A radar antenna and a radar antenna cover

Abstract

This invention provides a radar radome for sealing a radar antenna array. The radar antenna array is disposed on an antenna base. The radar radome includes: a radome body connected to the antenna base and covering the radar antenna array to form a cavity sealing the radar antenna array, with the inner surface of the radome body facing the radar antenna array; a groove recessed from the inner surface, the position of which corresponds to the position of the radar antenna array to increase the volume of the cavity corresponding to the radar antenna array; and a metallized component embedded from the inner surface into the radome body and located outside the groove in the horizontal direction to extend the beamwidth of the radar antenna array in the horizontal direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of electronic devices, and in particular to a radar antenna and a radar antenna radome. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, millimeter-wave radar has appeared in industries such as security, autonomous driving, smart homes, and health monitoring. With increased R&D efforts, technological maturity, and cost reduction, it has become widely used in various fields. Among the components of millimeter-wave radar, the radome plays a crucial role. It not only provides indispensable protection for the radar antenna but also affects the radar's detection and sensing performance. Most existing radomes are used in high-gain scenarios. However, in scenarios requiring wide-angle detection capabilities, the narrow beamwidth of commonly used microstrip antennas is insufficient. Therefore, special radomes need to be designed to improve the antenna's beamwidth performance and address the concave antenna pattern caused by the radome's loading, thereby enhancing the radar's detection capabilities. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the above technical problems, this invention provides a radar antenna and a radar radome. By combining grooves and metallization structures, the half-power beamwidth of the antenna is expanded and the beam jitter caused by the radome structure is improved, thus ensuring the radar's large-angle detection capability and detection accuracy.

[0004] In one embodiment, a radar radome is provided for sealing a radar antenna array, the radar antenna array being disposed on an antenna base, the radar antenna array having a horizontal plane direction perpendicular to the feed line of the radar antenna array and a vertical plane direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane direction in its extending plane;

[0005] The radar radome includes:

[0006] The radome body is connected to the antenna base and covers the radar antenna array to form a cavity that seals the radar antenna array. The inner surface of the radome body faces the radar antenna array.

[0007] A groove, which is recessed inward from the inner surface, is positioned to correspond to the position of the radar antenna array, thereby increasing the volume of the cavity in relation to the radar antenna array. The groove has a pair of sides extending along the vertical plane.

[0008] A metallization assembly is embedded from the inner surface into the radome body and is symmetrically located outside the pair of sides in the horizontal direction to extend the beamwidth of the radar antenna array in the horizontal direction.

[0009] In one embodiment, the metallization component is disposed discontinuously along a direction parallel to the pair of sides, and the extension length of the metallization component corresponds to the length of the side.

[0010] In one embodiment, a plurality of metallized components are provided at intervals on the outer sides of the pair of sides along the horizontal plane direction.

[0011] In one embodiment, each of the metallized components includes a plurality of metallized holes, which are equally spaced along a direction parallel to the side.

[0012] In one embodiment, the gaps between the metallized holes in a plurality of metallized components located on the same side of the groove correspond.

[0013] In one embodiment, the gaps between the metallized holes in a plurality of metallized components located on the same side of the groove are staggered.

[0014] In one embodiment, the beamwidth of the radar antenna array in the horizontal direction is controlled by the spacing between the metallized component and the groove, the spacing between the metallized holes, and the diameter and height of the metallized holes.

[0015] In one embodiment, the radome body includes:

[0016] The cover includes a top wall and a side wall connecting the periphery of the top wall. The side wall and the top wall enclose a cavity for sealing the radar antenna array. The groove is formed in the top wall, and the side surface of the top wall facing the radar antenna array is the inner surface.

[0017] A flange formed on the edge of the sidewall facing the antenna base for fixed connection with the antenna base;

[0018] The thickness of the top wall is related to the wavelength of the radar antenna array, the relative permittivity of the radome body, and the electromagnetic wave incident angle of the radar antenna array.

[0019] The distance between the inner surface and the radar antenna array is an integer multiple of half the wavelength of the radar wire array.

[0020] In one embodiment, the radome body has a positioning hole corresponding to the antenna base, the positioning hole being disposed on the flange in a non-centrally symmetrical manner.

[0021] Another embodiment of the present invention also provides a radar antenna, comprising:

[0022] Radar antenna array;

[0023] Antenna base, wherein the radar antenna array is disposed on the antenna base;

[0024] The radar radome as described above.

[0025] Based on the above technical solution, the radar radome of this embodiment further incorporates a metallized structure 30 in the horizontal direction on the basis of the groove 20. This aims to expand the half-power beamwidth of the microstrip antenna in the horizontal direction and improve beam jitter caused by the radome structure, thereby ensuring the radar's large-angle detection capability and accuracy. The groove increases the transmittance of electromagnetic waves at large angles, while the metallized structure 30 enables beam control. The combined effect of these two elements widens the half-power beamwidth of the antenna, achieving a wide beam effect. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The following figures are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first embodiment of the radar radome of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a side view of the first embodiment of the radar antenna of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second embodiment of the radar radome of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a side view of a second embodiment of the radar antenna of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 5 This is the horizontal beam pattern of the radar antenna of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of the invention, specific embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same parts.

[0033] In this document, “illustrative” means “serving as an example, illustration or description”, and any illustration or implementation described herein as “illustrative” should not be construed as a more preferred or advantageous technical solution.

[0034] To keep the drawings concise, only the parts relevant to the invention are shown in each figure, and do not represent the actual structure of the product. Furthermore, to facilitate understanding, in some figures, only one of the components with the same structure or function is shown schematically, or only one is labeled.

[0035] In this article, terms such as "up," "down," "front," "back," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate the relative positional relationship between related parts, rather than to define the absolute position of these related parts.

[0036] In this article, "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish one another, and not to indicate degree of importance, order, or prerequisite for each other.

[0037] In this document, terms such as "equal" and "same" are not strict mathematical and / or geometric limitations, but also include errors that are understandable to those skilled in the art and permissible in manufacturing or use. Unless otherwise stated, numerical ranges in this document include not only the entire range within its two endpoints, but also several subranges contained therein.

[0038] The exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] To address the problems in the prior art, this invention provides a radar antenna and a radar radome, which expands the half-power beamwidth of the antenna through a combination of grooves and metallization structures, and improves beam jitter caused by the radome structure, thereby ensuring the radar's large-angle detection capability and detection accuracy.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first embodiment of the radar radome of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a side view of a first embodiment of the radar antenna of the present invention. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, one embodiment of the present invention provides a radar radome for sealing a radar antenna array 1, the radar antenna array 1 being disposed on an antenna base 2, wherein the radar antenna array 1 has a horizontal plane direction H and a vertical plane direction E that are perpendicular to each other in its extending plane;

[0041] The radar radome includes:

[0042] The radome body 10 is connected to the antenna base 2 and covers the radar antenna array 1 to form a cavity that seals the radar antenna array 1. The inner surface of the radome body 10 faces the radar antenna array 1.

[0043] The groove 20 is recessed from the inner surface, and the position of the groove 20 corresponds to the position of the radar antenna array 1, so as to increase the volume of the cavity corresponding to the radar antenna array 1.

[0044] Metallization component 30 is embedded from the inner surface into the radome body 10 and is located on both sides of the groove 20 in the horizontal direction H, so as to extend the beamwidth of the radar antenna array 1 in the horizontal direction H.

[0045] This embodiment provides a radar radome for a radar antenna, which adopts a closed radome form to structurally protect the radar antenna array. In this embodiment, the radome body 10 is formed of a dielectric material, which allows the electromagnetic beam output by the antenna to pass through, and its structural arrangement further enables the adjustment of the output beam performance.

[0046] Specifically, the radome body 10 is provided with a groove 20 corresponding to the radar antenna array 1. The groove 20 is located directly above the radar antenna array 1 and is used to improve the reflection and transmission coefficients of electromagnetic waves incident on the radome body 10, thereby increasing the transmission of electromagnetic waves at large angles of the radar antenna array 1. In one specific embodiment, the radar antenna array 1 is a series-fed transceiver antenna, which includes a receiving antenna and a transmitting antenna. Correspondingly, this embodiment includes two grooves 20, which correspond to the receiving antenna and the transmitting antenna, respectively. The grooves 20 are aligned with the center of the radar antenna array 1 and are formed in a manner that expands outward from the central axis. The area of ​​the groove 20 completely covers the area of ​​the radar antenna array 1.

[0047] Within the plane containing radar antenna array 1, the definition of the horizontal direction H is related to the orientation of radar antenna array 1. Typically, the H-plane of the antenna is also called the magnetic plane, referring to a plane parallel to the direction of the magnetic field; the E-plane of the antenna is also called the electric plane, referring to a plane parallel to the direction of the electric field. Therefore, the definition of the horizontal direction H is related to the orientation of radar antenna array 1.

[0048] In this embodiment, the horizontal direction H is defined as the direction perpendicular to the feed line of the radar antenna array 1. Correspondingly, within the extended plane of the radar antenna array 1, the direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction H is defined as the vertical direction E.

[0049] Within the main lobe of the radiation pattern, the angular width at which the power density relative to the maximum radiation direction drops to half is also called the 3dB beamwidth. The half-power beamwidth in the horizontal plane is called the horizontal plane beamwidth; the half-power beamwidth in the vertical plane is called the vertical plane beamwidth. The purpose of this embodiment is to extend the horizontal plane half-power beamwidth.

[0050] In this embodiment, the radar radome, based on the groove 20, further incorporates a metallized structure 30 in the horizontal direction. This expands the half-power beamwidth of the microstrip antenna in the horizontal plane and improves beam jitter caused by the radome structure, thereby ensuring the radar's large-angle detection capability and accuracy. The groove increases the transmission of electromagnetic waves at large angles, while the metallized structure 30 enables beam control. The combined effect of these two elements widens the antenna's half-power beamwidth, achieving a wide beam effect.

[0051] Combination Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 Curve A represents the gain curve of the radar antenna without a radome, curve B represents the gain curve of the radar antenna with an existing radome (without a control structure), and curve C represents the gain curve of the radar antenna using the radome of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the maximum antenna length of the radar antenna is 10 dB. Taking a -3 dB bandwidth performance as an example, the scanning angles corresponding to curves A and B are approximately -30° to 30°, or 60°, while the scanning angle corresponding to curve C is -50° to 50°, or 100°. Within this scanning angle range, the beam will experience significant jitter due to the influence of the radome structure. The radome of this embodiment, through the combination of grooves and metallization structures, can expand the beamwidth in the H direction, extending it from 60° to 100°, thereby achieving a smoother beam effect. Figure 5 As shown, its gain curve does not have obvious dips or jitters, which greatly improves the radar's large-angle detection capability and detection accuracy.

[0052] In a specific example, the groove 20 has a pair of sides extending along the vertical plane direction E, the metallization component 30 is discontinuously arranged along a direction parallel to the pair of sides, and the extension length of the metallization component 30 corresponds to the length of the sides.

[0053] The metallization component 30 is not formed as a continuous metal wall, but rather as a discrete set of multiple metal substructures. Due to the reflective effect of the metal structure on electromagnetic waves, this discontinuous, spaced structure allows electromagnetic waves to partially pass through, be partially reflected, or refracted at the location of the metallization component 30, thereby achieving beam confinement. Therefore, the structural parameters of the metallization component 30 directly affect the beam confinement and control. The extension length of the metallization component 30 is the same as or greater than the side length of the groove 20 to fully control the electromagnetic waves passing through the groove 20.

[0054] Each metallized component 30 includes a plurality of metallized holes 31, which are equally spaced along a direction parallel to the side. A metallized component 30, as referred to herein, is a combination of a plurality of metallized holes 31 extending along the vertical plane direction E.

[0055] The peripheral and top walls of the metallized aperture 31 are covered with metal, and the metallized aperture 31 is formed as a blind aperture embedded in the radome body 10. The cross-section of the metallized aperture 31 can be selected from various forms such as circular, triangular, and square, and the overall shape of the metallized aperture 31 can also be selected from various forms such as cylindrical or trapezoidal aperture. The diameter, height, and spacing between the metallized apertures 31 affect the beamwidth in the horizontal direction H of the radar antenna array 1. Furthermore, the shape or parameters of each metallized aperture 31 in a metallization component 30 do not necessarily need to be consistent.

[0056] In such Figure 1 In the example shown, each groove 20 corresponds to a metallization component 30. The metallization component 30 being located outside the groove 20 means that the metallization component 30 is spaced apart from the groove 20, not specifically that the metallization component 30 is closer to the edge of the radome body 10 than the groove 20. For example, a radar radome includes two grooves 20, and to isolate the receiving antenna and the transmitting antenna, the metallization component 30 is disposed between the two grooves 20. Optionally, the metallization component 30 may also be closer to the edge of the radome body 10 than the groove 20.

[0057] In this embodiment, the radome body 10 includes:

[0058] The cover includes a top wall 11 and a side wall 12 connecting the periphery of the top wall 11. The side wall 12 and the top wall 11 enclose a cavity for sealing the radar antenna array 1. A groove 20 is formed in the top wall 11. The side surface of the top wall 11 facing the radar antenna array 1 is the inner surface.

[0059] Flange 13 is formed on the edge of the sidewall 12 facing the antenna base 2 for fixed connection with the antenna base 2;

[0060] The thickness t of the top wall 11 is related to the wavelength of the radar antenna array 1, the relative permittivity of the radome body 10, and the electromagnetic wave incident angle of the radar antenna array 1.

[0061] The distance h between the inner surface and the radar antenna array 1 is an integer multiple of half the wavelength of the radar wire array 1.

[0062] The initial value of the radar radome thickness t satisfies the following formula:

[0063]

[0064] Where λ0 is the free-space wavelength corresponding to the center frequency of the antenna, and ε r θ is the relative permittivity, n is a positive integer, and θ is the angle of incidence.

[0065] The distance h between the inner surface of the radome and the antenna is generally taken as an integer multiple of half the free space wavelength of the required frequency, so that the loss of electromagnetic waves passing through the radome is minimized.

[0066] The radome body 10 is fixedly connected to the antenna base 2 by fasteners such as fixing screws. Specifically, the flange 13 fits against the antenna base 2, and the flange 13 is provided with screw holes for connection to the antenna base 2. Further, one or more positioning holes 40 may be provided on the flange 13, wherein the positioning holes 40 are arranged in a non-centrally symmetrical manner. For example, when multiple positioning holes 40 are included, they can be arranged in an axially symmetrical or surface-symmetrical manner, but cannot be arranged in a centrally symmetrical manner to avoid situations where rapid positioning cannot be achieved or positioning errors occur.

[0067] like Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a radar antenna, including:

[0068] Radar antenna array 1;

[0069] Antenna base 2, radar antenna array 1 is mounted on antenna base 2;

[0070] The radar radome includes a radome body 10, which is fixedly connected to the antenna base 2 by fasteners such as fixing screws. Specifically, a flange 13 fits into the antenna base 2, and the flange 13 is provided with screw holes for connecting to the antenna base 2.

[0071] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second embodiment of the radar radome of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a side view of a second embodiment of the radar antenna of the present invention. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, this embodiment provides a radar antenna and a radar radome, the radar radome comprising:

[0072] The radome body 10 is connected to the antenna base 2 and covers the radar antenna array 1 to form a cavity that seals the radar antenna array 1. The inner surface of the radome body 10 faces the radar antenna array 1.

[0073] The groove 20 is recessed from the inner surface, and the position of the groove 20 corresponds to the position of the radar antenna array 1, so as to increase the volume of the cavity corresponding to the radar antenna array 1.

[0074] Multiple metallization components 30a and 30b are spaced apart along the horizontal direction H on the outer side of a pair of sides of the groove 20 to extend the beamwidth of the radar antenna array 1 in the horizontal direction H.

[0075] In this embodiment, the metallization components are configured in a multi-level manner, that is, the beam is controlled and constrained step by step. The electromagnetic wave passes through metallization components 30a and 30b, and the beam is adjusted by metallization components with different parameters. Among them, multiple metallization components 30a and 30b are arranged at intervals along the horizontal plane direction H, that is, the distance between each metallization component and the side of the corresponding groove is different, and multiple metallization components are arranged in parallel.

[0076] Furthermore, in another embodiment of this embodiment, a plurality of metallization components may be included, wherein the metallization components 30 are symmetrically located outside a pair of sides and are arranged parallel to and spaced apart from the pair of sides.

[0077] Based on the above technical solutions, the radar radome in this embodiment can be implemented as follows: Figure 1 As shown, a metallized component 30 is provided on the outer side of each pair of sides of the groove 20, or as... Figure 3 As shown, a plurality of metallized components 30 are symmetrically arranged on the outer side of a pair of sides of the groove 20.

[0078] The grooves can increase the transmission of electromagnetic waves over large angles, and the symmetrical metallized components can achieve beam control. The combination of these two features widens the half-power beamwidth of the antenna, achieving a wide beam effect. At the same time, the symmetrical metallized components can also improve the stability of the antenna pattern, making the beam smoother and avoiding dips or jitter.

[0079] In a specific example, the groove 20 has a pair of sides extending along the vertical plane direction E, the metallization component 30 is discontinuously arranged along a direction parallel to the pair of sides, and the extension length of the metallization component 30 corresponds to the length of the sides.

[0080] The metallization component 30 is not formed as a continuous metal wall, but rather as a discrete set of multiple metal substructures. Due to the reflective effect of the metal structure on electromagnetic waves, this discontinuous, spaced structure allows electromagnetic waves to partially pass through, be partially reflected, or refracted at the location of the metallization component 30, thereby achieving beam confinement. Therefore, the structural parameters of the metallization component 30 directly affect the beam confinement and control effect. The extension length of the metallization component 30 is the same as or greater than the side length of the groove 20 to sufficiently confine the electromagnetic waves passing through the groove 20.

[0081] Each metallized component 30 includes a plurality of metallized holes 31, which are equally spaced along a direction parallel to the side. A metallized component 30, as referred to herein, is a combination of a plurality of metallized holes 31 extending along the vertical plane direction E.

[0082] The peripheral and top walls of the metallized aperture 31 are covered with metal, and the metallized aperture 31 is formed as a blind aperture embedded in the radome body 10. The cross-section of the metallized aperture 31 can be selected from various forms such as circular, triangular, and square, and the overall shape of the metallized aperture 31 can also be selected from various forms such as cylindrical or trapezoidal aperture. The diameter, height, and spacing between the metallized apertures 31 affect the beamwidth in the horizontal direction H of the radar antenna array 1. Furthermore, the shape or parameters of each metallized aperture 31 in a metallization component 30 do not necessarily need to be consistent.

[0083] Alternatively, the metallization component 30 may be formed as a metal pillar embedded within the radome body 10. For example, the radome body 10 may have multiple blind holes into which the metal pillar is embedded to form the metallization component 30.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment, the gaps between the metallization holes 31 in the plurality of metallization components 30 located on the same side of the groove 20 correspond.

[0085] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the gap between the metallized holes in the first metallization component 30a can correspond to the gap between the metallized holes in the second metallization component 30b to ensure better control of electromagnetic waves. Alternatively, the metallized holes in the first metallization component 30a can be staggered from the metallized holes in the second metallization component 30b.

[0086] The diameter and height of the metallized aperture 31, as well as the spacing between the metallized apertures 31 and the spacing between the metallized components and the groove 20, will affect the beamwidth in the horizontal direction H of the radar antenna array 1.

[0087] Based on the above technical solution, the radar radome of this embodiment further incorporates a metallized structure 30 in the horizontal direction on the basis of the groove 20. This aims to expand the half-power beamwidth of the microstrip antenna in the horizontal direction and improve beam jitter caused by the radome structure, thereby ensuring the radar's large-angle detection capability and accuracy. The groove increases the transmittance of electromagnetic waves at large angles, while the metallized structure 30 enables beam control. The combined effect of these two elements widens the half-power beamwidth of the antenna, achieving a wide beam effect.

[0088] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent implementation schemes or modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present invention, such as combinations, divisions or repetitions of features, should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A radar radome for sealing a radar antenna array (1), characterized in that, The radar antenna array (1) is disposed on the antenna base (2). The radar antenna array (1) has a horizontal plane direction (H) perpendicular to the feed line (1a) of the radar antenna array (1) and a vertical plane direction (E) perpendicular to the horizontal plane direction (H) in its extended plane. The radar radome includes: The radome body (10) is connected to the antenna base (2) and covers the radar antenna array (1) to form a cavity that seals the radar antenna array (1). The inner surface of the radome body (10) faces the radar antenna array (1). The groove (20) is recessed inward from the inner surface. The position of the groove (20) corresponds to the position of the radar antenna array (1) to increase the volume of the cavity in relation to the radar antenna array (1). The groove (20) has a pair of sides extending along the vertical plane direction (E). Metallization component (30) is embedded from the inner surface into the radome body (10) and is symmetrically located outside the pair of sides in the horizontal direction (H) to extend the beamwidth of the radar antenna array (1) in the horizontal direction (H). Each of the metallization components (30) includes a plurality of metallization holes (31) that are equally spaced along a direction parallel to the side, and each metallization component (30) is a combination of a plurality of discrete metallization holes (31) extending along the vertical plane direction (E).

2. The radar radome according to claim 1, characterized in that, The metallization component (30) is discontinuously arranged along a direction parallel to the pair of sides, and the extension length of the metallization component (30) corresponds to the length of the side.

3. The radar radome according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It includes a plurality of metallized components (30) which are disposed at intervals along the horizontal plane direction (H) on the outer side of the pair of sides.

4. The radar radome according to claim 3, characterized in that, The gaps between the metallized holes (31) in the plurality of metallized components (30) located on the same side of the groove (20) correspond.

5. The radar radome according to claim 3, characterized in that, The gaps between the metallized holes (31) in the plurality of metallized components (30) located on the same side of the groove (20) are staggered.

6. The radar radome according to claim 3, characterized in that, The beamwidth of the radar antenna array (1) in the horizontal direction (H) is controlled by the spacing between the metallization component (30) and the groove (20), the spacing between the metallization holes (31), and the diameter and height of the metallization holes (31).

7. The radar radome according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radome body (10) includes: The cover includes a top wall (11) and a side wall (12) connecting the periphery of the top wall (11). The side wall (12) and the top wall (11) enclose a cavity for sealing the radar antenna array (1). The groove (20) is opened in the top wall (11). The side surface of the top wall (11) facing the radar antenna array (1) is the inner surface. Flange (13), the flange (13) is formed on the edge of the sidewall (12) facing the antenna base (2) for fixed connection with the antenna base (2); The thickness of the top wall (11) is related to the wavelength of the radar antenna array (1), the relative permittivity of the radome body (10), and the electromagnetic wave incident angle of the radar antenna array (1). The distance between the inner surface and the radar antenna array (1) is an integer multiple of half the wavelength of the radar antenna array (1).

8. The radar radome according to claim 7, characterized in that, The radome body (10) has a positioning hole (40) corresponding to the antenna base (2), and the positioning hole (40) is arranged in a non-centrally symmetrical manner on the flange (13).

9. A radar antenna, characterized in that, include: Radar antenna array (1); Antenna base (2), the radar antenna array (1) is disposed on the antenna base (2); The radar radome as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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