Abstract:
A signal-processing apparatus is capable of stably operating without regard to outside circumstances and miniaturizing. The signal-processing apparatus for shifting phase of a signal inputted thereto and attenuating the signal includes an input connector for inputting a signal; an output connector for outputting the signal; a rotation body to be rotated by the rotational force provided from the rotational force supplying means; a plurality of rotatable members respectively having a groove in peripheral portion, the rotatable members being coupled to peripheral portion of the rotation body so that the grooves communicate with each other; and a signal transmitting member for transmitting the inputted signal to the output connector, the signal transmitting member being located in the grooves and its both ends being respectively connected to the input and output connectors.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a signal-processing apparatus for shifting phase of a signal inputted thereto and attenuating the signal and, more particularly, to a signal-processing apparatus capable of stably operating without regard to outside circumstances such as a temperature etc. and miniaturizing. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
     Generally, a communication system needs a signal-processing apparatus such as a phase shifter for shifting phase of a signal inputted thereto and an attenuator for attenuating the signal and so on. 
     Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, there are shown a conventional signal-processing apparatus for shifting phase of a signal inputted thereto and attenuating the signal. 
     As shown in FIG. 1A, the conventional signal-processing apparatus includes a hollow housing  3 , input and output connectors  1  and  2  coupled to a side of the housing  3 , a W-shaped conductor  4  having both ends respectively connected to the input and output connectors  1  and  2 , a dielectric material  5  movably connected to the conductor  4  and a handle  6  rotatably coupled to the other side of the housing  3 . The handle  6  is used for providing a moving force to the dielectric material  5 . 
     When a signal is inputted to an end of the conductor  4  through the input connector  1 , as illustrated by arrow in the FIG. 1A, the signal is outputted from the output connector  2  connected to the other end of the conductor  4  through the dielectric material  5 . In this case, total length of the arrow represents that of a transmission line for passing the inputted signal. 
     The conventional signal-processing apparatus functions as a phase shifter. That is, when the handle  6  is rotated and the conductor  4  is moved left or right, total length of the transmission line is changed and, therefore, phase of the inputted signal is shifted and the transmission time of the signal is delayed. 
     Further, in the conventional signal-processing apparatus, when the dielectric material is replaced with an absorber  50  as shown in FIG. 1B, the conventional apparatus functions as an attenuator. That is, the absorber  50  attenuates a radio wave passing the conductor  4 . 
     However, in the conventional signal-processing apparatus as above-mentioned, since the housing has a space capable of moving the dielectric material, there is a problem that it is difficult to miniaturize the signal-processing apparatus is difficult. 
     In order to overcome the problem, another conventional signal-processing apparatus has an electric device, such as a diode, functioning as a transmission line of a signal inputted to an input connector. 
     However, since the electric device is damaged when high electric power flows thereinto, it is difficult that the electric device is used for communication system. 
     Further, since the electric device sensitively acts to outside circumstances such as temperature, there is a problem that the communication system is unstable. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a signal-processing apparatus capable of resolving the problems of the prior arts. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a signal-processing apparatus for shifting phase of a signal inputted thereto and attenuating the signal, comprising: an input connector for inputting a signal; an output connector for outputting the signal; a rotational force supplying means for generating a rotational force; a rotation body to be rotated by the rotational force provided from the rotational force supplying means; a plurality of rotatable members respectively having a groove in peripheral portion, the rotatable members being coupled to peripheral portion of the rotation body so that the grooves communicate with each other; and a signal transmitting member for transmitting the inputted signal to the output connector, the signal transmitting member being located in the grooves and its both ends being respectively connected to the input and output connectors. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present, there is provided a signal-processing apparatus for shifting phase of a signal inputted thereto and attenuating the signal, comprising; an input connector for inputting a signal; an output connector for outputting the signal; a rotation body to be rotated by the rotational force provided from the rotational force supplying means, the rotation body having an annular opening at lower portion thereof and being made of conductor; a plurality of rotatable members respectively having a groove in lower portion, the rotatable members being coupled to peripheral portion of the rotation body so that the grooves communicate with each other; and a signal transmitting member having terminals respectively connected to the input and output connectors so that the signal inputted to the input connector is transmitted to the output connector, the signal transmitting member being located in the groove. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present, there is provided a signal-processing apparatus for shifting phase of a signal inputted thereto and attenuating the signal, comprising; an input connector for inputting a signal; an output connector for outputting the signal; a first rotation body to be rotated by a rotational force, the first rotation body having a first shaft connected to the rotational force supplying means and a first disk coupled to peripheral portion of the first shaft to be moved together with the first shaft; a first member coupled to peripheral portion of the first shaft to be moved together with the first shaft; a second member coupled to peripheral portion of the first shaft, against to the first member, to be moved together with the first shaft; and a signal transmitting member for transmitting the signal inputted through the input connector to the output connector, the signal transmitting member being located under the first and second members and its both ends being respectively connected to the input and output connectors. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The above and other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments given in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
     FIGS. 1A and 1B are cross-sectional views showing structures of a conventional signal-processing apparatus; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically representing a first embodiment of a signal-processing apparatus for shifting phase of a signal inputted thereto and attenuating the signal in accordance with a present invention, with cutting off a portion; 
     FIG. 3 is a disassembled perspective view depicting components of the FIG. 2 in detail; 
     FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the FIG. 2; 
     FIGS. 5A to  5 C are perspective views illustrating various modifications of the FIG. 2 adapted to a printed circuit board; 
     FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the other modification of the FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 7 illustrates a motor for rotating outer conductor of the signal-processing apparatus of the FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically representing a second embodiment of a signal-processing apparatus for shifting phase of a signal inputted thereto and attenuating the signal in accordance with a present invention; 
     FIG. 9 is a cross-section view of the FIG. 8; 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically representing a third embodiment of a signal-processing apparatus for shifting phase of a signal inputted thereto and attenuating the signal in accordance with a present invention; 
     FIG. 11 is a cross-section view of the FIG. 10; 
     FIG. 12 is a disassembled perspective view representing a fourth embodiment of a signal-processing apparatus for shifting phase of a signal inputted thereto and attenuating the signal in accordance with a present invention; 
     FIG. 13 is a cross-section view showing assembled state of the fourth embodiment in accordance with a present invention; 
     FIG. 14 is a disassembled perspective view representing a fifth embodiment of a signal-processing apparatus for shifting phase of a signal inputted thereto and attenuating the signal in accordance with a present invention; and 
     FIG. 15 is a cross-section view showing assembled state of the fifth embodiment in accordance with a present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, various embodiments of a signal-processing apparatus in accordance with a present invention will be described in detail, referring to the accompanying FIGS. 2 to  15 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 2 to  4 , there is shown a signal-processing apparatus of a first embodiment in accordance with a present invention. 
     The signal-processing apparatus in accordance with first embodiment of the present invention comprises a housing  110  (see FIG.  4 ), an outer conductor  120  rotatably coupled within the housing  110 , a first and second members  132  and  134  coupled within the outer conductor  120  to rotate together with the outer conductor  120 , an input connector  140  coupled to a side of the housing  110 , an output connector  150  coupled to a side of the housing  110  opposite to the input connector  140  and an inner conductor  160  located within the first and second members  132  and  134 . Both ends of the inner conductor  160  are respectively connected to the input and output conductors  140  and  150  to retain its place. 
     The first and second members  132  and  134  respectively take the shape of semicircle and the inner conductor  160  takes the shape of substantial semicircular arch. 
     In this embodiment, the outer conductor  120  includes a shaft  122  passing the upper portion of the housing  110  and first and second disks  124  and  126  positioned at peripheral portion of the shaft  122 . The first and second disks  124  and  126  are spaced out a predetermined distance on upper and lower portions of the shaft  122  so that the first and second members  132  and  134  are fitted therebetween. Preferably, upper portion of the shaft  122  has a recess  122   a  to connect a motor (not shown) for providing a rotational force. In this case, the shaft  122  is perpendicular to the first and second disks  124  and  126 . The shaft  122 , first and second disks  124  and  126  (i.e., the outer conductor  120 ) are integrally formed. 
     Further, the first and second members  132  and  134  respectively have first and second grooves  132   a  and  134   a  in which the inner conductor  160  is coupled. Height of the second groove  134   a  is higher than that of the first groove  132   a . When the first and second members  132  and  134  are assembled to the outer conductor  120 , the first and second grooves  132   a  and  134   a  are communicated with each other. The inner conductor  160  has a curvature substantially equal to the first and second grooves  132   a  and  134   a.    
     In the first embodiment constructed as the above-mentioned, if the first and second members  132  and  134  are made of a first and second dielectric material respectively having dielectric constants different from each other, the signal-processing apparatus functions as a phase shifter. That is, when the shaft  122  is rotated, the first and second dielectric materials  132  and  134  are rotated together with the first and second disks  124  and  126  and the inner conductor  160  retains its original position. In this case, dielectric constant around the inner conductor  160  is continuously changed as the rotation of the shaft  122 . Therefore, while a signal inputted to the input connector  140  is transmitted to the output connector  150  through the inner conductor  160 , phase of the signal is shifted so that a transmission time of the signal is delayed. For example, when the dielectric constant of the first dielectric material  132  is greater than that of the second dielectric material  134  and the total inner conductor  160  is positioned within the first groove  132   a , each of the phase shift and delay time has maximum value. On the contrary, when the total inner conductor  160  is positioned within the second groove  134   a  having lower dielectric constant, each of the phase shift and delay time has minimum value. 
     Further, when the inner conductor  160  is laid cross the first and second dielectric materials  132  and  134 , each of the phase shift and delay time has value between the maximum value and the minimum value. 
     On the other hand, if the first and second members  132  and  134  are respectively made of a first and second absorbers capable of absorbing a radio wave, i.e., ferrite, the signal-processing apparatus of the first embodiment functions as an attenuator. That is, when a signal inputted to the input connector  140  is passed through the inner conductor  160 , the signal is attenuated by the absorber and, then, be outputted from the output connector  150 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 5A to  5 C, there are perspective views illustrating various modifications of the first embodiment adapted to a printed circuit board. 
     Referring to FIG. 5A, the input and output connectors are removed and the both ends of the inner conductor  160  are directly connected to a printed circuit board (hereinafter, referred as PCB) respectively. 
     Referring to FIG. 5B, the both ends of the inner conductor  160  are folded one time to be fixed to the PCB. 
     Referring to FIG. 5C, the both ends of the inner conductor  160  are folded several times to be directly fixed to a mounter of the PCB. 
     Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown a plan view showing another application of the first embodiment in accordance with the present invention. 
     Referring to FIG. 6, the signal-processing apparatus consists of a phase shifter “A” which the first and second members are made of dielectric material respectively having dielectric constants different from each other and an attenuator “B” which the first and second members are made of absorbers. In this case, an end of inner conductor  160  of the phase shifter “A” is connected to an end of inner conductor  160  of the attenuator “B”. Further, the other end of inner conductor  160  of the phase shifter “A” is connected to the input connector  140  and the other end of inner conductor  160  of the attenuator “B” is connected to the out connector  150 . Then, the signal-processing apparatus can simultaneously perform functions as the phase shifter and attenuator. 
     Referring to FIG. 7, the driving shaft of a motor  170  is fitted to the recess  122   a  of the shaft  122 . In this case, rotation of the shaft  122  is controlled by controlling the operation of the motor  170 . The motor  170  can be remote-controlled. 
     Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, there is shown a second embodiment of the signal-processing apparatus in accordance with the present invention. 
     Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the signal-processing apparatus of the second embodiment comprises an outer conductor  220  coupled in a housing  210 . The conductor  220  includes a protrusion  222  having a recess  222   a  for fitting a driving shaft of motor on upper portion thereof and an annular opening for fixing first and second members  232  and  234  in lower portion thereof. In this case, the first and second members  232  and  234  respectively have a first and second grooves  232   a  and  234   a  in which an inner conductor  260  is positioned. The first groove  232   a  is communicated with the second groove  234   a . Size of the first groove  232   a  is larger than that of the second groove  234   a . Transversal cross-section of the inner conductor  260  substantially has a semicircular arch-shape. The inner conductor  260  has a pair of terminals formed in lower ends thereof and passing the housing  210 . The terminals are respectively connected to an input and output connectors  240  and  250  coupled to lower portion of the housing  210 . Therefore, the inner conductor  260  always retains its origin position. The input and output connectors  240  and  250  are parallel with the protrusion  222 . 
     In the second embodiment constructed as the above-mentioned, if the first and second members  232  and  234  are made of a first and second dielectric material respectively having dielectric constants different from each other, the signal-processing apparatus functions as a phase shifter. Further, if the first and second members  232  and  234  are respectively made of a first and second absorbers capable of absorbing a radio wave, i.e., ferrite, the signal-processing apparatus of the first embodiment functions as an attenuator. Since operation of the signal-processing apparatus in the second embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment, the operation description of the second embodiment will be omitted. 
     Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, there is shown a third embodiment of the signal-processing apparatus in accordance with the present invention. 
     As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the signal-processing apparatus of the third embodiment comprises a housing  310 , a shaft  320  having upper portion protruded from the housing  310 , first and second members  332  and  334  fixed to peripheral portion of the shaft  320 , an input and output connectors  340  and  350  respectively coupled to both sides of the housing  310 , and an inner conductor  360  located within the first and second members  332  and  334 . The shaft  320  has a recess  322  formed on the upper portion to fit a driving shaft of motor. Each of the first and second members  332  and  334  takes the shape of semicircle and has first and second grooves  332   a  and  334   a  respectively formed on the peripheral portion thereof. The inner conductor  360  takes the shape of semicircular arch substantially. 
     In this embodiment, the first and second members  332  and  334  are fixed to the shaft  322  so that the first groove  332   a  is communicated with the second groove  334   a.    
     In the third embodiment constructed as the above-mentioned, if the first and second members  332  and  334  are made of a first and second dielectric material respectively having dielectric constants different from each other, the signal-processing apparatus functions as a phase shifter. Further, if the first and second members  332  and  334  are respectively made of a first and second absorbers capable of absorbing a radio wave, i.e., ferrite, the signal-processing apparatus of the third embodiment functions as an attenuator. Since operation of the signal-processing apparatus in the third embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment, the operation description of the third embodiment will be omitted. 
     Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, there is shown a fourth embodiment of the signal-processing apparatus in accordance with the present invention. 
     As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the signal-processing apparatus of the fourth embodiment comprises a housing  410  and an outer conductor  420  coupled in the housing  410 . The housing  410  includes a box  412  having an opening at its upper portion and a cover  414  for closing the opening of the box  412 . The box  412  has a pair of cut portions formed on both upper portions thereof and a concave portion  413  formed on bottom surface thereof. The cover  414  has a pair of protrusions respectively inserted into the cut portions and a through hole  415  formed on a portion opposite to the concave portion  413 . When the cover  414  closes the opening of the box  412 , predetermined spaces are respectively formed between each of the cut portions of the box  412  and each of the protrusions of the cover  414 . 
     The outer conductor  420  includes a shaft  422  to be connected to a motor(not shown) and a disk  424  coupled to peripheral portion of the shaft  422 . Further, the shaft  422  has a recess  422   a  for fitting a driving shaft of the motor on top surface thereof. In this case, upper and lower portions of the shaft  422  are respectively supported at the concave portion  413  of the box  412  and the through hole  415  of the cover  414 . The disk  424  is integrally formed with the shaft  422  or has a through hole at center portion thereof to fix the shaft  422 . 
     The signal-processing apparatus of this embodiment also has first and second members  432  and  434  respectively coupled to peripheral portion of the shaft  422  and a printed circuit board (hereinafter, referred to PCB)  440  having a through hole  442  for passing the shaft  422  at center portion thereof. The first and second members  432  and  434  take the shape of substantial semicircle and respectively have thickness different from each other. The PCB  440  has a substantial semicircular arch-shaped transmission line  444  coated with a conductive materials. The rest portion of the PCB  440  except the transmission line  444  is preferably made of non-conductive materials. Both ends of the transmission line  444  are respectively protruded from spaces formed between each of the cut portions of the box  412  and each of the protrusions of the cover  414 . In this case, the both ends of the transmission line  444  are respectively connected to input and output connectors  450  and  460  coupled to both sides of the housing  410 . 
     In the fourth embodiment constructed as the above-mentioned, if the first and second members  432  and  434  are made of a first and second dielectric material respectively having dielectric constants different from each other, the signal-processing apparatus of the fourth embodiment functions as a phase shifter. Further, if the first and second members  432  and  434  are respectively made of a first and second absorbers capable of absorbing a radio wave, i.e., ferrite, the signal-processing apparatus of the fourth embodiment functions as an attenuator. Since operation of the signal-processing apparatus in the fourth embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment, the operation description of the fourth embodiment will be omitted. 
     Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, there is shown a fifth embodiment of the signal-processing apparatus in accordance with the present invention. 
     As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the signal-processing apparatus of the fifth embodiment comprises a housing  510  including a box  512  and cover  514  respectively similar to box and cover in the fourth embodiment and first and second outer conductors  520  and  530  coupled in the housing  510 . 
     The first outer conductor  520  has a first shaft  522  connected to a motor (not shown) and a first disk  524  coupled to peripheral portion of the first shaft  522 . The second conductor  530  has a second shaft  532  to be joined to the first shaft  522  and a second disk  534  coupled to peripheral portion of the second shaft  532 . Preferably, each of the first and second conductors  520  and  530  is integrally formed. In this case, the first shaft  522  includes a recess  522   a  for fitting a driving shaft of the motor on upper portion thereof and a first longitudinal hole for joining a screw  536  on lower portion thereof. Lower portion of the second shaft  532  is rotatably coupled to a concave portion  513  of the box  512  and has a second longitudinal hole  532   a  for joining the screw  536 . 
     The first and second shafts  522  and  532  are coupled by the screw  536  joined to the first longitudinal hole through the second longitudinal hole  532   a . In this case, for preventing a head of the screw  536  from contacting with the housing  510 , the lower portion of the second longitudinal hole  532   a  is preferably formed to accommodate the head of the screw  536 . 
     The signal-processing apparatus of the fifth embodiment has first and second members  542  and  544  coupled to peripheral portion of the first shaft  522  and a third and fourth members  546  and  548  coupled to peripheral portion of the second shaft  532 . The first to fourth members  542  to  548  have a semicircle-shaped section. The first and second members  542  and  544  are spaced out a predetermined distance from the third and fourth members  546  and  548 . In this case, the signal-processing apparatus of the fifth embodiment also has a printed circuit board (hereinafter, referred to PCB)  550  coupled in space between the members coupled to the first shaft  522  and the members coupled to the second shaft  532 . The PCB  550  has a through hole  552  for passing the shaft. The first and third members  542  and  546  respectively have thickness different from the second and fourth members  544  and  548 . Therefore, the space between the firth and third members  542  and  546  is larger than that between the second and fourth members  544  and  548 . 
     The PCB  550  has a transmission line  554  coated with conductive materials thereon and the rest of the PCB  550  except the transmission line  554  is coated with non-conductive materials. The transmission line  554  is formed in substantial semicircular arch-shape and its both ends are respectively protruded from both sides of the housing  510 . The both ends of the transmission line  554  are respectively connected to input and output connectors  560  and  570 . 
     In the fifth embodiment constructed as the above-mentioned, if the first to fourth members  542  to  548  are made of dielectric material respectively having dielectric constants different from one another, the signal-processing apparatus functions as a phase shifter. Further, if the first to fourth members  542  to  548  are respectively made of absorbers capable of absorbing a radio wave, i.e., ferrite, the signal-processing apparatus of the fifth embodiment functions as an attenuator. Since operation of the signal-processing apparatus in the fifth embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment, the operation description of the fifth embodiment will be omitted. 
     In accordance with the present invention, the signal-processing apparatus can miniaturize and be stably operated without regard to outside circumstance because an electric device is not installed. 
     Further, since signal-processing apparatus of the present invention uses a printed circuit board as a transmission line for an inputted signal, the manufacturing process is simple and, therefore, production efficiency of the signal-processing apparatus is improved and cost is reduced. 
     While the present invention has been described with respect to certain preferred embodiments only, other modifications and variation may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the following claims.