Antenna and radar system

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of antennas, and discloses an antenna and a radar system. The antenna comprises an antenna body, a radiation port group is arranged on a radiation surface of the antenna body, and the radiation port group comprises a plurality of radiation ports arranged at intervals. The antenna body is provided with a partition piece, at least part of the partition piece extends along a thickness direction of the antenna body, the partition piece is arranged across the plurality of radiation ports along a first direction, and a length of the partition piece in a second direction is smaller than a length of the radiation port in the second direction. The first direction is an arrangement direction of the plurality of radiation ports, and the second direction intersects the first direction and the thickness direction of the antenna body. The antenna and the radar system provided by the application can facilitate the change of radiation characteristics and reduce the operation difficulty.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of antenna technology, and more particularly to an antenna and radar system. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of electronic devices such as vehicle-mounted millimeter-wave radar systems, wide-bandwidth, high-transmission-rate, miniaturized, and multifunctional integrated electronic devices remain a development trend. Since high-frequency bands such as millimeter waves can meet the above requirements, millimeter-wave radar antennas have received widespread attention.

[0003] In related technologies, an antenna includes an antenna body, an antenna element, and a waveguide cavity disposed within the antenna body. The waveguide cavity forms a radiation port on the radiating surface of the antenna body, and the radiation port radiates and receives electromagnetic waves. The direction of an antenna without special treatment... Figure 1 Antennas typically have a symmetrical bell-shaped structure, meaning their energy decreases from the front to the sides. The radiation characteristics of an antenna usually include its energy distribution and detection range in a specified direction. There are various ways to change the radiation characteristics of an antenna (e.g., changing the energy distribution in different directions or the detection range in a specified direction). One method is to adjust the internal structure of the waveguide cavity, another is to adjust the structure of the radiating surface, and yet another is to adjust the structure of the radiating port. However, all methods for changing antenna radiation characteristics in related technologies suffer from difficulties in adjustment and operation. Utility Model Content

[0004] The first objective of this application is to provide an antenna that solves the technical problem of the difficulty in adjusting the radiation characteristics of existing antennas.

[0005] The second objective of this application is to provide a radar system with a more flexible structure.

[0006] Based on the above concept, the technical solution adopted in this application is:

[0007] An antenna includes an antenna body, wherein the radiating surface of the antenna body is provided with a group of radiating ports, and the group of radiating ports includes a plurality of radiating ports arranged at intervals.

[0008] The antenna body is provided with a separator, which is arranged across the plurality of radiation ports along a first direction; at least a portion of the separator extends along the thickness direction of the antenna body, and the size of the separator in a second direction is smaller than the size of the radiation ports in the second direction. The first direction is the arrangement direction of the plurality of radiation ports, and the second direction intersects both the first direction and the thickness direction of the antenna body.

[0009] In one embodiment, the separator protrudes from the radiating surface; or, at least a portion of the separator in the thickness direction of the antenna body is located within the radiating port.

[0010] In one embodiment, the separator, projected onto the radiating surface along the thickness direction of the antenna body, divides the radiating port into two sub-radiating ports of equal area.

[0011] Alternatively, the separator, projected along the thickness direction of the antenna body onto the radiating surface, divides the radiating port into two sub-radiating ports with different areas.

[0012] In one embodiment, the extension direction of the separator is the same as the arrangement direction of the plurality of radiation ports.

[0013] In one embodiment, the separator and the antenna body are an integral structure;

[0014] Alternatively, the separator may be fixedly or detachably connected to the antenna body.

[0015] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the separator protrudes from the radiating surface, and at least one end of the separator extends beyond the radiating port in the first direction.

[0016] In one embodiment, both the radiating port group and the separator are provided;

[0017] Alternatively, the radiation port group may have one unit, and the partitions may have multiple units, with the multiple partitions spaced apart along a second direction, and each partition spanning multiple radiation ports of the radiation port group along the first direction.

[0018] In one embodiment, the radiation port group is provided with a plurality of radiation ports, each radiation port group is corresponding to a partition, and the partition is arranged across the plurality of radiation ports of the corresponding radiation port group along the first direction;

[0019] Alternatively, the radiation port group may be provided in multiple ways, and each radiation port group may be provided with multiple partitions, with each partition spanning multiple radiation ports of the corresponding radiation port group along the first direction.

[0020] In one embodiment, the radiating surface of the antenna body is provided with a plurality of radiating slots, and each radiating slot forms a radiating port on the radiating surface;

[0021] The separator includes a connecting partition and multiple connecting parts. Each of the radiation slots is provided with at least one of the connecting parts, and the partition is arranged across multiple radiation ports along the first direction.

[0022] The radar system includes the antenna described above.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this application are:

[0024] The antenna divider is located on one side of the antenna body where the radiating surface is located, allowing the divider to separate the radiating ports. The divider and the antenna body work together to form a divider structure. The divider structure divides each radiating port of the antenna into at least two sub-radiating ports along a second direction. When electromagnetic wave energy is radiated from the radiating port, it flows around the surface of the divider, causing the divider to adjust the shape of the beam. By adjusting the position, size, and other characteristics of the divider, different beam shapes can be obtained, thereby giving the antenna different radiation characteristics. This allows the antenna to achieve the radiation characteristics required by the actual situation, making the antenna's radiation characteristics easier to adjust, reducing operational difficulty, and making the structure more flexible and reliable. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the embodiments of this application and these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an antenna provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a top view of an antenna provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a side view of an antenna provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 4 This application Figure 1 The enlarged view at point A is shown below;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another antenna structure provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another antenna provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 8 This is a horizontal radiation pattern of an antenna with continuous and discontinuous spacers provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 9 This is an example of an antenna horizontal radiation pattern with different height separators provided in this application embodiment;

[0035] Figure 10 The embodiments of this application provide antenna horizontal radiation patterns with different numbers of radiating ports.

[0036] In the picture:

[0037] 1. Antenna body; 11. Radiating surface; 12. Radiating slot; 2. Radiating port group; 21. Radiating port; 211. Sub-radiating port; 22. Virtual radiating port; 3. Separator; 31. Separator part; 32. Connecting part; X, First direction; Y, Second direction. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the technical problems solved by this application, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely for explaining this application and not for limiting it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to this application are shown in the accompanying drawings, not all of them.

[0039] It should be understood that the phrase "an embodiment" or "one embodiment" throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, "in one embodiment" or "in one embodiment" appearing throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0040] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0041] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0042] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature. In the description of this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" specifically refers to two or more.

[0043] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of description and simplification of operation. They do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0044] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or it can be located in between the component.

[0045] The technical solution of this application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0046] This embodiment provides an antenna that allows for easy adjustment of its radiation characteristics.

[0047] The antenna in this embodiment can be a waveguide antenna, which has advantages such as low insertion loss, high gain, and easy achievement of ultra-low sidelobes.

[0048] For example, such as Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the antenna provided in this embodiment includes an antenna body 1. The antenna body 1 has a radiating surface 11. It is understood that the antenna body 1 may also have a feeding surface (not shown in the figure). Figure 1 As shown, the radiating surface 11 of the antenna body 1 is provided with a radiating port group 2, which includes a plurality of radiating ports 21 arranged at intervals. Among them, Figures 1 to 4 This is a schematic diagram of radiation port group 2, which includes four radiation ports 21. Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the radiating port group 2, which includes five radiating ports 21. The multiple radiating ports 21 are arranged sequentially at intervals along a specific direction. In this embodiment, the arrangement direction of the multiple radiating ports 21 is referred to as the first direction X. The first direction X can be the length or width direction of the antenna body 1; this embodiment does not limit this.

[0049] The radio frequency signal is transmitted to the inside of the antenna body 1 through the feed surface, and after being converged and reasonably distributed inside the antenna body 1, it reaches the radiating surface 11. Finally, the radio frequency signal is radiated out in the form of electromagnetic waves through the radiating port 21 on the radiating surface 11.

[0050] like Figure 1 or Figure 2 As shown, the antenna body 1 is provided with a separator 3, that is, the separator 3 can be fixedly connected to the antenna body 1. In some optional embodiments, the separator 3 can be provided on the radiating surface 11 of the antenna body 1.

[0051] In this embodiment, the separator 3 is arranged across multiple radiation ports 21 along the first direction X. Electromagnetic waves radiated from the radiation ports 21 pass through the separator 3, flow around the separator 3, and propagate to the far field. It should be noted that the separator 3 in this embodiment is an integral structure, not a split structure; that is, multiple radiation ports 21 are spanned by the same separator 3.

[0052] By setting the separator 3 as a continuous integral structure, the continuity of radiation in the horizontal direction of the antenna is ensured, avoiding the problem of pits in the horizontal radiation, and thus preventing the deterioration of the antenna beam phase.

[0053] For example, Figure 8 This embodiment presents horizontal orientation diagrams for both continuous and discontinuous separators. The horizontal axis represents the observation angle in degrees, and the vertical axis represents the gain value in dB. Figure 8 The dashed lines in the diagram represent the horizontal radiation pattern of an antenna with discontinuous spacers, while the solid lines represent the horizontal radiation pattern of an antenna with continuous spacers. The height of the continuous spacers is the same as the height of the discontinuous spacers. Figure 8 As can be seen, the antenna with discontinuous separator 3 does not effectively increase the beamwidth of the radiation pattern, and the azimuth plane FOV (angle of view) of the antenna is narrow. Furthermore, since the discontinuous separator does not block the radiation ports, it interferes with the radiation continuity in the horizontal azimuth. In contrast, the horizontal radiation continuity is better with a continuous separator, and the horizontal radiation of the continuous separator does not have any dips, thus ensuring the phase of the antenna.

[0054] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the separator 3 does not completely block the radiation port 21; that is, the size of the separator 3 in the second direction Y is smaller than the size of the radiation port 21 in the second direction Y. The second direction Y intersects the first direction X and the thickness direction of the antenna body 1. For example, the second direction Y can be perpendicular to the first direction X and the thickness direction of the antenna body 1. It should be noted that the separator 3 divides the radiation port 21 in the second direction Y.

[0055] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, at least a portion of the separator 3 in this embodiment extends along the thickness direction of the antenna body 1, that is, the separator 3 has a certain dimension in the thickness direction of the antenna body 1. Optionally, the thickness direction of the antenna body 1 is referred to as the third direction Z, that is, the first direction Z, the second direction Y and the third direction Z are perpendicular to each other.

[0056] The antenna provided in this embodiment has a separator 3 on the antenna body 1. The separator 3 is arranged across multiple radiation ports 21 along the first direction X, so that the separator 3 can separate the radiation ports 21. The separator 3 and the antenna body 1 cooperate to form a power divider structure. The power divider structure divides each radiation port 21 of the antenna into at least two sub-radiation ports 211 along the second direction Y. When electromagnetic wave energy is radiated from the radiation port 21, it flows around the surface of the separator 3, so that the separator 3 will adjust the shape of the beam. By adjusting the position, size and other characteristics of the separator 3, different beam shapes can be obtained, thereby making the antenna have different radiation characteristics, so that the antenna can achieve the radiation characteristics required by the actual requirements, and thus the radiation characteristics of the antenna are easier to adjust, reducing the difficulty of operation.

[0057] By setting an integrated continuous separator 3, the phenomenon of pits appearing in the horizontal radiation pattern can be avoided because the non-continuous separator 3 cannot block the radiation ports 21, thus interfering with the radiation continuity in the horizontal direction. This ensures the shape of the horizontal radiation pattern.

[0058] The antenna provided in this embodiment can be beamformed into a shape with high energy in the middle of the radiation pattern and low energy at small angles at both ends by adjusting the height and position of the separator 3. The part with high energy in the middle radiation pattern in front of the antenna can meet the energy requirements in front of the antenna, thereby enabling the antenna to have a longer detection range in front of the antenna.

[0059] Furthermore, radar antennas in related technologies typically have narrow beamwidths in their radiation patterns, which usually results in a narrower azimuth field of view (FOV). However, the antenna provided in this embodiment, when applied to a front-facing radar, significantly widens its radiation pattern, thereby increasing the FOV of the front-facing radar.

[0060] Furthermore, antennas in related technologies often exhibit interference with the main lobe at small angles (e.g., between 20° and 30°). However, the antenna provided in this embodiment, due to the arrangement of the separator 3, can reduce the interference of targets at small angles (e.g., between 20° and 30°) on the forward beam, thereby improving detection accuracy.

[0061] In some alternative embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the orthogonal projection of the separator 3 along the third direction Z onto the radiating surface 11 divides the radiating port 21 into two sub-radiating ports 211 with the same area. That is, in the direction perpendicular to the radiating surface 11 (i.e., the thickness direction of the antenna body 1), the separator 3 is directly aligned with the geometric center of each radiating port 21. With this configuration, the energy of the two sub-radiating ports 211 is the same, thus facilitating the adjustment of the antenna's radiation pattern. This antenna can be used in symmetrical front-facing or corner-facing radar applications. Figure 6 Each of the radiation ports 21 in the radiation port group 2 located on the left is divided into two sub-radiation ports 211 of the same area by the separator 3.

[0062] Alternatively, please continue to see Figure 6 The radiation port group 2 located on the left side has two sub-radiation ports 211 of each radiation port 21 arranged symmetrically. That is, the orthogonal projection of the separator 3 along the third direction Z on the radiation surface 11 is located at the center of each radiation port 21.

[0063] In other optional embodiments, the orthogonal projection of the separator 3 along the third direction Z onto the radiating surface 11 divides the radiating port 21 into two sub-radiating ports 211 with different areas. That is, one of the two sub-radiating ports 211 has a larger area, and the other has a smaller area. This configuration causes the overall orientation of the two sub-radiating ports 211 to deviate from the center, thus making it suitable for scenarios with asymmetrical waveguide angle radar antennas. For example, the separator 3 can be set to be offset to the left or right, so that the overall orientation of the two sub-radiating ports 211 is offset to the left or right. This causes the high-energy position of the antenna's radiation pattern to be not at zero degrees, but rather deviating from zero degrees, and the radiation pattern to be asymmetrical, making it suitable for applications of asymmetrical waveguide angle radar antennas.

[0064] In some alternative embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the length direction of the separator 3 is the same as the arrangement direction of the multiple radiating ports 21, that is, the length direction of the separator 3 is the first direction X. In this way, the separator 3 can smoothly cross the multiple radiating ports 21. Furthermore, the size of the separator 3 can be small, so that the setting of the separator 3 will not increase the weight and size of the antenna excessively, which is conducive to the miniaturization and weight reduction of the antenna.

[0065] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the separator 3 is a plate-like structure extending along the first direction X. This plate-like structure can be embedded in the antenna body 1. The radial cross-sectional shape of the plate-like structure can be rectangular. In some examples, the radial cross-sectional shape of the separator 3 can also be other polygons, which is not limited in this embodiment.

[0066] Of course, in other examples, the radial cross-sectional shape of the separator 3 can also be other irregular shapes. For example, the radial cross-sectional shape of the separator 3 can be a cross shape or an X shape. In this embodiment, the radial structural shape of the separator 3 is not specifically limited, as long as the separator 3 can divide the radiation port 21 into multiple sub-radiation ports 211.

[0067] In other embodiments, the separator 3 can also be a metal wire. For example, at least a portion of the metal wire can be embedded within the antenna body 1 or welded to the radiating surface 11. The metal wire reduces the size occupied by the separator 3 within the antenna body 1. For instance, the metal wire reduces the size of the separator 3 along the second direction Y in the radiating port 21. Thus, with a fixed size for the radiating port 21, the number of separators 3 can be increased, allowing the radiating port 21 to be divided into multiple sub-radiating ports 211, thereby enabling the antenna to form a planar wavefront and increasing the antenna gain. Furthermore, the metal wire also reduces the size of the separator 3 along the thickness direction of the antenna body 1, achieving antenna miniaturization.

[0068] In some other embodiments, the separator 3 can also be a sheet-like structure. For example, the sheet-like separator 3 can be vertically inserted into the antenna body 1. In this way, the size of the separator 3 in the radiation port 21 along the second direction Y can be reduced. On the basis of ensuring that each sub-radiation port 211 can be allowed to allow electromagnetic waves of a certain operating frequency to pass through, the number of separators 3 in the radiation port 21 of a certain size can be increased, thereby improving the antenna gain.

[0069] Optionally, the material of the separator 3 can be a conductor or a non-conductor, and this embodiment does not limit this. For example, the material of the separator 3 can be metal.

[0070] In at least one implementation, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, at least a portion of the separator 3 protrudes from the radiating surface 11, and in this case, the separator 3 spans multiple radiating ports 21 above the radiating ports 21. This arrangement facilitates the manufacturing of the separator 3, ensuring that the arrangement of the separator 3 does not affect the internal structure of the antenna body 1, thereby reducing the manufacturing difficulty of the antenna body 1.

[0071] When at least a portion of the separator 3 protrudes from the radiating surface 11, on the one hand, such as Figure 7As shown, a radiation port 21 is divided by a separator 3. At this time, a virtual radiation port 22 is formed between the edge of the separator 3 facing away from the radiation surface and the edge of the radiation port 21. One virtual radiation port 22 is formed on each side of the separator 3. The sum of the areas of the two virtual radiation ports 22 is greater than the area of ​​a single radiation port 21. Therefore, by setting the separator 3, the area of ​​the port used for radiation can be effectively increased. On the other hand, as... Figure 7 As shown, when the height of the separator 3 meets the requirements, the electromagnetic waves radiated by the two virtual radiation ports 22 will coherently propagate, and the location where coherence occurs is the intermediate energy region, which can effectively increase the energy in front of the antenna. The part with high energy in the intermediate radiation pattern in front of the antenna can meet the energy requirements in front of the antenna, thereby enabling the antenna to have a longer detection range in front of the antenna.

[0072] It is understandable that the electromagnetic waves radiated by the two virtual radiating ports 22 will also cancel each other out directly above the separator 3 during propagation, causing the two sub-radiating ports 211 to face to both sides, resulting in high energy in the radiation pattern on both sides and low energy in the middle radiation pattern. That is, the overall radiation pattern is low in the middle and high on both shoulders, which can be applied to corner radar scenarios that require high energy on the left and right sides of the separator 3 and low energy in front.

[0073] In one possible implementation, the radiating surface 11 of the antenna body 1 is provided with a plurality of radiating slots 12, each radiating slot 12 forming a radiating opening 21 on the radiating surface 11. When the separator 3 has a portion disposed inside the antenna body 1, a portion of the separator 3 may be disposed in the radiating slot 12.

[0074] In at least one possible implementation, such as Figure 4 As shown, at least a portion of the separator 3 in the third direction Z is located within the radiation port 21. This arrangement increases the connection area between the separator 3 and the antenna body 1, thereby improving the connection strength between the antenna body 1 and the separator 3 without occupying excessive space outside the antenna body 1.

[0075] In at least one implementation, such as Figure 4 As shown, when the radiating surface 11 of the antenna body 1 is provided with multiple radiating slots 12, the separator 3 may include a connecting separator portion 31 and multiple connecting portions 32. Each radiating slot 12 is provided with at least one connecting portion 32, and the separator portion 31 is arranged across multiple radiating ports 21 along the first direction X. With this arrangement, the separator 3 has a portion extending into the radiating slot 12 (i.e., the connecting portion 32), and the connecting portion 32 is connected to the slot wall of the radiating slot 12, thereby increasing the connection area between the separator 3 and the antenna body 1, and further improving the connection strength between the antenna body 1 and the separator 3.

[0076] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the radiation groove 12 is a stepped groove, and the surface of the connecting part 32 facing the center of the radiation groove 12 is flush with the groove wall of the radiation groove 12 closest to its center, so that the setting of the connecting part 32 will not affect the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the radiation groove 12, thereby ensuring the efficiency of energy transmission.

[0077] In one embodiment, the separator 3 and the antenna body 1 can be an integral structure, which gives the separator 3 and the antenna body 1 a high connection strength and reduces the risk of separation.

[0078] For example, the separator 3 and the antenna body 1 can be integrally cast, which simplifies the antenna manufacturing process, improves the antenna manufacturing efficiency, and enhances the connection stability between the separator 3 and the antenna body 1, making the entire antenna structure more stable and reliable. Of course, it is understood that the separator 3 and the antenna body 1 can also be processed by 3D printing or other methods, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0079] In other embodiments, the separator 3 and the antenna body 1 can also be a separate structure, and the separator 3 is fixedly connected or detachably connected to the antenna body 1. The separate structure of the antenna body 1 and the separator 3 allows for the easy assembly of separators 3 with different structures on the antenna body 1 according to requirements, providing greater flexibility.

[0080] For example, the height of the separator 3 affects the shape of the beam pattern. Therefore, separators 3 with different heights can be assembled on the antenna body 1 to control the shape of the antenna pattern.

[0081] For example, the fixed connection between the separator 3 and the antenna body 1 can be that the separator 3 is fixed to the antenna body 1 by welding or bonding. The detachable connection between the separator 3 and the antenna body 1 can be that the separator 3 is connected to the antenna body 1 by snap-fit, magnetic connection or other means, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0082] In at least one possible implementation, at least a portion of the separator 3 protrudes from the radiating surface 11, and at least one end of the separator 3 in the first direction X extends beyond the radiating port 21 and is connected to the radiating surface 11. This configuration, on the one hand, increases the connection area between the separator 3 and the antenna body 1, thereby improving the connection strength between the separator 3 and the antenna body 1, reducing the risk of separation between the separator 3 and the antenna body 1, and thus providing higher reliability; on the other hand, the separator 3 can better separate the radiating ports 21 located at the edges. It should be noted that at least one end of the separator 3 in the first direction X extends beyond the first and / or last radiating port 21 in the arrangement direction.

[0083] For example, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, both ends of the separator 3 in the first direction X extend beyond the radiation port 21 located at the edge.

[0084] It is understandable that when the separator 3 is located inside the antenna body 1, at least one end of the separator 3 may extend beyond the first or last radiation port 21 and be inserted into the antenna body 1. This embodiment does not limit this.

[0085] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, both the radiating port group 2 and the separator 3 are provided. With this configuration, the antenna structure is relatively simple while adjusting the radiation pattern shape. At this time, the radiating port 21 is divided by a separator 3 to form two sub-radiating ports 211.

[0086] In other embodiments, there is one radiating port group 2 and multiple separators 3, which are spaced apart along the second direction Y. This arrangement allows the radiating port 21 to be divided into three or more sub-radiating ports 211. This arrangement allows for a more weighted distribution of energy in the radiating slot 12, resulting in a smaller phase difference between the center point and the edge of the radiating port 21 compared to antennas in related technologies. The antenna forms a planar wavefront, and the energy density on the radiating surface 11 is more uniform, thus ensuring the antenna gain of this embodiment while maintaining the antenna's profile height and the size of the radiating surface 11.

[0087] In addition, the size of the sub-radiating port 211 can be adjusted by changing the position of the separator 3, for example, by adjusting the spacing between two adjacent separators 3, so that the antenna can achieve the radiation characteristics required in practice, that is, the radiation characteristics of the antenna in this embodiment are easier to adjust.

[0088] The number of radiation port groups 2 can be selected according to actual needs. In one embodiment, such as... Figures 1 to 5 As shown, both the radiation port group 2 and the separator 3 are provided.

[0089] In other embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, multiple radiating port groups 2 and separators 3 are provided in a one-to-one correspondence, and each separator 3 is arranged across all the radiating ports 21 of the corresponding radiating port group 2 along the first direction X. This arrangement allows the antenna to be used in scenarios where a high number of radiating ports 21 is required.

[0090] In some other embodiments, both the radiation port group 2 and the separator 3 may be provided in multiple ways, with each radiation port group 2 corresponding to multiple separators 3. Each separator 3 is arranged across all the radiation ports 21 of the corresponding radiation port group 2 along the first direction X. This embodiment does not limit this.

[0091] It should be noted that the first direction X refers to the arrangement direction of the multiple radiation ports 21 of the corresponding radiation port group 2, and the arrangement directions of the multiple radiation ports 21 of the multiple radiation port groups 2 can be the same or different. Figure 6 In this embodiment, the multiple radiation ports 21 of the two radiation port groups 2 are arranged in the same direction. In other embodiments, the multiple radiation ports 21 of the two radiation port groups 2 may also intersect in direction, but this embodiment does not limit this.

[0092] Figure 9 This is the horizontal radiation pattern of the antenna with different height separators 3 provided in this embodiment.

[0093] The horizontal axis represents the observation angle in degrees, and the vertical axis represents the gain value in dB. Figure 9 The circled solid line represents the horizontal radiation pattern of the antenna without the separator 3; the dashed line represents the horizontal radiation pattern of the antenna with the separator 3 at a height of 1 mm; and the solid line represents the horizontal radiation pattern of the antenna with the separator 3 at a height of 2 mm. From Figure 9 As can be seen, by setting the separator 3, the horizontal shape of the antenna is changed, and the zero-degree gain of the antenna is significantly improved, resulting in a wider horizontal radiation pattern. This increases the field of view (FOV) of the radar system using the antenna, ensuring a wider detection range directly in front, while also reducing interference from small-angle targets. It can also be seen that the height of the separator 3 affects the specific shape of the horizontal radiation pattern.

[0094] Figure 10 This embodiment shows the horizontal radiation pattern of the antenna with different numbers of radiation ports 21 in the radiating port group 2. The horizontal axis represents the observation angle in degrees, and the vertical axis represents the gain value in dB. Figure 10 The solid lines in the diagram represent the horizontal radiation pattern of an antenna with four radiating ports 21 in radiating port group 2, while the dashed lines represent the horizontal radiation pattern of an antenna with five radiating ports 21 in radiating port group 2. From... Figure 10 As can be seen, the horizontal radiation patterns of the antenna with four radiating ports 21 and the antenna with five radiating ports 21 in radiating port group 2 are no longer symmetrical bell structures, but can be flat-shouldered patterns or other shapes. It is evident that by setting the separator 3, regardless of the number of radiating ports 21 in radiating port group 2, the antenna radiation pattern can be changed, thereby altering the antenna's radiation characteristics. Furthermore, Figure 10 The radiation pattern shown also demonstrates the versatility of the separator 3 and proves the special shape of the antenna radiation pattern formed after the application of the separator 3.

[0095] This embodiment also provides a radar system, including the antenna described above. The radar system provided in this embodiment has high forward energy.

[0096] This embodiment specifically uses an in-vehicle radar system as an example for explanation. This radar system can be a speed-measuring radar system. For example, this speed-measuring radar system can measure the rotational speed of wheels to determine the speed of vehicles such as cars. The in-vehicle radar system can also be an obstacle detection radar system. For example, this obstacle detection radar system can observe the terrain in low or very poor visibility conditions and warn the driver to prevent accidents. The in-vehicle radar system can also be an adaptive cruise control radar. For example, this adaptive cruise control radar can adapt to the environment around the vehicle and maintain a safe speed with the vehicle in front based on the speed of the vehicle itself and the vehicle in front.

[0097] Understandably, both signal transmission and reception in a radar system require an antenna. The radar system may also include radio frequency (RF) circuitry (not shown in the figure) and a circuit board (not shown in the figure), with one end of the antenna electrically connected to the RF circuitry. This RF circuitry can be a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) integrated on the circuit board. For example, the antenna is mounted on the circuit board, and one end of the antenna can be electrically connected to the RF circuitry on the circuit board via a transition structure such as a feed network, enabling the mutual transmission of RF signals between the antenna and the RF circuitry.

[0098] In addition, the circuit board also houses processing units such as digital signal processors (DSPs). The DSP and RFIC can be located on opposite surfaces of the circuit board, and are electrically connected via traces on the board. The antenna and RFIC are positioned on the same side of the circuit board for easy electrical connection. In practical applications, other functional chips such as memory chips and control chips are also mounted on the circuit board.

[0099] In practical applications, radar systems also include radomes. Antennas, circuit boards, and other components are housed within these radomes to protect them from external environmental influences. The radomes possess excellent electromagnetic wave penetration characteristics and are mechanically robust enough to withstand harsh external environments. They protect the radar system's components from dust or water damage. The circuit boards can be secured to the inner wall of the radome at both ends using support pillars, enhancing the stability of the circuit boards and the components integrated within them.

[0100] It is understandable that a radar system is equipped with a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna, wherein the transmitting antenna or the receiving antenna may include one or more antennas.

[0101] Note that the above are merely preferred embodiments and the technical principles employed in this application. Those skilled in the art will understand that this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, although this application has been described in detail through the above embodiments, this application is not limited to the above embodiments, and may include many other equivalent embodiments without departing from the concept of this application, the scope of which is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An antenna, characterized in that, Includes an antenna body, the radiating surface of which is provided with a group of radiating ports, the group of radiating ports including a plurality of radiating ports spaced apart; The antenna body is provided with a separator, which is arranged across the plurality of radiation ports along a first direction; at least a portion of the separator extends along the thickness direction of the antenna body, and the size of the separator in a second direction is smaller than the size of the radiation ports in the second direction. The first direction is the arrangement direction of the plurality of radiation ports, and the second direction intersects both the first direction and the thickness direction of the antenna body.

2. The antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The separator protrudes from the radiating surface; or, at least a portion of the separator in the thickness direction of the antenna body is located within the radiating port.

3. The antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The separator, projected onto the radiating surface along the thickness direction of the antenna body, divides the radiating port into two sub-radiating ports of equal area. Alternatively, the separator, projected along the thickness direction of the antenna body onto the radiating surface, divides the radiating port into two sub-radiating ports with different areas.

4. The antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extension direction of the separator is the same as the arrangement direction of the plurality of radiation ports.

5. The antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The separator and the antenna body are an integral structure; Alternatively, the separator may be fixedly or detachably connected to the antenna body.

6. The antenna according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, At least a portion of the separator protrudes from the radiating surface, and at least one end of the separator extends beyond the radiating port in the first direction.

7. The antenna according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Both the radiating port group and the partition are provided; Alternatively, the radiation port group may have one unit, and the partitions may have multiple units, with the multiple partitions spaced apart along a second direction, and each partition spanning multiple radiation ports of the radiation port group along the first direction.

8. The antenna according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The radiation port group is provided in multiple ways, and each radiation port group corresponds to a partition member. The partition member is arranged across multiple radiation ports of the corresponding radiation port group along the first direction. Alternatively, the radiation port group may be provided in multiple ways, and each radiation port group may be provided with multiple partitions, with each partition spanning multiple radiation ports of the corresponding radiation port group along the first direction.

9. The antenna according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The radiating surface of the antenna body is provided with a plurality of radiating slots, and each radiating slot forms a radiating port on the radiating surface; The separator includes a connecting partition and multiple connecting parts. Each of the radiation slots is provided with at least one of the connecting parts, and the partition is arranged across multiple radiation ports along the first direction.

10. A radar system, characterized in that, Including the antenna as described in any one of claims 1-9.

Images