Waveguide antenna and radar system

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of antennas, and discloses a waveguide antenna and a radar system. The application provides a waveguide antenna. The waveguide antenna comprises an antenna body, an antenna unit and a separation structure. The antenna unit is arranged on the antenna body, and the antenna unit has a radiation port on a radiation surface of the antenna body. The separation structure is arranged on the antenna body and at least partially protrudes from the radiation surface. The antenna unit is correspondingly provided with one separation structure. The orthographic projection of the separation structure on the radiation surface along a first direction divides the radiation port into two symmetrically arranged sub-radiation ports. The first direction is perpendicular to the radiation surface. The size of the part of the separation structure protruding from the radiation surface in the first direction is h, and the following condition is met: h 2 ≥ λ 2 -d 2 / 4. λ represents the wavelength corresponding to the working frequency of the waveguide antenna, and d represents the size of the radiation port in a second direction. The waveguide antenna and the radar system provided by the application can be applied to a scene with low energy requirement in the front direction and high energy requirement on the left and right sides.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of antenna technology, and in particular to a waveguide 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] Radar is a product used to detect obstacles in front of or to the side of an object (such as a vehicle). In related technologies, a radar antenna includes an antenna body, which contains antenna elements. These antenna elements form a radiating port on the radiating surface of the antenna body, used to radiate and receive electromagnetic waves. In these technologies, because electromagnetic waves are radiated directly from the radiating port, the energy of the side-mounted radar antenna is mainly concentrated at zero degrees or a small angle. That is, the overall direction of the radiating port is directly forward, and the antenna's radiation pattern is high in the middle and low at the shoulders. Therefore, this technology cannot meet the application scenarios where high energy requirements are needed on both sides, while the energy required directly in front can be appropriately reduced. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a waveguide antenna that can be used in scenarios where low energy requirements are placed on the front but high energy requirements are placed on the left and right sides.

[0005] This application also provides a radar system with higher energy on both the left and right sides.

[0006] Waveguide antenna, including:

[0007] Antenna body;

[0008] An antenna element is disposed on the antenna body, and the antenna element has a radiation port on the radiation surface of the antenna body;

[0009] A partition structure is disposed on the antenna body and at least partially protrudes from the radiating surface. Each antenna element is correspondingly provided with one partition structure. The partition structure, when projected onto the radiating surface along a first direction, divides the radiating port into two symmetrically arranged sub-radiating ports. The first direction is a direction perpendicular to the radiating surface.

[0010] The portion of the partition structure protruding from the radiating surface has a dimension h in the first direction, and satisfies: h 2 ≥λ 2 -d 2 / 4; λ represents the wavelength corresponding to the operating frequency of the waveguide antenna, and d represents the size of the radiation port in the second direction; the second direction is the arrangement direction of the two sub-radiation ports of the radiation port.

[0011] In one embodiment, both the antenna element and the partition structure are provided.

[0012] In one embodiment, multiple antenna elements and partition structures are provided in a one-to-one correspondence. The orthographic projection of the partition structure onto the radiating surface along the first direction divides the radiating port of the corresponding antenna element into two symmetrically arranged sub-radiating ports.

[0013] In one embodiment, the radiation ports are spaced apart along a third direction, the separation structure is an integral structure, and the separation structure is arranged across the multiple radiation ports along the third direction, with the third direction, the first direction, and the second direction being perpendicular to each other.

[0014] In one embodiment, the partition structure extends beyond the radiation port at the third-direction end.

[0015] In one embodiment, the radiation ports are spaced in multiples, and the separation structure includes multiple separation segments, each of which is connected to the antenna body;

[0016] The dividing segment is provided corresponding to the radiation port, and the orthographic projection of the dividing segment on the radiation surface along the first direction divides the corresponding radiation port into two symmetrically arranged sub-radiation ports.

[0017] In one embodiment, the partition structure is perpendicular to the radiating surface.

[0018] In one embodiment, the antenna unit includes a radiating cavity, the radiating cavity forming the radiating port on the radiating surface, the radiating cavity having a stepped structure, and the partition structure being connected to a connecting portion, the connecting portion being connected to the stepped surface of the radiating cavity.

[0019] In one embodiment, the partition structure and the antenna body are an integral structure; or, the partition structure is fixedly connected to or detachably connected to the antenna body.

[0020] Radar system, including the waveguide antenna as described above.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this application are:

[0022] The waveguide antenna's partition structure is located on the antenna body. The orthographic projection of this partition structure onto the antenna body's radiating surface along a first direction divides each radiating port into two symmetrically arranged sub-radiating ports. This allows electromagnetic waves propagating from the two sub-radiating ports to pass through the partition structure, flowing around it before propagating to the far field. This interaction between the partition structure and the antenna body forms a partition structure. When electromagnetic wave energy is radiated from the radiating ports, it flows around the surface of the partition structure, causing the partition structure to adjust the beam shape. By adjusting the dimensions of the portion of the partition structure protruding from the radiating surface in the first direction to satisfy a certain relationship, the beam can be shaped to have low energy in the center and high energy at the shoulders. In other words, the overall direction of the two sub-radiating ports is oriented towards both sides, with a low gain in the center and high gain at the shoulders. This makes the waveguide antenna suitable for corner radar scenarios requiring high energy on the left and right sides and low energy in front. The radar system in this embodiment can be a corner radar with good detection performance. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a waveguide antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a top view of a waveguide antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a side view of a waveguide antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 4 This is an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 The enlarged view at point A is shown below;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another waveguide antenna structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a partial enlarged view of the waveguide antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another waveguide antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the waveguide antenna partition structure provided in the embodiments of this application, including the partition segment;

[0031] Figure 9 This is a simplified schematic diagram showing the relationship between the partition structure and the size of the radiation port provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0032] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the relative positions of antenna A and antenna B provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 11 This is the radiation pattern of the waveguide antenna provided in the embodiments of this application when it is adjusted to a differential beam.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0035] 1. Antenna body; 11. Radiation surface;

[0036] 2. Antenna element; 21. Radiating port; 22. Radiating cavity;

[0037] 3. Dividing structure; 31. Connecting part; 32. Dividing section;

[0038] X, third direction; Z, first direction; Y, second direction. Detailed Implementation

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] The technical solution of this application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0047] This embodiment provides a waveguide antenna that is suitable for application scenarios where the energy requirements at both shoulders are high and the energy requirements in the middle are low.

[0048] Among them, waveguide antennas have advantages such as low insertion loss, high gain, and easy achievement of ultra-low sidelobes.

[0049] For example, such as Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the waveguide antenna includes an antenna body 1 and antenna elements and a partition structure 3, all disposed on the 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). The feeding surface and the radiating surface 11 can be arranged adjacent to each other or opposite to each other; this embodiment does not limit this.

[0050] Optionally, the shape of the antenna body 1 can be set according to actual needs. For example, in this embodiment, the antenna body 1 is rectangular. In other embodiments, the shape of the antenna body 1 can also be cylindrical, frustum-shaped, truncated cone, etc., and this embodiment does not limit it.

[0051] In this embodiment, the antenna element is disposed on the antenna body 1, and the antenna element has a radiation port 21 on the radiation surface 11 of the antenna body 1. Optionally, each antenna element 2 may have one or more radiation ports 21 on the radiation surface 11, which is not limited in this embodiment. When the antenna element 2 has multiple radiation ports 21, the multiple radiation ports 21 may be arranged at intervals along the third direction X.

[0052] Electromagnetic waves within antenna element 2 can propagate outward through radiation port 21, or antenna element 2 can receive electromagnetic waves through radiation port 21. Exemplarily, in this embodiment... Figure 1 The diagram shows an antenna element 2 comprising four radiating ports 21. Figure 5 The diagram shows an antenna element 2 comprising five radiating ports 21.

[0053] In this embodiment, 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.

[0054] It should be noted that the third direction X can be the length or width direction of the antenna body 1, but the third direction X is perpendicular to the thickness (or height) direction of the antenna body 1. This embodiment does not limit this. In this embodiment, the third direction X is the length direction of the antenna body 1.

[0055] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the partition structure 3 is disposed on the antenna body 1, that is, the partition structure 3 is fixedly connected to the antenna body 1. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 As shown, the partition structure 3 may be at least partially protruding from the radiating surface 11. In this embodiment, each antenna element 2 is provided with a partition structure 3, that is, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the antenna element 2 and the partition structure 3.

[0056] In one embodiment, the partition structure 3 is located at the center of the radiation port 21. Specifically, as shown... Figure 6 or Figure 7As shown, the orthographic projection of the partition structure 3 along the first direction Z onto the radiation surface 11 divides each radiation port 21 into two symmetrically arranged sub-radiation ports 211. Furthermore, the two sub-radiation ports 211 have the same area. This arrangement ensures that the two sub-radiation ports 211 have equal and symmetrical areas, resulting in equal energy radiated from both sub-radiation ports 211. This facilitates the coherence of the electromagnetic waves radiated from the two sub-radiation ports 211, achieving the requirement of high energy at the two ends and low energy in the middle.

[0057] It should be noted that the center of symmetry of the two sub-radiation ports 211 of the radiation port 21 is the orthographic projection of the partition structure 3 onto the radiation surface 11.

[0058] In this embodiment, the first direction Z is perpendicular to the radiating surface 11, that is, the first direction Z is the thickness direction of the antenna body 1.

[0059] It should also be noted that the radiation port 21 in this embodiment is specifically a two-dimensional structure, that is, the radiation port 21 has dimensions in the length and width directions of the antenna body 1, but does not have dimensions in the thickness direction of the antenna body 1.

[0060] In one embodiment, the size of the separator 3 is sufficient to adjust the beam into a differential beam. For example, as... Figure 6 As shown, the portion of the partition structure 3 that protrudes from the radiating surface 11 has a dimension of h in the first direction Z, in millimeters.

[0061] In this embodiment, the value of h satisfies: h 2 ≥λ 2 -d 2 / 4. When h satisfies this relationship, the electromagnetic waves radiated from each sub-radiating port 211 can cancel each other out at the middle position after flowing around the partition structure 3, while forming coherence on both sides. That is, the gain of the radiation pattern will decrease at zero degrees and increase at both shoulders, thus making it suitable for applications with low energy in the middle and high energy at both shoulders of the radiation pattern. Here, λ represents the wavelength corresponding to the operating frequency of the waveguide antenna, in millimeters, and can also be considered as the operating wavelength of the waveguide antenna. d represents the size of the radiating port 21 in the second direction Y, in millimeters. The second direction refers to the arrangement direction of the two sub-radiating ports 211 of the radiating port 21.

[0062] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the third direction X, the first direction Z, and the second direction Y are perpendicular to each other. When the third direction X is the length direction of the antenna body 1, the first direction Z is the thickness direction of the antenna body 1, and the second direction Y is the width direction of the antenna body 1.

[0063] It can be seen that the dimensions of the partition structure 3 when adjusting the radiation pattern are related to the operating wavelength of the waveguide antenna and also to the dimensions of the radiating port 21.

[0064] The waveguide antenna provided in this embodiment has a partition structure 3 disposed on the antenna body 1. The orthographic projection of the partition structure 3 along the first direction Z onto the radiating surface 11 of the antenna body 1 divides each radiating port 21 into two symmetrically arranged sub-radiating ports 211. This allows electromagnetic waves propagating from the two sub-radiating ports 211 to pass through the partition structure 3, flow around the partition structure 3, and then propagate to the far field. This allows the partition structure 3 and the antenna body 1 to cooperate to form a partition structure. When electromagnetic wave energy is radiated from the radiating port 21, it flows around the surface of the partition structure 3, causing the partition structure 3 to adjust the shape of the beam. By adjusting the size of the part of the partition structure 3 protruding from the radiating surface 11 in the first direction Z to satisfy the relationship, the beam can be shaped into a shape with low energy in the middle of the radiation pattern and high energy at the shoulders. That is, the overall direction of the two sub-radiating ports 211 is oriented towards both sides, with low gain in the middle of the overall radiation pattern (i.e., zero-degree gain) and high gain at the shoulders. This makes the waveguide antenna suitable for corner radar scenarios that require high energy on the left and right sides and low energy in front.

[0065] It should be noted that in this embodiment, "low in the middle" refers to a low gain at zero degrees in the antenna pattern, while "high gain on both shoulders" can mean that there is a gain greater than the zero-degree gain to the left and right of zero degrees. For example, the maximum gain occurs around -50° to the left of zero degrees, and this gain is greater than the zero-degree gain; of course, the maximum gain could also occur at other values ​​on the left. Similarly, the maximum gain occurs around +50° to the right of zero degrees, and this gain is greater than the zero-degree gain; of course, the maximum gain could also occur at other values ​​on the right, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0066] In some alternative implementations, when d = 4 mm and λ = 3.92 mm, h ≥ 3.37 mm. In this case, the dimensions of the separation structure 3 satisfy the requirement of adjusting the beam to a differential beam.

[0067] In this embodiment, the partition structure 3 can be an integral structure or a split structure. This embodiment will provide a detailed explanation of both cases.

[0068] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1 to 5As shown, the partition structure 3 is an integral structure, that is, the partition structure 3 is a single piece, and also, the partition structure 3 is a continuous structure. When the antenna element 2 includes multiple radiating ports 21, the partition structure 3 is arranged across multiple radiating ports 21 along the first direction Z, thereby ensuring that the orthogonal projection of the partition structure 3 along the first direction Z onto the radiating surface 11 divides each radiating port 21 into two sub-radiating ports 211. By setting the partition structure 3 as an integral structure, on the one hand, it facilitates the processing and manufacturing of the partition structure 3 and reduces structural complexity; on the other hand, it avoids the phenomenon of horizontal radiation pattern appearing due to the non-continuous partition structure 3 failing to provide shielding between radiating ports 21, thus interfering with the radiation continuity in the horizontal azimuth and ensuring the shape of the horizontal radiation pattern. It should also be noted that the continuous partition structure 3 can effectively increase the beamwidth of the radiation pattern, thereby improving the FOV of the waveguide antenna. Furthermore, the radiation continuity in the horizontal azimuth of the continuous partition structure 3 is better, and in addition, the horizontal radiation of the continuous partition structure 3 does not have pits, ensuring the phase of the waveguide antenna.

[0069] In at least one possible implementation, such as Figure 2 As shown, when the partition structure 3 is an integral structure, it extends along the third direction X, meaning its length is along the third direction X. To further improve the mutual interference of the two sub-radiating ports 211 when propagating along the third direction X, in this embodiment, the end of the partition structure 3 extends beyond the radiating port 21. That is, one end of the partition structure 3 extends beyond the radiating port 21 closest to it and located at the edge, and the other end extends beyond the other radiating port 21 closest to it and located at the edge. This ensures that the electromagnetic waves propagated from the two sub-radiating ports 211 located at the edge can still be blocked by the partition structure 3 when extending along the third direction X, reducing the impact of the coupling of these electromagnetic waves on the waveguide antenna phase. Furthermore, the fact that the end of the partition structure 3 extends beyond the radiating port 21 also increases the connection area between the partition structure 3 and the antenna body 1, thereby improving the connection strength between the partition structure 3 and the antenna body 1, reducing the risk of separation between the partition structure 3 and the antenna body 1, and providing higher reliability.

[0070] It is understandable that the two ends of the partition structure 3 may not extend beyond the radiation port 21, but this embodiment does not limit this.

[0071] In other embodiments, the partition structure 3 is a split structure, for example, as... Figure 8As shown, the partition structure 3 includes multiple partition segments 32, which are spaced apart along a third direction X and are not connected to each other. Each partition segment 32 is connected to the antenna body 1. Each partition segment 32 corresponds to a multiple radiating port 21, and the orthographic projection of the partition segment 32 along the first direction Z onto the radiating surface 11 divides the corresponding radiating port 21 into two symmetrically arranged sub-radiating ports 211. Thus, by setting multiple partition segments 32, the partition of each radiating port 21 can also be achieved. Optionally, in this embodiment, the partition segment 32 is arranged across the corresponding radiating port 21 along a third direction X, and both ends of the partition segment 32 can be connected to the antenna body 1 through connecting posts or other components.

[0072] It should be noted that the height of the partition segment 32 is equal to the height of the partition structure 3, so as to ensure that the electromagnetic waves propagating from the two sub-radiation ports 211 can cancel each other in the middle (i.e. directly above the partition structure) when they flow around the partition segment 32, so as to achieve the requirement of low energy in the middle.

[0073] It is evident that, regardless of whether the partition structure 3 is continuous or discontinuous, it can effectively divide the radiation port 21 into two sub-radiation ports 211 with equal areas.

[0074] Optionally, the partition structure 3 in this embodiment can be in the form of a flat plate. In other optional embodiments, the partition structure 3 can also be a metal sheet. For example, the metal sheet can be vertically inserted into the antenna body 1, thereby reducing the size of the partition structure 3 along the second direction Y at the radiation port 21.

[0075] Optionally, the material of the partition structure 3 can be a conductor or a non-conductor, and this embodiment does not limit this. For example, the material of the partition structure 3 can be a metal.

[0076] In some alternative implementations, the partition structure 3 can be an integral part of the antenna body 1 to improve the connection strength between the partition structure 3 and the antenna body 1.

[0077] It is understandable that the partition structure 3 and the antenna body 1 can not be an integral structure, but rather a separate structure. That is, the partition structure 3 and the antenna body 1 can be fixedly connected or detachably connected. For example, the antenna body 1 and the partition structure 3 can be fixedly connected together after processing. With this configuration, multiple identical antenna bodies 1 and multiple identical or different partition structures 3 can be manufactured separately. Depending on the specific requirements, the partition structure 3 can be connected to different positions of the antenna body 1, thereby obtaining waveguide antennas with different electrical performances.

[0078] In one implementation, please continue to see Figure 3When at least a portion of the separating structure 3 protrudes from the radiating surface 11 of the antenna body 1, the separating structure 3 is perpendicular to the radiating surface 11. This arrangement ensures that the separating structure 3, while fulfilling its separating function, does not excessively block electromagnetic waves propagating from the radiating port 21, thus preventing unnecessary energy loss and ensuring a high gain in the waveguide antenna's radiation pattern. For example, the separating structure 3 can be plate-shaped, with its length direction being the third direction X, its height direction being the second direction Y, and its thickness direction being the first direction Z.

[0079] In at least one embodiment, one or more antenna elements 2 may be provided, and each antenna element 2 corresponds to a partition structure 3.

[0080] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1 to 5 As shown, both antenna element 2 and partition structure 3 are provided. At this time, the orthogonal projection of partition structure 3 along the first direction Z on the radiation surface 11 divides all the radiation ports 21 of antenna element 2 into two symmetrically arranged sub-radiation ports 211.

[0081] In another embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, there are multiple antenna elements 2 and partition structures 3 in a one-to-one correspondence. The orthogonal projection of each partition structure 3 along the first direction Z on the radiation surface 11 divides all the radiation ports 21 of the corresponding antenna element 2 into two symmetrically arranged sub-radiation ports 211.

[0082] In at least one implementation, such as Figure 4 or Figure 6 As shown, antenna element 2 includes a radiating cavity 22, which forms a radiating port 21 on the radiating surface 11. When there are multiple radiating ports 21, there are multiple radiating cavities 22 corresponding to each other. Optionally, antenna element 2 may include a power divider, which includes multiple radiating cavities 22.

[0083] Please continue reading Figure 4 or Figure 6 Radiation cavity 22 has a stepped structure, that is, radiation cavity 22 is a stepped aperture. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the partition structure 3 is connected to a connecting portion 31, which is connected to the stepped surface of the radiation cavity 22. With this configuration, the partition structure 3 has a portion extending into the radiation cavity 22, and the partition structure 3 is connected to the cavity wall of the radiation cavity 22, so as to increase the connection area between the partition structure 3 and the antenna body 1, thereby further improving the connection strength between the antenna body 1 and the partition structure 3.

[0084] In one possible implementation, the surface of the connecting part 31 facing the center of the radiation cavity 22 is flush with the cavity wall of the radiation cavity 22 closest to its center, so that the arrangement of the connecting part 31 does not affect the minimum cross-section of the radiation cavity 22, thereby ensuring the efficiency of energy propagation.

[0085] The relationship between the dimensions of the partition structure 3 and the radiation pattern will be explained next. The height of the partition structure 3 can, to a certain extent, control the shape of the radiation pattern. Figure 9 This is a simplified geometric diagram of the divided radial ports 21. Figure 9 In the diagram, h represents the dimension of the portion of the partition structure 3 protruding from the radiating surface 11 in the first direction Z, D represents the length of the wavefront after partitioning, and d represents the dimension of the radiating port 21 in the second direction Y. The third direction X, the first direction Z, and the second direction Y are all perpendicular to each other. For example, the second direction Y is the width direction of the antenna body 1.

[0086] It should be noted that, Figure 9 The thickness of the partition structure 3 is ignored in the geometric diagram shown. Since the thickness of the partition structure 3 is relatively small compared to the size of the radiation port 21 in the second direction Y, the influence of the partition structure 3 on the phase is small. Therefore, the connection relationship can be simplified to... Figure 9 The diagram shown.

[0087] from Figure 9 It can be seen that the distance from the wavefront center of the two sub-radiation ports 211 formed by the orthographic projection of the dividing structure 3 to the center of the dividing structure 3 is: D / 2*2=D, and the phase represented by the distance is 2π / λ*D.

[0088] In this embodiment, it is assumed that two waveguide antennas are simply used to represent the two sub-radiating ports 211 obtained by the division. According to the combined radiation pattern of the two waveguide antennas: Figure 10 As shown, assuming the two waveguide antennas are waveguide antenna A and waveguide antenna B, and the distance between them is d1, then the expression for the simultaneous radiation of the two waveguide antennas is: A+B=e^(jΦsinθ)+e^(j(Φ+ΔΦ)sinθ), where ΔΦ represents the phase difference between the two waveguide antennas. According to the relationship of the distance between the waveguide antennas, the phase difference between the two waveguide antennas can be approximately expressed as: ΔΦ=2π / λ*d1.

[0089] First, determine the broad condition for the reverse: ΔΦ≥2π. Substituting ΔΦ=2π / λ·d1 into the equation, we get d1≥λ.

[0090] Then, substitute the reverse broad condition into the above expression, where d1 = D, D 2 =h 2 +(d / 2) 2 At this point, the relationship that the dimensions of the portion of the differential beam time-separation structure 3 protruding from the radiation surface 11 in the first direction Z should satisfy can be obtained as follows:

[0091] h 2 ≥λ2 -d 2 / 4.

[0092] Optionally, this embodiment also simulated waveguide antennas with partition structures 3 at different heights, and obtained... Figure 11 The simulation diagram shown.

[0093] Figure 11 This indicates the case where the radiation pattern is a difference beam. Figure 11 The horizontal axis represents the observation angle in degrees, and the vertical axis represents the gain in dB. Figure 11 The blue line in the diagram represents the radiation pattern of the waveguide antenna whose dimensions in the first direction Z are within the range of values ​​for the portion of the radiating surface 11 protruding from the partition structure 3. Figure 11 The red line in the diagram represents the radiation pattern of the waveguide antenna when the portion of the partition structure 3 protruding from the radiating surface 11 has a dimension in the first direction Z that is equal to the critical value. Figure 11 The yellow line in the diagram represents the radiation pattern of the waveguide antenna when the portion of the partition structure 3 protruding from the radiating surface 11 has a dimension outside the range in the first direction Z.

[0094] from Figure 11 As can be seen from the figure, when the size of the portion of the partition structure 3 protruding from the radiating surface 11 in the first direction Z is equal to the critical value or within the range of values, the radiation pattern of the waveguide antenna shows a situation where the energy is low in the middle and high at both shoulders. Furthermore, it can also be seen from the figure that for the angular region corresponding to the two shoulders, the gain is greater when the size of the portion of the partition structure 3 protruding from the radiating surface 11 in the first direction Z is equal to the critical value or within the range of values ​​than when the size of the portion of the partition structure 3 protruding from the radiating surface 11 in the first direction Z is outside the range of values.

[0095] This embodiment also provides a radar system, including the waveguide antenna described above. The radar system provided in this embodiment has high flexibility and is easy to adjust its electrical functions.

[0096] For example, the radar system in this embodiment can be a front radar, an angle radar, etc., and this embodiment does not limit it.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] Obviously, the above embodiments of this application are merely examples for clear illustration and are not intended to limit the implementation of this application. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A waveguide antenna, characterized in that, include: Antenna body; An antenna element is disposed on the antenna body, and the antenna element has a radiation port on the radiation surface of the antenna body; A partition structure is disposed on the antenna body and at least partially protrudes from the radiating surface. Each antenna element is correspondingly provided with one partition structure. The partition structure, when projected onto the radiating surface along a first direction, divides the radiating port into two symmetrically arranged sub-radiating ports. The first direction is a direction perpendicular to the radiating surface. The portion of the partition structure protruding from the radiating surface has a dimension h in the first direction, and satisfies: h 2 ≥λ 2 -d 2 / 4; λ represents the wavelength corresponding to the operating frequency of the waveguide antenna, and d represents the size of the radiation port in the second direction; the second direction is the arrangement direction of the two sub-radiation ports of the radiation port.

2. The waveguide antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the antenna element and the partition structure are provided.

3. The waveguide antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The antenna elements and the partition structure are provided in a one-to-one correspondence. The partition structure, along the first direction, projects onto the radiation surface and divides the radiation port of the corresponding antenna element into two symmetrically arranged sub-radiation ports.

4. The waveguide antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radiation ports are spaced apart along a third direction. The separation structure is an integral structure and spans multiple radiation ports along the third direction. The third direction, the first direction, and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

5. The waveguide antenna according to claim 4, characterized in that, The partition structure extends beyond the radiation port at its third-direction end.

6. The waveguide antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radiation ports are spaced in multiple intervals, and the separation structure includes multiple separation segments, each of which is connected to the antenna body; The dividing segment is provided corresponding to the radiation port, and the orthographic projection of the dividing segment on the radiation surface along the first direction divides the corresponding radiation port into two symmetrically arranged sub-radiation ports.

7. The antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The partition structure is perpendicular to the radiating surface.

8. The waveguide antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The antenna unit includes a radiating cavity, which forms the radiating port on the radiating surface. The radiating cavity has a stepped structure, and the partition structure is connected to a connecting part, which is connected to the stepped surface of the radiating cavity.

9. The waveguide antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The partition structure is an integral part of the antenna body; or the partition structure is fixedly connected to the antenna body or detachably connected to it.

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

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