Waveguide array antenna array and method of assembling the same for reducing side lobe level

Abstract

This invention discloses a waveguide array antenna array for reducing sidelobe levels and its assembly method, comprising: a mounting base and multiple waveguide antenna elements; the multiple waveguide antenna elements are arrayed on the mounting base, with an equal number of elements per row, odd rows aligned with odd rows, even rows aligned with even rows, and even and odd rows alternately arranged, and a preset gap is reserved between any two adjacent waveguide antenna elements, the preset gap being less than half the size of the reflector of the waveguide antenna element; wherein, a flexible conductive element connects the reflector of each waveguide antenna element to the reflector of the next adjacent waveguide antenna element in the same row; and a flexible conductive element connects the reflector of each waveguide antenna element to the reflector of the corresponding waveguide antenna element in the next adjacent row. This invention solves the problem of increased sidelobe levels and reduced receiving sensitivity caused by the segmented design of the array, thus improving the efficiency of the radar.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of waveguide array antenna array technology, and in particular to a waveguide array antenna array for reducing the sidelobe level of the array and its assembly method. Background Technology

[0002] In the radar field, to balance manufacturability and assembly requirements, the array surface of a large array waveguide antenna is usually divided into several antenna elements, which are discontinuous and have gaps of varying sizes. However, these gaps have a certain impact on the sidelobe level of the radar measurement. Moreover, the gaps and discontinuities between antenna elements caused by the segmented array design are difficult to fill due to the narrow actual gaps, usually less than 0.5mm, the lack of installation space. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the technical problems existing in the background art, this invention proposes a waveguide array antenna array for reducing the sidelobe level of the array and its assembly method.

[0004] The present invention proposes a waveguide array antenna array for reducing the sidelobe level of the array, comprising: a mounting base plate and multiple waveguide antenna elements;

[0005] Multiple waveguide antenna elements are arranged on the mounting base plate. The number of waveguide antenna elements in each row is equal. Odd rows are aligned with odd rows, even rows are aligned with even rows, and even rows and odd rows are arranged alternately. A preset gap is reserved between any two adjacent waveguide antenna elements. The preset gap is less than half of the reflector of the waveguide antenna element.

[0006] In this configuration, a flexible conductive element is connected between the reflector of each waveguide antenna unit and the reflector of the next adjacent waveguide antenna unit in the same row; and a flexible conductive element is connected between the reflector of each waveguide antenna unit and the reflector of the corresponding waveguide antenna unit in the next adjacent row.

[0007] Preferably, the thickness of the flexible conductive element is greater than the preset gap.

[0008] Preferably, the compression ratio of the flexible conductive element is 1:10.

[0009] Preferably, each flexible conductive element is fixed to the waveguide antenna unit in the previous adjacent row or column of the connected multiple waveguide antenna units by conductive adhesive.

[0010] Preferably, the conductive adhesive is a room-temperature curing silver-based conductive adhesive.

[0011] This invention also proposes an assembly method for a waveguide array antenna array for reducing the sidelobe level, applicable to the waveguide array antenna array for reducing the sidelobe level described in any one of the above claims, comprising:

[0012] A flexible conductive element is attached to the first sidewall of the reflector in the row direction and the second sidewall in the column direction of each waveguide antenna element using conductive adhesive, and the conductive adhesive is cured at room temperature.

[0013] Multiple solidified waveguide antenna element arrays are arranged on a mounting base plate, such that the number of waveguide antenna elements in each row is equal, odd rows are aligned with odd rows, even rows are aligned with even rows, and even rows and odd rows are arranged alternately. A preset gap is reserved between any two adjacent waveguide antenna elements, and the preset gap is less than half the size of the reflector of the waveguide antenna element. The reflector of each waveguide antenna element is connected to the reflector of the next adjacent waveguide antenna element in the same row through a flexible conductive component, and the reflector of each waveguide antenna element is connected to the reflector of the corresponding waveguide antenna element in the next adjacent row through a flexible conductive component.

[0014] The waveguide array antenna array and its assembly method proposed in this invention for reducing the sidelobe level solve the problems of increased sidelobe level and reduced receiving sensitivity caused by the segmented design of the array by connecting flexible conductive parts to the gaps between adjacent antenna elements. This can improve radar efficiency, avoid arcing between elements under high power, and shield the leakage of front-end microwaves. Moreover, the flexible conductive parts can be compressed and deformed to fill the gaps between waveguide antenna elements, and can keep the gaps filled with conductive material in vehicle-mounted or vibration environments. It has the characteristics of flexible structure and good shock resistance. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the waveguide array antenna array used to reduce the sidelobe level in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the waveguide antenna unit in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a waveguide antenna unit with a flexible conductive element installed in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of a waveguide array antenna array for reducing the sidelobe level in one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0019] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present invention can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0020] Reference Figure 1 The present invention proposes a waveguide array antenna array for reducing the sidelobe level of the array, comprising: a mounting base plate 1 and multiple waveguide antenna elements 2;

[0021] Multiple waveguide antenna elements 2 are arrayed on the mounting base plate 1. The number of waveguide antenna elements 2 in each row is equal. Odd rows are aligned with odd rows, even rows are aligned with even rows, and even rows and odd rows are arranged alternately. A preset gap is reserved between any two adjacent waveguide antenna elements 2. The preset gap is less than half of the reflector of the waveguide antenna element 2.

[0022] In this configuration, a flexible conductive element 3 is connected between the reflector of each waveguide antenna unit 2 and the reflector of the next adjacent waveguide antenna unit 2 in the same row; and a flexible conductive element 3 is connected between the reflector of each waveguide antenna unit 2 and the reflector of the corresponding waveguide antenna unit 2 in the next adjacent row.

[0023] It is important to know that, such as Figure 1 As shown, when a waveguide antenna element 2 is located at the beginning of an odd-numbered row or the end of an even-numbered row, the waveguide antenna element 2 corresponds to one waveguide antenna element 2 at the beginning of the next even-numbered row (i.e., adjacent row) or one waveguide antenna element 2 at the end of the next odd-numbered row (i.e., adjacent row); when a waveguide antenna element 2 is located at a position other than the end of an even-numbered row or at a position other than the beginning of an odd-numbered row, the waveguide antenna element 2 corresponds to two waveguide antenna elements 2 in the next adjacent row.

[0024] This invention solves the problems of increased sidelobe level and reduced receiving sensitivity caused by the segmented array design by connecting the flexible conductive element 3 to the gap between adjacent antenna elements. This can improve the efficiency of the radar, avoid arcing between elements under high power, and shield the leakage of front-end microwaves. Moreover, the flexible conductive element 3 can be compressed and deformed to fill the gap between waveguide antenna elements 2, and can keep the gap filled with conductive material in vehicle-mounted or vibration environments. It has the characteristics of flexible structure and good shock resistance.

[0025] Of course, the sidewalls of the reflector in the row and column directions are all flat, which makes it easy to bond with the flexible conductive component 3.

[0026] To facilitate the installation of the flexible conductive element 3, the flexible conductive element 3 is generally strip-shaped with a rectangular, circular, or elliptical cross-section.

[0027] In this embodiment, without external force, the thickness of the flexible conductive element 3 is greater than the preset gap to ensure that the gap between the waveguide antenna elements 2 can be filled.

[0028] In a further embodiment, the thickness of the flexible conductive element 3 is 2-5 times the preset gap.

[0029] It should be noted that the compression ratio of the flexible conductive element 3 in this embodiment is 1:10, in order to better fill the gaps.

[0030] In one specific embodiment, the preset gap is 0.4 mm, the thickness of the flexible conductive element 3 is 1 mm, and the compression ratio is 1:10.

[0031] In this embodiment, each flexible conductive element 3 is fixed to the waveguide antenna unit 2 in the previous adjacent row or column of the connected multiple waveguide antenna units 2 by conductive adhesive.

[0032] Specifically, the conductive adhesive is a room-temperature curing silver-based conductive adhesive to facilitate assembly.

[0033] The silver-based conductive adhesive is designated as H20E or 584-29.

[0034] In this embodiment, a bolt mechanism connects the waveguide antenna unit 2 and the mounting base plate 1.

[0035] Specifically, a positioning pin is also connected between the waveguide antenna unit 2 and the mounting base plate 1.

[0036] Reference Figure 2-4 The present invention also proposes an assembly method for a waveguide array antenna array for reducing the sidelobe level, applicable to the waveguide array antenna array for reducing the sidelobe level described in any one of the above claims, comprising:

[0037] The first sidewall of the reflector of each waveguide antenna element 2 in the row direction and the second sidewall in the column direction are respectively bonded with flexible conductive parts 3 using conductive adhesive, and the conductive adhesive is cured at room temperature.

[0038] Multiple solidified waveguide antenna elements 2 are arrayed on the mounting base plate 1, such that the number of waveguide antenna elements 2 in each row is equal, odd rows are aligned with odd rows, even rows are aligned with even rows, and even rows and odd rows are arranged alternately. A preset gap is reserved between any two adjacent waveguide antenna elements 2. The preset gap is less than half the size of the reflector of the waveguide antenna element 2. The reflector of each waveguide antenna element 2 is connected to the reflector of the next adjacent waveguide antenna element 2 in the same row through a flexible conductive element 3. The reflector of each waveguide antenna element 2 is also connected to the reflector of the corresponding waveguide antenna element 2 in the next adjacent row through a flexible conductive element 3.

[0039] This invention enables the splicing of waveguide antenna elements 2 according to the array size to form a large array. Furthermore, by connecting the flexible conductive element 3 to the gaps between adjacent antenna elements, it solves the problems of increased sidelobe level and reduced receiving sensitivity caused by the segmented array design. This improves radar efficiency, avoids arcing between elements under high power, and shields against leakage of front-end microwaves. Moreover, the flexible conductive element 3 can be compressed and deformed to fill the gaps between waveguide antenna elements 2, and can maintain the gaps filled with conductive material in vehicle-mounted or vibrating environments. It features a flexible structure and good shock resistance.

[0040] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A waveguide array antenna array for reducing the sidelobe level, characterized in that, include: Mounting base plate (1) and multiple waveguide antenna units (2); Multiple waveguide antenna elements (2) are arrayed on the mounting base plate (1). The number of waveguide antenna elements (2) in each row is equal. Odd rows are aligned with odd rows, even rows are aligned with even rows, and even rows are arranged alternately with odd rows. A preset gap is reserved between any two adjacent waveguide antenna elements (2). The preset gap is less than half the size of the reflector of the waveguide antenna element (2). In this process, a flexible conductive element (3) is connected between the reflector of each waveguide antenna unit (2) and the reflector of the next adjacent waveguide antenna unit (2) in the same row; and a flexible conductive element (3) is connected between the reflector of each waveguide antenna unit (2) and the reflector of the corresponding waveguide antenna unit (2) in the next adjacent row. When a waveguide antenna element (2) is located at the beginning of an odd row or the end of an even row, the waveguide antenna element (2) corresponds to a waveguide antenna element (2) at the beginning of the next even row or a waveguide antenna element (2) at the end of the next odd row; when a waveguide antenna element (2) is located at any other position in an even row that is not at the end or at any other position in an odd row that is not at the beginning, the waveguide antenna element (2) corresponds to two waveguide antenna elements (2) in the next adjacent row.

2. The waveguide array antenna array for reducing the sidelobe level according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the flexible conductive component (3) is greater than the preset gap.

3. The waveguide array antenna array for reducing the sidelobe level according to claim 1, characterized in that, The compression ratio of the flexible conductive component (3) is 1:

10.

4. The waveguide array antenna array for reducing the sidelobe level according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each flexible conductive element (3) is fixed to the waveguide antenna element (2) in the previous row or column of the connected multiple waveguide antenna elements (2) by conductive adhesive.

5. The waveguide array antenna array for reducing the sidelobe level according to claim 4, characterized in that, The conductive adhesive is a room-temperature curing silver-based conductive adhesive.

6. An assembly method for a waveguide array antenna array for reducing the sidelobe level, applied to the waveguide array antenna array for reducing the sidelobe level as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, include: A flexible conductive element (3) is attached to the first sidewall of the reflector in the row direction and the second sidewall in the column direction of each waveguide antenna unit (2) with conductive adhesive, and the conductive adhesive is cured at room temperature. Multiple solidified waveguide antenna units (2) are arrayed on the mounting base plate (1) so that the number of waveguide antenna units (2) in each row is equal, odd rows are aligned with odd rows, even rows are aligned with even rows, and even rows and odd rows are arranged alternately. A preset gap is reserved between any two adjacent waveguide antenna units (2). The preset gap is less than half the size of the reflector of the waveguide antenna unit (2). The reflector of each waveguide antenna unit (2) is connected to the reflector of the next adjacent waveguide antenna unit (2) in the same row through a flexible conductive element (3). The reflector of each waveguide antenna unit (2) is connected to the reflector of the corresponding waveguide antenna unit (2) in the next adjacent row through a flexible conductive element (3).

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