Radiating element, waveguide antenna, and method for manufacturing radiating element

Abstract

The invention relates to a radiating element comprising a first hollow conductor section into which electromagnetic waves can be coupled, the first hollow conductor section having a first rectangular cross-section, the narrow sides extending parallel to a first axis, the wide sides extending parallel to a second axis, the first hollow conductor section extending along a third axis, the first to third axes are orthogonal to each other in pairs. The radiating element further comprises a second hollow conductor section, where the second hollow conductor section has a second rectangular cross-section, where the narrow sides extend parallel to the third axis, where the wide sides extend parallel to the first axis, where the second hollow conductor section extends along the second axis. A first dimension of the narrow side in a first region of the second hollow conductor section is smaller than a second dimension of the narrow side in a second region of the second hollow conductor section. Electromagnetic waves may be fed from the first hollow conductor section into the second hollow conductor section through the slot in the first region and emitted through the open end of the second region of the second hollow conductor section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a radiating element for a waveguide antenna, a waveguide antenna and a method for producing a radiating element. Background Art

[0002] In hollow conductors or waveguides, electromagnetic energy is transmitted within a metallic cavity. A hollow conductor can be part of a waveguide antenna. In the simplest case, a slot is formed in the hollow conductor, forming the interface between the interior of the hollow conductor and free space, thus serving as a radiating element. The slot does not necessarily need to extend completely parallel to the current flow of the electromagnetic wave propagating through the hollow conductor.

[0003] Because a single slot has only low directivity, waveguide antennas typically include multiple slots, which form an antenna group. The simplest way to create a waveguide antenna group is to place the slots along the long sides of a hollow conductor's rectangular cross-section, spacing them at half a wavelength. This creates a zigzag pattern relative to the center of the hollow conductor. This zigzag pattern ensures that all slots radiate in phase.

[0004] When mass-producing such hollow conductor antenna assemblies using cost-effective methods, two metal parts can be manufactured and then connected together. The hollow conductor channels can be arranged vertically, with the narrow sides remaining free for radiation. The two parts are connected parallel to the narrow sides of the hollow conductor, thereby not interfering with the current flow through the hollow conductor. The two metal parts do not even need to be in electrical contact, thus having little impact on the conductive properties of the hollow conductor.

[0005] In order to achieve the required spacing between radiating elements, US 2020 / 203841 A1 proposes a center-fed open hollow conductor antenna group, in which the feeding waveguide is connected to an element formed by two openings. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The invention provides a radiating element for a waveguide antenna, a waveguide antenna and a method for producing a radiating element for a waveguide antenna having the features of the independent patent claims.

[0007] Preferred embodiments are the subject matter of the respective dependent claims.

[0008] Therefore, according to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a radiating element for a waveguide antenna. The radiating element comprises a first hollow conductor segment into which electromagnetic waves can be coupled, wherein the first hollow conductor segment has a first rectangular cross-section, wherein a narrow side of the first rectangular cross-section extends parallel to a first axis, wherein a wide side of the first rectangular cross-section extends parallel to a second axis, wherein the first hollow conductor segment extends along a third axis, and wherein the first to third axes are orthogonal to one another in pairs. The radiating element further comprises a second hollow conductor segment, wherein the second hollow conductor segment has a second rectangular cross-section, wherein a narrow side of the second rectangular cross-section extends parallel to the third axis, wherein a wide side of the second rectangular cross-section extends parallel to the first axis, and wherein the second hollow conductor segment extends along the second axis. In a first region of the second hollow conductor segment, a first dimension of the narrow side of the second rectangular cross-section is smaller than a second dimension of the narrow side of the second rectangular cross-section in a second region of the second hollow conductor segment. Electromagnetic waves can be fed from the first hollow conductor segment into the second hollow conductor segment through the gap in the first region of the second hollow conductor segment and emitted through the open end of the second region of the second hollow conductor segment.

[0009] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a waveguide antenna having a plurality of radiating elements according to the first aspect and a power distribution device designed to feed electromagnetic waves into the respective first hollow conductor sections of the radiating elements.

[0010] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method for producing a radiating element for a waveguide antenna. A first hollow conductor segment is formed into which electromagnetic waves can be coupled, wherein the first hollow conductor segment has a first rectangular cross-section, wherein a narrow side of the first rectangular cross-section extends parallel to a first axis, wherein a wide side of the first rectangular cross-section extends parallel to a second axis, wherein the first hollow conductor segment extends along a third axis, and wherein the first to third axes are orthogonal to one another in pairs. A second hollow conductor segment is formed, wherein the second hollow conductor segment has a second rectangular cross-section, wherein a narrow side of the second rectangular cross-section extends parallel to the third axis, wherein a wide side of the second rectangular cross-section extends parallel to the first axis, wherein the second hollow conductor segment extends along the second axis. A first dimension of the narrow side of the second rectangular cross-section in a first region of the second hollow conductor segment is smaller than a second dimension of the narrow side of the second rectangular cross-section in a second region of the second hollow conductor segment. Electromagnetic waves can be fed from the first hollow conductor segment into the second hollow conductor segment through the gap in the first region of the second hollow conductor segment and emitted through the open end of the second region of the second hollow conductor segment.

[0011] Advantages of the present invention

[0012] The present invention provides independent radiating elements that can be fed by a power distribution device and then emit electromagnetic radiation.

[0013] The radiating element comprises a first hollow conductor segment, which is used to feed electromagnetic radiation into a second hollow conductor segment. This feed occurs laterally through a slot in a first region of the second hollow conductor segment, i.e., perpendicularly to the radiating aperture formed by the opening of the second hollow conductor segment. This allows for a compact design of the waveguide antenna, as multiple radiating elements can be arranged adjacent to one another with a small spacing.

[0014] The radiating element is compact and, due to the impedance transformation in the vertical dimension by means of the different sizes of the narrow sides in the first and second regions, enables broad impedance matching from the vertical power splitter to the radiating element.

[0015] The first and second dimensions of the narrow side of the second rectangular cross section correspond to parameters that can be selected to be suitable for impedance matching in the frequency range used for electromagnetic radiation. The dimensions of the wide side of the second rectangular cross section and the extension of the second hollow conductor section along the second axis correspond to the other parameters.

[0016] In this context, dimension is to be understood as meaning the corresponding length.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the radiating element, the second hollow conductor segment has a third region between the first region of the second hollow conductor segment and the second region of the second hollow conductor segment, wherein the dimension of the narrow side of the second rectangular cross section in the third region increases linearly from the first dimension to the second dimension. This linear increase, which can be expressed as an angle, is another parameter that can be used for impedance matching.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the radiating element, three side surfaces of the second hollow conductor section are planar. For example, the second hollow conductor section may be L-shaped.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the radiating element, the slot in the first region of the second hollow conductor segment is offset relative to the center of the second hollow conductor segment along a third axis. The size of the offset corresponds to another parameter for impedance matching.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the radiating element, for a given application range of the radiating element, the size of the wide side of the second rectangular cross section is greater than or equal to half the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave and less than or equal to three quarters of the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the radiating element, an extension of the second region of the second hollow conductor section along the second axis is smaller than or equal to a quarter of the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the method for producing a radiating element for a waveguide antenna, the second hollow conductor segment has a third region between the first region of the second hollow conductor segment and the second region of the second hollow conductor segment, wherein the size of the narrow side of the second rectangular cross section in the third region increases linearly from the first size to the second size.

[0023] According to another embodiment of the method for producing a radiating element for a waveguide antenna, three side surfaces of the second hollow conductor section are planar.

[0024] Further advantages, features and details of the invention emerge from the following description, in which various exemplary embodiments are described in detail with reference to the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The accompanying drawings show:

[0026] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a waveguide antenna with a radiating element according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 A schematic view showing a radiating element according to an embodiment of the present invention from an oblique upper perspective;

[0028] Figure 3 Show Figure 2 Another schematic view of the radiating element shown in , from an oblique upper perspective;

[0029] Figure 4 Show Figure 2 and Figure 3 A schematic view of the radiating element shown in FIG. 1 from an oblique downward perspective;

[0030] Figure 5 Show Figures 2 to 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of a radiating element shown in ;

[0031] Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a radiating element according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 shows a schematic exploded view of a radiation element according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 8 A flow chart showing a method for manufacturing a radiating element for a waveguide antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0034] In all figures, identical or functionally identical elements and devices are provided with the same reference numerals. The numbering of the method steps is for comprehension purposes and should not generally imply a specific chronological order. In particular, multiple method steps may also be performed simultaneously. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a waveguide antenna 10 is shown, comprising a power splitter 8 and four radiating elements 1a-1d. The power splitter 8 includes an input 81, which is fed with an electromagnetic signal. The power of the electromagnetic signal is distributed by the power splitter 8, and the four radiating elements 1a-1d are fed with corresponding electromagnetic signals. The amplitude and phase relationships of the individual radiating elements 1a-1d can be adjusted by the design and dimensions of the power splitter 8.

[0036] The present invention is not limited to a specific number of radiating elements 1a - 1d.

[0037] Figure 2 A schematic illustration of a radiating element 1 is shown from an oblique viewpoint above, wherein a hollow conductor is illustrated. Figure 3 Shown Figure 2 Another schematic view of a radiating element 1 is shown in FIG, wherein the housing is shown. Figure 4 Shown Figure 2 and Figure 3 Schematic illustration of the radiating element 1 shown in FIG, from an oblique perspective below, wherein the hollow conductor is again shown.

[0038] Radiating element 1 includes a first hollow conductor section 2 into which electromagnetic waves can be coupled. The first hollow conductor section is cuboid and thus has a constant first rectangular cross-section, wherein the narrow sides of the first rectangular cross-section extend parallel to a first axis X, and the wide sides of the first rectangular cross-section extend parallel to a second axis Z. The first hollow conductor section extends along a third axis Y. The first to third axes X, Y, and Z are orthogonal to one another in pairs.

[0039] Radiating element 1 further includes second hollow conductor segments 3, 4, wherein the second hollow conductor segments 3, 4 have a second rectangular cross-section. A narrow side of the second rectangular cross-section is parallel to the third axis Y. A wide side of the second rectangular cross-section is parallel to the first axis X. The second hollow conductor segments 3, 4 extend along the second axis Z. The second rectangular cross-section varies along the extension of the second hollow conductor segments 3, 4 along the second axis Z. In the first region 3, the narrow side of the second rectangular cross-section has a constant first dimension (width), which is smaller than the constant second dimension of the narrow side of the second rectangular cross-section in the second region 4 of the second hollow conductor segments 3, 4.

[0040] Three side surfaces of the second hollow conductor sections 3 , 4 are planar, ie, the second hollow conductor sections 3 , 4 are L-shaped.

[0041] The first region 3 of the second hollow conductor segments 3 , 4 has a slot that extends along the second axis Z and corresponds to a first rectangular cross section. Electromagnetic waves can be fed from the first hollow conductor segment 2 through the slot into the first region 3 of the second hollow conductor segments 3 , 4 and into the second hollow conductor segments 3 , 4 . Electromagnetic radiation is then emitted through the open end of the second region 4 of the second hollow conductor segments 3 , 4 .

[0042] The slot in the first region 3 of the second hollow conductor section 3 , 4 is offset relative to the center of the second hollow conductor section 3 , 4 along the third axis X. The slot is arranged at a distance Inp from one side of the first region 3 of the second hollow conductor section 3 , 4 .

[0043] The broadside of the second rectangular cross section of the second hollow conductor section 3 , 4 has a length La.

[0044] Figure 5 Shown Figures 2 to 4 Schematic cross-sectional view of a radiating element 1 is shown in FIG. The narrow side of the second cross-section of the second hollow conductor segments 3, 4 has a first dimension W1 in the first region 3 of the second hollow conductor segments 3, 4 and a second dimension W2 in the second region 4 of the second hollow conductor segments 3, 4. The angle α of the protrusion of the second region 4 of the second hollow conductor segments 3, 4 is 90 degrees. The second region 4 of the second hollow conductor segments 3, 4 also has a length L1 along the second axis Z.

[0045] Figure 6 A schematic view of a radiating element 1 ′ is shown, in which the angle α is greater than 90 degrees. Consequently, the second hollow conductor segment 3 , 4 , 7 has a third region 7 between the first region 3 of the second hollow conductor segment 3 , 4 , 7 and the second region 4 of the second hollow conductor segment 3 , 4 , 7 , wherein the dimension of the narrow side of the second rectangular cross section in the third region increases linearly from the first dimension W1 to the second dimension W2.

[0046] There are therefore a total of six parameters W1 , W2 , L1 , La, Inp, α, which can be selected for impedance matching in the used frequency range of the electromagnetic radiation.

[0047] Here, the dimension La of the wide side of the second rectangular cross section is greater than or equal to half the wavelength λ0 of the electromagnetic wave and less than or equal to three-quarters the wavelength λ0 of the electromagnetic wave:

[0048] λ0 / 2≤La≤3λ0 / 4.

[0049] The extension L1 of the second region 4 of the second hollow conductor segment along the second axis Z is smaller than or equal to a quarter wavelength λ0 of the electromagnetic wave:

[0050] L1≤λ0 / 4.

[0051] Furthermore, the angle α is greater than or equal to 90 degrees.

[0052] Figure 7 A schematic exploded view of a radiation element 1 ″ is shown. The housing of the radiation element 1 ′ comprises a first part 6 and a second part 7 , which are connected to one another centrally parallel to the first axis X and the third axis Y. This connection cannot be electrically configured.

[0053] Figure 8 A flow chart of a method for manufacturing a radiating element for a waveguide antenna, in particular a radiating element of the type described above, 1 a - 1 d , 1 , 1 ′, 1 ″ is shown.

[0054] In a first method step S1, a first hollow conductor segment 2 is formed, into which electromagnetic waves can be coupled, wherein the first hollow conductor segment 2 has a first rectangular cross section, wherein the narrow side of the first rectangular cross section extends parallel to the first axis X, wherein the wide side of the first rectangular cross section extends parallel to the second axis Z, wherein the first hollow conductor segment extends along a third axis Y, wherein the first to third axes X, Y, Z are orthogonal to one another in pairs.

[0055] In step S2, a second hollow conductor segment 3, 4, 7 is formed, wherein the second hollow conductor segment 3, 4, 7 has a second rectangular cross-section, wherein a narrow side of the second rectangular cross-section extends parallel to the third axis Y, wherein a wide side of the second rectangular cross-section extends parallel to the first axis X, and wherein the second hollow conductor segment 3, 4, 7 extends along the second axis Z. A first dimension W1 of the narrow side of the second rectangular cross-section in the first region 3 of the second hollow conductor segment 3, 4, 7 is smaller than a second dimension W2 of the narrow side of the second rectangular cross-section in the second region 4 of the second hollow conductor segment 3, 4, 7. Electromagnetic waves can be fed from the first hollow conductor segment 2 into the second hollow conductor segment 3, 4, 7 through the slot in the first region 3 of the second hollow conductor segment 3, 4, 7 and emitted through the open end of the second region 4 of the second hollow conductor segment 3, 4, 7.

[0056] The second hollow conductor segment 3 , 4 , 7 may have a third region 7 between the first region 3 and the second region 4 of the second hollow conductor segment 3 , 4 , 7 , wherein the size of the narrow side of the second rectangular cross section in the third region 7 increases linearly from the first size W1 to the second size W2 .

Claims

1. A radiating element (1a-1d; for a waveguide antenna (10); 1； 1'； 1”), the radiating element comprises: a first hollow conductor section (2) into which electromagnetic waves can be coupled, wherein the first hollow conductor section (2) has a first rectangular cross section, wherein a narrow side of the first rectangular cross section extends parallel to a first axis (X), wherein a wide side of the first rectangular cross section extends parallel to a second axis (Z), wherein the first hollow conductor section (2) extends along a third axis (Y), wherein the first to third axes (X, Y, Z) are orthogonal to one another in pairs; and a second hollow conductor section (3, 4), wherein the second hollow conductor section (3, 4) has a second rectangular cross section, wherein a narrow side of the second rectangular cross section extends parallel to the third axis (Y), wherein a wide side of the second rectangular cross section extends parallel to the first axis (X), and wherein the second hollow conductor section (3, 4) extends along the second axis (Z); wherein a first dimension (W1) of the narrow side of the second rectangular cross section in a first region (3) of the second hollow conductor section (3, 4) is smaller than a second dimension (W2) of the narrow side of the second rectangular cross section in a second region (4) of the second hollow conductor section (3, 4); The electromagnetic wave can be fed from the first hollow conductor segment (2) into the second hollow conductor segment (3, 4) through the gap in the first region (3) of the second hollow conductor segment (3, 4) and can be emitted through the open end of the second region (4) of the second hollow conductor segment (3, 4).

2. The radiating element (1a-1d; 1; 1'; 1") according to claim 1, wherein The second hollow conductor segment (3, 4) has a third region (7) between the first region (4) of the second hollow conductor segment (3, 4) and the second region (3) of the second hollow conductor segment (3, 4), wherein the size of the narrow side of the second rectangular cross section in the third region (7) increases linearly from the first size (W1) to the second size (W2).

3. The radiating element (1a-1d; 1; 1″; 1″) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein Three side surfaces of the second hollow conductor section (3, 4) are planar.

4. The radiating element (1a-1d; 1; 1″; 1″) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The slot in the first region (3) of the second hollow conductor segment (3, 4) is offset relative to the center of the second hollow conductor segment (3, 4) along the third axis (X).

5. The radiating element (1a-1d; 1; 1'; 1") according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein A dimension (La) of a wide side of the second rectangular cross section is greater than or equal to a half wavelength of the electromagnetic wave and less than or equal to three quarters of the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave.

6. Radiating element (1a-1d; 1; 1"; 1") according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein An extension (L1) of the second region (4) of the second hollow conductor section (3, 4) along the second axis (Z) is smaller than or equal to a quarter wavelength of the electromagnetic wave.

7. A waveguide antenna (10), comprising: a plurality of radiating elements (1a-1d; 1; 1"; 1") according to any one of the preceding claims; and A power distribution device is provided, which is configured to feed electromagnetic waves into the corresponding first hollow conductor sections (2) of the radiation elements (1a-1d; 1; 1'; 1").

8. A method for manufacturing a radiating element (1a-1d; 1; 1'； 1″), the method comprising the following steps: A first hollow conductor section (2) is configured into which electromagnetic waves can be coupled, wherein the first hollow conductor section (2) has a first rectangular cross section, wherein a narrow side of the first rectangular cross section extends parallel to a first axis (X), wherein a wide side of the first rectangular cross section extends parallel to a second axis (Z), wherein the first hollow conductor section (2) extends along a third axis (Y), wherein the first to third axes (X, Y, Z) are orthogonal to one another in pairs; and forming a second hollow conductor section (3, 4), wherein the second hollow conductor section (3, 4) has a second rectangular cross section, wherein a narrow side of the second rectangular cross section extends parallel to the third axis (Y), wherein a wide side of the second rectangular cross section extends parallel to the first axis (X), and wherein the second hollow conductor section (3, 4) extends along the second axis (Z); wherein a first dimension (W1) of the narrow side of the second rectangular cross section in a first region (3) of the second hollow conductor section (3, 4) is smaller than a second dimension (W2) of the narrow side of the second rectangular cross section in a second region (4) of the second hollow conductor section (3, 4); The electromagnetic wave can be fed from the first hollow conductor segment (2) into the second hollow conductor segment (3, 4) through the gap in the first region (3) of the second hollow conductor segment (3, 4) and can be emitted through the open end of the second region (4) of the second hollow conductor segment (3, 4).

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein The second hollow conductor segment (3, 4) has a third region (7) between the first region (4) of the second hollow conductor segment (3, 4) and the second region (3) of the second hollow conductor segment (3, 4), wherein the size of the narrow side of the second rectangular cross section in the third region (7) increases linearly from the first size (W1) to the second size (W2).

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: Three side surfaces of the second hollow conductor section (3, 4) are planar.

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