Shaped waveguide antenna module and millimeter wave radar

Abstract

The invention relates to a shaped waveguide antenna module and a millimeter wave radar, and relates to the technical field of vehicle-mounted angle radars. The shaped waveguide antenna module comprises a first structural member and a second structural member. The second surface of the first structural member is attached to the first surface of the second structural member; a transmission channel is formed in the first structural member and the second structural member, and the transmission channel is used for transmitting signals; the first surface of the first structural member is provided with a transmission channel inlet; the second surface of the second structural member is provided with a transmission channel outlet; the transmission channel comprises a coupling channel, and the coupling channel is of a staggered structure above an outlet of the transmission channel, so that signals can be coupled to a surface layer through a gap generated by staggering to be radiated. Openings of the antenna radiation units are excited to be in the same direction through the staggered slots in the coupling channel, so that the transmission efficiency of electromagnetic waves is improved, and the detection effect in the preset direction is enhanced for the actual application scene of the antenna module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of vehicle-mounted corner radar technology, and in particular to a shaped waveguide antenna module and a millimeter-wave radar. Background Art

[0002] Corner radar is a "short-range radar" that is mainly installed at the four corners of the vehicle to solve the blind spot problem of the vehicle when parking and changing lanes.

[0003] Traditional vehicle-mounted corner radars often use microstrip patch antennas or waveguide antennas with symmetrical radiation patterns. They achieve maximum gain at an azimuth angle of 0°, and the detection distance is also the greatest at this time.

[0004] However, in actual application scenarios, corner radars are generally installed at the four corners of the vehicle, and the detection distance and line of sight will be affected by the radar installation location. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention relates to a shaped waveguide antenna module and a millimeter-wave radar, which can enhance the detection capability of the millimeter-wave radar and improve transmission efficiency through the configuration of structural components. The technical solution is as follows: In one aspect, a shaped waveguide antenna is provided, comprising a first structural member and a second structural member; The second surface of the first structural member is bonded to the first surface of the second structural member; A transmission channel is formed inside the first structural member and the second structural member, and the transmission channel is used to transmit signals; The first surface of the first structural member has a transmission channel entrance; The second surface of the second structural member has a transmission channel outlet; The transmission channel includes a coupling channel, which is located at the tail of the transmission channel. A gap is formed in the coupling channel, and the electromagnetic signal is coupled and transmitted through the gap.

[0006] In an optional embodiment, the second surface of the second structural member includes a slotted radiation slot; At least two slot radiation slots are connected to one transmission channel, the slot radiation slots are connected to the coupling portion, and the slot radiation slots are located above the coupling portion; The coupling portion includes at least two coupling slots, and the two coupling slots correspond to one slot radiation slot; At least two coupling slots are connected to the slot radiation slot in an alternating manner.

[0007] In an optional embodiment, a polarization conversion structure is configured in the transmission channel; The polarization conversion structure is used to convert electromagnetic waves from horizontal polarization to vertical polarization; The polarization conversion structure is implemented as a chamfer.

[0008] In an optional embodiment, the transmission channel further includes a power division network; The power division network is located between the polarization conversion structure and the coupling channel; The coupling channel is located above the power division network; The power splitter network is used to split the signal for transmission.

[0009] In an optional embodiment, the power division network has a branching function portion and a necking structure; The signal branching function part is located on the peripheral side of the slot radiation slot; The necking structure is located between two adjacent slot radiation grooves.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the first surface of the first structural member has a structural member waveguide interface; The structural component waveguide interface is implemented as a transmission channel entrance, and the structural component waveguide interface is connected to the transmission channel.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, the first surface of the first structural member includes a transmission transition structure; The transmission transition structure is used to cooperate with the waveguide interface of the structural component to transmit electromagnetic wave signals; The transmission transition structure is implemented as a metal pillar.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, the second surface of the second structural member includes at least two choke slots; Each choke slot is parallel to each other; The choke slot and the slot radiation slot are parallel to each other, and the choke slot is used to reduce signal radiation in a non-functional direction.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, the shaped waveguide antenna module further includes a printed circuit board; The first side of the printed circuit board is provided with an antenna chip; The second side of the printed circuit board is provided with an antenna waveguide interface; The antenna waveguide interface is used to cooperate with the structural component waveguide interface to transmit the electromagnetic wave signal generated by the antenna chip to the transmission channel.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, the antenna waveguide interface is implemented as a double-ridge waveguide interface.

[0015] On the other hand, a millimeter wave radar is provided, which includes any of the above-mentioned shaped waveguide antenna modules.

[0016] The beneficial effects brought about by the technical solution provided by the present invention include at least: The first and second structural members are combined to form a transmission channel for electromagnetic signals, with a shaped waveguide antenna adapted at the end of the transmission channel. Combined with the coupling channel structure present in the waveguide transmission path, staggered slots in the coupling channel stimulate the antenna radiating elements to open in the same direction, improving the transmission efficiency of electromagnetic waves. This enhances detection in a preset direction and extends the detection range for practical application scenarios of the antenna module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0018] Figure 1 A structural schematic diagram of a shaped waveguide antenna module provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0019] Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of another shaped waveguide antenna module provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0020] Figure 3 A perspective schematic diagram of a shaped waveguide antenna module provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0021] Figure 4 A schematic side cross-sectional structure diagram of a shaped waveguide antenna module provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0022] Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram of the second surface of a first structural member provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0023] Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram of a first surface of a second structural member provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0024] Figure 7 A schematic structural diagram of a second surface of a second structural member provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0025] Figure 8 A schematic structural diagram of a first surface of a first structural member provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0026] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a transmission channel provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0027] Figure 10 A schematic top view of a transmission channel provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0028] Figure 11 A schematic structural diagram of another shaped waveguide antenna module provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0029] Figure 12 A schematic structural diagram of the first side of a printed circuit board provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0030] Figure 13 A schematic structural diagram of the second side of a printed circuit board provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clear, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 FIG2 shows a structural diagram of a shaped waveguide antenna module provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 FIG2 shows a schematic structural diagram of another shaped waveguide antenna module provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 The first surface of the first structural member is used as the top surface for illustration. Figure 2 The second surface of the second structural member is used as the top surface for illustration. Figure 3 A perspective schematic diagram of a shaped waveguide antenna module provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown. Figure 4 FIG1 shows a side cross-sectional structural diagram of a shaped waveguide antenna module provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application. Figures 1 to 4 The shaped waveguide antenna module includes a first structural member and a second structural member, wherein the second surface of the first structural member is bonded to the first surface of the second structural member; a transmission channel is formed inside the first structural member and the second structural member, and the transmission channel is used to transmit signals; the first surface of the first structural member has a transmission channel entrance; the second surface of the second structural member has a transmission channel exit; the transmission channel includes a coupling channel, and the coupling channel is located at the tail end of the transmission channel exit; a gap is formed in the coupling coupling channel, and the electromagnetic signal is coupled and transmitted through the gap.

[0033] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3In the embodiment of the present application, the first structural member 10 is implemented as a structural member adjacent to the signal receiving end, and the second structural member 20 is implemented as a structural member adjacent to the signal output end. During the actual installation process, the first structural member 10 is used to abut against the antenna chip outlet, and the second structural member 20 is used to abut against the functional components adjacent to the antenna module to realize the transmission of the signal radiated by the antenna chip. That is, in the embodiment of the present application, the channel formed between the first structural member 10 and the second structural member 20 is used for the transmission of waveguide signals. It should be noted that the waveguide signal involved in the embodiment of the present application is an electromagnetic wave signal.

[0034] In the embodiment of the present application, the first structural member 10 and the second structural member 20 are made of a metallized plastic material. Optionally, the first structural member 10 and the second structural member 20 can be vacuum-plated, hydro-plated, or spray-coated to achieve metal coating on the plastic surface.

[0035] Please refer to Figure 4 , which shows a side view of the coupling channel that exists at the tail of the transmission channel 30, that is, near the outlet of the transmission channel, and the coupling channel is used to realize signal coupling transmission. In an embodiment of the present application, the outlet of the transmission channel is implemented in the form of a slot, and the coupling channel is located below the outlet of the transmission channel, and is used to couple the signal in the transmission channel to achieve signal enhancement and screening in a specific direction. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific structure and manufacturing process of the coupling part. In one example, the manufacturing process of the coupling part is: the required slit grooves are separately processed on the first surface and the second surface of the second structural member to produce a misaligned coupling part.

[0036] In summary, the shaped waveguide antenna module provided in the embodiments of the present application combines a first structural member with a second structural member to form a transmission channel for transmitting electromagnetic signals, and adapts a shaped waveguide antenna to the tail of the transmission channel. Combined with the coupling channel structure existing in the waveguide transmission path, the antenna radiation units are stimulated to open in the same direction through the offset slots in the coupling channel, thereby improving the transmission efficiency of electromagnetic waves. For the actual application scenarios of the antenna module, the detection effect in the preset direction is enhanced, and the detection distance is further.

[0037] Next, combine Figures 5 to 8 The specific structures of the first structural member and the second structural member are shown to further illustrate the structure of the shaped waveguide antenna module involved in this application.

[0038] Please refer to Figure 7In an optional embodiment, the second surface of the second structural member includes slot radiation slots 21; at least two of the slot radiation slots 21 are connected to a transmission channel, and the slot radiation slots are connected to the coupling channel, with the slot radiation slots 21 located above the coupling channel; the coupling channel includes at least two coupling slots 41, with two coupling slots 41 corresponding to each slot radiation slot 21; and at least two coupling slots 41 are interlacedly connected to the slot radiation slots 21. That is, the waveguide signal passes through the transmission channel 30 and is ultimately radiated out through the slot radiation slots 21. Therefore, the slot radiation slot 21 serves as the terminal component of the transmission channel 30, i.e., the realization of the transmission channel exit, and is connected to the coupling channel.

[0039] There are at least two coupling gaps in the coupling channel. Figure 4 Optionally, the size of the coupling slot corresponds to the size of the slot radiation slot. In one example, the size of the coupling slot is the same as the size of the slot radiation slot. In the embodiment of the present application, two coupling slots are used to illustrate one slot radiation slot. In actual application, the number and size correspondence between the coupling slots and the slot radiation slots can be adjusted according to the requirements of the application scenario.

[0040] Please refer to Figure 3 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 In an embodiment of the present application, a polarization conversion structure is configured in the transmission channel; the polarization conversion structure is used to convert electromagnetic waves from a horizontal polarization form to a vertical polarization form; the polarization conversion structure is implemented as a chamfer.

[0041] Please refer to Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the second surface of the first structural member and the first surface of the second structural member. When assembled, the second surface of the first structural member contacts the first surface of the second structural member to form an assembly. When forming an assembly, please refer to Figure 3 The interior of the shaped waveguide antenna module forms a transmission channel due to the surface design of the first and second structural members, and the transmission channel is realized as a hollow shape. In other words, the second surface of the first structural member and the first surface of the second structural member are respectively formed on both sides of the transmission channel through carving, acid etching, and other processing methods, thereby forming a structure that is compatible with the transmission channel. Optionally, when the first and second structural members are combined, the second surface of the first structural member is in contact with the first surface of the second structural member. Figure 9 A perspective diagram of one of the transmission channels. Figure 10 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the main structure corresponding to the transmission channel. Figure 9 as well as Figure 10As can be seen, within the transmission channel 30, there is a polarization conversion structure 33 implemented as a protrusion. This polarization conversion structure 33 is used to convert the electromagnetic wave from a first polarization form to a second polarization form. This application does not limit the specific structural form of the polarization conversion structure 33. In one example, the polarization conversion structure 33 is implemented as a protrusion. In another example, the polarization conversion structure 33 is implemented as a chamfered structure.

[0042] Optionally, Figure 9 For example, the first direction is the horizontal direction and the second direction is the vertical direction.

[0043] In the embodiments of this application, a polarization conversion structure within the transmission channel converts the polarization of electromagnetic waves at a predetermined location within the transmission channel. This enhances detection in a predetermined direction and further increases detection range for the actual application scenario of the antenna module. The chamfered structure converts the signal from a first polarization to a second polarization, achieving a change in polarization direction.

[0044] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 10 , corresponding to one transmission channel 30, there are four slotted radiation slots 21. In the embodiment of the present application, the specific positional relationship between the four slotted radiation slots 21 is not limited. In one example, the centerlines of the four slotted radiation slots 21 are connected to form a straight line; in another example, the centerlines of the four slotted radiation slots 21 are not aligned.

[0045] In an optional embodiment, the transmission channel further includes a power division network; the power division network is located between the polarization conversion structure and the coupling channel; the coupling channel is located above the power division network; the power division network is used to branch the signal.

[0046] Please combine Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 For reference, the power splitting network 34 in the embodiment of the present application is the structure at the tail end of the transmission channel 30 that transmits the electromagnetic wave signal to the slot radiation slot 21 for output. That is, in the embodiment of the present application, in order to ensure that the slot radiation slot 21 can output the signal, the polarization mode of the electromagnetic wave signal needs to be converted, that is, the polarization mode of the electromagnetic wave signal in the transmission channel 30 is the first direction, and after passing through the polarization conversion structure 33, it is transmitted to the power splitting network 34 in the second polarization mode. The power splitting network 34 branches the signal for transmission, excites the slot radiation slots 21 located on the same straight line to open in phase through coupling, and further converts the polarization mode of the electromagnetic wave into the first direction polarization, and outputs it from the slot radiation slot 21.

[0047] In this case, the power division network has a signal branching functional portion and a necking structure, the signal branching functional portion is located on the peripheral side of the slot radiation slot, and the necking structure is located between the two adjacent slot radiation slots.

[0048] In the embodiment of the present application, the power division network 34 includes a functional portion for signal branching transmission, and a necking structure 342 dedicated to the gap radiation slot for impedance transformation and signal branching. The positions of the signal branching functional portion 341 and the necking structure 342 are as shown in FIG. Figure 10 As shown. Optionally, the constriction structure 342 is implemented as a constriction between two adjacent slot radiation slots 21. The signal branching portion 341 is implemented as a zigzag structure, which is used to branch the electromagnetic signal from the center to the two sides along the zigzag structure. The signal branching portion 341 is used for signal branching transmission, and the constriction structure 342 is used to achieve impedance transformation and signal branching within the power division network.

[0049] In the examples of this application, please refer to Figure 8 The first surface of the first structural component 10 has a structural component waveguide interface 11. The structural component waveguide interface 11 is the implementation form of the transmission channel entrance. The structural component waveguide interface 11 is connected to the transmission channel.

[0050] Correspondingly, the first surface of the first structural member 10 includes a transmission transition structure 12, which is used to cooperate with the structural member waveguide interface 11 to transmit waveguide signals. In the embodiment of the present application, the transmission transition structure 12 is implemented as a metal post. The provision of the transmission transition structure 12 enables the reception of waveguide signals on the first structural member 10, and the signal transmission between the first structural member 10 and the component transmitting the waveguide signal can be performed without direct contact, greatly improving the error margin of the assembly.

[0051] Please refer to Figure 4 as well as Figure 7 In an optional embodiment, the second surface of the second structural member 20 includes at least two choke slots 22. Each choke slot 22 is parallel to each other; the choke slot 22 is parallel to the slot radiation slot 21, and the choke slot 22 is used to reduce signal radiation in non-functional directions.

[0052] In the embodiment of the present application, the extending direction of the choke slot 22 is parallel to the extending direction of the slot radiation slot 21. Figure 7 The choke slots 22 are located on either side of the slotted radiation slot 21, and the slotted radiation slot 21 is spaced at different distances from the choke slots 22 on either side. In one example, the choke slots 22 are located on either side of the centerline of the slotted radiation slot 21 and are asymmetrically distributed to deflect the beam in a specific direction, thereby further enhancing detection performance. Optionally, the choke slots 22 on one side are offset from the centerline by 2.5 mm.

[0053] It should be noted that in each embodiment of the present application, the plurality of choke slots 22 are formed as follows: Figure 7 In the array shape shown, the distances between adjacent choke slots 22 are different, and in the same row, the adjacent choke slots have the same length. In other embodiments not shown in this application, the distances between the choke slots, the lengths between adjacent choke slots, and the depths of the choke slots can be adjusted according to the application requirements of the actual scenario.

[0054] In an alternative embodiment, please refer to Figures 11 to 13 The shaped waveguide antenna module also includes a printed circuit board 50. The first side of the printed circuit board 50 is configured with an antenna chip, and the second side of the printed circuit board is configured with an antenna waveguide interface 52. The antenna waveguide interface 52 is used to cooperate with the structural component waveguide interface 11 to transmit the waveguide signal generated by the antenna chip to the transmission channel.

[0055] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 11 to 13 The printed circuit board 50 is used to carry the antenna chip, which is located on the first surface of the printed circuit board. The second surface of the printed circuit board 50 is connected to the first structural member 10. Accordingly, the first surface of the printed circuit board 50 includes an antenna-carrying functional portion 53, and correspondingly, its second surface is the antenna waveguide interface 52 corresponding to the first surface of the first structural member 10.

[0056] In an optional embodiment, the antenna waveguide interface 52 is implemented as a double-ridge waveguide interface. By designing the antenna waveguide interface structure as a double-ridge, the area required for the interface is greatly reduced while achieving the same signal transmission capability, making the interface layout more compact.

[0057] It should be noted that the operating frequency band of the shaped waveguide antenna module involved in the embodiment of the present application is 74~79GHz@-15dB, that is, the return loss within 74~79GHz is ≤-15dB, and it has a bandwidth of 5GHz.

[0058] The above are only optional embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A shaped waveguide antenna module, characterized in that: The shaped antenna waveguide module includes a first structural component and a second structural component; The second surface of the first structural member is bonded to the first surface of the second structural member; A transmission channel is formed inside the first structural member and the second structural member, and the transmission channel is used to transmit signals; The first surface of the first structural member has a transmission channel entrance; The second surface of the second structural member has a transmission channel outlet; The transmission channel includes a coupling channel, the coupling channel is located at the tail of the transmission channel, a gap is formed in the coupling channel, and the electromagnetic signal is coupled and transmitted through the gap.

2. The shaped waveguide antenna module according to claim 1, wherein: The second surface of the second structural member includes a slot radiation slot; At least two of the slot radiation slots are connected to one transmission channel, the slot radiation slot is connected to the coupling channel, and the slot radiation slot is located above the coupling channel; The coupling channel includes at least two coupling slots, and the two coupling slots correspond to one slot radiation slot; At least two of the coupling slots are connected to the slot radiation slot in an alternating manner.

3. The shaped waveguide antenna module according to claim 2, wherein: A polarization conversion structure is configured in the transmission channel; The polarization conversion structure is used to convert electromagnetic waves from horizontal polarization to vertical polarization; The polarization conversion structure is implemented as a chamfer.

4. The shaped waveguide antenna module according to claim 2, wherein: The transmission channel also includes a power division network; The power division network is located between the polarization conversion structure and the coupling channel; The coupling channel is located above the power division network; The power division network is used to divide the signal for transmission.

5. The shaped waveguide antenna module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The power division network has a signal branching function part and a necking structure; The signal branching function portion is located on the peripheral side of the slot radiation slot; The necking structure is located between the two adjacent slot radiation grooves.

6. The shaped waveguide antenna module according to claim 1, wherein: The first surface of the first structural component has a structural component waveguide interface; The structural component waveguide interface is implemented as a transmission channel entrance, and the structural component waveguide interface is connected to the transmission channel.

7. The shaped waveguide antenna module according to claim 6, wherein: The first surface of the first structural member includes a transmission transition structure; The transmission transition structure is used to cooperate with the waveguide interface of the structural component to transmit electromagnetic wave signals; The transmission transition structure is implemented as a metal column.

8. The shaped waveguide antenna module according to claim 3, wherein: The second surface of the second structural member includes at least two choke slots; Each of the choke slots is parallel to each other; The choke slot and the slot radiation slot are parallel to each other, and the choke slot is used to reduce signal radiation in a non-functional direction.

9. The shaped waveguide antenna module according to claim 1, wherein: The shaped waveguide antenna module further includes a printed circuit board; The first surface of the printed circuit board is provided with an antenna chip; The second surface of the printed circuit board is provided with an antenna waveguide interface; The antenna waveguide interface is used to cooperate with the structural component waveguide interface to transmit the electromagnetic wave signal generated by the antenna chip to the transmission channel.

10. The shaped waveguide antenna module according to claim 9, characterized in that: The antenna waveguide interface is implemented as a double-ridge waveguide interface.

11. A millimeter wave radar, characterized in that: The millimeter wave radar includes the shaped waveguide antenna module according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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