Antenna arrangement for radio frequency measurement signals of a radiation measurement sensor

Abstract

The invention relates to an antenna device (100) for radiating a measuring signal of a measuring sensor (200), comprising an antenna (110) made of plastic, a waveguide (120) made of plastic and a wall (115) with a metallization on the outside of the antenna (110). The invention also relates to a measuring device, comprising a measuring sensor (200) with a radar chip (210) configured for generating and / or detecting a measuring signal of a radar and an antenna device (100) with an antenna (110) and a waveguide (120) and configured for radiating a measuring signal of the measuring sensor (200). The invention also relates to the use of an antenna device (100) or a measuring device for measuring a fill level, a limit level or a pressure and to a method (200) for producing an antenna device (100) for radiating a measuring signal of a measuring sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an antenna device configured for radio frequency measurement signals of a radiation measurement sensor, a measuring device, an antenna device for transmitting radio frequency measurement signals and / or receiving reflected measurement signals to determine fill level, limit level or pressure, a measuring device for measuring fill level, limit level or pressure in a process plant, and a method for manufacturing an antenna device configured for radio frequency measurement signals of a radiation measurement sensor. Background Technology

[0002] Radar equipment is typically used as a field device in fill level measurement, limit level measurement, pressure measurement, or production automation. Here, a measurement beam is radiated from the excitation element or signal source of the radar equipment via a transmitting and / or receiving unit. For example, the measurement beam can be transmitted from the signal source to the transmitting and / or receiving unit via a rigid metal waveguide. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of this invention is to provide an alternative transmitting and / or receiving device for field equipment.

[0004] A first aspect of the invention relates to an antenna device configured to receive radio frequency measurement signals from a radiation measurement sensor, and comprising an antenna made of plastic and a waveguide (wellenleiter) made of plastic. The waveguide is integrally formed with the antenna. Furthermore, the antenna device includes a wall comprising a metallized portion on the outer side of the antenna. In this case, the wall can be made of plastic or metal, particularly of the same metal as the "metallized portion," and preferably a metal shell without a separate metallization layer.

[0005] For example, the measurement sensor can be a fill level measurement sensor, limit level measurement sensor, and / or pressure measurement sensor for process plants, which can operate using radio frequency measurement signals with frequencies greater than 70 GHz or greater than 100 GHz. Advantageously, measurement sensors with radio frequency measurement signals with frequencies >100 GHz can have low signal attenuation compared to conventional waveguides (Hohlleiters). Furthermore, such measurement sensors can have current isolation between the sensor electronics and the antenna, which can also be used for temperature decoupling between the sensor electronics and the antenna.

[0006] The antenna device can be a plastic antenna device, which can be partially metallized on the outside. That is, the antenna device can be integrally formed with the waveguide as the substrate, and a metal coating can then be applied to a portion of the outer side of the antenna.

[0007] The waveguide or feeder can be a plastic waveguide, which can be made of a dielectric material. Such a plastic waveguide can also have metal walls. Compared to a traditional waveguide, this waveguide can be filled with a dielectric material.

[0008] The waveguide can be configured to feed or couple radio frequency measurement signals from a measurement sensor and guide the measurement signals to an antenna. By utilizing an antenna integrally formed with the waveguide, the coupling point between the antenna and the waveguide can be advantageously eliminated, and reflections and attenuation at the coupling point and at the transition between the antenna and the waveguide can be reduced or minimized. In other words, this antenna arrangement can be used to minimize the sensitivity of the measurement system (e.g., a radar system) and correspondingly improve the stability of the measurement system. This is particularly advantageous for measurement systems with high operating frequencies (e.g., greater than 100 GHz) and waveguides with relatively small diameters and relatively long lengths.

[0009] Antenna devices can be partially metallized on the outer side of the antenna. The metallized walls of the antenna can be used to reduce or minimize sensitivity to interference from objects adjacent to the waveguide that may cause interfering echoes and amplify antenna ringing.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the antenna is a horn antenna or a parabolic antenna.

[0011] According to another embodiment, the antenna is designed to be conical.

[0012] According to another embodiment, the antenna device further includes an anti-reflection element disposed on the outside of the transition region between the antenna and the waveguide, and configured to reduce the reflection of the measurement signal in the transition region.

[0013] By forming an integrated antenna device with a filled antenna horn and an integrated feed waveguide, the measurement signal reflected at the transition point can be scattered away from the anti-reflection element by an anti-reflection element that can be arranged in the transition region, thereby optimizing the transition in the transition region between the waveguide and the antenna horn for signal transmission.

[0014] According to another embodiment, the anti-reflective element is designed in a funnel shape.

[0015] To achieve the transition between the waveguide and the antenna with minimal reflection, a metal funnel can be placed in the transition region.

[0016] According to another embodiment, the anti-reflective element is a metal funnel partially filled with plastic.

[0017] According to another embodiment, the plastic is a dielectric material made of PEEK, HDPE, PTFE, PFA, or PVDF.

[0018] Since the antenna and waveguide can be integrally formed, the plastic used as the dielectric filler material for the antenna device can be the same for both the antenna and the waveguide. Furthermore, the filler for the metal funnel can be made of the same filler material.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the DK value of the plastic is 2≤ε r ≤5, and its loss factor is 0.1≤tan(δ)≤0.00001.

[0020] Plastics used to fill antenna devices operating at high frequencies can be process-suitable for measuring equipment or systems with relatively low dielectric constant (DK) and loss factor. "Process-suitable" means the plastic can withstand high process temperatures and is resistant to various chemicals. For example, such plastics can be dielectric materials such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyethylene (HDPE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).

[0021] On the other hand, a measuring device is involved, comprising: a measuring sensor having a radar chip configured to generate and / or detect radio frequency measurement signals; and an antenna device having an antenna and a waveguide configured to radiate the radio frequency measurement signals of the measuring sensor.

[0022] The measuring device can be a self-contained measuring device with an internal power source, such as a primary battery, a storage battery, an energy harvesting system, or a solar cell. Such a measuring device can be advantageously used to monitor fill level, limit level, or pressure values ​​in process automation areas (e.g., logistics) in industrial or private environments.

[0023] The term "process automation in industrial or private environments" can be understood as a subfield of technology encompassing all measures for operating machines and equipment without human intervention. One goal of process automation is to automate the interaction of various components within a plant in industries such as chemical, food, pharmaceutical, petroleum, paper, cement, shipping, or mining. To this end, a large number of sensors are used, particularly suited to the specific requirements of process industries, such as mechanical stability, insensitivity to contaminants, extreme temperatures, and extreme pressures. The measurements from these sensors are typically transmitted to a control room where process parameters such as fill level, limit levels, flow rate, pressure, or density can be monitored, and settings throughout the plant can be changed manually or automatically.

[0024] One subfield of process automation in industrial environments involves logistics automation. In logistics automation, processes within buildings or individual logistics equipment are automated using distance and angle sensors. Typical applications include logistics automation systems for areas such as airport baggage and cargo handling, traffic monitoring (toll collection systems), trade, parcel delivery, and building security (access control). A common thread in the examples listed above is the need to combine presence detection with precise measurements of object size and location. For this purpose, sensors based on optical measurement methods, such as lasers, LEDs, 2D cameras, or 3D cameras, can be used. These sensors detect distance based on the time-of-flight (ToF) principle.

[0025] Another subfield of process automation in industrial environments involves factory / manufacturing automation. Examples of this application can be found in many industries, such as automotive manufacturing, food manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, or general packaging. The goal of factory automation is to automate the production of goods performed by machines, production lines, and / or robots—that is, to operate without human intervention. The sensors used here, and the specific requirements for measurement accuracy in detecting the position and size of the objects, are comparable to those in the aforementioned examples of logistics automation.

[0026] For example, in the field of goods logistics, inventory management across locations can be achieved in a simple way by continuously and automatically monitoring the filling level in mobile containers and preferably wirelessly transmitting the values ​​to a central assessment point. Using the monitored data, significant cost reductions can be achieved, for example, by optimizing the routes of delivery vehicles used to supply goods, depending on the specific problem.

[0027] By utilizing the integrated antenna device of the measurement equipment, a single coupling point can be provided in the entire transmission path of the radio frequency measurement signal; more precisely, a single coupling point can be provided between the radar chip and the free end of the waveguide or the feed line of the antenna.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the measuring device further includes a housing in which the antenna device is mounted. The housing has a bracket disposed within the housing and configured to secure the antenna device within the housing.

[0029] Advantageously, the antenna device with the antenna and integrated waveguide can be held and mounted in the housing or sensor housing, allowing the transition between the waveguide and the antenna to be optimized for measurement signal transmission via a bracket.

[0030] The mechanical contact between the housing and the metallized area of ​​the horn antenna should not affect the radio frequency signal.

[0031] According to another embodiment, the housing is configured to house the antenna device within the housing via a bracket, such that radio frequency measurement signals from the radar chip of the measurement sensor are coupled into the waveguide and guided from the waveguide to the antenna.

[0032] A lens can be placed between the radar chip and the waveguide of the antenna device. The lens can be configured to radiate the measurement signal from the radar chip of the measurement sensor onto the waveguide in a focused manner, and to feed or couple the measurement signal into the waveguide.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the measurement sensor further includes a printed circuit board on which the radar chip is disposed. The housing is configured to directly mount the printed circuit board and the radar chip at the free end of the waveguide of the antenna assembly via a bracket.

[0034] Printed circuit boards can be configured to house radar signal sources or radar chips, and antenna devices can be adapted and directly arranged therein. Therefore, another coupling point between the radar chip and the waveguide of the horn antenna device can be eliminated, and reflections during signal transmission can be further reduced.

[0035] According to another embodiment, the support is designed as a sleeve shape.

[0036] Alternatively, the support can be formed into another shape that corresponds to the internal shape of the housing.

[0037] According to another embodiment, the support is a pressure retainer (Druckhalter) and is designed such that the anti-reflective elements of the antenna device arranged on the outside of the transition region between the antenna and the waveguide can pass through the pressure retainer.

[0038] For example, the inner diameter of the sleeve-shaped support can be chosen to be large enough to allow the funnel-shaped structure to pass through the transition region from the waveguide to the horn antenna.

[0039] For example, if a high pressure load is necessary on the antenna assembly, the pressure retainer can be designed to have any length.

[0040] According to another embodiment, the bracket is disposed in the housing in the front region of the antenna to hold the antenna assembly. Alternatively, the bracket is disposed in the housing in the rear region of the antenna to hold the antenna assembly.

[0041] Alternatively, the pressure retainer is located only in the front region to take advantage of the transfer of temperature generated (e.g., from outside the antenna) to downstream electronics.

[0042] According to another embodiment, the support is made of metal or plastic.

[0043] The contact points of the pressure holder or pressure element can be located in the area of ​​the metallized antenna so that the transmission of the radio frequency measurement signal to the waveguide is unaffected, as well as during reception after radiation and reflection toward the target object.

[0044] According to another embodiment, the operating frequency of the radio frequency measurement signal is greater than 70 GHz, 120 GHz, or 200 GHz.

[0045] On the other hand, it relates to the use of antenna devices for transmitting radio frequency measurement signals and / or receiving reflected measurement signals to determine fill level, limit level, or pressure.

[0046] On the other hand, it relates to the use of measuring equipment in process plants for measuring fill level, limit level, or pressure.

[0047] On the other hand, a method for manufacturing an antenna device configured to receive radio frequency measurement signals from a radiation measurement sensor is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing an antenna device having an antenna and a waveguide made of plastic via injection molding, micro-injection molding, compression molding of a substrate, or 3D printing. The waveguide is integrally formed with the antenna. The method also includes the step of metallizing the outer side of the antenna to form a wall on the outer side of the antenna.

[0048] According to another embodiment, the method further includes the step of providing an anti-reflection element on the outside of the transition region between the antenna and the waveguide to reduce the reflection of the measurement signal in the transition region.

[0049] In measurement systems or devices operating at high frequencies, the manufacture of funnel-shaped metal horn antennas, which might be available in level measurement equipment with low-frequency (<100 GHz) measurement signals, can be technically complex due to their significantly smaller structure and longer horn antennas, potentially negatively impacting manufacturing costs. For example, at lower frequencies, funnel-shaped horn antennas can be manufactured by machining as turned parts. At lower frequencies, such horn antennas are typically filled with machined plastic cones to achieve a shortened structure and compressive strength. For measurement equipment operating at high frequencies, the machining of these components can be replaced by injection molding, micro-injection molding, matrix compression molding, or 3D printing processes due to the smaller diameters of the antenna and waveguide. Alternatively, if the operating frequency and the resulting required dimensional accuracy allow for machining, the antenna, along with the feed waveguide, can be mechanically manufactured by turning or milling. This can be performed, for example, at frequencies <100 GHz, particularly from 70 GHz to 100 GHz. At very high operating frequencies, particularly at >120GHz or >200GHz, and especially at 122.5GHz in the ISM band, the device can be manufactured using (micro)injection molding, antenna device substrate compression molding, or 3D printing technology.

[0050] Therefore, the antenna assembly can be formed separately or integrally with the antenna and waveguide. The metal horn of the radar antenna can be formed through local metallization of the substrate. Mechanical bonding between the metal wall of the antenna horn and the plastic filler has been achieved through partial metallization of the outer side of the substrate.

[0051] Therefore, horn antennas with waveguides can be manufactured at a very low cost. Furthermore, since the horn of the antenna can be formed with a metal wall by metallizing the filler cone, the metal horn and the filler do not need to be joined.

[0052] Embodiments of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. If the same reference numerals are used in the description of the drawings, they describe the same or similar elements. The illustrations in the drawings are schematic and not drawn to scale. Attached Figure Description

[0053] Figure 1a An antenna device according to one embodiment is illustrated schematically.

[0054] Figure 1b An antenna device according to another embodiment is illustrated schematically.

[0055] Figure 2a An antenna device according to one embodiment is illustrated schematically.

[0056] Figure 2b An antenna device according to another embodiment is illustrated schematically.

[0057] Figure 3a A measuring device according to one embodiment is illustrated schematically.

[0058] Figure 3b A measuring device according to another embodiment is illustrated schematically.

[0059] Figure 4a A measuring device according to one embodiment is illustrated schematically.

[0060] Figure 4b A measuring device according to another embodiment is illustrated schematically.

[0061] Figure 5a A measuring device according to one embodiment is illustrated schematically.

[0062] Figure 5b A measuring device according to another embodiment is illustrated schematically.

[0063] Figure 5c A measuring device according to another embodiment is illustrated schematically.

[0064] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing an antenna device according to one embodiment is shown schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0065] Figure 1a and Figure 1b Antenna device 100 is schematically shown, which is configured to measure radio frequency signals of radiation measurement sensor 200. The antenna device includes an antenna 110 made of plastic and a waveguide 120 made of plastic, wherein the waveguide 120 is integrally formed with the antenna 110.

[0066] The antenna device 100 also includes a wall 115 on the outer side of the antenna 110, which has a metallized portion or is formed as a metal housing.

[0067] Figure 1a and Figure 1b Antenna 110 is a horn antenna. Antenna 110 can be formed in a conical shape. Alternatively, antenna 110 can also be a parabolic antenna.

[0068] Antenna 110 and waveguide 120 can be integrally formed from the same plastic, wherein waveguide 120 is formed in a cylindrical shape. Transition region 130 is arranged between antenna 110 and waveguide 120.

[0069] Plastics can be dielectric materials made of PEEK, HDPE, PTFE, PFA, or PVDF. Furthermore, the DK value of the plastic can be 2 ≤ ε. r ≤5, and its loss factor is 0.1≤tan(δ)≤0.00001.

[0070] Figure 1a A metallized wall 115 is shown on the outside of the antenna 110 of the antenna device 100.

[0071] Figure 1b A cross-sectional view of an antenna device 100 is shown, which may have an internal filler made of plastic, wherein the antenna 110 and waveguide 120 can be integrally formed in the form of a common plastic filler. Therefore, the outer wall 115 of the antenna device 100 may be partially metallized up to the transition region 130. The outer side of the waveguide 120 may also be made of plastic without a metallized wall.

[0072] Figure 2a and 2b Antenna assembly 100 is shown, which also includes an anti-reflective element 150 disposed on the outer side of transition region 130 between antenna 110 and waveguide 120. Anti-reflective element 150 is configured to reduce the reflection of measurement signals in transition region 130.

[0073] The anti-reflective element 150 is designed in a funnel shape.

[0074] Figure 2a The anti-reflective element 150 is shown as a metal funnel. Therefore, the antenna assembly 100 can have metal walls on the outside of the antenna 110 and the anti-reflective element 150.

[0075] Figure 2b The antireflective element 150 is shown to be partially filled with plastic. For example, the antireflective element 150 can be integrally formed with the antenna 110 and the waveguide 120. A metal coating can be applied to the outer side, thereby forming the walls of the antenna 110 and the antireflective element 150 through partial metallization on the outer side of the substrate.

[0076] Figure 3a A measuring device 10 is shown, which includes: an antenna device 100; a measuring sensor 200 having a radar chip 210 configured to generate and / or detect radio frequency measurement signals; and a housing 300.

[0077] Figure 3bAn antenna assembly 100 is shown, comprising an antenna 110, a waveguide 120, and an anti-reflective element 150. The antenna assembly 100 is mounted in a housing 300 and configured to radiate radio frequency measurement signals. The measurement sensor 200 may also have a printed circuit board 220 on which a radar chip 210 can be disposed.

[0078] The housing 300 includes a bracket 350 disposed within the housing 300, and the bracket 350 is configured to secure the antenna device 100 within the housing 300.

[0079] The housing 300 is configured to house the antenna assembly 100 within the housing 300 via a bracket 350, such that measurement signals from the radar chip 210 of the measurement sensor 200 are coupled into the waveguide 120 and can be guided from the waveguide 120 to the antenna 110. For example, a printed circuit board 220 can be directly disposed at the free end of the waveguide 120 of the antenna assembly 100. Therefore, the printed circuit board 220 can be designed or adapted to allow the radar chip to be directly disposed at the free end of the waveguide 120. Furthermore, the housing 300 can be configured to secure the printed circuit board 220 containing the radar chip 210 within the housing via the bracket 350.

[0080] By directly arranging the radar chip 210 of the measurement sensor 200 on the waveguide 120 of the antenna device 100, a single coupling point can be provided throughout the radar signal path, or more precisely, between the radar chip 210 and the waveguide 120. Therefore, other coupling points (e.g., between the waveguide 120 and the filled horn antenna 110) can be advantageously eliminated, and less reflection can be generated in the measurement device 10.

[0081] The support can be made of metal or plastic.

[0082] The support 350 of the housing 300 may be designed as a sleeve. In addition, the support 350 may have a pressure retainer and is designed such that the anti-reflective element 150 on the outside of the transition region 130 of the antenna device 100 (which may be arranged between the antenna 110 and the waveguide 120) can pass through the pressure retainer.

[0083] like Figure 3b As shown, the bracket 350 may be disposed in the housing 300 in the rear region 112 of the antenna 110 or in the transition region 130 of the antenna device 110 for holding the antenna device 100.

[0084] Alternatively, Figure 4a and Figure 4b The bracket 350 is shown to be disposed in the housing 300 in the front region 111 of the antenna 110 for holding the antenna assembly 100.

[0085] Figure 5a , Figure 5b and Figure 5c It is also shown that the bracket 350 can be arranged such that, in the transition region 130 between the metallized horn filler and the waveguide 120 of the antenna assembly 100, the contact point between the bracket 350 or pressure retainer and the antenna assembly 100 does not affect the radio frequency measurement signal in the antenna horn. For example... Figures 5a to 5c As shown, the bracket 350 can be formed in different lengths.

[0086] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing an antenna device 110 configured to couple radio frequency measurement signals from a measurement sensor 200 is shown. In step 601, an antenna device 100 having an antenna 110 and a waveguide 120 made of plastic is provided by injection molding, micro-injection molding, matrix compression molding, or 3D printing, wherein the waveguide 120 is integrally formed with the antenna 110. In step 601, the outer side of the antenna 110 is metallized to form a wall 115 on the outer side of the antenna 110.

[0087] In addition, in step 603, an anti-reflection element 150 may be provided on the outside of the transition region 130 between the antenna 110 and the waveguide 120 to reduce the reflection of the measurement signal in the transition region 130.

[0088] Therefore, if the operating frequency and the required dimensional accuracy allow for machining, the antenna 110, together with the feed waveguide 120, can be mechanically manufactured by turning or milling. This can be done, for example, at frequencies <100 GHz, particularly from 70 GHz to 100 GHz. At very high operating frequencies, particularly >120 GHz or >200 GHz, and especially at 122.5 GHz, the antenna device 100 can be manufactured, for example, by (micro)injection molding, compression molding of the antenna device substrate, or 3D printing technology.

[0089] Therefore, the antenna device 100 having antenna 110 and waveguide 120 can be integrally formed. The metal horn of the radar antenna 110 can be formed by partially metallizing the substrate. The mechanical bond between the metal wall 150 of the horn of the antenna 110 and the plastic filler has been achieved by partially metallizing the outer side of the substrate.

[0090] Therefore, the horn antenna 110 with waveguide 120 can be manufactured at a very low cost. Furthermore, since the horn of the antenna can be formed with a metal wall 150 by metallizing the filling cone, the metal horn and the filling material of the antenna 110 do not need to be joined.

[0091] It should also be noted that "comprising" or "having" does not exclude other elements, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude multiple elements. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of the other above exemplary embodiments. Reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting.

[0092] Cross-reference to related applications

[0093] This application claims priority to European Patent Application No. 22,178,924.1, filed on June 14, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. An antenna device (100) configured for measuring radio frequency measurement signals of a measurement sensor (200) in a radiation measurement apparatus (10), comprising: Antenna (110) made of plastic; A waveguide (120) made of the plastic, wherein the waveguide (120) is integrally formed with the antenna (110); The wall (115) on the outer side of the antenna (110) has a metallized portion or is made of metal; and the antenna device (100) is characterized in that it further includes: An anti-reflection element (150) is disposed on the outside of the transition region (130) between the antenna (110) and the waveguide (120), and is configured to reduce the reflection of the measurement signal in the transition region (130). The anti-reflective element (150) is configured to pass through the support (350) of the measuring device (10) as a pressure retainer.

2. The antenna device (100) according to claim 1, in, The antenna (110) is a horn antenna or a parabolic antenna.

3. The antenna device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, in, The antenna (110) is designed to be conical.

4. The antenna device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The anti-reflective element (150) is designed in a funnel shape.

5. The antenna device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The anti-reflective element (150) is a metal funnel partially filled with the plastic.

6. The antenna device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The plastic is a dielectric material made of PEEK, HDPE, PTFE, PFA, or PVDF.

7. The antenna device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The DK value of the plastic is 2 ≤ ε r ≤ 5, and its loss factor is 0.00001 ≤ tan(δ) ≤ 0.

1.

8. The antenna device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in, The antenna device (100) is used to transmit a measurement signal as a radio frequency measurement signal and / or to receive a reflected measurement signal to determine the filling level, limit level, or pressure.

9. A measuring device (10), comprising: A measurement sensor (200) includes a radar chip (210) configured to generate and / or detect radio frequency measurement signals; The antenna device (100) according to any of the preceding claims is configured to radiate the radio frequency measurement signal of the measurement sensor (200); The housing (300) contains the antenna device (100) mounted therein. The housing (300) includes a bracket (350) disposed within the housing (300) and configured to secure the antenna device (100) within the housing. The bracket (350) is a pressure retainer and is designed such that the anti-reflective element (150) of the antenna device (100) located on the outside of the transition region (130) between the antenna (110) and the waveguide (120) can pass through the pressure retainer.

10. The measuring device (10) according to claim 9, in, The housing (300) is configured to house the antenna device (100) within the housing (300) via the bracket (350), such that the radio frequency measurement signal from the radar chip (210) of the measurement sensor (200) is coupled into the waveguide (120) and guided from the waveguide (120) to the antenna (110).

11. The measuring device (10) according to claim 9 or 10, in, The measurement sensor (200) also includes a printed circuit board (220), on which the radar chip (210) is disposed. The housing (300) is configured to directly arrange the printed circuit board (220) and the radar chip (210) at the free end of the waveguide (120) of the antenna device (100) via the bracket (350).

12. The measuring device (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, in, The support (350) is designed as a sleeve.

13. The measuring device (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, in, The bracket (350) is disposed within the housing (300) in the front region (111) of the antenna (110), which is designed to be conical, for holding the antenna assembly (100), or The bracket (350) is disposed in the housing (300) in the rear region (112) of the antenna (110) for holding the antenna device (100).

14. The measuring device (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 13, in, The support (350) is made of metal or plastic.

15. The measuring device (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 14, in, The operating frequency of the radio frequency measurement signal is greater than 70 GHz, 120 GHz or 200 GHz.

16. The measuring device (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein, The measuring device (10) is used in a process plant to measure fill level, limit level or pressure.

17. A method for manufacturing an antenna device (100), the antenna device being configured for measuring radio frequency measurement signals of a measuring sensor (200) of a radiation measuring apparatus (10), the method comprising: An antenna device (100) having an antenna (110) and a waveguide (120) made of plastic is provided by injection molding, micro-injection molding, matrix compression molding or 3D printing, wherein the waveguide (120) is integrally formed with the antenna (110); The outer side of the antenna (110) is metallized to form a wall (115) on the outer side of the antenna (110); Its features are: An anti-reflection element (150) is provided on the outside of the transition region (130) between the antenna (110) and the waveguide (120) to reduce the reflection of the measurement signal in the transition region (130); The anti-reflective element (150) passes through the support (350) of the measuring device (10) which serves as a pressure retainer.

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