A ridge waveguide slot antenna unit and array

Abstract

The application discloses a ridge waveguide slot antenna unit and belongs to the technical field of radar antennas. The inside of the ridge waveguide slot antenna unit comprises a coupling cavity and a power division cavity. The coupling cavity and the power division cavity are separated by a partition plate between the two. The coupling cavity and the power division cavity are communicated by a through hole on the partition plate. The side of the coupling cavity away from the partition plate is taken as a first layer surface, and the side of the power division cavity away from the partition plate is taken as a second layer surface. The ridge waveguide slot antenna unit is divided into a radiation layer, a coupling power division layer and a cover plate layer. The coupling power division layer is an integrated manufacturing structure. The coupling power division layer and the radiation layer form the coupling cavity after being screwed. The coupling power division layer and the cover plate layer form the power division cavity after being screwed. The ridge waveguide slot antenna unit has the advantages that the electrical performance of the array surface 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] This invention relates to the field of radar antenna structure technology, and more particularly to a ridge waveguide slot antenna element and array. Background Technology

[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 compact structure, and are widely used in radar, communications, and other fields. Multilayer ridge waveguide slot antennas improve the performance of traditional waveguide antennas by introducing ridge structures. They typically integrate the radiating layer, coupling layer, and power layer into a single design, achieving high-efficiency electromagnetic wave radiation. They offer advantages such as broadband coverage, high efficiency, low profile, and compact structure.

[0003] Multilayer ridge waveguide antennas have complex internal cavities and require high precision, making one-time fabrication impossible. In engineering, layered manufacturing and overall integration are generally employed. Currently, the overall integration method typically involves vacuum brazing of multilayer components (e.g., CN117117504A - Multilayer 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 antennas with generally small external dimensions, restricting the application of large-size antennas. Furthermore, the addition of vacuum brazing as a special process can lead to problems such as high-temperature deformation, reduced mechanical properties, long manufacturing cycles, low yield, and high manufacturing costs. Welding accuracy directly affects waveguide antenna performance. For example, welding misalignment can cause mode perturbations and degrade the radiation pattern; welding pores or cracks can lead to electromagnetic leakage and reduce antenna efficiency; and surface roughness can cause phase errors in antenna elements, affecting the beam pointing accuracy of the array antenna.

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

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

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

[0007] The ridge waveguide slot antenna element includes a coupling cavity and a power divider cavity, which are separated by a partition plate and connected by a through hole in the partition plate. The first layer is defined along the side of the coupling cavity away from the partition plate, and the second layer is defined along the side of the power divider cavity away from the partition plate, dividing the ridge waveguide slot antenna element into a radiation layer, a coupling power layer, and a cover layer. The coupling power layer is a single-piece structure. The coupling power layer and the radiation layer are screwed together to form the coupling cavity, and the coupling power layer and the cover layer are screwed together to form the power divider cavity.

[0008] In this invention, the coupling function is integrated into a single manufacturing structure, enabling the manufacture of a single large-size antenna, reducing the number of seams in the ridge waveguide slot antenna, and improving the array's electrical performance. Furthermore, it offers higher manufacturing precision, higher yield, and a wider range of antenna materials. The ridge waveguide slot antenna element employs a manufacturable layered design, and this invention has only two layers, reducing the number of layers in existing technologies. This reduces issues such as poor welding precision caused by multiple welding surfaces. Additionally, using the connection between the large and small surfaces as the layering point avoids component misalignment and unreliable connections at the small surface layer. This invention uses screw connections instead of welding connections in existing technologies, solving problems related to cost, thermal deformation, and size limitations associated with welding processes. Simultaneously, considering the interlocking design of components in each layer, combined with the screw connection process, reduces electromagnetic leakage and surface roughness of the antenna element, improving the antenna's pointing accuracy and efficiency.

[0009] Preferably, it also includes an RF connector, which is connected to the cover plate layer.

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

[0011] Preferably, the coupling function layer is a rectangular block structure, and one side of the coupling function layer includes multiple first ribs. 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. Multiple internal threaded posts are uniformly arranged on the first ribs along the length direction. The radiation layer includes multiple first screw holes, and the first screw holes are screwed to the internal threaded posts.

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

[0013] During the design of the outer diameter of the internally threaded post, it is necessary to incorporate the internally threaded post into the antenna model to conduct electrical performance analysis, iteratively optimize the size parameters of the coupling cavity, and ensure the electrical performance of the antenna.

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

[0015] After the first slot and the first protrusion are assembled, the parts are interlocked to form a "concave" sealed cavity, which complicates the electromagnetic wave leakage path between adjacent cavities. This compensates for the defect that screw connections can easily cause gaps between adjacent screws in the two layers of parts, resulting in electromagnetic leakage, and improves antenna efficiency. The antenna yield is increased, and low-cost design is achieved.

[0016] Preferably, the other side of the coupled power layer is thickened along the height direction to form a stepped structure. The stepped structure has a power distribution cavity, and a support plate is connected inside the power distribution cavity. The two ends of the support plate are connected to the partition plate and the cover plate layer, respectively. 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 power distribution cavity in the coupled power layer also includes multiple threaded holes, and the cover plate layer includes multiple second threaded holes, which are screwed into the threaded holes.

[0018] Preferably, the surface of the power distribution cavity in the coupled power layer also includes multiple first limiting posts, and the cover plate layer includes multiple first limiting holes, with the first limiting posts and first limiting holes being inserted into each other.

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

[0020] Preferably, the radiating 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 radiating surface; the cover layer is installed on one side of the power distribution 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 or 1 / 4 times the antenna wavelength.

[0021] The present invention also discloses a ridge waveguide slot antenna array, comprising the aforementioned ridge waveguide slot antenna elements, wherein adjacent ridge waveguide slot antenna elements are sequentially spliced ​​together.

[0022] The advantages of this invention are:

[0023] In this invention, the coupling function is integrated into a single manufacturing structure, employing a manufacturable layered design. Furthermore, this invention has only two layers, reducing the number of layers in existing technologies and thus minimizing issues such as poor welding precision caused by multiple welding surfaces. Additionally, using the connection between the large and small surfaces as the layering point avoids the problems of component misalignment and unreliable connections that can occur at the small surface of the wall. This invention uses screw connections instead of welding connections in existing technologies, solving problems related to cost, thermal deformation, and size limitations associated with welding processes. Simultaneously, considering the interlocking design of components in each layer, combined with the screw connection process, reduces electromagnetic leakage and surface roughness of the antenna unit, improving the antenna's pointing accuracy and efficiency.

[0024] This invention enables the manufacture of a single large-size antenna. When antennas are formed by welding, their maximum size is limited by the machine tool dimensions and the size of the vacuum brazing equipment. In this embodiment, using a screw-jointing method, the maximum antenna size is limited only by the machine tool dimensions, enabling the manufacture of a single large-size antenna. The antenna array size is determined by its electrical performance; when the electrical performance requirements are determined, the antenna array size is also determined. Multiple small antennas are spliced ​​together to form an antenna array, requiring gaps to accommodate antenna deformation caused by temperature changes. These gaps negatively impact the electrical continuity of the array. Using large-size antennas can effectively avoid or reduce the number of gaps, improving the array's electrical performance.

[0025] The antenna of this invention has better manufacturing precision. The precision of a screw-jointed antenna is determined by machining precision and the surface treatment precision of the parts, while the precision of a welded antenna is determined by machining precision, welding precision, and the overall surface treatment precision. Generally, machining precision is higher. During the welding process, the parts undergo a low-temperature-high-temperature-low-temperature process, resulting in high-temperature welding deformation. Furthermore, the overall surface treatment precision of complex cavity antennas is lower than that of individual parts. Therefore, screw-jointed antennas have better manufacturing precision, improving the antenna's pointing accuracy.

[0026] In this invention, the interlocking design reduces electromagnetic leakage and improves antenna efficiency. The radiating surface of the screw-connected antenna has a first protrusion, and the coupling layers have first slots. After assembly, the parts interlock to form a concave sealed cavity, complicating the electromagnetic wave leakage path between adjacent cavities. This overcomes the defect of screw connections that easily cause gaps between adjacent screws, leading to electromagnetic leakage and improving antenna efficiency. The antenna yield is also increased, enabling low-cost design.

[0027] In this invention, the welding antenna processing flow consists of layered component machining, overall welding integration, and overall surface treatment. The yield rates at each stage are approximately 98%, 96%, and 95%, respectively. Therefore, the overall yield rate of the welding antenna is approximately 89.4%. The screw-connected antenna processing flow consists of layered component machining, component surface treatment, and overall screw-connection integration. The yield rates at each stage are approximately 98%, 99%, and 100%, respectively. Therefore, the overall yield rate of the screw-connected antenna is approximately 97%. This significantly improves the antenna yield rate and effectively reduces the antenna manufacturing cost. At the same time, the simpler component-level surface treatment replaces the overall surface treatment of the antenna with its complex cavity structure, bringing the risks of the surface treatment process forward and effectively shortening the development cycle.

[0028] This invention expands the range of antenna materials that can be used. Currently, the range of antenna materials is limited due to welding processes, and some materials cannot be reliably vacuum brazed. Antennas formed by screw connections allow for a wider range of material choices. Screw-connected antennas can be manufactured using materials with superior mechanical properties, thereby improving the overall mechanical performance of the antenna. This makes it suitable as the main load-bearing component, thus expanding the range of applicable transportation platforms. Attached Figure Description

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

[0030] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the ridge waveguide slot antenna element according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the coupling function layering (view from the side where the coupling cavity is located) 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 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the coupled power layer (view from the side where the power distribution cavity is located) according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the radiation layer in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the radiation layer in an embodiment of the present invention;

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

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

[0038] Figure 10 yes Figure 9Enlarged view at point C;

[0039] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the cover plate layer in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the cover plate layer in an embodiment of the present invention;

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

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

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

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

[0045] Numbering on the map:

[0046] 1. Ridge waveguide slot antenna array;

[0047] 2. Ridge waveguide slot antenna element;

[0048] 21. Radiation layer; 211. Gap; 212. First screw hole; 213. First protrusion;

[0049] 22. Coupling function layer; 221. Coupling cavity; 222. Function distribution cavity; 223. Connecting hole; 224. First rib; 225. Internal threaded post; 226. First slot; 227. First limiting post; 228. Partition plate; 229. Support plate;

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

[0051] 24. Radio frequency connectors;

[0052] 3. Countersunk screws; 4. Pan head screws. Detailed Implementation

[0053] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of 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 some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are 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 element 2 adopts a layered design, that is, the ridge waveguide slot antenna element 2 is divided into multiple layers along the horizontal direction. The multiple layers are processed separately and then integrated into a whole by screwing.

[0056] Specifically, the ridge waveguide slot antenna element 2 includes a radiating layer 21, a power coupling layer 22, a cover layer 23, and an RF connector 24 connected sequentially along the vertical direction. The power coupling layer 22 is a single-piece component. The radiating layer 21 is screwed onto one side of the power coupling layer 22, forming a coupling cavity 221. The cover layer 23 is screwed onto the other side of the power coupling layer 22, forming a power splitting cavity 222. A partition plate 228 separates the coupling cavity 221 and the power splitting cavity 222, with the coupling cavity 221 on one side and the power splitting cavity 222 on the other. The RF connector 24 is connected to the cover layer 23, serving as the signal transmission interface for the antenna element.

[0057] In this embodiment, the screw connection refers to the tight connection of two parts using threaded connectors such as bolts, screws, and threaded rods. This embodiment uses a screw connection instead of the welding connection in the prior art, solving the problems of cost, thermal deformation, and size limitations caused by the welding process. At the same time, considering the interlocking design of each layer of parts, combined with the screw connection process, it reduces electromagnetic leakage and surface roughness of the antenna unit, and improves the pointing accuracy and efficiency of the antenna.

[0058] Specifically, such as Figure 3As shown, the coupling power layer 22 has a roughly rectangular block structure. One side of the coupling power layer 22 includes multiple coupling cavities 221, which are also rectangular cavities. Each coupling cavity 221 has a connecting hole 223 on its bottom surface, allowing the coupling cavity 221 to connect with the power distribution cavity 222 opposite it. In this embodiment, each coupling power layer 22 has 4*2 coupling cavities 221. Each coupling cavity 221 has the same shape and structure. Adjacent coupling cavities 221 are separated by a first rib 224. The thickness of the first rib 224 is determined by the antenna's electrical performance and manufacturing capabilities; generally, a thickness of not less than 0.8 mm is recommended. Multiple internally threaded posts 225 are evenly arranged along the length of the first rib 224. These internally threaded posts 225 are used to install bolts and other connecting parts. To ensure a good connection, the thickness of the first rib 224 at the internally threaded posts 225 is greater than at locations without internally threaded posts 225. The internally threaded post 225 is used to mount the radiating layer 21. The outer diameter of the internally threaded post 225 should be as small as possible to avoid entering the coupling cavity 221 and affecting the antenna's electrical performance. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the internally threaded post 225 is 3 mm, with a spacing of 5.75 mm. During the design process of the outer diameter of the internally threaded post 225, it is necessary to incorporate the internally threaded post 225 into the antenna model to conduct electrical performance analysis and iteratively optimize the dimensional parameters of the coupling cavity 221 to ensure the antenna's electrical performance.

[0059] The sides of the coupling cavities 221 located on both sides are formed by the sides of the coupling function layer 22. Internally threaded posts 225 on one side of the coupling cavities 221 are provided on the inner wall of the coupling cavity 221. The first ribs 224 arranged along the length direction and the first ribs 224 arranged along the width direction are arranged in an intersecting layout, and internally threaded posts 225 are also provided at the intersection points. This ensures a uniform layout of internally threaded holes across the entire plane of the coupling function layer 22.

[0060] like Figure 4 As shown, a first slot 226 is also formed on the top surface of the first rib 224. The first slot 226 is located between adjacent internally threaded posts 225, in conjunction with... Figure 10 As shown, the first slot 226 mates with the first protrusion 213 of the radiation layer 21, improving the assembly accuracy of the radiation layer 21, ensuring the dimensional accuracy of the coupling cavity 221, and providing electromagnetic shielding. This embodiment is not limited to the shape of the first slot 226; it is possible to achieve one or more concave sealing structures with the first protrusion 213.

[0061] like Figure 5As shown, a stepped structure is formed by thickening the middle section of the coupled power layer 22 in the height direction. The length of the stepped structure is between 1 / 2 and 2 / 3 of the total length of the coupled power layer 22. A power divider cavity 222 is set inside the stepped structure. From a top view, the power divider cavity 222 is symmetrically arranged in an X shape. The specific internal structure of the power divider cavity 222 can be set as needed, and multiple support structures can be set to form multiple channels. The power divider cavity 222 plays the role of signal synthesis for each channel.

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

[0063] Multiple threaded holes are provided on the surface of the power distribution cavity 222 of the coupling power layer 22. The threaded holes are used to install the cover plate layer 23, which can completely enclose the power distribution cavity 222.

[0064] Multiple first limiting posts 227 are also connected to the surface of the power distribution cavity 222 of the coupling power layer 22. The first limiting posts 227 can be inserted into the first limiting holes 232 of the cover plate layer 23 to improve the assembly accuracy of the cover plate layer 23 and ensure the dimensional accuracy of the power distribution cavity 222. At the same time, three first limiting posts 227 are set, two on one side and one on the other side, thus providing a function to prevent incorrect insertion.

[0065] In this embodiment, as Figure 6 As shown, multiple slits 211 and multiple 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 posts 225. Multiple 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 provided on the side where the radiation layer 21 connects to the coupling cavity 221 of the coupling layer 22. The shape, number, and position of the first protrusions 213 match those of the first slots 226. The size of the first protrusions 213 is slightly smaller than that of the first slots 226, and the size of the first protrusions 213 is at least 0.05 mm smaller than the size of one side of the first slots 226, so as to facilitate the insertion of the first protrusions 213 into the first slots 226. Figure 9 , Figure 10 As shown, after the radiating layer 21 and the coupling layer 22 are assembled, the first protrusion 213 and the first slot 226 form a concave sealing structure, reducing electromagnetic leakage of adjacent antenna cavities.

[0067] like Figure 11, Figure 12 As shown, the cover plate layer 23 includes a second screw hole 231, which connects to the threaded hole on the surface of the power distribution cavity 222 of the coupling power layer 22. Simultaneously, the cover plate layer 23 also includes multiple first limiting holes 232, and first limiting posts 227 can be inserted 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 plate layer 23. The mounting boss 233 has a through hole in its center, and the RF connector 24 is connected to the mounting boss 233, forming 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 element 2 is layered along the horizontal direction, it has two sub-layers. The first sub-layer is the connection between the first rib 224 and the radiating layer 21 within the coupling cavity 221. Except for the connection between the first slot 226 and the first protrusion 213, the rest of the first sub-layer is planar. The second sub-layer is the connection between the support plate 229 and the cover plate layer 23 within the power divider cavity 222. The cover plate layer 23 is a flat plate. Figure 14 As shown, the ridge waveguide slot antenna unit 2 in this embodiment adopts a manufacturability layered design, which layers the antenna parts at the vertical intersecting surfaces to ensure that the interaction surfaces of the two parts after layering are small surface and large surface (left side figure), rather than small surface and small surface (right side figure), thus avoiding the formation of misaligned steps after the parts are integrated after layering at the small surface.

[0069] In this embodiment, the coupling power layer 22 serves as the mounting base for the entire ridge waveguide slot antenna unit 2. It is integrally formed, minimizing the number of layers and thus reducing the poor welding precision caused by multiple welding surfaces in the prior art. This embodiment has only two layers: the radiating 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 divider cavity 222 by screwing. The integrally formed coupling power layer 22 can improve the isolation between the coupling cavity 221 and the power divider cavity 222 and the outside, resulting in a better sealing effect.

[0070] This embodiment enables the manufacture of a single large-size antenna. When the antenna is formed by welding, its maximum size is limited by the machine tool dimensions and the size of the vacuum brazing equipment. In this embodiment, however, using a screw-jointing method, the maximum antenna size is limited only by the machine tool dimensions, allowing for the manufacture of a single large-size antenna. The antenna array size is determined by its electrical performance; when the electrical performance requirements are defined, the antenna array size is also determined. Multiple small-size antennas are spliced ​​together to form an antenna array, requiring gaps to accommodate antenna deformation caused by temperature changes. These gaps negatively impact the electrical continuity of the array. Using large-size antennas effectively avoids or reduces the number of gaps, improving the array's electrical performance.

[0071] This embodiment offers superior antenna manufacturing precision. The precision of a screw-jointed antenna is determined by machining precision and component surface treatment precision, while the precision of a welded antenna is determined by machining precision, welding precision, and overall component surface treatment precision. Generally, machining precision is higher. During the welding process, components undergo a low-temperature-high-temperature-low-temperature cycle, resulting in high-temperature welding deformation. Furthermore, the overall component-level surface treatment precision for complex cavity antennas is lower than the component-level surface treatment precision. Therefore, screw-jointed antennas offer better manufacturing precision, improving their pointing accuracy.

[0072] In this embodiment, the interlocking design reduces electromagnetic leakage and improves antenna efficiency. The radiating surface 21 of the screw-fitted antenna has a first protrusion 213, and the coupling layer 22 has a first slot 226. After assembly, the parts interlock to form a concave sealed cavity, which complicates the electromagnetic wave leakage path between adjacent cavities. This overcomes the defect of electromagnetic leakage caused by gaps between adjacent screws in screw connections, thus improving antenna efficiency. The antenna yield is increased, achieving a low-cost design.

[0073] In this embodiment, the welding antenna processing flow consists of layered component machining, overall welding integration, and overall surface treatment. The yield rates at each stage are approximately 98%, 96%, and 95%, respectively. Therefore, the overall yield rate of the welding antenna is approximately 89.4%. The screw-connected antenna processing flow consists of layered component machining, component surface treatment, and overall screw-connection integration. The yield rates at each stage are approximately 98%, 99%, and 100%, respectively. Therefore, the overall yield rate of the screw-connected antenna is approximately 97%. This significantly improves the antenna yield rate and effectively reduces the antenna manufacturing cost. At the same time, the simpler component-level surface treatment replaces the overall surface treatment of the antenna with its complex cavity structure, bringing the risks of the surface treatment process forward and effectively shortening the development cycle.

[0074] In this embodiment, the range of antenna materials that can be selected is expanded. Due to the limitations of welding processes, the range of antenna materials is limited, and some materials cannot be reliably vacuum brazed. Antennas formed by screw connections allow for a wider range of material choices. Screw-connected antennas can be manufactured using materials with superior mechanical properties, thereby improving the overall mechanical performance of the antenna. They can serve as the main load-bearing components of the product, making the antenna suitable for a wider range of transportation platforms.

[0075] Example 2:

[0076] In this embodiment, the mounting surface accuracy between the radiation layer 21 and the coupling layer 22 is not less than 0.1 / 200×200, ensuring the assembly accuracy and conductivity 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 countersunk screws 3, requiring that the countersunk screws 3 do not protrude from the upper surface of the radiation surface; the cover plate layer 23 is installed on the side of the power distribution cavity 222 of the coupling power layer 22 by pan head screws 4, and countersunk screws can also be used here.

[0078] The spacing between adjacent screws, bolts, or studs should avoid 1 / 2, 1 / 4, or other times the antenna wavelength. Small countersunk screws (3) or pan head screws (4) should be used for connection to ensure that there are no metal protrusions on the antenna radiating surface after installation; screws should be tightened to a fixed torque during installation.

[0079] Example 3:

[0080] like Figure 14 As shown, the ridge waveguide slot antenna array 1 includes multiple ridge waveguide slot antenna elements 2, which are arranged in a matrix. Adjacent ridge waveguide slot antenna elements 2 are spliced, welded, or connected by other means. In engineering practice, multiple ridge waveguide slot antenna elements 2 can be set according to the actual needs of the antenna array.

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

[0082] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A ridge waveguide slot antenna element, characterized in that, Its interior includes a coupling cavity and a power divider cavity, which are separated by a partition plate and connected by a through hole in the partition plate. The first layer is defined along the side of the coupling cavity away from the partition plate, and the second layer is defined along the side of the power divider cavity away from the partition plate. The ridge waveguide slot antenna element is divided into a radiation layer, a coupling power layer, and a cover layer. The coupling function layer is manufactured as an integral structure. The coupling function layer and the radiation layer are screwed together to form a coupling cavity. The coupling function layer and the cover plate layer are screwed together to form a split cavity. The coupling function layer is a rectangular block structure. On one side of the coupling function layer, there are multiple first ribs. 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. Multiple internal threaded posts are uniformly arranged on the first ribs along the length direction. The radiation layer includes multiple first screw holes, which are screwed to the internal threaded posts. Multiple first slots are opened at the end of the first rib away from the partition plate. The first slots are located between adjacent internal threaded posts. The radiation layer is provided with first protrusions. The first slots and the first protrusions cooperate to form a concave sealing structure.

2. The ridge waveguide slot antenna element according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an RF connector, which is attached to the cover plate layer.

3. The ridge waveguide slot antenna element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the first rib is not less than 0.8 mm, and the outer diameter of the internally threaded post is 3-5 times the thickness of the first rib. After the size of the internally threaded post is determined, it is used in the antenna model to carry out electrical performance analysis and iteratively optimize the size parameters of the coupling cavity.

4. The ridge waveguide slot antenna element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first protrusion is at least 0.05 mm smaller than one side of the first groove.

5. The ridge waveguide slot antenna element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The other side of the coupled power layer thickens along the height direction to form a stepped structure. The stepped structure contains a power distribution cavity, and a support plate is connected inside the power distribution cavity. The two ends of the support plate are connected to the partition plate and the cover plate layer, respectively. The end face of the support plate away from the partition plate is located on the second layer surface.

6. The ridge waveguide slot antenna element according to claim 5, characterized in that, The surface of the power distribution cavity in the coupled power layer also includes multiple threaded holes, and the cover plate layer includes multiple second threaded holes, which are screwed into the threaded holes.

7. The ridge waveguide slot antenna element according to claim 5, characterized in that, The surface of the power distribution cavity in the coupled power layer also includes multiple first limiting posts, and the cover plate layer includes multiple first limiting holes, with the first limiting posts and first limiting holes being inserted into each other.

8. The ridge waveguide slot antenna element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radiating layer is installed on one side of the coupling cavity of the coupling power layer using countersunk screws, and the countersunk screws do not protrude from the upper surface of the radiating surface; the cover plate layer is installed on one side of the power distribution cavity of the coupling power layer using pan head screws; the spacing between adjacent countersunk screws or pan head screws needs to avoid 1 / 2 or 1 / 4 times the antenna wavelength.

9. A ridge waveguide slot antenna array, characterized in that, It includes any one of the ridge waveguide slot antenna elements of claims 1-8 above, with adjacent ridge waveguide slot antenna elements spliced ​​together in sequence.

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