagnétiques et l'autre comprenant des moyens complémentaires de délimitation (84) des signaux électromagnétiques ;
le rotor (52) étant monté rotatif par rapport au stator (51) autour de l'axe de rotation (X) de sorte qu'en toute position du rotor (52), au moins une partie de la surface de transmission (81) du rotor (52) soit disposée en regard d'au moins une partie de la surface de transmission (61) du stator (51) ;
en toute position du rotor (52), les parties en regard des surfaces de transmission (61, 81) du rotor (52) et du stator (51) formant entre elles au moins une voie de transmission des signaux électromagnétiques, la voie de transmission étant délimitée par les moyens principaux et complémentaires de délimitation (64, 84) et s'étendant selon une direction circonférentielle (66A, 66B).Rotary joint (23) for a rotary antenna (10) having a first portion (21) and a second portion (23) rotatable relative to the first portion (21), the rotary joint (23) being for connecting the first and the second parts (21, 22) of the antenna (10) and transmitting electromagnetic signals between these portions (21, 22), having a shape of a ring sector with a variable aperture and defining an axis of rotation (X) passing through the ring center, a plurality of radial directions (68A, 68B) extending from the ring center to its periphery and a plurality of circumferential directions (66A, 66B, 67A, ... , 67D) extending in concentric circles disposed about the axis of rotation (X);
the rotary joint (23) comprising: a stator (51) intended to be fixed on the first part (21) of the antenna (10) and defining a transmission surface (61) of the electromagnetic signals, perpendicular to the axis of rotation (X); - a rotor (52) for attachment to the second portion (22) of the antenna (10) and defining a transmission surface (81) electromagnetic signals perpendicular to the axis of rotation (X); one of the transmission surfaces (61, 81) comprising primary means for delimiting (64) the electromagnetic signals and the other comprising complementary means for delimiting (84) the electromagnetic signals;
the rotor (52) being rotatably mounted relative to the stator (51) about the axis of rotation (X) so that in any position of the rotor (52), at least a portion of the transmission surface (81) the rotor (52) is disposed facing at least a portion of the transmission surface (61) of the stator (51);
in any position of the rotor (52), the parts facing the transmission surfaces (61, 81) of the rotor (52) and the stator (51) forming between them at least one transmission path of the electromagnetic signals, the transmission path being delimited by the primary and complementary delimiting means (64, 84) and extending in a circumferential direction (66A, 66B). Joint tournant (23) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel en toute position du rotor (52), les parties en regard des surfaces de transmission (61, 81) du rotor (52) et du stator (51) forment entre elles au moins deux voies de transmission des signaux électromagnétiques, dites voies circonférentielles, les voies circonférentielles étant délimitées par les moyens principaux et complémentaires de délimitation (64, 84) et s'étendant selon une même direction circonférentielle (66A, 66B).Rotary joint (23) according to claim 1, wherein in any position of the rotor (52), the facing parts of the transmission surfaces (61, 81) of the rotor (52) and the stator (51) form between them at least two channels of transmission of the electromagnetic signals, called circumferential channels, the circumferential channels being delimited by the main and complementary delimiting means (64, 84) and extending in the same circumferential direction (66A, 66B). Joint tournant (23) selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel en toute position du rotor (52), les parties en regard des surfaces de transmission du rotor (52) et du stator (51) forment entre elles au moins deux voies de transmission des signaux électromagnétiques, dites voies radiales, les voies radiales étant délimitées par les moyens principaux et complémentaires de délimitation (64, 84) et s'étendant selon des directions circonférentielles différentes (66A, 66B).Rotary joint (23) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in any position of the rotor (52), the facing parts of the transmission surfaces of the rotor (52) and the stator (51) form between them at least two channels of transmission of the electromagnetic signals, said radial channels, the radial channels being delimited by the main and complementary delimiting means (64, 84) and extending in different circumferential directions (66A, 66B). Joint tournant (23) selon la revendication 3, dans lequel ; - la voie radiale s'étendant suivant la direction circonférentielle (66B) plus proche à l'axe de rotation (X) que la direction circonférentielle (66A) de l'autre voie radiale ou de chaque autre voie radiale, est destinée à transmettre des signaux électromagnétiques reçus par l'antenne (10) ; et - la voie radiale s'étendant suivant la direction circonférentielle (66A) plus écartée de l'axe de rotation (X) que la direction circonférentielle (66B) de l'autre voie radiale et de chaque autre voie radiale, est destinée à transmettre des signaux électromagnétiques pour émission par l'antenne (10). Rotary joint (23) according to claim 3, wherein; the radial path extending in the circumferential direction (66B) closer to the axis of rotation (X) than the circumferential direction (66A) of the other radial path or of each other radial path, is intended to transmit electromagnetic signals received by the antenna (10); and - the radial path extending in the circumferential direction (66A) further from the axis of rotation (X) than the circumferential direction (66B) of the other radial path and each other radial path, is intended to transmit electromagnetic signals for transmission by the antenna (10). Joint tournant (23) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les moyens principaux de délimitation (64) font saillie par rapport à la surface de transmission (61) correspondante pour former au moins un canal de transmission (65A, 65B) s'étendant suivant une direction circonférentielle (66A, 66B) et délimité par ces moyens de délimitation selon chaque direction radiale et circonférentielle passant par ce canal.Rotary joint (23) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main delimiting means (64) protrude from the corresponding transmission surface (61) to form at least one transmission channel (65A, 65B) extending in a circumferential direction (66A, 66B) and delimited by these delimiting means in each radial and circumferential direction passing through this channel. Joint tournant (23) selon la revendication 5, dans lequel les moyens complémentaires de délimitation (84) font saillie par rapport à la surface de transmission correspondante (81) et sont reçus dans le ou chaque canal de transmission (65A, 65B) de manière mobile pour délimiter l'étendue circonférentielle de ce canal en fonction de la position du rotor (52) ;
la ou chaque voie de transmission étant formée par une portion délimitée par les moyens complémentaires de délimitation (84) du canal de transmission ou de l'un des canaux de transmission (65A, 65B).Rotary joint (23) according to claim 5, wherein the complementary delimiting means (84) protrude from the corresponding transmission surface (81) and are received in the or each transmission channel (65A, 65B) in such a manner that movable to delimit the circumferential extent of this channel depending on the position of the rotor (52);
the or each transmission path being formed by a portion delimited by the complementary delimiting means (84) of the transmission channel or one of the transmission channels (65A, 65B). Joint tournant (23) selon les revendications 2 et 6, dans lequel les voies circonférentielles sont formées par des portions adjacentes d'un même canal de transmission (65A, 65B) divisé par les moyens complémentaires de délimitation (84).Rotary joint (23) according to claims 2 and 6, wherein the circumferential channels are formed by adjacent portions of the same transmission channel (65A, 65B) divided by the complementary delimiting means (84). Joint tournant selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 à 7, dans lequel : - pour le ou chaque canal de transmission (65A, 65B), la surface de transmission (61) du stator (51) définit au moins une ouverture (71, ..., 74) disposée sur l'une des extrémités de ce canal ; - pour la ou chaque ouverture (71, ..., 74) de la surface de transmission (61) du stator (51), la surface de transmission (81) du rotor (52) définit une ouverture (91, ..., 94) disposée sur la même direction circonférentielle que cette ouverture (71, ..., 74) de la surface de transmission (61) du stator (51) ; la ou chaque voie de transmission s'étendant entre l'ouverture ou l'une des ouvertures (71, ..., 74) de la surface de transmission (61) du stator (51) et l'ouverture (91, ..., 94) de la surface de transmission (81) du rotor (52) lui correspondant.Rotary joint according to any of claims 5 to 7, wherein: for the or each transmission channel (65A, 65B), the transmission surface (61) of the stator (51) defines at least one opening (71, ..., 74) disposed on one end of this channel ; for the or each opening (71, ..., 74) of the transmission surface (61) of the stator (51), the transmission surface (81) of the rotor (52) defines an opening (91, ... 94) disposed on the same circumferential direction as this opening (71, ..., 74) of the transmission surface (61) of the stator (51); the or each transmission path extending between the opening or one of the openings (71, ..., 74) of the transmission surface (61) of the stator (51) and the opening (91, .. 94) of the transmission surface (81) of the corresponding rotor (52). Joint tournant (23) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les moyens principaux et complémentaires de délimitation (64, 84) se présentent sous la forme d'une pluralité de plots espacés l'un de l'autre.A rotary joint (23) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary and complementary delimiting means (64, 84) are in the form of a plurality of spaced apart pads. Joint tournant (23) selon la revendication 9, dans lequel les plots des moyens principaux de délimitation (64) sont distribués sur la surface de transmission (61) correspondante suivant plusieurs directions circonférentielles et plusieurs directions radiales.Rotary joint (23) according to claim 9, wherein the studs of the main delimiting means (64) are distributed on the corresponding transmission surface (61) along a plurality of circumferential directions and radial directions. Joint tournant (23) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les surfaces de transmission (61, 81) du rotor (51) et du stator (52) sont écartées l'une de l'autre suivant l'axe de rotation (X) sans former des points de contact.Rotary joint (23) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmission surfaces (61, 81) of the rotor (51) and the stator (52) are spaced apart from each other along the axis of rotation (X) without forming contact points. Antenne rotative (10) comportant : - une première partie (21) ; - une deuxième partie (22) rotative par rapport à la première partie (21) ; et - un joint tournant (23) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, destiné à raccorder la première et la deuxième parties (21, 22) de l'antenne (10) et à transmettre des signaux électromagnétiques entre ces parties (21, 22). Rotary antenna (10) comprising: a first part (21); - a second portion (22) rotatable relative to the first portion (21); and - A rotary joint (23) according to any one of the preceding claims, for connecting the first and second parts (21, 22) of the antenna (10) and transmitting electromagnetic signals between these parts (21, 22). ).
EP18195345.6A 2017-09-19 2018-09-19 Rotary joint for a rotating antenna and rotating antenna comprising such a joint Active EP3457489B1 (en)

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EP3457489C0 (en) 2023-06-07
CA3018002A1 (en) 2019-03-19
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US20190089029A1 (en) 2019-03-21
FR3071363B1 (en) 2019-09-06
ES2950474T3 (en) 2023-10-10
EP3457489B1 (en) 2023-06-07

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