Antenna structure, detection device and terminal equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses an antenna structure, a detection device and terminal equipment, relates to the technical field of millimeter-wave radars, and aims to reduce the profile height of the antenna structure. The antenna structure comprises an antenna housing and an antenna, a first surface of the antenna housing is in contact with a first surface of the antenna, a radiation part is arranged on the first surface of the antenna, a first slot is formed in the first surface of the antenna housing, and the first slot and the radiation part form a first cavity. The antenna cover and the antenna are attached together, and the position, opposite to the antenna radiation part, of the antenna cover is provided with the groove, so that the air gap between the existing antenna cover and the antenna can be saved, the profile height of the antenna structure is reduced, and the antenna structure can be suitable for application scenes with narrow installation spaces; and a certain air gap between the antenna radiation part and the antenna housing can be ensured through the slot on the antenna housing, so that the radiation performance of the antenna is maintained.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of millimeter wave radar technology, and in particular to an antenna structure, a detection device and a terminal device. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, millimeter wave radar has been widely used in various fields due to its advantages of low cost, large bandwidth, high resolution and strong penetration. For example, in the automotive field, since the wavelength of millimeter wave is between 1 and 10 millimeters (mm), the corresponding frequency range is 30 to 300 GHz. In this frequency band, the characteristics of millimeter wave are very suitable for vehicle detection. Therefore, millimeter wave radar is gradually used in the automotive field and plays an increasingly important role.

[0003] However, due to the limitation of vehicle installation space, certain requirements are also put forward for the size of vehicle-mounted millimeter-wave radar. However, the overall profile of the antenna structure in the current mainstream millimeter-wave radar is relatively high, resulting in a large space occupied by the millimeter-wave radar. Such constraints make it difficult to operate when the millimeter-wave radar needs to be installed in a small vehicle space.

[0004] In summary, how to reduce the cross-sectional height of the antenna structure is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in the field of millimeter-wave radar. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present application provides an antenna structure, a detection device and a terminal device, which are used to reduce the cross-sectional height of the antenna structure.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides an antenna structure, including an antenna cover and an antenna, wherein a first surface of the antenna cover contacts a first surface of the antenna, a radiating portion is arranged on the first surface of the antenna, a first groove is arranged on the first surface of the antenna cover, and the first groove and the radiating portion form a first cavity.

[0007] In the above design, by attaching the radome and the antenna together and making a groove on the radome relative to the antenna radiation part, the existing air gap between the radome and the antenna can be saved and the cross-sectional height of the antenna structure can be reduced, so that the antenna structure can be suitable for application scenarios with a narrow installation space. The groove on the radome can also ensure that there is a certain air gap between the antenna radiation part and the radome, thereby maintaining the radiation performance of the antenna. It can be seen that the antenna structure can maintain the radiation performance of the antenna while reducing the cross-sectional height, thereby taking into account both the radiation performance and miniaturization design of the antenna structure.

[0008] In a possible design, the size of the first slot is greater than or equal to the size of the radiating portion. In this way, the slot of the first slot can cover the entire radiating portion, so that the electromagnetic waves radiated from the radiating portion can be incident on the first slot as much as possible without being blocked by the thick wall of the radome.

[0009] In a possible design, the slot size of the first slot can be designed according to the divergence angle of the electromagnetic wave radiated by the radiating portion. For example, in the radiation direction of the electromagnetic wave, the slot size of the first slot can be designed to be equal to or slightly larger than the size of the area radiated to the first slot by the electromagnetic wave according to the outgoing divergence angle, so that the electromagnetic wave radiated by the radiating portion can be fully transmitted to the first slot.

[0010] In a possible design, the radiation portion includes at least one radiation port, so that the radiation portion can have the function of radiating electromagnetic waves.

[0011] In a further possible design, the radiating portion further includes a choke slot. In this way, the radiating portion can also have the function of suppressing surface waves to reduce interference.

[0012] In a possible design, at least two radiating parts are provided on the first surface, and the connection part between at least two radiating parts is in contact with the first surface of the antenna cover. In this way, by only making grooves in the area corresponding to the radiating parts on the antenna cover, while other areas keep in contact with the first surface of the antenna, the structural strength of the antenna cover can be maintained as much as possible while reducing the cross-sectional height.

[0013] In a possible design, the first surface of the antenna also includes a non-radiating portion, and the non-radiating portion is in contact with the first surface of the antenna cover. Optionally, in the case where only one first slot is provided for the radiating portion, the non-radiating portion can be understood as the portion on both sides of the radiating portion, and in the case where at least two first slots are provided for at least two radiating portions, the non-radiating portion includes the connecting portion between at least two radiating portions, or may also include the portion outside the radiating portion located at the edge. In this way, by keeping the non-radiating portion in contact with the first surface of the antenna, the structural strength of the antenna cover can be further improved.

[0014] In a possible design, the radiation part includes a transmitting radiation part and a receiving radiation part. Thus, the transmitting radiation part and the receiving radiation part are grooved in the radome so as to radiate electromagnetic waves or receive electromagnetic waves, thereby transmitting radiation and receiving radiation.

[0015] In a possible design, a support portion is provided in the first cavity, the support portion is connected between the first surface of the antenna and the radome, and is staggered with the radiating portion. In this way, by providing the support portion at the first slot to support the relatively weak radome, the structural strength of the radome at the first slot can be improved, and the protection capability of the radome can be improved.

[0016] In one example of the above design, the support portion includes a plurality of protrusions. For example, when the radiation portion includes a plurality of radiation ports, the plurality of protrusions may be arranged to stagger the plurality of radiation ports. In this way, the electromagnetic waves radiated by the plurality of radiation ports may be separated by the plurality of protrusions to reduce interference of the electromagnetic waves radiated between the plurality of radiation ports.

[0017] In a further possible example, the plurality of protrusions may be arranged periodically or non-periodically. Optionally, the periodic arrangement may suppress the lateral propagation of electromagnetic wave energy on the antenna radiation surface, so that more electromagnetic wave energy can be radiated along the radiation direction.

[0018] In one example of the above design, the support part can be made of absorbing material. Here, absorbing material refers to a type of material that can absorb or significantly reduce the electromagnetic wave energy received on its surface, thereby reducing electromagnetic wave interference. In this way, by making the support part with absorbing material, the antenna surface wave can be suppressed to a certain extent, thereby reducing the electromagnetic wave interference of the current radiating part to other radiating parts.

[0019] Alternatively, in another example of the above design, the support portion and the first shell are made of the same material. For example, the support portion and the first shell are both made of non-wave absorbing materials, or the support portion and the first shell are cast together. Using the same material to make the support portion and the first shell can simplify the difficulty of preparation.

[0020] In one example of the above design, the support portion and the first shell can be integrally formed to reduce the difficulty of manufacturing.

[0021] In a possible design, the thickness of the radome at the first slot can be designed to be an integer multiple of kλ1, where k is any real number in [0.3, 0.7], and λ1 is the wavelength of the center frequency of the electromagnetic wave radiated by the radiating part in the medium corresponding to the radome. Optionally, to ensure the best radiation performance, the thickness of the radome can be designed to be an integer multiple of 0.5λ1, that is, an integer multiple of half the wavelength of the medium.

[0022] In the above design, the integer multiples of 0.3 to 0.7 of the medium wavelength are located near the integer multiples of half the medium wavelength. By selecting a thickness within a thickness range around the optimal thickness as the thickness of the antenna cover at the first slot, the thickness of the antenna cover can be reduced while taking into account the radiation performance of the antenna, thereby minimizing the interference of the antenna cover on the electromagnetic waves radiated by the antenna.

[0023] In a possible design, the antenna structure may also include a monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC), which is coupled to the antenna and is used to send a frequency modulation signal to the antenna, or receive an echo signal from the antenna, and perform target detection based on the echo signal. In this way, the target can be detected through the MMIC and the antenna.

[0024] In a further possible design, the antenna structure may further include a printed circuit board (PCB), the PCB is placed between the antenna and the MMIC, and a hole is opened on the PCB, a wiring is arranged in the hole, and the MMIC and the antenna are connected through the wiring. In this way, by arranging the PCB between the antenna and the MMIC, the antenna and the MMIC can be separated, thereby reducing the crosstalk between the two.

[0025] In one possible design, the antenna is a waveguide antenna, which has the advantages of high power, enhanced shielding and low loss.

[0026] In a second aspect, the present application provides a detection device, comprising an antenna structure as in the first aspect and any one of the designs in the first aspect.

[0027] In a possible design, the detection device may further include a housing, which is connected to the antenna cover to form a cavity, and the antenna is embedded in the cavity. In this way, the housing and the antenna cover can constitute the main structure of the detection device, which is used to protect the antenna located inside and prevent it from being interfered by the external environment.

[0028] In a third aspect, the present application provides a terminal device, comprising a detection device as in the above-mentioned second aspect and any one of the designs in the second aspect.

[0029] In a possible design, the terminal device may further include a skin, which is placed on the outside of the detection device to maintain the aerodynamic shape of the terminal device.

[0030] The implementation and beneficial effects of the first to third aspects above will be specifically introduced in the embodiment section. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1a A schematic diagram showing an exemplary installation method of a radome and an antenna;

[0032] Figure 1b A curve diagram showing, by way of example, the correlation between the optimum thickness of a radome and the relative dielectric constant;

[0033] Figure 1c A curve diagram showing, by way of example, the correlation between the optimum thickness of a radome and the central frequency of an electromagnetic wave;

[0034] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a possible application scenario provided by the present application is exemplified;

[0035] Figure 3a A schematic diagram exemplarily shows an antenna structure;

[0036] Figure 3b A schematic diagram exemplarily showing another antenna structure;

[0037] Figure 4 A schematic diagram exemplarily showing an antenna structure provided by the present application;

[0038] Figure 5a A schematic diagram exemplarily showing a non-radiative part provided by the present application;

[0039] Figure 5b A schematic diagram exemplarily showing another non-radiative part provided by the present application;

[0040] Figure 6 A diagram showing an exemplary correlation between a first slot provided in the present application and a divergence angle of an electromagnetic wave;

[0041] Figure 7 A schematic diagram exemplarily showing another antenna structure provided by the present application;

[0042] Figure 8 The following is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a waveguide antenna provided by application scenario 1;

[0043] Fig. 9 The schematic diagram of the structure of a radome designed for the waveguide antenna in the first application scenario is exemplified;

[0044] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of an antenna structure obtained by assembling a waveguide antenna and a radome in application scenario 1 is exemplarily shown;

[0045] Fig.11 The following is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a waveguide antenna provided by application scenario 2;

[0046] Fig.12 The schematic diagram of the structure of a radome designed for the waveguide antenna in the second application scenario is exemplified;

[0047] Fig.13 A schematic diagram of an antenna structure obtained by assembling a waveguide antenna and a radome in application scenario 2 is exemplarily shown;

[0048] Fig.14 A schematic diagram exemplarily showing another antenna structure provided by the present application;

[0049] Fig.15 A schematic diagram of the structure of a detection device provided by the present application is exemplified;

[0050] Fig.16 An exemplary appearance diagram of a detection device provided by the present application is shown;

[0051] Fig.17 A schematic diagram showing the structure of a terminal device provided by the present application is exemplified;

[0052] Fig.18 A comparison diagram of the skin design between the detection device provided in the present application and the existing detection device is shown as an example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] Below, some terms in this application are explained. It should be noted that these explanations are for the convenience of understanding by those skilled in the art and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0055] 1. Radome

[0056] The radome is a functional composite material shell that combines electromagnetic wave transparency and structural protection. It is usually placed outside the antenna with a certain air gap between it and the antenna. Figure 1a Radomes can be used to provide a structural weatherproof enclosure to protect the antenna and other electronic components inside from the harsh external environment.

[0057] 2. Relationship between antenna performance and radome thickness

[0058] The structural design of the radome needs to maximize the working performance of the antenna. The working performance of the antenna is also called the antenna performance or the antenna radiation performance, which can be understood as the ability of the antenna to send and receive electromagnetic waves in a specific direction. For normally incident electromagnetic waves, the antenna performance mainly depends on the working frequency band of the electromagnetic waves, the thickness of the radome (such as Figure 1a T1 shown), the relative dielectric constant of the radome, the incident angle of the electromagnetic wave and the shape of the radome. Experiments have found that in order to allow electromagnetic waves to pass through the radome with the lowest loss, the optimal thickness of the radome should be set to an integer multiple of the half wavelength of the medium corresponding to the center frequency (which can be understood as the frequency at the center of the electromagnetic wave working frequency band), see the following formula (1.1) for details:

[0059]

[0060] Among them, T1 bestis the optimal thickness of the radome; n is a positive integer (to ensure that the radome has a certain structural strength, it is usually taken as an integer greater than or equal to 2); λ1 is the wavelength of the center frequency of the electromagnetic wave in the medium corresponding to the radome, referred to as the electromagnetic wave medium wavelength, which satisfies the following formula (1.2):

[0061]

[0062] Among them, c is the speed of light, ε is the relative dielectric constant of the medium corresponding to the antenna cover, and f is the center frequency.

[0063] Further, by deducing the above formulas (1.1) and (1.2), it can be concluded that the optimal thickness T1 of the radome is best The relationship between the relative dielectric constant ε and the center frequency f satisfies the following formula (1.3):

[0064]

[0065] Convert the corresponding relationship expressed by the above formula (1.3) into a graph:

[0066] See also Figure 1b , showing the relationship between the optimal thickness of the radome and the relative dielectric constant, where the curve L 11 and curve L 12 The curves respectively represent the correlation between the optimal thickness of the antenna cover and the relative dielectric constant corresponding to the electromagnetic waves with the center frequency of 62 GHz and 77 GHz. 11 and curve L 12 From any curve in , it can be seen that when the central frequency of the incident electromagnetic wave is fixed, the optimal thickness of the radome will decrease with the increase of the relative dielectric constant. In other words, if a dielectric material with a smaller relative dielectric constant is selected to make the radome, the optimal thickness of the radome is larger, that is, the radome can be made thicker. If a dielectric material with a larger relative dielectric constant is selected to make the radome, the optimal thickness of the radome is smaller, that is, the radome can be made thinner.

[0067] See also Figure 1c , showing the correlation curve between the optimal thickness of the antenna cover and the central frequency of the electromagnetic wave, where the curve L 21 , curve L 22 and curve L 23 The curves respectively represent the correlation between the optimal thickness of the radome and the central frequency of the electromagnetic wave when the radome is made of dielectric materials with relative dielectric constants of 2.0, 2.2 and 3.0. Reference curve L 21 , curve L 22 and curve L 23From any of the curves in , it can be seen that when the radome is made of dielectric materials with the same relative dielectric constant (such as the same dielectric material), the optimal thickness of the radome will decrease as the center frequency of the incident electromagnetic wave increases. In other words, if the center frequency of the incident electromagnetic wave is larger, the optimal thickness of the radome is smaller, that is, the radome can be made thinner. If the center frequency of the incident electromagnetic wave is smaller, the optimal thickness of the radome is larger, that is, the radome can be made thicker.

[0068] 3. Relationship between antenna performance and air gap thickness

[0069] Similar to the optimal thickness of the radome, the optimal thickness of the air gap is an integer multiple of the half wavelength of free space corresponding to the center frequency (which can be understood as the frequency at the center of the electromagnetic wave working frequency band), see the following formula (2.1) for details:

[0070]

[0071] Among them, T2 best is the optimal thickness of the antenna cover; m is a positive integer; λ2 is the wavelength of the central frequency of the electromagnetic wave in free space.

[0072] The foregoing text introduces some of the terms involved in this application. The following text introduces possible application scenarios of this application.

[0073] In a possible implementation, the antenna structure may be integrated into a detection device, and the detection device may be installed on a vehicle. The detection device may be, for example, a millimeter wave radar. Figure 2 , which exemplarily shows a possible application scenario of the present application. In this application scenario, the detection device is installed at the front bumper of the vehicle as an example, but it should be understood that the detection device can also be installed in any direction or multiple directions of the six directions of the front, rear, left, right, top and bottom of the vehicle, such as around the headlights, around the rearview mirrors, near the doors, at the rear bumper, behind the windshield or on the roof, so as to capture the vehicle's surrounding environment information. When the detection device is installed behind the windshield, it has a lower requirement for no risk of gravel collision, and will not affect the appearance of the vehicle. In addition, the front windshield itself has the functions of window heating, demisting and wiper cleaning.

[0074] Taking millimeter wave radar as an example, the working principle of the detection device is as follows: the detection device transmits millimeter waves to the detection area through the transmitting antenna. If there is a target in the detection area, the target can reflect the received millimeter waves back to the detection device (the reflected millimeter waves can be called echo signals). The detection device then receives the echo signals through the receiving antenna, and determines the associated information of the target after processing the echo signals. For example, the detection device can obtain the physical environment information around the vehicle body in real time or periodically (such as the relative distance, relative speed, angle, direction of movement, etc. between the vehicle and other objects), and then track and identify and classify the target based on the detected physical environment information, and then combine the vehicle body dynamic information for data fusion. After making a reasonable decision, the driver is informed or warned in various ways such as sound, light and touch, or the car is actively intervened in time, so as to ensure the safety and comfort of the driving process and reduce the probability of accidents. At present, vehicles can use millimeter-wave radar to realize functions of advanced driving assistant systems (ADAS), such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind spot detection, parking aid, lane change assistant, etc., and thus realize assisted driving or automatic driving of the vehicle.

[0075] It should be understood that the above application scenarios are only examples, and the antenna structure provided in this application can also be applied to other possible scenarios, not limited to the above-mentioned examples. For example, the antenna structure can also be installed on a roadside traffic radar to detect violations of vehicles passing through the surrounding roads, or to monitor the congestion level of the current traffic environment, and to evacuate in time, or to communicate with the vehicle to achieve intelligent vehicle-road collaborative communication, etc. For another example, a detection device integrated with the antenna structure provided by this application can also be installed on an aircraft, such as a drone, a passenger plane, a forest protection aircraft or an aerial survey aircraft, etc., to monitor obstacles in the flight environment, and to avoid them in time to reduce accidents. For another example, a detection device integrated with the antenna structure provided by this application can also be installed on a ship as a ship-borne detection device to assist the ship in safe driving. For another example, the antenna structure provided in this application can also be applied to a terminal device, or be arranged in a component of a terminal device, which can be, for example, a smart home device, a smart manufacturing device, a robot, or an intelligent transportation device, and the intelligent transportation device can be, for example, an automated guided vehicle (AGV) or an unmanned transport vehicle, etc. They are not listed here one by one.

[0076] It should be noted that the application scenarios described in this application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of this application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in this application. The above application scenarios can be applied to unmanned driving, automatic driving, assisted driving, intelligent driving, connected cars, security monitoring, biomedicine or mapping (such as three-dimensional mapping) and other fields.

[0077] As described in the background technology, the overall cross-section of the antenna structure in the existing millimeter-wave radar is relatively high. This is mainly because the existing millimeter-wave radar sets a certain air gap between the radome and the antenna, such as Figure 3a As shown. Therefore, the height of the entire antenna structure is at least the sum of the thickness T0 of the antenna, the thickness T2 of the air gap and the thickness T1 of the radome. According to the analysis in the above term explanation section, in order to reduce the interference of the radome and the air gap on the electromagnetic waves radiated by the antenna, the thickness T1 of the radome is generally set to the optimal thickness T1 of the radome. best , which is an integer multiple of half the wavelength of the radome medium. The thickness of the air gap T2 is generally set to the optimal thickness of the air gap T2 best , which is an integer multiple of half a free space wavelength. This constraint is applicable to printed circuit board (PCB) antennas, but it is extremely difficult for waveguide antennas, because the cross-sectional height T0 of waveguide antennas is much higher than that of PCB antennas. Therefore, the higher waveguide antenna plus two additional thicknesses T1 and T2 will make the overall cross-sectional height of the antenna structure very high, which makes the installation of millimeter-wave radars using waveguide antennas more difficult, especially in the automotive field, where it is difficult to encapsulate such a high millimeter-wave radar in a small installation space (such as the space inside the bumper).

[0078] Regarding the problem of the antenna structure being too high, although there are some millimeter wave radars that can reduce the height of the antenna structure, such as Figure 3b As shown, the millimeter wave radar actually obtains a wide bandwidth antenna by setting a protruding structure just above the radiation port to change the beam width of the radiation port by adjusting the thickness of the protruding structure. However, the existence of the protruding structure will also reduce the thickness of the air gap between the radome and the antenna, and increase the thickness of the radome itself, so that the thickness T2 of the air gap is less than the optimal thickness T2 of the air gap. best , and making the thickness T1 of the radome greater than the optimal thickness T1 of the radome best , which in turn affects the radiation performance of the antenna. In other words, this type of millimeter-wave radar actually increases the beam width at the expense of antenna performance. Although it can also bring about the potential effect of reducing the height of the antenna structure, it cannot guarantee the antenna performance while reducing the height of the antenna structure.

[0079] In view of this, the present application provides an antenna structure, which attaches the antenna cover and the antenna together, and slots the antenna cover relative to the antenna radiation part, which is equivalent to the air gap (such as Figure 3a The T2 shown in the figure is moved to the inside of the antenna cover to omit the air gap between the antenna cover and the antenna, effectively reducing the cross-sectional height of the antenna structure. At the same time, the slots on the antenna cover can be used to ensure that there is a certain air gap between the antenna radiating part and the antenna cover, thereby maintaining the radiation performance of the antenna, so as to ensure the antenna performance while reducing the cross-sectional height of the antenna structure.

[0080] Based on the above content, the following Figure 4 To Attachment Fig.18 , the solution provided in the embodiments of the present application is described in detail.

[0081] In the various embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified or provided in a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between the different embodiments are consistent and may be referenced to each other, and the technical features in the different embodiments may be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0082] In this application, "distance" does not refer to an absolute distance, which may have certain engineering errors. "Thickness" does not refer to an absolute thickness, which may have certain engineering errors. "Depth" does not refer to an absolute depth, which may have certain engineering errors. "Shape" does not refer to an absolutely uniform shape, which may have certain engineering errors.

[0083] See also Figure 4 , is a schematic diagram of an antenna structure provided in the present application. The antenna structure 400 includes a radome 410 and an antenna 420. The first surface of the radome 410 (S 11 ) and the first surface of the antenna 420 (shown as S 21 ) are in contact, the first surface S of the antenna 420 21 The radiation portion 421 is disposed on the first surface S of the radome 410. 11 A first slot 411 is formed on the upper surface, and the first slot 411 and the radiation portion 421 form a first cavity.

[0084] Exemplarily, the radiation portion 421 may be understood as a portion having an electromagnetic wave radiation function. For example, the radiation portion 421 may include at least one radiation port, and the at least one radiation port may be used to radiate electromagnetic waves to the outside of the antenna 420 and / or receive electromagnetic waves from the outside of the antenna 420. Figure 4It is taken as an example that the radiation portion 421 includes multiple radiation ports, but it should be understood that in the actual antenna structure 400, the radiation portion 421 may include any number of radiation ports, such as only one radiation port, or two or more radiation ports. For example, in some scenarios, a first slot 411 may be set for each radiation port in the antenna 420. For another example, in other scenarios, a first slot 411 may be set for all the radiation ports on the antenna 420. For another example, in some other scenarios, a first slot 411 may be set for the radiation ports gathered together on the antenna 420. And so on. By incorporating the position of the corresponding radiation port on the antenna cover into the range of the first slot, the electromagnetic waves radiated by the radiation port can be transmitted to the air layer at the first slot as much as possible, so as to meet the antenna radiation requirement of having a certain air gap and maintain the radiation performance of the antenna.

[0085] Further exemplarily, the radiation part 421 may include a transmitting radiation part and / or a receiving radiation part. Among them, the transmitting radiation part can be understood as a part used to realize the electromagnetic wave transmitting function, for example, it may include at least one radiation port for transmitting electromagnetic waves. The receiving radiation part can be understood as a part used to realize the electromagnetic wave receiving function, for example, it may include at least one radiation port for receiving electromagnetic waves. Optionally, in some scenarios, a first slot may be set for the transmitting radiation part and the receiving radiation part in the antenna respectively to separately manage the transmitting radiation part and the receiving radiation part. Alternatively, in other scenarios, a first slot may also be set for the transmitting radiation part and the receiving radiation part in the antenna together to reduce the difficulty of slot preparation. Alternatively, in some other scenarios, a first slot may also be set for some radiation ports in the transmitting radiation part and some radiation ports in the receiving radiation part in the antenna. And so on.

[0086] Further illustratively, the radiating portion 421 may have other functions in addition to the electromagnetic wave radiation function. For example, in one example, the radiating portion 421 may also include a choke slot, which is a slot opened on the surface of the antenna to suppress electromagnetic waves on the surface of the antenna (called surface waves) to reduce the interference of surface waves on electromagnetic wave radiation. For details, please refer to the introduction in the following application scenario 2. By including the position of the corresponding choke slot on the antenna cover within the range of the first slot, a certain gap can be reserved between the choke slot and the antenna cover to avoid direct contact and affect the function of the choke slot to suppress surface waves.

[0087] Exemplarily, the first side S of the antenna 420 21 In addition to the radiation portion 421, the first surface S of the radome 410 may also include a non-radiation portion. 11 The first surface S of the antenna 420 21 contact, which can be understood as: the first surface S of the antenna 42021 The non-radiating portion and the first surface S of the radome 410 11 When the antenna cover 410 has one first slot 411 or multiple first slots 411, the position of the non-radiating part in the antenna 420 is different, and specifically, the following situation 1 or situation 2 can be met:

[0088] For scenario 1, please refer to Figure 5a In the case where only one first slot 411 is provided on the antenna cover 410, the non-radiating portion 422 may refer to the first surface S of the antenna 420. 21 The parts located on both sides of the radiation portion 421, such as Figure 5a The part enclosed by the two elliptical areas shown;

[0089] In case 2, when at least two first slots are provided on the antenna cover 410 and correspond to at least two radiating parts on the antenna 420 respectively, the non-radiating part includes the connecting part between at least two radiating parts, or may also include the part outside the radiating part at the edge. Figure 5b , assuming that the first side S of the antenna 420 21 The first surface S of the antenna cover 410 is provided with a transmitting radiation portion 421a and a receiving radiation portion 421b. 11 The first slot 411a is provided at a position corresponding to the radiating portion 421a, and the first slot 411b is provided at a position corresponding to the receiving radiating portion 421b. Then, the connecting portion between the radiating portion 421a and the receiving radiating portion 421b (i.e., the portion enclosed by the middle ellipse) and the first surface S of the radome 410 are connected. 11 Optionally, the outer portion of the emitting radiation portion 421a (i.e., the portion enclosed by the left ellipse) and the outer portion of the receiving radiation portion 421b (i.e., the portion enclosed by the right ellipse) may also be in contact with the first surface S of the radome 410. 11 Contact.

[0090] In the above example, by making grooves in the area corresponding to the radiation portion on the antenna cover, while other areas remain in contact with the first surface of the antenna, the structural strength of the antenna cover can be maintained as much as possible while reducing the cross-sectional height.

[0091] For example, please refer to Figure 4 , the slot size of the first slot 411 may be greater than or equal to the size of the radiation portion 421. For example, in the radiation direction of the electromagnetic wave, the slot of the first slot 411 may cover the entire radiation portion 421, so that the electromagnetic wave radiated from the radiation portion 421 is incident on the first slot 411 as much as possible, and then can be emitted from the thin wall of the antenna cover 410, avoiding being blocked by the thick wall of the antenna cover 410.

[0092] For example, please refer to Figure 4 The slot size of the first slot 411 can be designed according to the divergence angle of the electromagnetic wave radiated by the radiating portion 421. The larger the divergence angle of the electromagnetic wave, the larger the slot size of the first slot 411 can be designed to be, and the smaller the divergence angle of the electromagnetic wave, the smaller the slot size of the first slot 411 can be designed to be. Optionally, in the radiation direction of the electromagnetic wave, the slot size of the first slot 411 can be designed to be greater than or equal to the size of the area radiated to the first slot 411 according to the divergence angle of the emission. For example, taking the radiation direction facing the antenna cover 410 as an example, please refer to Figure 6 Assuming that the first slot 411 is a cylindrical groove, the diameter D1 of the first slot 411 can be slightly larger than the diameter D2 of the electromagnetic wave radiated to the first slot 411 according to the divergence angle α. In this way, not only can the electromagnetic waves radiated from the radiating portion 421 be fully transmitted to the first slot 411 to avoid being blocked by the thick wall of the antenna cover 410, but the size of the first slot 411 can also be minimized to maintain the structural strength of the antenna cover 410 as much as possible.

[0093] It should be noted that the present application does not impose too many restrictions on the shape of the first slot 411. The first slot 411 can cover the radiation part in the actual application scenario in the radiation direction, for example, it can be a regular slot such as a rectangular slot, a square slot, an elliptical slot, a circular slot or an annular slot, or an irregular slot such as a spliced ​​slot or a special-shaped slot, etc.

[0094] In addition, considering the influence of process errors such as manufacturing errors and installation errors, the first surface S of the radome 410 11 The first surface S of the antenna 420 21 There may not be a strict zero spacing between them, and there may be a relatively small spacing. In the actual antenna structure 400, there may also be a first surface S of the antenna cover 410. 11 and the first surface S of the antenna 420 21 A gap is reserved between the first surface S and the second surface S, and the gap can be determined according to the process capability, for example, it can be set to 0.4 times the wavelength of the free space. 11 The thickness at the first side S is greater than the ideal thickness, or causes the antenna 420 to be 21 The thickness at the corresponding position is greater than the ideal thickness, and the antenna cover 410 and the antenna 420 can be installed together through the reserved gap.

[0095] Below Figure 4 Each of the components involved is introduced and explained separately to provide an exemplary specific implementation scheme.

[0096] 1. Antenna

[0097] Optionally, the antenna 420 may be an antenna with integrated transmission and reception, or an antenna with separate transmission and reception. When it is an antenna with integrated transmission and reception, any radiating portion 421 on the antenna 420 may be used to transmit electromagnetic waves or to receive electromagnetic waves. When the antenna 420 is an antenna with separate transmission and reception, the antenna 420 includes a transmitting radiating portion and a receiving radiating portion, the transmitting radiating portion is only used to transmit electromagnetic waves, and the receiving radiating portion is only used to receive electromagnetic waves.

[0098] Exemplarily, the antenna 420 may be a waveguide antenna, a PCB antenna, a flexible printed circuit (FPC) antenna, a slot antenna or a patch antenna, etc., may be an omnidirectional antenna or a directional antenna, may be an ultra-long wave antenna, a long wave antenna, a medium wave antenna, a short wave antenna, an ultra-short wave antenna, a microwave antenna, a decimeter wave, a centimeter wave or a millimeter wave, etc., without specific limitation. When the antenna 420 is applied to a millimeter wave radar, the antenna 420 may be a millimeter wave antenna. The operating frequency of the vehicle-mounted millimeter wave radar is generally 76 GHz-81 GHz.

[0099] 2. Radome

[0100] In a possible implementation, the radome 410 can be made of a material with good electromagnetic wave penetration characteristics and a certain hardness. The selection is based on the premise of ensuring corrosion resistance and strength, using materials with low relative dielectric constant and loss value as much as possible, and the area for receiving electromagnetic waves on the side facing the antenna needs to be kept as uniform as possible, so as to provide a structural weatherproof shell for the antenna 420 while ensuring the working performance of the antenna 420, and protect the antenna 420 from the impact of the external harsh environment. For example, in some examples, the materials for making the radome 410 may include but are not limited to: alumina, quartz, nitride, microcrystalline glass, fiberglass or resin, etc.

[0101] Optionally, the shape of the radome 410 can be a flat radome, an arch radome, a spherical radome, or a spliced ​​radome, etc., and can be specifically designed according to the actual application scenario. For example, in the automotive field, the installation position of the automotive millimeter-wave radar generally does not destroy the aerodynamic shape of the vehicle, so the automotive millimeter-wave radar is usually installed in the front bumper, rear bumper, or vehicle B-pillar (the central pillar between the front door and the rear door) and other positions. The installation space at these positions is limited, so the radome of the automotive millimeter-wave radar generally adopts a flat radome to avoid introducing additional profile height.

[0102] Optionally, see Figure 4, the thickness of the radome 410 at the first slot 411 (T1 in the figure) can be set to an integer multiple of kλ1, where k is any real number in [0.3, 0.7], and λ1 is the wavelength of the center frequency of the electromagnetic wave radiated by the radiating part in the medium corresponding to the radome. In other words, the thickness T1 of the radome 410 corresponding to the radiation direction of the radiating part 421 can be set to an integer multiple of 0.3 to 0.7 of the radome medium wavelength corresponding to the center frequency. According to the introduction in the term explanation section, an integer multiple of 0.5 of the radome medium wavelength is the optimal thickness of the radome, and an integer multiple of 0.3 to 0.7 of the medium wavelength is located near an integer multiple of 0.5 of the medium wavelength. By selecting a thickness within a thickness range around the optimal thickness as the thickness of the radome at the first slot, the thickness of the radome can be reduced while taking into account the radiation performance of the antenna, and the interference of the radome on the electromagnetic waves radiated by the antenna can be minimized.

[0103] Further, optionally, to ensure optimal radiation performance, the thickness T1 of the radome 410 at the first slot 411 can also be set to the optimal thickness of the radome, that is, an integer multiple of half the wavelength of the medium, so as to minimize the reflection effect of the radome on the incident electromagnetic waves and reduce the interference of the radome on the electromagnetic waves radiated by the antenna.

[0104] It is understandable that when the thickness T1 of the radome 410 at the first slot 411 is larger, the structural strength of the radome 410 is greater, but the loss of electromagnetic wave transmission is also greater. Therefore, it is necessary to find a compromise point based on the structural strength of the radome 410 and the transmission loss of the electromagnetic wave. Optionally, through experimental testing, the present application can set the thickness T1 of the radome 410 at the first slot 411 to the dielectric half wavelength of the two radomes corresponding to the center frequency, that is, the radome dielectric wavelength corresponding to the center frequency. This thickness can ensure that the radome 410 has a good structural strength and maintain a good antenna gain.

[0105] Optionally, see Figure 4, the depth of the first slot 411 (T2 in the figure) can be set to an integer multiple of mλ2, where m is any real number greater than 0.1, and λ2 is the free space wavelength corresponding to the center frequency of the electromagnetic wave radiated by the radiating portion. In other words, the thickness T2 of the air gap passed by the radiating portion 421 in the radiation direction can be set to an integer multiple of any real number of free space wavelengths greater than 0.1 corresponding to the center frequency. When the actual scene installation space is very small, it can be set to an integer multiple of 0.1 or nearby free space wavelengths. When the actual scene installation space is relatively large, it can be set to an integer multiple of a slightly larger free space wavelength. For example, it is found through simulation that when it is set to an integer multiple of 0.25 or nearby free space wavelengths, the air gap of this thickness can not only reduce the energy loss of electromagnetic waves transmitted in free space, but also has a relatively small gap, which helps to further reduce the thickness of the antenna cover while improving the radiation efficiency of the antenna.

[0106] Further, optionally, considering that the thickness T1 of the antenna cover 410 at the first slot 411 and the depth T2 of the first slot 411 are both related to the central frequency of the electromagnetic wave, the thickness T1 of the antenna cover 410 at the first slot 411 and the depth T2 of the first slot 411 can be adjusted so that the antenna cover 410 can be better adapted to different operating frequency bands. For example, for any application scenario, the working frequency band of the electromagnetic wave radiated by the radiating part 421 in the current application scenario can be determined first, and the frequency point located at the center of the working frequency band can be used as the center frequency point of the electromagnetic wave; then, the dielectric material used to make the antenna cover 410 can be determined, and the corresponding relationship between the frequency and wavelength corresponding to the dielectric material can be calculated to obtain the dielectric wavelength corresponding to the dielectric material at the center frequency point of the electromagnetic wave, and then the thickness T1 of the antenna cover 410 at the first slot 411 can be designed to be 0.3 to 0.7 integer multiples of the dielectric wavelength; and, the corresponding relationship between the frequency and wavelength corresponding to the vacuum environment can also be calculated to obtain the free space wavelength corresponding to the center frequency point of the electromagnetic wave, and then the depth T2 of the first slot 411 can be designed to be greater than 0.1 integer multiples of the free space wavelength. For example, the thickness T1 of the radome 410 at the first slot 411 can be designed to be an integer multiple of 0.5 wavelengths of the radome medium, and the depth T2 of the first slot 411 can be designed to be an integer multiple of 0.25 wavelengths of the free space. In this way, by setting the thickness T1 of the radome 410 at the first slot 411 to the optimal thickness of the radome 410 suitable for electromagnetic wave transmission in the current application scenario, and setting the depth T2 of the first slot 411 to a relatively appropriate depth of the air gap suitable for electromagnetic wave transmission in the current application scenario, the radome 410 can be better adapted to the antenna 410 in the current application scenario.

[0107] It should be noted that setting the thickness T1 of the radome 410 at the first slot 411 to an integer multiple of 0.3 to 0.7 of the wavelength of the radome medium, or setting the depth T2 of the first slot 411 to an integer multiple greater than 0.1 of the free space wavelength, is only an optional implementation. In actual operation, the thickness T1 of the radome 410 at the first slot 411 or the depth T2 of the first slot 411 can also be set to other values, without being limited to the above thickness and thickness. For example, in one example, the thickness T1 of the radome 410 at the first slot 411 can also be set to an integer multiple of the wavelength of the radome medium corresponding to the center frequency, and the depth T2 of the first slot 411 can be set to an integer multiple less than or equal to 0.1 of the free space wavelength, so that a certain radiation effect can also be achieved.

[0108] In a possible implementation, considering that the first slot 411 on the radome 410 will weaken the structural strength of the radome 410 at the first slot 411, a support structure may be provided to support the weak structural strength area. Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing another antenna structure provided by the present application is shown in FIG. Figure 7 and Figure 4 In this example, a support portion 430 is disposed in the first cavity, and the support portion 430 is connected to the first surface S of the antenna 420. 21 Between the antenna cover 410, and staggered with the radiation part 421. Specifically, the support part 430 can be staggered with the radiation port (or also includes the choke slot) in the radiation part 421. For example, the support part 430 can be set at any position in the first slot 411 except the area directly facing the radiation port (or also includes the choke slot), one end of which is fixed on the inner wall surface of the first slot 411, and the other end is pressed on the outer surface of the antenna 420, so as to support the relatively weak antenna cover 410 at the first slot 411, effectively improve the structural strength of the antenna cover 410 at the first slot 411, and improve the protection capability of the antenna cover 410.

[0109] Optionally, the support portion 430 can be fixed to the inner wall surface of the first slot 411 in a variety of ways. For example, in one example, the support portion 430 can be set separately from the antenna cover 410, and one end of the support portion 430 is fixed to the inner wall surface of the first slot 411 in the antenna cover 410 by bonding, welding, bolts, snap-fitting, riveting, magnetic attraction, etc. Alternatively, in another example, the support portion 430 can also be integrally formed with the antenna cover 410, for example, the position of the first slot 411 and the position of the support portion 430 staggered with the radiation port are designed in advance according to the radiation port position of the antenna 420 used in conjunction, and then the mold is designed with reference to these positions, and the fixed support portion 430 and the antenna cover 410 are prepared at one time by filling the casting material in the mold. The use of an integrally formed structural design can simplify the preparation process of the antenna cover 410 and the support portion 430.

[0110] Further, optionally, the support portion 430 and the radome 410 can be made of the same material. For example, in a one-time molding structure design, the support portion 430 and the radome 410 can be directly cast with the same material to reduce the difficulty of preparation.

[0111] Further, optionally, the support portion 430 can be made of an absorbing material. The absorbing material refers to a type of material that can absorb or significantly reduce the electromagnetic wave energy received on its surface, thereby reducing electromagnetic wave interference. Therefore, by preparing the support portion 430 with an absorbing material, the antenna electromagnetic wave can be suppressed to a certain extent, thereby reducing the electromagnetic wave interference of the current radiation port to other radiation ports.

[0112] It should be noted that the support portion 430 can be a separate structure, for example, the support portion 430 exists independently of the radome 410 and the antenna 420, and can be fixed to the inner wall surface of the radome 410 by means of gluing or snapping, etc., to form an integrated structure with the radome 410. Alternatively, the support portion 430 can also belong to the radome 410, for example, the radome 410 with the support portion 430 can be directly prepared by one-time casting, so as to save the process of fixing the support portion 430 on the radome 410.

[0113] Further, optional, please continue to see Figure 7 The support portion 430 may include one or more protrusions, the depth of the protrusions is the same as the depth of the first slot 411, and the positions are staggered from the radiation port to form a regular layout or an irregular layout. Figure 7As shown, if a first slot 411 is provided for a plurality of radiation ports, the support portion 430 may include a plurality of protrusions, and the plurality of protrusions are staggered between the plurality of radiation ports. For example, when a first slot 411 is provided for the three radiation ports, namely, the radiation port 4211, the radiation port 4212, and the radiation port 4213 of the antenna 420, two protrusions, namely, the protrusion 431 and the protrusion 432, may be provided in the first slot 411, the protrusion 431 is provided between the radiation port 4211 and the radiation port 4212, and the electromagnetic waves radiated from the radiation port 4211 and the radiation port 4212 may be separated, and similarly, the protrusion 432 is provided between the radiation port 4212 and the radiation port 4213, and the electromagnetic waves radiated from the radiation port 4212 and the radiation port 4213 may be separated.

[0114] Further, optionally, the plurality of protrusions may be arranged periodically or non-periodically. Figure 7 Taking the periodic arrangement as an example, this arrangement can suppress the lateral propagation of electromagnetic wave energy and allow more electromagnetic wave energy to radiate along the upper half of the space shown in the diagram.

[0115] Understandable, please continue reading Figure 7 , since the first surface S of the antenna 420 21 The first surface S of the radome 410 21 They are stuck together, therefore, the height of the protrusion set in the first groove 411 is the same as the depth T2 of the first groove 411, and other parameters of the protrusion, such as length and width, can be designed according to the projection area of ​​the radiation port on the first groove 411. For example, the length is not greater than the length of the area on the inner wall surface of the first groove 411 except the area facing the antenna radiation port, and the width is not greater than the width of the area on the inner wall surface of the first groove 411 except the area facing the antenna radiation port.

[0116] It should be understood that the above content is introduced by taking the protrusion of a cuboid or cube as an example. The shape of the protrusion in the present application can be any regular or irregular shape that can play a supporting role, such as but not limited to a cube or cuboid and other polygons, a cylinder, an ellipsoid, an ellipsoid, a sphere, a trapezoid, a cone or a special-shaped body. In addition, in the case of providing multiple protrusions, the depths of the multiple protrusions are the same as the depth of the first groove 411, the shapes can be the same or different, and the intervals between adjacent protrusions can be the same or different, which can be determined according to the processing capacity. For example, according to the existing processing capacity, the minimum interval between two protrusions can only be 0.2 mm, so the interval between adjacent protrusions can be greater than or equal to 0.2 mm.

[0117] Furthermore, Figure 7Taking two adjacent radiation ports separated by a protrusion as an example, however, in the actual antenna structure, a protrusion may also separate multiple radiation ports. For example, there may be at least two radiation ports on one side of a protrusion and one radiation port on the other side, or there may be multiple radiation ports on both sides of a protrusion, etc. This application does not make any specific limitation on this.

[0118] By adopting the above antenna structure, by attaching the antenna cover and the antenna together, and making a groove on the antenna cover relative to the antenna radiation part, it is equivalent to replacing the air gap (such as Figure 3a As shown in Figure 2, the antenna T2 is moved to the inside of the antenna cover to save the air gap between the antenna cover and the antenna, effectively reducing the thickness of the antenna structure, so that the antenna structure can be used in application scenarios with a small installation height. At the same time, the slot on the antenna cover can also ensure that there is a certain air gap between the antenna radiation part and the antenna cover, thereby maintaining the radiation performance of the antenna. Figure 4 The antenna structure shown can ensure the radiation performance of the antenna while reducing the cross-sectional height of the antenna structure, taking into account both antenna performance and miniaturized design.

[0119] The foregoing content introduces possible structures of the antenna structure 400 . Two specific application scenarios of the antenna structure 400 are given below.

[0120] Application scenario 1

[0121] Please read together Figures 8 to 10 , Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of a waveguide antenna provided for application scenario 1. Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a radome designed for the waveguide antenna in application scenario 1 of this application. Fig.10 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna structure obtained by assembling the waveguide antenna in application scenario 1 and the designed antenna cover, where: Fig.10 (A) shows a side cross-sectional view of the antenna structure. Fig.10 (B) shows a top view of the antenna structure.

[0122] First, see Fig. 9 , for Figure 8For the waveguide antenna shown, the present application designs a flat-plate-shaped antenna cover 410, on which a first slot 411 is provided, and a plurality of discrete protrusions are provided on the inner wall surface of the first slot 411, and the plurality of discrete protrusions are arranged periodically (or non-periodically). In addition, in order to cover multiple waveguide antennas at once through the antenna cover 410, the first slot 411 can be set larger, and the protrusions corresponding to the multiple waveguide antennas can be arranged in parallel inside the first slot 411. For example, the figure shows that the antenna cover 410 covers four waveguide antennas as an example, and three of the four waveguide antennas are arranged in parallel, and the other waveguide antenna is misaligned with the three waveguide antennas. Furthermore, in order to reduce the impact of the antenna cover 410 on the performance of the waveguide antenna in radiating electromagnetic waves, the thickness of the antenna cover 410 at the first slot 411 can be set to half of the wavelength of the center frequency of the electromagnetic wave in the medium corresponding to the antenna cover, and the thickness of the antenna cover 410 at other locations is greater than this thickness. The difference in thickness between the thickness at other locations and the thickness at the first slot 411 can be understood as the depth of the first slot 411.

[0123] Second, see Fig.10 In (A), when the radome 410 and the waveguide antenna 420 are assembled together, the radome 410 and the waveguide antenna 420 are directly attached to each other, the radome 410 and the waveguide antenna 420 are placed with zero clearance, and a first slot 411 is opened inside the radome 410 in an area corresponding to the antenna radiation portion 421. Also, please refer to Fig.10 In (B), since the antenna cover 410 covers four waveguide antennas at a time and the diameter of the waveguide antenna is relatively large, the first slot 411 opened on the inner wall of the antenna cover 410 will also form a relatively large cavity structure. In order to improve the structural strength of the cavity structure, a plurality of protrusions can be provided on the inner wall of the first slot 411 toward the direction of the waveguide antenna. One end of these protrusions is connected to the antenna cover 410, and the other end is connected to the waveguide antenna. The protrusions are staggered from the radiation portion 421 of the waveguide antenna and are arranged periodically (or non-periodically).

[0124] In application scenario one, the waveguide antenna itself has the advantages of high power, enhanced shielding and low loss, but it also has a relatively high cross-sectional height. By designing the radome to be attached to the waveguide antenna and slotting the radome relative to the radiation portion of the waveguide antenna, the thickness of the antenna structure obtained after assembling the radome on the waveguide antenna can be minimized, and the radiation performance of the waveguide antenna can be minimized after the radome and waveguide antenna are assembled. This helps to reduce the cross-sectional height of the antenna structure while maintaining the radiation performance of the antenna, and makes the antenna structure suitable for occasions with a smaller installation space.

[0125] Application scenario 2

[0126] Please read together Figures 11 to 13 , Fig.11 A schematic diagram of the structure of a waveguide antenna provided for application scenario 2. Fig.12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a radome designed for the waveguide antenna in the second application scenario of this application. Fig.13 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna structure obtained by assembling the waveguide antenna in application scenario 2 and the designed antenna cover together, where: Fig.13 (A) shows a side cross-sectional view of the antenna structure. Fig.13 (B) shows a top view of the antenna structure. It should be noted that, in order to introduce the solution more clearly, Fig.13 (B) shows the internal assembly structure in a perspective manner (the antenna cover 410 can be considered as a transparent structure).

[0127] First, see Fig.11 In addition to the radiation part 421, the waveguide antenna in the application scenario 2 is also provided with a choke slot 423. The choke slot 423 is arranged in parallel with the radiation part 421, and can be used to suppress the electromagnetic waves flowing on its surface to prevent the electromagnetic waves radiated by the radiation part 421 from propagating in the lateral direction shown in the figure, thereby avoiding electromagnetic wave interference between radiation ports in different columns.

[0128] Second, see Fig.12 , for Fig.11 For the waveguide antenna shown in the figure, the present application designs a cuboid-shaped antenna cover 410, which is provided with a first slot 411, and a plurality of protrusions are arranged on the inner wall surface of the first slot 411, and the plurality of protrusions are arranged periodically (or non-periodically). Fig.11 The waveguide antenna shown occupies a large space by itself, so Fig.12 The antenna cover shown can only be used to cover one waveguide antenna, and the multiple protrusions set in the first slot 411 of the antenna cover are offset from the choke slots 423 and the radiating portion 421 in parallel in the waveguide antenna. For example, the protrusions can be set between any adjacent choke slots 423, or between any adjacent radiating portions 421, or between any adjacent choke slots 423 and radiating portions 421, so as to achieve the normal radiation function of the radiating portion 421, while avoiding affecting the normal function of the choke slots 423 to suppress surface electromagnetic waves. In addition, in order to reduce the impact of the antenna cover 410 on the performance of the waveguide antenna radiating electromagnetic waves, the thickness of the antenna cover 410 at the first slot 411 can be set to half the wavelength of the center frequency of the electromagnetic wave in the medium corresponding to the antenna cover, and the thickness of the antenna cover 410 at other positions is greater than this thickness, and the difference between the thickness at other positions and the thickness at the first slot 411 is the depth of the first slot 411.

[0129] Furthermore, please see Fig.13In (A), when the radome and the waveguide antenna are assembled together, the radome 410 and the waveguide antenna 420 are directly attached to each other, and the radome 410 and the waveguide antenna 420 are placed with zero clearance. The radome 410 has a first slot 411 in the area corresponding to the antenna radiation part 421 and the choke slot 423. Since the area occupied by the radiating part 421 and the choke slot 423 arranged in parallel is large, the first slot 411 is relatively large, thereby forming a relatively large cavity structure. Please refer to Fig.13 In (B), in order to improve the structural strength of the cavity structure, a plurality of protrusions can be provided on the inner wall surface of the first slot 411 in the direction of the waveguide antenna, one end of these protrusions is connected to the antenna cover 410, and the other end is connected to the waveguide antenna 420, and the positions of the radiation part 421 and the choke slot 423 of the waveguide antenna 420 are staggered, and are arranged in a periodic (or non-periodic) manner.

[0130] In application scenario two, the waveguide antenna has both a radiation port and a choke slot. By designing the radome to be attached to the waveguide antenna and slotting the radome relative to the radiation port and the choke slot of the waveguide antenna, the thickness of the antenna structure obtained after assembling the radome on the waveguide antenna can be minimized, and the radiation performance of the waveguide antenna can be minimized after the radome and the waveguide antenna are assembled. At the same time, the function of the choke slot to suppress surface electromagnetic waves is supported by avoiding the choke slot, which helps to reduce the cross-sectional height of the antenna structure while maintaining the radiation performance and anti-interference capability of the antenna, so that the antenna structure is suitable for occasions with a smaller installation space.

[0131] based on Figure 7 For the antenna structure shown, see Fig.14 , is a schematic diagram of another antenna structure provided in this application. Fig.14 As shown, the antenna structure 400, in addition to the aforementioned antenna cover 410, antenna 420 and support portion 430, may also include a monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) 440. The MMIC 440 is coupled to the antenna 420 to send a frequency modulated signal (electromagnetic wave) to the antenna 420, or to receive an echo signal from the antenna 420, and to perform target detection based on the echo signal.

[0132] Optionally, MMIC 440 can be understood as a chip with processing capabilities, which may include one or more processing units, and the processing unit is a circuit with signal (or data) processing capabilities. For example, in one implementation, the processing unit may be a circuit with instruction reading and execution capabilities, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processing unit can implement certain functions through the logical relationship of a hardware circuit, and the logical relationship of the hardware circuit is fixed or reconfigurable, such as a hardware circuit implemented by a processor as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA). In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processing unit loading a configuration document to implement the hardware circuit configuration can be understood as the process of the processing unit loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units. In addition, the processing unit can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc. For example, it can also be an application processor (AP), an image signal processor (ISP), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components or any combination thereof. Among them, different processing units can be independent devices or integrated in one or more processors.

[0133] In one possible implementation, see Fig.14The antenna structure 400 may further include a PCB 450, which is placed between the antenna 420 and the MMIC 440. A hole is opened on the PCB 450, and a wiring is arranged in the hole. The MMIC 440 and the antenna 420 are connected to each other through the wiring in the hole. With this design, not only can the antenna and the MMIC be supported by the PCB, but the antenna and the MMIC can also be separated to reduce the crosstalk between the two.

[0134] It is understandable that PCB 450 can also be replaced by any other type of circuit board, such as FPC, ceramic circuit board, aluminum substrate, high-frequency board, thick copper board or impedance board, etc., without specific limitation.

[0135] Understandably, Fig.14 The antenna structure given is only an example. The antenna structure may also include more, fewer or different structures, and each structure may include more, fewer or different components. These components may be combined or divided in any manner, and this application does not make any specific limitations on this.

[0136] The above content introduces the antenna structure, and the detection device equipped with the antenna structure is described below.

[0137] See also Fig.15 , is a possible structural diagram of a detection device provided in the present application. The detection device 1500 may include an antenna structure, and the antenna structure may be any of the aforementioned antenna structures, such as Figures 4 to 14 The antenna structure described in any embodiment, Fig.15 It includes Fig.14 Take the antenna structure shown as an example. The antenna structure includes an antenna cover 1511 and an antenna 1512 in contact with the antenna cover 1511. The antenna cover 1511 is grooved in the area corresponding to the radiation portion of the antenna 1512, and a support portion 1513 is provided in the groove to connect between the bottom of the groove and the antenna. According to the above analysis, this structural design can not only reduce the cross-sectional height of the antenna structure, but also maintain the structural strength of the antenna cover. Therefore, the detection device equipped with the antenna structure can have a relatively small height and good structural strength, thereby making the detection device adaptable to applications with a small installation space.

[0138] In one possible implementation, see Fig.15, the detection device 1500 may also include a shell 1520, which forms a cavity structure when the shell 1520 and the antenna cover 1511 are put together, and the antenna 1512 is embedded in the cavity structure. Optionally, the shell 1520 is usually a metal shell, and the position where the shell 1520 and the antenna cover 1511 are put together can also be sealed, so that the interior forms a closed cavity, and the antenna 1512, PCB 1515 and MMIC 1514 are all embedded in the closed cavity. In this way, the shell and the antenna cover can be used as protective devices for the detection device to protect the antenna, PCB and MMIC etc. arranged therein.

[0139] For example, see Fig.16 , showing the appearance of a detection device provided by the present application. Fig.15 and Fig.16 In the detection device 1500, the antenna cover 1511 and the shell 1520 constitute the main structure of the detection device 1500, or the shell of the detection device 1500, which encapsulates the antenna 1512, PCB 1515 and MMIC 1514 placed therein to prevent these devices from being interfered by the external environment.

[0140] For further examples, please refer to Fig.16 The detection device 1500 may also include an interface 1530, one end of which is connected to the cavity. Fig.15 The MMIC 1514 shown is connected to the peripheral circuit at one end outside the cavity, and the interface 1530 is used to transmit signals between the MMIC 1514 and the peripheral circuit to realize the detection function of the detection device 1500. For example, when the detection device 1500 is plugged into the vehicle controller through the interface 1530, the detection device 1500 can receive control instructions from the vehicle controller, and can control the antenna 1512 to emit electromagnetic waves of the corresponding band according to the control instructions, and can also receive the echo signal reflected by the target, obtain the target information after processing, and send it to the vehicle controller through the interface 1530, so that the vehicle controller can decide the next driving method according to the target information, such as how to avoid obstacles.

[0141] Exemplarily, the detection device 1500 may be a radar, such as but not limited to millimeter wave radar, microwave radar, ultra-short wave radar, continuous wave radar or pulse radar, and may be used to achieve long, medium and short distance coverage of various scenes. Alternatively, the detection device 1500 may also be a communicator, such as but not limited to a vehicle antenna communicator, a television antenna communicator, a remote sensing antenna communicator or a mobile phone antenna communicator. Alternatively, the detection device 1500 may also be any other device including an antenna and a radome, without limitation.

[0142] Based on the structure of the detection device described above, the present application can also provide a terminal device. Fig.17 , is a possible structural diagram of a terminal device provided by the present application, the terminal device may include a detection device 1710, the detection device may be the detection device in any of the aforementioned embodiments, such as Fig.15 or Fig.16 Detection device 1500 is shown.

[0143] In one possible implementation, see Fig.17 The terminal device may further include a skin 1720, which is placed outside the detection device 1710 and is used to maintain the aerodynamic shape of the terminal device. The skin can be understood as a layer of skin surrounding the outermost layer of the terminal device, such as the outermost layer of skin surrounding the frame of a vehicle, an aircraft frame, or a ship frame, which is generally a metal shell with a large bearing capacity and rigidity, and a relatively light deadweight, and plays a role in bearing and transmitting aerodynamic loads.

[0144] It is understandable that in order to avoid the influence of the skin 1720 on the electromagnetic wave radiation of the detection device 1710, the structure (thickness and smoothness, etc.) of the skin 1720 at the position corresponding to the electromagnetic wave radiation area needs to be designed with emphasis, such as Fig.17 The H region shown is the region through which the electromagnetic waves will pass during the operation of the detection device 1710. The thickness of the H region needs to be designed according to the electromagnetic waves transmitted to avoid excessive interference with the electromagnetic waves. When the range covered by the H region is smaller, the area in the skin 1720 that needs to be focused on for structural design is smaller, and the structural freedom of the skin 1720 is higher. Conversely, the larger the range covered by the H region, the more areas in the skin 1720 that need to be focused on for structural design are larger, and the structural freedom of the skin 1720 is lower. Therefore, in order to increase the structural freedom of the skin 1720 and reduce the design difficulty of the skin 1720, it is necessary to consider how to reduce the range covered by the region H.

[0145] Optionally, see Fig.18 , showing a comparison diagram of the skin design of the detection device provided by the present application and the existing detection device. For the convenience of introduction, the figure only shows the antenna structure in the detection device, and simply divides the antenna structure into the antenna and the antenna cover. Other structures in the detection device are not drawn, and the figure assumes that the antenna cover in the detection device of the present application and the antenna cover in the existing detection device are in the same position. Fig.18As shown, when the divergence angle of the electromagnetic wave radiated by the antenna is consistent, the antenna and the radome in the antenna structure of the present application are attached together, and the electromagnetic wave emitted by the antenna is transmitted through the radome and is assumed to overlap in the H1 area on the skin 1720; there is a certain air gap between the antenna and the radome in the existing antenna structure, and the electromagnetic wave emitted by the antenna is transmitted through the air gap and the radome and is assumed to overlap in the H2 area on the skin 1720, and the H2 area is significantly larger than the H1 area. It can be seen that compared with the existing antenna structure, the area where the electromagnetic wave radiated by the antenna in the antenna structure of the present application overlaps with the skin 1720 is smaller, thereby providing a higher structural freedom for the manufacture and installation of the skin 1720.

[0146] It should be noted that Fig.17 The terminal device structure given is only an example. In other examples, the terminal device may include more, fewer or different structures, and each structure may include more, fewer or different components. For example, in some examples, the terminal device may also include a controller, which is connected to the detection device and is used to control the detection device to realize the detection function. For example, in other examples, the terminal device may also include a memory, which is used to store programs or data, such as data of the target detected by the detection device, so as to facilitate other devices to call. For example, in some other examples, the terminal device may also include a transceiver, which is used to communicate with external devices. In addition, the components shown or not shown can be combined or divided in any way, and this application does not make specific limitations on this.

[0147] The above-mentioned terminal devices can be, for example, vehicles (such as cars, trucks, motorcycles, buses, ships, airplanes, helicopters, recreational vehicles, amusement park vehicles, construction vehicles, trams, golf carts, trains, unmanned vehicles, smart cars and digital cars, etc.), robots, surveying and mapping equipment, smart home equipment (such as televisions, sweeping robots, smart desk lamps, audio systems, smart lighting systems, electrical control systems, home background music, home theater systems, intercom systems, or video surveillance, etc.), smart manufacturing equipment (such as industrial equipment, lawn mowers, etc.), smart transportation equipment (such as AGV, unmanned transport vehicles, or trucks, etc.), or smart terminals (mobile phones, computers, tablets, PDAs, desktops, headphones, audio, wearable devices, vehicle-mounted devices, virtual reality devices, augmented reality devices, etc.), etc.

[0148] In the present application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more" means two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there may be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, c can be single or multiple. In the text description of the present application, the character " / " generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. In the formula of the present application, the character " / " indicates that the associated objects before and after are in a "divided" relationship. In addition, in the present application, the word "exemplarily" is used to indicate examples, illustrations or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as an "example" in this application should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Alternatively, it can be understood that the use of the word "example" is intended to present concepts in a specific way and does not limit this application.

[0149] It is to be understood that the various digital numbers involved in the present application are only for the convenience of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application. The size of the sequence number of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution, and the order of execution of each process should be determined by its function and inherent logic. The terms "first", "second" and similar expressions are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any of their variations are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, for example, including a series of steps or units. Methods, systems, products or equipment are not necessarily limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or equipment.

Claims

1. An antenna structure, characterized in that: Includes radome and antenna; The first surface of the antenna cover contacts the first surface of the antenna. A radiation portion is arranged on the first surface of the antenna. A first slot is arranged on the first surface of the antenna cover. The first slot and the radiation portion form a first cavity.

2. The antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The size of the first slot is greater than or equal to the size of the radiation portion.

3. The antenna structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The slot size of the first slot is designed according to the divergence angle of the electromagnetic wave radiated by the radiating portion.

4. The antenna structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The radiation portion includes at least one radiation port.

5. The antenna structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The radiation portion further includes a choke slot.

6. The antenna structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: At least two radiating parts are arranged on the first surface of the antenna, and a connecting portion between the at least two radiating parts is in contact with the first surface of the antenna cover.

7. The antenna structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The first surface of the antenna also includes a non-radiating portion, and the non-radiating portion is in contact with the first surface of the radome.

8. The antenna structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The radiation part includes a transmitting radiation part and a receiving radiation part.

9. The antenna structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: A support portion is disposed in the first cavity. The support portion is connected between the first surface of the antenna and the antenna cover and is staggered from the radiation portion.

10. The antenna structure according to claim 9, characterized in that: The supporting portion includes a plurality of protrusions.

11. The antenna structure according to claim 10, characterized in that: The plurality of protrusions are arranged periodically or non-periodically.

12. The antenna structure according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that: The support portion is made of wave-absorbing material, or is made of the same material as the antenna cover.

13. The antenna structure according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that: The support portion and the antenna cover are integrally formed.

14. The antenna structure according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that: The thickness of the antenna cover at the first slot is an integer multiple of kλ1, where k is any real number in [0.3, 0.7], and λ1 is the wavelength of the center frequency of the electromagnetic wave radiated by the radiating part in the medium corresponding to the antenna cover.

15. The antenna structure according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that: The antenna structure further comprises a monolithic microwave integrated circuit MMIC, which is coupled to the antenna and is used to send a frequency modulation signal to the antenna, or receive an echo signal from the antenna, and perform target detection according to the echo signal.

16. The antenna structure according to claim 15, characterized in that: The antenna structure further includes a printed circuit board PCB, which is placed between the antenna and the MMIC. A hole is opened on the PCB, and a wiring is arranged in the hole. The MMIC and the antenna are connected through the wiring.

17. The antenna structure according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that: The antenna is a waveguide antenna.

18. A detection device, characterized in that: Comprising the antenna structure according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. The detection device according to claim 18, characterized in that It also includes a shell, which is connected to the antenna cover to form a cavity, and the antenna is embedded in the cavity.

20. A terminal device, characterized in that: Comprising a detection device as claimed in claim 18 or 19.

21. The terminal device according to claim 20, characterized in that: It also includes a skin, which is placed on the outside of the detection device.

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