Information providing device for aircraft navigation

Abstract

To provide an information providing device for aircraft navigation that can install a counterpoise at an appropriate height while reducing the number of parts required when installing the counterpoise.SOLUTION: An information providing device for aircraft navigation according to an embodiment includes a counterpoise on which an antenna or the like for transmitting radio waves is installed, and at least three shelters. The at least three shelters support the counterpoise from below and change the installation height of the counterpoise between a first height and a second height different from the first height depending on the installation orientation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information providing device for aircraft navigation. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, information providing devices for aircraft navigation, such as Doppler VHF Omnidirectional Range (DVOR) / Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) devices, are known that provide aircraft with direction and distance information for aircraft navigation.

[0003] In a portable DVOR / DME device, the components of the counterpoise and the antennas are housed in a shelter, transported to the installation site, and deployed at the installation site. The counterpoise is a structure with an appropriate size, such as a diameter of 15m or more, strength and rigidity to withstand a specified wind speed, and an appropriate weight. Antennas such as a carrier antenna, a sideband antenna, and a DME antenna are installed on the counterpoise. Radio waves emitted from these antennas may be affected by buildings and topography on the ground. For this reason, the counterpoise is installed at an appropriate height, such as 3.8m or 9.6m above the ground, depending on the installation site. For such a counterpoise, a support of an appropriate height (length) is selected according to the desired height on a concrete foundation installed on the ground, or supports of an appropriate height are piled up and fixed to the desired height. Depending on the diameter of the counterpoise and the installation site, it is supported by, for example, 40 or more supports. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-215080 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an information providing device for aircraft navigation that can install a counterpoise at an appropriate height while reducing the number of parts required when installing the counterpoise. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to an embodiment, an information providing device for aircraft navigation includes a counterpoise on which an antenna for transmitting radio waves is installed, and at least three shelters. The at least three shelters support the counterpoise from below, and change the installation height of the counterpoise between a first height and a second height different from the first height depending on the installation orientation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which an information providing device for aircraft navigation according to a first embodiment is installed at a desired position. [Diagram 2] The upper figure is a top view of the information providing device shown in FIG. 1, and the lower figure is a front view of the information providing device shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a shelter used in the information providing device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the aircraft navigation information providing device according to the first embodiment, in which the orientation of the shelter is changed and the height of the counterpoise is made higher than that of FIG. 1 . [Diagram 5] The upper figure is a top view of the information providing device shown in FIG. 4, and the lower figure is a front view of the information providing device shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a shelter used in the information providing device shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the information providing device shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5 with the counterpoise and antennas disassembled and housed in a shelter. [Figure 8] Examples of division of the reflecting surface of the counterpoise shown in Figs. 1, 2, 4, and 5. [Figure 9]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an information providing device for aircraft navigation according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an information providing device for aircraft navigation according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an information providing device for aircraft navigation according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an aircraft navigation information providing device according to a second embodiment, in which the orientation of the shelter is changed and the height of the counterpoise is made higher than that of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the shelter of the aircraft navigation information providing device according to the third embodiment is used in a landscape orientation. [Figure 14] 14 is a schematic diagram showing the shelter shown in FIG. 13 in a vertical position for use. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] An information providing device 10 for aircraft navigation (hereinafter, mainly referred to as information providing device) according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] An example in which a DVOR / DME device is used as the information providing device 10 according to this embodiment will be described. A DVOR (Doppler VHF Omnidirectional Range) device provides azimuth information to aircraft. A DME (Distance Measuring Equipment) device provides distance information to aircraft. The DVOR / DME device is formed by combining a DVOR device and a DME.

[0010] (First embodiment) An information providing device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. FIG.

[0011] Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an information providing device 10 according to this embodiment installed at a predetermined installation location. The upper diagram of Fig. 2 shows a top view of the information providing device 10 shown in Fig. 1, and the lower diagram shows a front view of the information providing device 10 shown in Fig. 1. Note that an antenna 16 is omitted from Fig. 2. Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a shelter 12 used in the information providing device 10 shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The arrangement of the shelter 12 having a longitudinal axis in the horizontal direction shown in Fig. 3 is referred to as a landscape orientation or landscape arrangement.

[0012] FIG. 4 shows the information providing device 10 according to this embodiment, and is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the orientation of the shelter 12 has been changed to increase the height of the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 compared to FIG. 1. The upper diagram of FIG. 5 shows a top view of the information providing device 10 shown in FIG. 4, and the lower diagram shows a front view of the information providing device 10 shown in FIG. 4. Note that the antennas 16 are omitted from FIG. 4. FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of the shelter 12 used in the information providing device 10 shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. The arrangement of the shelter 12 having a longitudinal axis in the vertical direction shown in FIG. 6 is referred to as a vertically long orientation or a vertically long arrangement.

[0013] FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of the information providing device 10 shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5 in which the counterpoise 14 and the antennas 16 are disassembled and housed in the shelter 12. In FIG.

[0014] FIG. 8 shows an example of division of the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 shown in FIGS.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, the information providing device 10 of this embodiment has a plurality of shelters 12, counterpoises 14 supported on these shelters 12, and aerials (antennas) 16 installed on the counterpoises 14.

[0016] At least one of the multiple shelters 12 can function as a power source for radio wave transmission from the aerials 16, or can be used as a control device for the aerials 16. The remaining multiple shelters 12 are used as a support base (mount) for the counterpoise 14. It is preferable that there are at least three shelters 12 used as support bases to stably support the counterpoise 14. The shelter 12, which functions as a power source for transmitting radio waves from the aerials 16 and can be used as a control device for the aerials 16, can also be used as a support base for the counterpoise 14.

[0017] Each shelter 12 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. It is preferable that each shelter 12 is formed in the same shape and the same size. As shown in Fig. 7, it is preferable that the multiple shelters 12 are formed as substantially rectangular parallelepiped containers capable of accommodating some or all of the components of the information providing device 10 by separating at least one of the components of the counterpoise 14 and the aerials 16. Therefore, the information providing device 10 according to this embodiment is reusable and has portability that allows it to be transported to an appropriate installation location.

[0018] As shown in Figures 3 and 6, if each shelter 12 is a rectangular parallelepiped, each shelter 12 is formed as a combination of two or three different lengths of sides. If two of the six faces of the rectangular parallelepiped are squares, there are two different lengths of sides. If none of the six faces of the rectangular parallelepiped are squares, there are three different lengths of sides.

[0019] Here, it is assumed that none of the faces of the shelter 12 are square. In this case, the length of one side of the shelter 12 is defined as the length of a first side La depending on the orientation of the shelter 12. Similarly, the length of one side is defined as the length of a second side Lb depending on the orientation of the shelter 12. Similarly, the length of one side is defined as the length of a third side Lc depending on the orientation of the shelter 12. For example, Lc <La<Lbとする。 In the example shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the height of the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 described later with respect to the ground G is defined as a first height H1. In this case, as shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, the height of the shelter 12 defined by the length La of the first side is lower than the first height H1 of the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 with respect to the ground G. In the example shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the height of the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 with respect to the ground G is set to a second height H2 higher than the first height H1. In this case, as shown in Fig. 4 to Fig. 6, the height of the shelter 12 defined by the length Lb of the second side is lower than the second height H2 of the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 with respect to the ground G. An example of the first height H1 is 3.8 m, and an example of the second height H2 is 9.6 m.

[0020] Fig. 2 shows a front view of the information providing device 10 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, each shelter 12 has an appropriate strength and rigidity, for example, on the ground G, such as an iron plate (for example, an iron plate used at a construction site) or an H-shaped steel beam, and has an appropriate weight, and is preferably installed on the base 18, which is placed on the ground G instead of a concrete foundation. Therefore, the information providing device 10 according to this embodiment can fix each shelter 12 to the ground G so that it does not move, by using the base 18, without performing concrete foundation work. An example of a fixing means is bolt fixing. If each shelter 12 placed on the ground G has an appropriate weight and will not move even at a specified wind speed, each shelter 12 may be fixed directly to the ground G on which the information providing device 10 is installed. In other words, the base 18 is not necessarily required. An example of the fixing means here is an anchor or the like. In addition, the base 18 such as a steel plate or H-beam may be capable of being accommodated within the shelter 12, or may be prepared separately from the shelter 12.

[0021] Here, each shelter 12 is transported to a desired installation location using, for example, a truck (not shown). The truck may be a so-called 10-ton truck with a bed width of approximately 2.4 m or less and a bed length of approximately 10 m or less. The height limit for trucks on Japanese public roads is, for example, 4.1 m or 3.8 m. For this reason, the height of each shelter 12 is set taking into consideration the height of the bed of the transport truck. If the height of the bed of the truck is approximately 1.5 m or less, the height of the shelter 12 is permitted to be up to 2.6 m or 2.3 m. Alternatively, each shelter 12 may be transported to a desired installation location using a trailer (not shown) on which each shelter 12 is placed, mounted on a tractor (not shown), as used when transporting marine containers. In this case, the height of the trailer bed from the ground can be, for example, about 0.5 m, which can be lower than the bed of the truck described above. Therefore, the height of each shelter 12 from the ground can be higher than 2.6 m or 2.3 m, as long as the height including the trailer does not exceed 4.1 m or 3.8 m. For example, if the height of the trailer bed from the ground is 0.5 m, the height of each shelter 12 can be set to 3.6 m or 3.3 m. In addition, by connecting multiple trailers, such as two trailers in a vertical line, to the tractor, the shelters 12 can be transported to a desired location more efficiently.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, 5 and 8, the counterpoise 14 has a reflecting surface 14a for reflecting signals emitted from the antenna 16 to form a required radiation pattern, and legs 14b provided on the lower surface (back surface) of the reflecting surface 14a. The counterpoise 14 is, by way of example only, preferably formed to have a substantially circular outer shape with a diameter of 15m or more, and is a suitably large and weighted structure having strength and rigidity sufficient to withstand a specified wind speed.

[0023] Specifically, the outer shape of the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 is formed in a substantially circular shape. The reflecting surface 14a has a diameter of 15 m or more, and in this embodiment, the diameter can be about 20 m to 25 m.

[0024] Regardless of portability, the counterpoise 14 of the information providing device 10 is preferably lightweight and has a simple structure to facilitate installation / dismantling work at the site. Also, the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 is required to have appropriate performance as a radio wave reflecting surface, and to have durability suited to the installation environment, such as being able to withstand the weight when the installation location is a snowy area.

[0025] The reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 may be, for example, a disk-shaped flat plate made of a metal material, but a metal mesh is preferable because of its wind resistance, light weight, and portability. The shape and porosity of the metal mesh are appropriately set depending on the radio wave reflection performance, installation environment, etc. The material of the reflecting surface 14a is not limited to a metal material as long as it can reflect radio waves.

[0026] The counterpoise 14 may have its reflection surface 14a directly fixed to the shelter 12, but in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, an example will be described in which the counterpoise 14 is fixed via legs 14b provided on the lower surface (back surface) side of the reflection surface 14a. The legs 14b are used as a connecting member between the shelter 12 and the reflection surface 14a of the counterpoise 14, and are set to an appropriate height. The height of the reflection surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 with respect to the ground G is defined as the height of the base 18, the shelter 12, and the legs 14b added together. By appropriately setting the length of the leg portion 14b, the height of the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 can be appropriately adjusted.

[0027] The fixing devices between the legs 14b and the shelter 12 and between the legs 14b and the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 are, for example, bolts.

[0028] 1 and 4 are provided on the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14. The antennas 16 include, for example, a carrier antenna 16a, a group of sideband antennas 16b, and a DME antenna 16c.

[0029] The carrier antenna 16a is provided on the central axis of the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14. The carrier antenna 16a radiates a carrier wave including a reference phase signal.

[0030] The sideband antenna group 16b has an appropriate number of fixed antennas, for example, 48, arranged at predetermined intervals on a circumference of an appropriate radius centered on the carrier antenna 16a. The sideband antenna group 16b controls ON / OFF of power supply to simulate the rotation of the sideband antenna group 16b. The sideband antenna group 16b is provided on the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14, and the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 reduces downward radiation of radio waves from the sideband antenna group 16b.

[0031] The DME antenna 16c is provided on the central axis of the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14, for example, coaxially with the carrier antenna 16a. The DME antenna 16c transmits radio waves to transmit radio waves to and from the aircraft. The aircraft measures the distance to the DME antenna 16c based on the response radio waves from the DME antenna 16c.

[0032] Next, a description will be given of the installation work of the information providing device 10. First, an example in which the shelter 12 is installed in a landscape orientation as shown in Figs. 1 to 3 will be described, and then an example in which the shelter 12 is installed in a portrait orientation as shown in Figs. 4 to 6 will be described.

[0033] Before the information providing device 10 can be put into operation, installation of the counterpoise 14, installation of the antennas 16, adjustment of the antennas 16, and the like must be performed.

[0034] For example, as shown in Fig. 7, the components of the counterpoise 14 and the antennas 16 stored in the shelter 12 are carried out from the shelter 12. As shown in Fig. 8, the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 is assembled on the ground so that the outer shape is circular.

[0035] Here, for example, an appropriate base 18 that is carried inside the shelter 12 is laid on the ground G to form a surface (horizontal surface) that serves as the foundation of the shelter 12. By using the base 18, the height of the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 from the ground G can be appropriately adjusted.

[0036] If the base 18 is an iron plate, the upper surface thereof will be flat. When multiple iron plates are combined to form the base 18, it is preferable that the upper surfaces of the multiple iron plates are adjusted to form a substantially flush horizontal surface. Note that one shelter 12 may be placed on one iron plate, or one shelter 12 may be placed on multiple iron plates. For example, it is preferable that three shelters 12, when placed on an iron plate, are at the same or substantially the same height with respect to the upper surface of a given iron plate. Furthermore, if the base 18 is an H-beam, it is preferable to place one shelter 12 on a set of two, for example, spaced a specified distance apart. For example, the upper surfaces of the two H-beams serve as the support surface on which the shelter 12 is placed. It is preferable that the upper surfaces of the multiple H-beams are adjusted to form a substantially flush horizontal surface. Note that it is preferable that, for example, three shelters 12, when placed on the H-beams, are each at the same or substantially the same height relative to the upper surface of a given H-beam.

[0037] It is also possible to combine an iron plate and an H-shaped steel as the base 18. The height of the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 from the ground G can be appropriately adjusted depending on the thickness of the iron plate, the direction of the H-shaped steel, and the like.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, three shelters 12 are installed in the orientation in which they were transported by truck or the like, i.e., in a horizontally elongated state, so that they are preferably equidistant in the radial direction from the center of the counterpoise 14 and that adjacent shelters 12 are preferably equidistant in the circumferential direction. At this time, they can be lifted using a crane or the like and installed in the desired position and orientation. In this way, the shelters 12 used as the base of the counterpoise 14 are installed in the desired orientation with appropriate spacing between them.

[0039] It is preferable to place a shelter (not shown) having a control device for the antennas 16, for example, directly below the central axis of the reflecting surface of the counterpoise 14. In this case, the shelter is placed so as not to interfere with the shelter 12 supporting the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 in the horizontally elongated state.

[0040] Although not shown, it is preferable to fix each shelter 12 to the base 18 at two or more locations spaced apart from each other. Furthermore, it is preferable to connect adjacent shelters 12 in the circumferential direction, for example, to each other with connectors 20 such as rods. In this way, each shelter 12 is fixed so as not to move relative to the ground G, even without foundation concrete work. The shelters 12 and connectors 20 are fixed, for example, with bolts.

[0041] When each shelter 12 is installed horizontally in this manner, it has the strength and rigidity to withstand a specified wind speed, and is installed as an appropriately heavy object that does not move relative to the ground G. When each shelter 12 is installed horizontally, the height of the shelter 12 is defined as the length La of the first side.

[0042] Then, the counterpoise 14 assembled on the ground is lifted, for example, by a crane and installed on the shelter 12. At this time, as shown in Fig. 2, it is preferable that a plurality of legs 14b provided on the lower surface of the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 are fixed to each shelter 12 at at least two points spaced apart from each other. In this way, the counterpoise 14 is fixed to the shelter 12 so as to be able to withstand the specified wind speed. Therefore, the counterpoise 14 is installed at a desired first height H1 from the ground G.

[0043] 1 are installed on the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14. The cable of the antennas 16 is laid and connected to a shelter directly below the central axis of the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14.

[0044] In this manner, the information providing device 10 is formed in which the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 is set at a first height H1 with respect to the ground surface G.

[0045] It is also preferable to use a shelter (not shown) having a control device for the antennas 16 as one of the support bases (mounts) that support the reflecting surface 14 a of the counterpoise 14 .

[0046] An example of assembling the information providing device 10 in which the reflective surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 is set at a second height H2 with respect to the ground G will be described. Here, the difference from the example of assembling the information providing device 10 in which the reflective surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 is set at a first height H1 with respect to the ground G will be described.

[0047] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, each shelter 12 is hung using a crane or the like and rotated in a direction different from the direction in which it was transported by truck or the like, and three shelters 12 are installed so that each shelter 12 is elongated vertically and preferably equidistant radially from the center of the counterpoise 14 and adjacent shelters 12 are preferably equidistant circumferentially. In this way, the shelters 12 used as the base of the counterpoise 14 are installed in the desired direction with appropriate spacing between them.

[0048] A shelter (not shown) having a control device for the antennas 16 is disposed, for example, directly below the central axis of the reflecting surface of the counterpoise 14. The shelter is disposed so as not to interfere with the shelter 12 supporting the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 in a horizontally elongated state.

[0049] Although not shown, it is preferable to fix each shelter 12 to the base 18 at two or more locations spaced apart from each other. Furthermore, it is preferable to connect adjacent shelters 12 in the circumferential direction, for example, to each other with connectors 20 such as rods. In this way, each shelter 12 is fixed so as not to move relative to the ground G, even without carrying out foundation concrete work.

[0050] When each shelter 12 is installed vertically in this manner, it has the strength and rigidity to withstand a specified wind speed, and is installed as an appropriately heavy object that does not move relative to the ground G. When each shelter 12 is installed vertically, the height of the shelter 12 is defined as the length Lb of the second side.

[0051] Then, the counterpoise 14 assembled on the ground is lifted by, for example, a crane and installed on the shelter 12. At this time, as shown in Fig. 4, it is preferable that a plurality of legs 14b provided on the lower surface of the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 are fixed to each shelter 12 at at least two points spaced apart from each other. In this way, the counterpoise 14 is fixed to the shelter 12 so as to be able to withstand the specified wind speed. Therefore, the counterpoise 14 is installed at a desired second height H2 from the ground G.

[0052] 4 are installed on the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14. The cable of the antennas 16 is laid and connected to the shelter directly below the central axis of the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14.

[0053] In this manner, the information providing device 10 is formed in which the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 is set at the second height H2 with respect to the ground surface G.

[0054] It is also preferable to use a shelter (not shown) having a control device for the antennas 16 as one of the support bases (mounts) that support the reflecting surface 14 a of the counterpoise 14 .

[0055] 1 and 2, the side length La of the shelter 12 for setting the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 at a first height H1 relative to the ground G is lower, for example, less than half, than the side length Lb of the shelter 12 for setting the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 at a second height H2 relative to the ground G. For this reason, in the information providing device 10 installed as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the wind is more affected by friction with the vicinity of the ground, and it is difficult to move the shelter 12 from the ground. For this reason, the base 18 that serves as the foundation of the shelter 12 may not be necessary. In contrast, in the information providing device 10 installed as shown in Figures 4 and 5, each shelter 12 is installed vertically, so the shelters 12 are more susceptible to the effects of wind than when they are horizontally installed as shown in Figures 1 and 2. For this reason, by installing the shelters 12 on a base 18 that serves as a foundation, it is possible to make it difficult for the shelters 12 to move off the ground.

[0056] Whether assembling the information providing device 10 as shown in Figures 1 and 2 or assembling the information providing device 10 as shown in Figures 4 and 5, there is no difference in the number of parts, or even if there is a difference, it is only a small number, because the orientation of the shelter 12 is simply changed. Therefore, even when the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 is installed higher than the ground G, such as at height H2 (>H1) (see Figures 4 and 5), the assembly work can be completed in the same number of days as when the counterpoise is installed at height H1.

[0057] Conventionally, the counterpoise 14 was installed through a support pillar on a concrete foundation. In the conventional installation work of the counterpoise 14, after the concrete foundation was poured, the support pillar and steel material were removed from the shelter 12, and the support pillar and steel material were assembled on the concrete foundation.

[0058] In contrast, the information providing device 10 according to this embodiment does not require pouring of a concrete foundation, and can greatly reduce the number of parts, such as supports, for increasing the height of the counterpoise 14. Also, height adjustment by stacking supports is not required. Therefore, the construction period of the information providing device 10 can be shortened. Even if the leg 14b of the counterpoise 14 is used as a support, the length of the leg 14b is not used as a support for increasing the height of the counterpoise 14, but can be greatly shortened, for example, to within 1 m that can be easily accommodated in the shelter 12. Therefore, the number of parts to be put into the shelter 12 can be greatly reduced. Therefore, the information providing device 10 according to this embodiment can compactly accommodate parts in the shelter 12, regardless of whether it is used as a base below the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 during transportation, for example, and can reduce the number of shelters 12. Therefore, the number of personnel required for transportation of the shelter 12 can also be reduced.

[0059] Moreover, the height of the shelter 12 is defined as the length Lc of the third side depending on the installation orientation. Therefore, the shelter 12 according to this embodiment can be used as a structure with three selectable heights. Therefore, with one type of shelter 12, the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 can be installed at three different heights relative to the ground G. Therefore, by using the shelter 12 according to this embodiment, the installation height of the counterpoise 14 can be changed to a third height H3 different from the first height H1 and the second height H2.

[0060] Therefore, the information providing device 10 for aircraft navigation according to this embodiment has a counterpoise 14 on which an antenna 16 for transmitting radio waves is installed, and at least three shelters 12 that support the counterpoise 14 from below and change the installation height of the counterpoise 14 between a first height H1 and a second height H2 different from the first height H1 depending on the installation direction. Therefore, according to the information providing device 10 for aircraft navigation according to this embodiment, the counterpoise 14 can be installed at an appropriate height while reducing the number of parts when installing the counterpoise 14. At least some of the at least three shelters 12 are formed as containers capable of housing at least one of the components of the counterpoise 14 and the aerials 16 after separation. In this case, the number of components can be significantly reduced compared to the conventional case, and the number of shelters 12, for example, required when transporting the disassembled information providing device 10 to a desired installation location can be reduced.

[0061] In addition, since the shelters 12 are each formed to have the same shape and size, it is easy to set the installation height of the counterpoise 14.

[0062] In addition, the installation height of the counterpoise 14 of the shelter 12 can be changed to a third height H3 different from the first height H1 and the second height H2 depending on the installation orientation. For example, by making all the faces of the approximately rectangular parallelepiped shelter 12 rectangular rather than square, and by making the sides three different lengths instead of two, the shelter 12 can be used as a structure with three different heights depending on the installation orientation.

[0063] The shelter 12 is preferably formed to a size that can be placed on a trailer towed by a truck or a tractor, so that the information providing device 10 can be easily transported in a disassembled state to a desired installation location.

[0064] When the shelters 12 are each formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, they can be easily formed and easily obtained.

[0065] (First Modification) The upper diagram of Fig. 9 shows a top view of a first modified example of the information providing device 10 shown in Fig. 1, and the lower diagram shows a front view of the first modified example of the information providing device 10 shown in Fig. 1. Note that aerials 16 are omitted from Fig. 9.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 9, the shelters 12 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the circular reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14. The orientation of each shelter 12 may be horizontally long as shown in Fig. 3, for example, and may intersect with a virtual line I extending radially from the center position of the reflecting surface 14a at a position half the length Lb of the second side. The angle between adjacent virtual lines I is 120°.

[0067] It is also preferable that the orientation of each shelter 12 is arranged in this way to form the information providing device 10. Therefore, the orientation of each shelter 12 can be set appropriately.

[0068] 9 does not show the base 18 and the connector 20. Therefore, the shelter 12 may be fixed directly to the ground G. Also, if the shelter 12 can be kept stationary relative to the ground G, the connector 20 that connects the shelters 12 together may not be necessary.

[0069] (Second Modification) The upper diagram of Fig. 10 shows a top view of the second modified example of the information providing device 10 shown in Fig. 1, and the lower diagram shows a front view of the second modified example of the information providing device 10 shown in Fig. 1. Note that the antennas 16 are omitted from Fig. 10.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 10, the shelters 12 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the circular reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14. The orientation of each shelter 12 is preferably horizontal, for example, as shown in Fig. 3, with the second side of the shelter 12 having a length Lb aligned with an imaginary line I extending radially from the center position of the reflecting surface 14a. The angle between adjacent imaginary lines I is 120°.

[0071] It is also preferable that the orientation of each shelter 12 is arranged in this way to form the information providing device 10. Therefore, the orientation of each shelter 12 can be set appropriately.

[0072] Second embodiment An information providing device 10 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0073] Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram of the information providing device 10 according to this embodiment installed at a predetermined installation location. Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram of the information providing device 10 according to this embodiment, in which the orientation of the shelter 12 is changed and the height of the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 is made higher than that in Fig. 11.

[0074] In this embodiment, an example in which five shelters 12 are used to support the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 will be described.

[0075] The shelter 12 of the information providing device 10 shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 is the same as that described in the first embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 11, the reflection surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 with respect to the ground G is set at a first height H1. In the example shown in Fig. 12, the reflection surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 with respect to the ground G is set at a second height H2 higher than the first height H1.

[0076] For example, when disassembling and storing the information providing device 10, it is necessary to use, for example, five shelters 12 as shown in Fig. 7. By using all five shelters 12 when assembling the information providing device 10, it is possible to prevent, for example, the shelters 12 used for transporting parts from being placed near the assembled information providing device 10. Therefore, the information providing device 10 according to this embodiment can effectively utilize the shelters 12 used as containers.

[0077] Moreover, by connecting the counterpoise 14 to the five shelters 12, the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 can be maintained at a desired height more firmly than in the examples shown in FIGS.

[0078] Furthermore, by using the connector 20, the positional relationship between the circumferentially adjacent shelters 12 can be maintained, and the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 can be prevented from moving due to wind or the like.

[0079] Third embodiment An information providing device 10 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0080] In the above-described first and second embodiments, an example has been described in which the shelter 12 used as a base for installing the reflecting surface 14a of the counterpoise 14 at a desired height has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0081] Fig. 13 shows the shelter 12 of the information providing device 10 arranged horizontally, and Fig. 14 shows the shelter 12 of the information providing device 10 arranged vertically.

[0082] As shown in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14, the shelter 12 is formed in a substantially trapezoidal column shape. The shelter 12 according to this embodiment has a pair of trapezoidal surfaces 12a, 12b that face each other in the horizontal direction and a pair of rectangular surfaces 12c, 12d that face each other vertically when placed horizontally on the ground G or a base 18. One of the pair of rectangular surfaces 12c, 12d is placed on the ground G or the base 18 when the shelter 12 is arranged horizontally. It is preferable that, of the pair of rectangular surfaces 12c, 12d, the rectangular surface 12c having a larger area is placed on the ground G or the base 18, and the leg 14b of the counterpoise 14 is connected to the rectangular surface 12d having a smaller area.

[0083] When the shelter 12 is arranged vertically, one of the pair of trapezoidal surfaces 12a, 12b is placed on the ground G or the base 18. Since the pair of trapezoidal surfaces 12a, 12b have the same shape and size, either one may be arranged on the ground G or base 18 side, or either one may be arranged on the leg 14b side of the counterpoise 14.

[0084] Therefore, the shelter 12 used in the information providing device 10 needs to have at least two pairs of parallel opposing surfaces.

[0085] It is preferable that each of the shelters 12 be approximately rectangular, and it is preferable that each shelter 12 be the same size and shape, but they may be different shapes as long as they can be set to the same height depending on their orientation.

[0086] In the present embodiment including the modified example, an example has been described in which DME is used as the information providing device 10 for aircraft navigation. That is, an example has been described in which a DVOR / DME device is used as the information providing device 10. Instead of DME, a device called TACAN (TACtical Air Navigation) may be used, that is, instead of using a DVOR / DME device, a VORTAC device may be used as the information providing device 10 for aircraft navigation.

[0087] According to at least one of the embodiments of the aircraft navigation information providing device 10 described above, the counterpoise 14 can be installed at an appropriate height while reducing the number of parts required when installing the counterpoise 14.

[0088] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 10...information providing device, 12...shelter, 14...counterpoise, 14a...reflective surface, 14b...legs, 16...antennas, 16a...carrier antenna, 16b...sideband antenna group, 16c...DME antenna, 18...base, 20...connector, La...length of first side, Lb...length of second side, Lc...length of third side, H1...first height, H2...second height.

Claims

1. A counterpoise where antennas for radio wave transmission are installed, At least three shelters that support the counterpoise from below and change the installation height of the counterpoise between a first height and a second height different from the first height depending on the installation direction; An information providing device for aircraft navigation comprising:

2. 2. The information providing device according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the at least three shelters is formed as a container capable of accommodating at least one of the counterpoise and the aerials in a separated form.

3. 3. The information providing device according to claim 1, wherein each of the shelters is formed to have the same shape and size.

4. 3. The information providing device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the shelters is used as a power source for the aerials or a control device for the aerials.

5. 3. The information providing device according to claim 1, wherein the installation height of the counterpoise of the shelter is changeable to a third height different from the first height and the second height depending on an installation orientation of the shelter.

6. 3. The information providing device according to claim 1, wherein the shelter is sized to be placed on a trailer towed by a truck or a tractor.

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