Ridge waveguide slot antenna unit and array plane

Abstract

The invention discloses a ridge waveguide slot antenna unit, which belongs to the technical field of radar antennae and internally comprises a coupling cavity and a power division cavity, the coupling cavity and the power division cavity are separated by a separation plate between the coupling cavity and the power division cavity, and the coupling cavity and the power division cavity are communicated by a through hole in the separation plate; the side face, away from the partition plate, of the coupling cavity serves as a first layering face, the side face, away from the partition plate, of the power dividing cavity serves as a second layering face, and the ridge waveguide slot antenna unit is divided into a radiation layer, a coupling power layer and a cover plate layer. The coupling power layer is of an integrated manufacturing structure, the coupling power layer and the radiation layer form a coupling cavity after being in threaded connection, and the coupling power layer and the cover plate layer form a power dividing cavity after being in threaded connection. The beneficial effects of the invention are that the electrical performance of the array plane is improved, the manufacturing precision is better, the antenna yield is greatly improved, and the manufacturing cost of the antenna is effectively reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of radar antenna structures, and in particular to a ridge waveguide slot antenna unit and an array surface. Background Art

[0002] Waveguide slot antennas radiate electromagnetic waves by cutting specific shapes at specific locations on the waveguide wall. They offer advantages such as high efficiency, high directivity, and a compact structure, and are widely used in fields such as radar and communications. Multilayer ridge waveguide slot antennas improve the performance of traditional waveguide antennas by introducing a ridge structure. They typically integrate a radiation layer, a coupling layer, and a power layer into an integrated design to achieve high-efficiency electromagnetic wave radiation. They offer advantages such as broadband, high efficiency, a low profile, and a compact structure.

[0003] Multi-layer ridge waveguide antennas have complex internal cavities and require high precision, making them impossible to form in a single process. Instead, engineering typically employs layered manufacturing and integrated integration. Currently, integrated integration typically involves vacuum brazing of multiple components (e.g., CN117117504A - Multi-layer waveguide slot antenna array based on ridge waveguide matching and its forming method). The welding process is limited by the processing dimensions of the vacuum brazing equipment, resulting in generally small dimensions for the manufactured antennas, limiting the application of large-scale antennas. Furthermore, the addition of vacuum brazing as a specialized process can lead to problems such as high-temperature deformation, reduced mechanical properties, long manufacturing cycles, low yields, and high manufacturing costs. Welding accuracy directly impacts waveguide antenna performance. For example, weld misalignment can cause pattern disturbances, degrading the radiation pattern; weld porosity or cracks can lead to electromagnetic leakage, reducing antenna efficiency; and weld surface roughness can cause phase errors in the antenna units, impacting the beam pointing accuracy of the array antenna.

[0004] The information disclosed in this background section is only intended to enhance understanding of the overall background of the invention and should not be considered as an admission or any form of suggestion that the information constitutes the prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is: how to solve the problem that the current multi-layer ridge waveguide antenna is formed by vacuum brazing technology, the process is limited by large-size manufacturing, and is prone to deformation and performance degradation.

[0006] The present invention solves the above technical problems through the following technical means:

[0007] The ridge waveguide slot antenna unit includes a coupling cavity and a power splitting cavity, the coupling cavity and the power splitting cavity are separated by a partition plate between the two, and the coupling cavity and the power splitting cavity are connected by a through hole on the partition plate; the side of the coupling cavity away from the partition plate is used as the first partitioning layer, and the side of the power splitting cavity away from the partition plate is used as the second partitioning layer, and the ridge waveguide slot antenna unit is divided into a radiation layer, a coupling power layer, and a cover layer; the coupling power layer is an integrated manufacturing structure, the coupling power layer and the radiation layer are screwed together to form a coupling cavity, and the coupling power layer and the cover layer are screwed together to form a power splitting cavity.

[0008] In the present invention, the coupling power is layered into an integrated manufacturing structure, which can realize the manufacture of a single large-sized antenna, reduce the number of splicing seams of the ridge waveguide slot antenna, and improve the electrical performance of the array surface; and the antenna manufacturing precision is higher, the yield rate is higher, and the range of antenna material options is wider. The ridge waveguide slot antenna unit adopts a manufacturability layered design, and the present invention has only two layered surfaces, which reduces the number of layers in the prior art, thereby reducing the situation where there are multiple welding surfaces resulting in poor welding precision, and the connection between the large surface and the small surface is used as the layered surface, and the layering at the wall surface and the small surface causes the problem of parts misalignment and unreliable connection. In the present invention, the present invention adopts a screw connection to replace the welding connection in the prior art, which solves the problems of cost, thermal deformation, size limitation and so on brought by the welding forming process. At the same time, the interlocking design of the parts of each layer is taken into consideration, and the screw connection process is combined to reduce the electromagnetic leakage and surface roughness of the antenna unit, thereby improving the pointing accuracy and efficiency of the antenna.

[0009] Preferably, a radio frequency connector is further included, and the radio frequency connector is connected to the cover layer.

[0010] The RF connector is connected to the cover layer and serves as a signal transmission interface for the antenna unit.

[0011] Preferably, the coupling power layer is a rectangular block structure, and includes multiple first ribs on one side of the coupling power layer. The end face of the first rib away from the partition plate is located on the first layer surface. The first ribs are crisscrossed to form multiple coupling cavities, and multiple internal threaded columns are evenly arranged on the first rib along the length direction; the radiation layer includes multiple first screw holes, and the first screw holes are screwed to the internal threaded columns.

[0012] Preferably, the thickness of the first rib is not less than 0.8 mm, and the outer diameter of the internal thread column is 3-5 times the thickness of the first rib. After the size of the internal thread column is determined, it is brought into the antenna model to carry out electrical performance analysis and iteratively optimize the size parameters of the coupling cavity.

[0013] During the outer diameter design process of the internal threaded column, it is necessary to bring the internal threaded column into the antenna model to carry out electrical performance analysis, iteratively optimize the dimensional parameters of the coupling cavity, and ensure the electrical performance of the antenna.

[0014] Preferably, a plurality of first notches are provided at one end of the first rib away from the partition plate, the first notches are located between adjacent internal threaded columns, a first protrusion is provided on the radiation layer, and the first notch and the first protrusion cooperate to form a concave sealing structure; the first protrusion is at least 0.05 mm smaller than a single side of the first notch.

[0015] After the first notch and the first protrusion are assembled, the parts are embedded in each other to form a "concave" sealed cavity, which complicates the electromagnetic wave leakage path between adjacent cavities, compensates for the defect that screw connection easily causes gaps between adjacent screws between the two layers of parts, thereby causing electromagnetic leakage, and improves the antenna efficiency; the antenna yield is improved, and a low-cost design is achieved.

[0016] Preferably, the other side of the coupling power layer is thickened in the height direction to form a step structure, a power dividing cavity is provided in the step structure, a support plate is connected in the power dividing cavity, the two ends of the support plate are respectively connected to the partition plate and the cover plate layer, and the end face of the support plate away from the partition plate is located on the second layer surface.

[0017] Preferably, the surface of the coupling power layer where the power splitting cavity is located further includes a plurality of threaded holes, and the cover layer includes a plurality of second threaded holes, and the second threaded holes are threadedly connected to the threaded holes.

[0018] Preferably, the surface of the coupling power layer where the power splitting cavity is located further includes a plurality of first limiting posts, the cover layer includes a plurality of first limiting holes, and the first limiting posts are plugged into the first limiting holes.

[0019] The first limiting column can be plugged into the first limiting hole of the cover plate layer, thereby improving the assembly accuracy of the cover plate layer and ensuring the dimensional accuracy of the power distribution cavity.

[0020] Preferably, the radiation layer is installed on one side of the coupling cavity of the coupling power layer by means of countersunk screws, and the countersunk screws do not protrude from the upper surface of the radiation surface; the cover layer is installed on one side of the power dividing cavity of the coupling power layer by means of pan head screws; the spacing between adjacent countersunk screws or pan head screws needs to avoid 1 / 2 times or 1 / 4 times the antenna wavelength.

[0021] The present invention also discloses a ridge waveguide slot antenna array, comprising the above-mentioned ridge waveguide slot antenna units, wherein adjacent ridge waveguide slot antenna units are spliced in sequence.

[0022] The advantages of the present invention are:

[0023] In the present invention, the coupling power is layered into an integrated manufacturing structure, adopting a manufacturability layered design. The present invention has only two layered surfaces, which reduces the number of layers in the prior art, thereby reducing the problem of poor welding accuracy caused by the presence of multiple welding surfaces. In addition, the connection between the large and small surfaces is used as the layering surface, and the problem of part misalignment and unreliable connection occurs at the layered small surface of the wall. The present invention uses a screw connection to replace the welding connection in the prior art, solving the problems of cost, thermal deformation, size limitations, etc. caused by the welding forming process. At the same time, the interlocking design of the parts of each layer is considered, and the screw connection process is combined to reduce the electromagnetic leakage and surface roughness of the antenna unit, thereby improving the pointing accuracy and efficiency of the antenna.

[0024] The present invention enables the manufacture of a single large-sized antenna. When the antenna is formed by welding, the maximum size of the antenna is limited by the machine tool processing size and the size of the vacuum brazing equipment; when the present embodiment adopts the screw forming method, the maximum size of the antenna is only limited by the machine tool processing size, which can achieve the manufacture of a single large-sized antenna. The size of the antenna array surface is determined by the electrical performance. When the electrical performance requirements are determined, the size of the antenna array surface is determined accordingly. Multiple small-sized antennas are spliced together to form an antenna array surface, and a gap needs to be reserved to adapt to the deformation of the antenna caused by spatial temperature changes. This gap has an adverse effect on the electrical continuity of the array surface. The use of large-sized antennas can effectively avoid or reduce the number of seams and improve the electrical performance of the array surface.

[0025] The antenna of the present invention offers improved manufacturing precision. The precision of screw-formed antennas is determined by machining accuracy and the surface finish of the components, while the precision of welded antennas is determined by machining accuracy, welding accuracy, and the overall surface finish. Machining accuracy is generally higher, but during the welding process, components undergo a low-temperature, high-temperature, and low-temperature cycle, resulting in high-temperature welding deformation. Furthermore, the overall surface finish of antennas with complex cavities is lower than that of the components themselves. Therefore, screw-formed antennas offer improved manufacturing precision, enhancing the antenna's pointing accuracy.

[0026] The present invention employs an interlocking design to reduce electromagnetic leakage and improve antenna efficiency. The screw-connected antenna features a first protrusion on the radiating surface and a first notch on the coupling power layer. After assembly, the components interlock to form a "concave" sealed cavity. This complicates the electromagnetic wave leakage path between adjacent cavities, compensating for the defect of screw connections that can easily cause gaps between adjacent screws between the two layers of components, leading to electromagnetic leakage. This improves antenna efficiency, increases antenna yield, and enables a low-cost design.

[0027] In the present invention, the processing flow of the welded antenna is layered parts machining, welding overall integration and overall surface treatment, and the yield rate of each stage is approximately 98%, 96% and 95%. Therefore, the yield rate of the welded antenna is approximately 89.4%; the processing flow of the screwed antenna is layered parts machining, parts surface treatment and screwed overall integration, and the yield rate of each stage is approximately 98%, 99% and 100%. Therefore, the yield rate of the screwed antenna is approximately 97%, which greatly improves the antenna yield and effectively reduces the manufacturing cost of the antenna. At the same time, the surface treatment of the entire antenna with a complex cavity structure is replaced by a simpler part-level surface treatment, which puts the risk of the surface treatment process in front and effectively shortens the development cycle.

[0028] This invention expands the range of antenna materials available. Antenna material selection is limited by welding processes, and some materials cannot be reliably vacuum brazed. Screw-jointed antennas offer a wider range of material options. Screw-jointed antennas can be manufactured from materials with superior mechanical properties, thereby improving the antenna's overall mechanical performance. These antennas can serve as the primary load-bearing component, making them suitable for a wider range of carrier platforms. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a ridge waveguide slot antenna unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 1 is an exploded schematic diagram of a ridge waveguide slot antenna unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the coupling work layer (side view of the coupling cavity) according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0033] Figure 5 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the coupled power division layer (side view where the power division cavity is located) according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a radiation layer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 7 is a schematic structural diagram of a radiation layer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0037] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a ridge waveguide slot antenna unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 10 yes Figure 9Enlarged view of point C in the middle;

[0039] Figure 11 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a cover plate layer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 12 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a cover plate layer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a ridge waveguide slot antenna unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 14 This is a comparison diagram of the layered design of the embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 15 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a ridge waveguide slot antenna array according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 16 is an electrical performance diagram of a ridge waveguide slot antenna array according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Numbers in the figure:

[0046] 1. Ridge waveguide slot antenna array;

[0047] 2. Ridge waveguide slot antenna unit;

[0048] 21. Radiating layer; 211. Slit; 212. First screw hole; 213. First protrusion;

[0049] 22. Coupling power layer; 221. Coupling cavity; 222. Power splitting cavity; 223. Communication hole; 224. First rib; 225. Internal threaded column; 226. First notch; 227. First limiting column; 228. Separator plate; 229. Support plate;

[0050] 23. Cover plate layer; 231. Second screw hole; 232. First limiting hole; 233. Mounting boss;

[0051] 24. RF connector;

[0052] 3. Countersunk screw; 4. Pan head screw. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of the present invention without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0054] Example 1:

[0055] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown, the ridge waveguide slot antenna unit 2 adopts a layered design, that is, the ridge waveguide slot antenna unit 2 is layered into a multi-layer structure along the horizontal direction, and the multi-layer structure is processed separately and then integrated into a whole by screw connection.

[0056] Specifically, the ridge waveguide slot antenna unit 2 includes a radiating layer 21, a coupling power layer 22, a cover layer 23, and an RF connector 24, which are connected in sequence along the vertical direction. The coupling power layer 22 is an integrally processed part. The radiating layer 21 is screwed onto one side of the coupling power layer 22, forming a coupling cavity 221 inside the two. The cover layer 23 is screwed onto the other side of the coupling power layer 22, forming a power splitting cavity 222 inside the two. A partition plate 228 is located between the coupling cavity 221 and the power splitting cavity 222. One side of the partition plate 228 is the coupling cavity 221, and the other side is the power splitting cavity 222. The RF connector 24 is connected to the cover layer 23 and serves as the signal transmission interface of the antenna unit.

[0057] In this embodiment, threaded connection refers to the use of threaded connectors such as bolts, screws, and rods to tightly connect two parts. This embodiment uses threaded connections instead of conventional welding, addressing the cost, thermal deformation, and size limitations associated with welding. Furthermore, the interlocking design of the various layers of components, combined with the threaded connection process, reduces electromagnetic leakage and surface roughness of the antenna unit, thereby improving the antenna's pointing accuracy and efficiency.

[0058] Specifically, such as Figure 3As shown, the coupling power layer 22 is a roughly rectangular block structure. On one side of the coupling power layer 22, there are multiple coupling cavities 221. The coupling cavities 221 are also rectangular cavities. Each coupling cavity 221 also has a connecting hole 223 on its bottom surface. The connecting hole 223 connects the coupling cavity 221 with the power splitting cavity 222 on the opposite side. In this embodiment, each coupling power layer 22 has 4*2 coupling cavities 221. Each coupling cavity 221 has the same shape and structure. A first rib 224 is provided between adjacent coupling cavities 221. The thickness of the first rib 224 is determined by the antenna's electrical performance and processing capabilities. A thickness of no less than 0.8 mm is generally recommended. Multiple internally threaded columns 225 are evenly arranged along the length of the first rib 224. The internally threaded columns 225 are used to install connectors such as bolts. To ensure a good connection, the first rib 224 at the internally threaded columns 225 is thicker than where no internally threaded columns 225 are provided. The internally threaded stud 225 is used to mount the radiating layer 21. The outer diameter of the internally threaded stud 225 should be as small as possible to prevent it from entering the coupling cavity 221 and affecting the antenna's electrical performance. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the internally threaded stud 225 is 3 mm, with a spacing of 5.75 mm. During the design process for the outer diameter of the internally threaded stud 225, it is necessary to incorporate the internally threaded stud 225 into the antenna model for electrical performance analysis, iteratively optimizing the dimensional parameters of the coupling cavity 221 to ensure antenna electrical performance.

[0059] The sides of the coupling cavities 221 on either side are formed by the sides of the coupling layer 22. Internally threaded posts 225 on one side of the coupling cavities 221 are located on the inner wall of the coupling cavities 221. The first ribs 224 arranged along the length and the first ribs 224 arranged along the width are arranged in a cross-pattern, with internally threaded posts 225 also located at the intersections. This ensures a uniform layout of internally threaded holes across the entire plane of the coupling layer 22.

[0060] like Figure 4 As shown, a first notch 226 is further provided on the top surface of the first rib 224. The first notch 226 is located between adjacent internal threaded columns 225. Figure 10 As shown, the first notch 226 cooperates with the first protrusion 213 of the radiating layer 21 to improve the assembly accuracy of the radiating layer 21, ensure the dimensional accuracy of the coupling cavity 221, and provide electromagnetic shielding. This embodiment is not limited to the shape of the first notch 226, and it can form one or more concave sealing structures with the first protrusion 213.

[0061] like Figure 5As shown, the coupling power layer 22 is thickened in the middle in the height direction to form a stepped structure. The length of the stepped structure accounts for between 1 / 2 and 2 / 3 of the length of the entire coupling power layer 22. A power splitter cavity 222 is disposed within the stepped structure. From a top perspective, the power splitter cavity 222 is symmetrically arranged in an X-shape. The specific internal structure of the power splitter cavity 222 can be configured as needed, and multiple support structures can be provided to form multiple channels. The power splitter cavity 222 serves to synthesize the signals from each channel.

[0062] In this embodiment, the power splitting chamber 222 has a support plate 229, the ends of which are respectively connected to the surface of the partition plate 228 and the bottom surface of the cover layer 23. In this embodiment, the support plate 229 refers to the highest plate in the power splitting chamber 222, not all plates, and the position of the support plate 229 is not limited.

[0063] A plurality of threaded holes are provided on the surface of the coupling power layer 22 where the power splitting cavity 222 is located. The threaded holes are used to install the cover layer 23 . The cover layer 23 can completely encapsulate the power splitting cavity 222 .

[0064] A plurality of first limiting posts 227 are also connected to the surface where the power splitting cavity 222 of the coupling power layer 22 is located. The first limiting posts 227 can be plugged into the first limiting holes 232 of the cover layer 23 to improve the assembly accuracy of the cover layer 23 and ensure the dimensional accuracy of the power splitting cavity 222. At the same time, three first limiting posts 227 are provided, two on one side and one on the other side, so as to have an anti-misinsertion function.

[0065] In this embodiment, Figure 6 As shown, a plurality of slits 211 and a plurality of first screw holes 212 are provided on the radiation layer 21. The first screw holes 212 are arranged in a 5*17 matrix, matching the number and position of the internal threaded columns 225. A plurality of slits 211 are provided between each adjacent row of first screw holes 212, and the slits 211 are evenly staggered along the length direction.

[0066] like Figure 7 、 Figure 8 As shown, a plurality of first protrusions 213 are further provided on the side where the radiation layer 21 connects to the coupling cavity 221 of the coupling power layer 22. The shape, number and position of the first protrusions 213 match those of the first notches 226. The size of the first protrusions 213 is slightly smaller than that of the first notches 226. The size of the first protrusions 213 is at least 0.05 mm smaller than the single-side size of the first notches 226, so as to facilitate the insertion of the first protrusions 213 into the first notches 226. Figure 9 、 Figure 10 As shown, after the radiation layer 21 and the coupling layer 22 are assembled, the first protrusion 213 and the first notch 226 form a "concave" sealing structure to reduce electromagnetic leakage of adjacent antenna cavities.

[0067] like Figure 11、 Figure 12 As shown, the cover layer 23 includes a second screw hole 231, which is connected to the threaded hole on the surface where the power splitting cavity 222 of the coupling power layer 22 is located. At the same time, the cover layer 23 also includes a plurality of first limiting holes 232, and the first limiting columns 227 can be plugged into the first limiting holes 232 to achieve positioning and connection. A mounting boss 233 is also provided at the center of the top surface of the cover layer 23, and a through hole is provided in the middle of the mounting boss 233. The RF connector 24 is connected to the mounting boss 233 and forms an electrical connection with the interior of the coupling power layer 22.

[0068] like Figure 13 As shown, in this embodiment, when the ridge waveguide slot antenna unit 2 is layered in the horizontal direction, it has two layered surfaces, wherein the first layered surface is the connection between the first rib 224 in the coupling cavity 221 and the radiation layer 21. Except for the connection between the first notch 226 and the first protrusion 213, the rest of the first layered surface is a plane. The second layered surface is the connection between the support plate 229 in the power splitting cavity 222 and the cover layer 23. The cover layer 23 is a flat plate. Figure 14 As shown, the ridge waveguide slot antenna unit 2 of this embodiment adopts a manufacturability layered design, and is layered at the vertically intersecting surfaces of the antenna parts to ensure that the interaction surfaces of the two parts after layering are small surfaces and large surfaces (left figure), rather than small surfaces and small surfaces (right figure), to avoid the formation of misaligned steps after parts integration after layering at the small surfaces.

[0069] In this embodiment, the coupling power layer 22 serves as the mounting base of the entire ridge waveguide slot antenna unit 2 and is formed by one-piece processing, which reduces the number of multiple layers as much as possible, thereby reducing the situation in the prior art where multiple welding surfaces exist, resulting in poor welding accuracy. In this embodiment, there are only two layer surfaces, namely, the radiation layer 21 is connected to the top surface of the coupling cavity 221 by screwing, and the cover layer 23 is connected to the top surface of the power splitting cavity 222 by screwing. The one-piece processed coupling power layer 22 can improve the isolation between the coupling cavity 221 and the power splitting cavity 222 and the outside, and the sealing effect is better.

[0070] This embodiment enables the manufacture of a single large-sized antenna. When the antenna is formed by welding, the maximum size of the antenna is limited by the machine tool processing size and the size of the vacuum brazing equipment; when the present embodiment adopts the screw forming method, the maximum size of the antenna is only limited by the machine tool processing size, which can realize the manufacture of a single large-sized antenna. The size of the antenna array surface is determined by the electrical performance. When the electrical performance requirements are determined, the size of the antenna array surface is determined accordingly. Multiple small-sized antennas are spliced together to form an antenna array surface. A gap needs to be reserved to adapt to the deformation of the antenna caused by spatial temperature changes. This gap has an adverse effect on the electrical continuity of the array surface. The use of large-sized antennas can effectively avoid or reduce the number of seams and improve the electrical performance of the array surface.

[0071] The antenna manufacturing precision of this embodiment is improved. The precision of screw-molded antennas is determined by the machining accuracy and the surface treatment accuracy of the parts, while the precision of welded antennas is determined by the machining accuracy, welding accuracy, and the surface treatment accuracy of the entire component. Machining accuracy is generally higher, but during the welding process, parts undergo a low-temperature-high-temperature-low-temperature cycle, which can cause high-temperature welding deformation. Furthermore, the surface treatment accuracy of antennas with complex cavities is lower at the entire component level than at the component level. Therefore, screw-molded antennas have better manufacturing precision, improving the antenna's pointing accuracy.

[0072] In this embodiment, the interlocking design employed reduces electromagnetic leakage and improves antenna efficiency. The screw-connected antenna features a first protrusion 213 on the radiating surface 21 and a first notch 226 on the coupling layer 22. After assembly, the components interlock to form a "concave" sealed cavity. This complicates the electromagnetic wave leakage path between adjacent cavities, compensating for the potential for electromagnetic leakage caused by gaps between adjacent screws in screw connections. This improves antenna efficiency, increases antenna yield, and enables a low-cost design.

[0073] In this embodiment, the welding antenna processing flow includes layered parts machining, welding overall integration and overall surface treatment, and the yield rate of each stage is approximately 98%, 96% and 95%. Therefore, the welding antenna yield rate is approximately 89.4%; the screwed antenna processing flow includes layered parts machining, parts surface treatment and screwed overall integration, and the yield rate of each stage is approximately 98%, 99% and 100%. Therefore, the screwed antenna yield rate is approximately 97%, which greatly improves the antenna yield rate and effectively reduces the manufacturing cost of the antenna. At the same time, the surface treatment of the entire antenna with a complex cavity structure is replaced by a simpler part-level surface treatment, which puts the risk of the surface treatment process in front and effectively shortens the development cycle.

[0074] This embodiment expands the range of antenna materials available. Due to welding processes, the range of antenna materials available is limited, and some materials cannot be reliably vacuum brazed. Screw-jointed antennas offer a wider range of material options. Screw-jointed antennas can be manufactured from materials with superior mechanical properties, thereby improving the antenna's overall mechanical performance. They can serve as the product's primary load-bearing component, making them suitable for a wider range of carrier platforms.

[0075] Example 2:

[0076] In this embodiment, the mounting surface accuracy between the radiation layer 21 and the coupling power layer 22 is not less than 0.1 / 200×200, thereby ensuring the assembly accuracy and conductive performance of the two layers of parts.

[0077] like Figure 2As shown, the radiation layer 21 is installed on the side of the coupling cavity 221 of the coupling power layer 22 by means of countersunk screws 3, and it is required that the countersunk screws 3 do not protrude from the upper surface of the radiation surface; the cover layer 23 is installed on the side of the power splitting cavity 222 of the coupling power layer 22 by means of pan head screws 4, and countersunk screws can also be used here.

[0078] The spacing between adjacent screws, bolts, or studs should avoid being 1 / 2, 1 / 4, or other wavelengths larger than the antenna. Use small countersunk screws 3 or pan-head screws 4 for connection to ensure that there are no metal protrusions on the antenna radiating surface after installation. Tighten the screws with a fixed torque.

[0079] Example 3:

[0080] like Figure 14 As shown, the ridged waveguide slot antenna array 1 includes multiple ridged waveguide slot antenna units 2 arranged in a matrix. Adjacent ridged waveguide slot antenna units 2 are spliced, welded, or connected in other ways. In engineering practice, multiple ridged waveguide slot antenna units 2 can be provided based on the actual needs of the antenna array.

[0081] like Figure 15 As shown in the electrical performance diagram of the ridge waveguide slot antenna array 1, the vertical axis represents the antenna gain. The antenna gain measured by the actual antenna shows a good matching curve with the design simulation value, indicating that the design effect of the ridge waveguide slot array antenna in this embodiment is good and the design purpose is achieved.

[0082] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit the same. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A ridge waveguide slot antenna unit, characterized in that: The ridge waveguide slot antenna unit is divided into a radiation layer, a coupling power layer, and a cover layer along the side of the coupling cavity away from the partition plate, and the side of the power splitting cavity away from the partition plate is used as the first layer. The coupling power layer is an integrated manufacturing structure. The coupling power layer and the radiation layer are screwed together to form a coupling cavity. The coupling power layer and the cover plate layer are screwed together to form a power cavity.

2. The ridge waveguide slot antenna unit according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes a radio frequency connector, which is connected to the cover layer.

3. The ridge waveguide slot antenna unit according to claim 1, wherein: The coupling power layer is a rectangular block structure, and includes multiple first ribs on one side of the coupling power layer. The end surface of the first rib away from the partition plate is located on the first layer surface. The first ribs are crisscrossed to form multiple coupling cavities. Multiple internal threaded columns are evenly arranged on the first ribs along the length direction; the radiation layer includes multiple first screw holes, which are screwed to the internal threaded columns.

4. The ridge waveguide slot antenna unit according to claim 3, wherein: The thickness of the first rib is not less than 0.8 mm, and the outer diameter of the internal thread column is 3-5 times the thickness of the first rib. After the size of the internal thread column is determined, it is brought into the antenna model to carry out electrical performance analysis and iteratively optimize the size parameters of the coupling cavity.

5. The ridge waveguide slot antenna unit according to claim 3, wherein: A plurality of first notches are provided at one end of the first rib away from the partition plate, the first notches are located between adjacent internal threaded columns, a first protrusion is provided on the radiation layer, the first notch and the first protrusion cooperate to form a concave sealing structure, and the first protrusion is at least 0.05 mm smaller than a single side of the first notch.

6. The ridge waveguide slot antenna unit according to claim 1, wherein: The other side of the coupling power layer is thickened in the height direction to form a step structure, and a power dividing cavity is provided in the step structure. The power dividing cavity is connected to the support plate, and the two ends of the support plate are respectively connected to the partition plate and the cover plate layer. The end face of the support plate away from the partition plate is located on the second layer surface.

7. The ridge waveguide slot antenna unit according to claim 6, wherein: The surface where the power splitting cavity of the coupling power layer is located also includes a plurality of threaded holes, and the cover plate layer includes a plurality of second threaded holes, and the second threaded holes are threadedly connected with the threaded holes.

8. The ridge waveguide slot antenna unit according to claim 6, wherein: The surface of the coupling power layer where the power splitting cavity is located also includes a plurality of first limiting columns, the cover layer includes a plurality of first limiting holes, and the first limiting columns are plugged into the first limiting holes.

9. The ridge waveguide slot antenna unit according to claim 1, wherein: The radiation layer is installed on one side of the coupling cavity of the coupling power layer by countersunk screws, and the countersunk screws do not protrude from the upper surface of the radiation surface; the cover layer is installed on one side of the power splitter cavity of the coupling power layer by pan head screws; the spacing between adjacent countersunk screws or pan head screws needs to avoid 1 / 2 times or 1 / 4 times the antenna wavelength.

10. A ridge waveguide slot antenna array, characterized in that: The ridge waveguide slot antenna unit comprises any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein adjacent ridge waveguide slot antenna units are spliced in sequence.

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