JP3170551B2 - Microwave antenna - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a planar microwave antenna, and more particularly to a planar microwave antenna suitable for satellite communication and satellite broadcast reception.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a device (earth station) for performing satellite communication and satellite broadcast reception, a reflector antenna such as a parabona antenna has been used as a transmission / reception antenna.
Recently, the use of planar microwave antennas has been increasing. In order to reliably perform satellite communication and satellite broadcast reception, it is necessary to accurately point these microwave antennas in the direction (azimuth and elevation) of the target geostationary satellite.

[0003] In recent years, the number of communication satellites and broadcast satellites has increased, and a single transmitting / receiving device communicates with a plurality of communication satellites and receives broadcasts from a plurality of broadcast satellites. It is necessary. In this case, since the directions (azimuth and elevation) of the satellites are different, it is necessary to install the microwave antenna for each satellite or to direct one microwave antenna to the target satellite direction each time. is there.

FIG. 9 shows a first example of a planar microwave antenna.
It is an external view which shows the prior art example. 9, reference numeral 100 denotes a planar microwave antenna; 101, a main beam direction of the planar microwave antenna; 102, a mounting plate;
3 is an elevation fixing bolt, 104 is a pole mounting bracket, 10
4 is an azimuth fixing bolt and 106 is a pole.

[0005] In FIG. 9, the main beam direction 101 of the planar microwave antenna 100 is oriented in the normal direction of the plane of the planar microwave antenna 100. In order to install the planar microwave antenna 100, the azimuth and the elevation angle are adjusted by moving the planar microwave antenna 100 so that the main beam is directed to the azimuth and the elevation angle of the target satellite. The fixing bolt 103 and the azimuth fixing bolt 105 are tightened and fixed.

FIG. 10 is an external view showing a second conventional example of a planar microwave antenna. In FIG.
0 is a planar microwave antenna, and 201 is a main beam direction of the planar microwave antenna.

[0007] In FIG. 10, the main beam direction 201 of the planar microwave antenna 200 is inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the plane of the planar microwave antenna 200. Here, if this angle is made the same as the elevation angle of the target geostationary satellite, the planar microwave antenna 200 can be installed horizontally and used. That is, the flat microwave antenna 200 may be installed horizontally, and the flat antenna 200 may be rotated in a horizontal plane to adjust only the azimuth.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are schematic views showing an example of a planar microwave antenna used in the first conventional example and the second conventional example. FIG. 11A is a top view, and FIG. −
It is E sectional drawing.

In FIGS. 11A and 11B, 30
Reference numeral 0 denotes a planar microwave antenna, 301 denotes a radial waveguide, 302 and 303 denote a pair of wide wall surfaces of the radial waveguide 301, 304 denotes a power supply probe, 305 denotes a dielectric substrate, 306 denotes an element antenna, and 307 denotes a device antenna. Power supply pin, 30
8 is a connector.

[0010] The radial waveguide 301 has a feed probe 3 protruding into the radial waveguide 301 through the wide wall 302 at a substantially central portion of one wide wall 302.
A dielectric substrate 305 is arranged along the wide wall surface 303 outside the other wide wall surface 303. A plurality of element antennas 30 are provided on the surface of the dielectric substrate 305.
Reference numeral 6 is arranged on a concentric circle centered on the feeding probe 304 so that radiated radio waves in a specific direction on the planar microwave antenna 300 are combined in phase. Feeding pins 307 from these element antennas 306 respectively
And protrudes into the radial waveguide 301 through the dielectric substrate 305 and the wide wall surface 303.

The length of the power supply pin 307 protruding into the radial waveguide 301 is the shortest at the power supply pin 307 located on the concentric circle closest to the power supply probe 304.
The power supply pin 307 is set so as to be longer as the distance from the power supply probe 4 is increased and to be the longest on the concentric circle farthest from the power supply probe 304.

The planar microwave antenna 300 having the above configuration operates as follows. When transmitting microwaves using the planar microwave antenna 300, the microwave transmission signal supplied to the power supply probe 304 via the connector 308 passes through the TE in the radial waveguide 301.
It propagates radially outward from the center portion as an M-mode electromagnetic field. At this time, the power supply pins 307 are coupled to the TEM mode electromagnetic field, and the element antennas 306 are excited by the coupling, and the element antennas 306 radiate transmission radio waves to the space and transmit microwaves.

In this case, the amplitude of the microwave excitation signal coupled to each element antenna 306 is determined by the length of each feed pin 307 projecting into the radial waveguide 301. The planar microwave antenna 300 in which the plurality of element antennas 306 are arranged as described above is an array antenna. In the array antenna, when all the element antennas are excited with the same amplitude, the gain of the array antenna is maximized. Therefore, the above-mentioned planar microwave antenna 300
In the above, the length of each feed pin 307 is set to be longer as the distance from the feed probe 304 is increased, so that each element antenna is excited with equal amplitude.

FIG. 12 shows the element antenna 3 in FIG.
FIG. 16A is a diagram showing a configuration of a circular patch antenna 306a as 06, FIG. 14A is a top view of the circular patch antenna 306a, and FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF of FIG.

The circular patch antenna 306a is formed on the surface of the dielectric substrate 305 in FIG. 11 by a method such as etching. Also, the power supply pin 307 in FIG.
Is a feeding point 306 in the circular patch antenna 306a.
b is attached by a method such as soldering. 30
6c is a notch. And the notch 306c
A circularly polarized antenna is obtained by the arrangement relationship between the antenna and the feeding point 306b. By arranging the plurality of circular patch antennas 306a with different rotation directions, the direction of the main beam is perpendicular to the plane of the planar microwave antenna. It can be inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the direction. In the first conventional example shown in FIG. 9, the main beam is set in the normal direction of the plane of the planar microwave antenna 100.
In the second conventional example, the main beam is set to be inclined with respect to the plane of the planar microwave antenna 200.

[0016]

In general, when performing high-quality, wide-band satellite communication or satellite broadcast reception, an antenna used for a ground station needs a gain of about 30 dBi to 40 dBi, and an array of such a gain is required. The antenna requires at least 300 element antennas, and when the microwave frequency is in the Ku band, the diameter of the planar microwave antenna is about 300 mm to 900 mm. At this time, the half value width of the main beam is about 5 degrees to about 2 degrees.

Therefore, the planar microwave antenna 30
0 is a feed pin 3 corresponding to a number of element antennas 306.
07, the radial waveguide 30 of the feed pin 307
It is necessary to finely adjust the protruding length in 1.

In the first conventional example shown in FIG. 9, the planar microwave antenna 100 has a diameter of 300 m.
Since the half-width of the main beam is as narrow as about 5 degrees to about 2 degrees in addition to the large width of m to 900 mm, it is extremely difficult to accurately direct the main beam toward the target satellite.

In addition, the planar microwave antenna 100
Is likely to shift due to a strong wind or the like, and if it shifts, it is difficult to redirect the main beam 101 to the target satellite direction again.

Further, since the main gorge direction 101 is fixed, there is a problem that the main beam cannot be directed in each direction of a plurality of satellites having different stationary positions.

On the other hand, in the second conventional example shown in FIG. 10, the direction 201 of the main beam is tilted from the plane of the planar microwave antenna 200, and the tilt angle is determined by the angle of the target satellite in a certain area. It almost matches the elevation angle. However, even if the target satellite is the same,
The azimuth angle and elevation angle of the satellite are different in different installation areas.
The azimuth angle is the plane type microwave antenna 200 as described above.
By rotating the whole in a horizontal plane, it can be adjusted to the satellite direction.
Has a fixed elevation angle, making it difficult to use in all parts of Japan. If it is forcibly used, there is no other method than installing the entire flat type microwave antenna 200 at an angle, and the flat type microwave antenna 200 is installed almost horizontally to easily perform satellite communication and satellite broadcast reception. There was a problem that I could not do it.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a planar microwave antenna capable of easily finely adjusting the directivity of a main beam.

[0023]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a radial waveguide and a radial waveguide disposed substantially at the center of one wide wall of the radial waveguide and penetrating the wide wall. A power supply probe protruding into the waveguide, a dielectric substrate disposed outside the other wide wall surface of the radial waveguide, and a concentric arrangement centered on the position of the power supply probe on the surface of the dielectric substrate A plurality of element antennas, one end of which is electrically connected to the element antenna, and the other end of which feeds through the dielectric substrate and the other wide wall surface and projects into the radial waveguide, and Interposed between one wide wall and the other wide wall ,
Dielectric with a fan shape, the main part of which faces the feeding probe
A beam tilt element comprising a plate
The child is arranged rotatably around the feeding probe.
Comprising first means are. To achieve the above objectives
The present invention relates to a radial waveguide and a radial waveguide
Is placed at the approximate center of one of the wide walls and penetrates the wide wall
A feed probe protruding into the radial waveguide
Dielectric substrate placed outside the other wide wall of the waveguide
And the location of the power supply probe on the surface of the dielectric substrate
Antennas arranged concentrically around the center
And one end is electrically connected to the element antenna
The ends penetrate the dielectric substrate and the other wide wall, respectively, and
A feed pin protruding into the radial waveguide and a radial waveguide
Between the one wide wall and the other wide wall
It has a fan shape, and its main part faces the power supply probe.
A plurality of concentric arc-shaped bumps centered on the main part
A beam tilt element made of a conductive plate having
The beam tilt element rotates around the feeding probe.
A second means is movably arranged. further,
To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a radial waveguide
Tube and one of the wide walls of the radial waveguide
And feed through the wide wall and protrude into the radial waveguide.
Electrical probe and outside the other wide wall of the radial waveguide
A dielectric substrate disposed on the surface of the dielectric substrate;
Are arranged concentrically around the location of the probe.
Multiple element antennas and one end to the element antenna
The other end is a dielectric substrate and the other wide wall
And a feed pin protruding into the radial waveguide
Between one wide wall and the other wide wall in the radial waveguide
Is it a columnar dielectric standing up close to the feeding probe?
Beam tilt element comprising a beam tilt element
Are arranged rotatably around the feeding probe.
Third means.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a radial waveguide and one wide wall surface of the radial waveguide.
Radially guided through a wide wall located at the approximate center of the
The feeding probe protruding into the tube and the other of the radial waveguide
A dielectric substrate disposed outside the wide wall of the substrate, and a dielectric substrate
Of the power supply probe on the surface of the
A plurality of element antennas arranged in a circle and one end of an element
The other end is electrically connected to the antenna and the other end is a dielectric substrate
And projecting into the radial waveguide through the other wide wall
Feed pin and selected one of multiple element antennas
To selectively cover the top of the
A dielectric plate that adjusts the direction of the emitted main beam
And a beam tilt element comprising:
Consists of a single semicircular dielectric plate, and the dielectric substrate
A fourth means is provided so as to be rotatable about a center position .

[0025]

According to the first to third means, the inside of the radial waveguide is controlled by the beam tilt means interposed between one wide wall surface in the radial waveguide and the feeding pin in the planar microwave antenna. The speed of the propagating TEM mode electromagnetic field is delayed, and the state of the delay of the speed of the TEM mode electromagnetic field depends on the shape of the beam tilt means. That is, the excitation phases of the plurality of element antennas are different. For this reason, the directivity of the main beam of the planar microwave antenna can be changed by the beam tilt means.

According to the fourth means, the electromagnetic field radiated from the element antenna passes through the beam tilt plate by the beam tilt plate disposed on the surface of the dielectric substrate in the planar microwave antenna. Slows down the speed. That is, the excitation phases between the element antennas are different from the radiation space. For this reason, the directivity of the main beam of the planar microwave antenna can be changed by the beam tilt means.

[0027]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a planar microwave antenna according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
(A) is a top view thereof, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA. 1 (a) and 1 (b), 1 is a planar microwave antenna, 11 is a radial waveguide, and 12, 1
Reference numeral 3 denotes a pair of opposed wide wall surfaces of the radial waveguide 11;
Denotes a feed probe, 15 denotes a dielectric substrate, 16 denotes an element antenna, 17 denotes a feed pin, 18 denotes a connector, 19 denotes a beam tilt plate, and shows an example in which a beam tilt plate 19 is used as beam tilt means.

The radial waveguide 11 has one wide wall 12
A power supply probe 14 that penetrates the wide wall surface 12 and protrudes into the radial waveguide 11 is disposed at a substantially central portion of the substrate, and a dielectric substrate 15 is disposed outside the other wide wall surface 13. On the surface of the dielectric substrate 15, a plurality of element antennas 16 are arranged on a concentric circle centering on the position where the feed probe 14 is arranged. Feed pins 17 are respectively led out of the element antennas 16, and the feed pins 17 protrude into the radial waveguide 11 through the dielectric substrate 15 and the wide wall surface 13, respectively. Further, between the wide wall surface 12 and the power supply pin 17, two beam tilt plates 19, 19, which are formed of a sector-shaped dielectric plate and can be appropriately rotated about the power supply probe 14, are interposed and arranged. A planar microwave antenna 1 is configured.

When transmitting microwaves using the planar microwave antenna 1, when a microwave transmission signal is supplied to the power supply probe 14 via the connector 18, the transmission signal is transmitted through the radial waveguide 11 through the TEM. It propagates radially outward from the central part as a mode electromagnetic field. At this time, each power supply pin 17 is coupled to the TEM mode electromagnetic field, and each element antenna 16 is excited by this coupling,
The transmission of radio waves from these element antennas 16 to the space and the transmission of microwaves are the same as the operation of the known planar microwave antenna described above.
In this case as well, the amplitude of the microwave excitation signal coupled to each element antenna 16 is determined by the protruding length of each feed pin 17 into the radial waveguide 11, and furthermore, the element antenna 16 has a circular shape shown in FIG. The point that the main beam of the planar microwave antenna 1 can be directed in a predetermined direction depending on the direction of the element antenna 16 as the patch antenna 306 is also described.
The operation is the same as the operation of the known planar microwave antenna 200 described above.

In this embodiment, the radial waveguide 11
Inside, two beam tilt plates 19, 19 composed of a sector-shaped dielectric plate, which can be appropriately rotated around a main part of the sector.
Are interposed. Therefore, when the TEM mode electromagnetic wave propagates from the center of the radial waveguide 11 to the outer periphery, the propagation speed of the electromagnetic wave at the position where the beam tilt plate 19 is disposed is compared with the propagation speed of the electromagnetic wave at the position where the beam tilt plate 19 is not disposed. The speed decreases, and the phase gradually delays from the center to the outer periphery. Therefore, the beam tilt plate 19 can adjust the directivity of the main beam of the planar microwave antenna 1 as described below.

Hereinafter, the function of the beam tilt plate 19 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2C show examples of the arrangement of the beam tilt plates 19, 19, and FIGS. 2D to 2G and 2H to 2K.
Are characteristic examples when the beam tilt plate 19 is not used and when the beam tilt plate 19 is used. 2 (d) to 2 (k), θ _{d to} θ _k are the directivity angles of the main beam with respect to the z-axis in FIG. 2 (direction perpendicular to the plane of the planar microwave antenna 1). Components that are the same as those shown are assigned the same reference numerals.

First, as shown in FIG. 2 (d), the directivity of the main beam of the planar microwave antenna 1 in the case where the beam tilt plate 19 is not provided is parallel to the z-axis, ie, the angle θ _d = It is assumed that it is set to 0. At this time,
As shown in FIG. 2A, the beam tilt plates 19, 19
Are arranged in a semicircular shape in the positive direction of the x-axis in the radial waveguide 11, the directivity of the main beam becomes an angle θ inclined clockwise with respect to the z-axis as shown in FIG. _e . Also, as shown in FIG. 2B, the beam tilt plate 1
When the elements 9 and 19 are arranged so as to be opposed to the positive and negative directions of the y-axis in the radial waveguide 11, the directivity of the main beam substantially coincides with the z-axis as shown in FIG. The angle θ _f (θ _f ≒ θ _d = 0) remains unchanged. Furthermore,
As shown in FIG. 2C, the beam tilt plates 19, 19
Are arranged in a semicircular shape in the negative direction of the x-axis in the radial waveguide 11, the directivity of the main beam becomes an angle inclined counterclockwise with respect to the z-axis as shown in FIG. θ
_g (θ _g = −θ _e ).

Next, as shown in FIG. 2 (h), the directivity of the main beam of the planar microwave antenna 1 in the case where the beam tilt plate 19 is not provided is also an angle inclined clockwise with respect to the z-axis. It is assumed that θ _h is set. Also at this time, as shown in FIG.
And by placing a semicircle in the positive direction of the z-axis in the radial waveguide 11, the directional of the main beam, as shown in FIG. 2 (i), the angle theta further clockwise angle from _h theta _e Only the angle θi inclined. Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, the beam tilt plates 19 are connected to the radial waveguide 11.
2 (j), the main beam has an angle θ _j (θ _jし た) substantially coincident with the angle θ _h as shown in FIG. 2 (j). θ _h ) and does not change. Further, as shown in FIG. 2C, the beam tilt plates 19, 19 are connected to x in the radial waveguide 11.
When the negative direction of the axis arranged in semi-circular, oriented the main beam, as shown in FIG. 2 (k), becomes the angle theta angle further in the counterclockwise direction from _h theta _g inclined by an angle theta _h .

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the directivity of the main beam of the planar microwave antenna 1 is changed by changing the arrangement of the two beam tilt plates 19, 19 to obtain θ _e and θ _g . You can fine tune between. According to the calculation, in the Ku band, the relative permittivity of the beam tilt plate 19 is 3,
a dielectric plate having a lambda / 10 thickness of about, when the arrangement 2 and (a), the angle theta _e is approximately 8 degrees.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams showing a planar microwave antenna according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A is a top view, and FIG. It is sectional drawing of the A 'line part.

3 (a) and 3 (b), 1 'is a planar microwave antenna, 19' is a beam tilt element, and other components which are the same as those shown in FIG. This is an example in which a beam tilt element 19 'is used as beam tilt means.

The difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment resides only in the beam tilt means. The beam tilt means in the first embodiment is a beam tilt plate made of a flat dielectric plate. In contrast to 19, the beam tilt means in the second embodiment is a columnar beam tilt element 19 'made of a dielectric.

FIG. 4 shows a TEM from the center to the outer periphery in the radial waveguide of the planar microwave antenna.
9A and 9B are characteristic diagrams showing a state of phase delay of an electromagnetic wave when an electromagnetic wave of a mode propagates, wherein FIG. 10A is a characteristic curve of the second embodiment, and FIGS. 1 shows a characteristic curve of the first embodiment and a characteristic curve of a conventional example.

In the planar microwave antenna 1 'according to the second embodiment, when the TEM mode electromagnetic wave propagates through the radial waveguide 11 from the center to the outer periphery, the characteristic curve shown in FIG. As shown in (1), the phase delay of the electromagnetic wave in the portion where the beam tilt element 19 'is disposed is sharply larger than the phase delay in the portion where the beam tilt element 19' is not disposed. Incidentally, in the first embodiment, the phase delay of the electromagnetic wave on the side where the beam tilt plate 19 is disposed is larger than the phase delay of the electromagnetic wave on the side where the beam tilt plate 19 is not disposed, but the phase delay is abrupt. There is no delay. Also, in the conventional example, the phase delay of the electromagnetic wave is partially unchanged and uniform.

The operation of the second embodiment is the same as the operation of the first embodiment except for the phase delay of the electromagnetic wave, so that the operation of the second embodiment is not further described. Description is omitted.

According to the second embodiment, it is possible to reduce the size of the beam tilt means and to easily rotate the beam tilt means as compared with the first embodiment. Shape and weight can be reduced.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a third embodiment of the planar microwave antenna according to the present invention, wherein (a) is a top view thereof, and (b) is a BB line thereof. It is sectional drawing of a part. 5 (a) and 5 (b), 2 is a planar microwave antenna, 20 is a beam tilt plate, 21
Numeral denotes a protrusion provided in an arc shape on the surface of the beam tilt plate 20, and other components which are the same as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in the beam tilt plate 20, and the beam tilt plate 19 in the first embodiment is formed of a flat dielectric plate. On the other hand, the beam tilt plate 20 in the third embodiment is formed of a conductor plate having a plurality of concentric arc-shaped ridges 21 formed around the power supply probe 14 on the surface thereof.

In this planar type microwave antenna 2, TE in the radial waveguide 11 is moved from the center toward the outer periphery.
When the M-mode electromagnetic wave propagates on the surface portion of the beam tilt plate 20, the propagation path of the electromagnetic wave is long due to the protrusion 21 and the phase delay of the electromagnetic wave increases from the center of the radial waveguide 11 to the outer periphery. Therefore, when the two fan-shaped beam tilt plates 20, 20 are arranged as shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C, the directivity of the main beam of the planar microwave antenna 2 is the same as that shown in FIG. become. Therefore, further description of the operation of the third embodiment will be omitted.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the planar microwave antenna according to the present invention, in which (a) is a top view thereof, and (b) is a CC line thereof. It is sectional drawing of a part. 6A and 6B, reference numeral 3 denotes a planar microwave antenna, reference numeral 22 denotes a beam tilt plate, and other components that are the same as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The difference between the fourth embodiment and the first embodiment lies only in the arrangement of the beam tilt plate 22, and the first embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the beam tilt plate 19 is disposed in the radial waveguide 11. On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, the beam tilt plate 22 is arranged on the surface of the dielectric substrate 15.

This planar type microwave antenna 3 is composed of two substantially sector-shaped dielectric plates on the surface of a dielectric substrate 15 and a beam tilt plate 22 which can rotate appropriately around a main part of the sector. Are located. Therefore, the transmission radio wave radiated from each element antenna 16 has a slower propagation speed at the position where the beam tilt plate 22 is disposed and a phase delay compared to the propagation speed at the position where the beam tilt plate 22 is not disposed. Therefore, two fan-shaped beam tilts 22,
When the antennas 22 are arranged as shown in FIG. 2, the directivity of the main beam of the planar antenna 3 is the same as that shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a fifth embodiment of the planar microwave antenna according to the present invention, wherein (a) is a top view thereof, and (b) is a DD line thereof. It is sectional drawing of a part. In FIGS. 7A and 7B, reference numeral 4 denotes a planar microwave antenna, 23 denotes a beam tilt plate, and the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 and 6 denote other components.

The difference between the fifth embodiment and the first embodiment lies in the arrangement and shape of the beam tilt plate 23. That is, the first embodiment described above has two beam tilt plates 1
In the fifth embodiment, the beam tilt plate 23 made of one dielectric plate covers almost the entire surface of the dielectric substrate 15, whereas the arrangement 9 and 19 are arranged in the radial waveguide 11. Are arranged as follows.

In this planar microwave antenna 4, the beam tilt plate 23 is a circular dielectric plate whose thickness continuously changes from one end to the other end, as shown in FIG. It is configured to be able to rotate as needed on the surface of Fifteen. Further, instead of the beam tilt plate 23, a circular dielectric whose thickness changes stepwise from one end to the other end, or a dielectric plate whose relative dielectric constant changes continuously or stepwise from one end to the other end is formed. A beam tilt plate may be used.

In the planar type microwave antenna 4, the transmission radio wave radiated from each of the element antennas 16 is compared with the propagation speed of the radio wave in the portion where the thickness of the beam tilt plate 23 is small or in the portion where the relative dielectric constant is small. The propagation speed of the radio wave in the portion where the thickness of the tilt plate 23 is large or in the portion where the relative dielectric constant is large is reduced, and the phase of the transmitted radio wave is delayed. Therefore, the beam tilt plate 23 can adjust the directivity of the main beam of the planar microwave antenna 4 as described below.

Hereinafter, the function of the beam tilt plate 23 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B show examples of the arrangement of the beam tilt plate 23. FIGS. 8C to 8E and 8F to 8H do not use the beam tilt plate 23. It is an example of each characteristic when and when it is used. 8C to 8H, θ _c
To θ _h are the directivity angles of the main beam with respect to the z-axis in FIG. 8 (the direction perpendicular to the plane of the planar microwave antenna 4), and the same components as those shown in FIG. Is attached.

First, as shown in FIG. 8 (c), the directivity of the main beam of the planar microwave antenna 4 in the case where the beam tilt plate 23 is not provided is parallel to the z-axis, that is, the angle θ _c = It is assumed that it is set to 0. At this time,
As shown in FIG. 8A, the beam tilt plate 23 is set so that the thicker one is the positive direction of the x-axis, and
8D, the directivity of the main beam becomes an angle θd inclined clockwise with respect to the z-axis as shown in FIG. _8D . Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, the beam tilt plate 23 is set such that the thicker one is the negative direction of the x-axis, and
8, the main beam is oriented in the direction shown in FIG.
(E), the become inclined angle theta _e in the counterclockwise direction with respect to the z-axis.

Next, when the beam tilt plate 23 is not provided, the directivity of the main beam of the planar microwave antenna 4 is inclined clockwise with respect to the z-axis as shown in FIG. It is assumed to be set at an angle theta _f.
Also at this time, as shown in FIG.
When the thicker 3 is placed facing the dielectric substrate 15 of the planar microwave antenna 4 with the thicker side of the x-axis being in the positive direction of the x-axis, the main beam is directed at the angle θ as shown in FIG. becomes more theta _d inclined angle theta _g clockwise _f. from Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, the beam tilt plate 2
3 is disposed opposite to the dielectric substrate 15 of the planar microwave antenna with the thicker one in the negative direction of the x-axis, the main beam is directed at the angle θ _{f as} shown in FIG. It becomes theta _e inclined angle theta _h counterclockwise from.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the directivity of the main beam of the planar microwave antenna 4 can be changed by the arrangement position of the beam tilt plate 23.

In each of the above embodiments, the case where microwaves are transmitted using the planar microwave antennas 1, 1'2 to 4 has been described as an example. When microwaves are received using 1'2 to 4 ', the above-described operation functions are simply reversed, and the obtained effects are the same.

In the fourth and fifth embodiments, the beam tilt plates 22 and 23 have been described as being applied to a planar microwave antenna using a radial waveguide. Even in the case of a flat type microwave antenna using the power feeding method, it can be provided on the surface thereof,
In this case, the effect of the beam tilt plate is also the fourth and fifth.
This is the same as the embodiment.

Further, in the first, third and fourth embodiments,
The beam tilt plates 19, 20, and 22 have been described as being rotatable in the form of two fan-shaped dielectrics. However, these beam tilt plates 19, 20, and 22 are limited to two fan-shaped dielectric plates. Instead, for example, one semicircle may be used. When a single semicircular beam tilt plate is used, the two arrangements shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C are selected to select the planar microwave antennas 1, 2, 3,.
Four main beam directions can be selected and set in two ways. Also, it may not be rotatable.

[0060]

As described above, according to the present invention, the beam tilt plate or the element or the beam tilt plate is disposed on the surface of the dielectric substrate in the radial waveguide constituting the planar microwave antenna. The direction of the main beam of the planar microwave antenna can be finely adjusted by the beam tilt plate or the beam tilt element.

Therefore, if the present invention is applied to a planar microwave antenna having a sharp directivity, the main beam can be accurately directed toward the intended satellite by adjusting the beam tilt plate or the beam tilt element. Further, even when the main beam is slightly deviated from the target satellite direction due to a strong wind or the like, the deviation of the main beam can be easily corrected by adjusting the beam tilt plate or the beam tilt element. Further, there is an effect that it is easy to appropriately direct the main beam in each direction of a plurality of satellites having different stationary positions.

Further, if the present invention is applied to a horizontally installed planar microwave antenna, the elevation angle of the main beam can be finely adjusted by a beam tilt plate or a beam tilt element. The main beam of the planar microwave antenna can be directed in the direction of the target satellite, and the planar microwave antenna can be installed substantially horizontally to easily perform satellite communication and satellite broadcast reception. This has the effect.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a first embodiment of a microwave antenna according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a function of a beam tilt plate used in the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a second embodiment of the microwave antenna according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a characteristic diagram showing a state of a phase delay of an electromagnetic wave in the first and second embodiments and a known microwave antenna.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a third embodiment of the microwave antenna according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a fourth embodiment of the microwave antenna according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a fifth embodiment of the microwave antenna according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating functions of a beam tilt plate used in a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an external view of a first conventional example showing an example of an installation state of a known microwave antenna.

FIG. 10 is an external view of a second conventional example, showing an example of an installation state of a known microwave antenna.

FIG. 11 is an outline diagram showing a configuration of a microwave antenna used in the first conventional example or the second conventional example.

FIG. 12 is a top view and a cross-sectional view of a circular patch antenna that radiates right-handed circularly polarized waves.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 1 ', 2, 3, 4 Planar microwave antenna 11 Radial waveguide 12 One wide wall surface of radial waveguide 11 13 The other wide wall surface of radial waveguide 11 14 Feeding probe 15 Dielectric substrate 16 Element antenna 17 Feeding pin 19, 20, 22, 23 Beam tilt plate 19 'Beam tilt element 21 Uplift of beam tilt plate 20

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (56) References JP-A-3-187603 (JP, A) JP-A-3-10407 (JP, A) JP-A-4-182369 (JP, A) JP-A-2- 134002 (JP, A) JP-A-6-209207 (JP, A) JP-A-6-188626 (JP, A) JP-A 5-145336 (JP, A) JP-A 5-95225 (JP, A) JP-A-4-207605 (JP, A) JP-A-4-156103 (JP, A) JP-A-2-224407 (JP, A) JP-B-34-2916 (JP, B1) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H01Q 3/00 H01Q 13/08 H01Q 21/06 JICST file (JOIS) WPI (DIALOG)

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] A radial waveguide; a power supply probe disposed at a substantially central portion of one wide wall surface of the radial waveguide and penetrating the wide wall surface and projecting into the radial waveguide; A dielectric substrate disposed outside the other wide wall surface of the waveguide, a plurality of element antennas disposed concentrically around a position where the power supply probe is disposed on the surface of the dielectric substrate, The other end is electrically connected to the element antenna and the other end is connected to the dielectric substrate and the front.
A feed pin projecting into the radial waveguide serial other broad wall of the through respectively, are interposed between the one wide wall and the other wide wall surface of the radial waveguide, substantially
A fan-shaped part whose main part faces the power supply probe
A beam tilt element made of an electric body plate;
The tilt element can rotate around the power supply probe
Microwave antenna, characterized in that disposed on. 2. A radial waveguide, and said radial waveguide.
Is located at approximately the center of one of the wide walls and penetrates the wide wall.
Feeding probe protruding into the radial waveguide through
And disposed outside the other wide wall surface of the radial waveguide.
A dielectric substrate, and the surface of the dielectric substrate
Concentrically arranged around the position where the power supply probe is placed
A plurality of element antennas, one end of which is connected to the element antenna.
The other end is electrically connected to the dielectric substrate and the other end is
The radial waveguide penetrates the other wide wall, respectively.
A power supply pin projecting into the radial waveguide;
Interposed between one wide wall and the other wide wall, substantially
When it has a sector shape and its main part faces the feeding probe,
Both have a plurality of concentric arcs centered on the essential part
Beam Tilt Element Consisting of Conductor Plate with Shaped Ridge
And the beam tilt element is provided with the power supply probe.
A microwave antenna, wherein the microwave antenna is arranged to be rotatable around a center . 3. The beam tilt element includes two identically shaped beam tilt elements .
3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is made of a plate.
Microwave antenna according to. 4. The beam tilt element has a semicircular shape.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first and second plates are made of a single plate.
Is the microwave antenna according to 2. 5. A radial waveguide, and said radial waveguide
Is located at approximately the center of one of the wide walls and penetrates the wide wall.
Feeding probe protruding into the radial waveguide through
And disposed outside the other wide wall surface of the radial waveguide.
A dielectric substrate, and the surface of the dielectric substrate
Concentrically arranged around the position where the power supply probe is placed
A plurality of element antennas, one end of which is connected to the element antenna.
The other end is electrically connected to the dielectric substrate and the other end is
Project through the other wide wall into the radial waveguide
Power supply pin and the one wide area in the radial waveguide.
Close to the power supply probe between the wall and the other wide wall
Beam chill made of a columnar dielectric standing upright at the contact position
And a beam tilt element, wherein the beam tilt element is
It is characterized that it is arranged so that it can rotate around the lobe.
Microwave antenna to butterflies. 6. A radial waveguide, and said radial waveguide
Is located at approximately the center of one of the wide walls and penetrates the wide wall.
Feeding probe protruding into the radial waveguide through
And disposed outside the other wide wall surface of the radial waveguide.
A dielectric substrate, and the surface of the dielectric substrate
Concentrically arranged around the position where the power supply probe is placed
A plurality of element antennas, one end of which is connected to the element antenna.
The other end is electrically connected to the dielectric substrate and the other end is
Project through the other wide wall into the radial waveguide
And the selected one of the plurality of element antennas.
Selectively cover the top of the device.
Adjust the direction of the main beam emitted from the antenna
A beam tilt element made of a dielectric plate,
The tilt element consists of a single semicircular dielectric plate.
To be rotatable about the center position of the dielectric substrate.
A microwave antenna, which is arranged .