JPH06350327A - Array antenna - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To control independently a beam gain from each surface by arranging plural element antennas on a top plane and a side conical surface of a truncated cone so as to allow beams of each element to be directed in the vertical direction with respect to each surface. CONSTITUTION:A signal from an input output terminal 10b is distributed by a fixed power distributer 9 at the time of transmission and power is fed to each element antenna 2 on a top part plane 5 to allow the antenna to emit a beam in a zenith direction. Furthermore, a signal inputted to an input output terminal 10a is distributed by a variable power distributer 8 by a prescribed distribution ratio to input to a variable phase shifter 7, in which a prescribed phase is provided and each element antenna 2 on a side conical surface 6 emits a beam in a circumferential direction. The radiation direction in a height direction and in a circumferential direction of the truncated cone is varied by controlling a phase given to the signal by the phase shifter 7 and a power distribution ratio of the beam distributer 8. Furthermore, the direction of the sent signal is reversed at the time of reception from that at the time of transmission.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an array antenna mounted on an artificial satellite or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 22 shows Nakajo et al., "Design and Characteristics of Conformal Array Antenna for Mobile Satellite Communication," IEICE Transactions B-II, Vol. J75
-B-II, No. 8, pp. It is an external view which shows the conventional array antenna of this kind shown by 547-555, 1 is a partial spherical surface structure, 2 is this partial spherical surface structure 1.
It is a plurality of element antennas arranged above. FIG. 23 is a radiation pattern of a conventional array antenna of this type, and the angle θ of the horizontal axis is 0 degrees in the zenith direction (Z axis) of the partial spherical body structure 1 in FIG. 22 and ± 90 degrees in the horizontal direction. The angle, the vertical axis, is the relative amplitude of the radiation beam.

Next, the operation will be described. By controlling the excitation amplitude phases of the plurality of element antennas 2 arranged on the partial spherical body structure 1, as shown in (a), (b) and (c) of FIG. The radiation beam can be directed at any angle near 60 degrees. Figure 2
2 shows the case where the array antenna is formed on the partial spherical surface, but almost the same radiation beam can be obtained when the array antenna is formed on the hemispherical surface, the spherical surface, or the flat surface.

[0004]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention As shown in FIG.
Consider a case in which a conventional array antenna is mounted on a satellite that orbits in a low orbit and is used for communication with a partner station on the earth.
In FIG. 24, 3 is the earth, 4 is an artificial satellite that orbits the earth 3, and a conventional array antenna is mounted on the side of the artificial satellite 4 facing the earth 3. As shown in FIG. 24, when the angle θ is increased, the distance d between the earth 3 and the artificial satellite 4 increases, and the propagation loss of radio waves also increases in proportion to the angle θ. Therefore, in order to maintain a constant line quality regardless of the angle θ, an array antenna whose gain increases in proportion to the angle θ is required. However, in the conventional array antenna, when the angle θ increases from 0 degree, the area of the array antenna viewed from the direction of the radiation beam is the same or smaller, so that the amplitude level of the radiation beam, that is, the gain is the same or decreases. There was a problem that it would end up.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and when the angle θ is large, that is, when the radiation beam is directed at a wide angle, the gain increases corresponding to the angle θ. The purpose is to obtain an array antenna.

[0006]

An array antenna according to claim 1 of the present invention has a plurality of element antennas on a top plane and a side cone surface of a truncated cone whose diameter of the top plane is smaller than that of the bottom plane. Each of them is arranged so that the beam can be emitted in a direction substantially perpendicular to the top plane of the truncated cone and in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side conical surface of the truncated cone.

In the array antenna according to a second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of element antennas are arranged on the top plane and side cone surface of a truncated cone whose top plane diameter is smaller than that of the bottom plane, respectively. In an array antenna that radiates beams in a direction substantially perpendicular to and in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side conical surface of the truncated cone, the element antennas are arranged in a triangular lattice shape or a square lattice shape on the top plane and the side conical surface. It is a thing.

An array antenna according to a third aspect of the present invention is such that a plurality of element antennas are arranged on a top plane and a side cone surface of a truncated cone whose top plane diameter is smaller than that of the bottom plane, respectively. In an array antenna that radiates beams in a direction substantially perpendicular to and a direction substantially perpendicular to the side conical surface of the truncated cone, element antennas are arranged on the side conical surface so that the distribution density is constant.

An array antenna according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is such that a plurality of element antennas are respectively arranged on the top plane and side cone surface of a truncated cone whose top plane diameter is smaller than that of the bottom plane. In an array antenna that radiates beams in a direction substantially perpendicular to, and in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side conical surface of the truncated cone, on the side conical surface, a plurality of rows of circumferential rings parallel to the outer circumference of the top plane are formed. The element antennas are arranged.

In the array antenna according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, one or a plurality of element antennas are arranged on the top plane of a truncated cone whose diameter of the top plane is smaller than that of the bottom plane, and on the side conical surface of the cone. Is an array antenna in which a plurality of element antennas are arranged in a plurality of rows of circumferential rings substantially parallel to the outer circumference of the top plane, and a plurality of element antennas arranged in one row or a plurality of rows of circumferential rings are used. A plurality of sub-arrays are configured so that a plurality of beams can be simultaneously emitted from each sub-array in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side conical surface of the truncated cone.

In the array antenna according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, one or a plurality of element antennas are arranged on the top plane of the truncated cone whose diameter of the top plane is smaller than that of the bottom plane, and on the side conical surface of the cone. , A plurality of element antennas are arranged in a plurality of rows of circumferential rings substantially parallel to the outer circumference of the top plane, and a plurality of sub-arrays are formed by using the element antennas arranged in one row or a plurality of rows of circumferential rings. An array antenna that radiates a beam from each sub-array in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side conical surface of the truncated cone, with element antennas arranged in one circular ring in the sub-array as a unit, and each circular ring unit as a unit. A variable phase shifter is provided so that the excitation phase can be changed.

In the array antenna according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, one or a plurality of element antennas are arranged on the top plane of the truncated cone whose diameter of the top plane is smaller than that of the bottom plane, and on the side conical surface of the cone. , A plurality of element antennas are arranged in a plurality of rows of circumferential rings substantially parallel to the outer circumference of the top plane, and a plurality of sub-arrays are formed by using the element antennas arranged in one row or a plurality of rows of circumferential rings. In the array antenna that radiates a radiation beam from each subarray in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side conical surface of the truncated cone, a plurality of beams are radiated from one subarray.

In the array antenna according to the present invention, one or a plurality of element antennas are arranged on the top plane of the truncated cone whose diameter of the top plane is smaller than that of the bottom plane, and on the side conical surface of the cone. , A plurality of element antennas are arranged in a plurality of rows of circumferential rings substantially parallel to the outer circumference of the top plane, and a plurality of sub-arrays are formed by using the element antennas arranged in one row or a plurality of rows of circumferential rings. In the array antenna that radiates a radiation beam from each sub-array in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side conical surface of the truncated cone, some element antennas are shared by a plurality of adjacent sub-arrays.

According to a ninth aspect of the array antenna, one or a plurality of element antennas are arranged on the top plane of the truncated cone whose diameter of the top plane is smaller than that of the bottom plane, and on the side conical surface of the cone. In an array antenna in which multiple element antennas are arranged in a plurality of rows of circumferential rings approximately parallel to the outer circumference of the top plane, the number of element antennas arranged in each circumferential ring is approximately perpendicular to the side conical surface of the truncated cone. An array antenna characterized by being an integral multiple of the number of beams radiating in different directions (including 1).

[0015]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, by arranging a plurality of element antennas on the top plane and the side conical plane of the truncated cone in which the diameter of the top plane is smaller than the diameter of the bottom plane, the plurality of element antennas are arranged on the top plane. The beam from the element antenna can be directed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the top plane of the truncated cone, and the beam from the element antenna on the side conical surface can be directed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side cone of the truncated cone different from the top plane direction. it can.
Further, the gain of the beam directed substantially perpendicular to the top plane and the gain of the beam directed substantially perpendicular to the side conical surface of the truncated cone can be independently controlled.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the element antennas are arranged in a triangular lattice shape or a square lattice shape on the top plane and the side conical surface, so that the feeding circuit connected to the element antennas can have a periodic structure. This facilitates the configuration of the power supply circuit.

In the third aspect, since the element antennas are arranged on the side conical surface so that the distribution density is constant, the beam emitted from the element antennas on the side conical surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side conical surface. The gain can be almost the same.

According to the present invention, since a plurality of element antennas are arranged on the side conical surface of the truncated cone in a plurality of rows of circumferential rings substantially parallel to the outer periphery of the top plane, the element antennas on the side conical surface are arranged. The power supply circuit to be connected can be separated into two power supply circuits in the circumferential ring direction and the direction orthogonal to this, and the structure of the power supply circuit becomes easy.

According to the present invention, since a plurality of sub-arrays are formed by using a part of the element antennas arranged in one or more rows of circumferential rings, each sub-array is substantially perpendicular to the side conical surface of the truncated cone. Multiple radiation beams can be emitted simultaneously in a direction.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the element antennas arranged in one circumferential ring in the sub-array are used as a unit, and the excitation phase is varied for each circumferential ring unit, so that the radiation beam is orthogonal to the circumferential ring. Can be scanned.

According to the present invention, by connecting a plurality of feeding circuits to each sub-array, a plurality of radiation beams can be simultaneously emitted from one sub-array.

In the eighth aspect, since some element antennas are shared by a plurality of adjacent sub-arrays, it is possible to set a large number of sub-arrays having a required aperture diameter in one array antenna.

In the ninth aspect, the number of element antennas arranged in each circumferential ring is set to an integer multiple (including 1) of the number of radiation beams radiating in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side conical surface of the truncated cone. , The array antennas viewed from the side of each beam radiating in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side conical surface can have the same shape.

[0024]

Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is an external view of an array antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which 5 is a top plane of a truncated cone and 6 is a side cone surface of the truncated cone. Also, 2 is similar to the conventional example,
It is a plurality of element antennas arranged on the top plane 5 and the side conical surface 6. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a feeding circuit for an array antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 7 is a variable phase shifter connected to each element antenna 2 arranged on a side conical surface 6, and 8 Is a variable power distributor connected to the variable phase shifter 7, 9 is a fixed power distributor connected to the element antennas 2 arranged on the top plane 5, 10a, 1
Reference numerals 0b are input / output terminals connected to the variable power distributor 8 and the fixed power distributor 9, respectively. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a radiation beam from the array antenna, 11 is a zenith direction beam radiated from the top plane 5 in the zenith direction (Z-axis direction in FIG. 3), and 12a and 12b are side conical surfaces 6 to truncated cones. Is a circumferential beam emitted in the circumferential direction.

Next, the operation will be described. Although the array antenna can be used for transmission and reception, only the direction of the signal transmitted through the array antenna is reversed, and therefore the transmission time is shown here. The signal input from the input / output terminal 10b is distributed by the fixed power distributor 9 and fed to each element antenna 2 on the top plane 5. Then, the signal radiated into space from each element antenna 2 is zenith direction beam 11
To form. On the other hand, the signal input from the input / output terminal 10 a is distributed by the variable power distributor 8 at a required distribution ratio and input to the variable phase shifter 7. The signal given the required amount of phase by the variable phase shifter 7 is fed to each element antenna 2 on the side conical surface 6. The signals radiated into space from each element antenna 2 form a circumferential beam 12a. The circumferential beam 12a controls the power distribution ratio of the variable power distributor 8 and the phase amount given to the signal by the variable phase shifter 7,
The radial direction can be varied in the height direction (angle θ direction in FIG. 3) and the circumferential direction (angle Φ direction in FIG. 3) of the truncated cone, for example, the circumferential beam 12b. FIG. 4 shows the angle θ of FIG.
It is a figure which shows the radiation pattern of a direction, In this case, the circumferential beam 12a and the circumferential beam 12b are formed in the direction from which the angle (theta) differs.

Embodiment 2 Incidentally, the element antenna 2 in the above embodiment may be of any type such as a circular patch antenna, a square patch antenna, a dipole antenna or a slot antenna.

Embodiment 3 Further, regarding the diameter of the top plane 5 of the truncated cone, the length of the side conical surface 6 and the inclination angle, the circumferential beams 12a, 1 to be formed are also formed.
It may be determined according to the gain and beam width required for 2b, and this is not particularly limited.

Embodiment 4 The number of elements of the element antennas 2 arranged on the top plane 5, the arrangement interval, and the arrangement form are not particularly limited, and may be determined according to the gain and beam width required for the zenith direction beam 11. Therefore, the element antenna 2 may be a single element.

Fifth Embodiment In the first embodiment, the variable phase shifter 7 is used in the feeding circuit to the element antenna 2 on the side conical surface 6, but the radiation direction of the circumferential beam 12a is not controlled, If fixed, a fixed-length phase shift line may be used instead of the variable phase shifter 7.

Embodiment 6 In the above Embodiment 1, the element antenna 2 on the side conical surface 6 is used.
The variable power distributor 8 is used in the power feeding circuit for the power supply circuit to the element. However, when the power ratio of the signal to be fed to each element antenna 2 may be fixed, a fixed power distribution is used instead of the variable power distributor 8. The container 9 may be used.

Seventh Embodiment In the first embodiment, the element antennas 2 are arranged on the side conical surface 6 in a triangular lattice shape, but the arrangement form is not particularly limited to a square lattice shape. FIG. 5 is a development view of the side conical surface 6 in another embodiment of the present invention. In order to keep the distribution density of the element antennas 2 constant, the side conical surface 6 is formed in a triangular lattice shape. The element antennas 2 are arranged.

Embodiment 8 FIG. 6 is an external view of an array antenna according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 13a to 13e are parallel to the outer periphery of the top plane 5 and have side conical surfaces 6 at equal intervals. Circumferential rings arranged above, each of the circumferential rings 13a-13e
A plurality of element antennas 2 are arranged on each of them. FIG. 7 shows the element antenna 2 on the side conical surface 6 in this embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a power feeding circuit to the device, in which 2 is an element antenna arranged on each of the circumferential rings 13 a to 13 e, 7 is a variable phase shifter connected to each element antenna 2,
a to 8e are provided corresponding to the element antennas 2 on the respective circumferential rings 13a to 13e and are connected to the variable phase shifter 7, and variable power distributors 80 and 80 are the variable power distributors 8a.
Variable power distributors 10a connected to 8e are input / output terminals connected to the variable power distributor 80.

The signal input from the input / output terminal 10a is supplied to the variable power distributor 80 by the circumferential rings 13a to 13e.
Is distributed at the required power distribution ratio in each circumferential ring 13a-
It inputs to the variable electric power distributor 8a-8e corresponding to 13e. Then, the signals are distributed by the variable power distributors 8a to 8e at a required power distribution ratio and input to the variable phase shifter 7. The signal given the required amount of phase by the variable phase shifter 7 is the side conical surface 6
Electric power is supplied to each element antenna 2 above. The signals radiated into the space from each element antenna 2 are transmitted in the circumferential beam 12
a is formed. In this embodiment, the variable power distributor 80 sets the power distribution ratio in the height direction (angle θ direction) of the truncated cone, and the variable power distributors 8a to 8e set the circumferential direction of the truncated cone (angle Φ).
In order to control the power distribution ratio in the direction), control of the signal power supplied to each element antenna can be considered separately in the height direction (angle θ direction) and the circumferential direction (angle Φ direction). Control becomes easy.

Ninth Embodiment In the above eighth embodiment, five circumferential rings 13a to 1 are used.
3e are arranged at equal intervals, but circumferential rings 13a to 13e
There is no particular limitation on the number of or array intervals. The circumferential rings 13a to 13e may be arranged at unequal intervals.

Embodiment 10 In addition, in the above-mentioned Embodiment 8, each of the circumferential rings 13a to 13a.
The number of element antennas 2 arranged on e is not particularly limited. FIG. 8 is an external view of an array antenna according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which the same number of element antennas 2 as the circumferential beams 12 formed at equal intervals are provided in each circumferential ring 13a.
~ 13e are arranged at equal intervals (in FIG. 8,
The number of circumferential beams to be formed is 16.) In this case, the array form of the element antennas 2 is a square grid array. 9 is a top view of FIG. 8 viewed from the direction of the top plane 5, and 12a to 12p are circumferential beams formed at Φ = 22.5 degrees. In this embodiment, the element antenna 2 on each of the circumferential rings 13a to 13e has Φ = 2.
They are arranged every 2.5 degrees and the element antenna array is 2
Since it becomes symmetrical every 2.5 degrees, each circumferential beam 12a
The shapes of ~ 12p can be the same.

Embodiment 11 In the above embodiment, the element antenna 2 on the side conical surface 6 is used.
Although the circumferential beams 12a to 12p are formed in the normal direction, the normal direction of the element antenna 2 and the circumferential beams 12a to 12p may be deviated from each other.

Embodiment 12 In the above embodiment, the number of element antennas 2 arranged on each of the circumferential rings 13a to 13e and the number of circumferential beams 12a to 12p to be formed are the same. An integral multiple of the number of circumferential beams (1
, The same effect can be expected. FIG. 10 is an external view of the array antenna according to the present embodiment, in which the number of element antennas 2 on the circumferential rings 13a and 13b is N (the number of circumferential beams is N), and the circumferential ring 13 is one.
This is a case where the number of element antennas 2 on c to 13e is 2N.

Embodiment 13 FIG. 11 is an external view of an array antenna according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 14a to 14m (m is an arbitrary integer) are the elements on the respective circumferential rings 13a to 13e. It is a sub-array configured by using a part of the antenna.
FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of a power supply circuit of the sub array 14a,
Reference numerals 9a to 9e denote fixed power distributors for the respective circumferential rings to which the element antennas 2 arranged on the respective circumferential rings 13a to 13e are connected, and 90 denotes fixed power connected to the fixed power distributors 9a to 9e. Distributor 10a is a fixed power distributor 90
Is an input / output terminal connected to. In this embodiment, the same power supply circuit is connected to each of the sub arrays 14a to 14m.

Fixed power distributor 90 from input / output terminal 10a
The signal input to is distributed by the fixed power distributor 90 at a required power distribution ratio and input to each of the fixed power distributors 9a to 9e. The signal distributed by each of the fixed power distributors 9a to 9e to the required distribution ratio is fed to each element antenna 2. A signal radiated into space from each element antenna 2 is, for example, a circumferential beam 12a directed in the normal direction of the sub array 14a.
To form. Similarly, circumferential beams 12b to 12m are also formed from the sub-arrays 14b to 14m, respectively.

Embodiment 14 In the above embodiment, the directing directions of the circumferential beams 12a-12m formed by the sub-arrays 14a-14m are the normal directions of the sub-arrays 14a-14m. It doesn't matter.

Fifteenth Embodiment Further, in FIGS. 11 and 12 of the above-mentioned embodiment, the sub-array is formed by using three element antennas 2 on each of the circumferential rings 13a to 13e, but it is used for one sub-array. The number of elements is not particularly limited. Circumferential rings 13a-13e
Sub-array 1 using different number of element antennas 2 for each
4a to 14m may be configured.

Sixteenth Embodiment In the above thirteenth embodiment, the sub arrays 14a to 14m are used.
However, the same effect can be expected if a polygon such as an octagon, a circle, or an ellipse is formed as shown in FIG.

Embodiment 17 Further, in Embodiment 13 described above, all the circumferential rings 13 are
Although the sub-arrays 14a to 14m are configured by using the element antennas 2 arranged on the a to 13e, the sub-arrays may be configured by only some of the circumferential rings. FIG. 14 shows a case where two sub arrays 14a and 14b are formed in the height direction of the truncated cone.

Embodiment 18 FIG. 15 shows a sub array 14 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
It is a block diagram of the electric power feeding circuit of a, and in the figure, 7a-7e
Is a variable phase shifter connected between the fixed power distributors 9a to 9e and the fixed power distributor 90. In this embodiment, the signal input from the input / output terminal 10a to the fixed power distributor 90 is distributed by the fixed power distributor 90 and input to the variable phase shifters 7a to 7e. Each variable phase shifter 7a-7
The signal given the required amount of phase by e is distributed by each fixed power distributor 9a-9e, and each circumferential ring 13a-13e is distributed.
It is radiated into space from the element antenna 2 arranged above.
By controlling the phase amount given to the signals by the variable phase shifters 7a to 7e, the feeding phase of the element antenna 2 is changed for each of the circumferential rings 13a to 13e, so that the sub array 14a is changed.
It is possible to scan the pointing direction of the circumferential beam emitted from the device in the angle θ direction (the height direction of the truncated cone) like the circumferential beam 12a and the circumferential beam 12b in FIG.

Embodiment 19 FIG. 17 shows a sub array 14 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
It is a block diagram of the electric power feeding circuit of a, 15a-1 in the figure.
Reference numeral 5e designates two distributors connected to the element antennas 2 arranged on the respective circumferential rings 13a to 13e, and 9a to 9e designate respective circumferential rings connected to one distribution terminal of the two distributors 15a to 15e. Fixed power distributors corresponding to 13a to 13e, and 9f to 9j are circumferential rings 13a to 13e connected to the other distribution terminals of the two distributors 15a to 15e.
Corresponding to the fixed power distributor, 90a is the fixed power distributor 9
fixed power distributors connected to a to 9e, 90b fixed power distributors connected to fixed power distributors 9f to 9j, 10
Reference numerals a and 10b are input / output terminals connected to the fixed power distributors 90a and 90b, respectively.

In this embodiment, the input / output terminal 10a
The input signal is distributed by the fixed power distributor 90a and the fixed power distributors 9a to 9e in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, and passes through each of the two distributors 15a to 15e and the element antenna 2
Emitted more. On the other hand, the signal input from the input / output terminal 10b also receives the fixed power distributor 90b and the fixed power distributor 9f.
.About.9j, and is radiated from each element antenna 2 via each of the two distributors 15a to 15e. Therefore, the two circumferential beams 12a and 12a from one sub array 14a
b can be emitted simultaneously. Incidentally, the directing directions of the two circumferential beams 12a and 12b may be the same direction or different directions.

Embodiment 20 In the above embodiment, two distributors 15a and 15b are connected to each element antenna 2 and two circumferential beams 12 are provided.
Although a and 12b are radiated at the same time, the two distributors 15a to 15b are multi-distributors having three or more distributions, and a power supply circuit is connected to each multi-distributor, and a plurality of three or more beams from one sub-array 14a. A circumferential beam may be emitted.

Embodiment 21 Further, in the above embodiment, all the circumferential rings 13a to 13a are used.
Although the two dividers 15a to 15b are connected to the element antenna 2 on the e, only the two dividers 15b to 15d among the circumferential rings 13a to 13e, for example, the circumferential rings 13b to 13d.
, And only the element antennas 2 arranged on the circumferential rings 13b to 13d are connected to the subarrays 140a to 140m different from the subarrays 14a to 14m as shown in FIG.
May be configured.

Embodiment 22 FIG. 19 is an external view of an array antenna according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the drawing, 14a to 14m are arranged so that part of the element antennas 2 on the side conical surface 6 are shared with each other. It is a configured sub-array. FIG. 20 is a configuration diagram of a power supply circuit for the sub-arrays 14a and 14b of this embodiment,
In the figure, 2a and 2b are element antennas arranged on the circumferential rings 13a to 13e, as in the above embodiment, and 15a.
˜15e are two dividers connected to the element antennas 2a on the circumferential rings 13a to 13e, respectively. Reference numerals 9a to 9e denote fixed power distributors connected to the element antenna 2b in the sub array 14 and one distribution terminal of the two distributors 15a to 15e connected to the element antenna 2a in the sub array 14a, and 9f to 9j. Is a fixed power distributor connected to the element antenna 2b in the sub array 14b and the other distribution terminals of the two distributors 15a to 15e connected to the element antenna 2a in the sub array 14b, and 90a is a fixed power distributor. A fixed power distributor connected to the appliances 9a-9e,
90b is a fixed power distributor connected to the fixed power distributors 9f to 9j, and 10a and 10b are fixed power distributors 90a and 9j.
Input / output terminals respectively connected to 0b. In this embodiment, the fixed power distributors 9a to 9e and the fixed power distributor 90a are used.
And the power supply circuit of the sub array 14a at the input / output terminal 10a, fixed power distributors 9f to 9j, and fixed power distributor 90b.
The input / output terminal 10b constitutes a power supply circuit for the sub array 14b.

In this embodiment, the input / output terminal 10a
The input signal is distributed by the fixed power distributor 90a and the fixed power distributors 9a to 9e in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, and passes through the two distributors 15a to 15e and the sub array 14a.
Is radiated from each of the element antennas 2a and 2b constituting the.
On the other hand, the signal input from the input / output terminal 10b is also distributed by the fixed power distributor 90b and the fixed power distributors 9f to 9j, and passes through each of the two distributors 15a to 15e and each element antenna 2a forming the sub array 14b. , 2b.

Embodiment 23 In the above embodiment, the sub arrays 14a to 14m are used.
Although the shapes of the sub-arrays 14a to 14 are the same,
The shape and size of m are the same as those shown in the sixteenth and seventeenth embodiments and are not particularly limited.

Embodiment 24 Further, in the above embodiment, each of the circumferential rings 13a to 13a is
Among the element antennas 2a on b, one element is a sub array 14
Although it is shared by a and 14b, the number of shared element antennas 2 is not particularly limited.

Embodiment 25 In the above embodiment, one element antenna 2a is shared by the two sub arrays 14a and 14b. However, as in the sub arrays 14a, 14b and 140a in FIG. 21, three or more sub arrays are used. It is also possible to share one element antenna 2a.

[0054]

As described above, according to the present invention, by arranging a plurality of element antennas on the top plane and the side cone surface of the truncated cone, the diameter of the top plane is smaller than the diameter of the bottom plane, respectively, The beam from the element antenna on the top plane can be directed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the top plane of the truncated cone, and the beam from the element antenna on the side cone surface is substantially perpendicular to the side cone surface of the truncated cone different from the top plane direction. Can be oriented in any direction. Further, there is an effect that the gain of the beam directed substantially perpendicular to the top plane and the gain of the beam directed substantially perpendicular to the side conical surface of the truncated cone can be independently controlled.

Further, by arranging the element antennas on the top plane and the side conical surface in a triangular lattice shape or a quadrangular lattice shape, the feeding circuit connected to the element antennas can be constructed in a periodic structure, and the feeding can be performed. This has the effect of simplifying the circuit configuration.

Further, since the element antennas are arranged on the side conical surface so that the distribution density is constant, the gain of the beam radiated from the element antennas on the side conical surface in the direction substantially perpendicular to the side conical surface is almost the same. The effect is that they can be the same.

Further, since a plurality of element antennas are arranged on the side conical surface of the truncated cone in a plurality of rows of circumferential rings substantially parallel to the outer circumference of the top plane, power feeding for connecting to the element antennas on the side conical surface is provided. There is an effect that the circuit can be divided into two power feeding circuits in a circumferential ring direction and a direction orthogonal to the circumferential ring direction, which facilitates the configuration of the power feeding circuit.

Further, since a plurality of sub-arrays are formed by using a part of the element antennas arranged in one or a plurality of rows of circumferential rings, a plurality of sub-arrays are arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side conical surface of the truncated cone. There is an effect that the radiation beams can be simultaneously emitted.

Further, the element antennas arranged on one circumferential ring in the sub-array are used as a unit, and the excitation phase is made variable for each circumferential ring unit, so that radiation is performed in the direction orthogonal to the circumferential ring. There is an effect that the beam can be scanned.

Furthermore, by connecting a plurality of feeding circuits to each sub-array, there is an effect that a plurality of radiation beams can be simultaneously radiated from one sub-array.

By sharing a part of the element antennas with a plurality of adjacent sub-arrays, it is possible to set a large number of sub-arrays with a required aperture diameter in one array antenna.
There is an effect that a large number of radiation beams can be emitted in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side cone surface.

Furthermore, by setting the number of element antennas arranged in each circumferential ring to be an integral multiple (including 1) of the number of radiation beams radiating in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side conical surface of the truncated cone, the side cone There is an effect that the shape of the array antenna viewed from each beam side radiating in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane can be made the same.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of an array antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a feeding circuit of an array antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a radiation beam from an array antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a radiation pattern in an angle θ direction according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a development view of a side conical surface according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an external view of an array antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a feeding circuit for an element antenna on a side conical surface according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an external view of an array antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a top view of an array antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an external view of an array antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an external view of an array antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of a sub-array power supply circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an external view of a sub array according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an external view of a sub array according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram of a sub-array power supply circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a side view of a sub array according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram of a sub-array power supply circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is an external view of an array antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is an external view of an array antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a configuration diagram of a sub-array power supply circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is an external view of an array antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is an external view of a conventional array antenna.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a radiation pattern of a conventional array antenna in an angle θ direction.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a relationship between the earth and a low-orbit artificial satellite.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 partial spherical structure 2, 2a, 2b element antenna 3 earth 4 artificial satellite 5 top plane 6 side conical surface 7, 7a-7e variable phase shifter 8, 8a-8e, 80 variable power distributor 9, 9a-9j, 90 , 90a, 90b Fixed power distributor 10a, 10b Input / output terminal 11 Zenith direction beam 12a-12p Circumferential beam 13a-13e Circumferential ring 14a-14m, 140a-140m Sub-array 15a-15e 2 Distributor

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] December 15, 1993

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] Claim 7

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] Claim 8

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Procedure 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0012

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

In the array antenna according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, one or a plurality of element antennas are arranged on the top plane of the truncated cone whose diameter of the top plane is smaller than that of the bottom plane, and on the side conical surface of the cone. , A plurality of element antennas are arranged in a plurality of rows of circumferential rings substantially parallel to the outer circumference of the top plane, and a plurality of sub-arrays are formed by using the element antennas arranged in one row or a plurality of rows of circumferential rings. in a direction substantially perpendicular arrangement to a respective subarray on the side conical surface of the truncated cone a
In the array antenna for radiating bi chromatography beam, and it is to emit a plurality of beams from a single subarray.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0013

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

In the array antenna according to the present invention, one or a plurality of element antennas are arranged on the top plane of the truncated cone whose diameter of the top plane is smaller than that of the bottom plane, and on the side conical surface of the cone. , A plurality of element antennas are arranged in a plurality of rows of circumferential rings substantially parallel to the outer circumference of the top plane, and a plurality of sub-arrays are formed by using the element antennas arranged in one row or a plurality of rows of circumferential rings. in a direction substantially perpendicular arrangement to a respective subarray on the side conical surface of the truncated cone a
In the array antenna for radiating bi chromatography beam, and is to share some of the element antennas in a plurality of adjacent sub-arrays.

[Procedure Amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0019

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

According to the present invention, since a plurality of sub-arrays are formed by using a part of the element antennas arranged in one or more rows of circumferential rings, each sub-array is substantially perpendicular to the side conical surface of the truncated cone. simultaneously emitting a plurality of bi over beam direction.

[Procedure correction 6]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0020

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0020] According to claim 6, by one of the antenna elements arranged in a circumferential ring as a unit in the sub-array, to vary the excitation phase at each circumferential ring units, bi- over in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential ring Can be scanned.

[Procedure Amendment 7]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0021

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a plurality of feeding circuits are connected to each sub-array so that a plurality of sub-arrays can be connected to a plurality of feeding circuits .
It can simultaneously emit a bi-over-time.

Front page continuation (72) Wataru Nakajo Wataru Nakajo, Seiraku-gun, Kyoto Prefecture, Osamu Osamu Osamu, No. 5 Mihiraya, Arai Optical Radio Communications Research Institute, Inc. (72) Inventor, Masayuki Fujise, Seiraku-cho, Kyoto Prefecture Kenjiya Shoji Sanriya No. 5 A & R Optical Radio Communications Laboratory Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yoshihiko Konishi 5-1-1, Ofuna, Kamakura-shi Electronic Systems Laboratory, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (72) Inventor Makoto Matsunaga Kamakura 5-1-1 Ofuna, Ofuna, Electronic Systems Laboratory, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (72) Inventor, Takashi Kataki 5-1-1, Ofuna, Kamakura-shi, Electronic Systems Laboratory

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of element antennas are respectively arranged on a top plane and a side cone surface of a truncated cone whose diameter of the top plane is smaller than that of a bottom plane, and a direction substantially perpendicular to the top plane of the truncated cone, An array antenna characterized in that beams can be emitted in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side conical surface of the truncated cone. 2. A plurality of element antennas are respectively arranged on a top plane and a side conical surface of a truncated cone whose diameter of the top plane is smaller than that of the bottom plane, and a direction substantially perpendicular to the top plane of the truncated cone, An array antenna that radiates beams in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side conical surface of a truncated cone, characterized in that element antennas are arranged in a triangular lattice shape or a square lattice shape on the top plane and the side conical surface. . 3. A plurality of element antennas are respectively arranged on a top plane and a side cone surface of a truncated cone whose diameter of the top plane is smaller than that of the bottom plane, and a direction substantially perpendicular to the top plane of the truncated cone, An array antenna which radiates beams in a direction substantially perpendicular to a side cone of a truncated cone, wherein element antennas are arranged on the side cone so that the distribution density is constant. 4. A plurality of element antennas are respectively arranged on a top plane and a side cone surface of a truncated cone whose diameter of the top plane is smaller than that of the bottom plane, and a direction substantially perpendicular to the top plane of the truncated cone, In an array antenna that emits beams in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side conical surface of a truncated cone, a plurality of element antennas are arranged on the side conical surface in a plurality of rows of circumferential rings approximately parallel to the outer circumference of the top plane. Array antenna characterized by doing so. 5. A single or a plurality of element antennas are arranged on the top plane of a truncated cone whose diameter of the top plane is smaller than that of the bottom plane, and the outer circumference of the top plane is approximately on the side cone of the truncated cone. In an array antenna in which a plurality of element antennas are arranged in parallel in a plurality of rows of circumferential rings, a plurality of subarrays are configured by using a part of the element antennas arranged in one row or a plurality of rows of circumferential rings, An array antenna characterized in that a plurality of beams can be simultaneously emitted from each subarray in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side conical surface of the truncated cone. 6. One or a plurality of element antennas are arranged on the top plane of a truncated cone whose diameter of the top plane is smaller than that of the bottom plane, and the top plane outer circumference is approximately on the side cone surface of the truncated cone. A plurality of element antennas are arranged in parallel circular rows in a plurality of rows, and a plurality of sub-arrays are formed by using the element antennas arranged in one row or a plurality of rows of circumferential rings in each sub-array. In an array antenna that radiates a beam in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side conical surface of the truncated cone, the element antennas arranged in one circular ring in the sub array are used as a unit, and the excitation phase can be changed for each circular ring unit. An array antenna characterized in that a variable phase shifter is provided in the. 7. A single or a plurality of element antennas are arranged on a top plane of a truncated cone whose diameter of the top plane is smaller than that of a bottom plane, and a top plane outer circumference is roughly formed on the side cone of the truncated cone. A plurality of element antennas are arranged in parallel circular rows in a plurality of rows, and a plurality of sub-arrays are formed by using the element antennas arranged in one row or a plurality of rows of circumferential rings in each sub-array. An array antenna which radiates a radiation beam in a direction substantially perpendicular to a side conical surface of a truncated cone, wherein a plurality of beams are radiated from one subarray. 8. One or a plurality of element antennas are arranged on the top plane of a truncated cone whose diameter of the top plane is smaller than that of the bottom plane, and the outer circumference of the top plane is approximately on the side cone of the truncated cone. A plurality of element antennas are arranged in parallel circular rows in a plurality of rows, and a plurality of sub-arrays are formed by using the element antennas arranged in one row or a plurality of rows of circumferential rings in each sub-array. An array antenna which radiates a radiation beam in a direction substantially perpendicular to a side conical surface of a truncated cone, wherein there are element antennas shared by a plurality of adjacent subarrays. 9. One or a plurality of element antennas are arranged on the top plane of a truncated cone whose diameter of the top plane is smaller than that of the bottom plane, and the top plane outer circumference is roughly on the side cone of the truncated cone. In an array antenna in which multiple element antennas are arranged in parallel circular rows in multiple rows, the number of element antennas arranged in each circumferential ring is the number of beams radiated in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side conical surface of the truncated cone. An array antenna characterized by being an integer multiple of.