Antenna device for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves

Abstract

The present invention relates to an antenna device (100), which comprises: an antenna element (102) for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves; a reflector (104) for reflecting the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the antenna element; a substrate (106) on which the antenna element (102) and the reflector (104) are located, wherein the substrate (106) has a main extension plane (108) extending in a horizontal direction (Y) and a lateral direction (X), wherein a vertical direction (Z) extends perpendicular to the horizontal direction (Y) and the lateral direction (X), and thus perpendicular to the main extension plane (108) of the substrate (106), wherein the reflector (104) is configured to spatially narrow the electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna element (102) in the vertical direction (Z), and wherein the reflector (104) is configured to spatially widen the electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna element (102) in the horizontal direction (Y).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an antenna device for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves, an automotive sensor for detecting the movement of an object, a vehicle having a sensor for detecting the movement of an object, and a method for detecting the movement of an object relative to a sensor. Background Art

[0002] It is a common problem to emit electromagnetic waves from a radar antenna, direct them towards an object, and additionally receive the reflected electromagnetic waves with the same radar antenna. Accordingly, there are various different reflectors and horn antennas, but specific applications of the antenna device require defining specific conditions for the antenna device. In addition, in the automotive field, in recent years, there has been an increasing demand for reliable and sensitive sensors that can be used to detect the movement of an object outside or inside a vehicle relative to the vehicle. Against this background, the inventors of the present invention have identified a need for an improved antenna device and an improved automotive sensor, which will be described in detail below. Summary of the Invention

[0003] By an embodiment of the present invention, an improved antenna device for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves is provided.

[0004] The present invention is defined by the following main aspects. Other embodiments and advantages of the present invention are included in the following other aspects and descriptions.

[0005] Technical terms are used in their ordinary sense. If certain terms are given a specific meaning, the definition of the terms will be given in the following text where these terms are used.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an antenna device includes an antenna element configured to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves. In addition, the antenna device includes a reflector configured to reflect the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the antenna element. In addition, the antenna device includes a substrate on which the antenna element and the reflector are located. In addition, the substrate has a main extension plane extending in a horizontal direction and a lateral direction. This means that the substrate has: a surface defining the main extension plane extending in the horizontal direction and the lateral direction. In other words, the substrate defines the main extension plane extending in the horizontal direction and the lateral direction, and the surface of the substrate is located / arranged within the main extension plane. In addition, a vertical direction extends perpendicular to the horizontal direction and the lateral direction, and thus perpendicular to the main extension plane of the substrate. In addition, the reflector is configured to spatially narrow the electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna element in the vertical direction. In addition, the reflector is configured to spatially widen the electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna element in the horizontal direction.

[0007] The advantage of this aspect is that, by means of a specific geometry or form of the reflector, the electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna element are reflected by the reflector in a narrower but at the same time wider channel. Thus, by narrowing the propagation of the electromagnetic waves in one direction and simultaneously widening the propagation of the electromagnetic waves in another direction, the reflector can improve the adjustment / adaptation of the channel through which the emitted electromagnetic waves propagate. Thus, a more accurate detection of an object can be achieved with the reflector. This is particularly useful when the antenna device is used for an automotive sensor that can detect movement relative to the vehicle in a specific channel, because the spatial narrowing of the reflector and the spatial widening in the horizontal direction can be combined with the vehicle being adjusted to a specific channel, which should be supervised. Thus, the detection accuracy can be improved. In addition, it is advantageous to mount the reflector to the substrate of the antenna device by welding, thereby reducing external noise that may be caused by a potential gap between the reflector and the substrate. In other words, in order to reduce external noise, it may be advantageous that there is no gap between the reflector and the substrate of the antenna device. Alternatively or additionally, the reflector can be attached to the substrate of the antenna device by another adhesive bond such as welding, bonding, etc.

[0008] In other words, the antenna device includes an antenna element, which is configured to emit, send and / or generate and receive and / or be affected by electromagnetic waves or radar. In addition, the antenna device may include a reflector for reflecting and / or deflecting electromagnetic waves emitted from the antenna element. The antenna element may be any element configured to output radar waves and / or electromagnetic waves. In the following, the terms "electromagnetic waves", "radar waves", "radar signals" and "radar" are used as synonyms. In particular, a reflector may be any element configured to reflect and / or deflect electromagnetic waves emitted from an antenna element toward an object. In addition, the antenna device may include a substrate on which the antenna element and the reflector are located, on which they are positioned relative to each other and / or on which they are oriented relative to each other. The substrate may be, for example, a PCB or a flexible PCB.

[0009] In addition, the substrate can have, include and / or contain a main extension plane, in particular a plane of main dimension extension, or a plane oriented in horizontal and transverse directions. In addition, the vertical direction can extend perpendicularly to the horizontal and transverse directions, thereby perpendicular to the main extension plane of the substrate. Figure 2 These directions used in the context of the present invention are shown in .

[0010] In one example, the dimensions of the substrate are 100 mm x 100 mm x 3 mm. Thus, the main extension plane can be defined by two exemplary lengths of the substrate of 100 mm, thereby forming a horizontal direction and a transverse direction. In the case of being perpendicular to the horizontal and transverse directions, the vertical direction is oriented perpendicular to the main extension plane.

[0011] In addition, the reflector is configured to spatially narrow, reduce, and / or contract the electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna element in the vertical direction. In addition, the reflector is configured to spatially widen, expand, and / or spatially extend the electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna element in the horizontal direction.

[0012] In an example of the present embodiment, the reflector is a molded part that is connected to the substrate where the antenna element is located. Preferably, the reflector is attached to the substrate on which the antenna element is located. Thus, the antenna element can emit electromagnetic waves, which are reflected by the reflector towards an object. If the electromagnetic waves hit the object, they will be reflected back to the reflector. In addition, the antenna element is configured to receive the electromagnetic waves that have been reflected by the object via the reflector. The orientation of the reflector and the positioning of the reflector relative to the substrate and the antenna element can be learned in more detail from Figure 1 and Figure 2 the corresponding parts described in the drawings.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the reflector and the antenna element are located in the same plane of the substrate.

[0014] The advantages of this embodiment may lie in that: since there is no gap between the reflector and the substrate, external noise can be reduced, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the antenna device. In other words, the reflector and the antenna are positioned in and / or located in the same plane of the substrate and / or on the same surface of the substrate. For example, the reflector and the antenna element can both be located in the same plane, especially without offset from each other. It can also be said that the reflector and the antenna are both attached to the same plane of the substrate and / or the same surface of the substrate, especially without offset from each other with respect to the plane and / or the surface. This embodiment can also be easily learned from, for example, Figure 1 and Figure 4 the detailed embodiments shown.

[0015] A second aspect of the present invention is an automotive sensor for detecting the movement of an object, which is, for example, a user of a vehicle. The sensor includes the antenna device as described above and below. In addition, the automotive sensor includes a detection unit. The detection unit is configured to detect the movement of the object based on the electromagnetic waves emitted and received by the antenna element.

[0016] The advantage of this aspect is that with the help of the antenna device and the detection unit, a specific channel or field of view can be monitored by a vehicle sensor related to the movement or motion of an object, thereby providing multiple possibilities for further actions. This can be achieved by a specific geometry or form of the reflector, wherein the reflector reflects the electromagnetic waves in a narrower but at the same time wider channel. Therefore, the reflector can improve the adjustment / adaptation of the channel through which the emitted electromagnetic waves propagate, by narrowing the propagation of the electromagnetic waves in one direction and at the same time widening the propagation of the electromagnetic waves in another direction. Therefore, a more accurate detection of the object can be achieved with the reflector. This is particularly useful when using the antenna device for a vehicle sensor that can detect movement relative to the vehicle in a specific channel, because the spatial narrowing and the spatial widening in the horizontal direction of the reflector can be combined with the vehicle being adjusted to the specific channel, which should be supervised.

[0017] In other words, the automotive sensor may be configured to detect movement and / or position of an object with the aid of a detection unit, which may be configured to detect and / or identify movement, or to detect and / or identify movement of an object based on electromagnetic waves emitted and / or generated and received by an antenna element.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the reflector has a convex shape in the horizontal direction, preferably at least a partial U-shape in the horizontal direction. In addition, the convex shape in the horizontal direction makes the electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna element spatially widened after being reflected at the reflector.

[0019] The advantage of this embodiment may be that the electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna element become wider, or propagate more in the horizontal direction, so the vehicle sensor can monitor a wider or broader channel.

[0020] In other words, the reflector has and / or includes a convex shape. In particular, the cross section of the reflector in the transverse and horizontal directions includes the convex shape of the reflector. In other words, when viewed in the vertical direction, the cross section of the reflector has a convexity. This may result in a U-shape in the horizontal direction. In addition, the convex shape results in, generates and / or causes the electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna element to be spatially broadened and / or spread in the horizontal direction after being reflected at the reflector. This embodiment will be described in more detail below, especially in conjunction with Figure 2 and Figure 3 and its corresponding description.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the reflector has a concave shape in the vertical direction. In addition, the concave shape spatially narrows the electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna element when reflected at the reflector in the vertical direction.

[0022] The advantage of this embodiment may be that, with the help of the concave shape, the field of view of the antenna element monitored by electromagnetic waves is narrower, thereby reducing the detection failure rate.

[0023] In other words, the reflector has a concave shape in the vertical direction, in particular a parabolic shape in the vertical direction. In particular, in a cross section of the reflector along the lateral and vertical directions, the reflector has a concave shape. In other words, when viewed in the horizontal direction, the cross section of the reflector has a concave shape. The concave shape causes, generates and / or causes the electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna element to be spatially narrowed and / or focused in the vertical direction after reflection at the reflector. In addition, the concave shape of the reflector can extend over the antenna element.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the concave shape of the reflector has an imaginary focus which is positioned towards the antenna element.Furthermore, due to the convex shape in the horizontal direction, the reflector bends away from the antenna element in the horizontal direction.

[0025] An advantage of this embodiment may be that electromagnetic waves that have been reflected by an object are focused toward the antenna element, thereby increasing the yield of reflected electromagnetic waves.

[0026] In other words, the concave shape of the reflector has or includes an imaginary focus and / or a main focus, which is positioned or oriented towards the antenna element. In addition, the reflector includes a structure that is bent away from the antenna element in the horizontal direction and / or is bent away from the structure due to the convex shape in the horizontal direction and / or forms the structure. In other words, the reflector includes and / or forms a structure that is bent away from the antenna element in the horizontal direction and / or is bent away from the antenna element in the horizontal direction due to the convex shape in the horizontal direction.

[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment, in the antenna device, the reflector has a parabolic shape in the vertical direction (Z), and its focal length is selected from the range of 3mm to 10mm. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the focal length of the parabolic shape of the reflector, i.e., the parabola, is 3mm to 10mm, in another preferred embodiment, its focal length is 3mm to 8mm, and in another preferred embodiment, its focal length is 3mm to 5mm. This should be understood as including the focal length of the values ​​defining the aforementioned range, and therefore, the focal length of the parabolic shape can also be 3mm, 5mm, 8mm or 10mm.

[0028] It should be noted that in the context of the present disclosure, the term "parabolic shape" or "parabola" should be understood as the reflector extending in the vertical direction (Z) along one side of the symmetry line corresponding to a full parabola (which is commonly used by those skilled in the art). Therefore, the reflector has a curvature in the vertical direction (Z) that is the same as the side of the symmetry line corresponding to the full parabola. Figure 2 An embodiment of a reflector having such a parabolic shape is shown in .

[0029] According to an exemplary embodiment, in the antenna device, the reflector has a U-shape in the horizontal direction (Y), wherein the U-shape has a radius selected from the range of 1 mm to 10 mm. In another preferred embodiment, the U-shape has a radius of 3 mm to 8 mm, and in another preferred embodiment, the U-shape has a radius of 4 mm to 6 mm. This should be understood to include the radius values ​​defining the aforementioned range, and therefore, the radius of the U-shape in the horizontal direction may also be 1 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 8 mm or 10 mm.

[0030] In other words, the U-shape of the reflector may be defined by a radius between 1 mm and 10 mm and / or a convex opening angle between 0° and 90°. The opening angle is to be understood in the context of the present disclosure as follows: Figure 3 The angle between the X-axis shown and the surface of the back side of the reflector, where the back side is the side of the reflector facing away from the antenna element, such as Figure 1 In the figure, it is indicated by reference numeral 102. Therefore, when the opening angle is 0°, the openings above and below the X-axis are Figure 3 The upper and lower parts of the surface of the back side of the reflector shown will be closed, i.e. aligned next to each other. In the case of an opening angle of 90°, the back side of the reflector will be a straight plane. This is why the values ​​0° and 90° are not part of this embodiment.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ratio between the concave shape and the convex shape is between 1:2 and 1:3. This has the advantage that the ratio between narrowing and widening can be more effective, thereby increasing the yield of reflected electromagnetic waves.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the antenna element is configured to transmit radar signals. In addition, the antenna element is configured to receive radar signals reflected from the object to the sensor. This embodiment may have the advantage of a reduced number of elements because the antenna element includes both the functions of transmitting and receiving radar signals.

[0033] In other words, the antenna element is configured to transmit or output a radar signal, or an electromagnetic wave. In addition, the antenna element can be configured to receive a radar signal reflected from an object via a reflector. In other words, the antenna element transmits an electromagnetic wave to the reflector, and the reflector then directs the electromagnetic wave in the direction of the object. The object reflects the electromagnetic wave back to the antenna element via the reflector. In addition, the antenna element can then detect the object.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the sensor further comprises a transmitting circuit and a receiving circuit. In addition, the transmitting circuit is configured to output a transmission signal to the antenna element. In addition, the receiving circuit is configured to detect movement of the object relative to the sensor based on electromagnetic waves reflected at the reflector and received by the antenna element.

[0035] The advantages of this embodiment may lie in that: by using the transmitting and receiving circuits, the movement of an object can be detected, especially the movement within the field of view of the sensor.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the transmitting circuit and the receiving circuit are integrally formed as an integrated circuit. In addition, the antenna element and the integrated circuit are preferably formed as one body.

[0037] The advantages of this embodiment may lie in that: the space required by the sensor can be further reduced, because all components can be formed as one body, or formed as a single piece.

[0038] According to an embodiment, the antenna element includes a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna. The transmitting antenna is configured to transmit electromagnetic waves, such as radio waves. In addition, the receiving antenna is configured to receive the electromagnetic waves reflected at the object and then reflected at the reflector, such as radio waves. In addition, the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna are preferably located side by side on the substrate of the sensor.

[0039] The advantages of this embodiment may lie in that: the required space is further reduced, because the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna are placed side by side, and less space is required for doing so.

[0040] In other words, both the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna are located on the same substrate, especially side by side on the same surface of the substrate. Side by side in this context may mean that the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna are positioned closely adjacent to each other, especially adjacent to each other.

[0041] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle having a sensor for detecting the movement of an object is provided. The vehicle includes the sensor as described above and below.

[0042] The advantage of this aspect is that: a vehicle including the sensor as described above and below has better user - friendliness, because the specific geometry or form of the reflector reduces the false detection and misinterpretation of movement, and the latter may trigger vehicle functions that the user does not need. In particular, automotive sensors for detecting movement relative to the vehicle in a specific lane are very helpful, because the narrowing of the space of the reflector and the widening of the space in the horizontal direction can be combined with the vehicle being adjusted to a specific lane, which should be supervised. Therefore, the detection accuracy can be improved.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the sensor is attached to the vehicle below the trunk of the vehicle, such as at the bumper of the vehicle. In addition, the sensor is embodied as a kick - type sensor and is configured to detect the movement of the user opening the trunk lid of the vehicle.

[0044] The advantages of this embodiment may lie in that the usability of the vehicle for the user is improved because the movement of the vehicle user can be detected more precisely due to the specific form of the reflector.

[0045] In other words, the sensor is attached and / or positioned beside the trunk of the vehicle, particularly at the bumper of the vehicle. Additionally, the sensor can be embodied as a kick sensor and can be configured to detect the movement of the user, and this movement can indicate / initiate the opening and / or closing of the vehicle trunk lid. For example, the user can approach the trunk of the vehicle and move their feet under the kick sensor, thereby initiating the opening procedure of the trunk lid. In another scenario, when the trunk lid is already open, by triggering the kick sensor, the trunk lid will automatically close.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the sensor is configured to measure the opening movement of the lid of the vehicle. Additionally, the sensor is configured to detect whether the lid that is undergoing the opening movement is approaching an object, such as a garage ceiling or wall.

[0047] The advantages of this embodiment may lie in that the usability of the vehicle is further improved because the burden on the vehicle user is further reduced.

[0048] In other words, the sensor can be configured to measure and / or observe the opening or closing movement of the lid of the vehicle, particularly for preventing the automatic tailgate from colliding. The sensor can be configured to: detect and / or monitor whether the lid is undergoing or performing an opening and / or closing movement, and whether it is approaching and / or getting close to an object. The object can be any object near the trunk lid, such as a garage ceiling, wall, or pillar. Additionally, with the help of the sensor device, any object between the lid and the sensor can be detected, thereby improving the closing movement of the lid.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the sensor is attached to an interior part of the vehicle and is configured to detect the movement of a user inside the vehicle.

[0050] The advantages of this embodiment may lie in that by placing the sensor inside the vehicle, another input channel for the vehicle user is provided, thereby improving the usability of the vehicle.

[0051] In other words, the sensor can be located inside the vehicle, so that it can detect and recognize movements, particularly the postures of users inside the vehicle. Another beneficial effect can be, for example, that with the help of the sensor, the movement of people outside the vehicle can be detected in combination with the anti-theft system.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the sensor is configured to detect objects inside the vehicle. Thus, in such an embodiment, the processor or computing unit of the sensor can determine whether it is a person or an object. In other words, the processor / computing unit can be configured to distinguish between the persons and objects inside the vehicle detected by the sensor. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is important to note that both the user and the object can be detected.

[0053] Furthermore, when the sensor proposed herein detects movement inside the vehicle, such detection can be used for several use cases, such as child presence detection, anti-theft alarm, and seat belt reminder. Thus, in this embodiment, the sensor can be configured to generate an alarm signal indicating the detection of theft, where the signal is generated after the sensor detects a theft event. In another embodiment, the sensor can be configured to generate an alarm signal to remind the user to fasten the seat belt, where the signal is generated when the sensor detects a person inside the vehicle and not wearing the seat belt.

[0054] Detecting the user and objects inside the vehicle is one use case, while another use case is detecting movement outside the vehicle. Thus, according to another exemplary embodiment, the sensor is placed around the vehicle / car so as to cover the external area. In one embodiment, the sensor is located in the door handle, preferably behind a protective element, such as behind a plastic cover. In this way, the sensor will detect whether there is a possible forced entry into the vehicle or a person with a similar intention moving outside the vehicle.

[0055] According to another exemplary embodiment, the sensor is configured to generate an alarm signal or a control signal when it has detected an object and / or a person. In a preferred embodiment, the headlights can be turned on and / or the in-vehicle camera can be activated to record video through the control signal generated by the sensor.

[0056] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for detecting the movement of an object relative to a vehicle sensor. The method includes the step of providing a sensor having an antenna device, the antenna device including an antenna element and a substrate on which a reflector is located. Further, the substrate has a main extension plane extending in a horizontal direction and a lateral direction. Further, a vertical direction extends perpendicular to the horizontal direction and the lateral direction and thus perpendicular to the main extension plane of the substrate. Further, the method includes the step of emitting an electromagnetic wave from the antenna element of the sensor. Further, the method includes the steps of reflecting, by a reflector of the sensor, the electromagnetic wave emitted from the antenna element, thereby narrowing the electromagnetic wave emitted by the antenna element in the vertical direction and also spatially widening the electromagnetic wave emitted by the antenna element in the horizontal direction. Further, the method includes the step of reflecting, at the reflector of the sensor, the electromagnetic wave reflected by the object towards the antenna element. Further, the method includes the step of receiving, by the antenna element of the sensor, the electromagnetic wave reflected at the reflector. Further, the method includes the step of detecting the movement of the object relative to the vehicle sensor based on the electromagnetic wave received by the antenna element.

[0057] The advantage of this embodiment is that: by this method, the effectiveness of the sensor can be improved by means of the specific geometry or form of the reflector of the sensor. Thus, it is possible to reduce false detection and misinterpretation of movement, which may trigger vehicle functions that the user does not want. In particular, by this method, the detection of movement relative to the vehicle in a specific channel can be improved, because the spatial narrowing of the reflector in the vertical direction and the spatial widening in the horizontal direction can be combined with the vehicle being adjusted to a specific channel, which should be monitored. Thus, the detection accuracy can be improved.

[0058] In other words, a sensor is provided that includes and / or consists of an antenna element and a reflector, both the antenna element and the reflector being located on a substrate of the sensor. Relative to the surface of the substrate, a horizontal direction and a lateral direction are defined. In a case perpendicular to the horizontal and lateral directions, a vertical direction is provided, which is also perpendicular to the main extension plane and / or the surface of the substrate. The method includes the step of emitting and / or generating an electromagnetic wave from the antenna element of the sensor. The method includes reflecting or deflecting the electromagnetic wave by a reflector of the antenna element of the sensor, thereby modifying and / or changing the electromagnetic wave to have a spatially narrower field of view in the vertical direction and also a spatially wider and / or broader field of view along the horizontal direction. Further, the method includes the step of reflecting and / or deflecting, with the reflector, the electromagnetic wave that has been reflected by the object. Further, the method may include the step of receiving or collecting the electromagnetic wave reflected by the reflector towards the antenna element. Further, the method may include the step of detecting, monitoring and / or discovering the movement of the object relative to the vehicle sensor based on the electromagnetic wave that has been received by the antenna element.

[0059] Another aspect of the present invention is to use the antenna device to perform movement detection as described above and below.

[0060] All disclosures related to any aspect of the present invention as described herein are equally applicable to all other aspects of the present invention. Hereinafter, examples and embodiments of the present invention will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0061] Figure 1 An antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0062] Figure 2 A reflector according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0063] Figure 3 A reflector according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0064] Figure 4 An automotive sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0065] Figure 5 An automotive sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0066] Figure 6 A vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, and

[0067] Figure 7 A diagram illustrating a method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0068] Figure 1 An antenna device 100 is shown, which includes an antenna element 102 for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves - such as radar signals. In addition, the antenna device 100 includes a reflector 104 for reflecting the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the antenna element 102. In addition, the antenna device 100 includes a substrate 106 on which the antenna element 102 and the reflector 104 are located. In particular, the antenna element 102 and the reflector 104 are attached to the surface 120 of the substrate 106. In addition, the substrate 106 has a main extension plane 108 extending in the horizontal direction Y and the lateral direction X. In addition, the vertical direction Z extends perpendicular to the horizontal direction Y and the lateral direction X, and thus perpendicular to the main extension plane 108 of the substrate 106. In other words, the vertical direction Z is oriented perpendicular to the surface 120 of the substrate 106.

[0069] In addition, the reflector 104 is configured to spatially narrow the electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna element 102 in the vertical direction Z. Additionally, the reflector 104 is configured to spatially widen the electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna element 102 in the horizontal direction Y.

[0070] The advantage of this embodiment is that the electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna element 102 are reflected by the reflector 104 in a narrower but at the same time wider channel by means of a specific geometry or form / shape of the reflector 104. Therefore, the reflector 104 can improve the adjustment / adaptation of the channel through which the emitted electromagnetic waves propagate. Therefore, a more accurate detection of an object can be achieved by means of the reflector 104. This is particularly useful when the antenna device 100 is used in a car sensor for detecting movement relative to the vehicle 300 in a specific channel, because the spatial narrowing in the vertical direction Z and the spatial widening in the horizontal direction Y achieved by the reflector 104 can be combined with the vehicle 300 being adjusted to a specific channel, which should be supervised. Therefore, the detection accuracy can be improved. In addition, it can be advantageous to mount the reflector 104 to the substrate 106 of the antenna device 100 by welding, thereby reducing external noise that may be caused by a potential gap between the reflector 104 and the substrate 106.

[0071] from Figure 1 It can be seen that the antenna device 100 includes a substrate 106, which can be a PCB or the like. The antenna element 102 is located on a surface 120 of the substrate 106. The horizontal direction Y and the lateral direction X are both directions on the surface 120 of the substrate 106, and are located perpendicular to each other in the plane of the surface 120. In addition, the reflector 104 is located on the surface 120 of the substrate 106. In addition, the vertical direction Z extends perpendicular to the horizontal direction Y and the lateral direction X. In other words, the vertical direction Z is oriented perpendicular to the surface 120 of the substrate 106. In particular, the reflector 104 is configured to spatially narrow the electromagnetic waves that can be emitted by the antenna element 102 in the vertical direction Z. In addition, the reflector 104 is configured to spatially widen the electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna element 102 in the horizontal direction Y. This can be achieved by means of the concave 110 and convex 112 forms of the reflector, such as by combining Figure 2 and Figure 3 Explanatory.

[0072] Figure 2 A reflector 104 is shown. Figure 2 As can be seen in FIG, the reflector 104 includes a concave surface and / or a parabolic shape 112, which is configured to spatially narrow the electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna element 102 in the vertical direction Z. This is achieved by the concave surface and the parabolic shape 112 of the reflector 104 in the vertical direction Z. The concave surface and / or the parabolic shape 112 can be described by a cross section of the reflector 104. The cross section is defined through the reflector 104 along the transverse direction X and the vertical direction Z. Therefore, the cross section is located at Figure 2 The focus 114 of the parabolic shape 112 of the reflector 104 (see Figure 5 ) points to Figure 2The antenna element 102 not shown in the figure. Thus, in combination with Figure 2 , the focus will be located to the left of the reflector 104. By means of the concave and / or parabolic shape 112 of the reflector 104, the electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna element 102 are spatially narrowed. In other words, due to the concave and / or parabolic shape 112 of the reflector 104, the propagation of the electromagnetic waves is spatially narrowed in the vertical direction Z. Therefore, a specific area can be defined according to the concave and / or parabolic shape 112 to which the reflector 104 focuses the electromagnetic waves. As can be seen from Figure 2 , the reflector 104 is bent around the axis of the horizontal direction Y. This results in the concave and / or parabolic shape 112 of the reflector 104 relative to the antenna element 102. As explained above, it should be noted that in the context of the present disclosure, the term "parabolic shape" or "parabola" should be understood as the reflector 104 extending along one side of the symmetry line of the corresponding full parabola (which is commonly used by those skilled in the art) in the vertical direction Z. Therefore, the reflector 104 has a curvature in the vertical direction Z that is the same as one side of the symmetry line of the corresponding full parabola. Figure 2 An embodiment of the reflector 104 having such a parabolic shape 112 is shown in

[0073] As can be seen from Figure 3 , the reflector 104 has a convex shape 110 in the horizontal direction Y for widening the electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna element 102. Figure 3 The reflector 104 in Figure 1 is shown from an angle below the substrate arranged as shown in Figure 1 , but the substrate shown in Figure 3 is not shown. The convex shape 110 can be described by a cross-section passing through the reflector 104 along the axes of the horizontal direction Y and the lateral direction X. In other words, this cross-section lies in the XY plane in Figure 3 . As can be seen from Figure 3 , the reflector 104 is bent around the vertical direction Z such that the convex shape 110 of the reflector points towards the antenna element 102. In particular, the curvature of the convex shape 110 can be adapted to the area, which should be supervised by means of the sensor 200. Figure 3 The reflector 104 of Figure 3 generally has a U shape, which can be defined by an opening angle between 0° and 90° of the convex shape. The opening angle should be understood in the context of the present invention as the angle between the X-axis and the surface on the back side of the reflector 104 as shown in Figure 1 , where this back side is the side of the reflector 104 facing away from the antenna element, for example as indicated by the reference numeral 102 in Figure 3The upper and lower portions of the surface on the dorsal side of the reflector 104 shown will be closed, i.e., adjacent and aligned. In the case where the opening angle is 90°, the back surface of the reflector 104 will be a straight plane that is generally perpendicular to Figure 3 the axis of the horizontal direction X in

[0074] Figure 4 An embodiment of an automotive sensor 200 is shown. The automotive sensor 200 includes a detection unit 202 configured to detect the movement of an object based on electromagnetic waves transmitted and received by the antenna element 102. The antenna device 100 includes a reflector 104 located inside the automotive sensor 200. As can be seen from Figure 4 it, the reflector 104 has a concave shape 112 that causes the space of the electromagnetic waves transmitted by the antenna element 102 to narrow.

[0075] The sensor 200 also includes a transmission circuit and a reception circuit. Although these circuits are not shown in the figure, they are electrically connected to the antenna element 102. In addition, the transmission circuit is configured to output a transmission signal to the antenna element 102, preferably for generating a radar signal. In addition, the reception circuit is configured to detect the movement of an object relative to the sensor 200 based on the electromagnetic waves reflected at the reflector 104 and received by the antenna element 102. The transmission circuit and the reception circuit may be integrally formed as an integrated circuit, but in another embodiment, they may be provided as separate units. In addition, the antenna element 102 and the integrated circuit are preferably formed integrally.

[0076] Figure 5 An automotive sensor 200 is shown, which includes a cover 204 and an antenna cover 208 that forms the housing of the sensor 200. In addition, the sensor 200 includes an electrical connector 206 interconnected with the substrate 106. The antenna element 102 and the reflector 104 are located on the substrate 106, where the reflector 104 at least partially protrudes above the antenna element 102 due to its concave shape 112 having a focal point 114. The reflector 104 is configured to produce the focal point 114. The reflector 104 includes a concave shape 112 for narrowing the electromagnetic waves in the vertical direction Z. In addition, the reflector 104 has a convex shape 110 in the horizontal direction, thereby widening the electromagnetic waves transmitted by the antenna element 102 in space. In addition, the substrate 106 includes a main extension plane 108. The vertical direction Z is positioned perpendicular to the main extension plane 108.

[0077] Figure 6A vehicle 300 is shown. The vehicle includes a trunk 302. The trunk 302 includes a lid 306 which is located above the bumper 304 of the vehicle 300. The sensor device 200 can be located inside the bumper 304. For example, a user can move his foot under the bumper 304 and the sensor device 200 can detect the user's movement. Then, the sensor device 200 can trigger an opening mechanism for the lid 306 in conjunction with the vehicle 300. Additionally, the sensor device 200 can detect a second movement that triggers a closing mechanism for the lid 306.

[0078] Figure 7 A flowchart showing the steps of a method 400 according to an embodiment is shown. The method 400 includes the step S1 of providing a sensor having an antenna device 100, where the antenna device 100 includes an antenna element 102 and a substrate 106 on which a reflector 104 is located. Additionally, the method 400 includes the step S2 of emitting electromagnetic waves from the antenna element 102. Additionally, the method 400 includes the step S3 of reflecting the electromagnetic waves emitted from the antenna element 102. Additionally, the method 400 includes the step S4 of spatially narrowing the electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna element 102 in the vertical direction Z. Additionally, the method 400 includes the step S5 of spatially widening the electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna element 102 in the horizontal direction Y. Additionally, the method 400 includes the step S6 of reflecting the electromagnetic waves reflected by an object at the reflector 104 of the sensor 200 towards the antenna element 102. Additionally, the method 400 includes the step S7 of receiving the electromagnetic waves. Additionally, the method 400 includes the step S8 of detecting the movement of an object relative to the sensor 200 of the vehicle 300.

[0079] Reference numerals

[0080] 100 - Antenna device

[0081] 102 - Antenna element

[0082] 104 - Reflector

[0083] 106 - Substrate

[0084] 108 - Main extension plane

[0085] 110 - Convex shape

[0086] 112 - Concave shape

[0087] 200 - Automotive sensor

[0088] 202 - Detection unit

[0089] 300 - Vehicle

[0090] 302 - Trunk

[0091] 304 - Bumper

[0092] 306 - Cover

[0093] 400 - Method

[0094] S1 - Provide

[0095] S2 - Transmit

[0096] S3 - Reflect

[0097] S4 - Narrow

[0098] S5 - Widen

[0099] S6 - Reflect

[0100] S7 - Receive

[0101] S8 - Detect

[0102] X - Lateral direction

[0103] Y - Horizontal direction

[0104] Z - Vertical direction.

Claims

1. An antenna device (100), comprising: an antenna element (102) configured to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves, a reflector (104) configured to reflect the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the antenna element (102), a substrate (106) on which the antenna element (102) and the reflector (104) are located, wherein the substrate (106) defines a main extension plane (108) extending in a horizontal direction (Y) and a lateral direction (X), wherein both the reflector (104) and the antenna element (102) are located on the main extension plane (108) of the substrate (106), wherein a vertical direction (Z) extends perpendicular to the horizontal direction (Y) and the lateral direction (X) and thus perpendicular to the main extension plane (108) of the substrate (106), wherein the reflector (104) is configured to spatially narrow the electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna element (102) in the vertical direction (Z), wherein the reflector (104) has a concave shape (112) in the vertical direction (Z), wherein the concave shape (112) spatially narrows the electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna element (102) after reflection at the reflector (104) in the vertical direction (Z), wherein the reflector (104) is configured to spatially widen the electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna element (102) in the horizontal direction (Y), wherein the reflector (104) has a convex shape (110) in the horizontal direction (Y), has at least a partial U - shape in the horizontal direction (Y), and wherein the convex shape (110) spatially widens the electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna element (102) after reflection at the reflector (104) in the horizontal direction (Y).

2. An automotive sensor (200) for detecting the movement of an object, the sensor (200 ） comprising: the antenna device (100) according to claim 1, a detection unit (202), and wherein the detection unit (202) is configured to detect the movement of the object based on the electromagnetic waves transmitted and received by the antenna element (102).

3. The sensor (200) according to claim 2, wherein the concave shape (112) of the reflector (104) has a virtual focus (114) positioned towards the antenna element (102), and wherein due to the convex shape (110) in the horizontal direction (Y), the reflector (104) bends away from the antenna element (102) in the horizontal direction (Y).

4. The sensor (200) according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the reflector (104) has a parabolic shape in the vertical direction (Z), and the focal length of the parabolic shape is selected from the range of 3 mm to 10 mm, and / or Wherein the reflector (104) has at least a partially U-shaped configuration in the horizontal direction (Y), and the U-shaped configuration has a radius selected from the range of 1 mm to 10 mm.

5. The sensor (200) according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 3, wherein the antenna element (102) is configured to transmit radar signals, and wherein the antenna element (102) is configured to receive radar signals reflected from the object to the sensor (200).

6. The sensor (200) according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 3, the sensor (200) further comprises: a transmitting circuit, a receiving circuit, wherein the transmitting circuit is configured to output a transmission signal towards the antenna element (102), and wherein the receiving circuit is configured to: detect the movement of the object relative to the sensor (200) based on the electromagnetic waves reflected at the reflector (104) and received by the antenna element (102).

7. The sensor (200) according to claim 6, wherein the transmitting circuit and the receiving circuit are integrally formed as an integrated circuit, and wherein the antenna element (102) and the integrated circuit are integrally formed.

8. The sensor (200) according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 3, wherein the antenna element (102) comprises a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna, wherein the transmitting antenna is configured to transmit radio waves, wherein the receiving antenna is configured to receive radio waves reflected at the object and then reflected at the reflector (104), and wherein the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna are located side by side on the substrate (106) of the sensor (200).

9. A vehicle (300) having a sensor (200) for detecting the movement of an object, the vehicle (300) comprises: the sensor (200) according to any one of claims 2 to 8.

10. The vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the sensor (200) is attached to the vehicle (300) below the trunk (302) of the vehicle (300), and wherein the sensor (200) is embodied as a kick sensor and is configured to detect the movement of a user opening the lid (306) of the trunk (302) of the vehicle (300).

11. The vehicle according to any one of claims 9 to 10, for preventing automatic tailgate collision, wherein the sensor (200) is configured to measure the opening movement of the lid (306) of the vehicle (300), and wherein the sensor (200) is configured to detect whether the lid (306) undergoing the opening movement is approaching an object.

12. The vehicle according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the sensor (200) is attached to an interior part of the vehicle (300) and is configured to detect the movement of a user inside the vehicle (300).

13. A method (400) for detecting the movement of an object relative to a sensor (200) of a vehicle (300), the method (400) Comprising the following steps: Providing a sensor (200) having an antenna device (100), the antenna device (100) including a substrate (106), with an antenna element (102) and a reflector (104) located on the substrate (106) (S1), wherein the substrate (106) defines a main extension plane extending along a horizontal direction (Y) and a transverse direction (X), wherein a vertical direction (Z) extends perpendicular to the horizontal direction (Y) and the transverse direction (X), and thus perpendicular to the main extension plane of the substrate (106), wherein both the reflector (104) and the antenna element (102) are located on the main extension plane (108) of the substrate (106), Emitting electromagnetic waves from the antenna element (102) of the sensor (S2), Reflecting the electromagnetic waves emitted from the antenna element (102) by a concave shape (112) in the vertical direction (Z) of the reflector (104) of the sensor, thereby narrowing the electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna element (102) spatially in the vertical direction (Z) (S4), and also by a convex shape (110) in the horizontal direction (Y) of the reflector (104), thereby widening the electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna element (102) spatially in the horizontal direction (Y) (S5), and Reflecting the electromagnetic waves reflected by the object towards the antenna element (102) at the reflector (104) of the sensor (S6), Receiving, by the antenna element (102) of the sensor (200), the electromagnetic waves reflected at the reflector (104) (S7), and Detecting a movement of the object relative to the sensor of the vehicle based on the electromagnetic waves received by the antenna element (102) (S8).

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