Traveling wave tube and method for manufacturing traveling wave tube

Abstract

To provide a traveling wave tube and a method for manufacturing a traveling wave tube, which simplify the configuration.SOLUTION: A traveling wave tube includes an envelope having a plurality of spacers and a plurality of pole pieces alternately arranged with and joined to the plurality of spacers, and a helix arranged on the central axis of the envelope, and each pole piece has a plurality of notches on its outer circumferential surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to traveling wave tubes and methods of manufacturing traveling wave tubes. [Background technology]

[0002] As an example of this type of traveling wave tube, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique using a helix-type slow wave circuit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 4-332425 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The traveling wave tube described in Patent Document 1 is configured such that, during assembly, a pair of annular jigs are placed on the outer peripheral side of the spacer between each of the multiple pole pieces, and then a cylindrical jig is placed on the outer peripheral side of the annular jigs. However, such an annular jig, a cylindrical jig, or a jig that integrates these is a structure that penetrates into each gap of the pole pieces, which poses the problem of making the overall structure complicated.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a traveling-wave tube and a method for manufacturing a traveling-wave tube that solves the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A traveling-wave tube according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises an enclosure having a plurality of spacers and a plurality of pole pieces arranged alternately with and joined to the spacers, and a helix arranged on a central axis of the enclosure, each pole piece having a plurality of notches on its outer circumferential surface.

[0007] A method for manufacturing a traveling-wave tube according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes alternately arranging a plurality of spacers and a plurality of pole pieces, each having a plurality of notches on its outer circumferential surface, placing a positioning jig in the hollow spaces between the plurality of pole pieces and the plurality of spacers, engaging an outer retaining member with the notches from the radial outside of the plurality of pole pieces, joining the plurality of pole pieces and the plurality of spacers, removing the positioning jig from the hollow spaces, and placing a helix in the hollow spaces. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the above aspect, the configuration can be simplified. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a traveling-wave tube according to the present disclosure, taken along a plane perpendicular to the central axis thereof. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a traveling-wave tube according to the present disclosure, taken along a plane including a central axis thereof; [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a traveling-wave tube according to the present disclosure, taken along a plane perpendicular to the central axis thereof. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a traveling-wave tube according to the present disclosure, taken along a plane including a central axis thereof; [Figure 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a traveling-wave tube according to the present disclosure, taken along a plane perpendicular to the central axis thereof. [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a traveling-wave tube according to the present disclosure, taken along a plane including a central axis thereof; [Figure 7] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a traveling-wave tube according to the present disclosure, taken along a plane perpendicular to the central axis thereof. [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart illustrating steps in a method for manufacturing a traveling wave tube in accordance with the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart illustrating steps in a method for manufacturing a traveling wave tube in accordance with the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Each embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In all drawings, the same or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals, and common descriptions will be omitted.

[0011] First Embodiment Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 and 2 are traveling wave tubes 1 showing a periodic magnetic field structure that converts the kinetic energy of an electron beam into microwaves. This traveling wave tube 1 mainly comprises an envelope 2 the interior of which is maintained in a vacuum state, and a helix (not shown) disposed within envelope 2.

[0012] The envelope 2 has a plurality of pole pieces 3 and a plurality of spacers 4, and these pole pieces 3 and spacers 4 are joined alternately by brazing along a central axis O. Each pole piece 3 is formed in a disk shape from a ferromagnetic material and has a flange portion 5 at the center that protrudes in the direction of the central axis O, and has a central hole 6 within the flange portion 5. A shim structure is formed by the flange portion 5, which is the protruding portion of the pole piece 3. In this shim structure, the flange portion 5 of the pole piece 3 strengthens the central magnetic field, and the influence of the pole piece 3 or the spacer 4 being displaced from the central axis O can be suppressed.

[0013] Furthermore, each pole piece 3 has a notch 10 on its outer circumferential surface 3A, which will be described later. Each spacer 4 is formed into a disk shape from a metal such as copper, and is arranged with its center aligned with the central axis O of the pole piece 3.

[0014] Each spacer 4 has a center hole 7 at its center, which has the same diameter as the center hole 6 of the pole piece 3 . The central holes 6 of the pole pieces 3 and the central holes 7 of the spacers 4 are joined alternately along the central axis O to form a single continuous hollow portion 8 . Furthermore, a plurality of pole pieces 3 and a plurality of spacers 4 are joined together, and a magnet 9 is placed in a gap C formed between each of the pole pieces 3 .

[0015] A rod-shaped positioning jig 20 is placed in a hollow portion 8 of the envelope 2 formed by joining the pole piece 3 and the spacer 4 together. The positioning jig 20 serves as a reference when joining the pole pieces 3 and the spacers 4 alternately along the central axis O. After the pole pieces 3 and spacers 4 are joined to form the envelope 2, the positioning jig 20 is removed from the hollow portion 8. A helix (not shown) is then inserted into the hollow portion 8 of the envelope 2. The helix amplifies a high-frequency signal through the interaction between the electron beam output from an electron gun (not shown) and the high-frequency signal. This helix forms a slow-wave circuit for the signal. The positioning jig 20 inserted into the hollow portion 8 of the envelope 2 is placed at a distance from the inner wall of the hollow portion 8 so as to prevent the brazing material that joins the pole piece 3 and the spacer 4 to each other from adhering to the jig.

[0016] Next, the notches 10 formed in the pole pieces 3 of the enclosure 2 will be described. The notches 10 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction (direction of arrow a) of each pole piece 3; specifically, at least three notches are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction (direction of arrow a) of each pole piece 3. The outer holding member A1 is engaged with these notches 10.

[0017] The outer holding member A1 is composed of a plurality of engaged members 11 that are engaged with the notches 10 of the pole piece 3. Each of these engaged members 11 is formed in a rod shape, and is engaged with each notch 10 of the pole piece 3 without any gaps, thereby pressing down the pole piece 3 from the radially outside. Here, one engaged member 11 is engaged with one notch 10. Furthermore, the engaged member 11 is positioned along the central axis O, so that it is arranged across the pole pieces 3, and can hold multiple pole pieces 3 simultaneously.

[0018] These engaged members 11 engage with the notches 10 of each pole piece 3 arranged at intervals along the central axis O, thereby holding these pole pieces 3 and the spacers 4 sandwiched between the pole pieces 3 together. Each of these engaged members 11 can be engaged with the notch 10 of the pole piece 3 without any gap, and the pole piece 3 and the spacer 4 can be positioned along the central axis O with high precision.

[0019] In traveling wave tube 1 of the present disclosure configured as described above, notches 10 are formed in each of the multiple pole pieces 3, and by engaging outer clamping member A1 with notches 10, pole pieces 3 and spacers 4 sandwiched between pole pieces 3 can be held together. In this case, the outer holding member A1 can be configured by a plurality of engaged members 11 that are engaged with the respective notches 10, thereby simplifying the overall configuration. If the overall configuration can be simplified, it can contribute to reducing the cost of assembling the envelope 2, for example.

[0020] In addition, the outer support member A1 in this example may be removed after assembling the enclosure 2 by brazing and fixing the pole piece 3 and the spacer 4 to each other, or it may remain attached to the enclosure 2. That is, the outer retaining member A1 is used as a member for temporarily holding the pole piece 3 and the spacer 4 together until they are brazed together, and after the temporary holding, it may be left as it is or removed.

[0021] Second Embodiment An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS. Traveling-wave tube 1' shown in the second embodiment below differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the outer retaining member.

[0022] That is, the outer clamping member A2 shown in the second embodiment has a plurality of engaged members 11 that engage with the notches 10 of the pole piece 3, and a plurality of tightening rings 12 that press these engaged members 11 toward the pole piece 3, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The clamping ring 12 is made up of a plurality of elastically deformable ring-shaped members 13 arranged along the circumferential direction of the engaged member 11 (the direction of the arrow a). These ring-shaped members 13 are arranged at predetermined intervals along the central axis O at the outer positions of the pole pieces 3 to hold the engaged members 11 (in this example, they are installed on every third pole piece 3). Furthermore, the ring-shaped members 13 do not need to be installed on all of the pole pieces 3 along the central axis O, and the intervals at which they are installed can be freely set.

[0023] The outer retaining member A2 further has fastening members 14 that connect and fix the ends of the ring-shaped members 13 of the clamping ring 12 to each other. The fastening member 14 is composed of a screw 14A that can be screwed into the bent portions 13A provided at both ends of the ring-shaped member 13. The screws 14A are threadedly engaged with the bent portions 13A of the ring-shaped members 13 in a state where the bent portions 13A are overlapped with each other, thereby connecting and fixing the ends of the ring-shaped members 13 to each other.

[0024] In addition, in the outer retaining member A2 of the second embodiment, when it is assembled to the pole piece 3, a ceramic fiber layer 15 is interposed between the bottom of the notch 10 of the pole piece 3 and the ring-shaped member 13 of the tightening ring 12. The ceramic fiber layer 15 is made of fibers made of alumina or silica formed into a cloth, and is resistant to high temperatures up to about 2000°C.

[0025] Furthermore, with such a ceramic fiber layer 15, even if there is variation in the diameter of ring-shaped parts such as the pole piece 3 and the spacer 4, the variation can be absorbed when the ring-shaped member 13 is fastened with the fastening member 14, thereby improving center accuracy. The ceramic fiber layer 15 may be plated or housed in a bag to prevent fiber waste from being generated.

[0026] In the traveling wave tube 1' of the present disclosure configured as described above, a notch 10 is formed in each of the multiple pole pieces 3, and by engaging the outer clamping member A2 with the notch 10, the pole pieces 3 and the spacers 4 sandwiched between the pole pieces 3 can be held together. In this case, the outer clamping member A2 is configured to have a plurality of engaged members 11 that engage with each of the notches 10, and a plurality of tightening rings 12 that press these engaged members 11 toward the pole piece 3, thereby simplifying the overall configuration. If the overall configuration can be simplified, it can contribute to reducing the cost of assembling the envelope 2, for example.

[0027] In addition, the outer support member A2 in this example may be removed after assembling the enclosure 2 by brazing and fixing the pole piece 3 and the spacer 4 to each other, or it may remain attached to the enclosure 2. That is, the outer retaining member A2 is used as a member for temporarily holding the pole piece 3 and the spacer 4 together until they are brazed together, and after the temporary holding, it may be left as it is or removed. 5 and 6 show an example in which, after assembling the envelope 2, the positioning jig 20 is removed from the hollow portion 8, and a helix 21 is placed in the hollow portion 8 to amplify the high-frequency signal by the interaction between the electron beam output from the electron gun (not shown) and the high-frequency signal.

[0028] Third Embodiment Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. Traveling wave tube 100 according to the present disclosure includes envelope 101 and helix 102 . The envelope 101 includes a plurality of spacers 106 and a plurality of pole pieces 103 that are alternately arranged with the spacers 106 and joined to the spacers 106 . Helix 102 is disposed on the central axis O of enclosure 101 . Each pole piece 103 of the enclosure 101 has a plurality of notches 104 on its outer circumferential surface 103A.

[0029] In traveling-wave tube 100 of the present disclosure configured as described above, notches 104 are formed in each of multiple pole pieces 103, so that pole pieces 103 and each spacer 106 sandwiched between pole pieces 103 can be held together. Such traveling-wave tube 100 can have a simple configuration.

[0030] <Fourth embodiment> An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6 and 8. FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the steps of a method for manufacturing traveling-wave tube 1.

[0031] [Step S1] The worker prepares a plurality of spacers 4 and a plurality of pole pieces 3, each having a plurality of notches 10 on its outer peripheral surface 3A, and arranges these spacers 4 and pole pieces 3 alternately along the central axis O, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0032] [Step S2] The worker places the magnets 9 in the gaps C between the spacers 4 and the pole pieces 3 .

[0033] [Step S3] The worker places a positioning jig 20 in the hollow portion 8 formed along the central axis O of the spacer 4 and the pole piece 3 .

[0034] [Step S4] The worker engages the outer pressing member A2, which presses the pole piece 3 from the radial outside, into the notches 10 of the pole piece 3, which are arranged at regular intervals along the central axis O.

[0035] [Step S5] The worker joins the pole pieces 3 and the spacers 4, which are alternately arranged along the central axis O, to each other by brazing.

[0036] [Step S6] The worker removes the positioning jig 20 from the hollow portion 8 of the pole piece 3 and the spacer 4.

[0037] [Step S7] The worker places helix 21 in hollow portion 8 of pole piece 3 and spacer 4, as shown in FIGS.

[0038] The multiple notches 10 provided in each pole piece 3 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction (direction of arrow a) of each pole piece 3, and in this case, it is sufficient to form three or more notches in the circumferential direction (direction of arrow a) of each pole piece 3.

[0039] In addition, in the present disclosure, an outer clamping member A2 having a clamping ring 12 that presses multiple engaged members 11 toward the pole piece 3 is used, but this outer clamping member A2 may further be provided with a fastening member 14 that connects and fixes the ends of the clamping ring 12 to each other. In addition, in the present disclosure, if the pole piece 3 can be held down by the engaged member 11 alone, an outer holding member A1 without the tightening ring 12 may be used as shown in FIGS. Furthermore, a ceramic fiber layer 15 may be interposed between the outer holding member A2 and the plurality of cutouts 10.

[0040] In traveling-wave tube 1 of the present disclosure configured as described above, pole pieces 3 and spacer 4 sandwiched between pole pieces 3 can be held together by engaging outer retaining member A2 with notches 10 formed in each of pole pieces 3. At this time, the outer holding member A2 can hold down the pole piece 3 by the engaged members 11 engaged with the respective notches 10, so that the overall structure can be simplified. If the overall configuration can be simplified, it can contribute to reducing the cost of assembling the envelope 2, for example.

[0041] Fifth Embodiment An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the steps of a method for manufacturing a traveling-wave tube.

[0042] [Step S10] A plurality of spacers and a plurality of pole pieces each having a plurality of notches on the outer circumferential surface are arranged alternately.

[0043] [Step S11] A positioning jig is placed in the hollow portion between the plurality of pole pieces and the plurality of spacers.

[0044] [Step S12] An outer retaining member is engaged with the plurality of notches from the radial outside of the plurality of pole pieces.

[0045] [Step S13] A plurality of pole pieces and a plurality of spacers are joined together.

[0046] [Step S14] Remove the positioning jig from the hollow section.

[0047] [Step S15] A helix is ​​placed in the hollow portion.

[0048] In the traveling wave tube of the present disclosure configured as described above, the pole pieces and the spacers sandwiched between the pole pieces can be held together by engaging the outer retaining member with the notches formed in each of the pole pieces. At this time, the outer holding member can hold down the pole pieces by the engaged members that are engaged with the respective notches, so the overall structure can be simplified.

[0049] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0050] Some or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0051] (Appendix 1) A traveling-wave tube comprising: an envelope having a plurality of spacers; a plurality of pole pieces arranged alternately with the plurality of spacers and joined to the plurality of spacers; and a helix arranged on a central axis of the envelope, wherein each pole piece has a plurality of cuts on its outer circumferential surface.

[0052] (Appendix 2) 2. The traveling-wave tube of claim 1, wherein the plurality of notches are formed at equal intervals around the circumference of each pole piece.

[0053] (Appendix 3) 3. The traveling-wave tube according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of notches include three or more notches arranged circumferentially of each pole piece.

[0054] (Appendix 4) 4. The traveling-wave tube according to claim 1, wherein an outer pressing member that presses the pole pieces from outside in the radial direction is engaged with the plurality of notches.

[0055] (Appendix 5) 5. The traveling-wave tube according to claim 1, wherein the outer retaining member is removed from the notch of the pole piece.

[0056] (Appendix 6) 6. The traveling-wave tube according to claim 1, wherein the outer retaining member has a plurality of engagement members that fit into the notches.

[0057] (Appendix 7) 7. The traveling-wave tube according to claim 1, wherein one of the engaged members is fitted into each of the notches of the pole piece.

[0058] (Appendix 8) 8. The traveling-wave tube according to claim 1, wherein the outer clamping member has a plurality of engaged members that fit into the plurality of notches, and a tightening ring that presses the plurality of engaged members toward the plurality of pole pieces.

[0059] (Appendix 9) 9. The traveling-wave tube according to claim 1, wherein the outer retaining member has a fastening member that connects and fixes the ends of the clamping rings to each other.

[0060] (Appendix 10) 10. The traveling-wave tube according to claim 1, wherein a ceramic fiber layer is interposed between the outer holding member and the plurality of cutouts.

[0061] (Appendix 11) 11. The traveling-wave tube according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a magnet is disposed in a gap between each of the alternately arranged spacers and pole pieces.

[0062] (Appendix 12) A plurality of spacers and a plurality of pole pieces each having a plurality of notches on an outer peripheral surface are arranged alternately, a positioning jig is placed in a hollow portion between the plurality of pole pieces and the plurality of spacers; an outer pressing member is engaged with the plurality of notches from the radially outer side of the plurality of pole pieces; joining the plurality of pole pieces and the plurality of spacers; Remove the positioning jig from the hollow portion; disposing a helix in the hollow portion; A method for manufacturing a traveling wave tube.

[0063] (Appendix 13) 13. The method for manufacturing a traveling-wave tube according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of cuts are formed at equal intervals around the circumference of each pole piece.

[0064] (Appendix 14) 14. The method for manufacturing a traveling-wave tube according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of cuts include three or more cuts arranged circumferentially in each pole piece.

[0065] (Appendix 15) 15. The method for manufacturing a traveling-wave tube according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the outer retaining member is removed from the notch of the pole piece after joining the plurality of pole pieces and the plurality of spacers.

[0066] (Appendix 16) 17. A method for manufacturing a traveling-wave tube according to any one of appendices 12 to 16, wherein the outer clamping member is not removed from the notches of the pole pieces after the plurality of pole pieces and the plurality of spacers are joined, but is retained in the notches.

[0067] (Appendix 17) 17. The method for manufacturing a traveling-wave tube according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the outer retaining member has a plurality of engaged members that fit into the plurality of notches.

[0068] (Appendix 18) 18. The method for manufacturing a traveling-wave tube according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein one of the engaged members is fitted into each of the notches of the pole piece.

[0069] (Appendix 19) 19. The method for manufacturing a traveling-wave tube according to any one of Appendices 12 to 18, wherein the outer support member has a plurality of engaged members that fit into the plurality of notches, and a tightening ring that presses the plurality of engaged members toward the plurality of pole pieces.

[0070] (Appendix 20) 20. The method for manufacturing a traveling-wave tube according to any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein the outer retaining member has a fastening member that connects and fixes the ends of the clamping rings to each other.

[0071] (Appendix 21) 21. The method for manufacturing a traveling-wave tube according to any one of claims 12 to 20, wherein a ceramic fiber layer is interposed between the outer holder member and the plurality of cutouts.

[0072] (Appendix 22) 22. The method for manufacturing a traveling-wave tube according to any one of claims 12 to 21, wherein a magnet is disposed in a gap between each of the alternately arranged spacers and pole pieces. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1 traveling wave tube 1' traveling wave tube 2 Envelope 3 pole pieces 3A Outer surface 4 spacers 5 Flange 6 center hole 7 Center hole 8 Hollow part 9. Magnet 10 Cut 11 Engaged member 12 Fastening ring 13 Ring-shaped member 13A Bend part 14 Fastening members 14A screw 15 Ceramic fiber layer 20 Positioning jig 21 Helix 100 traveling wave tube 101 Envelope 102 Helix 103 pole piece 103A Outer surface 104 Notch 106 Spacer A1 Outer support member A2 Outer support member C gap О Central axis

Claims

1. an envelope having a plurality of spacers and a plurality of pole pieces alternately arranged with and joined to the plurality of spacers; a helix disposed on a central axis of the envelope; Equipped with Each pole piece has a plurality of notches on its outer periphery. traveling wave tube.

2. 2. The traveling-wave tube according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of notches are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of each pole piece.

3. 2. The traveling-wave tube according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of cuts include three or more cuts arranged in a circumferential direction of each pole piece.

4. 3. The traveling-wave tube according to claim 1, wherein an outer pressing member that presses the plurality of pole pieces from radially outward is engaged with the plurality of notches.

5. A plurality of spacers and a plurality of pole pieces each having a plurality of notches on an outer peripheral surface are arranged alternately, a positioning jig is placed in a hollow portion between the plurality of pole pieces and the plurality of spacers; an outer pressing member is engaged with the plurality of notches from the radially outer side of the plurality of pole pieces; joining the plurality of pole pieces and the plurality of spacers; Remove the positioning jig from the hollow portion; disposing a helix in the hollow portion; A method for manufacturing a traveling wave tube.

6. The method for manufacturing a traveling-wave tube according to claim 5 , wherein the plurality of cuts are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of each pole piece.

7. 7. The method for manufacturing a traveling-wave tube according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of cuts include three or more cuts arranged in a circumferential direction of each pole piece.

8. 7. The method for manufacturing a traveling-wave tube according to claim 5, wherein the outer holding member includes a plurality of engaged members that fit into the plurality of notches, and a clamping ring that presses the plurality of engaged members toward the plurality of pole pieces.

9. 9. The method for manufacturing a traveling-wave tube according to claim 8, wherein the outer retaining member has a fastening member that connects and fixes the ends of the clamping ring to each other.

10. 7. The method for manufacturing a traveling-wave tube according to claim 5, wherein a ceramic fiber layer is interposed between the outer holding member and the plurality of cutouts.

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