Antenna device

Abstract

An antenna device (100) for substation automation, especially for filling level monitoring or limit level monitoring of a sensor, comprising: a main radiator (102) configured to transmit radar signals; a first lens (104) for focusing the radar signals; at least one second lens (106) for optimizing the focused radar signals, wherein the second lens (106) is arranged spaced apart from the first lens (104) and the main radiator (102) so that the main radiator (102) and the first lens (104) are thermally decoupled, electrically decoupled or intermediate decoupled from the second lens (106).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an antenna device for substation automation, in particular for filling level monitoring or limit level monitoring, and a radar measuring device for substation automation. Background Art

[0002] In process automation, especially in filling level measurement technology, limit level measurement technology, and pressure measurement technology, antenna devices are often used to determine the filling level or limit level in a container. However, electronic components usually cannot withstand the thermal stress at elevated process temperatures. Even in high-pressure applications where very high pressures act on the lenses of the antenna device, for example, the plastic lenses in radar sensors usually cannot withstand the pressures acting on them. Summary of the Invention

[0003] With the embodiments described below, an improved antenna device can be advantageously provided.

[0004] One aspect relates to an antenna device for a sensor for substation automation, in particular for filling level monitoring and / or limit level monitoring. The antenna device includes a main radiator. The main radiator can be configured to generate, transmit, and / or receive radar signals. Additionally, the antenna device further includes a first lens for focusing the radar signals. Furthermore, the antenna device also includes a second lens for optimizing the focused radar signals. The second lens is arranged spaced apart from the first lens and / or the main radiator. Thereby, the second lens is thermally decoupled, electrolytically decoupled, and / or medially decoupled from the first lens and / or the main radiator.

[0005] The advantages that the device can have are that since the second lens is arranged on the container and made of a high-strength material, the main radiator and the first lens do not have to have high heat resistance. Therefore, the heat flow from the container or from the monitoring object located between the second lens and the first lens can be blocked, such that the first lens and the main radiator do not have to be made of high heat-resistant materials. In addition, the advantages that the device can have are that through the arrangement of the two dielectric lenses, the microwave of the main radiator can be better aligned, and a longer focal length can be achieved. Additionally, the advantages that the device can have are that the best irradiation of the process-side lens (the second lens) can be achieved.

[0006] In other words, the antenna device can be divided into a processing side and an evaluation side, where the processing side includes a second lens and is capable of withstanding high temperatures and / or high pressures. The main radiator and / or the first lens can be arranged on the evaluation side of the antenna device, and these two components do not have to withstand high temperatures and / or high pressures. The distance between the first lens and the second lens can be selected such that the first lens and the second lens are thermally decoupled, electrolytically decoupled, and / or intermediate decoupled from each other. Depending on the distance between the first lens and the second lens, the focal lengths of the first lens and the second lens can be selected such that the best illumination of the two lenses can be achieved. This can be used in particular to ensure that the smallest possible opening angle is achieved and the side lobes of the radar signal can be significantly reduced. When focusing the radar signal, in this case, the radar signal emitted by the main radiator can be picked up or collected by the first lens and aligned onto the second lens, so that the best illumination of the second lens can be achieved. When optimizing the radar signal through the second lens, the radar signal projected onto the second lens by the first lens can be aligned in such a way that the desired focal length of the second lens can be achieved. The advantage that can be formed is that a very long focal length can be achieved, which can be particularly advantageous in very large containers (e.g., silos measured using an antenna array). This optimization can also be an additional optimization of the radar signal. The additional focusing of the radar signal can improve the radar signal. The sensor can in particular be a radar sensor suitable for detecting the filling level and / or the limit level.

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment, the antenna device can have a high-frequency damper between the first lens and the second lens, and the high-frequency damper can be, for example, the housing wall for mounting the lens or a separate component. The high-frequency damper can be configured to suppress the side lobes of the radar signal. In other words, a high-frequency damper, such as a high-frequency absorbing material, can be arranged between the first lens and the second lens, especially on one side of them. The high-frequency absorbing material is, for example, PEEK with carbon fiber filler or PPS with absorber filler, in order to suppress the side lobes of the radar signal, thereby improving and / or reducing the so-called ringing effect (Klingeln) of the radar system. Alternatively, a self-adhesive pad can also be used as the high-frequency damper, such as silicone filled with ferrite or other high-frequency absorbers. The advantage of this embodiment is that the side lobes can be further suppressed by the arrangement of the high-frequency damper, and thus the quality of the radar signal can be significantly improved.

[0008] According to an exemplary embodiment, a high-frequency damper may be arranged in an edge region between a first lens and a second lens such that the high-frequency damper thermally decouples, electrically decouples, and / or intermediately decouples the first lens and / or the main radiator from the second lens. The high-frequency damper may be arranged in particular such that it does not form a thermal bridge or the like between the first lens and the second lens. Thereby, decoupling of the first lens from the second lens can be achieved. Alternatively or additionally, the high-frequency damper may only be mounted to the edge of the antenna device. For example, the high-frequency damper can only be provided on the edge of the first lens and / or the second lens, for example, on the housing wall of the antenna device. Alternatively, the high-frequency damper is arranged such that it also electrically decouples the first lens and / or the second lens from each other, since the high-frequency damper is designed and / or arranged such that it does not conduct any current. The advantage of this arrangement is that no heat flow can occur between the first lens and the second lens and / or between the second lens and the main radiator through the high-frequency damper. Another advantage is that a non-potential connection can be achieved between the second lens and the first lens and / or the main radiator. Therefore, not only can the first lens be thermally decoupled from the second lens, thereby saving high-resistance materials, but also the quality of the radar signal can be improved.

[0009] According to an exemplary embodiment, the antenna device includes a housing, in which a main radiator is arranged. Additionally, the housing may be designed such that it houses and / or forms a first lens. In other words, the antenna device includes a housing in which a main radiator is arranged, wherein the first lens is positioned in the sidewall of the housing and / or the sidewall of the housing forms the first lens. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing may be made of a plastic composite material, wherein a part of the housing forms the first lens. The advantage thereof is that functional integration can be performed, thereby reducing costs. Alternatively, the first lens may also be injected into the housing as an insert. The advantage of the housing is that the main radiator is protected from contamination and moisture, thereby ensuring a high-quality radar signal.

[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment, the housing may have an opening in which the first lens is arranged and / or can be arranged. In addition, the housing may be configured to accommodate other components. In other words, the housing may be an electronic cup having an opening in the sidewall, and the first lens is arranged in the opening. The main radiator and other electronic components may be arranged in the electronic cup. The advantage of this embodiment is that standard components such as an electronic cup can be used, thereby achieving a cost-saving effect and enabling simplified processing during assembly.

[0011] According to an exemplary embodiment, the main radiator and the first lens may be integrally formed. In other words, the main radiator is connected to the first lens such that they can be regarded as one component. The advantage of this embodiment may be that less installation space is required due to the integration of two separate components with each other, and the main radiator can be more easily accessed.

[0012] According to an exemplary embodiment, the main radiator and the first lens can be connected by a plastic composite material. For example, the main radiator and the first lens can be designed as inserts to be positioned in an insert molding die for the two components. In addition, the main radiator can be connected to the first lens by a plastic composite material. In other words, the main radiator and the first lens are manufactured as one component by a multi-component injection molding process. Additionally, the chip can be molded using a plastic composite material. For example, the main radiator and the first lens are inserted as inserts into a plastic injection mold and connected to each other by a plastic composite material. This can have the advantage of significantly shortening the assembly time, as one assembly step can be saved by integrated manufacturing production. Additionally, the advantage can be generated that at least a part of the main radiator and the first lens is protected from contamination and / or moisture by the plastic composite material.

[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment, the plastic composite material can have a lower dielectric constant than the first lens. This arrangement is particularly advantageous in the case of a main radiator that emits high-frequency radar signals.

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment, the second lens can have a greater focal length than the first lens. In other words, the first lens is used to direct the radar signal onto the second lens, and the second lens is used to direct the radar signal into an exemplary measuring container, so that the fill level or limit level in the exemplary container can be determined. The advantage of this arrangement can be that, due to the greater focal length of the second lens, the antenna device can better measure an exemplary container, especially one with a long extension length.

[0015] According to an exemplary embodiment, the antenna device can have a third lens. The third lens can be arranged between the first lens and the second lens. Additionally, the third lens is configured to increase the distance between the first lens and the second lens, especially by defocusing. In other words, the antenna device can have three lenses, where the first lens can be directly arranged on the main radiator, and the second lens can be directly arranged on the measuring container or the like. The third lens can be arranged between the first lens and the second lens. This furthermore particularly provides the possibility of radiating through a small opening, as the third lens can be used to correct a possible over-focusing of the first lens. Despite a large opening angle, the combination of the three lenses still gives the main radiator a long focal length, as with the aid of the third lens, the microwaves focused by the first lens can be optimally directed onto the second lens. Thus, the focal length of the entire antenna device can be changed by the third lens. Additionally, multiple lenses can also be arranged between the first and second lenses. Furthermore, a large number of lenses can act on the radar signal in a partially defocused and partially focused manner. The advantage of a large number of lenses is that a larger distance between the first lens and the second lens can be spanned.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment, the antenna device may have an isolator that is arranged and / or can be arranged between a first lens and a second lens. Additionally, the isolator may be configured to thermally decouple, electrically decouple, and / or intermediately decouple the main radiator and / or the first lens from the second lens. The isolator may be made of a material that does not particularly change the orientation of the radar signal. The arrangement of the isolator may be advantageous such that the first lens can be mounted closer to the second lens, which can have a positive impact on the quality of the radar signal in certain cases. Furthermore, with the help of the isolator, the thermal radiation from the second lens can be specifically dissipated, such that the first lens and the main radiator are subjected to less stress.

[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment, the isolator may be formed by a gas, a solid, a liquid, and / or a fluid. In an exemplary embodiment, the isolator may be formed by a thermally conductive plastic such as PA66, PBT, and / or PEEK. The advantage of such an arrangement may be that heat can be rapidly dissipated via the isolator, such that the first lens and / or the main radiator are subjected to less thermal stress. Alternatively, an isolator made of a gas may also be conceivable, which reduces the heat flow between the first lens and the second lens by means of an air flow or a specifically selected gas.

[0018] According to an exemplary embodiment, the second lens may be configured to withstand a temperature of more than 100 °C. For example, the second lens may be made of a plastic such as PA66, PTFE, or PEEK that may have enhanced heat resistance. Alternatively, the second lens may be made of glass or a glass composite material that is designed to withstand a temperature of more than 100 °C, especially a temperature of more than 150 - 200 °C.

[0019] According to an exemplary embodiment, the cross-section and / or diameter of the first lens and the cross-section and / or diameter of the second lens may have a ratio between 1:1 and 1:5. In other words, the second lens may be larger than the first lens. It has surprisingly been found that at a ratio between 1:2 and 1:4, the sidelobe suppression can be at an optimal value, such that an effectively focused radar signal can be achieved. In an exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the first lens may be between 2 mm and 10 mm. The diameter of the second lens may be between 10 mm and 50 mm.

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment, the distance between the first lens and the second lens and the cross-section or diameter of the first lens may have a ratio between 1 and 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the cross-section of the first lens is 3 mm, and the distance between the first lens and the second lens may be 9 mm. It has surprisingly been found that in the case where the distance between the first lens and the second lens and the cross-section of the first lens have a ratio between 2 and 6, the illumination of the second lens can be optimal, such that an effectively focused radar signal can be formed.

[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment, the third lens may be thermally decoupled, electrolytically decoupled, and / or intermediately decoupled from the second lens. The third lens may be made of the same material as the first lens, thereby also saving heat-resistant materials.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first lens and / or the second lens may be rotationally symmetric. The first lens and the second lens may in particular be rotationally symmetrically formed with respect to an axis corresponding to the coaxiality of the first lens and the second lens. Alternatively, the first lens may also be rotationally symmetric with respect to the longitudinal extension axis of the first lens. In particular, the second lens may be rotationally symmetric with respect to the longitudinal extension axis of the second lens. The advantage is that rotational symmetry simplifies the assembly of the lenses because they can be more easily picked up, for example, by gripping arms.

[0023] Another aspect relates to a radar measurement device for plant automation, in particular for fill level monitoring and / or limit level monitoring, the radar measurement device comprising a container and an antenna device. The container may be configured to accommodate a medium. The antenna device may be the antenna device described above and below. In addition, the antenna device may be configured to determine the fill level and / or the limit level of the medium in the container. In an exemplary embodiment, the container contains a high-temperature medium from which the fill level or the limit level is determined. By means of the thermal decoupling of the antenna arrangement and the first and second lenses of the antenna device, the amount of highly heat-resistant material used can be significantly reduced because the first lens and / or the main radiation do not have to withstand the high temperature of the medium.

[0024] According to an exemplary embodiment, at least a part of the container and the antenna device may be thermally decoupled, electrolytically decoupled, and / or intermediately decoupled from each other. The advantage of this embodiment may be that, by thermal decoupling, electrolytic decoupling, and / or intermediate decoupling, the usability of the antenna device is significantly increased. Alternatively, the antenna arrangement may be arranged in one container, multiple containers, and / or pipelines or bypasses.

[0025] Another aspect relates to a method for determining a limit level and / or a fill level, comprising the following steps:

[0026] - Transmitting a radar signal through a main radiator,

[0027] - Focusing the radar signal through a first lens,

[0028] - Optimizing the radar signal through a second lens,

[0029] wherein the first lens and the second lens are thermally decoupled, electrolytically decoupled, and / or intermediately decoupled from each other.

[0030] In other words, the method for determining the filling level and / or the limiting level includes sending a radar signal onto a first lens, which focuses the radar mirror signal. The focusing can be the alignment of the radar signal with a second lens, wherein the purpose of the focusing is the optimal illumination of the second lens. In the process step of optimizing the radar signal, the radar signal guided onto the second lens is optimized by directing the radar signal through the second lens towards a target focal length in order to determine the filling level and / or the limiting level using the target focal length.

[0031] The features and elements of the antenna device as described above and below can be the features, elements, and steps of the method as described above and above, and vice versa.

[0032] Another aspect relates to a program element which, when executed by a sensor, in particular having an antenna device, instructs the sensor to carry out the method as described above and below.

[0033] The sensor is, for example, a level radar sensor or more generally a radar measuring device.

[0034] Another aspect relates to a computer-readable medium on which the program element as described above and below is stored.

[0035] Exemplary embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Description of the Drawings

[0036] Figure 1 The schematic structure of an antenna device according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0037] Figure 2 The schematic structure of an antenna device according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0038] Figure 3 The schematic structure of an antenna device according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0039] Figure 4 The schematic structure of an antenna device according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0040] Figure 5 The schematic structure of an antenna device according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0041] Figure 6 The schematic structure according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0042] Figure 7 The schematic structure of an antenna device according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0043] Figure 8 The radar measuring device according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0044] Figure 9 A flowchart is shown, which illustrates the steps of a method for determining a limit level or a filling level according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0045] These figures are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. In the drawings, identical, equivalent, or similar elements may be provided with the same reference numerals. Detailed Description

[0046] Figure 1 A schematic structure of an antenna device 100 is shown. The antenna device 100 includes a main radiator 102, a first lens 104, and a second lens 106. The first lens 104 may be arranged at a certain distance 110 from the second lens 106. In this case, the main radiator 102 may emit a radar signal, which may be focused by the first lens 104, so that the second lens 106 may be optimally irradiated by the first lens 104. The second lens 106 may optimize the focused radar signal in order to emit a target focal length for determining the filling level and / or the limit level. When optimizing the focused radar signal, the radar signal may also be focused so that better focusing of the radar signal can be achieved. In particular, the second lens may be designed to further focus the focused radar signal.

[0047] Figure 2 A schematic structure of an antenna device 100 is shown. The antenna device 100 includes a main radiator 102, a first lens 104, and a second lens 106. The first lens 104 and the second lens 106 may be spaced apart by a certain distance 110. A high-frequency damper 112 may be provided between the first lens 104 and the second lens 106 and / or in the outer edge region of the space between the lenses. The high-frequency damper 112 may be arranged on the outer wall of the antenna device 100. The high-frequency damper 112 may be used for sidelobe suppression.

[0048] Figure 3 A schematic structure of an antenna device 100 is shown. The antenna device 100 includes a main radiator 102, a first lens 104, and a second lens 106. An isolator 108 may be provided between the first lens 104 and the second lens 106, wherein the isolator 108 may be configured to block or reduce the heat flow between the second lens 106 and the first lens 104. In addition, the antenna assembly 100 may include a main radiator 102 as follows, and the main radiator 102 includes an antenna 114 for transmitting and / or receiving radar signals. The antenna 114 may be provided on a circuit board 116.

[0049] Figure 4The schematic structure of the antenna device 100 is shown. The antenna device 100 may have a housing 118, and the housing 118 accommodates and / or forms a first lens. Additionally, the main radiator 102 may be arranged in the housing 118. The main radiator 102 may include an antenna for transmitting and / or receiving radar signals and a circuit board on which the antenna 114 is mounted. In this case, the housing 118 is configured to protect the main radiator, particularly the antenna 114, from contamination and / or moisture.

[0050] Figure 5 The schematic structure of the antenna device 100 having a housing 118 is shown, and the housing 118 may be designed as an electronic cup (Elektronikbecher). The electronic cup may have an opening 120, and the first lens 104 is arranged in the opening 120. Additionally, the antenna array 100 may have a second lens 106. The second lens 106 may be used to better focus the radar signals. In particular, the main radiator may be provided within the housing or the electronic cup. Additionally, other electronic components, such as an energy storage, may be arranged within the housing 118 or the electronic cup.

[0051] Figure 6 The schematic structure of the antenna device is shown, wherein the main radiator 102 and the first lens may be manufactured from one component. The main radiator 102 and the first lens 104 may be connected to each other by a plastic composite material 122. The plastic composite material 122 may cover the antenna 114. In particular, the monolithic form of the main radiator having the first lens 104 may be manufactured by a multi-component injection molding process. Additionally, the antenna array 100 may include a second lens 106, and the second lens 106 is configured to be spaced apart from the first lens 104.

[0052] Figure 7 The schematic embodiment of the antenna device 100 is shown, wherein the antenna device may include a main radiator 102, a first lens 104, a second lens 106, and a third lens 124. In this case, the first lens and the second lens may be spaced apart from each other by a defined distance 110. In particular, since the third lens 124 defocuses the radar signals, the third lens 124 may be configured such that the distance 110 between the first lens 104 and the second lens 106 can be increased. Thus, by using the third lens 124, the optimal illumination of the second lens 106 can be achieved.

[0053] Figure 8 The schematic radar measurement device is shown, and the radar measurement device includes a container 126, and the second lens 106 is arranged on the container 126. Additionally, the radar measurement device may include a main radiator 102 and a first lens 104, which are spaced apart from the container and / or the second lens. The radar measurement device 200 may be designed such that a medium having an elevated temperature is stored in the container 126.

[0054] Figure 9 A flowchart is shown, which illustrates the steps of a method for determining a limit level or a filling level according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the method may have the same elements and features as the descriptions before and after.

[0055] Figure 9 The flowchart for illustrating the steps of the method shows a transmitting step S1, a focusing step S2, and an optimizing step S3. The transmitting step S1 may transmit or emit a radar signal through a main radiator. The focusing step S2 may particularly focus the emitted radar signal by using a first lens 104. The focusing may be used to align the radar signal with a second lens 106 so as to irradiate the second lens 106. The optimizing step S3 may guide the radar signal to a focus, particularly further focusing as well. The optimization may be performed by the second lens 106. Additionally, the first lens 104 and the second lens 106 may be thermally decoupled, electrolytically decoupled, or intermediately decoupled from each other, so that high-resistance materials can be saved and the thermal compatibility with respect to the main radiator can be increased.

[0056] Furthermore, it should be noted that "comprising" and "having" do not exclude other elements, and the indefinite article "a" and / or "an" do not exclude a plurality. It should also be noted that features described with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments may also be used in combination with other features of the other above exemplary embodiments. The reference signs in the claims should not be regarded as limiting.

[0057] Cross-reference to related applications

[0058] This application claims the priority of European Patent Application No. 19,155,281.9 filed on February 4, 2019, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. An antenna device (100) for a sensor used in substation automation, comprising: A main radiator (102) configured to transmit radar signals; A first lens (104) for focusing the radar signals; At least one second lens (106) for optimizing the focused radar signals, wherein the second lens (106) is arranged to be spaced apart from the first lens (104) and the main radiator (102) so that the main radiator (102) and the first lens (104) are thermally decoupled, electrically decoupled or intermediate decoupled relative to the second lens (106), wherein the antenna device (100) includes a high-frequency damper (112) disposed in an edge region between the first lens (104) and the second lens (106), wherein the high-frequency damper (112) is configured to suppress sidelobes of the radar signals.

2. The antenna device according to claim 1, Among them, The antenna device is used for filling level monitoring or limit level monitoring.

3. The antenna device according to claim 1, Among them, The high-frequency damper (112) disposed in the edge region between the first lens (104) and the second lens (106) causes the high-frequency damper (112) to thermally decouple, electrically decouple or intermediate decouple the first lens (104) and the main radiator (102) relative to the second lens (106).

4. The antenna device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Among them, The antenna device (100) includes a housing (118), wherein the main radiator (102) is disposed in the housing (118), wherein the housing (118) houses or forms the first lens (104).

5. The antenna device according to claim 4, Among them, The housing (118) includes an opening (120), and the first lens (104) is disposed in the opening, wherein the housing (118) is configured to house other components.

6. The antenna device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Among them, The main radiator (102) and the first lens (104) are integrally formed.

7. The antenna device according to claim 6, Among them, The main radiator (102) and the first lens (104) are connected to each other by a plastic composite material (122).

8. The antenna device according to claim 7, Among them, The dielectric constant of the plastic composite material is lower than the dielectric constant of the first lens.

9. The antenna device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Among them, The focal length of the second lens (106) is greater than the focal length of the first lens (104).

10. The antenna device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Among them, The antenna device (100) includes a third lens (124), wherein the third lens (124) is disposed between the first lens (104) and the second lens (106), Wherein, the third lens (124) is configured to increase the distance (110) between the first lens (104) and the second lens (106).

11. The antenna device according to claim 10, Among them, the third lens (124) is configured to increase the distance (110) between the first lens (104) and the second lens (106) by defocusing.

12. The antenna device according to claim 10, Among them, the third lens is thermally decoupled, electrolytically decoupled and / or intermediately decoupled from the second lens.

13. The antenna device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Among them, the first lens and the second lens are designed to be rotationally symmetric.

14. The antenna device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Among them, the second lens (106) is configured to withstand a temperature higher than 100° C.

15. A radar measurement device (200) for substation automation, comprising: a container (126) configured to contain a medium; the antenna device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, the antenna device (100) is configured to determine the filling level or the limit level of the medium in the container.

16. The radar measurement device according to claim 15, Among them, the radar measurement device is used for filling level monitoring or limit level monitoring.

17. A method for determining a limit level or a filling level by using the antenna device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising the following steps: Step S1: Transmitting a radar signal through a main radiator; Step S2: Focusing the radar signal through a first lens; Step S3: Optimizing the radar signal through a second lens, wherein, the first lens and the second lens are thermally decoupled, electrolytically decoupled or intermediately decoupled from each other.

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